Life
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Spring 2014
Get Down & Dirty
~ A holiday with a difference in Texas! See Page 9
Replicate the look of the stars at High Street prices! See Page 40
LIFE BEGINS EXCLUSIVE! Interview with James Martin FREE INSIDE
LIfe Begins@50 Full Show Guide! The Magazine for the active 50+ covering Dorset and Hampshire
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edition in this
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COMPETITION TIME - 2 chances to win in this edition with Cunard and LD Lines
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SHOWBIZ - Five minutes with….Jeremy Vine, Broadcasting legend
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PROPERTY - How little touches can make a big difference around the home
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TRAVEL – Yee-ha! We travel to Texas for an unforgettable holiday
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HEALTH – A GP reveals all with sometimes hilarious consequences
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BOOKS – Sally Magnusson talks about her Mother’s struggle with Alzeimers
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15 - 36 – LIFE BEGINS 50+ SHOW GUIDE 37 ENTERTAINMENT – Events and happenings along the South Coast this Spring 38 ENTERTAINMENT – Reviews and Previews
Your Life Begins @ 50+ Show Guide
40 FASHION – Award season’s upon with glitter and glitz on the red carpet 42 GARDENING – After the flood has gone – Lawn rescue advice 44 MOTORING – Ambitious new S60 D4 by Volvo, can it match it’s German rivals? 45 MOTORING NEWS – The hottest news from the world of motoring
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47 MONEY MATTERS – Annuities – latest news
You belong to the most powerful group of customers in the UK! If you’re a ‘fifty plusser’ as the team here at Life Begins Publishers IMS affectionately like to refer to our readers, you might not realise that you are now members of an elite club! The baby-boomers of the fifties and sixties who are now in their fifties and sixties and have become Britain’s most influential group of consumers. For instance did you know that the ‘fifty plussers’ had a collective disposable income of £290bn (yes, billion!) in 2012? Few of us will forget the double dip recession which reached it’s peak in 2012, so it makes the figures even more startling. Perhaps your own personal circumstances don’t reflect this vast wealth, and it’s true to say that there are many in this age group who still struggle to make ends meet. But the fact remains that the majority of fifty-plussers are now much more comfortable than their predecessors, so marketing campaigns have had to change and adapt to the times.
Life
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Editor
Jason Harris
Advertising Brian Case Emma Churcher Artwork
Previously, in the 1980s and 1990s, retailers tended to focus on the younger consumers because they were the most powerful consumer group of that age. They tended to have high disposable income and money to burn (remember Harry Enfield’s ‘I’ve got loadsa money’ character back in the early nineties, which was focused on the yuppies of the eighties?).
Jason Harris Kim Freeman Sue Hole
Production
Kim Freeman
Nowadays, it’s much different and big business is waking up to the fact that it’s you, the ‘fifty plusser’ who they need to be appealing to. Whoever heard of Viking River Cruises until a few years ago? They sponsor most of ITV’s drama programming and are unashamedly aiming at you, the fifty plus consumer.
Email info@lifebeginsmagazine.com
That’s why we launched the Life Begins @ 50 show this year at the BIC Bournemouth. It reflects the same values of this magazine and celebrates the fact that for many life does begin at 50 so if you get a chance, come on down to the show and celebrate being 50+ with us. You’ll find details in the centre of this issue. Of course all ages are welcome so if you’re a forty or thirty something, you’re sure to still find lots to do, afterall ,fifty plussers are getting younger all the time! Jason Harris, Editor
Published by IMS Group www.ims-group.co.uk
To advertise in Life Begins please call our sales dept: Brian on 01202 611104 Emma on 01202 611103 Find us on facebook Life Begins Magazine
The views and comments expressed in Life Begins magazine are the views of the contributors and not that of the publishers. Life Begins magazine, IMS limited and its associated websites cannot be held responsible for any misinterpretations or errors in its editorial coverage. Adverts are supplied in good faith and Life Begins magazine , IMS limited and its associated websites cannot be held responsible for the products or services offered and advertised in its publications. The ASA (advertising standards authority) exists to regulate advertising and if you wish to complain about any particular product or service advertised then you should contact tha ASA directly at www. asa.org.uk or by calling 020 7492 2222
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competition As holiday time approaches, Life Begins Magazine are offering our readers two chances to win some fantastic prizes with our partners, LD Lines and Cunard.
Competition One LD Lines is the newest of the ferry operators sailing out of Poole, Dorset and this year launched a brand new crossing to Spain. We’ve teamed up with LD Lines to offer one lucky reader visiting the Life Begins 50+ Show or reading Life Begins 50+ Magazine (spring 2014 edition) the chance of winning a return trip for a car + 2 passengers INCLUDING cabin for Poole - Gijon or Poole - Santander. With a crossing time of just 26 hours direct from England to Spain, you’ll save hundreds of miles of driving time and a tank or two of fuel, whilst you enjoy a leisurely start to your break aboard the Norman Asturias. The ship carries 518 passengers with room for 120 freight and 195 cars. Onboard you’ll find a bar, restaurant, shop and comfortable lounges. Or perhaps visit the DVD room showing free movies throughout the crossing. For those that enjoy the simple pleasures in life the sun deck areas offer a welcome retreat to relax. Whether you like to admire the sunset with a cool drink in hand or simply want to make the best of the weather by sitting outside, the sun decks will help make your experience at sea feel that little bit more special. To be in with your chance of winning this fantastic prize simply answer this easy question:
Competition Two A chance to win one of five pairs of tickets to visit one of Cunard’s ships for a day including 3 course lunch and wine on-board. The Cunard Experience is truly without equal. Indeed, we have spent over 170 years honing and perfecting our famous traditions and renowned hospitality which you can today savour aboard one of the youngest fleet in the world. Cunard Line is delighted to offer you the opportunity to win one of FIVE pair of tickets for a Tour & Lunch on board Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth in Southampton in 2014. The prize includes: •
Complimentary tea and coffee at the Cruise Terminal
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Guided tour of the public areas of the Cunard ship of your choice (subject to availability)
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Three-course lunch with wine included
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Exclusive Ship Visitor offer to redeem against your next Cunard cruise
To win a pair of tickets answer the following question:
What would be your favourite holiday destination?
In which country will you find Santander? a) Spain b) USA c) Germany
To see a list of current destinations and plan your next cruise, why not visit: www.cunard.co.uk
If you are unlucky and are not the first name drawn out of the hat you can always check out LD Lines latest deals by visiting their website at www.ldlines.co.uk
To enter either competition, visit our website:
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com and go to ‘Just for Fun’ Terms and Conditions apply to both competitions. Please visit: www.lifebeginsmagazine.com for details.
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showbiz
Jeremy Vine Broadcaster and journalist Jeremy Vine is about to present a new quiz show spin-off, Revenge of the Egghead. He talks about specialist subjects, the best thing about working for the BBC, and the ‘most annoying’ Egghead.
How would you describe your new series, revenge of the Egghead? It features probably the most annoying Egghead, CJ de Mooi - anyone who watches the show knows what I mean. We just thought it would be fun if he took on members of the public on his own; they’re able to act together to try to defeat him, and he can also try to catch them out with questions he’s written himself. We’ve recorded about a dozen now, and it’s going well. The most exciting thing is when CJ loses!
What do you think makes Eggheads so successful? It’s a brilliant format - the Eggheads themselves are quiz people, and the thing about people who are really, really good at quizzing is that they’re just built differently. Bringing five of them together to try to defeat ordinary pub quiz teams was a brilliant idea because they might win 14 out of 15, but you’re so desperate for them to lose. And on the 15th one, when the team of ordinary people pick up the jackpot, it’s just a thrilling moment.
Do you have any rivalry with the chase? It’s funny because someone said the other day in the studio, “Isn’t this show we’re doing with CJ just like The Chase?”. And I said, “No, you’ve got it the wrong way round - Eggheads is the granddaddy”.
When you started out in journalism did you ever think that one day you’d be hosting a quiz show? Well, the great thing about the BBC is there’s just so much going on - there’s comedy, arts, news, everything. I think the key thing is to start out in news and to spend a long time there to show that you’re serious about the world beyond the studio, and then branching out can be a lot of fun. I’ll always be a journalist - I’m about to go and do my Radio 2 show, which although it’s a show that contains records, I always think of as a news show.
Do you have a preference for tv or radio? I get asked that a lot, and I’m almost on the edge of saying radio, but I know that’s probably a disastrous answer. TV gives you impact, radio gives you intimacy, TV is an announcement and radio is a conversation. I started getting recognised by more people in the street when I was on Radio 2 than when I was on Newsnight. That’s partly the audience, but it’s also the fact that people think they know you more on the radio - the person comes over in a way they don’t on TV.
What’s coming up next for you? As well as the Radio 2 show and Eggheads, I do Points of View and I also do the election graphics, which Peter Snow used to do, and that’s going to be quite a big thing - there’s the general election next year, and then there’s the Scottish referendum this year. That’s a big part of my life now. And apart from that I’ve got two small children at home, so I’m trying to be a dad, which I think is the key thing.
New series, Revenge of The Egghead, starts on BBC Two on Monday 4th February. Monday to Friday at 6pm. www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Life Begins 5
property
Spring fresh
homes
Tie back made from fabrics from Ikea.
The first day of spring is finally upon us, and it’s the perfect time to freshen up our homes. Gabrielle Fagan finds simple ways to give rooms an affordable facelift.
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property We’re finally leaving winter behind, yet our homes can look as though they’re still suffering from its effects. Thankfully, a few changes, small but significant, can help spruce things up.
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manda Fox, creative director of homeware and gift specialists, The Handpicked Collection offers a few tips of where to begin: “First go outside, then walk back through your front door with fresh eyes to identify things that could be tidier or more cheerful.” she suggests. “Once you open your eyes to new possibilities, there are all sorts of little extras you could consider adding that don’t mean huge decorating bills or a visit to a local home furnishers. “Have fun by investing in a set of colourful pegs for hanging coats, or identify something you can paint a bright colour. Do you fancy bright yellow banisters or perhaps an emerald green door frame? If it’s a small job, you’ll probably only need a few tester pots, rather than a whole litre can of paint, but just spots of extra colour can dramatically alter the look and feel of a room.” It’s all too easy to get used to cluttered surfaces, especially in the kitchen, so Amanda suggests making a clean sweep and storing away all but the essentials and allowing attractive items, like quirky mismatched crockery or sleek designer gadgets, to star. These are the things that make your living space personal. Take a similar approach in living areas, by collecting decorative items in one place, deciding which work well together, and then redistributing them in different arrangements throughout the house. “Try to mix-match heights, sizes, textures and colours to make them visually appealing and they’ll look new and different,” says Fox. “Similarly, take down pictures and try each one in a different position. You’ll be surprised how fresh existing artworks can look with different light on them and a change of surrounding environment.”
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Round white finial (two pack) £3 Fleur de lis Hogtidlig finial (two pack) £6 Blast finial in black (two pack) £5 All from Ikea.
Most of these changes won’t cost a thing but they’ll have the effect of putting a spring in your step every time you go indoors!
Finally, plump up sofa cushions, fling windows wide open for at least 30 minutes a day, and drape a colourful cloth over a table and make fruit a centrepiece. “A glass vase filled with zesty, colourful lemons and limes whose aroma will scent the room is a stylist’s favourite trick,” she says.
So in time for the a rriva l of the new season. Check out the ex perts’ suggestions for spring room projects... Fusion glass stairset, prices start from £600, Richard Burbidge.
Deakin extending table £68, Deakin Pop chair £115, BB1 pendant £162, Bones rug £995 All from Barker & Stonehouse.
Stairway to heaven . Stairs can be taken for granted when it comes to redecorating and may merely get routinely repainted. Yet a complete replacement staircase, or even simply replacing the spindles, stair baluster and newel posts, can be hugely effective and transform a hallway. Neville Johnson is one specialist company who will completely replace a staircase, from £2,000 (www.nevillejohnson.co.uk). Richard Burbidge has a wide variety of stair-part systems, rails, pots and spindles, including contemporary versions in glass and metal. A basic kit starts from £300 for an average staircase of 13 treads. In many cases this is a DIY project which can be completed in under a weekend (www.stairproject.co.uk).
Window on the world . Sitting in a comfy chair basking in glorious spring sunshine pouring through an adjacent window is an easy way to relax. “Rejuvenate your window space with textiles, plants, vases and lamps, then pull up a chair, have a good book handy and you’ve got your very own sunshine haven,” says Aisha Gibson at Ikea. “Sheer curtains allow sunlight to filter evenly through a room, and if you add layers of textiles in different patterns and materials you can give your space a textured, layered look. “Like jewellery, curtain finials complete your window dressing and make it even more elegant, playful and personal. The best part is that you can easily change them whenever you feel you want some variation. Make your own tassel with a length of leftover fabric. Fold it, cut into strips, then roll and bind with decorative ribbon and use the ribbon to act as a tie back.” Conjure up a field of spring flowers with Ingmarie Curtains, £35 a pair. Gulsporre Sheer Curtains £10, Myrten Sheer Patterned Curtains £12 a pair. Curtain Finials from £3 for a pack of two. Skurar Plant Pot £2. All from Ikea (www.ikea.com)
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Life Begins 7
property
Multi flex extending table £2,015, Christel stackable chair £105, Red Fly pendant light £159, V plus sideboard £1,580, Dexter floor lamp £149, Aztec rug £325. Barker & Stonehouse.
Dining delight Easter’s on the horizon and celebration meals or informal gatherings will be on the calendar. “Springtime is all about giving interiors an uplift,” says Claire Hornby, interior stylist at Barker & Stonehouse. “Breathe new life into a jaded dining area by introducing a few key accessories in bold, zesty colours. Update your look with brightly upholstered chairs or new chair cushions, and a statement rug to zone the area.” Always consider some natural greenery: “Pot plants hung on hooks, and vases of cut flowers, will add vital touches of greenery.” Says Hornby. And if you’re not keen on the upkeep of real shrubs or flowers, there’s a wealth of very convincing life-like vegetation complete with opts and real looking soil available online at most local DIY stores or online at Amazon.com Alternatively, recreate informal al fresco dining in a kitchen or conservatory with a simple bistro-style table and chair set. Use seat pads for comfort, keep styling simple and display freshly picked garden foliage in pots or containers like jam jars or milk bottles.
Patio perfect
Spring scent
It can be depressing staring out at garden furniture that’s been battered by downpours and winter frost. Instead of buying new, give it a revamp. Choose a dry day to repaint chairs and the table.
Connock London Scented Candle, £36.95, The Handpicked Collection.
If necessary, rub down with coarse sandpaper or a wire brush to remove any flakes or rust. Wash the table and chairs thoroughly with hot, soapy water to remove dirt and grease. Rinse well with clean water and allow to dry.
Just the scent of a warm, spring day can lift spirits. Even if the weather doesn’t co-operate, evoke the atmosphere with fragranced candles conjuring smells of cut grass or flowers. “Treat yourself to a really good scented candle and burn it for 10 minutes each day to fill the room with floral, fresh fragrances,” says Amanda Fox. “It’ll last for months if you’re frugal with it, making the treat perfectly justifiable. Also, cut up bars of fragranced soap, popped into drawers and linen cupboards, will make bedding and clothes smell sweet.”
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PlastiKote Outdoor spray paint. £10.35 for 400ml, is suitable for wood, metal or plastic surfaces (www.plastikote.com).
Spread newspaper in a wellventilated area or preferably outside. Apply two or three fine coats of PlastiKote Outdoor satin spray paint in the colour of your choice, allowing 10-15 minutes between each coat. The furniture will be touch-dry in 30-50 minutes and thoroughly dry in two to three hours.
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travel
Spurred on by America’s Lone Star State
Cowboys at Medina River in Bandera, Texas.
Denise Bailey discovers she’s a cowgirl at heart on a trip to Texas
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Life Begins 9
travel
Mi Tierra Cafe Y Panaderia in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in Texas.
Texas State Capitol building, in Downtown Austin, Texas.
“I think from now on we’ll call you Bang Bang Bailey,” says the friendly receptionist at the Mayan Dude Ranch in Texas. I’ve been initiated into the Mayan Gang of modern day cowboys and girls, and as the city limits fade with the last drops of burning red sun, I’m getting to grips with life in the cowboy capital of the world.
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he likes of John Wayne and JR Ewing may have put this American Stetson-studded state on the map, but increased accessibility, thanks to new direct British Airways flights to Austin from London, has reinvigorated European interest in Texas. For now, I’ve left the city behind me, and have driven two hours out of town to Bandera, a cosmopolitan place characterized by vast fields, big trucks and motorbikes. My introduction to cowboy culture is at the OST Restaurant in Main Street. A whole room in this eatery is dedicated to John Wayne, and staff are happy to share friendly banter about ‘The Duke’ as I fill my cowboy boots with glorious enchilada. But my opportunity to meet a modern day cowboy comes with a visit to the Mayan Dude Ranch, where tourists can saddle up with stirrups and spurs and live ranch life for a few days. My education begins with a two-hour ride through the dusty grounds; the soil is parched and no-one can really recall when it last rained. It felt almost spiritual as I travelled horseback with my guide through the terrain that almost seemed familiar. Returning to the corral after bidding my horse, a very patient Mr Pepsi, farewell, we enjoy a hot, competitive and laugh-out-loud archery lesson from the appropriately named ex-professional archer, David Archer. Had he changed his name to suit, I thought. I rarely manage to hit my target but David assures me there’s still time yet to hone my cowgirl skills. Toasting our achievements - and commiserating our many misses, we tuck into a dinner of steak, potatoes and salad while being serenaded by a country singer. The entertainment continues when we head into town to listen to live bands, take part in line-dancing and, to my utter delight and wonder, a dance with a real-life cowboy! But if you think Texas is all about bows, arrows and lassos, you’re very much mistaken.
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Saying goodbye to Mayan in the morning, we head to San Antonio. The second most populated city in Texas, named after Saint Anthony of Padua, is a colourful, laid-back place, with Spanish influence visible at every street corner. Imposing boulevards are easily accessible and tall buildings seemingly fight with each other for breathing space. I’m staying at the Drury Plaza Hotel, an American family-run establishment which was the Alamo State Bank in a former life. I’m impressed by its grand Art Deco portico and 1920s Ford Phantom car installation. The Paseo del Rio, or The River Walk, runs through the centre of the city and leads to a vast selection of cultural spots, bars and restaurants. We visit a recently renovated public walkway, with open spaces and cycles trails. It runs parallel to the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, which helps to preserve four of the five Spanish mission churches that formed part of the colonisation of the area from the 18th century. The most famous mission is, of course, The Alamo, although this sacred site is not part of the Historic Park but run separately from federal governance. A brief history into the formation of The Alamo, from enthusiastic guide John Richardson, gives me some insight into the suffering and determination of those who died here during the 19th century Texas Revolution. The site serves as a reminder of the individuality and steadfastness of the people who inhabit this part of the state. A few blocks from The River Walk is the historic area of Market Square, filled with colourful stalls. I stop for a bite to eat at Mi Tierra Cafe Y Panaderia, which first opened as a three-table cafe for local workers in 1941. Today, the cafe is run by the cuddly and genial Michael Cortez, the grandson of original owners Pete and Cruz Cortez. The walls are decorated with a garish mural depicting Mexican cultural figures and previous
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travel more) is washed down with a refreshing sparkling wine, and accompanied by more live music.
visitors to the restaurant; amid the crowd I spy revolutionary Emiliano Zapata Salazar, artist Frida Kahlo and former US president Bill Clinton. Given the quality of the enchiladas, mariscos, tacos and chalupas, I’m not surprised this delightful cafe has become a San Antonio institution.
Having refuelled, we’re ready to once again take the reins and enjoy a ride through the city - only this time our trusty stallions are powered by petrol.
That evening, more culinary delights are in store as we enjoy a ‘dine-around’ at the Pearl Brewery, a thoroughly modern urban village of work spaces, residential spots, retail shops and restaurants. Next destination: Austin. As we pull into the town, I hear a myriad of musical genres blaring from the many bars; it’s no wonder this is known as the “live musical city of the world”. We enter the Continental Club on S Congress Avenue, where a four-piece combo of guitarists and singers perform atmospheric country pop songs. Along with music, food is also a serious business in Austin. We head to Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue on W 2nd Street, where an extremely large serving of meat (ribs, steaks and
Paseo del Rio (The River Walk) in San Antonia, Texas.
We head to the Circuit of the Americas, where we watch Ferraris being hurled around the track at average speeds of 190 miles per hour. The thrills and testosterone flood around us as well as the incessant yet welcome rain. These cars may be fast and flash but they’re not my preferred mode of transport. I’d much rather saddle up with Mr Pepsi any day of the week. I wonder what he’s up to now - plodding along in his quiet, confident nonchalant way. Despite my ineptitude with a bow and arrow, I leave Texas feeling confident that I’m a cowgirl convert. So long Mr Pepsi.
Diners in cowboy hats enjoy a night out at a restaurant in Bandera.
Travel facts
Bandera, Texas.
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Denise Bailey was a guest of the Texas Tourist Board (www.traveltex.com)
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British Airways flies direct from London to Austin with their new Dreamliner aircraft from £518pp (inc taxes). As part of the transatlantic agreement between British Airways and American Airlines, all routes can be booked at www.aa.com
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All-inclusive rates at the Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera (www.mayanranch.com) cost from 160 US dollars per person, per day. Rooms at the Drury Plaza Hotel (www.druryhotels.com) in San Antonio are priced from 109-214 US dollars. Rooms at the Marriott Courtyard and Residence Inn (www.marriott.co.uk) in Austin start at 209 US dollars.
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Life Begins 11
health
From the man with a phantom ‘smelly bum’ to missing a lung cancer diagnosis, GP and author Dr Ben Daniels reveals the highs and lows of life as a family doctor in his new book. Lisa Salmon reports.
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health The possibility of discussing intimate or embarrassing problems with your GP means it’s easier for many people not to think of doctors as human.But they are, of course, very human. And although they’ve probably seen whatever your medical problem is many times before, that doesn’t mean that inside their professional outer shell they aren’t reacting - sometimes wanting to laugh, cry, shriek in horror or even retch. Such normal human reactions, although hidden by most GPs, are on full show in the new book by British doctor Benjamin Daniels, Further Confessions of a GP - which starts with a stomachchurning tale about a pensioner’s constipation and Dr Daniels’s “overwhelming urge to gag” during her treatment. The followup to his first book Confessions of a GP, this fascinating insight into life in general practice includes a wealth of patient stories, such as the teenager convinced he lost his virginity and caught HIV some time between leaving a bar and waking up in a kebab shop, a man plagued by a phantom ‘smelly bum’ condition, and a woman whose mobile phone turns up in an unexpected place. Dr Daniels, who uses a pseudonym so both his identity and that of his patients is protected, says one of his favourite stories is about John, a doctor who is his patient and is struggling to cope with work, and drinking too much. “He’s finding everything a bit difficult to manage, and I like to think it demonstrates that doctors are people too, who struggle with life in the same way everyone else does,” says Dr Daniels. The GP points out that most doctors have “seen everything” relating to the body, and reassures people that while they might feel embarrassed about going to see a GP about an intimate matter, it’s water off a duck’s back for the doctor.
says. “It’s much more about trying to reduce symptoms and managing the individual consequences of a disease.” Offering reassurance and care are part of the reason he believes internet self-diagnosis, while sometimes helpful, will never replace GPs. “I think using the internet is probably more good than bad, but while the internet has a huge amount of information that no doctor could ever hold in their head, it doesn’t have the knowledge and experience that doctors have, to be able to put information and symptoms into context.” Dr Daniels says mental health issues are the most common problem patients come to him with - but not all those seeking such help are genuine. The book relates the story of a young man who demanded to be referred to a psychiatrist but was initially unwilling to say why. It eventually emerged that he was due in court on a GBH charge, and his solicitor had told him that a doctor’s letter saying he’d been referred to a psychiatrist for anger management might help get him off the hook. Dr Daniels refused to refer him, despite being threatened by the patient - who was later jailed for three years. Aside from being threatened with violence, another hard - and more common part of the job is managing risk and deciding which patients to refer for further investigations or to a consultant. He admits there
“Sometimes, when you come in and see your doctor as a patient, you forget that they have their bad days, strengths and weaknesses and sometimes a difficult home life ~ things that everyone suffers with.” “As a doctor, you lose that sense of embarrassment quite early on in your career because you’re exposed to these things over and over again,” he explains. One story outlined in the book is that of Ted, who went to see Dr Daniels with a knee problem, and mentioned his cough at the end of the consultation. The GP told him to stop smoking, and thought no more about it - until eight months later when Ted was admitted to hospital with a collapsed lung due to lung cancer. While Ted, who later died from the illness, didn’t blame Dr Daniels for not investigating his cough, the doctor himself clearly feels very guilty about his error. He writes: “The fear of making a mistake is indeed a terrible part of being a doctor, but on reflection, actually making a mistake is truly the worst part of the job.” While there’s no particular type of complaint or patient that he dreads, the doctor confesses that it can be difficult to help the patients that heap all their problems on him. “I find that tricky,” he says. “People have very high expectations of their doctor, but the reality is that most aches and pains are going to get better no matter what the doctor does.” He says that GPs are “relatively limited” as to what they can do, explaining: “We’re good at diagnosing things, and giving people advice and reassurance, and telling them things aren’t lifethreatening - which is an important job - but people have overlyhigh expectations of what we can achieve, and that we’ll always know what something is. That’s not always the case - sometimes we just don’t know why people are unwell.” Many patients, and particularly elderly people with chronic health problems, are seeking reassurance and pastoral care, as opposed to wanting a diagnosis for an illness from their GP, he
will be a number of those calls in any doctor’s career that they get wrong. “It’s a scary thought, but it’s part of the job,” he says. As well as his name, Dr Daniels has changed any identifying details about his patients in the book, and says he’s confident that even if those patients read his confessions, they won’t recognise themselves. None of his patients know he’s written the books, and he points out that if they knew he wrote about some of his consultations, it might affect the way they spoke to him about their health problems. Overall, he says he hopes people who read his books will realise GPs deal with all manner of problems, and patients should never be worried about making an appointment, whatever the reason. “I never feel resentful about people coming in to see me, even if it’s for something inconsequential,” he insists. “If you’re worried about anything, come in. The only thing I would say to people who have something that seems fairly mild is that six weeks is a good amount of time to leave something, and if it’s not gone, it’s worth having it checked out. And have realistic expectations about what the doctor can do for you. Give things a little time to settle, and remember that your body can be a much better healer than any doctor ever will be.” Further Confessions of a GP by Benjamin Daniels is published by The Friday Project, priced £7.99. Available now
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Life Begins 13
books Award-winning broadcaster Sally Magnusson’s mother was a bright, curious woman, until dementia took hold. Sally reveals Mamie Baird’s story, and highlights the impact the illness has on millions of families, in her moving new book.
Where Memories Go
~ Memories of my mother ~ MAIN IMAGE:
Sally with her mother Mamie.
Mamie Baird Magnusson was a fun-loving, spirited mother -of-five, regarded as one of the finest journalists of her generation. Originally a star writer for the Scottish Daily Express, she married her junior colleague Magnus Magnusson, who was charmed by her inquisitive nature, sharp intellect and zest for life. But as she reached her 70s, her family noticed that she wasn’t as inquisitive as she’d once been. “We noticed a withdrawal of curiosity that I found perplexing, because my mother was always the most keen and interested and curious and alert of women,” says her daughter Sally, who presented BBC Breakfast Time in the Eighties and now presents Reporting Scotland. “Her eyes used to sparkle when she was around anything interesting. I noticed she wasn’t interested in things I expected her to be interested in, and her grasp of detail was going. She lost interest in writing and it took us a long time to notice.” Sally’s father, the late Mastermind host Magnus Magnusson, didn’t voice his concern initially, although Sally is sure he picked up on the fact that things weren’t quite right.
“We spent many years not talking about it and I think that’s common in families.” “You want to believe everything’s normal and you adjust and try and get on with things as best you can. I’m not sure how my father coped,” Sally, 58, continues. “He died before things got so bad that life changed forever. He would ask us to come over and jolly her along a bit, to help get her out of bed or get dressed. He was certainly in need of help but he didn’t make a hullabaloo about it.” As conversation became difficult, singing took over and in the latter years, music became a true comfort to Mamie, who was able to sing tunes and enjoyed listening to familiar music which sparked happy memories. It prompted Sally to later set up a charity Playlist For Life, to encourage families to compile playlists of meaningful music for their loved ones.
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Sally Magnusson with her parents Mamie and Magnus
Mamie was to end up a frail figure in need of constant care, frustrated and angry at the confusion and memory loss that engulfed her and Sally charts her mother’s life before and after dementia took hold in this moving book. As the years went by, there was also anger, as Mamie realised she was losing her mind. “There’s a lot more awareness in people than we might imagine. In the past, I would have comforted myself with the thought that people don’t know what’s going on, therefore it’s all right, but there was no sense of that with my mother,” Sally notes. “In the early years, she would hotly deny that there was anything wrong with her, but as the years went on, she became aware that her grasp on herself was loosening. She used to talk about being on a road ‘getting further and further away from myself’. In their mother’s final years, Sally and her sisters looked after her at home near Glasgow until the end. “We had a 24-hour patchwork of carers. My two sisters and I took part of that and we hired carers to fill out the other part.” The book highlights the shortfalls in a care service that simply hasn’t catered for the fact that one in three of us will develop some form of dementia before we die. “I felt alone for a long time, and then discovered there were millions of people in the same boat”, she explains. “In a broader sense, many of the issues thrown up by our experience are ones which policy-makers and governments and experts are grappling with. It does no harm for these people to get a sense of what the experience is like at the coalface.”
Where Memories Go by Sally Magnusson is published by Two Roads, priced £16.99. Available now
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
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Life Begins 2014 Show Guide
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this year’s exhibitors... 6 21 51 18 24 31 71 19 56 47a 7 27 25 49 45 42 30 41 16b 11 10 48 8 38a 17 4 66 37 50 9 3 69 53 40 36 2 55 26 28 52 29 39 12 35 54 44
AposTherapy
344-354 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8BP www.apostherapy.co.uk
Arbonne International
Unit 1, Newlands Farm, Batcombe, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7BG www.arbonneinternational.co.uk
Apple Home Improvements
First Floor, Richmond Gdn Shopping Ctre, Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1 1EN www.applehomeimprovements.co.uk
BEET Language Centre
Nortoft Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 8PY www.beet.co.uk
Bo-Concept
Parkway House, 28 Avenue Road, Bournemouth BH2 5SL www.boconcept.com
BGSA Ltd
Bournemouth Borough Council
Bournemouth University / F.O.L
1 Isaacs Close, Talbot Village, Bournemouth BH12 5HE www.bgsaltd.co.uk
Town Hall Annexe, St Stephens Rd, Bournemouth BH2 6EA www.bournemouth.gov.uk
Room 501 Melbury House, Bournemouth BH8 8ES www.bournemouth.ac.uk/fol
Breast Cancer Care
5 - 13 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0NS www.breastcancercare.org.uk
Climb Vertigo
23 Farnham Rd, Poole BH12 1PW www.climbvertigo.com
Diamond Home Improvements
18 Sea View Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 3JX www.diamondhome.co.uk
Clarity Hearing Solutions
Colourstone
Dorset Denture Clinic
Dorset Electric Bike Centre
45 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1AS www.clarity-solutions.com
72 Fairmile Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 2LL www.colour-stone.co.uk
415c Lymington Road, Highcliffe BH23 5EN, www.dorsetdentureclinic.co.uk
Chalmington Farm, Chalmington, Dorchester DT2 0HB www.dorsetebikecentre.co.uk
Dorset Wildlife Trust
The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ, www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Electric Bike World
54 Bedford Place, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 2DT www.electricbikeworld.co.uk
Dream Doors
Elite Financial & Mortgage Services Ellis Jones Solicitors
Eric Robinson Solicitors
Evenlines
179 New Road, West Parley, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 8ED www.dreamdoors.co.uk Suite B Manor House, 1 Macaulay Road, Broadstone BH18 8AS
www.elitefms.co.uk
14a Haven Road, Canford Cliffs, Poole BH18 7LP www.ellisjones.co.uk
6-8 Brownhill Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire SO53 2EA www.ericrobinson.co.uk
1070 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH7 6DS www.evenlines.com
FC Douch & Son Funeral
7 Leigh Road, Wimborne BH21 7AB www.funeraldirector.co.uk
Foster Care Associates
Trelew Buildings, Ashhurst Lodge, Lyndhurst Rd, Ashurst SO40 7AA www.thefca.co.uk
FP4K
Gentle Dentistry
Girlings Retirement Rentals Go Cycle
Helen Wood Hair
FP4K, 34 Camel Green Road, Alderholt, Fordingbridge SP6 3AT www.MKclub.co.uk
3 Church Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth BH6 4AS www.gentledentistry.co.uk
Glanville House, Frobisher Way, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6BB www.girlings.co.uk info@kairosemotion.co.uk www.kairosemotion.co.uk
2 Avon Park, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 2AT www.helenwoodhairdressing.co.uk
HG Walker Solicitors
1 The Square, Wimborne BH21 1PS www.hgwalker.co.uk
Lesley Waters Cookery School
Abbots Hill Farm, Closworth Road, Halstock, Dorset BA22 9SY www.lesleywaters.com
Key to Hearing
Lilliput Health
19 Uplands Gardens, Bournemouth, Dorset BH8 9SU www.keytohearing.co.uk
Lower Ground floor, Lilliput Surgery, Poole, Dorset BH14 8EE www.lilliputhealth.co.uk
National Trust
Dorset Office, Wimborne, Dorset, BH20 4DS www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Parley Optometrist
127 New Road, West Parley, Dorset BH22 8EB www.parleyoptometrists.co.uk
Oceana Hotel Group Planets Cancer Charity Platinum Skies
Save Energy Renewables
Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Centre Snug Homes Ltd
Summer Lodge Hotel
Sure Health & Protect
The Greenhouse Hotel The Haven in Wessex TLH Leisure Resort
East Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AF www.oceanahotels.co.uk Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD www.planetscharity.org 170 Charminster Road, Bournemouth BH8 9RL www.homefield-park.co.uk
35 Wessex Trade Ctre, Ringwood Rd, Poole BH12 3PG www.saveenergygroup.co.uk 89 Poole Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth BH4 9BB www.scrivenshearing.com
8 Donnybrook, 153 Mudeford Lane, Christchurch BH23 3HR, mcamanning@aol.com 9 Fore Street, Evershot, Dorset, DT2 0JR www.summerlodgehotel.co.uk
7 Orchard Court, Verwood, Dorset BH31 6JH www.surehealthandprotect.co.uk 4 Grove Rd, Bournemouth BH1 3AX www.thegreenhousehotel.co.uk Effie Road, London SW6 1TB www.thehaven.org.uk
Belgrave Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5HS www.tlh.co.uk
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Advertisers editorial
You can see it in the eyes... Opticians only sell specs - right? Wrong. You may be surprised to hear that an examination by an optometrist at your local optician is more like a health check, not only making the difference between vision and blindness but also occasionally life and death. Life Begins Magazine talks to Rob Jones, Senior Optometrist at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital gives us a surprising insight (sorry or the cheap pun!) into the things that can affect our sight as we enter our fifties and sixites. They say your eyes are the window to your soul and with the technology available today, it is possible to discover potentially sight or even life threatening conditions - just by looking into them.
Obviously the need for any spectacles and the usual eye related problems such as cataract, glaucoma and macula degeneration are routinely screened for, but also conditions such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, multiple sclerosis, strokes and even certain brain tumors, can be detected with simple and routine tests. According to a survey by The Eye Care trust in 2008, an estimated 20 million people in the uk are failing to have regular eye examinations, and with the present economic climate, it is unlikely that this figure will have changed a great deal. Most of us have been conditioned to visit a dentist every six months, so why are a lot of us not doing our eyes the same courtesy? The figures suggest we don’t value our eyes as much as our teeth! Besides the more headline grabbing serious conditions that can be picked up, it may surprise you to hear that one of the most common complaints and arguably the most frequently overlooked due to its unusual and unexpected symptoms, is that of Dry eyes.
If any of the following symptoms sound familiar, such as blurred or variable vision, tired, gritty or watery eyes or a dull ache around the eyes, then you are probably one of the millions of people that suffer with dry eye.
This very common problem tends to become worse with time. It is estimated that about one in 10 people between 50 and 60 years of age, and roughly 20% of the over 80's will have a dry eye problem.
The tear film acts as a barrier to the elements, washes undesirable airborne particles away and provides a nice smooth optical surface, giving a nice crisp retinal image. A normal and healthy tear film consists of a mucus layer at the bottom, a watery layer (which is the bulk of the tear film), and an oily layer on top. Each of these layers is produced by different glands in and around the eyes and to some extent, it is the when there is an imbalance of these layers that the uncomfortable symptoms can occur. Any dry spots on the eye surface cause neurological pain signals to be sent to the brain, resulting in the sensation that you have something in the eye, giving rise to a gritty sensation.
There are three main causes of dry eye, the first is reduced tear production. Age, hormonal changes, certain drugs and medical conditions can lower the physical quantity of the watery component.
The second reason is increased tear evaporation. If the oily layer is deficient, the watery layer is then prone to evaporate. The tear film is then unstable and can actually cause a watery eye, this can be more
Life Begins 2014 Show Guide
pronounced when out in the wind or with a sudden change in temperature. This also results in peaks and troughs in the film that can reduce the quality of vision, leading to transient blurring. Blinking should smooth the film over the eye but with a deficient oily layer, dry eye sufferers have to blink more frequently to keep things stable. One of the reasons computer use can make a dry eye worse, is that the blink rate reduces as we concentrate on the screen. This also occurs when concentrating on the television or when reading. Air conditioning will also exacerbate a dry eye problem for the same reason.
The third and final cause of a dry eye is an abnormal production of the mucus or oily layer. This can be due to physical damage to the eyes or abnormal eyelid positions, but more commonly due to eyelid conditions. If these lid conditions are present then they need to be identified by your Optometrist or doctor and treated first. It may only require regular cleansing of the affected area and the use of hot compresses to unblock any deficient glands. Stubborn conditions may require antibiotic medication from the GP. There are many different drops available but you need to use them very regularly for them to be of any use - every hour or so is not unusual. The better option can be gels - these are a lot thicker and give longer relief.
Some final advice for dry eye sufferers: Avoid air conditioned environments and try to to increase the humidity levels around you (radiator humidifiers or a saucer of water next to the fire). The use of 'wrap around' style glasses when outside in the wind, to minimise evaporation. Sufferers need to remember to stick to a strict eyelid hygiene regime and always apply the lubrication frequently - even if the eyes feel fine. So you see, an optician can do a lot more than sell you spectacles, and if you have not been for a while, perhaps you consider making an appointment soon. Article written by Mr Rob Jones, Senior partner at Parley Optometrists
Some headaches can be caused by eye conditions
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It’s said that carrots are good for your eyesight...
so for just 33p per day* you could buy 2 fresh carrots* Alternatively, for the same daily rate you could have the assurance of knowing you’re receiving award winning eyecare from highly trained professionals using the latest technology.
Visit us on Stand 2 or call us on 01202 575759
www.parleyoptometrists.co.uk
*Price checked at Waitrose on 12 March 2014. Price plan quoted is based on a family plan with a minimum of 2 adults
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This year’s show is supporting three very special charities with causes that few of us have failed to be touched by in one way or another. Whether we have a personal experience of cancer or know a relative or friend that has been affected, it’s almost a given, that cancer (sometimes known as the ‘C’ word by some who fear the very mention of the word) will affect every one of us to some degree as we travel through life. Here we feature two touching stories by two very special people who’ve been helped by the show’s nominated charities. We hope they inspire you to lend your support, whether in the form of volunteering or through financial support.
Louise’s Story
I was diagnosed with early breast cancer in May 2012 at 40. I remained upbeat throughout my treatment but as my treatment drew to a close, the realisation of what had happened just kicked in. I started to almost dread my radiotherapy finishing. How could I just return to work and normal life as if nothing had happened? It was about this time that my new breast care nurse stopped and asked: “and how are you?” That was it. I broke down and couldn’t stop. The nurse was utterly wonderful and suggested that I visit The Haven for some support. I went straight there and managed to compose myself enough to tell my story. I was quickly booked onto an initial and I left feeling so much better, like I wasn’t alone anymore. I returned the following week to attend a group meeting and although I was still a bit emotional, it was lovely to meet other ladies who were going through a similar experience. It was nice to get all my feelings out in the open and talk about things I felt I couldn’t discuss with my friends. The whole setup was very supportive but in particular the younger women’s support group, and more recently, an assertiveness workshop have both incredibly helpful.
Trish’s Story
Trish, 54, a life drawing tutor from Bournemouth shares her experience of breast cancer. When I was diagnosed the shock hit me hard and for the first week I couldn’t eat or sleep, terrified of how I would cope with side effects. I was surprised how much support there was and coped better than I expected. I appreciated using Breast Cancer Care’s Headstrong service and found them very encouraging and helpful. We tend to think of chemo as something that makes you sick, not something that gives you unbelievable tiredness and diminishes your concentration. At one stage I had a horrible spell of really weird things such as painful fingernails. When the regular appointments finally stopped, I felt suddenly on my own - that’s when I found Breast Cancer Care’s support invaluable. I attended their Moving Forward course and I belatedly discovered the charity’s chat forums where I could discuss worries like hair and fatigue. This made me feel like I wasn’t alone during what is actually quite a difficult part of the process. I have gained a lot of strength through Breast Cancer Care and I recommend using their services throughout.
Both Breast Cancer Care and The Haven will have a stand at the upcoming Life Begins 50+ Show so please come and speak to us if you would like to find out more about our free services and support.
The Life Begins Show are also supporting PLANETS is a charity based at University Hospital Southampton dedicated to defeating Pancreatic, Liver and Neuroendocrine Tumours. These cancers affect men and women all over the UK but remain underfunded. PLANETS are raising money to provide world-class care for patients and supporting the hospital’s pioneering work in treatment, research and education of these complex cancers. www.planetscharity.org
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Life Begins 2014 Show Guide
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Main Sponsor
Health and Fitness Finance and Law Holidays and Leisure Learning and Skills Home and Property Enterprise stands
The show for active, fun-loving 50+ people
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Tickets and Registration
Refreshments
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Frank Sinatra tribute Fred Gardner will be dazzling us with his uncanny vocal resemblance to the late Frank Sinatra. crooning your favourites such as “Lady is a tramp”, “I’ve got you under my skin” and “my kinda town”. Fred first performed live on ITV's "Stars in Their Eyes" and was asked to come back to perform on the Christmas edition in the same year. http://www.sinatramyway.co.uk/
GJ Cabarets are a unique, diverse dance troupe suitable for all your entertainment needs. Their performances cover a wide range of dance genres; including Showgirl, Irish, Tap, Charleston, Ballet, Michael Jackson, Commercial and much more. The added excitement is the dancers spectacular quick costume changes which the audience love! For more information and to discuss how GJ Cabarets can tailor make performances to suit your event, call Gina on 07745654784 or visit www.gjcabarets.com.
photo by Grah am
Morrison
1812 are pleased to be at the show this year bringing a cocktail shake off to the food theatre. Learn how to make cocktails the 1812 way with bar manager CJ Lohez who will also bring his own unique flair to the party. You can also try your hand at 'flair bar tending' with one of the best in the business.
Swing dancing looks great on the dance floor and is a fabulous past-time for the 50+. It opens up a great social life for you to enjoy throughout the year. Easy to learn footwork means you can enjoy dancing to a wide range of music for great nights out at regular dances, many with live bands. You won’t need a partner either. Try it at Jitterbugjive, Mondays at Milford-On-Sea and Wednesdays in Bournemouth. Beginners are always welcome, call Linda or Denis on 07928 749311 or visit www.jitterbugjive.co.uk for more details.
Espada Fencing club provides anyone interested in the ancient art and modern sport of fencing, opportunity to learn the skills and technique required to pursue this Olympic sport to whatever level they wish. Established more than 50 years ago the club offers coaching by British Fencing qualified coaches. So whether you are interested in fencing socially or wish to become a champion we can support your aspirations, provide all equipment and give you an excellent evening of fun and sporting enjoyment. Tuesday - 7.45 - 10pm Scout Hut, Adastral Rd, Poole, Friday - 7.45 - 10pm Littledown Sports Centre, Call Brian: 01202 425 749
Life Begins 2014 Show Guide
Samantha Davis is a fitness instructor and Sam has been teaching Zumba since March 2011. She currently teaches 6 different classes a week in Corfe Mullen, Dorset. “Zumba is a Latin dance fitness class that really is “exercise in disguise”!! It is so much fun and you really do not need to be fit or even able to dance to enjoy the classes. I found my love of Zumba after I had my 2 children. I was in desperate need of some time to myself, as well as feeling frumpy and unfit, so I decided to join a class locally. I have never looked back. It really has changed my life in so many ways including my attitude to exercise. It was exhilarating and so much fun and I hope that I carry that with me in my classes. There is a great community spirit in my classes and I often hold classes to raise money for local charities too.” MLC Dance is an exciting and thriving dance school based in Bournemouth. Michelle Chapman, owner and principle teacher caters for a diverse range of enthusiastic dancers. Focusing on ballroom and Latin American for adults. Michelle runs a number of classes each week for beginners and more advanced dancers as well as providing one to one tuition for couples and individuals. MLC Dance provide a beginners course which is run over four weeks covering two dances at a time, so you can take it at a steady pace and build your repertoire as your confidence grows. The next course starts on Monday 31st March, so get your dancing shoes on and contact Michelle. www.mlcdance.co.uk. If you want something a little more relaxing, we have that covered too. Holistic Body Training is a life enhancing Health & Fitness organisation based at a seafront studio between Bournemouth & Boscombe piers. Proprietor and Master Instructor Frank, 54 years old, emphasises training the person as a whole. Sessions are available for ‘Yoga on the Beach’, MovNat, Tai Chi & Chi Gong, Chair Based exercise, One-to-One personal training and more. (www.holisticbodytraining.co.uk) We are delighted to have the Ringwood & Christchurch Rock Choir here at the Life Begins 50+ show. Rock Choir is for all ages and all levels of experience. Even if you have not sung in public before you can do it in Rock Choir as there is no audition and no requirement to read music. Taking part you'll develop self-confidence, new skills, a dynamic new social life and enjoy fun, up-beat voice workshops with a huge sense of fulfilment after each performance or event. For more information contact. www.rockchoir.com
Don’t miss the spectacular fashion show featuring some amazing outfits by Bonmarché. Our Fashion show features the exclusively designed David Emanuel collection. The collection is full of fashionable styles that you'll want to add to your wardrobe right away. From dazzling dresses to flattering separates in gorgeous
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patterns and colours, the Bonmarché David Emanuel collection is one not to be missed. Bonmarche have a mission to make mature women feel fabulous about themselves in stylish quality clothing at affordable prices. It is one of the UK's largest women's value retailers with its own store portfolio, website, mail order catalogues and regular shows on Ideal World TV shopping channel. Boscombe store manager Adrienne will be giving discount vouchers out during the fashion shows, so don’t miss out. Hair by Helen Wood Hairdressing and make up by Becki Swan from Arbonne International. “Do you live most of your life on autopilot?” If so our inspirational Life Coach, Fiona Sutherland will be available to answer any questions and give you a free selfassessment! www.Great-transformations.co.uk transforming unusually challenging situations, quickly easily - profoundly through Coaching and Thought Pattern Management™ Includes: divorce, conflict at work or home, lost motivation, confused, repeating negative pattern, reduced self-belief, feeling overwhelmed.
Make yourself a beautiful piece of thread beaded jewellery with Frangipani beads designer, Fran Griffith. Fran will be at the show helping you create a unique piece of jewellery for you to enjoy forever. Fran Griffith has been an avid and prolific Beaded Jewellery Designer and Teacher for 12 years, teaching throughout the UK and internationally. She also sells beads online and at her bead shop, Frangipani beads in Lytchett Matravers. (www.frangipanibeads.co.uk) Fran runs regular leisure evening classes at Kinson Community Centre and at Crumpets Farm, Lytchett Matravers in both needle and thread beaded jewellery and wire manipulated jewellery.
this year’s performers... awarded Silver medal status by the UK Vineyards Association. Enthusiastically adopted into the wine lists of prestige hotels and restaurants across Dorset and into the New Forest, English Oak’s wine is faithfully prepared using classic Méthode Champenoise. Ever fancied riding the waves Tom Selleck style? You could experience the thrill (well some of it at least!) of surfing without your own surf board or wet suit. In fact there’s no chnace of getting wet on our real-life surf simulator. How long can you stay on? Perhaps you’re a pro without even knowing it! Or maybe Rock-climbing is more your thing? Check out our rock-climbing wall with fully trained instructors who’ll be on hand to quite literally show you the ropes. Who knows after today, you could be scaling Mount Everest by the time the next Life Begins Show comes around! Both these fun experiences have been provided courtesy of Vertigo (see their advert at the back of this show guide)
Pop along to the Learning Zone hosted by Bournemouth University where you’ll find friendly Tutors on hand to show you some of the latest learning opportunities available for the knowleedge hungry. There’ll also be sneak previews of what’s coming up in the much anticipated Festival of Learnnig coming up in June 2014 which promises something for everyone.
Have you ever fancied having a go at singing? The stunning sound of a barbershop chorus Southern Union Chorus singing in unaccompanied close harmony is guaranteed to grab you from the start. Southern Union Chorus regularly runs Learn to Sing Open Events to enable men to appreciate whether they feel a capability to enjoy Barbershop Singing and would like to learn more. The Southern Union Chorus has made a major contribution to the growing popularity of this art form. Their extensive repertoire contains many well-known songs, ballads and popular standards from the turn of the last century to the present day.
Making wine tasting personal! Enjoy Discovering Wine wants to help people get the most out of pairing food and wine. We all experience tastes differently and our preferences can hugely affect our enjoyment of a food and wine pairing. In this session, you will find out what kind of taster you are by taking our ‘taste test’ before learning about the friends and enemies of wine and learn some useful rules for avoiding a mismatch. http://www.enjoydiscoveringwine.com/events/ English Oak’s rise to prominence as a “personal favourite” boutique vineyard is remarkable. The first vintage (2009) was released in early 2012, immediately
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Advertisers editorial
Dream Doors (Poole & Christchurch) Win Checkatrade Award for 2013! 2013 was a fantastic year for us. At our annual conference we were awarded the top award for year on year growth, runner up for overall sales for 2013 but most importantly Checkatrade gave us their award for Dream Doors Franchisee of the year! This prestigious award is reflective of what many of our customers have independently said and scored us on the Checkatrade feedback forms.
Celebrating the opening of the Christchurch showroom
This was a huge achievement for us, and one that we didn’t expect, particularly since we have only just completed our 3rd year of trading. We commenced trading as Dream Doors Poole in January 2011, opening our first showroom in Broadstone in March. Despite this been at the height of the recession, we built on quality products and services, to offer customers a real alternative to the normal kitchen replacement. As a Franchise business we cover the whole of the BH postcode district and soon realised that in order to fully support our customer base we needed to expand. After careful consideration we decided Christchurch would be an ideal location for us, so in October 2013 we became the first Dream Doors Franchise to
open a second showroom. We have carefully designed our showroom to optimise the space and incorporate a wide selection of our products to show our customers how we can transform their kitchen. Since opening the new Christchurch showroom we have continued to go from strength to strength. Already we are building a strong customer base which is reflective in our rapidly expanding Checkatrade results. Looking forward, we are excited at the prospects of making the Christchurch branch as successful as the Broadstone branch, and providing our new customer base a real alternative.
Award presentation by Kevin Byrnes (right), founder of Checkatrade, at Dream Doors Annual Conference December 2013
Life Begins 2014 Show Guide
Why not drop in for a chat and see what we have to offer… If you are lucky you might even get to meet Lilly the dog…
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Advertisers editorial
Time to Care With an increasing and aging population, more and more of us are finding ourselves in the position of making difficult decisions about longterm care. Whether giving thought to our own personal future, or making decisions on behalf of a loved one, finding the right solution can be very challenging and often emotionally draining.
The joys of being 50 (and over)
50 is a good age. It’s a landmark where you can reflect on all you have accomplished, whilst having many years ahead of you to plan for and make the most of.
For a lot of people in their 50s, life feels great. The children have usually left or near to leaving home, any mortgages are much nearer to being paid off and, for some, grandchildren are on the way. Professionally, people who own businesses or climbed the corporate ladder can look back on thirty years of hard work and achievement with great satisfaction. Thoughts inevitably turn to new adventures after retirement and the advantages of a new found freedom once liberated from working life, but forward thinking and planning shouldn’t stop there.
Just as you have looked after and cared for others, there will come a time when you will need similar support yourself. If you have made a Will, now is the time to revisit it, not only to review any changes in assets, circumstances and relationships, but to make sure you have put in place people and instructions for your finances, care and wellbeing should you not be able to do so yourself in the years to come. Whether you have more people in your life that need looking after or to be shown how much you loved them after you have died, or you want to put in place Lasting Powers of Attorney for people you trust with your welfare, Eric Robinson Solicitors is here to help. We understand, as we turn 50 ourselves this year, just how important it is to celebrate the past whilst preparing for the future.
Life Begins 2014 Show Guide
Individuals in this position, especially those who have been legally appointed through a ‘Lasting Power of Attorney’, will find themselves in the position to make crucial decisions on medical treatments, accommodation and care of the individual they are responsible for and sometimes, it can be overwhelming. The most important basis to any sound decision is to make sure you are fully informed of the facts and a lot of people turn to a legal professional, such as myself, to provide information, objective guidance and the answers to any subsequent questions.
One of the most important initial objectives is to find out if any funding can be identified to help towards the cost of an individual’s care. Admittedly, this can be a complicated and confusing area for the uninitiated, but someone with experience and knowledge can tell you whether any financial support is available through the NHS, Local Authority or state.
When an individual is assessed for funding, in some cases the value of a property will be taken into account, whilst in others it will be disregarded, so it is important to understand which case applies to you or the person in your care’s circumstances.
At Eric Robinson Solicitors, we are seeing an increasing number of cases where clients were not aware of state benefits they or their loved one were entitled to because of their condition, and there is concern that, with all the recent talks of cuts and reduction of benefits, people will be less likely to think about, or even enquire to see, if they are entitled to any financial support. Another source of confusion is the subject of ‘top up fees’. This is where a Local Authority requests payments to bridge a shortfall between what they are prepared to pay and the fees demanded by the care home.
There are rules about when someone may pay their own top up fees, when someone is able to pay them on an individual’s behalf and, most importantly, when they shouldn’t be payable at all. We have recently seen cases where families have been charged extra money incorrectly, so, again, this can all be avoided by ensuring you understand your particular situation. Finally, one of the biggest and most widely recognised issues is the selling of an individual’s home in order to fund long-term care. If necessary (and it may not be) it is not always possible to execute quickly, so alternatives and short-term solutions often need to be sought. Even when such issues are not immediate, by taking professional advice you can help plan for the future. Having an up to date Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney can make all the difference to your loved ones if you find yourself in this position.
The issues covered in this article may sound daunting, but if you seek advice and support from a qualified professional, they need not be. Never be afraid to ask for help or feel that you have to take the full weight of responsibility entirely on your shoulders. Emily Taylor is an Associate and specialist in Wills, Trusts & Succession at Eric Robinson Solicitors. She can be contacted on either 023 8027 8708 or 07808 248828 and emily.taylor@ericrobinson.co.uk. For more information on this or any legal matter visit www.ericrobinson.co.uk www.lifebeginsshow.com
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Life Begins 2014 Show Guide
feature Star of this years Life Begins Show is popular TV chef James Martin and I recently spent some time getting to know the man behind the food.
James Martin: At the show James will be cooking the following creations and all in real time.
Cooking for Two Welsh Rarebit with Apple Chutney Cod Goujons with Tartare Sauce Parmesan & Hazelnut Crusted Chicken
3856 1 91 31 61 1 93 4 7 5
Chocolate Fondant with instant Banana Ice Cream
Cooking on a Budget Butternut Squash & Lime Soup Chicken Pan Bagnat Penne Carbonara Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Dinner Party
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW by Brian Case & Jason Harris
Blinis with Blow Torched Mackerel Stuffed Roast Crown of Lamb with Duchess Potatoes Vodka Buttermilk Panacotta with Mini Doughnuts
Life Begins 2014 Show Guide
James Martin is appearing at the Life Beings 50+ Show taking place in Bournemouth on 23 March 2014. To see the full interview and also the recipes James is cooking at the show, visit our website www.lifebeginsmagazine.com after the show.
www.lifebeginsshow.com
feature
K
nown to many with his popular Saturday Morning Kitchen TV show, we almost feel like we know him but what about the other James, the one that doesn’t appear in front of the TV Cameras? Life Begins Magazine armed with some readers’ questions and many of our own set out to find out more about him.
James was born on 30th June 1971 in Malton, North Riding of Yorkshire his early years were spent on the farm where his parents were farmers on the Castle Howard Estate famous for its appearance in the 1980’s mini-series Brideshead Revisited. His family were Pig farmers. He spent much of his childhood in his home county of North Yorkshire in what he calls “Heartbeat” country. Looking back he can see both the pro’s and the con’s of living in such a beautiful part of the world, yes they had a peaceful idyllic lifestyle but this had to be off set with, in his words, “a load of bloody Japanese’s tourists turning up into your peaceful lifestyle”. Growing up as a child on a farm could be hard. “You soon get to realise what hard work is” he quips.“Being a kid on the farm, working with your grandmother and your parents, producing food, gave you a real understanding even at that age, of just how hard food is to produce. Whether it’s a carrot or a carcass of beef it’s a lot of bloody fuss to get that food onto your plate, so I learnt how to respect food at a very early age” ‘When you can walk you can work’, or at least that’s how the saying goes for James, and by the age of 6 or 7 he was working for his pocket money. He remembers by the age of just 8, working in his first restaurant. His parents were never pushy but were both very supportive. He is of the opinion that schools educate kids to a ‘norm’ to try to suit everyone. “If someone has a particular skill then I think they should be encouraged to focus on it and improve on it” he said, “I wasn’t very good at English, not very good at maths and am dyslexic but I really knew I could cook.” As he grew up he was faced with two choices: he could farm the land or he could turn his skills to what he does best, in the kitchen. “Unlike down here on the south coast, where it is often lovely and warm, up in Yorkshire it gets bloody freezing so at the end of the day do you want to spend your entire day freezing or do you want to go into a warm kitchen?” He asks in what seems to be an even broader Yorkshire accent. “There’s not always a lot of money in Farming and although I loved every minute of it, when I hit 16, I made the decision to be chef” He says, chuckling. Though he admits that he already knew at the age of 8 or 9 that he wanted to follow a career in the kitchens.
"ln later years, working in a kitchen on board a ship and although l worked long hours, it was never as hard as working on that farm."” Now living in Hampshire, he made his way south due to work, he started his career as a pastry chef at the Chewton Glen in the New Forest before, at the age of 22, setting up the Hotel Du Vin in Winchester. He has made Winchester his home for many reasons: he loves it down south and also because he used to have a yacht on the Solent. More recently his love of flying has taken over from his love of the water. He’s now got 9 years of having a pilot’s licence under his belt and has recently turned his attention to learning to fly helicopters at Goodwood. “Flying in our part of the world is lovely with such great places to see, and it’s more difficult to get lost if you keep the sea to your left!” he adds cheekily.
Above: FERRARI 288 GTO takes pride of place in James’ car collection. As well as fast cars, planes and helicopters James also has a passion for his Lhara Apso named Ralph (below)
Spaniel called Fudge, and a little Lhasa Apso called Ralph. It’s well documented that he has a passion for cars and admits that when not in the kitchen or the TV studios, he loves spending much of his down time tinkering in the garage with his cars. His love of Ferrari is well known but when pushed, he did admit to me that if it is not a Ferrari then is has to be a mini. “For me, it has to be the original classic mini form the 60’s though, but I likes all cars really. and the faster the better, for me they are moving works of art.” Aside from his cars, he does also have 16 motor bikes, his oldest dating right back to 1916. A question I’ve been dying to ask him trips odd my lips: ‘So when you’re at home, what do you cook for yourself, friends and family?’ The answer: “Good old Chicken - roast Chicken, after all, everybody likes a roast chicken and stuffing?” he asks without feeling the need to wait for an answer. “Cooking at home is so important, to help learn the basics and master them before experimenting. Many try to experiment without first learning the art,” he says “I learnt very early on that when it comes to cooking ‘don’t try too hard’, pick the ingredients you like and then see what happens”. James is looking forward to doing his three demonstrations at the Life begins 50+ Show and has prepared three great menus for the show based around Cooking for two, Cooking on a budget and planning that killer dinner party menu. James says that the audience have a lot to look forward to and he is keen to make them aware that the demos’ and menus will be accessible to all. By that he means they are creations that will be able to be cooked by almost anybody at home, with ingredients you can pick up from the supermarket. Time had caught up with us, and we soon came to wrapping up the interview. As a lover of James’ cooking myself I admitted I was disappointed that I couldn’t sample his great food for myself as all his restaurants seemed to be up north and with the restaurants James owns up in the North of England. I asked if there are any plans to open any up in the South of England especially in our region. “You never know what is around the corner”, he says, leaving you to wonder so we will have to wait and see.
When his feet are back on solid ground he loves his time at home, James and his girlfriend have two dogs, an old English www.lifebeginsshow.com
Life Begins 2014 Show Guide
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Life Begins 2014 Show Guide
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Visit us on stand 49
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Life Begins 2014 Show Guide
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entertainment
Ovtreikre ta ochnordes S
Alan Titchmarsh, Forest Arts Centre, New Milton, 27 March, 7.30pm, tickets £10
“
This was live music at it’s very best. by Jason Harris
February 27th saw the Overtones arrive at the BIC and although not a sell-out gig they certainly got the crowd on their feet in next to no time. For those unfamiliar with the sound of The Overtones, they are a five member ‘boy band’ and I use these words in the loosest terms. Boy Bands tend to conjure up images of all-singing, all dancing macho teenage boys singing to a chorus of screaming young ladies. The Overtones on the other hand sing a style of music firmly rooted in the fifties and sixties (but with a modern-day twist). Their appearance reminds one of The Four Tops or The Drifters and infact they did perform an excellent cover of the latter’s hit song: Saturday night at the movies. I’d previously not even heard of The Overtones before I was bought tickets for their concert as a birthday present. I’m notoriously difficult to buy for and with this in mind, my motherin-law, knowing my very broad taste in music, decided to buy me tickets to this show. I’m glad she did as it introduced me to a style and flavour of music which had me buying the album straight after the show. It’s now a firm favourite on my i-tunes listening list. The boys vocal harmonies are a real treat and their vocal ranges from the lowest of low bass lines to the almost soprano levels sent shivers up my spine. The staging and lighting was modest but this only helped to focus on the musical talents of the five lads together with the hugely talented musicians that accompanied them. If you’ve not heard of The Overtones and appreciate fifties and sixties music, you’ll probably love The Overtones and at the time of writing there latest Album ‘Saturday night at the Movies’ is on special offer at iTunes at only £4.99. Ferndown Phoenix Musical Society presents
Alan Titchmarsh will be at Forest Arts for one night only as he launches his new novel ‘Bring Me Home’. There will be a Q&A session and books will be available for sale and signing. Easter Craft & Garden Fair, Somerley House, Ringwood, BH24 3PL 19 April, 20 April, 21 April 2014 10am to 6pm, £4.50, children free Marquees and outside stalls form a delightful “village” on the sweeping lawns. There are a huge range of crafts, with many exhibitors giving fascinating demonstrations of their skills. Beaulieu BoatJumble, 27 April 2014 Over 1,000 stands Beaulieu’s 34th annual BoatJumble, the largest outdoor sale of boating bits in Europe. Tickets £9.20 (adult) and £7.00 (child). Advance ticket discounts: 01590 612888 or visit www.beaulieushop.co.uk
Promo leaflet_Smaller 13/03/2014 10:03 Page 1
Copacabana Directed by Duncan Trew
Music and passion were always the fashion...
21 - 24 May 7.30pm (Sat Matinee 2.30pm) Barrington Theatre, Ferndown Copacabana follows the story of Lola, who has ambitions of fame and fortune and turns up at the World-famous Copacabana nightclub. But what’s in store for Lola and her new found love Tony? Will Rico triumph in his quest for love and glory?
£12 Adults - £10 Over 65’s - £8 Child
www.phoenixmusicalsociety.co.uk
Copacabana comes to Dorset!
May 21 to 24, Ferndown On the day that singing and songwriting legend Barry Manilow arrives at the Rose Bowl in Southampton to perform one of his very rare UK gigs, Ferndown Phoenix Musical Society will be performing his stage show ‘Copacabana’ at the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown.
The show promises to be a lively affair with Manilow’s iconic song ‘Copacabana’ featuring. The entire musical score is written by Manilow and although many of the songs will be unfamiliar to some, it’s likely that they will all seem to be strangely familiar, which is tribute to Manilow’s talent as a songwriter. He writes catchy tunes, that you think you must have heard somewhere before! The show centres around the Copacabana nightclub based in post-war New York and features the characters of the famous Copabana song. Those familiar with the song, will recognise the names of Lola (she was a showgirl), Tony (he tended the bar) & Rico (he wore a diamond). Few will be familiar with the story of the show, although it featured in the West End at the Prince of Wales Theatre from 1994 to 1996. The storyline is an intriguing one and will keep the audience guessing right up until the end. Will Lola find true happiness? Will Tony turnout to be the hero or will Rico triumph? Will the world-famous Copacabana nightclub survive the ultimate threat to its very existence? So, if you haven’t managed to get tickets to see Manilow himself, there’s always the next best thing – his musical! Tickets available from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/phoenix or by calling: 01202 692036 www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Hampshire Country Fair, Netley Marsh, SO40 7GY 4 & 5 May 2014 2-day event and includes, Arena Entertainment, Falconry Village, Dog Zone, Equestrian, Target Field Sports, Chainsaw Carving, Craft Village, Regional produce, Angling, Childrens Entertaiment and other attractions. South Coast Fashion Week, BIC Windsor Hall, Bournemouth 9-11 May 2014, 10am - 4.30pm daily Runway shows, dance extravaganzas, live music and guest appearances. Designer collections, Best in High Street and Graduate Previews on the main stage in the Windsor Hall. Christchurch Food & Wine Festival, 10 & 11 May 2014 Now seen as one of the best Food Festivals in the UK, it has attracted a number of celebrity chefs over the years. Round the Island Race, 21 June 2014 Largest of its kind in the world with professional and amateur sailors battling to be first around the Isle of Wight.
Life Begins 37
Shows and Events coming soon... entertainment
Here’s our pick of upcoming events happening at a venue near you soon...
March 25-29
Matthew Bournes Swan Lake
Mayflower
26
The Bootleg Beatles in concert
Bournemouth Pavilion
26
Pride and Prejudice
Kings Theatre Portsmouth
8-27
Somewhere Under the Sea Exhibition
L’Artishe Gallery Swanage
27
Alan Titchmarsh
Forest Arts Centre, New Milton
28
Toyah Wilcox
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
29
Sherlock Holmes
Highcliffe Castle
29 - 1 Apr
Easter Egg Trail at Corfe Caste
Corfe Castle
30
Best of Dorset Show
Weymouth Pavilion
3
Joe Brown in concert
Bournemouth Pavilion
3-5
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Regent Centre, Christchurch
5
Stars of Strictly 2014
Kings Theatre Portsmouth
5
Russell Watson in concert
BIC
5
Sing-A-Long-A-Grease
Poole Lighthouse
9
La Boheme
Bournemouth Pavilion
April
38
9
Foreigner
Portsmouth Guildhall
10
ELO Experience
Kings Theatre Portsmouth
10
World War One Walk
Brownsea Island
11
Meat Loaf & Blues Bros Tribute Night
Holme Nurseries, Wareham
11
Russell Howard
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
11
T-Rextasy
Bournemouth Pavilion
12
War Horse
Electric Palace Bridport
12
BSO Concert Season
Bournemouth Pavilion
13
Frank Skinner
BIC
13
Suggs
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
13
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
O2 Academy
15
Susan Boyle in concert
Bournemouth Pavilion
17
Tribute to Johnny Cash
Weymouth Pavilion
18
BSO - CPE Bach St John passion
Regent Centre, Christchurch
19
The Ken Dodd happiness show
Bournemouth Pavilion
19-21
Easter Craft and Garden Fair
Somerley House, Ringwood
20
That’ll be the day
Bournemouth Pavilion
20
Hamlet
Kings Theatre Portsmouth
23
There’ll always be an england
Bournemouth Pavilion
23
The Addams Family
Kings Theatre Portsmouth
25
The Ukulele Orchestra of great britain
Poole Lighthouse
26
Vienna Festival Ballet: Swan Lake
Electric Palace Bridport
27
A night of queen
Regent Centre, Christchurch
27
Beaulieu BoatJumble
Beaulieu
28 Apr-1 May
The invisible woman
Regent Centre, Christchurch
30
The solid silver 60s show
Bournemouth Pavilion
Life Begins
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
...
entertainment May 1
The Fureys
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
3
Lets hang on
Bournemouth Pavilion
4-5
Hampshire Country Fair
Netley Marsh
5-10
Dreamboats and Petticoats
Bournemouth Pavilion
6
Daniel O’Donnell
Portsmouth Guildhall
8
Frank Skinner
Portsmouth Guildhall
8
Brian Conley
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
9-11
South Coast Fashion Week
BIC
10
Met Opera - La Cenerentola
Regent Centre, Christchurch
10-11
Christchurch food and wine Festival
Christchurch
10
Hot Flush! - The Musical (lesley joseph)
Poole Lighthouse
15
Paul Hollywood
Portsmouth Guildhall
15
Elvis Presley - on stage
BIC Windsor
15
Cliff Richard - We Say Yeah
Kings Theatre Portsmouth
16
Don Williams in concert
BIC Windsor
17
Dino starring Ricci Martin
Bournemouth Pavilion
19
Dino starring Ricci Martin
Portsmouth Guildhall
17-18 AutoJumble
Beaulieu
17 May-7 Sept
Selfridge, shopping king of Highcliffe Castle
18
The day the music died
Regent Centre, Christchurch
24
Michael Bolton
BIC
Highcliffe Castle
24-26
Wheels Festival
Bournemouth Pier/Town Centre
24
Money for nothing
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
24
BSO Concert Season
Bournemouth Pavilion
24-26
Spring Craft and Garden Fair
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne
25
Classic cars on the prom
Highcliffe Castle
29
Psychic Sally: on the road
Bournemouth Pavilion
30
Graham Parker & The Rumour
o2 Academy
30
Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival
Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
31
The Supersonic 70s show
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
1
An Evening with Julie Andrews
BIC
1
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
4
Much Ado About Nothing
The Mowlem Theatre Swanage
5
Judie Tzuke
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
5
Elvis - starring Mark Anthony
Kings Theatre Portsmouth
6
Fairport Convention
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
12
Carnaby Street - The Concert
Bournemouth Pavilion
12-15
Isle of Wight Festival
Isle of Wight
12
Steve Knightly
Wareham Music Festival, Corn Exchange
13
Abbamania
Kings Theatre Portsmouth
14
Los Endos
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
19-21
Thriller Live
Bournemouth Pavilion
20-29
Bournemouth Food & Drink Festival
Town Centre
22
The Glen Miller Orchestra
Bournemouth Pavilion
29
An evening with stars from ‘Strictly’
Bournemouth Pavilion
10-28
Dirty Dancing
Mayflower
June
Kings Theatre Portsmouth
Dates and venues correct at time of going to press, but you are advised to check with venues prior to travelling. www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Life Begins 39
Gown
& Out
Now that the curtain’s come down on awards season, revel in the red carpets’ unforgettable fashion moments. Lisa Haynes looks at this year’s leading ladies.
A
nd the award for Best Dressed goes to... There’s no official style accolade for winners on the red carpet, but you wouldn’t know it with the amount of column inches the awards season spectacle racks up. Now that the Oscars’ prestigious red carpet has been rolled away, it’s time to reflect on the sartorial starring roles. Step forward Lupita Nyong’o, who was little known before she wowed at the Golden Globes in a dramatic red caped dress and was crowned style superhero overnight. Other more established actresses, like Julia Roberts and Emma Watson, courted controversy with avant-garde looks that divided fashion critics into love or hate camps. Choose your favourite frock trend and channel your inner A-lister.
Red Alert
Metallic Maiden
Black ‘n’ Blue
Stylists ripped up the memo about avoiding red and clashing with the carpet this year. There were matchymatchy moments aplenty, as scarlet proved to be ‘the’ statement colour.
Channelling the famous Oscar statuette, a number of actresses opted for shiny metallics. These weren’t brash gold or silver but pale, shimmering hues that dazzled under the paparazzi flashbulbs.
The no-frills option on the red carpets championed sleek sophistication. Simple silhouettes came in opulent midnight tones, ranging from sapphire blue to blackest black.
Lupita Nyong’o was one of the first to arrive at the Golden Globe Awards but she made quite the entrance in an off-the-shoulder Ralph Lauren caped dress. The bold red and strong silhouette prompted every design house to instantly fall at her feet. Jennifer Lawrence made a different impression, tripping twice on the Oscars red carpet in her Christian Dior Couture gown. After composing herself, she looked statuesque in her simple, strapless red dress, punctuated with peplum detailing at the waist. Singer Taylor Swift opted for retro red at the Golden Globes in a Carolina Herrera gown. The classic dress featured a black bodice and tumbling cherry-coloured ballgown skirt.
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Life Begins
Cate Blanchett accepted her Best Actress award at the Oscars (and many fashion editors’ Best Dressed) in embellished Armani Prive. The soft gold gown was scattered with so many appliqued sequins, Blanchett admitted it felt “heavy”.
Amy Adams balanced the contemporary cut of her Antonio Berardi dress with a retro bob at the SAG Awards. Her figure-hugging blue dress played on a statement decolletage, featuring a shoulder cut-out and architectural neckline.
Kate Hudson also topped Oscars best dressed lists in an Atelier Versace statement maker. The beaded gown featured a deep plunge, shoulder pads, cape and a train in a pale silver hue.
Sandra Bullock’s navy Alexander McQueen Oscars dress was all about restrained elegance. Even the jewellery was stripped back to accentuate the strapless sweetheart neckline and draping.
Why wear jewellery when it can be built into your dress? Naomi Watts shone in multi-metallics at the Golden Globes. Her shimmering silver Tom Ford dress featured a gold chain halterneck for built-in bling.
Proving black will always be in vogue, Charlize Theron wowed at the Oscars in a Dior Couture gown. The sheer straps created a ‘floating’ dress effect, emphasised by the dramatic, sheer train.
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Photo: Jordan Strauss
Photo: Paul A Herbert
Photo: Jordan Strauss
Photo: Jordan Strauss
fashion
Left to right: Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior Couture, Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive, Amy Adams in Antonio Berardi, Julia Roberts in Dolce & Gabbana, Lupita Nyong’o in Prada, Lupita Nyong’o in Ralph Lauren, Angelina Jolie in Saint Laurent and Charlize Theron in Christian Dior Couture.
Act out your own Oscar winning moment in these elegant, but not too extravagant, gowns.
Coast’s Lauder Jersey Maxi Dress, £175 (www.coast-stores.com)
Some outfits required a double take to suss out the construction. Hybrid ensembles pushed the red carpet boundaries of the fail-safe long-gown-and-heels equation.
Also proving her style bravery, Emma Watson divided opinion in a game changing Christian Dior Couture double act. Her open-back red dress, complete with thighhigh split revealed black cropped trousers that proved to be the Marmite look of the Golden Globes.
ASOS Black Embroidered Maxi Dress with open back. £150 (www.asos.com)
Stand Out How to stand out in a sea of gowns? Make like Angelina Jolie at the Baftas and wear a mannish tux and bow tie. Her Saint Laurent black blazer and pants not only matched each other, but her partner Brad Pitt, for the ultimate in red carpet co-ordination.
Photo: Jordan Strauss
Get the look
Avant-garde Glamour
Julia Roberts led the way wearing a white shirt and black dress Dolce & Gabbana combo at the Golden Globes. The unconventional streak continued at the SAG Awards with the actress sporting a pink wide-leg Valentino jumpsuit.
Photo: Ian West
Photo: Jordan Strauss
Photo: Ian West
Photo: Jordan Strauss
fashion
Coast’s Goddess Maxi Dress, £160 (www.coast-stores.com).
www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Jenny Packham’s Rose Gold Natural Sequin Maxi Dress, £225 from Debenhams
Life Begins 41
gardening
Tips on how gardeners can revive their waterlogged lawns and bring them back to their former glory - plus, find out what else needs doing in the garden this week.
After the flood has gone… by Hannah Stephenson
I
f the recent deluge of rain means your luscious, closely-cropped carpet of green is now nothing but a soggy bog, you might be feeling a bit downhearted. But don’t despair, say the experts, there is still hope for your languishing lawn.
Guy Jenkins, Johnsons lawn seed expert, firstly advises to just give it time. “Don’t rush to work on your lawn as soon as the water has subsided,” he says. “Treading on wet, saturated soil will easily result in compaction, reducing your lawn’s aeration and drainage even further. Only sow seed after the ground has become workable again.”
“
Sometimes though, the only real option is to start again; if your lawn suffers from consistent waterlogging, or is covered in moss or has bare, muddy patches. Jenkins says sorting out a proper drainage system and sowing trusted grass seed will save you time and money later. On a poorly drained site where water lies on the surface at times, land drains are the only solution. If in doubt, seek professional advice.
In urban areas, water flows over pavements and patios, with the extra surface runoff resulting in flooding. Simply by keeping a wellmaintained lawn and providing somewhere for water to drain away, we can all do our bit to prevent flood damage.
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Life Begins
When water simply won’t drain away. The RHS advises that you may have to replace the lawn with a new one, using turf laid on a 5cm (2in) bed of sharp sand, overlaid with topsoil improved by generous manuring and thorough cultivation. Smaller lawns on heavy clay soil can frequently be drained by raising them slightly above the adjoining ground level. A gravel edging to the lawn will carry away excess moisture. When a lawn lies wet for any length of time. Damp conditions encourage algae, lichens and liverworts. This includes bubble-like Nostoc algae and dog lichen. They both flourish in badly-drained lawns but can develop wherever the aeration is poor and may even appear on well-drained turf if the surface has become compacted and is inclined to remain damp after rain. Algae also thrives in shaded conditions and where soil fertility is poor, so it’s frequently found on turf beneath trees. Moss is a common sight where conditions are damp, but particularly if there is shade and an acid soil.
Pricking or slitting the surface can improve a waterlogged lawn. The RHS adds. Try making 2-3cm (1in) slits or holes, although deeper spiking is better, especially with a tool designed to leave holes 10-15cm (4-6in) deep. These holes can be filled with a freedraining material, such as proprietary lawn top dressings or horticultural sand, which will allow the water to flow from the surface to deeper, less compacted layers. Hand spiking tools are available but an ordinary garden fork can be used too. Alternatively, for larger lawns, use powered tools. Try a hollow tiner, which has hollow spikes and removes plugs of soil that are then swept up and removed. Pricking and slitting are best carried out once the excess water has drained away, especially where machinery is to be used. In small areas where standing water persists, sweep it off the lawn and into the beds before spiking with a hand spiking tool or garden fork.
Once you’ve cleared the latest mess. It is also important to consider the root of the problem and hopefully prevent it happening again. For example, do you live in an urban area, at the bottom of a valley or flood plain, or on top of heavy clay? “All of these factors can affect how your lawn copes with excess rainfall,” says Jenkins. “In urban areas, water flows over pavements and patios, with the extra surface run-off resulting in flooding. Simply by keeping a well-maintained lawn and providing somewhere for water to drain away, we can all do our bit to prevent flood damage.” If you plan to sow a new lawn this spring, raking soil over to form a fairly fine tilth should ensure optimum germination rates, but only do it when the soil is dry enough to work.
Heavy rain washes nutrients out of the soil. So to help encourage new grass, apply a lawn fertiliser or buy grass seed which includes fertiliser or dressing, so that it can grow more extensive root systems better able to withstand drought and flooding. www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
gardening Our gardening features are sponsored by
Water is precious, please use it wisely
WILLS AND LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY
Best of the bunch Forsythia The forsythia is always a welcome sight in spring, its bright yellow tubular flowers appearing on long stemmed branches before the leaves. These deciduous shrubs, which make good hedging or sit easily among other plants in shrub borders, will grow in moist but welldrained soil in sun or partial shade and should be pruned after flowering as they usually flower on the previous year’s growth. Pruning immediately after flowering allows the maximum time for development of young growth to provide the following year’s flowers before the end of summer. Early blooming shrubs like flowering quince make good companions as they offset the forsythia’s bright yellow blooms. Other plants that co-exist well with forsythia are vines such as purple wisteria, which blooms after the forsythia, providing more colour for a longer period. Good varieties of forsythia include ‘Lynwood Gold’, ‘New Hampshire Gold’, ‘Kusma’ and ‘Golden Bell’.
Everyone should have a lasting power of attorney (LPA) and a Will. An LPA allows someone to choose who would look after their financial affairs during their lifetime if they could no longer do it for themselves. A Will allows someone to choose who will administer and inherit their estate when they pass away. The Wills and Probate team at Allens Solicitors are happy to help answer questions on Wills and LPA’s. Visit us at www.allens-law.co.uk or call 02392 822411 Address: Pendower House, Cumberland Business Centre, Northumberland Road, Southsea, PO5 1DS Also at: No 7 Winchester Street, Botley, Southampton, SO30 2EB
Sunday 23rd March 2014 10am - 4pm Village Hotel ( Opposite Bmth Hospital )
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Life Begins 43
motoring
Clean, mean
Swedish driving machine by Matt Joy
The last few years have been interesting for Volvo. From being part of the mighty Ford empire to being snapped up by a Chinese corporation, the Swedish car maker has been forced to become more agile and independent in an increasingly crowded market.
delivering a smooth, rattle-free performance. To complement the new engine range Volvo has introduced a new six-speed manual and eight-speed auto gearbox option. The former is much improved over its predecessor, with the latter proving pleasingly responsive and predictable in a range of driving environments.
The notion of independence has included developing more of its own technology and engines since it cut the cord with Ford, and although these things take time, it’s now that we can see the fruits of its labours. Focusing on their consumers increasingly important issues of emissions and economy, Volvo’s decision to go down the four-cylinder diesel route isn’t surprising.
Whilst these engineering changes are a big deal, the rest of the S60 has remained the same as before. Far from being a bad thing, the car’s soft curves, practical saloon shape and driver-friendly cabin help set it apart from its often more clinical rivals.
Its promise of the usually unobtainable high power and reduced noise combination, however, is. These new in-house developed and produced turbo diesel engines promise to give the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes a few sleepless nights - exactly the brands Volvo seeks to challenge. On the road the S60 delivers a refi ned, quiet and polished driving experience that’s on par with the best Germany has to offer. Fitted to the firm’s fleet-friendly S60 saloon, the new 2.0-litre D4 motor boasts 181 horsepower and, crucially, emits only 99g/ km CO2 plus offers a combined economy figure of 74.3mpg. Impressive stuff, but surely there’s a trade-off somewhere? You might think that Volvo’s decision to base its future on four-cylinder engines is a risky one, but the reality is very different. Clever engineering and the desire to simplify its line-up has resulted in a package that’s equal to, and in many cases better than, the competition. The Volvo engineers’ efforts to banish unnecessary noise and vibration from the cabin has been successful, with the car
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And if you’re keen to stick with the business user theme for the D4-powered S60, the generous level of standard equipment, plush interior and practical cabin and boot space should take the edge of those long, dull motorway journeys. All in all, the updates to the range have done a great job of boosting the S60’s appeal, vitally important if the car is to compete head on with the more established competition.
Facts at a Glance Model:
Volvo S60 D4 SE Nav, from £29,395 on the road.
Engine:
2.0-litre diesel unit developing 181bhp.
Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels. Performance:
Maximum speed 143mph, 0-62mph 6.9 seconds.
Economy:
74.3mpg.
CO2 Rating:
99g/km.
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motoring
The hottest news from the world of motoring
New
Micra This week: New high-end people carrier from Mercedes due in 2015. Mercedes has unveiled a replacement for its popular executive hire workhorse, the Viano. The new V-Class - a name first used in 1996 - promises to be more car like in looks and on-road behaviour than its predecessor, while cabin ambience is closer to that of executive saloon than high-end minibus. Expected to appear in the UK next March, the V-Class will be available in two cabin sizes, and buyers will have the choice of six or eight seats. Diesel is the fuel of choice for the V-Class, while safety and standard equipment levels are said to be on a par with that of Mercedes’s current saloon line-up.
gets the Limited Edition treatment
Hot on the heels of launching its latest generation Qashqai, Nissan is shining the spotlight on its Micra supermini. The Japanese car maker has announced a new special version of its Micra - called the Limited Edition. Based on the mid-range Acenta model, it features a host of visual changes to boost the recently revised and updated supermini. Externally the Limited Edition Micra features a contrasting roof colour together with interior and exterior detailing. Buyers can choose from three exterior paint options. On the inside the roof colour is echoed on the air vents and lower part of the gearshift column together with coloured mats. The Limited Edition New Micra comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, roof spoiler and is priced from £12,300.
Hunt’s Famous Hesketh 308 goes under the hammer in Monaco Sale It’s time to raid the piggy bank as prestigious auction house RM is to stage it’s exclusive biennial Monaco sale in the principality from May 9-10 2014. Timing the sale to coincide with the annual historic racing festival, one particular lot is expected to generate a considerable amount of interest. On the back of the hit Formula One film Rush, RM’s sale of James Hunt’s 1974 Hesketh Racing 308 race car is a timely one. Only four Hesketh 308 chassis were built, of which the car being offered for sale, chassis no. 308-1, made its debut appearance at the 1974 Brands Hatch Race of Champions. Hunt placed the car on pole position, but spun off and retired on lap four. Later that year Hunt secured pole position and the win at the International Trophy race at Silverstone in the very same car. In today’s market the car is estimated to fetch between £245,000 and £400,000. www.lifebeginsmagazine.com
Life Begins 45
money
An Age~Old
Problem By Vicky Shaw
A new probe has been announced into the retirement annuities market, after the City regulator found it’s not working well for consumers.
An annuity is a one-off purchase that many people - around 420,000 a year - will make when they are approaching retirement. When you buy one, the money you’ve built up in your pension savings is converted into a yearly income, normally lasting for the rest of your life. Obviously, it’s important to get such a ‘once in a lifetime’ right; but the new findings by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) suggest that many people are not. Part of the reason is that there’s a tendency when people are buying annuities to stick with their existing pension provider, rather than looking elsewhere where you might find a better rate. The FCA found around eight out of 10 people who had stuck with their existing pension provider to buy an annuity could have been better off by shopping around and switching. On average, the benefit of switching would equate to someone having saved an extra £1,500 into their pension before they retired.
So why don’t more people switch? Well, it could be that the wide array of annuity products available leave the customer feeling confused. Some provide for you alone while others will help you to provide for a loved one. There are also annuity products that cater for people with ill health, such as smokers, and these can often provider higher incomes as the person is expected to have a shorter lifespan. Martyn James, spokesman for the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) says picking the right annuity “can feel like a minefield”. With the baffling terms and conditions often used, “it’s inevitable that people rely heavily on the advice they get from big business. “We’d like people to feel empowered to speak up if they don’t understand what they’re getting into.” The service wants to see providers doing more to explain to people “in plain English” exactly what an annuity is and how it works. Ros Altmann, an independent pensions expert and a former Downing Street adviser, adds that even when people do try switching to a different provider to buy an annuity, they often end up being put off by red tape. “Reams of paperwork, full of jargon means that most ordinary people have no hope of really understanding the complexities of annuities, buying from their existing provider is far faster, easier and saves much form-filling and chasing up of information.”
It can feel like you’re gazing into a crystal ball, trying to make judgments about things that haven’t happened yet, possibly for decades to come. Current investigations support the idea that many of us are unprepared for the “range and complexity” of the decisions we’ll need to make when we retire. But try not to despair; like most financial decisions, with some patience, research - and hopefully a shakeup of the annuity industry - you can reach the right decision for you and your future.
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