EDITION 30
Retired SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
& living in Bedfordshire & Milton Keynes
LYNDA BELLINGHAM
WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET WITH THIS CALENDAR GIRL
INSIDE LEISURE MADRID - THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF ART DOOR TO DOOR COACH AND AIR HOLIDAYS 2011 FROM DRURY HOLIDAYS
HEALTH THE DILNOT REPORT THE MOST AMBITIOUS REPORT INTO LONG TERM CARE SINCE 1999 SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH A DEMENTIA FROM THE ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY
HOME SIMPLE TIPS TO TRANSFORM ANY ROOM
RICK STEIN
SHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
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ake one
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Discover the Marston Vale Line! Bedford - Bletchley by rail, the scenic route The Marston Vale Line between Bedford and Bletchley offers an opportunity to view some wonderful countryside at your leisure and there is plenty of history along the way. In Bedford take a walk along the River Great Ouse or discover its wide range of shops. In the heart of Bedford there is the John Bunyan Museum and also fantastic markets most days of the week. The John Bunyan Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday until 29th October 2011. Free entry. Groups are welcome throughout the open and closed season by prior arrangement, tours can be daytime or evening and a range of refreshments can be organised. Millbrook is the ideal place to explore the spectacular Millenium County Park at the heart of the Forest of Marston Vale. It’s a pleasant walk or cycle ride on surfaced paths to the Forest Centre with it’s superb shop and restaurant. Cycles can be hired from here to explore the Forest or the nearby Route 51 of the National Cycle Network. Woburn Sands is an attractive town with two large garden centres a short walk from the station. There are regular bus services from the station to Woburn, a magnificent Georgian Village packed with antique shops, cafés and restaurants. There is also a Heritage Centre in the former church of St. Mary’s and Woburn Abbey a little further afield. The Grand Union Canal passes through Fenny Stratford, also the home of MK Dons FC. Bletchley, at the other end of the Marston Vale Line, is a real enigma, but with Bletchley Park on the doorstep of the station you will easily break the code! Change trains at Bletchley for the short journey to the new city of Milton Keynes where there is a wealth of shops and attractions, including some impressive urban park lands, interesting architecture and sculptures. Also change at Bletchley for the short journey to Leighton Buzzard, a traditional market town with a large number of independent shops.
Bedfordshire concessiona ry travel pass holders trave l at half price!
The Line has an exciting programme of events and activities throughout the year. Be the first to receive details by signing up to our FREE e-bulletin; simply e-mail stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk to sign up. GroupS Up to 4 ave Ticket ad New for 2011 price o ults for the f 2 (off Marston Vale Railway Walks Guide pe plus up to 4 ch ak) A series of seven walks suitable for all abilities ildre for only £1 eac n through beautiful countryside, each h Under 5s go fr . starting and finishing at a Marston ee Vale Line station. Contact us for your FREE copy.
e Forest Centr Offer!
coffee & a 10% off tea, e piece of cak
01234 832645
BEDFORD BEDFORD St Johns
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30th m 1st April Offer valid fro tion uc od pr 11 on September 20 for Stewartby t ke of a valid tic stations. One or Millbrook purchase ed nt ou disc on. rs pe per
For further information please contact: Stephen Sleight Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity The Old School, Cardington, Bedford MK44 3SX.
Bletchley ! Park Offerton Vale
rg.uk hleypark.o www.bletc 04 04 64 01908 lid ion of a va On product ject b su s er ff ticket. O to change.
MILTON KEYNES Central
E-mail stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk Web: www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk Train Operator London Midland Tel. 0845 602 4277 www.londonmidland.com.
BLETCHLEY LEIGHTON BUZZARD LONDON
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CONTENTS
Welcome to Retired Magazine 28-29
26-27 4-5 8-9
18-19 Dear Reader Welcome to the latest local Retired magazine which we hope you will sit back and enjoy at your leisure. Our journalists Angela Kelly, Graham Smith and Sheila Alcock are continuing to keep you well informed with their celebrity interviews and up to date household tips. We know you will also be left with a smile on your face after reading Graham’s observations on life! If you know of an event which would beneďŹ t from free publicity please feel free to let us know and we can consider including it in our next issue.
TRAVEL & LEISURE
We specialise in: l l l l
l l l l
Matrimonial & Family Finance & Children Legal Aid Residential Conveyancing with case tracking facilities Wills & Probate Court of Protection Lasting Powers of Attorney Variable private rates available
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4-5
Madrid Charming, cultural & thrilling.
8-9
Getting the most from your holiday Rejuvenate and re-charge the body batteries.
REGULARS 12
Graham Smith Twittering on.
26-27 Interview Lynda Bellingham talks to Retired.
HEALTH 28-29 The Dilnot Report The Most Ambitious Report into Long Term Care since 1999.
McGrath Media. Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG. T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594 e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com
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Madrid
The European Capital Of Art
Madrid possesses a wealth of cultural attractions and is a thrilling city with theatre shows, opera, dancing and countless other forms of nightlife. You will also find other exciting places to go for a night to remember. Madrid has long laid claim to the title of “European Capital of Art”. It has a number of museums and galleries housing some of the finest classics from Goya, Velásquez, El Greco and many more.
Museo del Prado is a fine museum of paintings set in a stunning 18th century neoclassical building. Worth visiting even if you have only a passing interest in art and must see works include Velásquez’s Las Meninas, widely considered to be the finest painting in the world and Goyas Majas and Pinturas Negras (dark paintings). There are usually a number of local artists outside selling interesting pieces. Centro Nacional de Arte Reina Sofía is second in size only to the Pompidou in Europe, this modern art museum showcases 20th century Spanish creations, including Picasso’s famous anti-war masterpiece – Guernica. I started on the top floor which has pencil drawings and sketches for Guernica before going downstairs to appreciate the magnificence of it for real. Casa de Campo, known as the “lungs of Madrid”, has plenty of space to get lost in its 4,000 acre park, which was only opened to the public in 1931 after previously serving as a royal hunting estate. As well as countless walks, it boasts a boating lake, an open air pool (mid June - September, 10.30am-8pm), a zoo and a theme park.
TRAVEL
DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT… ...visiting the Parque del Oeste, one of the city’s lesser known spaces, this park offers the perfect spot for a tranquil shady walk beneath mature trees. Overlooked in the summer by the lively terrazas on Paseo del Pintor Rosales, it is also an ideal way of connecting to Casa de Campo by cable car which runs high over the river and offers stunning views of the city. Madrid airport is 9km from the centre and Exprés Aeropuerto (Airport Express) is a 24-hour service which has only 3 stops after the airport: O’Donell, Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha. The buses run every 15 minutes during the day and every 35 minutes at night, and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Tickets can be bought on board. There are taxi ranks in front of the arrivals lounges of all three terminals at Madrid airport. A taxi to/from the airport to/from central Madrid should cost around e20 though taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging recent arrivals! Check that the meter is set at zero when you get in and that it begins the journey at the official minimum fare - currently €2.05.
Climate: The climate of Madrid is dry, warm and pleasant. It’s high altitude and proximity to mountains causes some wide variations in winter and summer temperatures. In summer the heat at midday can be intense, with pleasantly cool evenings. Winters, by contrast, bring temperatures dropping to just below freezing. Rain in Madrid is a rarity, with a short rainy season in late October and some showers in spring. Plaza de Santa Ana, a small central square has strong literary connections and is the recommended spot for sundowners and tapas at the end of a day’s sightseeing. Madrid has a rich football history and the Madrileños live and breathe it. It is home to two 1st division sides, Real Madrid and Athlético Madrid. The main draw is Real who play at the 75,000 capacity Santiago Bernabeau stadium. A tour is available on non-match days between Tue-Sun, 10.30am-8.30pm. Getting to see matches is difficult if they are playing their great rivals Barcelona or one of the Madrid teams but otherwise tickets are generally available, although be prepared to queue! Madrid is not without its romantic side. As the new home of Flamenco, Madrid is alive with music and passion. The many stunning parks and gardens provide tranquil spots to stroll and the numerous quaint little tapas bars offer a warming ambience all year round.
Language:
Spanish and although English is spoken widely, the locals always appreciate your small efforts to communicate in their language.
Currency: Euro (EUR) €
Drury holidays UK & Continental Tours * Private Hire * Corporate
Door to Door Coach and Air Holidays 2011 5 DAYS
£285
28th Nov - 2nd Dec 2011
Turkey & Tinsel Weymouth Turkey & Tinsel, don’t miss out on this super offer! We still have a few seats available. Where There’s Brass, South Yorkshire
16 September
5 days
£270
per person
Mystery Weekend
14 October
3 days
£135
per person
Turkey and Tinsel, Weymouth
28 November
5 days
£285
per person
Christmas in the Lake District
23 December
5 days
£455
per person
Please contact us for your free brochure and more information on all listed Tours
www.druryholidays.co.uk
in a g r Ba ks B re a 1 201
01234 711318 Drury
Door to Door pick up Area Wellingborough Northampton Stoke Goldington
Olney Oakley Newport Pagnell
Stony Stratford
Wolverton Milton Keynes
Established 1959
Alan Drury
Bromham
A5 Bletchley
Marston Moretain Woburn Sands
Drury Holidays is a well established, family run, holiday and coach company based in Emberton, Bucks. Set up over 50 years ago by Alan Drury, the company is now in the very capable hands of Alan’s son Mike. The company philosophy has always been to offer the very best levels of Customer Service. Our staff have all been hand picked and have many years experience in the touring industry. Our 2011 programme includes a wide range of tours in the UK and the Continent, representing great value for money. For your comfort, our tour coaches are air-conditioned and fitted with reclining seats. Toilet and washroom facilities come as standard and hot and cold drinks are also available. For more information on all our holidays and day trips, and to obtain your free copy of our new 2012 brochure which will be available this October. Call us on: 01234 711318
Where There’s Brass South Yorkshire
5 DAYS
£270
16th - 20th
September 2011
Two wonderfully evocative and varied tours blending fascinating folk history and culture with stunning scenery. Not to be missed! Seats available on both tours, call for details.
5 DAYS
£455 23rd - 27th
December 2011
Christmas in the Lake District *OUR STAR HOLIDAYS FOR 2012* Please call for information and prices NORFOLK
16 April
4 days
TIVERTON
17 May
5 days
ISLE of WHITE
02 July
5 days
MOSEL VALLEY GERMANY
05 August
6 days
ISLE of MAN
07 October
6 days
‘PLEASE CALL FOR ALL DAY TRIP DETAILS AND PRICES’
NEW for
2012
Getting the most WIN from your holiday ...
Eastbourne & Sussex Coast
• Admire the Sussex Coast • Explore the wonderful South Downs • Visit charming Arundel 5 DAYS Dep: Jun 14 • Jul 19 • Aug 16
WAS
£299
NOW
£229
Take a look at our full range of 2010/2011 brochures…
Weston-super-Mare & Longleat
• Visit majestic Longleat House • Explore the awe-inspiring Cheddar Gorge 5 DAYS Dep: Jul 19 • Aug 9
a Weekend Break for 2!
For your chance to WIN a Weekend Break for 2, staying in a Shearings hotel, simply answer the question below and fill in the entry form below:
HOLIDAYS provide that get-away-from-it-all feeling that we all need at some time of the year simply as a change from normal routine. How many hotels do Shearings own? WAS £329 NOW £279
us and re-charge the “body • Journeybatteries” on the West Highland thatLine create the spark that keeps us going • Take in the views of Loch Lomond for Glasgow the rest of the year. But making the right choices • Visit bustling 5 DAYS for your holiday – and following some simple rules Dep: Jul 12, 26 • Aug 2 beforehand - becomes far more important when WAS £299 NOWolder £249 we get and are less prepared to go on largely unplanned trips which seemed so exciting when we Great Yarmouth & Norfolkwere Broadsyounger.
Order your copies decide whether today! £359 you want to stay in the UK or not. Holidays in the UK can vary from popular seaside
• Enjoy the Norfolk Broads • East Anglia’s transport museum Today, the holiday market, at home or further afield, • Explore historic Norwich 8 DAYS offers a mass of choices and plenty of potential Dep: Jul 3value. • Aug 7, 21 • Sep 4 best way to start your planning is to So the
WAS
£439
NOW
rogramme and sightseeing excursions.
A: 48 B: 49 C: 50
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offers from Shearings Holidays please tick here resorts to sleepy villages, and from hotels bristling “And if you want a bit of peace and quiet on your with activities to remote country cottages with only Holidays are operated by Shearings Holidays Ltd and are subject to availability, amendment holiday, don’t choose a hotel that’s geared up for the wildlife for company. charges and terms and conditions of Shearings Holidays Trading Charter. 2.5% handling fee om quoting NRL022 applies to credit card transactions. Prices are per person, per stay based on two people families. Fortunately, there are plenty of adult-only sharing a standard room. Insurance is not included. Additional supplements may apply. All if you want to go outside well, as between Arthur quotingAnd NRL022 prices arethe valid onUK, new bookings only made 24/05/2010 – 30/06/2010 and cannot properties now on offer throughout the world.” be used in conjunction with any other offer. Details are correct at time of going to press. Prices Daley graphically put it “the world lobster!” will be confirmed atis the your time of booking. Shearings Holidays reserve the right to withdraw any ent offers and prices at any time and without prior notice. Selecting exactly the right destination and Decide first of all exactly what you want from accommodation becomes even more important your holiday because that will influence both the if you have health and/or mobility problems. “Is destination and the type of accommodation you the resort flat or is it going to be hilly?” adds choose. Carol Allenby-Carr from Travel Counsellors Carol. “Some hotels may not have easy access for advises being careful about when you travel, too. someone with walking difficulties and you need to “For example, if you want to go to a Mediterranean know about this beforehand.” country and you don’t like it too hot, then don’t go in Escorted coach tours are popular with older people July and August,” she states who prefer everything arranged for them. “There
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Send your completed form back to: Retired and Living in… Competition, Marketing Department, Shearings Holidays, Miry Lane, Wigan, WN3 4AG
Loch Lomond & They Line rejuvenate The Highland
T TRAVEL R A V E L are plenty available,” says Carol, “from a tour around the Scottish Highlands to going through the Canadian Rockies. Cruises have also become very popular with older travellers, with adult-only ships if that’s what you prefer.”
• Whichever organisation you book your holiday with, ensure they’re members of ABTA The Travel Association or the Association of Independent Travel Operators (AITO).
“Plan your holiday right from leaving home to reaching your destination at the other end of your journey,“ advises Carol. “There are lots of services on offer that are aimed at making your travelling experience more comfortable, but one basic is to check luggage allowances beforehand as these vary with airlines.” “If you’re flying and are worried about struggling with bags at the airport, most UK airports now offer a Fast Track service for a small cost where you will be met on arrival at the airport, escorted to the check-in desk and fast-tracked through the queuing process and security.”
If mobility problems prevent you from actually getting to a travel agent, incidentally, there are some – like Travel Counsellors – who come to your home.
Age UK, formerly Age Concern, which runs its own comprehensive holiday service in the UK and Europe offers plenty of useful advice about early planning to make the most from your break, especially if it’s abroad. • Check if there are cultural, language or local laws about alcohol or drugs and keep the local dress code in mind. • The cost of living may be higher in some places than the UK so allow for this, especially if you’re self-catering. • If the holiday involves a different type of activity, prepare ahead. For example, for a sporting holiday you may need to build up your physical fitness. • Decide whether you want to arrange it all yourself or use a travel agent. An independent holiday may be time-consuming to arrange but it may provide exactly what you want. • One helpful way to find holiday information about accessible accommodation and other tourism services for older people and those with disabilities is to contact Tourism For All, a national registered charity. Go to www. tourismforall.org.uk write to: Tourism For All (UK) Holiday Care, c/o Vitalise, Shap Road Industrial Estate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 6NZ or tel 0845 124 9971.
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• If you’re buying over the internet, or flight and accommodation separately elsewhere, ensure that each is covered otherwise you could lose your money. Credit card payment offers some protection. Holiday insurance is vital.
• Make sure your passport is up to date – some countries insist on there being at least six months remaining. If you’re a British citizen and were born on or before September 2, 1929, you are now entitled to a free 10-year passport. Contact the Passport Agency tel 0300 222 0000 or go to www.ips.gov.uk
All airlines also offer airport assistance, like use of a wheelchair or help boarding the aircraft, and if you dislike crowded places you could check in at the executive lounge where for a small fee you can relax with refreshments in a quieter area before boarding your plane.
• To find out about the political stability, health risks etc of a particular country (although not for visa-related inquiries), try the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice helpline tel 0845 850 2829 or go to www.fco.gov.uk
• Any UK company selling package holidays must comply with the Package Travel Regulations 1992 which cover areas like the brochure description and what the contract must contain.
If you’ve got a medical condition and need medication, it’s worth sorting this out at least six weeks before you go. Your GP may also have advice on managing your condition while you’re away, and don’t forget to have any vaccinations you need in good time before you go. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) means you’ll be able to receive necessary healthcare during a visit to a European Economic Area country or Switzerland. And these are individual so you and your partner – or all members of a travelling group – need one each. Get application forms from main post offices, apply online at www.ehic.org.uk or call 0845 606 2030. Leave travel, destination and contact details with someone at home, and ensure you’ve got enough money for your trip. If you have a mobile phone, check with your network provider that it’s enabled for international roaming. Check that your handset will work in the country you’re travelling to, and look at the costs to use it abroad for phone and text messages. Make sure your home is safe and secure by cancelling any milk or newspaper deliveries, that your building and contents’ insurance are up to date and that valuable items like computers and TVs are out of sight. Ask a neighbour to collect your mail, mow your lawn, open and close your curtains and switch lights on and off. If the latter isn’t possible, invest in time switches on your lights. Lock and secure your windows, doors and garden sheds; don’t leave spare keys near the house. Check that the house is free of hazards and blockages in case of bad weather – and have a great holiday! 9
Cruise For the First Time
Cruise holidays continue to be in great demand. An estimated 2m people will take a cruise holiday from the UK this year. Ronnie Findlay, Managing Director of enjoy holidays, a regular on cruise holidays with his family, gives you the tips for those who are new to cruising. If you're new to cruising, looking for cruise tips or cruise advice then read on. A cruise holiday is a unique way to escape from the rigours of everyday life and to explore many different destinations in one of the most relaxing ways imaginable. It offers you an extraordinary variety of activities and entertainment, plus an exceptional quality of dining. And of course, if you simply want to escape, there’s plenty of opportunity to do absolutely nothing at all. Booking a cruise can be like ordering a salad in the States, lot's of choices to make, from dining time to bed configuration, to choice of table size. But by far the most important choice of all is getting the right ship and cruise for your requirements. When booking your first cruise the choices can be daunting and getting it wrong could lead to a disastrous holiday. Make sure you seek out a cruise profession for the best advice!
What type of people go on cruises? The great myth about cruise holidays is that it's just for the older generation. More and more families, couples singles are setting sail on ships that offer a holiday for everyone. Cruising appeals to a wide range of people so there’s a good mix of age groups, families, couples and singles on board. Once again the best advice from the outset is imperative. There are adult only ships, family orientated ships, different classes of ships and the size of ship can matter!
How much luggage can I take? On cruises sailing from and returning to Southampton you can take as many bags as you can fit into your cabin. On fly-cruises you’ll be restricted to the airline’s baggage allowance.
What do I wear? During the day casual wear is ideal with comfortable shoes for exploring ashore. Although cruising isn’t as
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formal as it once was, passengers still love to dress up in the evening. There are three types of evening wear; Smart Casual, Semi-Formal and Formal, however it greatly depends on the cruise line you travel with, the dress codes are usually relative to the type of meal arrangements on board, for example NCL Cruises are Freestyle and have no formal evenings and provide buffet meals.
Is the port at the main destination? Usually yes, but in some countries the ships dock in alternative locations. In these cases, the itinerary lists the port in brackets alongside the destination, e.g Rome (from Civitavecchia). Shore excursions are offered from your ship to your destination, with public transport and taxis available for those wishing to explore independently.
How long do I get at each port? Again this can vary by Cruise line and ship. However, in the majority of destinations you will be able to enjoy a full day ashore. Your ship will usually arrive between 7am and 10 am, departing between 4pm and 6.30pm. A cruise line such as Hurtigruten, operates as a working ship taking Norwegians from port to port thus spend less time at each port. However as the ships are smaller you get the best possible access and cruise to see the wonderful Norwegian Fjords.
Will I be sea sick? For those who haven't cruised before this seems to be the biggest single fear. The vast majority of those customers on their return state most of the time they couldn't even tell they were on a ship. Sea sickness is rare. The shear size of many of these ships makes them stable in all weather conditions. However if you are worried, you can buy tablets that will help. Additionally, ships also contain well-equipped Medical Centres staffed by qualified doctors and nurses 24 hours a day.
So what you waiting for set sail now!
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Graham Smith has a Twitter But is he right or wrong? Health and Safety and Hot Air! Reading the entire collection of Health and Safety rules which dictate our lives today would be a suitable prison sentence for murder. New ones are added daily by some overpaid barmpot in Whitehall and two I came across recently are worthy of mention. In the beautiful Bronte village of Haworth there is an annual event in June to celebrate the 1940s. Everyone and their granny descends on the village, some villagers have been known to move out for the weekend to avoid the crush, and many dress in period costume singing “We’ll Meet Again” increasingly loudly as the local brew takes effect. Until three years ago part of the spectacle was a fly past by retired World War Two aeroplanes, usually a Spitfire, a Hurricane or a Lancaster Bomber. Now these planes are still air worthy after seventy years but some clown in Bradford Council’s Health and Safety asylum decided there was a problem. The Spitfire won the Battle of Britain. Hitler and his army eventually chucked the towel in because they couldn’t down enough of the planes to win. It’s a good job Bradford Council wasn’t on his side or he’d have won. The organisers of the Forties Weekend had to conduct a Health and Safety and feasibility study and here was one of the questions:“What was the likelihood of one of the planes crashing onto the village during the flypast?” Now we don’t see many Fokkers or Messerschmitts over Haworth these days and the Home Guard was disbanded some years ago. The only aerial threat we have is from rooks and the occasional duck with a dicky tummy, which might necessitate wearing a tin helmet on windy days. I think we had the greatest confidence that the pilots would have successfully cleared the village without a mass slaughter of the population, but, no, we couldn’t have a fly past.
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10,000 people squeezed onto our tiny cobbled streets that weekend. Traffic management had a pink fit as the hordes parked their cars anywhere and everywhere. Hermann Goerring was spotted having a pint in The Fleece but we couldn’t have aeroplanes using the only empty space in the valley…the sky. Were all flights from Leeds-Bradford airport suspended for the day in case the lunch time Ireland plane crashed in Central Park? They were not. There was a famous wartime phrase which said, “Your country needs you”. I suggest the same does not apply to the Health and Safety nitwits of today.
There’s a hole in your bench Amazingly the same village got a double dose of daftness when the local council decided to recobble and landscape the bottom of Main Street. A lovely 12-month old wrought iron bench was removed to facilitate the work and it hasn’t come back. For years locals and visitors have enjoyed relaxing on the bench and no injuries have ever been reported apart from the odd drunk slipping off the edge and nearly falling under the Oakworth bus. The locals of yesteryear would have sat there and watched horses and carts go up and down the steep cobbled street posing some hazard if one set off at the gallop going downhill. But we can’t have the bench back because a health and safety executive decision said a child might get their finger stuck in the wrought iron! Oh, do me a favour. There are still stocks at the top of the street, what if someone gets trapped in them while having their picture taken? I’ve seen women in stiletto heels pirouetting like Margot Fonteyn trying to walk down the street and not get trapped in the cobbled setts. But we cannot have our bench back. In fact some half wit has now decided it is so dangerous that it is to be repainted and auctioned off. I suppose we can’t have a wooden on either in case a splinter develops and punctures some old dear’s derriere. www.retiredmagazines.co.uk
All vets are not the same. Have you tried the Willow Way? health check with one of our experienced vets for any pet belonging to clients not currently registered with us.
At Willow we do things a little differently to many veterinary practices. We understand that your pet is very special to you, with a unique personality and those funny little habits that fill your heart with love and pride. That’s why we promise to always put the needs of your pet first, and to respect your views and wishes regarding their care. After all, you know them best.
We want all our clients to be delighted with every aspect of the service they receive from Willow, and we’d love you to experience what really great veterinary care feels like. We promise that we will always take the very best care of you and your pet - that’s the Willow Way.
Our expert team of vets and nurses at Willow are highly qualified and undertake continuous learning and training to ensure that our practice is able to offer excellent procedures, treatments and techniques. We also specialise in the good old-fashioned stuff – sometimes your pet’s treatment simply takes time and plenty of TLC, and we’re pretty good at that too!
So, why not give us a try? We think you’ll be glad you did. Please quote ‘Retired’ when booking your appointment. Visit our website www.willowvet.co.uk -where you can see The Willow Way
T&C’s: This offer is only valid for services provided by Willow Veterinary Care ltd At Willow, we set ourselves very high standards This offer entitles the customer to a free health check for one pet because we are passionate about providing consistently per household. Any tests, diagnostics or drugs supplied will be excellent care for both you and your pet. However don’t subject to payment. just take our word for it, we’re so confident that you’ll Not valid in conjunction with any other voucher or offer. love us when you try us medical history will be requested from your current vet. Willow Adthat 130we’re x 94 offering aw.pdf a FREE MOT 1 09/08/2011Pets15:49 Not exchangeable for cash or equivalent.
ow Call us nFREE for your pack! e welcom C
All vets are not the same, Have you tried the
Willow Way?
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CM
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2 Willen Road, Newport Pagnell, Bucks MK 16 0DF
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01908 610 982
5 High Street, Olney, Bucks MK 46 4EB
01234 711 473
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Perfect Companions pets and people you have only to watch the relationship between the two to see how it benefits both .... Harvey Locke has seen this satisfying chemistry at first hand over 40-plus years as a vet, and is a great believer in pet power. “Animals can provide real companionship and improve people’s health as well,” he insists.
“For example, with a dog you probably need to be fit enough – and willing enough – to take it for walk. The breed is also important. You wouldn’t want someone with severe arthritis owning a border collie which needs plenty of exercise and attention.” Far better to discuss the matter with your local vet right at the outset, so he or she can give invaluable advice on suitability and practicality. “It’s important to talk through your lifestyle and your disposable income,” states Mr Locke. “It’s obviously more expensive to look after a Great Dane than a poodle. “And if you’re a fairly frail person, then you need a dog you can easily control.” Where you live is also instrumental in pet choice. Life in a third-floor flat might not be conducive to keeping and exercising a Pyrennean Mountain Dog, for example. “Where you obtain your dog is also extremely important,” adds Mr Locke. “Avoid puppy farms or anyone who wants to deliver the dog to you. Go and see the breeder, where the dogs are kept, and always see at least one of its parents so you can assess how big the dog will grow and its likely temperament.” Rescue animals are often a good choice, from a responsible sanctuary. Often such pets are already vaccinated and even micro-chipped.
However, as president of the British Veterinary Association, he is also a great exponent of responsible pet-owning and believes that this starts as soon as the decision is made to actually own a pet. “What tends to happen with older people, unfortunately, is that children and grandchildren buy them an animal without actually asking first or checking if it’s suitable for them,” he says. 14
“Dogs are at risk from distemper, parvo virus, viral hepatitis, leptospirosis, para influenza and kennel cough so they need a course of vaccinations that cost around £50, with a booster a year later that’s around £25 although prices do vary around the country,” says Mr Locke. It’s also worth knowing that boarding kennels will only house your animal if it has had its vaccinations. Your dog also needs to be micro-chipped. “This costs around £10 to £25 but is a one-off fee and
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very valuable,” states the vet. “Your details go on a national database and if your dog gets lost or is found wandering, its owner is just a phone call away. So there’s peace of mind, too.” Your vet will also help with advice on nutrition for your pet, and the likely costs involved. “There’s bound to be a big difference between, for example, feeding a cat and feeding a very large dog. There’s also been a big change in dried food for pets, which can mean cheaper bills.” Regular dog-walking can also introduce you to fellow dog-owners. People easily get talking with this shared interest and kinship which leads to new friends. Margo Giles, aged 76, who got her Lurcher dog from Dogs Trust, sums up the benefits: “I think if all older people were to visit a dogs’ home instead of their GP and were issued with a dog like my Reuben, there would be a lot of healthier pensioners about, no obesity and no need to worry about the rising cost of heating – there’s no time to get cold!” Cats also make excellent companions. Mr Locke recommends getting a kitten under the age of six months “that’s not set in its ways and won’t have got into bad habits.” He suggests that older people avoid pedigree cats as they tend to have more health problems than the average moggy. Vaccinations and micro-chipping are, again, important, and rescue cats are often a good choice. Vets also generally recommend pet owners take out insurance for treatment and neutering costs. “If your pet is run over and injured, or falls ill, these bills can run into thousands of pounds so insurance is really important,” says Mr Locke. Vets can’t suggest individual policies but they can advise on general type. If a cat or dog doesn’t appeal or is unsuitable for any reason, Mr Locke suggests a pet rabbit. “There has been a big increase in the numbers of people keeping rabbits because so many can now be kept indoors,” he says. “Rabbits can be house-trained to use a litter like a cat does, they will play and fetch things and are good company. “The only danger with rabbits is that they can chew through indoor cables like telephones so watch out for that!” A guinea pig is another rewarding choice. “They’re cheap to keep, they don’t smell and they’re lovely little things,” adds Mr Locke.
Four- Legged Friend: Dogs like this one can provide healthy companionships and ensure owners get plenty of regular exercise.
For others, a pet can be a real boost to health. “People who have had heart attacks, for instance, may improve their health by taking a pet dog for regular walks – exercise they might not otherwise take,” Mr Locke says. “And just stroking a cat or dog can actually lower blood pressure.” Organisations like Pets as Therapy (PAT) actively take animals into hospitals and care homes where they become popular visitors. Some care homes around the country have even bought dogs and other animals as popular “residents”. An increasing number of residential homes are also allowing elderly residents to keep their pets with them as parting them can be traumatic for both. The Pets for Life campaign is trying to highlight the problem.
For many people who are housebound or have very limited mobility, a caged bird can be a welcome companion. Just having an animal around the house can be someone to talk to. www.retiredmagazines.co.uk
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Transporting Bedford Travel news and views for the Bedford area. Bus Services Changes for Town and Rural Bus Routes from August 21st August 21st sees the introduction of new tendered bus services by Bedford Borough Council. In addition, Stagecoach will be making changes to a number of their services on the same date. Other operators will also be making changes to their services at the same time. Full timetables will be available soon. In the meantime, a summary of the changes is shown below:
Bedford and Kempston Town Services 1 to Kempston via Bedford Road The routing for this service is unchanged. The service will run with departures from the bus station every 12 minutes during the day from 0600 until 1900 there will be a further journey at 1930 and an extended hourly service between 2000 and 2300. 2 to Ampthill Road and Park and Ride This service will now call at Bedford Bus station. The service will operate every 12 minutes from the bus station between 0642 and 1854. It will then run at 1915 and hourly from 1945 until 2245. Journeys from the Park and Ride site will operate every 12 minutes from 0701 to 1901. It will then run at 1930 and hourly from 2000 until 2200. This service will no longer call at Bedford Rail Station. 3 to Fenlake The routing on this service is unchanged. The service will run with departures from the bus station every 20 minutes from 0655 to 1855. 4 to Goldington This service will run with departures from the Bus Station every 20 minutes from 0630 to 1910 with a further departure at 1930 and an extended service running hourly from 2000 until 2300. This service will no longer serve Brookfield Road, The Boundary and Cricket Lane which will now be served by the new service 10. 5 to Norse Road This service will operate with departures from the bus station every 12 minutes from 0540 to 1816 with further departures at 1836, 1856, 1916, 1936, 1953, 2023, 2053, 2153 and 2253. This service will no longer operate the peak extensions to Elms Farm Industrial Estate which will now be covered by the new service 10. 6 to Brickhill This service will operate with departures from the bus station approximately every 12 minutes from 0530 to 1811. It will then operate every 20 minutes between 1811 and 1941 and then extend to operate hourly until 2241. The final journey in to the bus station will arrive at 2251. Service 6 will operate via the Rail Station at peak times. Service 6 will now serve the Woodlands development, replacing the existing service 10. As a result, it will operate in both directions on Tyne Crescent but will no longer serve the section of Tyne Crescent between Ashmead Road and Avon Drive. 7 to Woodside This service will now operate with departures from the bus station every 20 minutes from 0610 to 1850. It will then run with further departures at 1920, 1950, 2010, 2030, 2130 and 2230. This service will no longer serve Putnoe Street, Arundel Drive or Church Lane which will now be served by the new service 10. 8 to Queens Park This service will now operate with departures from the bus station every 20 minutes from 0605 to 1945. It will then run hourly from 2017 to 2317. All journeys will operate to Great Denham and therefore the temporary 8A service will no longer run. Buses will now operate via Winifred Road in both directions and as a result will no longer serve
Iddesleigh Road. As buses will be serving Great Denham and not turning, the bus stop on the loop at the eastern end of Old Ford End Road will no longer be served. 9 to Shortstown The routing for this service is unchanged. This service will operate from the bus station at 0635, 0650 and 0705. It will then run every 12 minutes from 0717 to 1817 and every 20 minutes from 1825 until 1945. The service will then be extended to operate hourly from 2015 to 2215.
10 NEW SERVICE The existing 10 to Woodlands will no longer operate as Woodlands will now be served by service 6. A new service 10 is being introduced. This service will operate via Union Street, Roff Avenue, Park Avenue, Kimbolton Road, Putnoe Street, Arundel Drive, Church Lane, Cricket Lane, the Boundary, Brookfield Drive and Goldington Road. Early morning and evening peak journeys will extend to Elms farm Industrial Estate. This service replaces parts of the former 4, 5 and 7 routes. The loop around Cricket Lane, the Boundary and Brookfield Drive will be served in the opposite direction to that currently used. This is to enable the bus to only carry out left turns on Goldington Road and thus improve journey times. The new service will operate approximately every 20 minutes from 0540 to 1740. It will then operate with departures every 30 minutes between 1805 and 1935.
Stagecoach Rural Services 40 Bedford – Biddenham – Bromham – Stagsden - Milton Keynes The 40 service has been altered to route all journeys via Bedford Rail Station. The service will run with a departure from Bedford at 0625 (Mon-Fri) and then run hourly from 0745 to 1845. There will be an additional journey running as far as Bromham at 1835. Sunday services will depart from Bedford at 1015, 1315 and 1515 41 Bedford – Bromham - Stagsden - Turvey – Northampton The 40 service has been altered to route all journeys via Bedford Rail Station. The service will run with a departure from Bedford at 0555 and then run hourly from 0715 to 1815. Sunday services will depart from Bedford at 0845, 1145 and 1630. J2 Bedford - Interchange Retail Park - Flitwick This service will be re-numbered as 42. Departures from Bedford will be at 0620 (Mon-FrI), 0720 and then hourly from 0845 to 1745. M50 Bedford – Clapham- Oakley – Milton ernest – Radwell – Felmersham - Sharnbrook – Wymington - Rushden – Kettering We are currently awaiting a revised timetable for this service that will come in to effect at the end of July. It is understood that this will see the introduction of additional journeys to this service. 51 Bedford – Clapham – Oakley This service will run with departures from Bedford every 30 minutes from 0645 to 1815. The 1745 departure will continue to Pavenham, Carlton, Harrold, Odell, Sharnbrook and Rushden. Inbound towards Bedford the service will operate from Oakley every 30 minutes from 0702 to 1732 with an additional journey at 1832.
There will be a journey from Rushden to Bedford at 0640 and from Higham Ferrers to Bedford at 0732. V1/V2 – Bedford – Wooton – Marston Moretaine – Cranfield This has been split in to two new services, 52 and 53. 52 will run hourly from Bedford via Kempston to Marston Moretaine and Cranfield between 0630 and 1830 on Monday to Saturdays only. 53 will run from Bedford, via Hillgrounds Kempston to Wootton every 30 minutes between 0645 and 1845 from Monday to Saturdays. There is an additional departure Mon-Fri at 0615. There will also be an hourly Sunday service from 0845 until 1645. M1/M2 – Bedford – Shortstown – Cotton End – Shefford – Hitchin These services will be renumbered as 71 and 72. The Monday to Saturday service will run every 30 minutes from 0605 to 1835 with additional departures at 1935 and 2135. The Sunday 72 service will depart from Bedford every two hours from 0935 to 1735. M3 Bedford – Cardington – Cople – Willington – Sandy Biggleswade This service is being renumbered as 73. This service will run at 0620, 0650 (Mon-Fri), 0740, 0815 (Mon-Fri) 0820 (Sats) and then every 30 minutes from 0850 until 1850. There will be additional departures at 1950, 2050(Sats) and 2250(Sats). The Sunday service will depart every two hours between 1005 and 1805. M4 – Bedford – Cardington – Cople – Biggleswade This service is being renumbered as 74. This service will depart Bedford at 0835(Mon-Fri) 0840(Sat) and then hourly from 1025 until 1825. S1 Bedford – Elstow – Wilstead – Luton This service has been renumbered as 81 and has much extended hours of operation. The new service has been extended to operate with departures from Bedford at 0445, 0545, 0620, 0730 and then hourly from 0915 until 1715 with further departures at 1830 and 1930. There will be return journeys from Luton at 0735 and then hourly between 0915 and 1815 with additional joureys at 1930, 2030, 2100 (Sats) 2200 (Mon-Fri) and 2300. The Sunday service will depart Bedford at 0715 and then every two hours from 0815 until 1815. Return journeys from Luton will depart every two hours from 1115 until 1915 with additional journeys at 2125 and 2225. X5 Oxford – Bicester – Buckingham – Milton Keynes – Bedford – Gt Barford – St Neots – Cambridge This service has been modified with some changes to stopping arrangements in the St Neots area. Overall service levels and stopping arrangements for Bedford Borough villages are unaltered. 124, 125, 126, 136 These services are withdrawn. The commercial 124 is partly replaced by an extended journey on the 51 service. Supported services 125 and 126 are replaced by the new rural tendered services.
New Bedford Borough Tendered Services Operated By Grant Palmer Ltd 25 - Bedford Bus Station – Bedford Rail Station – Sainsbury’s Clapham Road – Oakley – Pavenham/Stevington – Carlton – Harrold – (Odell – Sharnbrook) This service will operate with departures from Bedford at 0720 (MonFri) then hourly between 0840 and 1740. Service towards bedford will operate from Harrold at 0640 (Mon-Fri) then hourly from 0910 until 1710. The 0640 from Harrold will start from Sharnbrook at 0627 amd also serve Odell. The 0910 from Harrold will start from Sharnbrook at 0857 on school days and will also serve Odell. 26 – Rushden Skinners Hill – Rushden ASDA – Wymnington – Souldrop – Sharnbrook – Odell – Harrold – Hinwick – Podington – Wymington – Rushden This service will depart Rushden at 0848, 0938, 1042, 1138, 1242, 1432 (Sch Days), 1442 (Sat and Sch Hol), 1538, (Sats and Sch Hols) 1642, 1738. Services will alternate the direction they operate. On
school days there will be an additional journey from Sharnbrook via Harrold, Hinwick, Podington and Wymington to Rushden with a departure at 1558 27 – Bedford – Cardington Rd – Willington Loop – Great Barford – Renhold – Wilden – Ravensden – Salph End – Norse Road – Goldington Green – Bedford This service will operate with departures from Bedford at 0825, 0925, 1025, 1125, 1325, 1425, 1525 (Sat & Sch Hol), 1625 and 1725 (Mon-Fri). There is an aditional journey between Ravensden and Bedford at 0902 (Mon-Fri). Services operate in both directions around the loop. 28 - Bedford – Ravensden – Colmworth – Bushmead – Little Staughton – Pertenhall – Kimbolton – Tillbrook – Lower Dean – Swineshead – Riseley – Keysoe – Bolnhurst – Colmworth – Ravensden – Bedford This service will operate 9 journeys per day with journeys operating in both directions of the loop. Departure times from Bedford are at 0900, 1015, 1100, 1215, 1300, 1515, 1615, 1745. There is an additional journey from Little Staughton via Kimbolton, Tilbrook, The Deans, Swineshead, Riseley, Keyso, Bolnhurst, Colmworth and ravensden to Bedford at 0739 (Mon-Fri). 29 – Pavenham – Felmersham – Sharnbrook – Bletsoe – Thurleigh – Bolnhurst – Little Staughton – Bushmead – Colmworth – Honeydon – Staploe – Duloe – St Neots This new East West service offers three departures per day in each direction. Journey to St Neots are at 0900, 1100 and 1313 with return journeys at 1005, 1215 and 1405.
Other Grant Palmer Ltd Services 42 – Bedford – Ampthill Road – Interchange retail Park – Flitwick This service is unchanged. 44 – Bedford – Ampthill Road – Elstow – Wixams – Wilstead – Clophill – (Ampthill/Flitwick) This service will be retimed by approximately 15 minutes to maintain half-hourly service headway with the Stagecoach 81 (formerly S1). 68 – Bedford – Ampthill Road – Kempston – (Kempston Rural) – Stewartby This service is unchanged.
New DRT Service A new demand responsive services for Knotting, Melchbourne and Yielden will be introduced on September 5th. The service will operate from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday and from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays. Full details will be available shortly.
Cedar Coaches 152 – Bedford Ravensden – Thurleigh – Riseley Cedar coaches will continue to operate a 152 service commercially between Bedford and Riseley. The service will operate approximately every 2 hours between 0710 and 1841. 151 - Bedford – Renhold – Wilden – Ravensden – Salph End – Bedford Cedars will operate a new commercial 151 service approximately every 2 hours between 0755 and 1755. This service will run in conjunction with there 152.
Expresslines Service 123 Rushden – Wyminton - Poddington - Hinwick Service 125 Rushden – Knotting – Melchbourne – Yeilden Rushden These services will be withdrawn.
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Rick Stein's Coast to Coast Recipes Rick Stein’s passion for fresh wellsourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer. Rick remarks “My greatest enthusiasm in life has been finding dishes that change my perception of cooking, that reveal a whole new vista of flavour combination. I think we all enjoy that. I’m just someone with an enthusiasm for food and a curiosity that’s sent me sniffing around all over the place looking for lovely dishes in all corners of the globe” Taken from his book ‘Coast to Coast’ (BBC Books, £20) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by travels across the world.
M A K E S
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4 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped, 1½ kg (3½ lb) vine-ripened tomatoes, skinned, seeded and roughly chopped 1 tablespoon chopped oregano 350g (12oz) buffalo mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced A large handful of basil leaves, torn into pieces Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper FOR THE BASE:
550g (1¼ lb) strong white flour 4 teaspoons easy-blend yeast 2 teaspoons salt 325-350ml (11-12 fl oz) hand-hot water 4 teaspoons olive oil 4 tablespoons polenta or semolina 18
Pizza Margherita For the base, sift the flour, yeast and salt into a bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the warm water and olive oil and mix together into a soft dough. Tip the dough out on to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Then return it to the bowl, cover with cling film and leave in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Meanwhile, for the topping, heat the oil and garlic in a large, shallow pan. As soon as the garlic starts to sizzle, add the tomatoes and some salt and pepper and simmer quite vigorously for 7-10 minutes, until reduced to a thickish sauce. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Put 2 large baking sheets or quarry tiles into the oven and heat it to its highest setting. Knock the air out of the dough and knead it briefly once more on a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 pieces and keep the spare ones covered with cling film while you shape the first pizza. Sprinkle a spare baking sheet or a pizza peel with some of the polenta or semolina. Roll the dough out into a disc approximately 25cm (10 inches) in diameter, lift it on to the baking sheet and reshape it with your fingers into a round. Spread over one quarter of the tomato sauce to within about 2½ cm (1 inch) of the edge. Sprinkle with some of the oregano and then cover with a quarter of the mozzarella cheese slices. Drizzle with a little olive oil, then open the oven door and quickly slide the pizza off the tray on to the hot baking sheet on the top shelf. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the crust is crisp and golden. Meanwhile, prepare another pizza and slide it on to the second hot baking sheet. Take the first pizza out of the oven and move the second one on to the top shelf to continue cooking. Slide the cooked pizza directly on to wooden chopping boards placed in the centre of the table, scatter with the torn basil leaves and cut into wedges with a pizza wheel. Make sure everybody starts while you make and cook the other 2 pizzas.
S E R V E S
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450g (1 lb) dried linguine or spaghetti 3 vine-ripened tomatoes, skinned, seeded and chopped 300g (10 oz) fresh white crab meat 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1½ tablespoons lemon juice 50ml (2 fl oz) extra virgin olive oil A pinch of dried chilli flakes 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
Crab Linguine with parsley & chilli
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling, well-salted water (1 teaspoon per 600ml/1 pint) for 7-8 minutes or until al dente. Meanwhile, put the tomatoes, crab meat, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, chilli flakes and garlic into another pan and warm through over a gentle heat. Drain the pasta, return to the pan with the sauce and briefly toss together. Season to taste. Divide between 4 warmed plates and serve immediately.
S E R V E S
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1 small green (under-ripe) papaya 1 teaspoon palm sugar or light muscovado sugar A pinch of chopped garlic A pinch of chopped red bird’s eye chilli 5 x 10cm (4-inch) pieces of snake bean or 5 french beans, halved lengthways A few roasted, unsalted peanuts A pinch of chopped dried shrimps 1 tablespoon Thai fish sauce (nam pla) 1 tablespoon water 4 cherry plum tomatoes, halved Juice of 1 lime
Green Papaya Salad Peel the papaya and finely shred it on a mandolin into long, thin shreds. Work your way around the fruit until you get to the core and seeds, which you discard. Moisten the palm sugar (which is always very hard) with a little cold water. Put the garlic, red chilli and green beans into a mortar or mixing bowl and lightly bruise with the pestle or the end of a rolling pin. Add the sugar, peanuts, dried shrimps, fish sauce, water, tomatoes and lime juice and bruise everything once more, turning the mixture over with a fork as you do so. Add a good handful of the shredded papaya (about 50g/ 2 oz) and turn over and bruise one last time. Serve straight away.
OUT & ABOUT What is the link between Bedfordshire and a castle in Derbyshire?
The gardens at Elvaston are still lovely and are open to the public.
Lynda Aylett Green has written a fact based novel - A Topiary Garden which weaves them together.
Lynda is a local author, languages teacher and former councillor living in Bedford and can be contacted at layettegreen@tiscali.co.uk
The Lord of Elvaston Castle, near Derby, in the 1820s, Charles Stanhope, was brother to Anne-Marie, Duchess of Bedford and friend of the Prince Regent. The Stanhope family was fanatical about blending tea, and the Duchess was famous for her tea parties. When her brother fell in love with a notorious London actress, Maria Foote, the family was scandalized. Maria already had two illegitimate children by the owner of Berkeley Castle; even worse, she had just won a much-publicised Breach of Promise case against a fashionable dandy. Maria felt that the promises of the aristocracy were not to be trusted, and the gentry saw her as a threat.
Evening Airshow 24th September, Gates open 10am Flying starts 4pm. Old Warden Aerodrome, SG18 9EP.
The gardens at Elvaston Castle became famous for their exotic topiary shapes; they were designed and laid out by William Barron, designer of our lovely Bedford Park, and they were like a series of imaginative stage sets. In the 1880s Country Life magazine described the gardens as �The most beautiful in England�. But would gardens at a Derbyshire castle be enough to tempt a flamboyant actress away from the London stage?
Bedford Organ & Keyboard Club present talented popular organist Mark Thompson. Members £4. Nonmembers £5. B Noble 01234 344423 www.organfax/clubs/bedford
Retirement Education Centre
Autumn Airshow of vintage aircraft in the beautiful surroundings of Old Warden Park. £25 1st person £20 per person thereafter. Tel: 01767 627927 www.shuttleworth.org
6 Rothsay Gardens, Bedford, MK40 3QB 01234 302203/4, admin@recbedford.co.uk
Art, Languages and Philosophy plus many more courses for over 50s in beautiful surroundings with an excellent restaurant. We aim to provide first-rate courses to stimulate the mind, while putting enjoyment first.
www.recbedford.co.uk
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Shuttleworth Uncovered - Flying display & Meet the Pilots. £25 1st person £20 per person thereafter. Tel: 01767 627927 www.shuttleworth.org
Bedford Organ & Keyboard Club 28th September, 8pm - 10.30pm Addison Centre, Kemptson, Bedford
Autumn Airshow 2nd October, Gates open 9am flying starts 2pm. Old Warden Aerodrome SG18 9EP
Alpine Garden Society Bedfordshire Monthly Meeting 3rd October, 7.30pm - 9.30pm Wilstead Village Hall, Cotton End Road, Wilstead MK45 3BX. October will be our Annual General Meeting, followed by a talk by one of our members. Free refreshments will be available. Visitors are always welcome! £2 members/£3 non-members. Mr Robert Amos - mail@bedfordshirealpines.com / Mrs Elsie Willet - 01767 626 185 www.bedfordshirealpines.com
Books, Maps & Ephemera Auction 7th October, 3.00pm Bedford Auction Centre
In addition to our monthly auctions of Antiques & Collectors' Items, we have developed a calendar of specialist Book auctions. Viewing: Friday week prior - 5pm to 8pm, Saturday prior - 9am to 1pm, Thursday prior - 9am to 6pm. Morning of sale from 9am. Tel: 01234 266 366. www.peacockauction.co.uk www.retiredmagazines.co.uk
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo - Be a Keeper for a Day Until Fri 28th October 2011 Location:ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable E-mail:keeperforaday@zsl.org This amazing Keeper for a Day experience gives you a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with some of ZSL’s most popular animals. It also offers a unique insight into the day-to-day life of our keepers and their charges. It’s a guaranteed day to remember for any animal lover!
One Night with The King Until Sat 31st December 2011 Monkston Community Centre, MK10 9FJ Contact:07931564793 E-mail:pastorniran@dclmuk.org One Night with the King is a monthly revival and miracle service organised for all residents of Milton Keynes. It is a time of refreshing before God and in past sessions, there have been great testimonies of God’s divine visitation to families and individuals.
Come with all your problems and needs and witness the power of prayers. Time: 7:30pm Contact details: Telephone: 07931564793 Email: info@deeperlifemiltonkeynes.org.uk Website: www.dclm.org
Heating as an Investment Issue When the boiler breaks down, we automatically call a plumber and hope for the best. However, if a new gas or oil boiler is needed then you are making an investment decision. As modern boilers last approximately ten years (some a lot less) you are deciding that you want to purchase gas or oil for the next ten years. Over that ten years you could pay out £20 per month insurance or £2,400. Also, in five to ten years you may require a second boiler, maybe new radiators, pumps or valves. In Germany they have developed a special type of chamotte based electric heater which is a real alternative to gas or oil. They have the added advantage of no more servicing, ever (www.germanelectricheaters.com). So with British gas and oil running out and less pollution around the home, electric may be a better investment.
At Last! A NEW FORM OF HEATING FROM GERMANY
Simple to install, Powerful, and no more servicing - EVER!
In Germany and Austria it can get as low as -20, even -30ºC and a single snowfall can be as much as 3ft or more overnight. To deal with this severe cold they need powerful heating able to cope with sub zero temperatures and sudden climate change. They need excellent control and above all - low running costs without the need for constant servicing and replacement parts. The solution, incredibly... is electric!
Bus to town this winter! This incredible heating could be the answer to help beat ever increasing energy costs and amazingly, it is not gas or oil, or solid fuel - but clean electric! All you need is standard supply and NO
SUMMER, the Best time to install heating!
special tariff like economy 7. All over Europe more people are choosing to heat their homes and offices with this very special form of electric heating in preference to oil gas or E7. In our area, more and more of our customers are making that same decision and when you see this incredible heating for yourself you could be next! The heating looks just like conventional radiators, but STOP! it is very different! Put simply, that clunky central heating boiler needing constant servicing and replacement parts isn’t the only choice anymore! Now you can heat your homes, offices, extensions or conservatories with these incredible heaters providing individual control over every room without the need for a central control or wasted boiler space. This incredible German heating simply plugs in! Job Done! You can do just one room or the whole house! This heating, whilst quite NEW in the UK has been mainstream for a very long time in
Germany and Austria. Sunflow Ltd. offer a complete solution which can include disposing of your old central heating system, even oil tanks! Discover for yourself this incredible German heating.
Get your FREE brochure by calling our 24hr Brochure Line on: 0800 158 8270 or email: info@sunflowltd.co.uk Replacement Service Sunflow can take the worry out of disposing of old central heating systems. We have a package price that includes the safe and certificated removal of oil, lpg and gas systems, even old oil tanks! Questions? Call Suzanne on 0800 158 8272
A ReAl AlteRnAtive to oil/GAs HeAtinG - Ask About ouR ReplAcement seRvice www.retiredmagazines.co.uk
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Changing Rooms sform any room Simple tips to tran
Using Colour That is Best for your Room Size Paint is the easiest way to make a dramatic change in the way a room looks. You can even change the perception of the size of the room with the right wall colour. By using the right combinations of colours; dark or light, warm or cool, you can create the illusion of expanding or reducing the size a space. Painting a room white can create a bright and airy impression, but white can also feel uninspired or sterile. Adding colour to a room can give the space personality. Sticking with lighter colours will still make the space feel larger, but a darker colour can make a room feel cozy and welcoming. When thinking of paint colours, in addition to considering light and dark, think of warm or cool tones. Warm colours are reds, yellows, browns and oranges. Cool colours are blues and greens. Whites and greys can be cool or warm depending on the tint. If you want your room to look larger, use cool shades in lighter tones. Cool colours give the impression of the walls being further away and opening up your space. Painting the trim and moldings around a room can also have an effect on the room’s apparent size. Painting the trim a lighter colour than the wall can also push the wall out visually. Simply doing the opposite, darker colours in warm tones with dark trim, visually pulls the walls in closer to create a more intimate feeling space. This works well in very large rooms giving them a more intimate atmosphere and less like a cathedral.
HOME
Make a Small Room Appear Larger Keep in mind that cool colours, such as blues and green, recede, which make a room look bigger. Warm colours, such as red and orange, make a room appear smaller. Opt for a cool or pastel colour or white paint when attempting to visually expand a room. Light colours reflect light and make a room appear more expansive than it actually is. Use a light colour on your ceiling, perhaps even lighter than the wall colour, to make thea ceiling appear higher. The room will appear larger as a result. Consider using light coloured carpeting. A dark floor covering will make the room appear smaller. Mix pale colours with cool colours to enlarge a room. The less differentiation in colours (the walls versus the window frames, molding and baseboard) the bigger the room will seem. A chopped up room will feel and appear smaller. Widen a narrow room by using white or pale colours on the walls.
Opt for a cool or pastel colour or white paint when attempting to visually expand a room. Light colours reflect light and make a room appear more expansive than it actually is.
Make a Large Room Appear Smaller Use warm colours, reds orange, yellow, to make a large room appear quaint and cozy.
The shape of a room can be visually altered with a simple wall colour change by using accent colours. Just as painting a whole room in a light, cool colour can enlarge the feel of the room; the same idea can be applied to seemingly move the walls. If you have a long narrow room, painting the furthest walls in a dark colour and the long walls and ceiling in a light colour, the room will feel more square than narrow. This technique works great in hallways that can sometimes feel like a tunnel.
Lower the ceiling (albeit not literally) by painting it a darker shade than the walls. If that still doesn’t do the trick, use the ceiling colour and apply the paint to the top 12 inches or so of your walls and then add molding underneath. The molding breaks up space, which you want to do when you’re trying to make a room appear smaller. Bringing the darker ceiling colour down the top of the wall will make the room look less vast. Think of the ceiling as a hat and the top of the walls, also painted in the ceiling colour, as the brim of the hat.
With a little paint and creativity you can change the look and even size of any room in your house. Keeping in mind how the space will be used and the overall feel you want to create there is almost no limit to what can be achieved.
Use a dark coloured carpet, which will make the room appear smaller. Shorten the length of a room by painting the farthest wall a darker colour than the other walls.
The Basic Role of Pictures Wall art plays an important role in interior design as it helps create the ambience of a room. By cleverly placing wall pictures in certain ways, you can change and create a new look and feel in a room. The role wall pictures play in interior design are:• pictures, mirrors or other ornamental accessories on walls help make the room look ‘lived in’ and they also inject your personality into the room • colour pictures and prints help connect with the rooms accent • pictures help absorb noise in a room, otherwise a room with totally bare walls will sound empty and will have an echo • pictures and prints can help enhance or change a room’s ‘look and feel’.
How to Lengthen a Room If you have a small room in your house, you can easily achieve the illusion of length. This can be done in two ways. If you like bold statements then simply paint a couple of horizontal lines in a bold colour across the middle of the wall in which you want to lengthen. These lines then naturally create the illusion of increased length in the room. An alternative way to do this, and a more subtle way, is to use pictures. By strategically placing art pictures or photographs with any kind of strong horizontal line in the print, can accomplish the illusion of length. For example, if you chose two or three long rectangular pictures with horizontal panoramic prints such as ocean & beach pictures, fields, or scenic mountain pictures, then this will help extend the length of the room naturally. Two, three or more of these horizontal landscape pictures will give the maximum impact you are looking for to help lengthen a small room. Also bear in mind not to overdo the room with furniture. Too much clutter makes a room appear smaller.
How to Broaden a Narrow Room If you have a room which is a bit on the narrow side, there is a simple strategy to make the room appear broader. All you need is a tin of paint, a wall mirror and a large colourful wall picture.
Get your tin of paint, which should preferably be a darker contrasting colour to your other walls, and paint one of the walls with this darker paint. Find a colourful and lively large painting and hang it on the wall you have just painted - colourful flower pictures are ideal for this. On the wall adjacent to your picture, hang a decorative large mirror. What has happened here is that the mirror reflects on the large picture, and the additional darker colour on the wall has immediately given the room some much-needed depth. This combination will then make the room appear wider. By adding these simple additions to your narrow room, you have instantly created a balance in the room’s dimensions giving the sensation of additional space.
How to Heighten a Low Ceiling Rooms with low ceilings give an oppressive feeling, whereas rooms with a high ceiling give a light and airy feel with a large amount of space. To overcome the problem of a low ceiling, there are a couple of interior design strategies to use.
The year RGR opened Choose any for new car from business . range. in Cranfield... Ford’s outstanding
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Accident Repair
...Oh and men walked on the moon, Concorde flew for the first time and Paul McCartney got married to Linda.
New Fords We believe that most car buyers prefer an informal, unhurried and unpressurised sales process. We’ll advise on your choice of car, it’s specification, features and benefits and then leave you alone to decide on your vehicle. And if you’d rather have an unaccompanied testdrive we’ll happily hand over the keys (subject to security and insurance checks). For your peace of mind we’re regulated by FSA. RGR is also a Motability Dealer Partner.
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RGR was formed in 1969 by Michael Grimes and Paul Riddy, following their purchase of the old Cranfield Garage site. Since then we Used Cars and Vans have grown steadily from a two-man team to a as Good as New Van Racking workforce of over 40 and we are now one of the All the used vehicles we offer are fully serviced RGR is one of Living the UK’s leading specialis top performing garages for customer service (as If you, or someone you know, gets the higher rate mobility allowance of Disability in our own workshops, are HPI checked and van racking systems, for either modular measured by Ford Motor Company). Allowance, you are eligible to lease have anya current new MOT carwhere from the We stunning Ford range. required. believe bespoke shelving and including plywood Exceptionally low staff turnover means that we they represent outstanding value for money. and van accessories. Whether you’re a o have been able to offer our customers a level business or managing a large fleet, we h Service and MOT of continuity more often associated with times RGR makes servicing your car as painless as past. Staff turnover in the sales department is possible. You can choose to have a courtesy car, zero - which means that if you have bought a car a lift to and from work, or collection and delivery from us in the last 40 years, the person who sold of your vehicle. RGR is a Member and supporter it to you is still here. of the Motor Industry Code of Practice scheme. RGR is involved in every area of the retail motor Special discounts are available for a combined trade. As well as being Ford Dealers for new service and MOT booking. cars and vans, we service and repair all makes Car and Van Rental of vehicles without invalidating manufacturers For independent and specialist onneed Motability, warranties and carry an extensive range of spareadvice Should you to rent, we have a large fleet parts. We also haveshowrooms accident repair facilities, . all with fully please visit our or callofon cars 01234 and vans to 750207 suit every need, an extensive vehicle rental fleet and a large inclusive pricing. Special weekend and weekly RGR Garages (Cranfield) Ltd selection of quality used cars always in stock. rates are available, as well as international hires. High Street, Cranfield, Beds MK43 0DG. RGR is one of the UK’s leading suppliers ofin a village And we’relocation part of theclose Ford Rental Network, your RGR isAnd a friendly, family-owned business to Milton Keynes and Bedford. We’ve been Tel: 01234 750 207 van interior racking and accessories. assurance exceptional service. www.rgr-garages.co.uk supplying and servicing Fords for 40 years and have aofcommitment to exceptional customer service. Which is
All vehicles come with:
• Breakdown recovery • Road tax & insurance • Servicing & maintenance
• 60,000 mileage allowance • Specialist advice
Even if you don’t have a need for a Motability car, you can still benefit from a range of services which we hope will enhance your experience of dealing with us. & models serviced and repaired • Highly trained • All makes technicians • Genuine manufacturers parts • Courtesy cars* • Bring your own car in yourself or we can collect and return it** probably why high ratings in Ford's we consistently achieve own customer satisfaction survey results.
*Age restrictions may apply. Please call for details **Up to 10 miles
Family owned and run since 1969
01234 750207
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RGR Garages (Cranfield) Ltd, High Street, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0DG
Used Cars and Vans as Good as New
All the used vehicles we offer are fully serviced in our own workshops, are HPI checked and have a current MOT where required. We believe they represent outstanding value for money.
Service and MOT
. Motability and more from RGR
RGR makes servicing your car as painless as possible. You can choose to have a courtesy car, a lift to and from work or home, or collection and delivery of your vehicle. RGR is a Member and supporter of the Motor Industry Code of Practice scheme. Special discounts are available for a combined service and MOT booking.
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rvicing your car as painless as can choose to have a courtesy car, with you to claim Voucher must be produced Voucher must be produced Voucher must be produced m work, or collection and delivery Voucher mu yRGR is a Member and supporter 10% off MOT’s, at time of booking. at time of booking. at time of booking. at time dustryRGR Code of Practice scheme. RGR Garages (Cranfield) any(Cranfield) service or must Garages (Cranfield) LtdLtd Ltd RGR Garages (Cranfield) RGR Garages Ltd be produced Voucher One leaflet per vehicle. Cannot be used One leaflet per vehicle. be used nts are available for a combined One leaflet perCannot vehicle. Cannot be used One leaflet per retail parts sales. atBeds time of booking. Street, Cranfield, Beds MK43 0DG.0DG. Street, Cranfield, Beds MK43 0DG. s. High High Street, Cranfield, Beds MK43 High Street, Cranfield, MK43 0DG. RGRHigh Garages (Cranfield) Ltd OT booking. with other RGR voucher promotions. with other RGR voucher promotions. with other RGR voucher promotions. with other RGR Voucher must be produced One leaflet per vehicle. Cannot be used HighTel: Street, Cranfield, Beds MK43 0DG. at time of booking. 01234 750 207 01234 750 207 ur Tel: 01234 750 207 Tel: 01234 750 207 with other RGR voucher promotions. RGR Garages (Cranfield) Ltd VanTel: Rental One leaflet per vehicle. Cannot be used Tel: Street, 01234Cranfield, 750 207 High Beds MK43 0DG. with other RGR voucher promotions. www.rgr-garages.co.uk www.rgr-garages.co.uk ed to rent, we have a large fleet www.rgr-garages.co.uk www.rgr-garages.co.uk Tel: 01234 750www.rgr-garages.co.uk 207 Voucher must be produced www.rgr-garages.co.uk ns to suit every need, all with fully at time of booking. g. Special weekend and weekly RGR Garages (Cranfield) Ltd One leaflet per vehicle. Cannot be used ble, as well as international hires. High Street, Cranfield, Beds MK43 0DG.
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What you see is what you get with
LYNDA BELLINGHAM Lynda Bellingham was trying to sort out her home “after a hell of a week” rehearsing someone new on the latest tour of Calendar Girls and spending rare time in domestic bliss. “Because my life tends to be all over the place outside the home, I like relative order in it,” she explains in those immediately identifiable sexy tones that have ensured a fascinatingly varied career including a wealth of radio and TV voice-overs. She is now 62, still glamorous but with the kind of accessible personality that makes women like her and men fancy her. The fact that she has spent the past two years taking her clothes off on stage – twice on Saturdays – has, surprisingly, endeared her to both. “We’re not actually nude, of course,” she laughs, “but that’s how it looks. Calendar Girls is a marvellous play – Tim Firth (who wrote the film and the play) has done a fantastic job with it and wherever you go you can feel the audience’s sense of excitement and anticipation because of the ‘nude’ scenes.” If you’ve been hiding in a cave in the Himalayas for the past couple of years you might not have heard of the true story of the ladies of a Yorkshire Women’s Institute who decided to raise money for charity after the husband of one of them died from leukaemia. Their idea of a nude calendar made them iconic figures worldwide, and spawned both a hit film and the highly successful play. Chris Harper is the main driver of this campaign (mostly played on stage by Lynda although casts have varied) and the actress is still a great admirer of the original role model. “It took someone like her to make it happen, I think. Having met her several times, I can see why.” So could Lynda herself have been that driving force in the same situation? “Yes, I think I could,” she states. “I think I’m a bit determined like that.” A glance back at Lynda’s own life reveals the truth of that statement. She was born in Montreal, Canada, but adopted by an English couple at the age of four months and brought up in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. 26
“I had a wonderful childhood, very happy,” she recalls. “I think my generation got used to accepting things – the Pill, sexual freedom among them – and that has stood us in good stead for today’s changing world.” She got her big break as a nurse in ITV’s ‘70s afternoon soap opera General Hospital and appeared in films including Confessions of a Driving Instructor and Sweeney! During the ‘80s, though, she became famous as the head of the family in the Oxo TV adverts. “Of course they wanted me to be warm and motherly, while what I really wanted as an actress was to be edgy and different!” she says with a husky laugh. “It was fine doing the adverts but it can be a doubleedged sword - my profile among agents and casting directors for a long time was this type of person.” This worked in her favour, though, when she played vet James Herriot’s wife (replacing Carol Drinkwater) in telly favourite All Creatures Great and Small, and her comic timing was also recognised in situation comedies Second Thoughts and its sequel Faith in the Future.
I N T E RV I E W She starred in the 14-part Doctor Who serial The Trial of a Time Lord playing against type as the Inquisitor, reprising this character for an audio series. And from 2000 for three years, she played compassionate accountant Pauline Farnell in the hit TV series At Home With The Braithwaites alongside Amanda Redman and Peter Davison. For several months in 2004, however, she enjoyed a recurring role in The Bill as villainess Irene Radford, offering fans a chance to see a different side of Lynda’s acting skills. “I really loved doing that!” she exclaims. “Unfortunately, there really aren’t that many good roles for women of a certain age, and there are quite a few of us after the few that there are.” Lynda, has, however, had an interesting range of roles in the theatre, and has also raised her own profile on TV as a quick-witted regular on the award-winning Loose Women programme where she is just herself. In her private life, she has been married three times, her last – “and final” – marriage to Michael Pattemore (a Spanish-based mortgage broker known on Loose Women as “Mr Spain”) on her 60th birthday. She has two sons and a stepson, all in their 20s, two of whom live with the couple in London.
OF COURSE THEY WANTED ME TO BE WARM AND MOTHERLY, WHILE WHAT I REALLY WANTED AS AN ACTRESS WAS TO BE EDGY AND DIFFERENT!
“Michael has always come touring with me, which is lovely because you can be away from home for a while,” she states. Her autobiography Lost and Found proved a literary hit, and the paperback version was out in March. More appearances in Loose Women and more theatre performances are also on the cards for this year, although Lynda says that Calendar Girls will be “rested” after a three-year run and she’s fine with that. She has also become an active campaigner and spokeswoman for the Alzheimer’s Research Trust and Age UK after both her adoptive mother and her birth mother suffered from this debilitating dementia. “It’s funny because you can get quite nervous talking about yourself, as I’ve been doing promoting my book at literary festivals and the like,“ she says. “But I don’t find it difficult to talk about the charity and the importance of getting more people to understand about Alzheimer’s.” As for having her own “role models”, Lynda reckons that she would really like to have the kind of serious roles that comedian and presenter Matthew Kelly has moved into latterly. “Now get me some female Matthew Kelly-type roles and I’ll be happy”, she insists. And that warm voice breaks into the kind of laughter that makes you realise that the likeable image you see is actually what you get with this talented actress whose career is set to continue delighting fans for a long time to come. 27
The Dilnot Report - The Most Ambitious Report into Long Term Care since 1999 Andrew Dilnot’s report takes the view that the existing funding system for long term care is confusing, unfair, and unsustainable. His proposals for change would cost an initial £1.7bn a year, but he claims this is a price well worth paying. At present, anyone with savings and assets of more than £23,250 has no help from the state for care costs. The Dilnot report recommends that this limit should rise to £100,000. No individual should have to pay more that £35,000 towards their care costs, regardless of savings, although they would still be liable for costs of accommodation and food in a care home, but this would be capped at £10,000 a year. If these proposals were implemented, no individual would have to spend more than 30% of their assets on care. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has described this report as an “immensely valuable contribution” but the government would need to consider this against other funding priorities. Ministers considered the plans ambitious and costly, but were impressed with proposals for a simplified means testing system, better national standards, and the cap, which could enable a viable private insurance market to work. Government response will be published next spring, and proposals for the reform of adult social care will be published in a white paper. So we wait, and hope, that government acts promptly on this report. Twenty three leading charity organisations issued a joint statement, in which they urged that the government “sets out a clear timetable for change and does so quickly.”
We specialise in: Wills and Probate l Court of Protection l Lasting Powers of Attorney l Home Visits Available l Professional and supportive service l
Call us now on: 01234 351971 or email info@davidson-smith.com For your FREE initial appointment
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At present, we cannot insure against future care costs, for the simple reason that we have no idea how much we may need. Once the cap on costs is implemented, insurance companies can become involved, or savings can be considered, so that the worry over where money will come from for long term care can be alleviated. In the meantime, the rules for long term care are complex and confusing. Various factors, such as restrictions on mobility, behaviour changes brought on by the illness, and speed of deterioration, all count in the assessment process, and a patient may not automatically qualify for NHS funding. Over the past ten years there have been many cases where people have been forced to sell their homes to pay healthcare fees, and in some cases, later discovered they were entitled to state support. At present, levels of care and criteria vary from borough to borough and Age UK says that councils are rationing services. The outlook for the elderly looks bleak. We’ve all been appalled over cases where vulnerable older people have been neglected and mistreated, and hopefully, the Dilnot report will help
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to ensure that this can never happen again However, this will take time. In the meantime, how can elderly people, and their families, ensure that they’re given dedicated care and kindness in their most vulnerable years. 1. It is essential that the correct level of funding is established. Relatives of the elderly should make sure that they are aware of the rules, and that these are correctly interpreted when funding for care is established. 2. Funding can be provided through the Direct Payment Scheme, allowing the individual to make his/her own arrangements for care. Use this tailored to your own requirements. In order to qualify for this, the amount of care you need is assessed, and for more information on this you can obtain a leaflet: Guide to Direct Payments From Local Council, free from the Department of Health. Tel: 0870 1555455. A fact sheet has also been produced – Paying for Care and Support at Home by Age UK. 3. Be realistic. The number of people over 85 has risen by two thirds since 2004, but local authority budgets for social care are being cut. It is becoming more and more apparent that help in an individual’s later years is, in part, down to their own efforts in preparation and funding. Good sources for information on this is Age UK. 4. Check out private care agencies. If you need help in the home, but are still mobile, this is the perfect stage in your life to establish a relationship with a care agency. Using your Direct Funding, you can assess if this particular agency is efficient, caring and responsible. You can also assess the capability of the agency to provide more long term care, should that become necessary. A reputable Care Agency will have your best interests at heart. You can build up your trust in your Carers, and relax.
You’ve worked hard all your life, and need to be sure that your later life will be happy and free from worry. A little forward planning now, can help to ensure that this is the way it will be. 180mm x 125mm Retrirement ad
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What is a legacy? The dictionary definition is: ceive that you re rly de or property el ey er h on m g. e. ˘ Le˘ g’acy, ey die – th r te af e n from someo ft her a small legacy. le cousin had ur a part of yo e – m ing that is ti h et r ie m rl so ea ˘ Le˘ g’acy, from an ure’ which stays rich legacy of literat history or a e av h . eks atred’ like ‘the Gre as left a legacy of h h ar w e h ‘t or In hospices, however, there’s another definition – income that allows us to carry on our work into the future. Legacies or ‘Gifts in Wills’ are an important part of any hospice’s income and Keech Hospice Care on the outskirts of Luton is no different. Legacies are a vital source of funding for our charity, providing around 10% of our income every year. There is a common misconception, however, that a legacy has to be an enormous amount. This simply isn't the case. Any amount, no matter the size, will make a real difference to us. Leaving a legacy is one of the most tax-efficient ways you can help our hospices continue their vital work, as it is exempt from inheritance tax, capital gains tax and income tax. For more information on how you can leave a legacy to Keech Hospice Care please contact Barbara Farrow by emailing bfarrow@keech.org.uk or telephoning 01582 707962. Keech Hospice Care, Great Bramingham Lane, Streatley, Luton LU3 3NT. Website: www.keech.org.uk A limited company registered in England. Company number 2904446. Keech Hospice Care is a registered charity, no 1035089.
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Bedfordshire and Luton
Nobody should go through dementia alone … and we aim to see that the people of Bedfordshire and Luton don’t. Are you worried about your memory or have you been diagnosed with dementia? Do you care for someone living with dementia? We aim to provide a range of services to help and support people with dementia and their carers living in Bedfordshire and Luton.
Support for Carers
Can we help you through our range of support services?
Our Carer support groups are run at a number of venues throughout Bedfordshire:
Dementia Support Service • Open referral. • Signposting to our own services and other relevant organisations. • On-going assistance from diagnosis. • Information on all aspects of Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of dementia. • Support for the person with dementia and their families and carers. • Face to face, telephone and email support available. • Provide information on the benefits you may be entitled to. Telephone 01234 353132 for our help.
Carers Support Groups • We aim to provide a range of positive activities for carers and people living with a dementia.
Barton: Third Wednesday of each month from 1.45pm until 4pm at Gale Court, Heston Road, Barton. For carers and people with dementia, light refreshments and social support. Bedford: Third Wednesday evening of each month at 7pm. Biggleswade: Third Tuesday afternoon of each month at 2.30pm. Flitwick: First Tuesday afternoon of each month at 2.30pm. Each of these groups meets provides opportunities for carers to meet and support each other with information and advice available from a facilitator.
Drop-In Centres • Our drop-in centres are open to both carers and people living with a dementia. A range of activities are on offer as well as opportunities to meet others in similar situations and access support and information. Bedford Drop-in Centre meets at Dame Alice Court. Luton Drop-in Centre meets at Hightown Methodist Church, Hightown Road, Luton. Henlow Drop-in Centre meets at The Gardens, Henlow. Leighton Buzzard Drop-in Centre meets at Trinity Church, North Street, Leighton Buzzard. Dunstable Drop-in Centre meets at Langdale Church, Langdale Road. • For more information telephone 01234 327380.
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Bedfordshire and Luton
Support for people living with a dementia Our focus is on enabling and encouraging people to continue to use their skills and talents whilst supporting new challenges and different experiences.
Home Support Service • Our trained team will provide individual support to people with a dementia to engage socially and enjoy meaningful activities in their own homes or in the community. This is a person centred service able to support people with dementia to feel more socially included whilst giving a carer the benefit of a break. There is an hourly charge for this service but may be eligible for funding as part of an assessed care package. Please contact Catherine Bishop or Olivia Holter on 01234 327380.
Music Project • The Music Project provides people living with memory problems and carers with a creative space within a supportive and safe area. This group meets on Friday mornings. Everyone is welcome and volunteers are always needed to help lead the singing and make the tea. Please contact us on 01234 327380 if you would
Our Contact Details Alzheimer’s Society
Bedfordshire and Luton 2a Duke Street, Bedford Bedfordshire MK40 3HR
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Can you help us to support people with dementia and their carers in Bedfordshire? Here’s how…. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make a difference to our local community. We have a number of ways in which as a volunteer, you could help us in our work (as show below): •
Fundraising – helping with street and store collections, and/or at one or more of our fundraising events or by organising a fund-raising event on our behalf.
•
Assisting at our local services – helping to run our social groups, music projects or working alongside our Dementia Support Workers at a Memory Clinic.
•
Awareness – helping to distribute posters and information and identifying new opportunities where we might increase awareness of our services.
In return we will reimburse you with out-ofpocket expenses and provide you with all the information and support you need. Join our team and make a real difference!
Email: BedfordBranch@alzheimers.org.uk Tel: 01234 327380 Fax: 01234 330222 Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
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If you are considering the care provision of a relative or friend, you will know how complicated and stressful such a task can be. Carematters recognise this and provide clear, practical advice. We offer a bespoke service that focuses on those aspects of financial planning which are designed to help you secure your loved one’s care needs and financial security. Services include: • Funding Care Fees • Estate Preservation • Equity Release • Wealth Preservation
CALL FOR YOUR FREE Guide to Care Fees Planning Handbook
The Carematters team are approachable, highly experienced and totally independent. Let us help you to make sense of the complex issues involved, so that you can make an informed decision that is right for you and your family.
0800 822 3385
advice@carematters-uk.com Carematters is a trading style of Nhance Protection Ltd.
www.carematters-uk.com