Retired LONDON OLYMPIA
London 50+ Show 2011
ESTHER RANTZEN
INSIDE TRAVEL MAJORCA
THE BEAUTY IN THE BALEARICS
ALDERNEY
Broadcaster, Charity Campaigner and Strictly Come Dancing star shows little sign of slowing down
THE FRIENDLY & LAID BACK CHANNEL ISLE
HEALTH YOGA FOR LOWER BACK PAIN RELIEF HELP TO KEEP CHOLESTEROL LEVELS WITHIN A HEALTHY RANGE
HOUSING RETIREMENT HOUSING FOR SALE AND TO RENT ACROSS THE SOUTH EAST
RICK STEIN SHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
WORTH
£880!
WIN A...
Why Should I Make a
Special numbered edition 15 year commemorative Moorcroft vase based on the Queen’s Choice design by Emma Bossons FRSA.
By Duncan Brown
See inside or go to stand C39 to place your entry in the prize draw.
Lasting Power Of Attorney? Chivers Easton Brown Solicitors
THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 55s | WWW.RETIREDMAGAZINES.CO.UK
a FREE service to help you live with a healthy heart Are you, or is someone you know, worried about heart health? If so, help is at hand. Heart Matters is a pioneering service from the British Heart Foundation, for people who live with, or are at risk from, a heart condition and for those who care for them. This free service provides invaluable information to help you live a healthier lifestyle and gives you access to a HelpLine staffed by cardiac nurses. It costs absolutely nothing to join and you and your family will benefit from:
• A Quick Guide to Heart Health and the facts you need • A FREE online lifestyle check to help you improve your health • Regular issues of heart matters magazine • A Heart Matters ‘risk’ tape measure alerts to help you towards • Email a healthier lifestyle 5-A-Day Food Diary so you can • Acheck you’re eating well • A HelpLine dedicated to heart matters
Join today! bhf.org.uk/retiredhearts
0300 330 3300 Local rate call. Lines open: 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
2
British Heart Foundation 2010, is a registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426). LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
CONTENTS
Welcome
8-9
18-19 34-37
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Welcome to the first edition of Retired magazine which we have published specially for the London 50+ Show 2011.
to Retired Magazine
8 - 9
The Beauty in the Balearics
10 -11
Alderney, Channel Islands So close. So different.
In this issue we are proud to include an interview with the ever busy Esther Rantzen who surprised us all when she stood for election in Luton South. We also have recipes from Rick Stein’s Coast To Coast cookery book for you to try out at home and impress friends and family.
REGULARS Graham Smith Twittering on. Celebrity Interview That’s Esther’s life.
4 18-19
Graham Smith’s Twittering On is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud and brighten your day, he’s our regular columnist so don’t forget to pick up your local copy of Retired from a supermarket near you every 6 months to keep up to date with his accurate and hilarious observations on life.
FOOD & DRINK Rick Stein's Favourites Rick Stein shares his favourite dishes with Retired.
34-37
HOME Shackletons The name you know and trust.
38
To ensure that you obtain a copy why not subscribe yearly at a cost of only £3.40 - see details below.
McGrath Media. Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Manchester Road | Bolton | BL3 2QG. T: (01204) 796494 | F: (01204) 791594 e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com
£100 off all Celebrity electric recliners and lift recliners. See back page for details. 2010
AUTUMN/WINTER 2010
WINT ER/SP
RING 2011
N 31
N 29
& living in Herefords
& living in
hire
Kirklees
EDITIO
EDITIO
UTU MN
EDITION 32
ed Retired Retired r i t e R & living in SUMM ER/A
& Calderdale
Prestonde Coast & The Fyl
EXCLUSIVE been
Doing What Comes Naturally Gloria Hunniford talks to Retired Create The Home You’ve Always Wanted... ...on a budget to suit you Lindsay's Furniture Mill Beautiful furniture & designer accessories all under one roof
TRAVEL an
London: From oint viewp alternative vouchers nt holiday Plus discou
FOOD Meals
s Sheila’s British recipe s Traditional d the region from aroun
HOME ing life Bloom Making garden Easy in the
and much
EXCLUSIVE
HOME
“I’ve Barry Cryer good luck dogged by all my life"
Advanced ChemDry the most effective carpet & upholstery cleaning process
TRAVEL
Fiestas & Flamencos in Seville An Andalusian Adventure Plus a discount voucher from Robinsons Holidays
HDIC
HEALTH
Smile, Eat & Live With Confidence With Implant Dentistry
A new optio
k For 2 kend Brea Win a Wee & 15
over 55's zine for the al maga The loc zines.co.uk tiredmaga
See pages 14
ER
TRAVEL
FIESTAS AND FLAME IN SEVILL NCOS E
FINANCE
COMPASS FINANCIAL WHY SEEK ADVICE LTD INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE?
more...
es Park Hom Campbellsn for retirement
THE BEA TLE LIFE'S ALL S, MOVIES AND CAK ABOUT CON ES TRAST SAYS
JANE ASH
INSIDE
HOME INTE
RIORS CREATE THE LOOK YOU'VE ALWAY S WANTE D WESTDOWN FROM CONCEBATHROOMS PT TO COMPL ETION
Island Dreams Beauty, Tanning & Holistic Therapies Dreams CAN Come True...
FREE FREE The local magazine for the over 55's Please take one
www.retiredmagazines.co.uk
www.re
Please take
one
RICK STE IN
SHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORL D
THE LOC AL MAGAZIN E FOR THE
FRE Please
OVER 55'S
take
E
Subscribe and receive your local Retired Magazine straight to your door.
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
To receive the next two issues of Retired Magazine hot off the press, either for yourself or to treat a friend, please fill in the form below and post with a cheque for £3.40 made payable to McGrath Media: Unit 6, Moses Gate Workshops, Manchester Road, Bolton BL3 2QG.
one
WWW.RET IREDMAG AZINES.CO .UK
For a full list of areas covered please visit www.retiredmagazines.co.uk
Subscription Form
Name:..................................................................................... Address:................................................................................. ................................................................................................ Postcode:................................................................................ Title: Retired & Living in......................................................... ................................................................................................ Issue Numbers:...................................................................... 3
Twittering on by Graham Smith The drain brain
Rough deal for Afghans
I should probably be grateful to have a house with a water feature but I don’t think mine is going to make the Sunday newspaper Ideal Home pages.
A flagship Tory Council referred a group of refugees from Afghanistan to a local club for advice. Trouble was the Southern Afghan Club in London turned out to be a dog club which ran shows for Afghan Hound enthusiasts!
For some years now, when it rains, we have a beautiful fountain which cascades up from the pavement outside and then gushes musically down the grate. Trouble is half of it then gushes into our cellar before being chucked out again by the pump we had to install. Bradford Council are perplexed. They once sent along a very senior officer for land drainage who produced form his pocket two modern, state of the art divining rods. After walking up and down the street like a demented American witch doctor he proudly announced that the water turned left at our house. We knew that! They put coloured dye down the drains outside the chip shop 100 yards away and convinced us that the pavement fountain would turn yellow within the day. This would prove that the water was coming off the nearby moor’s water course. Four years later we’re still waiting for the dye to come through and plan to keep piranhas in the cellar before calling the official back. Recently our water feature became perfumed. A definite scent of eau de canal pervaded the living room at various times of day. Even the dog looked at us suspiciously from behind her gas mask so we decided it was time for the council again. They sent a very pleasant man who thought next door’s waste pipe could be leaking into our cellar. Well why not, everything else was? He introduced himself to the neighbours and put yellow dye down their loo and then red dye down ours. There was a firm promise that we would see the dye come up via the cellar pump within 24 hours. If it was yellow it was their smell, red and it was ours. Of course none appeared. The smell comes and goes now and the highly qualified officials have decided it must be “ingressing” through the walls.
A spokesman for Hammersmith and Fulham Council apologised for the gaffe. I bet he was in the dog house.
One in the eye for the idiots Binge drinking on cheap supermarket booze has become one of the scourges of our society. Now a brain dead minority has decided that pouring vodka into your eyes gets you drunk more quickly. If that isn’t enough a local BBC radio station insulted the majority of its listeners’ intelligence by bringing on an optician to explain why this was dangerous. Do me a favour. “Here’s mud in your eye”, used to be a drinking salutation. Have these mentally challenged youths misunderstood? Just how daft can they get in dreaming up new ways of doing damage to themselves and others?
If you’re in Bradford and see a man walking down the street covered in yellow and red dye with a divining rod sticking out of his head you know the problem is ongoing. 4
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
the fairy Queen
MOORCROFT’S Emma Bossons FRSA
SPECIAL HANDPAINTED VASE TO COMMEMORATE EMMA BOSSON’S FRSA 15 YEARS AS A MOORCROFT DESIGNER.
E
mma Bosson’s luxuriant imagination often pours out in her design work, frequently following her ponderings on fairy mythology. This year marks the 10th anniversary of her renowned Queens Choice design that is described by many as ‘quintessentially Moorcroft’ and inspired by the words of Titania, Queen of the Fairies, in Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Nights Dream. This is quite an achievement, when one considers that there are currently fifteen ‘design’ window’s open at Moorcroft, with each design window reflecting a distinct subject matter in art, for example, landscape, fantasy, floral and so on. Shakespeare’s poetic imagery in A Midsummer Nights Dream with his fairy characters, is possibly unrivalled by any other of his plays. Unsurprisingly, Emma was swept into a sweet slumber by the rhythm of Shakespeare’s verse, allowing her hand to craft something enchantingly beautiful. £880 Queens Choice 85/11 Height: 11”/ 28cms Designer: Emma Bossons FRSA
Hop in his walks and gambol in his eyes Feed him with apricots and dewberries With purple grapes, green figs, and mulberries The honey bags steal from the humble- bees
Quote: The 50+ Show at London Olympia 2011 to receive an £80 credit against your order of this vase. Please contact the Moorcroft Heritage Visitor Centre 01782 820515.
This vase cannot be ordered after 31st August 2011. It is tipped to become a rare commemorative item. LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011 Butterflies, glow worms and bees can only be found on this 5 vase and a prestige vase in the Queens Choice range. www.moorcroft.com
Perfectly tailored insurance for the over 50’s
Staysure.co.uk Ltd are the over 50s experts and provide a wide range of insurance products and holidays to suit your needs. Registered office: McGowan House, Waterside The Lakes, Bedford Road, Northampton NN4 7XD. Terms and conditions apply to all insurance products and prices are correct at time of print. *Life Insurance price is based the minimum cover from Aviva for a female non-smoker aged 55. Life insurance prices will vary based on individual circumstances. *Health Insurance price is based on premium for any client aged between 18 and 65 taking 75% cash back option on level one with WPA NHS Top up plan. Health insurance prices can vary depending on individual circumstances. *Travel Insurance price is based on the basic cover for one person travelling in Europe aged up to 65, screened conditions excluded. Travel insurance prices will vary based on individual circumstances. *Car Insurance price is based on comprehensive cover for a 67 year old male living in Northumberland. Car insurance prices will vary based on individual circumstance. *Home Insurance price is based on a retired 78 year old, living in Norfolk. Home insurance prices will vary based on individual circumstances. Telephone calls may be monitored and recorded. Opening times are Monday to Friday: 8.30am - 6pm, Sunday: 10am - 6pm.
Staysure are the over 50s experts and have a range of insurance products to suit your needs.
Home Insurance The value of your home and its contents are important but you don’t need to pay the earth to protect them. Staysure’s home insurance offers a wide range of options and different levels of cover to help you find the right policy. Just call our experts today to see how much you can save!
Health Insurance Our health cover provides a wide range of options, benefits, insurers and premiums to suit your needs and budget. All you need to do is call us to discuss your specific requirements to obtain immediate cover.
Travel Insurance Join the millions of customers who have insured with Staysure and you too can enjoy the low cost insurance with all the benefits. Tailor the policy and choose from single trip, annual multi-trip, long stay European or Worldwide cover. Policies include cover for over 220 medical conditions and medical screening is also available.
Life Insurance Sometimes life can be stressful, especially when looking for the right cover to protect you and your loved ones...not anymore! Just call our experts and they can find the right policy to suit your specific needs and ensure that you and your family will be fully protected.
Car Insurance We offer a wide range of car insurance options all carefully designed to help you save money. Tailor the policy to your specific needs and enjoy the safe driving rewards you deserve. Call us now and we will find the right cover for you. Enjoy discounts for no claims, garaged cars, low mileage and if you’re retired!
0800 014 7817 Quote RSM
From
£57 a year*
0800 014 7816
Quote RSM
From
£7.76 a month*
0800 014 7819 Quote RSM
From
£4.99 8 days European cover*
0800 014 7815 Quote RSM
Starting from
£5.00
Home Insurance Health Insurance
a month*
0800 014 7818
Travel Insurance
Quote RSM
Starting from
£165 a year*
our experts are available 7 days a week
staysure.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority Registered No. 436804
Life Insurance Car Insurance
Majorca
The island of Majorca (or Mallorca) is the largest in Spain, and is one of the Balearic Islands located in the warm Mediterranean Sea. Since the package tourism boom of the 1950’s Majorca has been at the forefront of Spanish travel destinations and it’s easy to see why, with wonderful scenery and attractions and being a relatively small island, hiring a car is the perfect way to get around! I stayed for part of my stay in Cala d’Or (meaning Golden Cove) located on the southern half of Majorca’s east coast. It has evolved from a relatively unknown local fishing village into one of the prettiest tourist resorts on the island. It boasts unmistakable charm and is the perfect place for a relaxing seaside holiday (or to invest in a holiday home). The small village and harbour are located in one of the many rocky coves with sandy beaches (calas) that you’ll find all over the pretty east coast. You’ll find many smaller resorts and quaint little villages spread all along this coastline and there’s a very good bus service connecting them. Some places well worth a visit include; Cala Egos, Cala Santanyi, Cala Figuera, Cala Figuera, Cala Llombarts, Puerto Petro, Sa Colonia de Sant Jordi or the isle of Cabrera. Also the Cala d’Or marina is located in the heart of the town with some fine dining restaurants and wonderful yachts. 8
The Beauty in the Balearics
Alcudia: The remainder of my time was spent on the north coast in Alcudia; a destination to be treasured. With its old town, quaint harbour and wonderful beach (Alcudia boasts one of the longest beaches in Majorca) it’s the ideal place for a calming break in the sun. You’ve got the wonderful Roman ruins and enclosed streets lined with shops and markets. One of Alcudia’s other attractions is the port area. It has an array of restaurants, with traditional Spanish fare, or international, like Indian or Chinese. There are also a few restaurants that serve a taste of back home, like sausage and mash, or fish and chips. Whilst the main resorts are vibrant and colourful with an amazing array of nightclubs, bars and restaurants, the capital Palma still retains some of its historical flavour, with grand mansions and a magnificent Gothic cathedral in its bustling centre. Spectacular rocky mountains and cliffs are the boast of the northwest of the island and I can concur that they do not disappoint!
Sóller: One of the most impressive sights in Sóller is the church designed by a student of the world famous Spanish architect Gaudí, located at the central plaza of the town. The church is open for the public but it is closed during
the siesta hours in the afternoon. The central plaza of Sóller is a beautiful backdrop for having a break and enjoying some tapas. There are many nice restaurants and cafes around the plaza. Walking around the old and narrow streets of Sóller is also a great way to explore and experience the beauty of the town. There are lovely small gardens with lemon trees and flowers along the streets and the traffic is so quiet that you can just relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere for a while. If you enjoy longer walks in the nature, you can go for a hiking excursion to the Tramuntana mountains. At the train station of Ferrocarril de Sóller there are free art exhibitions. Recently displaying art works of Joan Miro and Picasso. The fastest driving route from Palma to Sóller is to drive through a tunnel!! Driving through the tunnel costs 6.50 Euro one way, and 11 Euro both ways but it saves a lot of time. The option I chose was to drive though the tunnel one way north from Palma and then to enjoy the scenic mountain coast roads on the way back, which are slower but have some stunning views!
Valldemossa: Sits on the slopes of the Tramuntana mountains. With its olive and almond trees lining cobbled streets it exudes genuine charm. Its popularity however comes from an unusual source. LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
T R AVE L In 1838, the pianist Frederic Chopin and his lover, the writer George Sand, rented a former monk’s cell at the Royal Carthusian Monastery. The couple and their illicit affair were the subject of intense gossip in Paris, so they decided to take refuge in Valldemossa to escape the 19th century equivalent of today’s paparazzi! Have your camera close to hand as many A-list stars still have homes here today; Catherine Zeta-Jones has bought a house near the village with husband Michael Douglas so keep your eyes peeled! (Douglas opened the village’s Costa Nord centre where you can hear his narration of an audiovisual history of Majorca).
Best for… EATING The local Majorcan dishes make full use of delicious local almonds, olives, walnuts, and the local tomato called Ramallet, which is native to the island. Breakfast often includes an ensaimada, a delicious spiral yeast bun dusted with icing sugar, yum! For lunch I can recommend the local grimalt cheeses, trampos - vegetable pizza slices, pa’amb oli - majorcan bread with garlic, tomato, olive oil and cured ham or cheese. Any real meat lovers may like to try sobrassada! Another great Majorcan dish is obviously tapas, which are combinations of meats and vegetables in sauces, such as meatballs in a delicious spicy sauce, garlic mushrooms, battered squid rings known as Calamares, or if you would like a mixture of different Tapas, then just ask for a Tapas Variadas!!
SLEEPING Majorca resorts are plenty, with a choice of superb family holiday resorts and favourite outdoor leisure resorts. Majorca has a long history of catering for visitors, especially British holidaymakers, and it does it well. High energy nightlife is to be found in Palma de Mallorca, Magaluf and Palma Nova whilst more laid back resorts with a family friendly approach move north to Port de Pollenca, Port
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
de Soller and Port d’Alcudia or along the east coast to the many beautiful Cala’s!
Don’t leave without Taking a ride on the Sóller Tram! A trip into the past is found on the Palma to Sóller railway on the wonderful wooden trams. The tram leaves from the Placa d’Espanya railway station in the centre of Palma and slowly winds its way through 28km of beautiful countryside into the town of Soller. The journey takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and is truly stunning! www.sollertrain.com
Fact file: Driving in Majorca Car hire agencies are easy to find and car hire rates are by no means very expensive. Renting a car will allow you the freedom to witness the beauty of the island at your leisure.
Some Driving Rules in Majorca: Drive on the right-hand side of the road. It is obligatory for every passenger in the car, not only the driver to wear seat belts.
Helpful tip: I have noticed that the Spanish have been taught to drive on the outside of the roundabout even when they are taking the last turn off so take care!
Flights: Direct flights to Palma from London, Birmingham and Manchester and all the large airports operate several times a day. Palma, although a very large airport, is relatively central, and very flat so will suit the elderly, children and wheelchair users easily.
Climate: The climate is typical of much of the Mediterranean. The summers are very hot, yet in the winter temperatures remain mild and considerably warmer than in Northern Europe. Rainfall is generally fairly low especially during the summer. With fewer tourists the winter is still a good time to visit with reduced rental rates on accommodation. Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: The visitor will face no language problems in Majorca as most people speak English (of course, your attempts at a little Spanish will be most appreciated). • Hello – Hola! • Goodbye – Adiós! • Please - Por favor • Thank you - Gracias Time zone: GMT + 1 hour
9
the timeless island of
Relax and enjoy Alderney’s laid-back atmosphere. Cliff walks with breathtaking views, uncrowded golden beaches and an abundance of wildlife. Genuine hospitality and fine food and wine. Only 45 minutes by air from the south coast.
Tel: 01481 822333
Email: brochures@visitalderney.com
www.visitalderney.com/retired
Alderney, Channel Islands Relax on the friendly island... The friendly, laid-back, island of Alderney has plenty to offer with its genuine hospitality, cliff walks with stunning scenery and many beautiful, uncrowded, sandy beaches for swimming or just relaxing. Only one and a half miles wide and three and a half miles long, Alderney, the most northern of the Channel Islands, is situated just off the Normandy Coast in the English Channel. The Island has just over two thousand inhabitants and enjoys a mild climate with a peaceful, natural and totally relaxing atmosphere. The town of St. Anne, with its quaint cobbled streets, is lined by small shops and offers a great choice of friendly pubs, bars and restaurants. Alderney is renowned for its fresh, local seafood, such as lobster and crab, and its excellent cuisine.
Discover the natural island The island boasts a rich and varied wildlife and the Alderney Wildlife Trust actively protects and promotes this valuable heritage. The Island has become a true magnet for birdwatchers, ramblers and wildlife enthusiasts who can explore some 70 miles of tracks and walks around the Island. The Alderney Wildlife Trust organises many interesting guided walks, ranging from town walks, history, heritage, birdwatching and nocturnal bat walks. There are also round island boat trips where you can discover Alderney’s marine wildlife and abundant sea bird habitats.
Explore the historic island The Island has a fascinating history and a visit to The Alderney Museum provides a thorough account of Alderney’s past. Most noticeable on the island must be the Victorian military architecture, namely the breakwater and the numerous forts along the coastline. Also Nazi gun emplacements and bunkers can still be found, remnants of WWII. Alderney also has the only running railway in the Channel Islands, another reminder of the Victorian times and one of the oldest lines in the British Isles. The railway was constructed in the 1840s by the British government to convey stone from the eastern end of the island to build the breakwater and the forts. The railway now operates on bank holidays and weekends through the summer season along a scenic coastal route from Braye Station near the harbour to Mannez Station on the north-east coast.
Join in our social island With a number of clubs and associations, including a challenging golf course, scenic tennis courts and a busy diary of events, there’s always something going on and visitors are always very welcome to join in. Where to stay: there is a good selection of privatelyowned hotels, guesthouses and self catering units as well as a pretty campsite. Getting there is easy: the island has its own airport and harbour providing excellent sea and air links. There are frequent scheduled direct flights from Southampton airport, giving a relatively stress free experience of a smaller airport in comparison to the busier airports of London. You can also fly to Alderney from most major British and International airports, via Guernsey or, Jersey (via Guernsey).
Tips
•
The currency is sterling and therefore there are no exchange rate issues!
•
Shopping in Alderney is VAT-free and the island‘s duty-free outlets offer excellent savings on tobacco and alcohol
• For more information visit www.visitalderney.com
Adventurous gap years for the older generation are on the rise
Dr. Peter Slowe, founder and director at leading international volunteering company Projects Abroad, explains how the elder generation are getting more clued-up on gap year opportunities… At Projects Abroad, we have noticed a steady increase in the number of retired volunteers taking part in our projects overseas. Not just the recently retired but all ages. From care work to teaching and conservation, they’re really getting involved. It’s great for the projects because they bring lots of life experience and often more time too. The older generation are wellplaced to offer a meaningful contribution to developing countries. For many older gappers, the decision to travel and experience new cultures often stems from a need to take a break from the norm and see the world from a different perspective. For some it is more deep-rooted; they might be looking for a complete life-changing experience, and an adventure like this may help them to focus on what it is they really want to change. Visiting a developing country has the effect of making one forget about the routine of day-to-day life, and 12
can be very rewarding and volunteers are able to see instant impact from direct actions, such as making a very sad child smile just by being there and comforting them. This wonderful sense of achievement also forges a more positive outlook, a sense that there is still a lot that they can contribute to society as a whole.
events at home will start to seem quite distant. The responsibilities that most of us have at home will be temporarily lost in translation, and feedback from older volunteers tends to centre on feelings of freedom and youth. If you are retired and interested in travelling overseas, care work is a relatively straightforward option for most volunteers because the only attributes needed are a good heart and a willingness to help. Working with needy children in poorly equipped facilities and orphanages
If care work isn’t something you’re interested in, then there is a whole host of other exciting and adventurous projects that you could get involved in. It might be teaching teachers or children, animal or plant conservation, sports coaching, community-based projects like archaeology, building, medicine and healthcare (such as nursing or midwifery), journalism, law or even veterinary medicine. The list is endless and the project opportunities vast. Living with a host-family is another important aspect for gap year volunteer placements. Based on LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
feedback, this unique situation of being welcomed into another family from a different country and being made to feel at home tends to touch the heart of the older volunteer. They are made to feel secure and are offered kindness from people who are essentially strangers to them. Staying with a host-family and experiencing their way of life means volunteers also get into a routine that is unimaginable back at home; they almost lead a ‘second life’. Older volunteers will often
find themselves working within a group of younger volunteers (gap year or university students) and this mix of generation forms part of the overall cultural experience. The volunteering experience may also trigger a life-style changing effect when gappers return home to normality. Voluntary projects for the older generation are particularly useful for people who might have high levels of stress or worry because the pace
in a developing country tends to be very relaxed, (although in some cases it can be so relaxed that you might go crazy thinking that nothing ever gets done). The point is that things which have importance at home often have little significance in the developing world. Volunteers will soon adapt to this way of life and it can have a very positive impact on their outlook and even their future lives.
Angela Pitt age 65 from Somerset is a great example of how a voluntary project can change your life; she explains, “Last year I volunteered in the Amazon Rainforest at Projects Abroad’s Taricaya Centre to help specially with an animal rescue and release project. I was the oldest woman they had ever had but my age really didn’t matter. The dense jungle, the Taricaya Centre and the nearest town, three hours up-river, Puerto Maldonado, were amazing places to see. I experienced so many amazing things, such as the colourful fruit markets, vast jungle and beautiful wildlife such as toucans, caimans and the incredibly rare striped owl. I hope that people of all ages will be inspired to take on an adventure just as I did”.
If you are interested in taking a gap year or going on a voluntary project overseas, even if it’s only for a few weeks, there are a few things you should do first: • Think carefully about what you want to achieve by volunteering abroad. • Take advice and research different organisations and look at the variety of projects to make sure you understand the opportunity and that it suits what you are looking for; Projects Abroad has its own directly employed and trained staff overseas, and this is a really important feature – it’s a matter of having people around you who understand what it is you want to achieve. • If you’re going on your own, make sure that you’ve got all the right visas and permits and that you really know what you’re letting yourself in for – spend plenty of time on the Internet and then make sure you speak to the people in your chosen destination on the telephone directly. • Research the countries you are interested in going to. Preconceptions can be misguided and it’s vital that you get the facts early on. The culture shock affects some people more strongly than others and it is important to be as prepared for this as you can be. If you’re going with an organisation, make sure they give you plenty of information.
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
• • • • •
Investigate the best times to go on your trip. The weather can make a difference. New Year (not always the same as ours) and other celebrations can be frustrating if you’ve got a rather short time and want to do things. Talk to those who have volunteered abroad and ask them to share their experiences with you. If you’re with an organisation, they should be able to give you some names and contact details. Consult your doctor about your physical condition and find out what countries should be avoided. Get professional advice about vaccinations and what medicine you need to take. On the other hand, don’t over-worry; chances are the worst you’ll get will be a slight upset tummy! Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance. With Project Abroad it’s included, but not with every organisation. Keep an open mind – volunteering can be very rewarding if you are accepting of new cultures and willing to adapt to different lifestyles. This doesn’t mean you can’t take some English teabags, which I do, and it doesn’t mean that you have to eat guinea-pigs in Peru, which I don’t. I suppose it really means not being judgemental.
For more information on volunteering overseas, please visit: www.projects-abroad.co.uk 13
You’re unique. So are we. We believe that it’s through taking time to understand each individual, their likes and dislikes and their life stories that we can provide personal care with a real difference. We not only offer the highest standards of nursing, residential and dementia care, but vibrant communities where people can connect and enjoy their time together. It’s just one of the ways we help your loved one lead a better life.
14
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
C W of are inn th Em er eY p ea loy r 2 er 01 0
Carebase is an independent group of private care homes offering exceptional nursing, residential and dementia services for both long-term and respite care throughout the South East of England and East Anglia. We believe a care home should be a home first and foremost. Each of our homes offer exceptional care and support, in beautiful and comfortable surroundings.
Our homes are furnished throughout to the highest standards, providing elegance and comfort but above all a warm, homely and welcoming environment. Our highly trained staff are leading the way in nursing and dementia care, making a real difference to the lives of our residents and their families. Our staff are trained to make every moment count.
Tel 020 8879 6550 Email info@carebase.org.uk
www.carebase.org.uk
Quality care at the heart of your community
Knife & Fork Gardening Year Round Colour in Containers When recently celebrating my 70th birthday I was presented with a very different set of cutlery – this reminded me of a phrase I often use – ‘Knife & Fork Gardening’ when referred to the use of containers. As I now find it difficult to bend and anything at floor level is out of bounds, I now use containers extensively and I thought I would pass on a few tips which you may find useful.
1. Seasonal Use In order to have colour throughout the year, it is better to divide the containers into seasonal groups – Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter. If an area of the garden can be screened off, it can be very useful to store the dormant containers. Ideally, some kind of bench or old table could be used when doing the actual knife & fork gardening – this saves you getting back ache! If some of the containers are heavy, grandchildren can be very useful! Spring containers can be planted with many types of bulbs which should be assembled in the Autumn. Summer containers are usually planted with annuals, Autumn & Winter containers can be planted successionally with heathers and pansies giving a spread of flowering periods. To give structure, dwarf conifers, cordylines and many other shrubs can be permanently planted and the seasonal plants changed appropriately. These may have to be changed every few years so that they don’t get too big.
2. Making up a Container There is a vast range of containers available – some of these are extremely cheap whilst others vary tremendously in price with some disappearing beyond my budget! It is best to ensure that there is adequate drainage both inside and outside the container. A few handfuls of gravel will suffice inside and it is better to stand the container on gravel, not on a flat surface where the drainage holes could become sealed. If the container is relatively small (20 litres or less), a general purpose compost can be used to fill almost to the top. If the container is larger, than this a 50/50 mixture of soil and compost can be used to fill half to two-thirds, the remaining portion being all compost. In all containers, there should be sufficient space for
watering. There are many brands of controlled release fertilizers that can be incorporated at this time which, dependent on type, will feed the plants for up to 12 months. The manufacturer’s instructions will indicate the amounts needed.
3. Moving A 2-wheel sack truck will move heavy containers fairly easily over most surfaces. Wheelbarrows are not very suitable as the containers need lifting in and out and are liable to fall over as the barrow is tilted. For larger plants, a range of wheeled saucers are available and are very useful.
4. Watering This is best done by a long spout watering can or a hose pipe with a lance fitted to enable the water to be poured directly onto the compost and not onto the flowers or leaves. Containers should be checked regularly and watered as needed even after showers which may not penetrate the foliage. If regular watering proves difficult, additives can be incorporated into the compost which helps to hold moisture and reduces watering needs. It may be found advantageous to install a drip feed automatic watering system – this can be done simply and relatively cheaply and is very effective.
5. Cost Container growing can be done within a limited budget by using the cheaper containers. The container of annuals illustrated cost no more than £3.00 – container £1.50, compost & fertilizer £1.00, plants £0.50! In addition to the above where the intention is mainly for year round colour, many other plants can be grown in containers on a permanent basis. We grow Hostas, heucheras, acer & cotinus trees and even a variety of vegetables. For the vegetable growing, I use garden trugs, 30 – 40 litre size, which I find ideal as they have handles which assist in moving.
I hope you find this information useful and if you haven’t already used containers in this context, why not give it a try! I would suggest starting with 12 cheap identical containers – 3 for each season. By rotating these, you will amaze your friends when they see different flowers outside your door every few months and I am sure you will get pleasure from this ‘Knife & Fork Gardening’. Good Luck! Tom Atherton
Give an old athlete the will to live.
There’s a hopeful, trusting look in the eyes of most retired greyhounds. They’re hoping for a comfortable retirement home, and they trust us to provide it for them! How can you help? With the best will in the world, you may not be able to either adopt or sponsor a greyhound right now. But a legacy could be the answer; remember the
RGT in your Will and you’ll be sure of a place in doggy heaven! For more information on how to leave a legacy to The Retired Greyhound Trust, simply fill in the coupon or phone us on:
0844 826 8424 You’ll be doing us all a big favour.
I’d like more information on leaving a legacy to RGT. I enclose a donation £ Name: Address:
Tel:
RT/June/2011
Charity no. 269668
Postcode:
Retired Greyhound Trust 2nd Floor, Park House, 1-4 Park Terrace, Worcester Park Surrey KT4 7JZ www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk email:greyhounds@retiredgreyhounds.co.uk
That’s Esther’s life Broadcaster, charity campaigner and Strictly Come Dancing star Esther Rantzen recently turned 71, but she shows little sign of slowing down, as James Pringle reports The General Election in 2009 was full of surprises, not the least of which was the Luton South candidates including Esther Rantzen CBE. Labour’s Gavin Shuker won the seat and Esther lost her deposit, but she has no regrets about entering the fray. “I stood because I got so angry at the excesses of Margaret Moran, who was the MP at the time. It seemed to me that Luton deserved a choice, but when I started the campaign, I met the Conservative and Labour candidates and they were both really able, committed, hard-working, bright young men and that cheered me up. “I had a fascinating time. Eighty people came to see me and asked if I could help them during the campaign and I was able to do some good. I shall always go to hustings in future. They’re the only way you can tell which candidates are the loonies. It’s really important if you’re not a tribal voter. I’ve always been a floating voter, making up my mind on issues and manifestoes in each election.” Esther began her broadcasting career after Oxford University, as a studio manager in BBC radio, creating sound effects for dramas. “My father had worked in engineering for Lord Reith at the BBC and I was fascinated by broadcasting. Being a studio manager was one of the few entry points one could find. In the end, though, I realised that any creative work I’d done was getting further and further into the past. I wasn’t being asked for ideas. Besides which, I was made to fall down eight times to produce the sound of a distant skating accident. So I was bruised physically and psychologically! “I stayed in that job for two and half years, then resigned and spent about six months on the dole, which I absolutely hated. But no experience is wasted and to have experienced unemployment is quite important. When I talk about it affecting others, I know what it feels like.” 18
TV documentary maker Desmond Wilcox hired Esther for a month’s work on Man Alive – and ended up marrying her. As they became a well-known media couple, there was never any professional jealousy. “I’ve read Ann Robinson saying it’s difficult, particularly if the wife earns more than the husband – which at certain stages in our careers, I did – but we didn’t find it difficult,” Esther recalls. “There was a lot of mutual respect between Desmond and me. He always used to say I had fame and he had reputation, and that’s right. He won every award going and I always knew he was a superb television journalist. I learnt a huge amount from him.” A big break for Esther was joining the team on consumer programme Braden’s Week. When Bernard Braden returned to his native Canada, Esther anchored the show’s British successor, That’s Life. She is proud of its achievements, such as successful campaigns for safer surfaces in children’s playgrounds and legislation for children to wear seatbelts in the backs of cars. “We were the first television programme to talk about DNA testing. We did a major campaign about transplants, with the story of Ben Hardwick, and we famously launched ChildLine and continued the campaign for better treatment of abused children.”
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
E XC LU SI VE Nearly 25 years later, ChildLine now has 14 bases around the UK. Esther is its president and a trustee of the NSPCC, with which it has merged. “We launched a survey on That’s Life among adults who’d experienced cruelty as children, to see if there were patterns we could pick out that would make us better at detecting problems. We opened a children’s helpline because so many watched the show and loved seeing our talented pets and so on. For 48 hours the lines were jammed with children reporting abuse nobody else knew about. That made me realise we could do something about saving and protecting children, by creating a children’s helpline that would be open 24/7.”
70th Birthday Picnic
Such dynamic over-60s epitomise the attitude Esther describes in her book on growing old gracefully, If Not Now, When? (Headline Springboard, 2008).
Esther in the meadow behind her cottage in The New Forest
Esther has worked with other charities and organisations, from hospices to special needs schools, helping prisoners’ families and providing accommodation for parents of children in hospital. In the best That’s Life tradition, Esther introduced some light relief in 2004 when she partnered Anton du Beke in Strictly Come Dancing. “I’m very frustrated that it never occurred to me to do the ambitious sort of things that Ann Widdecombe has been doing!” she says. “Anton never suggested that I could fly. “It’s interesting how dragon politicians become national treasures when they leave. Look what happened to Tony Benn and Michael Portillo. And who could have predicted it when Ann Widdecombe was at the Home Office? “Watching Strictly now, I’m lost in awe. The standards are amazingly high. I tipped Pamela Stephenson to win last time, because not only is she a wonderful dancer but she’s a fascinating woman – and I love the fact that’s she’s over 60. You expected Scott and Matt to be good, but muscular young men being able to turn cartwheels is not a surprise. But you don’t necessarily expect Felicity Kendall to be able to do the splits or Ann Widdecome to fly with such wonderful grace – and you certainly don’t
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
expect Pamela Stephenson to be such a brilliant dancer.”
“If you’re lucky enough to keep your health and mental and physical strength, for once in your life you can be the person you would like to be,” she says. “One goes through life being a parent or breadwinner, and not since being a teenager can you be you and just follow your dreams. “My tips would be to retain your sense of adventure and to stay in touch with people of every age – because it’s stimulating.”
Retirement doesn’t seem to be on Esther’s agenda. “I don’t suppose work was on my agenda! What was on my agenda was the particular challenge at any moment – be it That’s Life, a talk show or whatever. Today I was able to have lunch with my daughter Rebecca, which was a wonderful luxury. So, to that extent, I’m retired, but I was working all over last weekend and I’m working all week and working this evening. Anybody who thinks retirement is the same as inactivity has never tried it. “The great advantage is that you can pick and choose. You can decide what causes you to want to help. The voluntary sector would grind to a standstill if it weren’t for people of 60-plus.” Daughter Rebecca Wilcox is a TV reporter, while son Joshua is studying for a degree in medicine and other daughter ‘Em’ is taking a psychology degree. Meanwhile, after a holiday relief stint on BBC Radio Berkshire at the beginning of November, “just for fun”, Esther is booked to give lectures and to appear in a celebrity version of TV’s Cash in the Attic, raising money for ChildLine. So she’s busy, but does her workload allow some breathing space for leisure?
“Every now and then,” she replies.
19
Communities where people enjoy living If you are over 60 and considering sheltered housing, please talk to us, or visit one of our eight schemes in Abbots Langley, Croxley Green, Mill End, South Oxhey and Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire. Ring freephone 0800 917 6077.
Safe and secure You cannot buy peace of mind, but many older people and their families will confirm that living in sheltered housing means they feel safe, secure and are supported to maintain independence.
Independence without the worry
Experience and help
We offer you the choice to be as independent and private as you wish. Often people with support needs move home in early retirement safe in the knowledge that should they or their partner need more care or support in the future, this can easily be arranged without the additional upset of relocating. We offer: a dedicated support officer 24-hour emergency call system out of hours emergency assistance advice & information personal support plan social activities communal lounge a laundry or guest room (in some schemes).
You can rely on our expertise in helping you secure additional support should you need it. We work in partnership with local providers and can help you and your family to develop or modify an individual support plan. Our team also provides support, visiting more than 350 tenants across the district.
• • • • • • • •
Friendship and support You can be sure of a warm welcome in all our sheltered communities. People move for a variety of reasons: perhaps you are living alone and your circumstances mean that you now need a supportive environment near your current home or family. Our schemes have communal lounge areas and offer a range of activities which you are welcome to join whenever you wish.
Adapting your home None of us know what’s around the corner, and it’s comforting to know that we’re on hand to help if your circumstances alter and you need to make practical changes to your home and lifestyle. We can provide aids and adaptations to your home, should you need it.
A thriving community
“Thrive Homes is making a difference to thousands of individuals
and families. We have a vision for a thriving community where there are life choices and opportunities. If you want to find out more about our sheltered housing and how we can help you to live independently in your own home, please visit our website or get in touch on freephone 0800 917 6077.
”
Elspeth Mackenzie, Chief Executive.
Thrive Homes provides value for money, high quality homes and excellent services to help develop communities where people will enjoy living. Our £43 million improvement programme has benefitted over 3,000 homes.
Need a lifeline? Anyone living in the Three Rivers district can rent a lifeline from Thrive Homes. A lifeline consists of a small plastic base unit located in your living room or bedroom.
Support for independent living
At the push of a button you can summon help in an emergency. You will also be given a pendant to wear which you can press if the base unit is out of reach. Our lifeline alarm offers you peace of mind, for example when you get older, or if you have a disability or become unwell. All you need is an active telephone line and a nearby plug socket. Interested? Ring us on 0800 917 6077 and we will happily tell you more.
Our team provide housing related support services at eight sheltered schemes and at properties designated for older people or those with disabilities throughout the Three Rivers district.
You can read our Lifeline Alarm leaflet online at www.thrivehomes.org.uk or we can send you a copy and an application form.
“Thrive Homes’ support service is not just limited to people living
in our sheltered schemes and properties. Anyone living in the Three Rivers district can rent a lifeline from us. Just ring 0800 917 6077 or look at our website www.thrivehomes.org.uk Zoe Hunt, Support & Sustainability Coordinator.
”
Thrive Homes, Building 3, Hatters Lane Croxley Green Business Park, Watford, Herts WD18 8YG Freephone 0800 917 6077 Telephone 020 8428 4428 Email: enquiries@thrivehomes.org.uk Web: www.thrivehomes.org.uk
H EALTH
Yoga for Lower Back Pain by Carolyn Jones
Is yoga for you? That's something for you and your doctor to decide together. More and more doctors, however, are recommending yoga for a wide range of complaints and conditions. As you reach the age when the high-impact sports you may once have enjoyed are no longer the best option, and you look for alternatives to keep you fit and strong (and out of the GP's surgery), why not give yoga a go? A number of yoga positions are gentle on the back, and work to strengthen the abdominal muscles as well as the back muscles. We often over-rely on our back muscles and on momentum to lift things or make certain movements; improving your core body strength will help prevent strain and injury.
Cat/Cow Pose 1
Good posture and proper alignment, which practically every yoga position emphasises, also helps prevent pain in the back, shoulders and neck. Many of us habitually carry our heads too far forward rather than centring them over the shoulders. Compensating for this balancing act leads to lack of alignment and bad posture throughout the body. Yoga helps to undo this bad habit. Yogic breathing exercises help you to breathe more deeply and efficiently. Many people breathe too shallowly, into their chests only, or too quickly. This means the body is not getting the oxygen it needs to perform movements easily and the brain is not receiving enough oxygen to function efficiently either. Quick and shallow breathing can also make you feel chronically anxious, whereas slow regular breathing helps you to maintain mental control and stay calm.
Cat/Cow Pose 2
Here are three introductory exercises to give you a taste of what yoga is all about. Depending on your level of activity and fitness they may feel difficult at first. If a position causes you actual pain, stop. You may be aggravating an existing injury or condition (such as a herniated disc). But if it's just out-of-shape muscles complaining, keep at it. You will soon see an improvement in your strength, flexibility and general sense of well-being.
Cat/Cow Pose Get down on all fours on a non-skid mat or carpet or, if you have a firm mattress, on top of your bed. Arms and thighs should be vertical. The arms should be extended directly down from the shoulders, with the fingers spread wide like stars. Separate the knees a little so that they are under the hips and place the tops of the feet on the mat. If your knees hurt, put a folded blanket under them.
Little Boat Pose Disclaimer: As with any physical activity, yoga carries the risk of injury. Yoga is not a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis or treatment, and is not recommended or safe for people with certain medical conditions. Seek your doctor's advice before you practise yoga. Photos by Meic Haines.
Exhale deeply, arching your back like an angry cat. Tuck the chin to the chest and round the tailbone down towards the floor. As you inhale, allow the belly to fill with air and sag down, like a cow's. Tilt the head and the bottom up. Continue this movement, alternately arching your back up and curving it down, to the rhythm of your own breath. Repeat two to ten times. Cat/Cow Pose helps to keep your spine supple.
22
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
Leg Lifts Begin lying on your back on a mat or carpet. Bend the left knee and plant the left foot firmly on the mat. This will protect the lower back. Bring your arms down by your sides, palms down, for additional support. Point the toes of the right foot and, on an inhale, raise the right leg up to 90 degrees, or as close as you can. Keep the knee straight. When you've reached the top, push the heel up towards the ceiling and flex the toes down towards your face. Exhaling, slowly lower the leg back down, leaving the heel pushed out. When your leg and foot touch the floor, point the toes again and repeat the movement, following your breath as you inhale up and exhale down. After you've done two to ten repetitions on the right leg, switch and do the same number of lifts on the left leg, remembering to plant your right foot on the mat first for support. Be careful not to rely on momentum to swing your legs up or down. Instead, use the abdominal muscles, which you are working to strengthen. Breathe smoothly and deeply to help yourself do the movements slowly and with control.
Little Boat Pose Sit on a mat or carpet with your knees bent and the soles of the feet on the mat. Place the palms of the hands on the mat beside your hips, fingers pointed forward. Keeping your back straight and your shoulders down, tilt the torso back to a 45-degree angle. Balance on the sitting bones and keep the back long. Keep the chest open and expanded. On an inhale, bring the legs and feet up so that the calves are parallel to the floor. You can keep your hands on the floor or clasp them under your thighs to support this pose. (If this feels too easy, you can make the position more challenging by extending your arms in front of you, parallel to the floor, palms down.) Keep the abdomen very firm and breathe regularly while holding the position. Don't hold Little Boat Pose for a long time, just for a few breaths. Then release the feet to the floor and rest. Try it again and see if it's easier the second time. Yoga is everywhere these days: you can get books and DVDs from your local library and try it at home or join a class at your local leisure centre or community hall. Most yoga positions can be modified to suit your body's needs. Whatever your level of flexibility and strength and however long it's been since you exercised regularly, yoga can benefit you. With lower back problems, we're often reluctant to do any type of exercise because the pain is so debilitating. We now know, though, that not moving doesn't help back pain improve. Yoga is a tried and tested ancient technology designed to help your body be comfortable in stillness and in motion. Try it for yourself.
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
Live with a healthy heart We all know that we should enjoy healthy eating, be more active and avoid tobacco if we want to live with a healthy heart. Try these top tips and live a heart healthy lifestyle: l Cut down on saturated fat by using semi- skimmed or skimmed milk rather than full fat. l For healthier fats, try cooking with olive, sunflower, corn or rapeseed oil instead of butter or ghee. But remember to use it sparingly! l Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on five days or more a week. l Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day; in curries, salad or as a snack.
If you’d like some help sticking to a heart healthy lifestyle why not join Heart Matters? This FREE service from the British Heart Foundation offers a package of support and information for people with a heart condition or who are simply looking to improve their heart health. You will receive a welcome pack including a quick guide to heart health, a ‘heart risk’ tape measure and a 5 a day food diary when you register. You can then choose to sign up for further supportive materials, including free copies of heart health, their free lifestyle magazine. You’ll also have access to a helpline staffed by friendly heart health advisers and cardiac nurses. Sign up service
to
receive
access
to
this
free
Visit: www.bhf.org.uk/retiredhearts Or call: 0300 330 3300 (Local rate. Lines open Monday–Friday 9 am–6 pm)
23
Maintain your natural Cholesterol Balance In contrast to common belief, cholesterol is not always a “culprit”. It is a vital substance which the human body depends on for normal functioning. As long as our cholesterol levels stay within a normal, healthy range, there is no problem.
protects cell membranes from the damaging effects of free radicals.
The latest innovation from Pharma Nord UK
What do you take StatiQinon for?
StatiQinon is a new formulation product containing Co-enzyme Q10, Red Yeast Rice and ALA (Alphalinolenic acid). Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like compound which practically all cells in the human body depend on in order to produce energy. Red yeast rice, a dietary staple in some Asian countries, is yeast cultivated on rice. ALA stands for “alpha-linolenic acid” and is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is found in plants. ALA is an essential fatty acid meaning that it can’t be produced by the body but must be obtained through the diet. How does StatiQinon work? Co-enzyme Q10: is stored in the mitochondria (power house) of every cell and is responsible for the production of energy. Tissues with a high energy requirement such as the heart, muscles and liver contain more mitochondria within their cells. Coenzyme Q10 is also an important antioxidant and
24
Red yeast rice: contains 14 active compounds called monacolins, which have been shown to inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol. ALA: May help reduce the build up of fats in the arteries thus reducing cholesterol and triglycerides.
Cholesterol isn’t all bad, our bodies need cholesterol for normal functioning and as long as the amount we have stays within normal levels, it poses no health issues. However, lifestyle and genetics can lead to an increase in bad cholesterol (LDL) which if left unchecked can lead to heart disease. Research suggests that each of the ingredients in StatiQinon may protect against the build up of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body. How much should you take? Pharma Nord recommends 2 capsules per day, or as directed by a physician. Which is the best form to take? Pharma Nord recommends choosing supplements that are produced to pharmaceutical standards, to guarantee quality and safety. Vitamins benefit from being blister-packed to protect the active ingredients from the atmosphere and contamination.
Freephone: 0800 591 756 | www.multivits.co.uk
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
NEW! For cholesterol
Natural
Cholesterol
BA LA N CE
Bring your cholesterol level down - naturally! “StatiQinon® is a safe, natural aid, for anyone who wants to keep their cholesterol levels in the normal range and maintain good cardiovascular health. It contains high quality red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10 and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).” Gareth Zeal BSc. is one of the UK’s leading experts in the field of nutrition and naturopathy and has more than 20 years experience at advising patients and customers on the benefits of good nutrition.
How to buy?
CALL 0800 591 756 or email uksales@pharmanord.co.uk
www.statinq10.com
Would you like to know more? Please send me more information on StatiQinon®, my details are below:
Send this coupon to:
Name
StatiQinon Info, Pharma Nord (UK) Ltd, Telford Court, Morpeth, NE61 2DB
Address Postcode LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
Tel.
Pharma Nord (UK) Ltd, Telford Court, Morpeth, NE61 2DB. Reg. Number 2278389.
25
Why choose Dentures from a Clinical Dental Technician? What is a Clinical Dental Technician? A Clinical Dental Technician or CDT is a registered Dental Care Professional who is trained and qualified to offer a range of Denture Services – services that were previously only available through your Dentist.
As well as replacing any missing teeth, Partial Dentures also look after the future health of your mouth by preventing your remaining teeth from rotating, tilting and moving into positions that prove unsightly and awkward for eating and talking.
What qualifies a CDT to work on my Dentures?
Depending upon your individual needs and preferences, your CDT may recommend Chrome Cobalt dentures.
With many years experience working as Dental Technicians, CDTs have the advanced technical and clinical skills needed to carefully design and hand-craft every denture to the individual requirements of the patient. Every Clinical Dental Technician has following credentials: l l l l
Graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons Holds a Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology Is registered with the General Dental Council as a Dental Technician and CDT Has appropriate insurance to work with patients
Never seek Denture advice or treatment from someone who is not trained or qualified to practice as a Clinical Dental Technician or Dentist in the UK.
Following your initial consultation, a Clinical Dental Technician will assess your mouth and develop a personal treatment plan. Working with a Dentist, they will identify any possible problems. In this way, your Denture will be designed correctly and for the long-term, and ensure that you receive the highest standards of care and the right treatment for you and your teeth.
Denture Relines If your dentures tilt, wobble or rub, a Clinical Dental Technician can reline your denture, making the small alterations that make a big difference to the way they fit and feel.
Complete Dentures
Please be aware that a Denture Reline will normally require that you leave your dentures with your Clinical Dental Technician so be prepared to be without them for a short period of time.
If you are experiencing the total loss of all your natural teeth, a Clinical Dental Technician can help you.
Denture Repairs
As well as taking its toll on daily activities like eating, talking and even laughing, total tooth loss can impact heavily on self-esteem and quality of life. A CDT will create and fit the Complete Denture that replaces your missing teeth and adjacent tissue in your lower and upper jaws.
If your Denture fractures or breaks, the CDT can mend your dentures as follows, making them wearable once more. Repairing cracks or multiple fractures Repairing chipped false teeth l Repairing your Denture base l l
A CDT can help you find the Complete Dentures that will: l Help you to form sounds and bring new clarity to your speech l Feel more secure about eating the food you want l Countering sagging facial muscles and sunken features that can make you appear older (especially around your mouth, lips and cheeks)
Over time, the shape of your mouth can change as part of the natural ageing process, as a result of the under use and lack of stimulus for your jawbone. If your Dentures break while you are wearing them, it is probably for one of the following reasons:
Partial Dentures
If you would like your new dentures to replicate all the favourable aspects of your existing Dentures, then a Clinical Dental Technician can help you. From copying exact tooth position and shape, to improving the way they fit with your mouth and gums – your Copy Dentures will be just like the Dentures you have now, only better.
If one or several of your teeth are lost or missing, a CDT can help you restore your smile with a Partial Denture. By replacing your individual missing teeth, Partial Dentures can give you back the look and function of a full set of healthy, natural teeth.
l l
Poor fit as a result of bone resorbtion (shrinkage) Excessive force possibly due to tooth grinding
Get your dentures direct from a qualified clinical dental technician AD Laboratories is an established, homely prosthetics clinic, based in Woking, Surrey. Roland Jones has, after already 20 years working as a dental technician graduated from the George Brown College in Canada and the UK’s Royal College of Surgeons and has become a Clinical Dental Technician. At AD Laboratories we take referrals from local dentists as well as working direct with the public. By coming to AD Laboratories direct the patient is often able to get their dentures much faster and we are often able to help out in emergency denture requirements. At AD Laboratories we listen to our customers and together create the denture that would best suit you. All our staff are dedicated to make you really feel at home! You only have to read our visitor’s book to see how grateful our customers have been so far; achieving results that people did not think where possible. We often get told how nice it is to receive the old fashioned service...
Get your dentures direct from a qualified clinical dental technician Our Clinical Dental Technicians can now work DIRECTLY WITH THE PUBLIC making: l
Full Complete Dentures Relines Copy Dentures Denture Repairs
... to book for a FREE consultation, please call us on 01483 722994 l l l
FRIENDLY, EXPERIENCED AND PERSONAL SERVICE At AD Laboratories we have the advantage of being able to offer Get your dentures direct from a flexible appointment times to suit the individual. We often get of toldWoking how nice it istown to receive the old fashioned qualified clinicalon dental technician We are located the outskirts centre on the service ... why not book yourself in for a FREE CONSULTATION? Guildford Roadcan (atnow the pedestrian crossing between OurA320 Clinical/ Dental Technicians work simply call: DIRECTLY WITH THE PUBLIC making: Hillview Road and York Road) l l l l
Guildford Road, Woking, WOKING Full Complete Dentures Surrey GU22 7QU. Relines Copy Dentures Denture Repairs We are located on the outskirts of Woking town centre and provide AMPLE CAR PARKING
01483 722994
Discover the freedom
renting in retirement can bring… Choosing the ideal retirement location can be challenging, particularly when trying to find that perfect property in an interesting location, which also offers long-term security, comfortable living and friendly neighbours. Girlings Retirement Rentals, which currently has properties available across the UK, is the leading private sector renting in retirement specialists. The majority of tenancies are life-long (assured), which means you stay as long as you want. The landlord cannot give you notice to leave as long as you adhere to the terms of the tenancy agreement; this provides great security and peace of mind. The added flexibility of renting means residents don’t have the burdens of home ownership and are free to move wherever they like, whether it’s closer to family and friends or to another part of the country. Mr & Mrs Carter, Girlings’ residents say:
We feel very safe and secure here. The support services in place such as Careline are
fantastic and we feel confident because we know we speak to someone in seconds and get help if we need it. We feel secure also because we have a lifelong tenancy so we know we can stay here for as long as we choose...We live close to all the local amenities and have made many great friends - at least once a month we all get together - whether it is fish and chip suppers or a Barbecue in the Summer in the beautiful gardens. It was a great move for us. Renting also allows homeowners to sell their property outright in order to release capital. Sellers are able to avoid equity release schemes and sell on the open market, to ensure they receive the best price.
privately or through a social housing provider, to create an income which allows them to rent a manageable, purpose-built, maintenance-free and energy-efficient retirement property, so they can get on and enjoy their lives.
Whilst the credit crunch has seen a dramatic slump in house sales, savvy retirees may consider letting out their larger, high-maintenance homes, either
Girlings co-owner and CEO, Peter Girling said: “A life-long (assured) tenancy offers great security and long-term peace of mind. In the private rental sector,
28
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
HO U SI NG it is common for properties to be let on an assured shorthold tenancy basis which enables the landlord to regain possession of the property after the initial agreed fixed term.
Mr & Mrs Honour, Girlings’ residents commented:
“Renting on a life-long tenancy basis offers the same security of tenure as most social housing providers, only without the associated waiting lists. What’s more, service charges and maintenance are included in the monthly payments.”
to relocate. We have saved so much in terms
From the undeniable natural beauty of the Lake District; the bustling streets of city centres, such as York or Exeter, through to the endless sands and blue seas of the South Coast, Girlings has something to offer everyone. Girlings Retirement Rentals has purpose built retirement developments across the UK, all within easy walking distance of local amenities. Girlings has a range of one and two bedroom apartments which can be rented on life long tenancies. Rents are reviewed annually in line with the RPI (Retail Price Index) and capped at 6%, enabling easy financial planning for residents, without the responsibility of home ownership. A typical apartment features a fitted kitchen, a bathroom, a lounge/dining room, and a utility cupboard. Most developments also feature a laundry room, communal lounge area, guest suite and a lift to all floors. All apartments benefit from advanced security systems, including a 24-hour Careline service. A service team is responsible for window cleaning, gardening and all external maintenance, and a house-manager is present during weekdays to look after the running of the development. Residents renting on an assured tenancy agree that it’s easier to budget according to their monthly payments, giving great peace of mind during their precious years of retirement. It is also comforting to know that should the property require any maintenance, from an unexpected leak to a broken shelf, a service team is on hand and this is all included in the monthly rental payments.
Renting in retirement has given us
greater financial freedom and the flexibility of moving costs. We sold our house and we have retained that capital which has given us an investment for the future. We are now committed to renting and we love the fact that we have an assured tenancy so we essentially have the same security as homeowners.
For more information, please visit www.girlings.co.uk or contact the lettings team on 0800 52 51 84.
Are you 55+?
Did you know you can rent private retirement property on life long tenancies which gives you the right to remain living in the property for as long as you wish? Service charges and maintenance are included in the rent.
Visit us at stand C30
0800 52 51 84
www.girlings.co.uk Offering a wider choice in retirement housing
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
29
Retirement Apartments for Sale Independent, affordable & secure living Home Group across the South East Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, North & West London, Norfolk, Middlesex, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Surrey and Sussex including the South Coast
Contact our Sales Team today on 0845 230 2074
Kings Lodge, Kingsway 020 8446 8730 Kings Lodge is conveniently situated close to the heart of North Finchley with a wide range of shops and transport links available. This over 60’s development offers a variety of one and two bedroom properties over three floors at 100% leasehold ownership.
Hyde Court, Whetstone 020 8445 5821 Located within a quarter mile of Whetstone shopping centre, Hyde Court also offers one and two bedroom apartments for the over 55’s at 70% fixed equity as part of the Leasehold Scheme for the Elderly affordable housing incentive.
Queenswood House, Brentwood 01277 263 226 Queenswood House for the over 60’s is located in a picturesque area in the heart of Brentwood. This development comprises of 56 properties consisting of 32 one bedroom and 24 two bedroom apartments on three floors, served by two easily operated lifts.
Juniper Court, Northwood 01923 828 022 Juniper Court for the over 60’s is ideally located with good transportation links to all the local shopping centres providing a wide range of shops and local facilities. This development consists of 35 one bedroom flats on three floors, served by an easily operated lift.
www.homegroup.org.uk
EVENTS & NEWS
The Mayor’s Thames Festival 2011 10th-11th September
Proms 2011 15th July-10th September The World’s Greatest Classical Music Festival This years highlights being
This year’s festival promises to be bigger than ever, with spectacular entertainment and amazing music from right around the globe.
Human Planet - Big-screen video projections and excerpts from the score of the landmark BBC One series.
Everything from arts & crafts, fine food & drink up to live music and shows along the river. There’s something for everyone.
Steve Reich - Celebrating the 75th birthday of Steve Reich in a Late Night Prom of his seminal works of the seventies and eighties.
You can see a list of the various activities on offer by visiting www.thamesfestival.org.
Choose Your Own Prom - Your chance to delve into the Budapest Festival Orchestra’s music library and choose what you would like to hear.
The London Restaurant Festival 3rd-17th October The London Restaurant Festival is designed to raise the profile of establishments involved and acknowledge the pleasure and sustenance given to all by London’s extraordinarily diverse range of restaurants. The festival will comprise of two main elements: Events and Festival Menus. There will also be a section of Side Orders - where individual restaurants will be encouraged and supported in devising activities with direct appeal to their own market. For more details please visit www.londonrestaurantfestival.com
This is just to name a few. For more details and to book please visit www.bbc.co.uk/ proms
EVENTS & NEWS
WIN A MOORCROFT VASE WORTH £880!
Name:............................................................................ Address:........................................................................ .......................................................................................
Win this special numbered edition 15 year commemorative Moorcroft vase based on the Queen’s Choice design by Emma Bossons FRSA.
....................................................................................... Postcode:....................................................................... Email:............................................................................. Telephone:.....................................................................
Please fill in the form opposite and send to McGrath Media. Unit 6, Moses Gate Workshops, Manchester Road, Bolton BL3 2QG.
All personal information supplied by you is treated in strict confidence and in accordance with the requirements under the Data Protection Act 1998. W. Moorcroft Ltd will hold your name and address on our system enabling you to receive details of events or promotions. You may opt out of this arrangement by writing to W. Moorcroft Ltd, Sandbach Road, Burslem, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST6 2DQ.
Closing Date: 5th August 2011
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
FO O D
&
DRI NK
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.
Crisp Chinese roast pork S E R V E S
4
-
6
1 ½kg (3-lb) piece of thick belly pork with skin, bones removed 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns 1 teaspoon black peppercorns 2 tablespoons sea-salt flakes 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder 2 teaspoons caster sugar 1 quanity of steamed rice, to serve
Spike the skin of the pork with a fine skewer or a larding needle as many times as you can, going through into the fat but not so deep that you go into the flesh. Then pour a kettle full of hot water over the skin, leave it to drain and then dry it off well. Heat a dry, heavy-based frying pan over a high heat. Add the Sichuan and black peppercorns and shake them around for a few seconds until they darken slightly and start to smell aromatic. Transfer them to a spice grinder and grind to a fine powder. Tip them into a bowl and stir in the sea salt, five-spice powder and sugar. Turn the pork flesh side up on a tray and rub the flesh all over with the spice mixture. Set it aside somewhere cool for 8 hours or overnight. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/ Gas Mark 6. Turn the pork skin side up and place it on a rack resting on top of a roasting tin of water. Roast the pork for 15 minutes. Then lower the oven temperature to 180°C/350°F/ Gas Mark 4 and roast it for a further 2 hours, topping up the water in the roasting tin now and then when necessary. Increase the oven temperature once more to 230°C/450°F/ Gas Mark 8 and continue to roast the pork for a further 15 minutes. Then remove it from the oven and leave it to cool. It is best served warm. Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a warmed platter. Serve with steamed Chinese greens in oyster sauce and steamed rice.
S E R V E S
4
175g (6oz) dried butterbeans 100g (4oz) rindless smoked streaky bacon, in one piece 1 small onion, chopped 1 tablespoon sunflower oil, if needed 300ml (10 fl oz) chicken stock 3 whole sweetcorn cobs 50ml (2 fl oz) double cream 4 x 175-225g (6-8oz) pieces of unskinned thick haddock fillet 15g (½oz) butter, melted 2 tablespoons chopped chives, plus a few extra to garnish Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Broiled haddock fillets with succotash Put the dried beans into a pan and cover with plenty of water. Bring to the boil, cover, remove from the heat and leave to soak for 2 hours. Cut the bacon into 5mm (Âź-inch) dice, put it into a pan and cook over a low heat until the fat begins to melt. Increase the heat a little and allow it to fry in its own fat until crisp and golden. Add the onion (and the sunflower oil, if it looks a little dry) and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft. Drain the beans and add them to the pan, with the stock. Simmer gently until they are just tender and the stock is well reduced. Stand the sweetcorn cobs up on a chopping board and slice away all the kernels. Add the sweetcorn to the beans, with the cream, and simmer for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the grill to high. Brush the pieces of haddock on both sides with the melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Place, skin side up, on a lightly oiled baking sheet or the rack of the grill pan and grill for 7-8 minutes. Stir the chives into the beans and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture into 4 warmed soup plates and place the haddock on top. Scatter over a few more chives and serve at once.
S E R V E S
4
150ml (5 fl oz) olive oil 120ml (4 fl oz) chilli sauce 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon salt 4 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce or clear honey ½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce 900g (2lb) unpeeled, raw prawns F O R
T H E
C O L E S L A W
325g (12 oz) white cabbage, cored and thinly sliced 2 celery sticks, thinly sliced 1 green pepper, thinly sliced 6 spring onions, thinly sliced 3 tablespoons chopped dill 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Barbecued shrimp with coleslaw
1 heaped teaspoon creamed horseradish
Mix the olive oil, chilli sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic, sweet chilli sauce and Tabasco sauce together in a bowl. Stir in the prawns, cover and marinate at room temperature for 2 hours, or overnight in the fridge.
½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce
Preheat your barbecue or grill. Meanwhile, make the coleslaw: mix the cabbage, celery, green pepper, spring onions and dill together in a bowl. Mix the rest of the ingredients together to make a dressing. Stir it into the vegetables at the last minute and spoon it into a large serving bowl. If you are barbecueing the prawns, you might prefer to thread them on to large metal skewers first, which will make things easier when you come to turn them. Cook them for 1½ -2 minutes on each side, basting them with some of the marinade. Pile them into a warmed serving bowl.
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons olive-oil mayonnaise A pinch of cayenne pepper Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Bring the remaining marinade to the boil in a small pan and pour it over the prawns. Serve them with the coleslaw and plenty of crusty French bread.
36
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
Treacle tart with clotted cream ice cream
For the ice cream, put the milk and clotted cream into a pan. Scrape out the seeds from the vanilla pod, add the pod and seeds to the milk and cream and almost bring to the boil. Set aside for 20 minutes. Cream the egg yolks and sugar together in a bowl. Bring the milk and cream back to the boil, strain on to the egg yolks and whisk in. Strain the mixture once more back into a clean pan and cook over a gentle heat, stirring consistently, until the mixture has thickened and lightly coats the back of a spoon. Pour into a bowl and leave to cool; then chill in the fridge until quite cold (overnight if possible).Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker until smooth. Transfer to a plastic box, cover and freeze for 6 hours or until needed. For the pastry, sift the flour and salt into a food processor or a mixing bowl. Add the pieces of butter and lard and work together, either in the food processor or with your fingertips, until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the water with a round-bladed knife (or process very briefly) until it comes together into a ball, then turn out on to a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth. Roll out and use to line a loosebottomed flan tin that measures 23cm (9 inches) across the base and is 4cm (1¾ inches) deep. Chill for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/ Gas Mark 6. Line the pastry case with a crumpled sheet of greaseproof paper and a thin layer of baking beans and bake blind for 15 minutes. Remove the paper and beans and return to the oven for 5-6 minutes or until the edges are biscuit-coloured.Remove and lower the oven temperature to 180°C/350°F/ Gas Mark 4. Stand the tin of golden syrup in a pan of hot water until it has gone liquid and then measure out your required amount into the dried-out pan.Stir in the lemon juice. Tip the breadcrumbs into the pastry case and spread them out evenly. Carefully spoon over the warm syrup and allow it to sink in and saturate the bread. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until set and golden brown. Leave to cool in the tin for 15 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and serve, cut into wedges, with scoops of the clotted cream ice cream.
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
S E R V E S
8
-
1 0
725g (1½ lb) golden syrup Juice of ½ lemon 175g (6 oz) coarse fresh white breadcumbs FOR THE PASTRY CASE:
225g (8oz) plain flour ½ teaspoon salt 65g (2½ oz) chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces 65g (2½ oz) chilled lard, cut into pieces 1½ - 2 tablespoons cold water FOR THE CLOTTED CREAM ICE CREAM:
600ml (1 pint) full-cream milk 225g (8 oz) clotted cream 1 vanilla pod, split open lengthways 6 egg yolks 75g (3 oz) caster sugar
37
CREATING COMFORT Come along to Shackleton's Batley Retail Showroom where we will be delighted to show you the two floors of furniture and beds on show which have been manufactured in our factory right here in Yorkshire. We have been producing our own furniture for over 50 years which gives us a great advantage when it comes to knowing what our customers really require.
suit your individual needs. Also on offer we have a wide range of comfortable Electric Riser and Manual Recliner Chairs. And it's not just chairs you can choose from, come and see our attractive collection of beds including the PROFILE Electric Bed designed for comfort and convenience. So what are you waiting for? Get in touch today!
When you have chosen your furniture style, we have an exceptional choice of top quality Traditional and Modern fabrics available for you to choose from in order to achieve your ultimate desire in comfort and quality. One of our specialities are High Seat Chairs. We have a wide range of styles of different heights to
The name you know and trust MANUFACTURED IN OUR OWN FACTORY IN YORKSHIRE FOR OVER 50 YEARS
Back Care | High Seat Chairs | Fashion Suites Riser/Recliners | Electric Beds | Rockers
FF ÂŁ100at O chair when
any high se electr ic purchasing er riser/reclin
38
Visit our website www.shackletonsltd.co.uk
511 Bradford Rd, Batley WF17 8LL
Tel: 01924 422943
OPENS 7 DAEY A W EK
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
LEGAL & FINANCE
Make your money work harder for you Income in retirement Aviva’s Real Retirement Report (Feb 2010) has found that the average expected length of retirement is now 25 years and set to increase. Many people don’t realise how long they may need to draw on their funds and even through careful budgeting and tax planning, your income in retirement may be lower than you would have expected.
Making the most of you money As we all know, financial markets have gone through a number of changes. Those existing policies, plans, funds or building societies may no longer be the best option for you in your current circumstance, which is why it is imperative that your financial situation is reviewed regularly, to protect your income where possible from the effects of inflation and taxation.
Retirement planning An important element to effective retirement planning is to keep your “eye on the ball”. Your pension could be based on underlying investment funds and year on year the performance of these funds dictates your overall final pension pot. Are your current fund choices correct?
Inheritance Tax – what is it? When you die, the government assesses the total value of your wealth; taking into consideration your property (house, car and jewellery etc), any businesses you may
Death and taxes Effectively planning for the inevitable rather than leaving it to chance can really help reduce the amount of tax your family may end up paying. Having a free no obligation meeting can help identify your situation and how you can close any gaps within your financial planning.
Financial advice Organising your personal finances can be confusing and complicated often leading to decisions that don’t truly achieve what you most need. The right financial planning can help you to make the right decisions today that can have a dramatic effect for you and your family.
Why seek financial advice? Whether you’re looking to increase your income in retirement, make your money work harder for you or find the right solution to your potential Inheritance Tax Bill, financial advice can help you to achieve your goals. Knowing which financial products best suit your needs is an important element in the creation of a personal financial plan, the use of sound and professional advice can deliver these needs.
www.pocockrutherford.com
For professional advice you can trust!
N O G EEGATIETIN FRBLI ME
O L O A N TI I IN
Financial Advisers
own, your investments and any cash you may have, plus any recent gifts you have made. If this exceeds the Inheritance Tax Rate threshold of £325,000 (single) or up to £650,000 (married/civil partnership) then the state may receive 40% of that excess amount.
Protection u Retirement Planning u Savings and Investments Bespoke Investments u IHT and much more! Contact us today for your FREE no obligation initial meeting Call Chris Green or Neill Shaw on:
01923 726 970 retired@pocockrutherford.com
Pocock Rutherford & Co Ltd is an appointed representative of Paradigm Financial Advisers Ltd, Paradigm House, Brooke Court, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 3ND which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011 The Financial Services Authority does not regulate taxation and trust advice
39
Why should I make a Lasting Power of Attorney? We all know that if we want to ensure our assets/wealth go to our chosen loved ones on our death we must make a Will. In the absence of a Will things may not go as we might want or believe to be the case. If you care enough to safeguard your assets after you die then you should care even more about keeping them safe whilst you are alive. October 2007 saw the creation of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). There are two types of power available being a) LPA - Property and Financial Affairs and b) LPA Health and Welfare These new Powers reflect the changing social needs of us all. Whilst the old Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) remains effective, the new LPA provides better options and flexibility. Previously the Court was registering about 250 EPAs per month. With the new LPA within a year, registrations had risen to 1,500 per month. Currently applications are running at a huge 18,000 per month.
So why is this? It is an unfortunate fact that ailments that take away one’s mental capacity to make decisions are no longer limited to the oldest of us and people in their mid-50s are far from unique in suffering from these illnesses. Thus there can be many years, if not decades, where no one has the authority to give you the help you need. Following a major “push” by one of our Sunday papers, Radio 4 and The One Show, people saw the alternative to a LPA was to be avoided at all costs. In the absence of any legal power families have to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed a deputy. This process is very
costly, both immediately and with ongoing annual fees; it is painfully slow and it can result in a professional deputy being appointed (who charges significantly for their services) over family members.
LPAs give a level of flexibility not previously available. With two powers available: •
You can have either or both powers
•
Your chosen Attorney can be different for each power
•
You can appoint a “replacement” to step in if your first Attorney/Attorneys might not be able to continue to act (e.g. having died) whilst you still need help
•
You can put restrictions or provide guidance in the LPA that set out how you want your Attorneys to act.
The process provides certain safeguards to ensure your protection at the time of creating the LPA and ongoing, does not involve the Court in any way or incur any additional fees. There is a Code of Practice as to how an Attorney should act. This includes the duty to involve you in any decisions made, thus you are never “disempowered”. Attorneys cannot act until the LPA has been registered and the safeguards brought into effect. Whilst the Attorney can act under the Property and Financial Affairs Power immediately on registration, that is only with your consent. Thus they can “help” you without taking full control. The Attorney under a Health and Welfare Power can only act if you have lost the capacity to make decisions for yourself. Each Power covers different aspects of your life. As an example the LPA-Property & Financial affairs allows your attorney to deal with the Banks and other financial institutions to sell your house and if needed, sign all papers and pay all of your bills. Basically to act as you would want in regard to all your assets. The LPA – Health & Welfare allows your attorney to make “life-style” decisions for you such as where you might live, your diet and whether or not you should receive life sustaining medical treatment in line with instructions you have previously given.
You can only put these Powers in place whilst you retain full mental capacity. Whilst the loss of capacity may be something you see as years ahead, when they are needed they are needed now. With such demand, registration is taking some appreciable time and without the Powers in place those who would care for you are simply unable to help. Whether you are thinking about this for yourself or for an older relative there is nothing to be gained by putting off the decision that so many have already made and continue to make each month. Please phone Duncan Brown for an in depth and free discussion, or more detailed written information about how an LPA can be put in place. Please be aware that ones LPA automatically ends on death and ones Will and appointed Executors take over from that moment.
Wills & Other Services The absence of a properly prepared and executed Will can leave your family with significant problems and may result in those you wanted to inherit and remember not receiving as much or indeed anything of your estate. Any thoughts of Inheritance Tax Planning will have been lost which may result in avoidable financial pressure on a remaining spouse or partner. Without a Will even a husband or wife will not automatically inherit everything and a co-habiting partner of many years will get nothing.
• • • • • • • • • •
If you have not yet got a Will in place we are also very happy to discuss your needs in that regard and to prepare a draft Will or Codicil (an amendment to an existing Will) for your approval and execution. We are also able to deal with the registration of existing Enduring Powers of Attorney and indeed applications to the Court of Protection for the appointment of a Deputy for a loved one who has already lost capacity.
Debt Recovery Conveyancing Tax Planning Matrimonial Employment Law Family Law Business Services Wills & Probate Lasting Powers Litigation
“you and your future”
Call Duncan Brown and his team to Discuss Lasting Powers of Attorney
Call 0208 390 6155 LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
41
Funding care: how can each generation pay its fair share? A two-track approach could see each generation paying its own costs of care in later life. Our present system of paying for care needs replacing. The big sticking point is finding extra funding which both covers the growing needs of an ageing population and shares the cost fairly between generations. This viewpoint: • Proposes a phased two-track approach, with an initial charge on inheritance being gradually replaced by funds built up through extra National Insurance paid by younger age cohorts. • Suggests such a broad sharing of costs among different generations, linked to ability to pay, could be presented as a fair and equitable settlement. The Dilnot Commission has delivered a report making recommendations to Government, that if implemented, will limit the catastrophic cost of residential care, but many people will still have to sell their homes to pay for it and it does not solve the present crisis of a social care system near to collapse. If you needed residential care for five years, which is not uncommon for dementia sufferers, it could still easily cost you around £85,000 - by the time you’ve paid your £35,000 cap and a full five years accommodation costs. So, for many people whose 42
only asset is their home they will have to meet this cost from the proceeds. Also, is it fair that if you need care at home your housing asset is ignored whereas if you need residential care it is counted? Thirdly, under the Commission’s proposals only those with substantial or higher care needs will have their care costs capped and met so those older people with low or moderate care and support needs will have to continue relying on family and friends, pay for it themselves or do without. Philip Spiers, a specialist in older people’s finance, says “Although the recommendations are all welcomed particularly the capping of care costs, national assessment criteria, portability of care packages and robust advice and information, questions arise as whether it goes far enough in putting to an end the present crisis in social care. It does not address the biggest issue today of an underfunded dysfunctional social care system. Instead it just looks at asset protection and consistency around assessing care and charging for it. This was a real opportunity to redesign social care to provide an integrated health and social care system fit for purpose for older people today and an ever increasing older population in the future. A brave Government would look at how each generation can collectively contribute towards their own care costs even if it means a tax on the assets of the older population and compulsory insurance for the younger”
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
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
Veale Wasbrough Vizards (VWV) is a national law firm with offices in Bristol and London.
grandchildren and lifetime estate planning is an important part of this. VWV can advise how best to deal with your assets, so that you and your future generations can enjoy them and the burden of inheritance tax is minimised.
The firm has a dedicated private client team of highly experienced lawyers, able to provide a personal service, tailored to meet your particular requirements.
One of the benefits of retirement is more free time and the possibility of going away for extended periods. Many people decide to down-size to somewhere that is easier to maintain and this can also mean releasing capital from the family home. Moving house is a stressful time. Whatever your reasons for moving home, we offer a bespoke conveyancing service that takes account of your needs and guides you through the various stages of the buying and selling, to make the move seamless.
Planning for the future - steps to take Whether you are about to retire or have been retired for a while, time spent planning for your future security is time well spent. Most people will think to make provision for their loved ones by having a will, but in addition there are other useful steps that can be taken to help ensure that you will be well looked after in your retirement.
Lasting Powers of Attorney Lasting powers of attorney forms allow you to appoint someone to act on your behalf if you should ever become unable to make important decisions for yourself. There are two types of lasting power of attorney, relating to your health and welfare and relating to your property and financial affairs You can give guidance to your attorneys, as well as restrict their decision-making capacity. The powers of attorney can be registered as soon as they have been signed so that they are ready for use if they should ever be needed.
Estate planning
Moving home
Matrimonial A client of ours, a widow for many years, recently remarried. We were delighted to hear her news and helped her through the process of reviewing her will, preparing a pre-nuptial agreement and ensuring that her own children and grandchildren plus those of her new husband would be provided for. We all want the best for our children and become concerned if their marriage or relationship falters particularly if there are grandchildren involved. We can offer advice to your adult children to ensure that they are properly protected in a relationship.
Family businesses If you have set up or run a family business and want to ensure that the business continues for your children, we have a specialist group of advisors who can help.
Many people build up wealth during their working lives and wish to enjoy it in their retirement. They also wish to provide for their children and 44
LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
MICHELLE ROSE
CHRISTINE GREEN
“...time spent planning for your future security is time well spent.”
We will be very pleased to hear from you and offer a 30 minute meeting at no charge, if you would like to discuss any of the points mentioned in this short article. Our offices are in London and Bristol - please ask for: London - Christine Green, partner 020 7405 1234 | Bristol - Michelle Rose, partner 0117 925 2020
Individually tailored legal advice Our team of highly experienced lawyers are able to provide a personal service, tailored to meet your particular requirements. VWV can offer you advice on: • Lasting powers of attorney • Wills and estates • Tax planning • Conveyancing • Family, matrimonial, divorce and children • Business law
If you would like further information any of our services, please contact Christine Green on 0207 665 0831 or at cgreen@vwv.co.uk
www.vwv.co.uk LONDON 50+ SHOW | 2011
45
Angelcare Health
Quality Care & Companionship in Angelcare Health has a reputation for providing an exceptionally fast, high quality service to our customers...
we cover all areas of...
We provide staffing solutions in the
Personal Care
healthcare sector 24 hours a day, 7 day a week and 365 days a year. We provide staff cover to a wide range of organisations as well as providing homecare services to individuals in their own home. Angelcare Health
Including getting out of bed, getting dressed, washing, skin and haircare, medication prompting and more.
Domestic Support
Including making/changing the bed, laundry, washing up, shopping, light housework and more.
also places Registered Specialist nurses in NHS Trusts, Learning Disability Centres, Private Hospitals HP Prison Services etc. All our staff are highly trained and experienced in working in all relevant medical sectors. Our promise is to deliver an exceptional service to both our clients and staff by ensuring every staff member we represent meets the most rigorous
Administrative/ Regulatory Care
Including advice and supportive information, risk/ health assessments, quality assurance visits and more.
Nutritional Care
Including preparation of breakfast, hot meals, snacks, drinks, menu planning, managing hygiene and more.
professional standards from recruitment to engagement of work.
Financial Care & Correspondence Including assistance with budget planning, correspondence, collection of pension/benefits, assistance of use with telephone and more.
Social Care
Including assistance with maintaining social contact, making appointments, attending clubs and Day Care centres.
Bracknell Office Opening Soon
n the Comfort of your own Home We provide members of staff to: • • • • • • • •
NHS Trusts Nursing homes Private Hospitals Residential homes Mental health centres Learning Disability Centres Schools HM Prison Services
We provide: • • • • •
we are now approved providers of...
Registered Mental Nurses Registered General Nurses Healthcare Assistants Support Workers Ancillary Staff
We aim to provide a very reliable and friendly team of helpful and approachable workers. This is consistent quality for office based and field workers. Our field staff are well supported and together we strive to achieve a work programme that will meet clients needs. We endeavour to find work matches suited to individual uniqueness and we have competitive rates of pay. We pay weekly, directly to your account and have flexible hours of work.
110a Frimley Road, Camberley GU15 2QN
Tel: 01276 24 644 | Fax: 01276 27 843 info@angelcare-health.co.uk | www.angelcare-health.co.uk
t s er n u s c o Reclin
Dlebirity Electr£ic100 Ce
E er SAV Lift Reclin y brit 100 ttee Cele VE £ SA Seater Se y2 brit £50 ttee e l e E C V SA Seater Se y3 100 brit £ E Cele SAV liners & e
c te 2 Re ater set e 0 s a3 £30
E SAV
Relax Back in Comfort with the FineBack Furniture Summer Sale With £100 off all Celebrity electric recliners and lift recliners and all lift recliners are VAT Free for eligible customers.
Reader Offer
£100 OFF Celebrity Electric Recliners only with this voucher
For a wide range of Recliners, backcare furniture, ergonomic office chairs and accessories visit www.fineback.co.uk Open Mon-Sat 9.00am to 5.00pm Large free car park to rear and easy access to showroom. Located 1 mile from Jct 22 of the M25.
7-9 Haseldine Road, London Colney, St. Albans, Herts AL2 1RR.
Tel: 01727 827744
with Lift Recliners
FROM
£599
7-9 Haseldine Road, London Colney, St. Albans, Herts AL2 1RR. Tel: 01727 827744