EDITION 29
Retired SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011
& living in Nottinghamshire
THE BEATLES, MOVIES AND CAKES LIFE'S ALL ABOUT CONTRAST SAYS
INSIDE HOME DELICIOUS MEALS DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR
LEISURE
JANE ASHER
MADRID EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF ART PLUS MONEY OFF VOUCHER FROM ROBINSONS HOLIDAYS
HEALTH Q & A - ABOUT SIGHT TESTS
RICK STEIN
SHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 55'S
FREE Please t
ake one
WWW.RETIREDMAGAZINES.CO.UK
Nottingham
markets
Support
Tel: 0115 9156970 e: markets.fairs@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
your Local Market Nottingham Markets Nottingham City Council’s Markets and Fairs section runs the Victoria Centre Market, five open markets and its own car boot sale. The traders pride themselves on providing that personal service, something that’s missing on the high street. Our traders will provide not only the quality goods you desire, but also that extra bit of advice which they have gained through years of trading experience.
Why not visit your local market! 1. Bilborough Market
Bracebridge Drive, Bilborough NG8 4PN. Thursday 9am to 1pm. NCT Bus No 28.
2. Bulwell Market
5. St. Ann’s Market
Robin Hood Chase, St. Ann’s NG3 4EZ. Tuesday 9am to 2.30pm. NCT Bus No. 40, 41 or 42.
Market Place, Bulwell NG6 8HD. Tuesday, Friday & Saturday 9am to 4pm. Tram & NCT Bus No.17.
6. Victoria Centre Market
3. Clifton Market
7. Clinton Street Market
Southchurch Drive, Clifton NG11 9LQ. Friday & Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm. NCT Bus No.48.
4. Hyson Green Market
Radford Road, Hyson Green, NG7 6BE. Wednesday 9am to 2.30pm. Tram & NCT Bus No. 62 or 64.
Victoria Centre Nottingham NG1 3PT. Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.
Clinton Street, Nottingham NG1 3DW. Monday to Saturday (except Thursday) 9am to 4pm.
8. Nottingham Car Boot Sale
Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick NG2 4BE. Sunday 8.30am to 1pm
www.nottinghammarkets.co.uk 23
Q & A - About Sight Tests 1. I can see fine, why do I need a sight test? Many eye conditions do not have symptoms in their early stages. If detected early enough, many can be treated and blindness can be avoided. It is easy to think that your eyesight is fine, because you have nothing to compare it against. A sight test does not just assess how well you can see, it also looks for diseases that can be diagnosed through a sight test. Some eye conditions resulting in sight loss are symptomless. Glaucoma has no symptoms until it is very advanced, so without a sight test you could have lost part of the visual field in one eye but not have noticed. Diabetic retinopathy is also symptomless in the initial stages, but can lead to total vision loss. Equally, the first time some people know they have a brain tumour or high blood pressure is through a sight test. Optometrists are health professionals who can improve your quality of life by prescribing spectacles or by detecting the early signs of an eye condition that could lead to sight loss. Through early detection, the condition can be treatable.
2. Which diseases can be detected through a sight test? Regular sight tests can diagnose more serious problems. Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and in some cases brain tumours and high blood pressure can be detected through a sight test. Sometimes, the first time people are aware they have a brain tumour is when it is detected through a sight test. However, if a sight test doesn’t pick up a condition, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have it.
3. How often should I have a sight test? Regular sight tests are still important even if you don’t wear spectacles or lenses. They are a vital health check and should be part of everyone’s health routine. Adults should see an optometrist every two years. Some people may need to go more frequently. These include: • Those over 70 • People with a history of eye conditions in their family • People over 40 of Afro-Carribean or Asian origin • Those who wear contact lenses should go every six months so the surfaces of the eyes can be checked. Your optometrist will give you individual advice on how often to visit.
4. How much does a sight test cost? Many people qualify for a free sight test and help with the cost of spectacles/lenses on the NHS. An average sight test costs in the region of £27 but shop around, as the cost varies greatly.
5. Could I (or my children) be exempt from paying for sight tests? In England, Northern Ireland & Wales you qualify for a free NHS sight test if you are: • Aged under 16 • Aged up to 18 in full-time education • Aged over 60 • Aged over 40 with a relative with glaucoma • A diabetes or glaucoma sufferer • Claiming benefit (i.e. Income Support, Incomebased Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit) • Receiving Tax Credits (in some cases) • On a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate If you are entitled to an NHS sight test and are unable to get to a high street opticians unaided, you are entitled to a free sight test at home.
6. How long does a standard sight test take and what does it involve? 20 – 25 minutes but it can take longer if further tests are needed. A standard sight test would include: • Checking if spectacles or contact lenses are needed • Checking the health of both the inside and the outside of the eye • Measuring the pressure of the fluid in the eye and examining the structures at the back of the eye • Plotting the visual field of the eyes (checking if there are any blind areas) • Optometrists also have a responsibility to report any non-ocular conditions they might see.
7. How often do I need to get my spectacles/contact lenses prescription checked? Adults should get their spectacles prescription checked by an optometrist every two years. People who wear
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RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011
contact lenses should go to the optometrist every six months so the surface of the eye can be checked. Your optometrist or dispensing optician might give you individual advice on how often to visit.
8. How does a home (domiciliary) sight test differ from a sight test at an optician? A home sight test uses portable versions of the equipment that would be used at the optician’s practice. With domiciliary visits, the tests may be more adapted to personal circumstances, for example, the optometrist may take into account how far away your chair is from the television and adjust your prescription accordingly. They may also give advice about lighting.
9. What are the possible side effects of wearing the wrong prescription contact lenses / spectacles? You will not be seeing at the optimum level. You may also get headaches and eye strain. If you adapt to the wrong prescription it may then be hard for an optometrist to get you to adapt to the right prescription for you. For example, this can happen with readymade reading glasses as few people have the same prescription in both eyes.
10. What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye diseases where the pressure of the fluid inside the eye is too high and damages the delicate structures at the back of the eye. The most common form of glaucoma has few or no symptoms in the early stages and can be quite advanced and have done a lot of damage before the sufferer is aware of it. Early detection through regular sight tests can prevent this.
11. What is macular degeneration? The macula is the very sensitive area at the centre of the back of the eye that we use for our fine vision, reading, recognising faces etc. In some people, particularly with age, this area deteriorates causing a loss of central vision, this is called macular degeneration (AMD). There are two types of AMD, wet and dry. The wet type can cause damage very quickly, but there is treatment available if it is detected early. The more common dry type progresses more slowly but there is no treatment available for this other than possible prevention through a healthy diet and lifestyle.
12. Is there anything I can eat or a supplement I can take to preserve my eyesight? A healthy diet containing a good range of foods and including green leafy vegetables may be sufficient for most people. Stopping smoking and only drinking moderate amounts of alcohol have been shown to RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011
your local, friendly, independent optician in West Bridgford Professional Eye Care Service FREE Eye Tests for the over 60s l NHS & Private Eye Examinations l Local Home Visits l Easy FREE Car Parking l Hearing Tests Also undertaken l
Although people associate sun protection and the need for sunglasses with hot summer days, it's important to protect your eyes at any time of year. We can provide you with: Prescription Sun Glasses l Sunglasses for Driving l
We also have an extensive Range of Frames, Designer & Sports Eyewear & Contact Lenses
winson opticians www.winsonopticians.co.uk
Call your Friendly Local Optician
0115 981 6932
2 Priory Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5HU.
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What’s on this Summer in Gedling Leisure & Community Centres
• Active for Life (50+) Redhill - Wednesday 12noon to 3pm. Badminton, low intensity aerobics, fitness suite & swim at Arnold (includes tea / coffee). • Active for Life (50+) Carlton - Monday & Thursday 12noon to 4.30pm. Badminton, low intensity aerobics, squash, table tennis, fitness suite & swimming (includes tea / coffee). • Active for Life (50+) Calverton Leisure Centre - Wednesdays starts 10.30am with low intensity exercise class. Fitness Suite, Squash, Table Tennis all available from 10.30am to 1pm. Badminton 1.20pm to 2.20pm. • Swing into Shape Richard Herrod - Monday 7.30pm to 9.15pm. • Line Dancing Richard Herrod - Tuesday 7.30 to 9pm and Thursday 2pm to 3.30pm. • Line Dancing Arnold - Wednesday 10am to 1pm. Richard Herrod - Tuesday 7.30pm - 9pm, Thursday 2pm 3.30pm & Thursday 7pm - 10pm. • Get Going in Gedling - Walking Group Calverton - Mondays 11am, meet outside The Calverton Practice, St Wilfrid’s Square. Carlton - Wednesdays 11am, meet at The Richard Herrod Centre, Foxhill Road. Arnold - Thursdays 12.15pm, meet at the kiosk by the pond in Arnot Hill Park. Each walk is about two miles long and lasts about 40 minutes. There is a trained walk leader who takes you through scenic parts of the Borough. For further information please call the Healthy Communities Officer on 0115 901 3705. • Gedling Indoor Bowls Club Richard Herrod - Everyday 8.30am to 10.30pm. • Aerobics (50+) Carlton Forum - Monday 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Calverton - Wednesday 10.30am to 11.30am. Redhill - Wednesday 2pm to 3pm. Carlton Forum - Thursday 2pm to 3pm. • Chair Based Exercise Session Redhill - Friday 1.45pm to 2.45pm. • Wet Workout Arnold - Monday 3pm to 4pm, Wednesday 6pm to 6.45pm, Thursday 11am to 12noon.
• Wet Workout Carlton - Monday 7pm to 8pm, Monday 8pm to 9pm, Wednesday 7pm to 8pm. • Wet Workout Calverton - Wednesday 12.15pm to 1.15pm. • Adult Swimming Lessons Arnold - Sunday 8am to 9am. Calverton - Thursday 8pm to 9pm. • Timid Time Swim Carlton - Monday 7pm to 8pm, Sunday 7pm to 8pm. • Belly Dancing Redhill - Wednesdays 1pm - 2pm.
For more information centres direct : Arnold Carlton Forum Calverton Redhill Richard Herrod
call the leisure 0115 0115 0115 0115 0115
967 987 901 956 961
0114 2333 3800 9996 2949
• Tea Dance Arnold Hill Community Centre - Friday 8pm to 10pm. • Yoga The Brickyard Community Centre Tuesday 7.15pm to 8.30pm. Killisick Community Centre Wednesday 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Arnold Hill Community Centre Monday 6.30pm to 7.30pm. • Dance Class Arnold Hill Community Centre - 1pm to 3pm. • Swing into Shape Killisick Community Centre - Thursday 7pm to 8.30pm. Westdale Lane Community Centre Wednesday 7pm to 8.30pm. • Tai Chi Pond Hills Lane Community Centre Tuesday 1.15pm to 2.30pm (mixed abilities).
For more information call Sarah Dunn : 0115 901 3701
Over 60’s Health & Fitness Membership TONE UP LOSE WEIGHT SOCIALISE DE STRESS IMPROVE FITNESS
Membership gives you unlimited access to the activities listed below at all of Gedling Borough Council Leisure Centres where available l
3 Fitness Suites
l
3 Swimming Pools
l
100+ Exercise Classes
l
50+ Clubs
FROM ONLY £23.20 PER MONTH Call for more information - 0115 9872 333 www.gedling.gov.uk/leisure
Whites, De Havilland Way, Bolton, Greater Manchester BL6 6SF Telephone: 0844 980 2363 | whites@deverevenues.co.uk www.devere.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.
British Heart Foundation 2010, is a registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426).
Twittering. Everybody’s doing it says Graham Smith
When I was young I kept a diary, now I’m told I have to Twitter and tweet. I’ve cracked Facebook, where two third of the world puts its life in the public domain, so I thought I’d have a Twitter. Why not? Stephen Fry is a mega hero on there, politicians do it, celebrities do it, footballers do it, often while on the pitch, and world shattering news, once the province of the BBC is regularly posted on there….if you can read it. You see you have to get your message across in 140 letters. That’s 140 characters, not three pads of your granny’s best notepaper and a first class stamp, and it’s not easy. I’ve barely begun to impart my pearls of wisdom to the world when I’ve run out of space so I invariably leave a half finished tweet or delete the whole thing in disgust. Daft isn’t it? I’ve just written about 1,000 characters and barely begun this piece and a tweet is a tenth of that! When you tweet you attract followers. I have 19 including a newspaper group in Utah, Texas. I have no idea why Utah Newspapers wants to follow my tweets and I have no intention of following theirs. A large, muscular looking lady from Holland started following me but her tweets were in Dutch so I daren’t follow her in case I’m arrested for something unspeakable. If I’m honest I don’t really get it. I’m a closet tweeter, can I say that? If something in the news gets up my nose, and it invariably does, I’ll tweet and put a link on to the offending piece. That’s fun, but why do I want to read the tweets of John from Halifax who twitters on about everything including what his wife has put in that day’s sandwiches which he’s eating on the train travelling to London? Actor and comedian Stephen Fry is a Twitter celebrity. He has more followers than the lead pigeon on Nelson’s column and tweets incessantly. Riots were threatened when he said he was leaving the site, but who are all these followers? I’m perplexed in the morning when I see Rhondda from the Valleys peeking at me before I’ve had my second coffee. Maeser Morgan the washing machine repair man could be very useful but it will be a heck of a call out charge from Washington, and how Mary Beth Bass, romantic author, Keats idolater,
butter vegetarian, wife and mother came my way I don’t know, but she twitters incessantly. I’m also very worried about Erskine Howcroft, whose symbol is a large white egg and has yet to utter a tweet. Does this mean he/she has not hatched yet? I recall those minute diaries which you got at Christmas with a pencil stuck down the spine. I used to set off with good intentions of chronicling my life on a daily basis to leave for posterity, but invariably the pencil had broken by January 5th and you’d lost interest anyway. How times have changed. I’ve just written the equivalent of 16.26 tweets. I need to go to my blog.
It’s enough to give you a phobia In this mad politically correct world of ours there are many phobias but pogonophobia was a new one to me. Fear of pogo sticks I thought, but no I was educated by a former seafaring man with whom I worked recently. He has a full beard which is long enough to keep his knees warm in winter and he told me the story of how he lost his job as a trawler coxon because his boss had a bad case of pogonophobia. I questioned him and he explained how he had been summoned to the office and ordered to shave and eventually sacked because he refused. Apparently the boss had a bad case of pogonophobia…..fear of beards!
Do you have a language issue? What is BBC radio doing to the English language? Why are half the travel and news presenters now over enunciating and simpering as though they have blocked adenoids? The buzz words getting up my nose at the moment are “issues”, “awesome”, “iconic” and my most hated, “absolutely”, but it’s the pronunciation which is worst. There is only one “a” in way, it is not waay, as in over emphasising the middle syllable. The word is road not rowd, and there is no “y” in station! Do I have an issue with this? I do, absolutely, it’s an awesome insult to the English language.
I feel a Twitter coming on. RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011
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Give an old athlete the will to live.
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.
✃
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 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
The Best Dog Breeds for the over 50s Many breeds of dog make excellent pets for the over 50s. Dogs have proven to be benefits for this age group, and have even been shown to increase longevity in their owners. There are several breeds of dog that are especially well-suited to homes, each with their own advantages and personality traits. When selecting a dog breed always remember that it is a personal decision that needs to balance the individual owner’s capabilities and activity levels with those of the dog in question.
1. Shih Tzu This cuddly breed loves nothing more than to spend an afternoon snuggled into its owner’s lap. The shih tzu is a relatively small breed of dog (like many of the others on this list), which makes them good for individuals who may have trouble walking larger and stronger dogs. Shih tzus will need regular grooming, but are relatively lowmaintenance dogs otherwise.
2. Pomeranian What they lack in size these dogs make up for in charm, and are known for their affectionate nature and teddy-bear looks. Poms can be high-energy dogs, but require little space to run around.
3. Yorkshire Terrier While the breed’s long coat needs frequent grooming, Yorkies are relatively low-energy dogs and are very affectionate toward their chosen humans. Yorkies tend to bond with one person more strongly than others, so are a great breed for a retired person living alone.
4. Boston Terrier Boston terriers are docile and loving, but will need regular walks to keep their rambunctious behavior under control. While they generally only weigh 15 to 20 pounds, their protective nature can offer comfort for solitary seniors.
5. Cocker Spaniels
6. Scottish Terrier
Spunky but mellow, the cocker is a great breed, and as long as the dog is provided with a nice morning walk each day, it will happily spend all afternoon and evening curled on the sofa, head resting in its owner’s lap.
The classic little black dog is a wellknown breed with personality to spare. While these dogs do need plenty of exercise, they are affectionate and very protective of their humans, making them perfect for the dual role of lap and guard dog.
7. Great Dane Breaking the trend of small dog breeds, Great Danes are surprisingly mellow and are considered a low-energy breed (a product of reduced metabolism common in such large animals). While Danes may be big lap dogs that contentedly snooze the day away, their size should never be underestimated, and the breed should only be selected if the owner is sure he can handle the animal’s strength, since daily walks are good to keep the breed’s joints in good condition. That being said, Danes are incredibly gentle and loving companions that are also excellent at providing peace of mind.
FITNESS and being over 50 may not always go together as we monitor the changes in our bodies as we get older and wonder where on earth all that natural movement went. But, we can improve our fitness and move into a healthier phase of our lives by taking up some form of exercise – without pulling muscles or getting a strained back!
“When did you last exercise or do anything strenuous? What is your health like? What does exercise mean to you?
Sara Stanner, science programme manager for the British Nutrition Foundation, explains that increasing activity levels after the age of 50 can improve life expectancy and increase the number of years spent disease and disability free.
“If you have not exercised for a long time then you should approach it sensibly and cautiously, first asking a GP or health professional to give you the once-over and check you are fit and healthy with no underlying problems.
“Being active can help protect against heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some cancers, arthritis and osteoporosis,” she states. “It can help you to maintain a good appetite, keep you mobile, help with joint stiffness and pain associated with arthritis, reduce the risk of falling and fracturing bones by strengthening muscles and can improve your mood and sense of well-being.” Exercise doesn’t have to be hard to achieve or expensive. Sara suggests any cardiovascular activity – that’s one that gets you at least slightly out of breath – will help to keep your heart, lungs and blood vessels healthy. This could be brisk walking, perhaps taking the dog out for a walk, swimming, gardening, golf (no cart!), tennis, aerobics including water aerobics, cycling, dancing, yoga or pilates. It can even be washing the car, or mopping and vacuuming rooms at home. Try to do these types of activity at least twice a week, advises Sara, and incorporate them into your regular routine. But what if you’ve had surgery or have an ongoing health problem? Norman Brown is a personal trainer with the Nuffield Health organisation which runs fitness and wellbeing centres around the country. Norman delivers a special recovery programme for people who have had surgery and, at 61, understands how ageing can affect our desire to exercise. “If, like me, you are considering reducing your career time to restore the work-life balance or approaching retirement then are there are some important points to consider,” he says.
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“Undertaking exercise is probably the best decision you have made because it holds the answer to many of the all-too-common health risks today. Improving your aerobic fitness will give you more energy, improving your circulatory system, relieving stress and improving sleep. “Exercise will also help to reduce high cholesterol, lower blood pressure and control blood sugar balance.” As well as, say, walking every day, light gardening or a visit to a gym, Norman suggests a regime of strength training: 10 wall squats, 10 wall press-ups, from the floor practise getting up 5 times and do 1 minute of stair-climbing. If you have had hip, back or knee surgery, adds Norman, always follow your postoperative rehabilitation plan provided by your physiotherapist. Going along to a sports centre for regular sessions or to a gym can also easily become an enjoyable social outing where you meet other like-minded people. Having a chat with someone else as you try out the gym’s rowing machine or bike is another positive side-effect of exercise, and there are always experts on hand to ensure you exercise correctly and for your fitness level. Ann Hardy is a 70 year-old sports coach from Southampton who runs a 50+ club three times a week. “You’ve got to keep the body active, it’s no good just sitting back,” she states. “Our group attracts around 100 people and we do a variety of sports from badminton, tennis, bowls and table tennis to swimming and aerobics. “We get men and women of all ages, our oldest member is around 86. We even have people recovering from hip replacements and heart operations who come and exercise as part of their RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011
Local authorities often help provide subsidised activity sessions for older people if you check with your local council’s website. And it’s important to have a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegs to keep you fit for exercise. If you suspect that you are vitamin deficient, talk to your GP or pharmacist and consider taking vitamins or supplements. It is, however, that first vital step to actually doing something that will count and you might start at home with a piece of helpful equipment or useful DVD. For example, fitness “Green Goddess” Diana Moran has created an excellent Easyfit DVD to ease people back into fitness.
rehabilitation. The club gives a new lease of life to our members.”
“When we exercise or do physical activities we benefit by improving the three S’s – Stamina, Strength and Suppleness,” says Diana.
Living in a retirement home, housing association accommodation or village does definitely not preclude exercise either. At Heyeswood Retirement Living village in St Helens, with on-site personal care by charity Sue Ryder Care, an activity co-ordinator offers attractions like line-dancing, Tai-chi classes, table tennis or a Wii Fit.
She cautions against doing too much too soon – “The secret is to start slowly and work up gradually. Listen to your body and if something hurts, stop. Try again tomorrow!” Diana, still youthful at 71, has no doubts what it gives, though: “Exercise has enriched my life.”
Age UK also helps fund some excellent schemes around the country under its Fit as a Fiddle initiative, plus other projects like one in Spelthorne, Surrey, which introduces sports and activities like netball over an eight-week course.
*For details about Nuffield centres go to www. nuffieldhealth.com for the Easyfit DVD made in conjunction with Stanah Stairlifts go to http://www. stannahstairlifts.co.uk/en/easy-fit-dvd-2.html and www.suerydercare.org about the social charity’s work.
Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged and it’s worth checking available activities with the website www.AgeUK.org.uk
Britain’s biggest show for the active over 50s!
The 50+ Show
(Formerly The Retirement Show)
Olympia Grand Hall, London
10am-5pm, Fri-Sat 15-16 July 2011
The
50+
Show
Formerly The Retirement Show
Sponsored by
Includes three extra new co-located shows:
Health Tourism
The
Show
www.HealthTourismShow.com
Register online for fr ee £10 tickets!
Cookery demonstrations Seminars & information Financial tips & advice Park & holiday homes Have-a-go dancing Climbing wall Holidays and travel Health checks Gardening Arts and crafts Fashion shows T’ai chi and yoga Health & fitness zones Prize quiz Free show guide magazine & visitor bag
www.50plusShow.com Register for free tickets online or call (0)1372 8409 63 before 30 June 2011 (Admission on the door is £10)
RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011
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Madrid
The European Capital Of Art
Madrid possesses a wealth of cultural attractions and is a thrilling city with theatre shows, opera, dancing and countless other forms of nightlife. You will also find other exciting places to go for a night to remember. Madrid has long laid claim to the title of “European Capital of Art”. It has a number of museums and galleries housing some of the finest classics from Goya, Velásquez, El Greco and many more. 14
Museo del Prado is a fine museum of paintings set in a stunning 18th century neoclassical building. Worth visiting even if you have only a passing interest in art and must see works include Velásquez’s Las Meninas, widely considered to be the finest painting in the world and Goyas Majas and Pinturas Negras (dark paintings). There are usually a number of local artists outside selling interesting pieces. Centro Nacional de Arte Reina Sofía is second in size only to the Pompidou in Europe, this modern art museum showcases 20th century Spanish creations, including Picasso’s famous anti-war masterpiece – Guernica. I started on the top floor which has pencil drawings and sketches for Guernica before going downstairs to appreciate the magnificence of it for real. Casa de Campo, known as the “lungs of Madrid”, has plenty of space to get lost in its 4,000 acre park, which was only opened to the public in 1931 after previously serving as a royal hunting estate. As well as countless walks, it boasts a boating lake, an open air pool (mid June - September, 10.30am-8pm), a zoo and a theme park.
TRAVEL
DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT… ...visiting the Parque del Oeste, one of the city’s lesser known spaces, this park offers the perfect spot for a tranquil shady walk beneath mature trees. Overlooked in the summer by the lively terrazas on Paseo del Pintor Rosales, it is also an ideal way of connecting to Casa de Campo by cable car which runs high over the river and offers stunning views of the city. Madrid airport is 9km from the centre and Exprés Aeropuerto (Airport Express) is a 24-hour service which has only 3 stops after the airport: O’Donell, Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha. The buses run every 15 minutes during the day and every 35 minutes at night, and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Tickets can be bought on board. There are taxi ranks in front of the arrivals lounges of all three terminals at Madrid airport. A taxi to/from the airport to/from central Madrid should cost around e20 though taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging recent arrivals! Check that the meter is set at zero when you get in and that it begins the journey at the official minimum fare - currently €2.05.
Climate: The climate of Madrid is dry, warm and pleasant. It’s high altitude and proximity to mountains causes some wide variations in winter and summer temperatures. In summer the heat at midday can be intense, with pleasantly cool evenings. Winters, by contrast, bring temperatures dropping to just below freezing. Rain in Madrid is a rarity, with a short rainy season in late October and some showers in spring. Plaza de Santa Ana, a small central square has strong literary connections and is the recommended spot for sundowners and tapas at the end of a day’s sightseeing. Madrid has a rich football history and the Madrileños live and breathe it. It is home to two 1st division sides, Real Madrid and Athlético Madrid. The main draw is Real who play at the 75,000 capacity Santiago Bernabeau stadium. A tour is available on non-match days between Tue-Sun, 10.30am-8.30pm. Getting to see matches is difficult if they are playing their great rivals Barcelona or one of the Madrid teams but otherwise tickets are generally available, although be prepared to queue! Madrid is not without its romantic side. As the new home of Flamenco, Madrid is alive with music and passion. The many stunning parks and gardens provide tranquil spots to stroll and the numerous quaint little tapas bars offer a warming ambience all year round.
Language:
Spanish and although English is spoken widely, the locals always appreciate your small efforts to communicate in their language.
Currency: Euro (EUR) €
Est.1923
11/12 Apr £239 18/19 Apr £245 25/26 Apr £265 02/03 May £295 09/10 May £305 16/17 May £315 23/24 May £325 30/31 May £329 06/07 Jun £335 13/14 Jun £345 20/21 Jun £349 27/28 Jun £349 04/05 Jul £349 11/12 Jul £349 18/19 Jul £349 25/26 Jul £349 01/02 Aug £349 08/09 Aug £349 15/16 Aug £349 22/23 Aug £349 29/30 Aug £349 Torquay most certainly one of the UK’s Finest resorts and the heart 05/06 is Sep £349 12/13English Sep of the Riviera. £335 19/20 Sep £325 26/27 Sep £305 If you are looking to unwind in style, this elegant Georgian hotel 03/04 Oct £290 is the place to stay. Located in the grounds of the former Torre 10/11 Oct £280 Abbey, overlooking Torbay, there are superb facilities. These include 17/18 Oct £270 indoor and pools, gym, steam room, sauna and 24/25 Oct outdoor swimming £245 a spacious As with all our own hotels a night porter 31 Oct/01conservatory. Nov £250 07/0824 Novhour reception £240service. ensures 14/15 Nov £230 21/22 Nov £220 28/29 Nov £210 05/06 Dec £200
2011
Affordable peace of mind ..... Holidays
COACH HOLIDAYS
Abbey Lawn Hotel
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Mystery Tours
Why not take a holiday to one of Robinsons own hotels nd at the same time benefit from a lower price? This is ossible if you travel on one of our Mystery Tours.
ecide on which date you wish to travel and contact our reservations department to
ake your booking. All the dates and prices are shown in the adjacent price panel.
u will be notified of your destination approximately four weeks before
parture.
lidays subject to availability
Ocean View Hotel
Mystery Tours 5 Day Tours Take a4 nights short boat ride across the Solent and discover the Isle of 7 Nights Half Board Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Wight, an island of great natural beauty and superb weather, with a 13 Dec Departure Code A £135* wealth of attractions for£135* visitors of all ages. Shanklin, on the south 17 Dec Tour 12A Saturday Departures coast the island, is home to a variety of safe, golden beaches and a 23 of Dec £335 Tour 12B Sunday Departures quaint collection of shops 29 Dec £325housed in traditional thatched cottages. Departures
8 days
Christmas New Year 28 Feb/01 Mar and £209 An elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown includes 3 resort lunches 07/08 Mar £215the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on Bay, the balconies provide and 1 mystery excursion 14/15 Mar £219 summer evenings. Guests can unwind in the piano lounge before 21/22 Mar £225 Turkey & Tinsel enjoying an evning meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter 28/29 Mar £229 ensures 24 reception *Unlimited Single Rooms 04/05 Aprhour £235service.
11/12 Apr £239 18/19 Apr £245 25/26 Apr £265 02/03 May £295 09/10 May £305 Eastbourne destination, it has one of the top 16/17 May is an ideal holiday £315 23/24 May £325 and has been awarded the Seaside Award sunshine records in the UK 30/31 May safe beaches £329 for its clean for the past eight years. 06/07 Jun £335 13/14 Jun £345 An impressive Victorian hotel, situated at the seaward end of 20/21 Jun £349 Devonshire place, less than a hundred yards from the seafront, on a 27/28 Jun £349 delightful tree-lined boulevard less than five minutes walk from the 04/05 Jul £349 main facilities and town£349 centre amenities. A night porter ensures 24 11/12 Jul Jul hour18/19 reception service. £349 25/26 Jul £349 01/02 Aug £349 08/09 Aug £349 15/16 Aug £349 22/23 Aug £349 29/30 Aug £349 05/06 Sep £349 12/13 Sep £335 19/20 Sep £325 26/27 Sep £305 03/04 Oct £290 10/11 Oct £280 17/18 Oct £270 24/25 Oct £245 Name: ........................................................................................................................................................ 31 Oct/01 Nov £250 Address:..................................................................................................................................................... 07/08 Nov £240 ..................................................................Poscode: ............................................................................ 14/15 Nov £230 21/22 Nov £220 Tel: .............................................................................................................................................................. 28/29 Nov £210 05/06 Dec £200
FREEPHONE 0800 0839900 or contact your local Travel Agent
Imperial Hotel
For a full colour brochure FREEPHONE 0800 0839900 for details
Reader Offer Save £20 per booking with Robinsons Holidays Simply attach to your Robinsons Holidays booking request to claim your £20 discount. Only one voucher per holiday booking. Discount is only valid on new bookings. Discount voucher can not be redeemed against any existing bookings.
8 Day Tours 7 Nights Half Board Saturday/Sunday Departures
5 Day Tours 4 Nights Half Board Saturday/Sunday Departures
Departures
Abbey Lawn Hotel
Imperial Hotel
Ocean View Hotel
02/03 July 09/10 July 16/17 July 23/24 July 30/31 July 06/07 Aug 13/14 Aug 20/21 Aug 27/28 Aug 03/04 Sep 10/11 Sep 17/18 Sep 24/25 Sep 01/02 Oct 8/9 Oct 15/16 Oct 22/23 Oct 30 Oct 6 Nov 13 Nov 20 Nov
£409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £399 £399 £389 £379 £359 £319 £309 £299 £279 £279 £269 £259 £249
£409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £399 £399 £389 £379 £359 £319 £309 £299 £279 £279 £269 £259 £249
£409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £399 £399 £389 £379 £359 £319 £309 £299 £279 £279 £269 £259 £249
Departures 02 Jul 06 Jul 16 Jul 20 Jul 30 Jul 03 Aug 13 Aug 17 Aug 27 Aug 31 Aug 10 Sep 14 Sep 24 Sep 28 Sep 08 Oct 12 Oct 22 Oct 26 Oct 05 Nov 09 Nov 19 Nov
£339
06 July
£229
24 July
£339
£229
07 Aug
£339
21 Aug
£339
04 Sep
£329
18 Sep
£315
02 Oct
£269
16 Oct
£245
30 Oct
£225
13 Nov
£209
27 Nov
£195
5 DAYS Departures - Tour 12M
£229
30 July
£229
03 Aug
£229
13 Aug
£229
17 Aug
£229
27 Aug
£229
31 Aug
£229
£209 £209 £199 £195 £195 £195 £189
£249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £239 £239 £229 £219 £209 £205 £199 £195 £195 £195 £195
£249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £239 £239 £229 £219 £209 £205 £199 £195 £195 £195 £195
Turkey & Tinsel Tours displayed in red.
8 DAYS Saturdays/ Sundays Departures - Tour 12M
10 July
7 DAYS Sundays Departures - Tour 12M
£229
20 July
Ocean View Hotel
WHY NOT TAKE A HOLIDAY TO ONE OF ROBINSON'S OWN HOTELS AND AT THE SAME TIME BENEFIT FROM A LOWER PRICE?
02 July 16 July
Imperial Hotel
ALL TOURS INCLUDE FREE INSURANCE
Supplements Sea View Room, (pp) : 8 days £15.00
MYSTERY TOURS
Abbey Lawn Hotel
02/03 July
£369
09/10 July
£369
16/17 July
£369
23/24 July
£369
30/31 July
£369
06/07 Aug
£369
13/14 Aug
£369
20/21 Aug
£369
27/28 Aug
£365
Beatles, Movies & Cakes Life's all about contrast as Jane Asher tells Angela Kelly IT’S probably no surprise to anyone to learn that actress, writer and businesswoman Jane Asher has absolutely no intention of retiring. “For an actress, the work is such an integral part of one’s life that it’s hard to imagine being without it,” explains the 64 year-old who first came to cinema-going consciousness in the original film of “Alfie” in 1966. “Even if it’s difficult, boring or unsatisfying – and inevitably some jobs are like that – I’d always rather be working than not. “I like the idea of fulfilling the old cliché and carrying on till I drop: preferably finishing some magnificent speech and just managing to stagger off to the wings to the sound of tumultuous applause, where I die, beautifully and poignantly, muttering ‘how did it go?’ as I fade away!” Today, Jane Asher has the same slender figure (“I’ve always been skinny,” she insists) and stunning red hair that fascinated a generation in the Sixties and Seventies, especially during a period when she was Paul McCartney’s girlfriend – something she always gently declines to discuss. She also retains those beautifully modulated vowels that made her a shoe-in for the role of Lady Byrne in TV’s popular hospital drama “Holby”, a role she still occasionally reprises as the script demands. Plainly, the subject of retirement has not been seriously considered. “Mind you,” she adds, “the prospect of retirement does have its positive side in that there are still a load of things I’d like to do. “I left school at 15 and always regretted not going to university. I’d love to take a degree in something – probably in something with a bearing on one of ‘my’ charities - I’m President of the National Autistic Society, of Parkinson’s UK and of Arthritis Care. “As a doctor’s daughter, I’ve always been fascinated by anything scientific or medical, and a course in something that 18
would deepen my knowledge in that kind of area would be great. “And I might try and go back to the piano. I got to about Grade 2 as a child and I did try to get back to it last year with a few lessons, but I’m afraid my practising fell by the wayside. “But, knowing me, if I had the time to do these things, I wouldn’t. I definitely function best when I have too much to do and complain about it!” That kind of self-deprecating modesty is something we have come to expect from Jane Asher in all areas of her public life, including the famous cake-making business she started. Her multi-faceted career, though, has always come second to her “role” as wife to the famous RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011
E XC LU SI VE “Poirot.” It seems that whenever a cool upper-class English lady is needed, the call goes out to her. She is also a theatrical favourite, with most recent performances at London’s Lyric Theatre and Royal Court. Sir Peter Hall directed her in “Bedroom Farce” in Kingston, and next year she will star in mid-Fifties’ favourite “The Reluctant Debutante” which is set to tour. She is a successful writer, with three best-selling novels – “The Longing”, “The Question” and “Losing It” – to her credit. Jane has also written more than a dozen “lifestyle” and cake decorating books. So, which is the most pleasurable part of her busy life? “It’s all about contrast, isn’t it?” she says. “Much as I consider acting my ‘real’ job, there’s no question that the other strands of my life are very important to me and an integral part of my working life. “As with many women, my small business sprung from a desire to be at home with my children while they were young. What had been a childhood hobby – cake decorating – expanded via a series of books on the subject into being a cake shop and online sugarcraft store over the years that I was based in London and had the time to spend on it. “The novel writing came about through the cake books and so on – I certainly never planned to have several careers, so to speak, but I enjoy all of them and would hate to let any of it go.” However, Jane admits that she did originally set up the shop so it would eventually need less input from her, and she now has “a brilliant manager, David, who runs it magnificently without my having to be there so much.” Adds Jane: “Although to a greater or lesser extent I kept acting right through their childhoods, I knew that once my children were adults I would want to be able to do the kind of work that just hadn’t been possible: filming on location, working at TV studios outside London, accepting plays on pre-London tours and so on. cartoonist Gerald Scarfe and mother to Katie, Alexander and Rory. It has, however, always been packed. She made her cinematic debut when she was five in the 1952 film “Mandy” and grew up on screen through films like “The Greengage Summer” before “Alfie.” Jane starred in films throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s in particular and has appeared in some more recently but she is better known to the public through her theatre, radio and TV work. Her many TV appearances include “Brideshead Revisited”, “Wish Me Luck”, “The Mistress”, “The Choir, “New Tricks”, “Miss Marple” and
RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011
“And that’s exactly what has happened, and so far I’m able to keep all of the differing sides of my life bubbling along. I’m especially enjoying a new job I have designing for Matalan’s Home department – they’re a dream to work with and the beautiful fine bone china I’ve created has outsold anything similar they’ve done before.” Ask Jane how she manages to competently juggle so many careers and she happily admits that “it’s easy to fit in things that you enjoy. It’s when it comes to the boring business of emptying the dishwasher, tidying up or doing the everyday shopping that you run out of energy.
“I never forget how lucky I am to have a job that I love.” 19
FO OD
&
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 four of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by travels across the world.
M A K E S
4
4 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped, 1½ kg (3½ lb) vine-ripened tomatoes, skinned, seeded and roughly chopped 1 tablespoon chopped oregano 350g (12oz) buffalo mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced A large handful of basil leaves, torn into pieces Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper FOR THE BASE:
550g (1¼ lb) strong white flour 4 teaspoons easy-blend yeast 2 teaspoons salt 325-350ml (11-12 fl oz) hand-hot water 4 teaspoons olive oil 4 tablespoons polenta or semolina 20
Pizza Margherita For the base, sift the flour, yeast and salt into a bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the warm water and olive oil and mix together into a soft dough. Tip the dough out on to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Then return it to the bowl, cover with cling film and leave in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Meanwhile, for the topping, heat the oil and garlic in a large, shallow pan. As soon as the garlic starts to sizzle, add the tomatoes and some salt and pepper and simmer quite vigorously for 7-10 minutes, until reduced to a thickish sauce. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Put 2 large baking sheets or quarry tiles into the oven and heat it to its highest setting. Knock the air out of the dough and knead it briefly once more on a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 pieces and keep the spare ones covered with cling film while you shape the first pizza. Sprinkle a spare baking sheet or a pizza peel with some of the polenta or semolina. Roll the dough out into a disc approximately 25cm (10 inches) in diameter, lift it on to the baking sheet and reshape it with your fingers into a round. Spread over one quarter of the tomato sauce to within about 2½ cm (1 inch) of the edge. Sprinkle with some of the oregano and then cover with a quarter of the mozzarella cheese slices. Drizzle with a little olive oil, then open the oven door and quickly slide the pizza off the tray on to the hot baking sheet on the top shelf. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the crust is crisp and golden. Meanwhile, prepare another pizza and slide it on to the second hot baking sheet. Take the first pizza out of the oven and move the second one on to the top shelf to continue cooking. Slide the cooked pizza directly on to wooden chopping boards placed in the centre of the table, scatter with the torn basil leaves and cut into wedges with a pizza wheel. Make sure everybody starts while you make and cook the other 2 pizzas.
S E R V E S
4
450g (1 lb) dried linguine or spaghetti 3 vine-ripened tomatoes, skinned, seeded and chopped 300g (10 oz) fresh white crab meat 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1½ tablespoons lemon juice 50ml (2 fl oz) extra virgin olive oil A pinch of dried chilli flakes 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
Crab Linguine with parsley & chilli
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling, well-salted water (1 teaspoon per 600ml/1 pint) for 7-8 minutes or until al dente. Meanwhile, put the tomatoes, crab meat, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, chilli flakes and garlic into another pan and warm through over a gentle heat. Drain the pasta, return to the pan with the sauce and briefly toss together. Season to taste. Divide between 4 warmed plates and serve immediately.
S E R V E S
1
1 small green (under-ripe) papaya 1 teaspoon palm sugar or light muscovado sugar A pinch of chopped garlic A pinch of chopped red bird’s eye chilli 5 x 10cm (4-inch) pieces of snake bean or 5 french beans, halved lengthways A few roasted, unsalted peanuts A pinch of chopped dried shrimps 1 tablespoon Thai fish sauce (nam pla) 1 tablespoon water 4 cherry plum tomatoes, halved Juice of 1 lime RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011
Green Papaya Salad Peel the papaya and finely shred it on a mandolin into long, thin shreds. Work your way around the fruit until you get to the core and seeds, which you discard. Moisten the palm sugar (which is always very hard) with a little cold water. Put the garlic, red chilli and green beans into a mortar or mixing bowl and lightly bruise with the pestle or the end of a rolling pin. Add the sugar, peanuts, dried shrimps, fish sauce, water, tomatoes and lime juice and bruise everything once more, turning the mixture over with a fork as you do so. Add a good handful of the shredded papaya (about 50g/ 2 oz) and turn over and bruise one last time. Serve straight away.
Open your mind to alternative therapies WHEN it comes to treating our ailments these days most people have a more open mind about what can help them and may combine traditional medicine and alternative therapies with great success. Sensible care, as always, needs to be employed in anything health-related and sometimes your GP’s opinion may be needed to check if any particular therapies are not recommended for you or your condition. However, there are plenty of therapy options available across the UK and, reassuringly, governing bodies to ensure standards of practice. There are also millions of satisfied customers of alternative – or complementary – therapies who insist these have been successful in dealing with health problems ranging from asthma and migraine to digestive problems and muscle strains. Even though for many of us in the Western world this is a relatively new approach - and there are certainly sceptics about their effectiveness - there is evidence that many of 22
these alternative therapies have been successfully in use around the world for centuries. Acupuncture, for example, is an ancient Chinese medical procedure involving the insertion and manipulation of needles at more than 1,000 points in the human body. It’s used to relieve pain during surgery or in rheumatic conditions and also to treat conditions varying from anxiety and depression, to arthritis, asthma, eczema, sports’ injuries, migraine and even gastro-intestinal problems. The word “acupuncture” means “needle piercing” and the skin is penetrated by special needles in a painless process which is meant to allow the body to transmit energy or qi (pronounced chee) through pathways or meridians to heal and promote wellbeing. A common alternative therapy for which you don’t necessarily have to have an ailment but which certainly helps combat stress and makes you feel better is Aromatherapy. This is a relaxing treatment using massage techniques together with blended essential oils. Usually, explained beautician and alternative therapist Angela Close, there is a consultation prior to treatment “to try and build a picture of which oils would be beneficial to the individual – some have antiRETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011
THRE A LVTEHL bacterial effects, anti-fungal and anti-viral. With the use of massage, the oils penetrate the skin usually after about 20 minutes and have a very calming effect, soothing the mind, body and spirit.” Aromatherapy can be used for a range of physiological and psychological conditions including anxiety, stress and insomnia, muscular aches and pains, headaches, digestive ailments and menstrual problems. It’s also gentle enough to be used on people of all ages. Added Angela: “Aromatherapy is not a cure for disease; its most potent effect helps relax the mind and body, relieves pain and restores the body’s systems to a state of balance in which healing can best take place.” Some people suffering from Parkinson’s Disease have found relief and help from a holistic method of healing called Bowen Therapy which is a hands-on technique exponents say prompts the body to re-set and heal itself. Marie Hurst is a qualified Bowen therapist, and she explains: “It’s like acupuncture without any needles – it can be very relaxing although it may not suit everyone. However, I’ve treated several people with Parkinson’s over the years and they have become very relaxed because Bowen helps the body release stress at a very deep level. Some have also reported a reduction in their tremors during treatment and a sound night’s sleep afterwards.”
healing flows in a powerful and concentrated form through the hands of the Reiki-giver. The recipient simply lies on a couch or bed and relaxes comfortably. There is no need to remove any clothing, and the practitioner gently places his or her hands in a sequence of positions which cover the whole of the body. Each position is held for several minutes and, in some of them, the hand is held closely to the body rather than actually on it. “It involves your body, mind and soul,” added Angela. “Reiki balances the energy in the body, heals holistically, relieves pain and relaxes and reduces stress, among many other things.” Some businesses now bring exponents of Indian Head Massage into the workplace to help stressed out staff to relax and ultimately perform better. Certainly, it’s a safe, simple yet effective therapy that provides relief from aches and pains and stress – and promotes hair growth! The head, neck and shoulders are important energy centres within the body. “If you’re feeling stressed or angry, tension tends to accumulate in these areas,” stated Angela. “The tension can later show up as a stiff neck and shoulders, eyestrain and even hair-loss.” Indian head massage involves working with a firm and gentle rhythm to help unknot blockages and relieve the uncomfortable build-up of tension. Fans say it also works on an emotional level, calming the spirit, promoting relaxation and banishing stress.
Some alternative therapies seem unconnected to the ailments they may treat. Reflexology, for instance, involves application of pressure to the feet and hands using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques to try to effect physical changes elsewhere in the body. The technique dates back as far as the Egyptians and is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that are said to reflect an image of the body on the hands and feet. The purpose is to create relaxation, reduce pain, improve blood flow and post-operative recovery and aid mental health by interrupting stress signals and re-setting the body’s balance. People with nasal problems or with head pains have found relief in an unusual therapy called Hopi Ear Candling. At the very least, this is a relaxing treatment which promotes a feeling of wellbeing. You lie on your side on a heated bed in a peaceful environment, and the hollow candle is placed in the ear with the other end lit. “Certainly, some of my clients have found it very soothing and pain-relieving,” said Angela Close, who has been using the therapy for more than 20 years. Another ancient healing method is Reiki, a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Energy which relates to a system of natural healing. Its ideology is that natural
Angela Close - Bea utician and Alternative Therap ist
For more information, go to the Complementary Therapists Association at www.ctha.com or the Association of Natural Medicine at RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011 23 www.associationnaturalmedicine.co.uk
Why make a Will? Deciding who Inherits
Setting up Trusts for Children
If you do not have a Will the government will decide who inherits your possessions, property and money.
It is a good idea to set up a trust for your children’s inheritance as it allows you some control over your money once you pass away.
Who inherits your estate will be decided by the Law of Intestacy (1925) and as you can imagine they are unlikely to divide your assets in the way you would choose. Under the Law of Intestacy if you are unmarried and have no close relatives your Estate will automatically pass to the Crown (government) if there is no valid Will in place. By making a Will you can decide exactly who gets which assets and how much. This could be almost anything from personal belongings to pets or property. You will also help avoid unnecessary arguments amongst family members or relatives that can arise when a deceased person’s wishes are unclear.
It is possible for you to lay down certain terms to help protect assets from youthful irresponsibility. This is particularly useful when making long term financial provisions for disabled children.
Charitable Donations In your Will you can include any legacy that you wish to leave to particular organisations or charities. This could be a specific amount of money or even a valuable item, for example a piece of jewellery. Any charitable donations you make in your Will are free from Inheritance Tax.
Inheritance Tax
Funeral Arrangements
Inheritance tax is the tax you pay on your estate. In simple terms your estate is everything that you own at the time of your death once you have taken away anything that you owe.
By making a Will, you can ensure that the desired recipients of your assets gain access to them far more quickly than if there is no Will in place.
Writing a Will allows you to greatly reduce the amount of inheritance tax you pay or even eliminate it altogether. Certain gifts can be given to particular people and organisations without inheritance tax being charged on them. This then allows you to provide more money for the people you want to receive it rather than paying it to the taxman.
Appointment of Legal Guardians for Children In your Will you can appoint guardians to care for your children in the event of your death. If you fail to do so the authorities will do so on your behalf in the way they see fit. A guardian appointed in the Will would be responsible for the day-to-day care and upbringing of the child or children.
This means that they can use any money you have set aside for funeral costs or inheritance you have left them to pay for the funeral arrangements without having to use their own money. Within your Will you can make known your wishes for your funeral, for example, whether you want to be buried or cremated, where you want the funeral to take place, and any specific hymns or readings you would like included.
Problems for those left behind By not preparing a Will you inevitably would cause difficulties for those you leave behind at a time which is already distressing. Your next of kin may be unsure as to whether or not you have prepared a Will. This means that they would probably have to spend time and money on searching for one.
Orange Grove Fostercare is part of the Hillcrest family and is one of the largest independent fostering agencies in the UK. We offer guidance, local support, and training for people who are thinking about fostering and would like to care for a vulnerable child/ young person.
New and experienced Foster Carers NEEDED in Nottingham, Derbyshire & Staffordshire.
‘The Fostering Network believe that there are 50,000 children living with foster families in the UK with a further 10,000 placements needed.These placements are vital for providing vulnerable children with safety and stability within ordinary family life.’ Debbie Southwick, Staffordshire Team Manager commented “There is a national shortage of foster carers and the needs of many vulnerable children are not currently being met. We believe in working together with foster carers; offering an extensive support package, excellent allowances and local training that support them in this important fostering role”.
Do you want a rewarding profession? n Can you provide a safe home for a foster child? n Do you want to be rewarded for your life skills as well as your professional skills? n Could you work with children, teenagers or a young parent and their baby? If you or someone you know is interested in fostering, please contact Orange Grove Fostercare on n
01538 723090
tel: email: enquiriesstaffordshire@theorangegrove.co.uk web: www.theorangegrove.co.uk
RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011
Are you a motivated, enthusiastic and a caring person who’s able to communicate, listen to and work with children and young people to help them reach their full potential? Do you have a spare bedroom? Do you want a rewarding career? For more information on fostering with Orange Grove Fostercare visit: www.theorangegrove.co.uk
We are currently recruiting new and experienced foster carers in the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire areas to care for children aged 0-18years. Our team will be attending the Derbyshire County Show, near Borrowash (DE72 3EP), on 26th June 2011; as well as fun for all the family why not come along and have a friendly chat about fostering. Dedicated Support n Excellent Allowances Comprehensive Training n Local Offices
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With Summer here go on treat yourself .... Have a meal delivered to your door from one of Nottinghamshire’s finest kitchens. Let us prepare that meal for you. Days outs, visitors, afternoon teas with County Enterprise Foods Meals at Home you can be sure of receiving the same excellent standard of meals.
About You We are all individual and have different tastes and needs but we all have a common need and that is to eat. What we eat and when is variable, so too is the amount we eat. Demands on our time also vary, we may have a hectic life style and choose not to spend too long on food preparation or cooking. Alternatively our health may prohibit us from preparing and cooking food or we might just like a treat. You may have a day out and not want to prepare a meal when you get back, why not have a meal delivered to you.
About Us Based in Nottinghamshire, employing local people, County Enterprise Foods Meals at Home have been producing meals for 24 years, at present producing over 5,000 meals a day at their kitchens in Worksop. Part of Nottinghamshire County Council, this is a supported workplace where local people are employed and a scheme is operated to help people adapt to a working environment, helping them gain various skills. The meals are produced to high standards complying with National Association of Care Catering (NACC) recommended nutritional guidelines and adhering to local procurement. With meats being traceable back to the farm you can have confidence in the meals you are delivered. Once produced the meals are packed in a recyclable tray with a clear plastic lid so the product is visible.
Us Helping You To accommodate individual choice we have a range of over fifty main courses and sweet courses. We have different ranges of meals from our standard menu of old favourites which have been popular for a long time through to A la carte. Our standard range consists of dishes such as cottage pie, made from minced beef which we have mixed with a rich gravy with a creamy potato topping and vegetables. Chicken and leek pie, diced chicken with steamed leeks in a creamy white sauce and a pastry lid, served with boiled potatoes and vegetables with a further forty for you to try at an affordable price, you can choose a different meal for each day of the month. Our premier range boasts dishes both classic, Sliced Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables with a delicious gravy and spicy, Chicken Tikka Masala, diced chicken in a Masala sauce accompanied by fluffy white rice with a further twenty to choose from you can have different meals everyday for over a month.
In addition to these we have introduced an a la carte range for that special occasion or when you fancy that extra treat, Fish in prawn and white wine sauce accompanied by new potatoes and seasonal vegetables is one example. Within the above ranges we are able to accommodate many dietary needs including vegetarian, diabetic, gluten free, MAOI diets, soft foods and pureed meals suitable for people with dysphagia. Our meals are free from preservatives and additives and no salt is added making them a healthy option. A range of sweet courses are available to complement the main meal and are at no extra cost the meal price includes the sweet course. With a selection of Pies, Sponges, Crumbles, Milk puddings, Tarts and Bakewells, choice is the only problem. County Enterprise Foods have just launched their new breakfast and tea time snack pack. Why not treat yourself to a cooked breakfast. We also produce salads fresh everyday so if you would like salads accompanied by cake, fruit or cheese and biscuits or sandwiches for tea we can deliver. We can also deliver ethnic and cultural meals, details available.
You Helping Us All our meals are available to you, delivery is free. We can deliver frozen or hot depending on your circumstances. The frozen meals are delivered in a freezer van and the driver will assist you to put them in your freezer if help is required. The meals come with full
nutritional and cooking instructions, they may be heated from frozen in either a gas or electric oven, microwave or steamer, which ever you are happier using. The minimum order is just three meals and with the choice available the only problem will be selecting which ones to try first. The hot meals are delivered when customers find coping with re heating meals a problem, we still want people to benefit from the service we provide. This comes as part of a package of care and details are available upon request. Being part of Nottinghamshire County Council all our staff are professional and are trained to the highest level in their appropriate field. Customer Care is high on the list and you will be guaranteed not only an excellent meal but a service second to none. The drivers will be in uniform and carry an ID badge so you can rest assured of who you are opening the door to.
Now to you‌‌ Please telephone on 01623 490015 and our friendly staff will help answer any questions, give prices and send you brochures and information. All meals can be ordered on this telephone number more information is available on www.countyenterprisefoods.co.uk All our meals are subsidised by Nottinghamshire County Council so you will be able to purchase the meals at a preferred price. If you or someone you know would benefit from the meals please contact us and we will arrange the service for you. No contract is entered into, you decide how often and how many meals you have. It is an individual choice. Payment may be made when ordering by debit or credit card, by invoice, or alternately on delivery by cash or cheque to the driver. For information or to order meals telephone 01623 490015, treat yourself to a delivered nutritious meal of your choice.
care homes for loved ones
Dementia Care l Residential Care l Nursing Care l Day Care l Respite Care l
Ashmere has been caring for 25 years. Family owned and managed for three generations, Ashmere has strived to deliver the very best care to our residents. And our experience shows. ‘For those who value their independence, our residential care offers all the assistance needed, whilst offering the freedom of choice of which activities and hobbies to pursue from those on offer. There are also many trips and outings to allow you to enjoy being a part of the community. All Ashmere Care Homes follow a simple philosophy, to provide an
Our Extra Care Units provide specialistactive carelifestyle, for secure homely surroundings and a caring residents with Dementia. With all staff having community. Our aim is to give our residents a worthwhile new in their lives. We achieve this by encouraging everyone to Dementia training, the quality of care chapter is to the be as active as possible and to share in our friendly community highest standard.’
Centralised facilities available to all Ashmere residents
Activities and hobbies form the basis of life at Ashmere. All of our homes have a thoughtful schedule of indoor and outdoor activities excellent facilities from the to the andWe gameshave designed to be enjoyed by everyone. In addition hydrotherapy pool, available for theofuse of all offacilities homes’ own facilities, we also have a wealth centralised available to all of ourin residents, including a hydrotherapy pool, our residents one of our homes, a computer jacuzzi, sauna and physiotherapy facilities which every resident can cluster and many activities, trips and outings. enjoy free of charge. All of our staff are trained to encourage residents to be active and to join in with appropriate activities.
There is also a regular lunch club enjoyed by
local along with our ownwith residents. Each homeresidents, has a wealth of excellent facilities, modern well equipped bedrooms where residents can a quiet moment People from the community cancatch come along or andbe comfortable sitting rooms for meeting and sharing in activities. picked up by our minibus, to enjoy a lunch There’s excellent dining facilities and well maintained gardens at and some entertainment for the afternoon. every home too. It’s a wonderful environment that promotes an active lifestyle with friendship, well-being, enjoyment and comfort.
This all adds up to a lifestyle to be enjoyed here at Ashmere.
And of course, each home provides high quality around-the-clock care delivered by our thoughtful well trained staff. Local doctors are always available medical care too, though residents can choose Why not come and see for yourself? Pleaseforvisit any time and our staff to remain with their own doctor if they wish. In addition, will be delighted to show you round, whether long-term, respite or to cater pastoral/spiritual care it’s is made available by local churches for information any denomination.on It allour addslocations up to providein a high quality level day care that you require. More both of care in every home.
Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire can be found on our website, www.ashmere.co.uk or call 0845 602 5221 for a brochure.
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www.ashmere.co.uk
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0845 602 2059
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Prioritising Service Over Profit In June 2009 A W Lymn The Family Funeral Service were contacted by a young man from Derby who was terminally ill, and wanted to pre-arrange a ‘funeral to remember’ for him when the time came. Aside from a coffin decorated with sharks and scuba photographs of himself, and a wake held at his favourite pub, one request was that his body be transported on a red London bus. During the following weeks we contacted various local operators who had such buses, and became aware of the issues which might arise when trying to fit a coffin past the furniture designed to help passengers on and off of the rear platform. The consensus was that this unusual request would not be an easy one to fulfil, but not being put off, when the opportunity to buy a London Routemaster of our own was presented via the website eBay, we jumped at it. The bus was purchased in August 2009, and subsequently had a traditional coffin deck fabricated and fitted to allow a coffin to be carried with dignity on the lower deck. Although the first funeral it was used on was that of the young man mentioned at the start of this article, and pictured above, it has since been used on many funerals to transport the coffin, and numerous occasions as an alternative vehicle for mourners. It can seat up to 72 without a coffin, or a coffin and a dozen close family downstairs and 40 upstairs. As well as the London Routemaster, we offer various alternative vehicles for those families who chose not to use our Silver Rolls-Royces. We have a range of motorcycle and sidecars, a specially converted Land Rover Defender, we can use a traction engine, a pink hearse, many different horse drawn turnouts, and even a Victorian bier pulled by hand.
At A W Lymn The Family Funeral Service we believe that a funeral should be as personal and individual as the life of the deceased, and our range of vehicles is one of many ways in which a family can express this. Any of our local offices will be pleased to discuss the possibilities of a pre-paid funeral plan or part payment voucher, and our website www.lymn.co.uk offers a way to browse our at need and pre-need brochures without the need to talk to a funeral director face to face.
“Our family serving your family”
Head Office: Robin Hood House, Robin Hood Street, Nottingham NG3 1GF. 0115 950 5875
Owned and personally managed by the Lymn Rose family since 1907
Area Offices: ARNOLD 0115 967 6777 St Albans House, 32 High Street
ASPLEY 0115 919 0011 Rose House, 389 Nuthall Road
BEESTON 0115 922 0433 Trent House, 106 Station Road
BINGHAM 01949 837 211 “Bingham & District”. 17 Long Acre
BULWELL 0115 979 4944 Middleton House, 130 Main Street
CARLTON 0115 961 6180 “G. Harrod & Son”. 9 Church Street
CLIFTON 0115 945 6232 Chatworth House, 24 Varney Road
COTMANHAY 0115 930 1639 113 Cotmanhay Road
24 hour personal service
DERBY 01332 348 800 Derwent House, 9 Becket Street
The largest Rolls-Royce and Bentley fleet in Nottinghamshire
HUCKNALL 0115 968 0737
Pre-paid funeral plans Chapel of rest and car parking at all of our locations
ILKESTON 0115 944 4121
Coffin and casket selection room
West Park House, 33 Lime Grove
In house florists - City Flowers - 0115 952 6666 In-house memorial masons - Ernest Smith - 0115 911 4411
St James House, 53 Portland Road 1 Park Road
LONG EATON 0115 946 3093 MANSFIELD 01623 622 116 Standard House, 16 Chesterfield Road S.
M.WOODHOUSE 01623 623 765 The Old Farm, 2 Welbeck Road
OLLERTON 01623 860 045 Manvers House, 3 Sherwood Drive
OSMASTON PARK 01332 733 321 Wentworth House, 337 Osmaston Park Road
RADCLIFFE 0115 933 2257 “Radcliffe & District”. 59 Main Road
Rolls-Royce employee and ex-employee discount
RUDDINGTON 0115 921 1075 “Albert Oliver & Sons”. 45 Easthorpe Street
SHIREBROOK 01623 742 813 32-34 Patchwork Row
SPONDON 01332 544 666 31 Chapel Side
STAPLEFORD 0115 949 9211
Quality at affordable prices, please call to arrange a free, no obligation, quotation or home visit.
25 Church Street
WEST BRIDGFORD 0115 969 6006 Rutland House, 128 Melton Road
WOLLATON 0115 928 4366 107 Arleston Drive
“Our family serving your family”
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