EDITION 30
Retired MARCH - MAY 2012
& living in Wycombe, Chiltern, Windsor, Maidenhead & Slough
RUTH MADOC TALKS ABOUT LIFE AFTER GLADYS PUGH
INSIDE FINANCE
PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS
LEISURE
DISCOVER DUBROVNIK A TIMELESS BEAUTY THREE SPECIAL OFFERS FROM AT OAKLAND PARK GOLF CLUB
RICK STEIN
SHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
HEALTH
OPEN YOUR MIND TO ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
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ake one
THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 55s
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CONTENTS
Welcome to Retired Magazine 12-13
26-27
6-7
20-21
6-7
Dubrovnick Discover a timeless beauty.
9-10
What will you grow this year? Tips to get your garden in shape.
REGULARS 4
Graham Smith Twittering on.
12-13 Interview Ruth Madoc talks to Retired.
HEALTH 26-27 Open your mind to alternative therapies 28-29 A Guide to Dentures
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Dear Reader Welcome to the latest local Retired magazine which we hope you will sit back and enjoy at your leisure. Our journalists Angela Kelly, Graham Smith and Sheila Alcock are continuing to keep you well informed with their celebrity interviews and up to date household tips. We know you will also be left with a smile on your face after reading Graham’s observations on life! If you know of an event which would benefit from free publicity please feel free to let us know and we can consider including it in our next issue.
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Graham Smith has a Tweet But what is he twittering about? There was the Swansea lady who decked out her living room ceiling with 1,700 Christmas baubles. She starts decorating at the end of September and doesn’t usually finish until Christmas Day! You couldn’t make it up could you?
Our beleaguered country can always throw up a laugh. Did you see the one about the internet dating sight which was auctioning a date with a busty Virgin Mary or a hunky Joseph! Dogs are always good for a laugh too. A Chinese man, whose name I cannot possibly spell and you couldn’t say it if I did, has a four-year-old Pekingese dog which walks backwards on its hind legs for two kilometres a day. What is the point of that I ask and what does it do when it wants to spend a penny? The mind boggles.
The have decided that the bright star pinpoints Jesus’ birthday as June 17th rather than December 25th. Well that’s just going to upset a few turkey farmers and artificial snow manufacturers isn’t it? And what a mess they’ve made of the carol service. How can “snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even”, and what about the poor old beggar bringing in his winter fuel? There’s no holly and ivy, the shepherds can’t be watching their flocks because it’s still day light and I just cannot listen to Bing Crosby in June! Which silly old goat with a white beard and a red suit is going to traipse reindeer and a sleigh about in 20 degrees of heat? I don’t eat sprouts in December so I’m surely not about to in June. “All is calm, all is bright”, well it will be in June, new legislation could mean it’s daylight until four in the morning so the poor little beggar will be throwing his swaddling clothes off and tipping the sheepdog out of the manger.
Why can’t they leave things as they are? I’m dreaming of a White Easter.
Lost pussy causes a headache! Tatton Park Biennial 2012 begins to take flight! Something extraordinary was taking shape near Golden Brook, in the Japanese Garden at Tatton Park last week. A huge, inflatable winged head could be seen billowing and expanding near the still waters of the 100 year old garden at the historic estate in rural Cheshire East. This was a prototype for a six metre inflatable artwork by artist collective Brass Art, one of a number of major works featuring in Tatton Park Biennial 2012, a leading contemporary art event, which will be open to the public from Saturday, May 12th to Sunday, September 30th 2012. 4
Those of us of a certain age will remember Mrs Slocombe of the BBC sitcom “Are You Being Served” having various problems with her pussy. They were nothing compared to those of a small village where residents spent the best part of three days digging to rescue a cat whose meowing could be heard clearly. Everyone turned out to help and eventually the animal was found. A large orange plastic moggy with a tape recorded cry which was permanently switched on! Stories like this warm my heart in troubled times. Half the population can’t afford a can of cat food but they will dig for three days to rescue what they thought was a genuine animal in distress.
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Dubrovnik –
Timeless beauty Beyond the city is a heavenly landscape of beaches, wooded peninsulas and a sea strewn with lush islands. Rector’s Palace: Right off Luza Square is the Rector’s Palace. It was the seat of the Ragusan government, where the Rector lived and worked. After Napoleon’s army dissolved the Dubrovnik Republic the Rector’s position was reduced. The original palace was modelled after the Roman imperial palace, with some influences from Venetian palaces. In 1435 there was a gunpowder explosion that demolished the structure. It was rebuilt in a late-gothic style. There was another explosion in 1463, and a an earthquake in 1667 that severally damaged the city. What you see now is the final redo that took place at the end of the 17 century. The central portico features beautiful archways and a second story mezzanine. Sitting proudly on the calm blue waters of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most magnificent fortified cities. Today a UNESCO world heritage site and Croatia’s most upmarket destination, it was once the capital of the wealthy seafaring Republic of Ragusa (1358-1808). During its Golden Age in the 16th century, it had one of the largest merchant naval fleets in the world. Dubrovnik is clearly special. Lord Byron was not overstating the matter when he proclaimed Dubrovnik ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’. Magnificent curtains of walls surround marble streets and baroque buildings that exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun. The main pedestrian thoroughfare, Placa, is a melange of cafés and shops with outstanding monuments at either end. Churches, monasteries and museums ornamented with finely carved stone recall an eventful history and a vibrant artistic tradition. As the sun rises over the terracotta roofs the square awakens to the sound of barrow loads of fruit and vegetables bouncing over the stone cobbles. The ‘green market‘, as the locals call it, offers freshly picked produce as well as jars of homemade jams, pickles and spices. However, Dubrovnik shows her true magnificent colours during the winter months as well as the city looks wonderful “out of season.” True beauty is ageless and timeless.
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Pile Gate: This is the north gate into the city. It features a stone bridge with two gothic arches. If you exit towards the outside you can get to Tower Loverjenac. On entering, the outer draw bridge is met by an internal bridge that leads into the city. Some great shots are to be had with your camera from Pile Gate. War Photo Limited: Dubrovnik’s sturdy fortifications have been put to the test several times during the centuries, most recently during the bloody break-up of Yugoslavia. This modern gallery is dedicated to stunning photojournalism from war zones around the world, and attempts to offer unbiased reporting with a human element. Antuninska 6. www.warphotoltd.com. Daily 9am-9pm (Jun-Sep); Tue-Sat 10am4pm, Sun 10am-2pm (May and Oct); closed (Nov-Apr). Entry is 30Kn. Dubrovnik Cable Car: The best views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area are seen from the top of the Srd Hill where the Dubrovnik Cable Car was built back in 1969 and boasts the most beautiful panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles)! For this reason the neighbouring Fort Imperial was strategically built on this privileged spot way back in the early 19th century. http://dubrovnikcablecar.com. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival (www. dubrovnik-festival.hr) runs from mid-Jul to mid-Aug, staging concerts, theatre and opera at various open-air venues in the
old town. Pat line-ups have included the Warsaw Symphony Orchestra, Mexican tenor Ramon Vargas, and Australian-born British classical guitarist John Williams. Nearby places worth visiting include the Renaissance gardens of Trsteno arboretum, the vineyards of Peljeac peninsular, the seaside resort of Cavtat, the tiny car-free Elafiti islands , the island of Mljet (one-third of which is a national park), and neighbouring Montenegro. EATING/DRINKING There is a wide range of restaurants in the Old Town, mostly offering a very similar menu of local seafood and some meat dishes. The cuisine may not be very imaginative, but it is usually of good quality and very fresh. Restaurants can be crudely separated into (slightly) cheaper tourist-trap haunts, and more expensive but first class gastronomic restaurants. There are a few pizzerias, mostly wood-fired and acceptable. The Kraš chocolate sold at stores is delicious too! Note that in the off peak season of November to March nearly all the top-end restaurants close, leaving only a handful of desperate tourist trap enterprises operating and still charging high prices. You can however still eat well and best of all, discounts can be negotiated. Dubrovnik cuisine is characteristically not very spicy and is famous for traditionalism. Many popular meals are characteristic of Dubrovnik such as zelena menestra (it is the name for many sorts of cabbages and other vegetables with meat), pasticada and the famous delicacy dubrovacka rozata. The most popular alcohol in Croatia is homemade rakija. This is a very strong distilled tipple made from a variety of fruits. Examples include sljivovica, made from plums, loza, made from grapes, and orahovica, made with walnuts. There are many excellent local wines from both the Peljesac Peninsula and Konavle and it is often less expensive than soft drinks. However, be careful when purchasing wine from unlicensed dealers as it can sometimes be of low quality! SLEEPING Hotels in Dubrovnik include two, three, four and five-star hotels. Private rooms are a good option for those on a budget; the downside is that they may be far from the Old Town, so make sure to check the location. Owners letting out these rooms accost buses at the bus station, so you can ask around and even bargain a little. DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT VISITING… Cafe Buza: This place is little known but definitely the find in Dubrovnik. Indeed, you will have to
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the main western wall where you’ll find a nondescript door. Enter it to find the most amazing bar you might ever enjoy a beer in. The cafe is built on the side of the rocky cliffs, hiding inside the Dubrovnik wall. Relax and enjoy the view as the dramatic wall rises above your head; or, as you are so near the small beach why not dip your toes in the water! Fact file: Dubrovnik has an international airport, located approximately 20 km (12 miles) from Dubrovnik city centre. There is no train to Dubrovnik. A narrow gauge line used to link Dubrovnik to Sarajevo but was closed in 1976; however, buses connect the airport with the Dubrovnik old main bus station in Gruž and Croatia Airlines even operates buses between the airport and the main bus station in Kantafig (takes approx. 45 minutes), which is 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. Taxis from the airport to the centre will cost 220 kn. The bus passes close to the Old Town en-route to the airport; you can board the bus at the stop on Petra Kresimira 4 just above the Old Town, by the lower cable car station. Make sure you wave furiously otherwise the driver may not stop! The main bus station is in Kantafig, near Port Gruz and the Tudjman Bridge, 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. Local bus 7 operates between this station and Babin kuk, and bus 1 serves the Old Town.
On buses you pay a separate fee of 10 Kn to the driver for luggage, so keep some change handy. Taxis in Dubrovnik are available around the clock and you can easily pick one up at one of the many taxi stops. The good news is that a taxi service will never cost you more than 100 Kn (approx. £11) in any direction within Dubrovnik city limits! If you are planning to drive a car in Dubrovnik, be aware that lots of streets are one way. If in doubt, passersby will gladly direct you. Dubrovnik is easy to cover on foot; in fact it will take the averagely fit person less than 1.5 hours to walk from the historical centre to the very end of Lapad peninsula. Climate: The climate along the Dubrovnik Region is a typical Mediterranean one, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. However, it is perhaps distinct from other Mediterranean climates because of the unusual winds and frequency of thunderstorms. The Bura wind blows cold gusts down the Adriatic coast between October and April. The air temperatures can slightly vary, depending
on the area or region. Typically, in July and August daytime maximum temperatures reach 29°C (84°F), and at night drop to around 21°C (70°F). More comfortable perhaps, is the climate in Spring and Autumn when maximum temperatures are typically between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82°F). Language: Croatian is the official language spoken in Dubrovnik. English is taught as a second language in schools however, and other international languages are also fluently spoken. Currency: Kuna (Kn.) £1 British pound is worth approx. 8 Kuna. The word “Kuna” means “marten” in Croatian since it is based on the use of marten pelts as units of value in medieval trading.
Don’t lose your vote... Are you on the Register of Electors? If not, you won’t be able to vote in any elections. We re-publish the Register annually on 1st December after the Autumn canvass but we can add your name at any time of year so if you aren’t registered, just ring or email us and ask for a registration form.
Got your hands full on polling day? Apply for a postal vote in advance!
Anyone who wants to can now vote by post at any election. It’s easy to do – just complete a simple application form. Ring or email us and we’ll post one out to you, or you can download one from our website.
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The vivid blue of cornfl owers goes well with marigolds for a later summer display.
What will you grow this year? The beginning of the gardener’s year is always a challenge. There are decisions to make. More vegetables or a new planting scheme? Minimum maintenance or a whole new layout? And what about the lawn?
out the moss by hand, or with an electric scarifyer sometimes helps, as does spiking and incorporating sand, but if the moss persists, then you may need to get more professional advice.
Vegetables Even the smallest plot can provide a plentiful supply of salads. A newcomer on the scene includes Suttons multigreen lettuce, which has a short crown and no wastage. Sow seeds little and often at fortnightly intervals from March to July, and you’re guaranteed a regular supply, and while you’re sowing your lettuce, find a space for a succession of plantings of radishes from March to September. Sew these in a cool position, and thin early. Water well in dry weather.
The Lawn Nothing sets off a well tended garden as effectively as a lush green lawn, or detracts from the effect if it’s patchy and sparse. Particularly at the start of the year, the lawn needs a lot of attention and unfortunately, it’s not always enough to mow regularly and feed correctly. Shaggy edges should be kept neatly clipped. Worn areas lightly forked over and re-seeded, then covered with a fine layer of compost. Creeping buttercup and field daisies may need the use of a selective weed killer. Moss is another problem, and generally means the drainage is poor. Raking
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No salad is complete without the sharp refreshing taste of radishes
For variety in your salads, a welcome addition is spinach. Sow from March to mid April, thin early, and use these baby leaves in your mix. Rocket is another easily grown plant, to add that wonderful 9
peppery taste to a green leaf mixture, spring onions give salad rolls an extra zing, and chives are a must with scrambled eggs. 2011 was a bad year for tomatoes, so this year, take extra precautions by siting French marigolds in pots around them. Planting basil nearby also helps, as it’s natural repellent to flies.
Soft Fruit in pots We all love soft fruit, and I’ve just discovered a new range which have a more upright habit, so gooseberries and blackcurrants can be potted up and sited on the patio. Try blackcurrant Noiroma, which is a very sweet, large fruited variety, and gooseberry Lady Sun, an almost thornless yellow variety, both available from Suttons Seeds.
The Flower Garden Dahlias are making a big comeback. Grown as part of the general planting scheme, the canny gardener knows that when perennials such as delphiniums and lupins are past their best, dahlias will be coming into their own, continuing to flower at full pitch until the first frost. The tall varieties can provide dramatic accents of colour at the back of the flower beds, and the smaller varieties add interest throughout the garden, and provide plenty of cut flowers for the house. Taller dahlias need to be staked, so position these before planting the tubers, to avoid any accidental damage. I’ve found that although the large flowered pompom varieties look sensational, in a wet summer the flower heads retain too much rain and become too heavy for the stems, which bend under the weight. I generally go for the single flowering varieties, which also look more at home in a mixed herbaceous planting. Dahlias grow in almost any location, and on any soil, although, for best results, good drainage is essential. They can be obtained in almost any colour and any height, as singles, doubles, cactus or dwarf, and at the end of the year, the tubers can be lifted and stored for next year so they’re very economical to grow. And finally, don’t forget the pleasure of growing flowers from seed. As soon as the soil has warmed up, rake over odd bare
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patches and scatter a mixture of marigolds and cornflowers. Surround the sown area with a drizzle of sand, to remind yourself of where they were planted, and be rewarded with a wonderful splash of colour later in the summer. This works in pots as well. Love in the Mist seeds scattered amongst the geraniums, candytuft in troughs, and nasturtiums amongst the tomatoes. All you need is a packet of seeds and a little imagination, and sometimes, the results are spectacular. Gardening can be hard work, but consider the rewards. All those seeds producing food to eat, and beauty to enjoy. Is there anything that comes close? Happy gardening.
Stubbings Nursery Maidenhead Situated on the outskirts of Maidenhead just off the A4, in the idyllic hamlet of Stubbings, is the manor house in whose grounds the café and nursery are situated. Stubbings Nursery has been in operation for around 25 years and is a very family orientated business, specialising in much larger plants including box plants and designer topiaries. There is also a ‘garden makeover’ service and generally they will tackle any task whatever the size! If you came in on the A4, you will undoubtedly have seen the amazing display on the roundabout - a working example of a Stubbings product.
It is fair to say, Stubbings is no ordinary nursery and the café itself, set in an orangery style building, is a step away from the usual café, retaining a rustic charm with part of the walled garden running along the middle giving it a very light, airy feel. The café is immaculately set out with beautiful wicker chairs and wooden tables, set amongst ornate bay trees, allowing you to relax and enjoy being served by the friendly and attentive staff. If your desire is to lunch and shop, then you are in the right place; while you indulge in your coffee, you can choose from various homeware products and pictures decorating the walls, all available to buy from the shop.
A useful fast growing lettuce, with no waste.
The delicate shades in this dahlia provide a perfect complement to phlox and other herbaceous plants.
The pet friendly café was opened in October and is set up to truly cater for everyone, being fully accessible for wheelchair users and provided with highchairs and an outside play area to keep the children or grandchildren happy. If families are concerned about keeping their teenage children or grandchildren amused, there is even free wi-fi to keep them socially connected! Where possible, all products used in the preparation of meals are sourced locally, therefore are often seasonal, with the café menu catering for many different dietary needs including gluten free options and an excellent children’s menu for the under 10’s.
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Calendar Girl RUTH Madoc had just been having lunch with her five year-old granddaughter in St Albans when she broke off from encouraging her to eat pizza for a chat with Angela Kelly about the theatre and life after Gladys Pugh. “I’m in the South for two weeks with ‘Calendar Girls’,” she explains in those familiar warm, now-muted Welsh tones. “So I’m staying with the family here and love being out for lunch with Seren (Welsh for “star”) because this little girl and I have a real connection.”
After she graduated, Ruth – a talented singer and performer as well as an actress – spent three years with the “Black and White Minstrel Show” and various summer seasons with Lesley Crowther, Max Wall and Bruch Forsyth in the final days of provincial variety.
Ruth, now 68, has five grandchildren under the age of five (“hard work sometimes, although lovely”). Three of them live in Gibraltar and it’s plain that Ruth thoroughly enjoys being a grandma.
She became a theatrical favourite appearing in leading roles in musicals like “West Side Story and “Man of La Mancha” and appeared in both the stage and screen versions of “Under Milk Wood.”
It may be hard to see her in this role as, for many TV viewers, she remains fondly in the memory as the man-hungry Maplins’ Yellowcoat and the mere mention of her name has usually restrained people shouting out “Hi-De-Hi!”.
After her high-profile success in “Hi-DeHi!”, Ruth was in the stage version of the show which enjoyed huge success in
This wonderful portrayal in the enduringly popular BBC 1 comedy series revealed her comic talents to thousands at home. But her career, even by then, had already covered a startling variety of theatre. Although Ruth is well known for her Welsh roots she was, in fact, born in Norwich because her parents consistently travelled around Britain. However, she spent much of her childhood with her maternal grandmother in Llansamlet in Swansea. From the little mining village she made the unlikely but determined leap to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, guided in this by the man who became an early mentor, Sir Harry Secombe. “I was in East Yorkshire with my parents and the head of drama at school sent a tape of me to Harry Secombe’s agent with the intention of interesting Huw Weldon who used to have a BBC children’s talent programme called ‘All Your Own,’ she states. Instead, the agent showed it to the famous singer and comedian, and he began helping the young Ruth, offering practical advice on her career.
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I N T E RV I E W Bournemouth, Blackpool and at the Victoria Palace in London.
career on programmes like “Some of these Days,” “Woman’s Hour” and “This Family Business.”
“I never felt, though, that I was going to be typecast by Gladys,” she says. “I’d already done so much in the theatre I knew that I would go on to do many other, different roles.”
Other TV roles over the years have included guest appearances with Morecambe and Wise, Bob Monkhouse and Les Dawson. And, more recently, she was the mother of the infamous Daffyd (the only gay in the village) in the Bafta award-winning comedy series “Little Britain.”.
And indeed she did. She has been in a large number of stage productions including “A Taste of Honey” and “A Murder is Announced”, and in West End musicals like “Niteclub Confidential” and “Bless the Bride.” Ruth had great personal success with her portrayal of the indomitable Mama Rose in the musical “Gypsy”, toured Japan and the Far East as Madame Giry in “Phantom of the Opera” and was a wonderful Mrs Bardell to Harry Secombe’s “Pickwick” at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Sadlers Wells Theatre and on an extended national tour. She was also Dorothy Brock in the hit musical “42nd Street”, Miss Hannigan in “Annie”, and Maria in “Twelfth Night” at Regent’s Park Theatre in London. Her film appearances vary from “Fiddler on the Roof” to “The Prince and the Pauper” and “Very Annie Mary”, and she has also enjoyed an extensive radio
Ruth has appeared in more than 30 pantomimes in every major city in the UK – as everything from principal boy in “Robin Hood” and “Dick Whittington” to Cinderella’s fairy godmother and the Wicked Queen in “Snow White.” For the past 18 months, she has been touring in “Calendar Girls” as Marie – the WI protagonist who tries to stop the nude calendar – “and I love it!” she declares with a throaty laugh. “I think I enjoy playing not so nice people because it’s more interesting. But I really love this play and Tim Firth (the writer) is so clever. While the humour is Northern it works on so many levels and is a great piece of writing.” Ruth will remain in the production until May, 2012, when, she says, she and her manager husband John will go to Spain to visit their grandchildren. She states that she “won’t do theatre after I’m 75” because she doesn’t want to spend time learning lines. “I think when you get older there is a great pressure in learning lines. I’ve seen this happen to many other people, and I don’t want that,” she insists. “I keep my mind sharp now by doing crosswords each day and, although I’ve got lines in ‘Calendar Girls’, I still learn pieces of poetry.” Her only career regret is that she didn’t take the “Under Milk Wood” role she was offered at the National Theatre “because I was with Harry in ‘Pickwick’ and didn’t want to let him down.” Ruth would, though, still love to play the part of Madam Horrible in the hit musical “Wicked!” which re-imagines the Land of Oz. And that inquiring, lively mind, she suspects, will continue until her deathbed. “I think my final words will probably be ‘Eureka!,” she laughs again.
Then it’s back to life as grandma, and that perennial dilemma of how to get small children to eat their lunch.
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American legend Jack Nicklaus
Swinging to senior health and fitness There’s an old joke about golf spoiling a good walk, but for many seniors it is a pastime which promotes better health, a great social life and longevity.
O
nly a few years ago in America a 102-year-old lady became the oldest person ever to achieve a hole in one, beating the previous record which had been held by a 101-year-old!
During an average game of golf you are likely to walk five miles. Can you remember the last time you did that? It has all the right things to promote good health. Cardio vascular workout, exercising the limbs and promoting social mixing both on and off the course. If you haven’t undertaken regular exercise for some time you’d be well advised to have a medical check before starting to play golf. You don’t have to plunge in and play 18 holes immediately. Try a gentle stroll around a couple of holes and ease yourself into it is the experts’ advice. Golf is probably one of the most social sports where you will meet people from most walks of life on the same level. If you get the bug you can engage the services of a club professional to teach you the finer points but it is equally suited to the amateur who just enjoys the exercise and the company. The 19th hole is as popular as the game itself and you will find many social functions are arranged at most clubs or you can simply enjoy a drink and a conversation with members after a game. It is often a place for families too with many clubs being used for wedding receptions, christenings or weekend entertainment shows. But seniors do need to be aware of the dangers of playing golf if they have an existing back problem. If you have not exercised your lower and middle back muscles for some time the exertion of swinging a club could cause discomfort. It is important to seek medical advice and follow it. It may be that a gentle introduction, building up to full participation over an extended period is the answer for you. Build up your muscles by regular strength training, e.g. in a fitness centre.
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A simple exercise for your back which you can practise every morning in the bathroom: put a towel behind your neck, hold both ends of the towel and press the head against it. Hold for five seconds, relax, and repeat fifteen times. Before making the first stroke golfers should warm up for more than ten minutes, for example by jogging. Furthermore you should continue with stretching of the forearms, shoulders, the lower back, chest and trunk as well as the groin. This warm-up makes sense: scientific studies show that golfers that had spent more than ten minutes for a warm-up not only achieved a better handicap but they also had significantly fewer injuries. This advantage can be increased by taking a rest once in a while during the game and by not playing too often. It turned out that golf players who play four or more rounds a week during the golf season and at least 200 balls per week run a higher risk of damages by strain. American legend Jack Nicklaus must surely be the inspiration for the older golfer. Now 71, he was still winning major tournaments until well into his fifties and achieved a level of success which will probably never be emulated. Now completely retired he has a major golf course design company and has become an inspiration for the older generation who revere his style and tenacity. Golf is a hugely popular sport amongst older ladies. The gentle exercise combined with the social life attracts thousands onto the courses. Socially the ladies form an invaluable part of preparing for club events and many clubs boast captains of both sexes. We hear much of the degeneration of our mental health as we age. Golf is not only physically beneficial but has been proved to stimulate mental health by improving hand to eye co-ordination and mental agility through the scoring system. Coupled with club selection and observational exercise it is an all round game to keep seniors on the ball for many years to come. You can get all sorts of equipment for the senior level. There are drivers, irons, putters, fairway woods, balls, bags, shoes, and the most popular hybrid clubs all designed for the older generation. All this type of equipment can be custom fitted for you just like the regular equipment. There are a number of different adjustments done to the senior line of equipment to help you keep up and even hit it better and further than the young guns.
The bottom line here is, don’t be afraid of getting older on the golf course. If you embrace it as it comes and get the senior golf equipment that fits your game those glory years can end up being some of the best ones of your golfing career. Go out and get yourself some senior golf equipment today!
Oakland Park Golf Club
“The perfect golfing venue for the retired and those new to the game”. This small haven, nestled within green belt countryside just outside Chalfont St Giles in South Bucks, is something of an exception when it comes to golf clubs in the local area. With its gently-undulating, easy walking golf course and its sociable and relaxed atmosphere it is the perfect golf club for the “more mature” golfer or for those who want to take up the game for the first time. Oakland Park is a family owned proprietary club whose doors are wide open to members & guests, ladies & gents, golfers and non-golfers. As a newcomer, that difference is certainly felt thanks to the club’s friendly atmosphere and family ethos. Oakland Park is one of the most genuinely welcoming clubs in the south east. An air of serenity hits you as soon as you pass the threshold of the recently refurbished clubhouse and by the time you have ordered at the bar, the building – styled on a traditional Buckinghamshire barn – already seems familiar and the staff and members feel like old friends. The kitchen is also run by a Husband and Wife team whose excellent reputation in the area, has been built on good home cooking and value for money. However, the members are the real apple of Oakland Park’s eye and of the 625 members over 80% are aged 55 and over and one third of the total membership are ladies, more than virtually any other club in the South of England and with a Pro Shop, which has built an unlikely national reputation for its outstanding range of women’s clothes it’s not hard to understand why. Despite its current success Oakland Park are still doing everything they can to entice more golfers to join the club’s extended family. Oakland Park have, year after year, done more than their fair share to break down the barriers that normally put golfers off club membership and take much pride in their induction of new members into the Oakland Park philosophy.
For further information visit www.oaklandparkgolf.co.uk or ring 01494 871277.
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Oakland Park Golf Club,Threehouseholds, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks, HP8 4LW www.oaklandparkgolf.co.uk 01494 871277
JOIN OAKLAND PARK IN 2012 AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPECIAL OFFERS IT’S AS EASY AS ...............
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OFFER 1. Up to 16 months for the price of 12
Pay your annual subscription for the 2012/13 subscription year NOW and play for FREE for the rest of the 2011/12 subscription year (until 30th June 2012). (Subscription year runs from 1st July - 30th June).
OFFER 2. Parent joins and your child goes FREE Pay the remainder of the 2011/12 annual subscription and the 2012/13 subscription NOW and your child also joins for the same period for FREE. (Child must be 18 or under on 1st July 2012).
OFFER 3. Join yourself - treat a friend!
Pay the remainder of the 2011/12 annual subscription and the 2012/13 annual subscription NOW and a friend of your choice also becomes a Member for FREE for the rest of the 2011/12 subscription year:
For prices and/or further information please call Ian Donnelly
01494 871277 Membership also entitles you to FREE golf at 26 other quality golf clubs. Terms & Conditions: The offer applies to Individual and Joint 5 & 7 Day Membership Categories only. These offers are available until 31st May 2012. The part subscription chargeable for the remainder of 2011/12 is calculated on a pro-rata basis. A small charge is payable for B,B&O Affiliation and insurance fees on some of the above offers.
The Trading Standards Service is part of RBWM’s Public Protection Unit, we are committed to achieving a fair and safe trading environment to benefit local residents, businesses and visitors to the area. Rogue Doorstep Caller It is a sad fact that there are many rogue traders around who will offer to do fencing, roofing, driveways, home maintenance and so on for what seems to be a reasonable amount. However the quality of the work, if any is done at all, will be extremely poor and it will end up costing a great deal more than you were first told. These people appear trustworthy and genuine but they do their homework and target elderly people, often living alone. Often the householder is panicked into having the work done immediately, or are persuaded that having the work done will reduce heating costs or help with global warming. The truth is once they have your money you may not see them again and they could well be impossible to trace. Any trader who gives just a mobile number should be regarded with caution because a mobile number can easily be discarded, and then there’s no way of getting in touch if the repairs are faulty, or badly done. Trading standards has dealt with cases where residents have lost thousands of pounds because they have agreed to have work done by someone who turned up on the doorstep. The advice from trading standards, supported by the police, is that you should never agree to have work done by a stranger who turns up at your doorstep no matter how good a deal it looks. Only use traders that you know or who have been recommended to you. Reputable, professional traders do not go door to door. Another scam to watch out for is known as distraction burglary. This is when you get a knock at the door and a complete stranger distracts you whilst an accomplice gets into your house to look for money or valuable. 18
The caller could be a couple saying that they have seen some loose tiles on your roof, and while one of them keeps you occupied by showing you the problem the other one gets into your house. It could be someone claiming to be from the council or a legitimate company doing some routine checks. Once they have your attention someone else might be getting into your home. Every one of us is vulnerable to scams. We need to take note of warnings from the police and trading standards and refuse to deal with doorstep callers.
Use your chain on your front door, don’t deal with strangers, don’t let them into your home and remember, it’s okay to say “no”.
REMEMBER, reputable traders don’t need to go cold calling. Doorstep trading is the hunting ground for opportunists and scammers.
Any Doubt? Keep them out! How to Beat the Rogue Step Caller • Keep front and back doors locked • Use a door viewer or window to see who your caller is • Put your chain or bar on before you open the door • Never agree to have work done by a stranger who turns up on your doorstep • Don’t trust ID offered by the caller, it can easily be faked. • Never let uninvited callers into your home • Never agree to be taken to the bank to withdraw cash Rogue doorstep callers appear trustworthy and genuine; if you let them in they’ll expect a sale and won’t give up easily.
If you require any further information or advice about doorstep callers contact trading standards.
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Help stamp out scams that’s the message from the Royal Borough’s trading standards officers. Staying safe on-line that’s the ticket! Royal Borough trading standards officers are warning residents to beware of scam websites when buying tickets for concerts, shows and sporting events. Recent news that scammers were offering tickets for the 2012 London Olympics, when genuine tickets hadn’t even gone on sale yet, highlights the hazards that internet users face when looking for tickets for that ‘must see’ event. Cllr Phill Bicknell, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “If the concert or match that you want to go
to has sold out then it’s highly likely that any website offering tickets for it is a scam. “Always check out new websites by entering their details into a search engine or social network site and only use your debit or credit card on sites which have a padlock symbol or make sure the website address begins with an https prefix. “Research shows that one person in 12 is scammed when trying to buy tickets on-line so it is vital to take precautions before using your debit or credit card on a website you haven’t used before.” Trading standards have the following tips: • use your credit card for tickets costing over £100 each as your credit card company is
Beat the Scammers Advice Pack Older people in the Royal Borough now have access to a handy new self-help guide on how to spot and deal with domestic scams and cowboys. The free pack - brought together by the council’s adult services and trading standards teams, with help from the Older Persons’ Advisory Forum - aims to give older and more vulnerable residents the information they need to enjoy better security in their own homes. Delivered to more than 8,000 older residents, it provides advice on how to deal with both doorstep conmen and postal scams such as bogus lottery win notifications. There is also advice from the police on burglary prevention and information on how to access a wide range of adult care services. Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for adult and community services, said: “Unfortunately it is the older and more vulnerable members of our community who are the biggest targets for rogues and conmen. We want people to feel safe in their own homes and to be able to live full and independent lives, free from the fear of crime. We hope this new pack will help to achieve that.” Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for public protection, said: “Many postal scams look completely genuine but
responsible if there’s a problem with the website. • only use websites which have the geographical address of the business behind it, not just a PO box number, along with a UK landline telephone number. UK businesses should also show their VAT number somewhere on the site.
if you haven’t entered a lottery or prize draw then you won’t have won it. Any notification, scheme or offer that asks you to send an administration fee up front will definitely be a fraud and people should never respond. “This pack sets out clear, commonsense advice and I would like to thank the trading standards and adult services teams for bringing together such a useful source of information.” The pack also contains advice on dealing with people who turn up on the doorstep and offer to do roofing work, gardening or other types of home maintenance. Agreeing to have work done by such people can often lead to problems. Work is likely to be of a very poor standard and over priced - commonly by thousands of pounds - and the people responsible are usually impossible to track down once they have gone. Residents aged 60 or more or who have a disability and need to have jobs done around the home can contact Repair with Care (details in the pack) who can help identify the work that needs doing and find a trusted trader to do it. The pack is being distributed to everyone aged 70 and over in the Royal Borough and will be available at local community and council offices. Alternatively, to receive a pack in the post call 01628 683672 or email trading.standards@rbwm.gov.uk
( 01628 683802 www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/trading_standards.htm trading.standards@rbwm.gov.uk
If you see any suspicious characters going door to door phone the police non-emergency number 08458 505 505. For advice on any other consumer issues you can contact Consumer Direct on www.retiredmagazines.co.uk 08454 04 05 06 or by e-mail via their website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
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Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes Recipes Rick Stein’s passion for fresh well-sourced 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 ‘Mediterranean Escapes’ (BBC Books, £20) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by flavours of the Med.
SERVES 8-10 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving 1 large onion, chopped 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 large leek, cleaned and cut into similar-sized pieces 250g dried borlotti beans, soaked overnight 450g waxy potatoes, such as Charlotte, peeled and cut into 1- cm dice 250g peeled carrots, cut into 1-cm dice 2 celery sticks, cut into 1- cm dice 1 ripe beef tomato, skinned and chopped Leaves from 1 small rosemary sprig, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1.2kg smoked ham hock 250g green beans, trimmed and cut into 1- cm pieces 2 medium-sized courgettes, topped and tailed and cut into 1- cm dice 1/2 small cabbage (about 500g), core removed, thinly sliced 75g dried tagliatelle, broken into 5-cm pieces 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano A small handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped 20 Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Minestra: Corsican Vegetable Soup with Smoked Ham, Cabbage and Borlotti Beans Heat the oil in a really large pan, add the onion, garlic and leek, and cook gently for 3-4 minutes. Drain the soaked beans and add to the pan with the potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato, rosemary, dried oregano and 2 litres of water. Cut the ham hock in half lengthways to one side of the bone, add to the pan and press the pieces down well into the soup so they are totally submerged. Bring everything to a simmer and leave to cook, uncovered, for 1 hour. Then add the green beans, courgettes, cabbage, tagliatelle pieces and fresh oregano and simmer for a further 15-20 minutes until the soup is thick. Remove the pieces of ham hock, pull the meat off the bone, and pull it into small chunks. Discard the skin and bone. Stir the ham back into the soup with the parsley and approximately 500 ml more hot water to loosen it slightly and season with salt and pepper. Service in large warmed soup bowls, drizzled with a little more olive oil.
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SERVES 4 400g dried spaghetti 175-g piece smoked pancetta, rind removed 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped A handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped 3 large eggs, beaten 50g finely grated pecorino sardo maturo Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara: Pasta with Pecorino Sardo, Pancetta, Parsley and Eggs Bring 4.5 litres water to the boil in a large saucepan with 8 teaspoons salt. Add the spaghetti and cook for 9 minutes or until al dente. Meanwhile, cut the pancetta into lardons (short little strips), about 6mm wide. Heat a large, deep frying pan over a medium-high heat, add the oil and the pancetta and allow it to fry until lightly golden. Add the garlic and parsley and cook for a few seconds, then remove from the heat and set to one side. Drain the spaghetti well, tip into the frying pan with the pancetta, garlic and parsley, add the beaten eggs and half the grated pecorino cheese and toss together well. Season to taste with a little salt and black pepper. The heat from the spaghetti will be sufficient to partly cook the egg but still leave it moist and creamy. Take to the table and serve in warmed pasta bowls, sprinkled with the rest of the cheese.
SERVES 6-8 2 x 1-kg shoulders of lamb, each one cut into 3 large chunks through the bone (get your butcher to do this) 2kg waxy maincrop potatoes, such as Desiree, peeled and cut into 5-6cm chunks 1 head of garlic, outside papery skins removed, cut in half through the middle 1 tablespoon dried oregano, Greek if possible 3-6 fresh bay leaves 2 tablespoons fresh oregano or marjoram leaves 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling Juice of 2 large lemons Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Kleftiko: Slow-cooked Lamb with Garlic, Oregano, Lemon and Potatoes Preheat the oven to 1900C/Gas Mark 5. Combine the meat, potatoes and garlic in a large ovenproof casserole dish. Sprinkle with the dried and fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, 100ml water, 2 teaspoons of salt and plenty of black pepper and mix together well, then nestle the pieces of meat down in among the potatoes. Drizzle with a little more oil. Cover the casserole tightly with foil and a well-fitting lid and bake for 3 hours until the meat is falling off the bone. However, check after a couple of hours to make sure it doesn’t need a little more water. www.retiredmagazines.co.uk
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PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS Retirement after many years of hard work brings it the fruits of your labours. Many of you will own your own home bringing with it comfort and security as well as being an important part of your total wealth. In addition, you may well have savings and investments derived from pension plans, life assurance policies and regular savings plans. When added together your estate may well come to a significant sum of money. There are, however, risks to your estate which could crystallize during your lifetime, on death or, indeed, after death. These include potential liability to Inheritance Tax (IHT), care fees, the risk of disinheriting your children by the remarriage of your surviving spouse and the possibility of the loss of mental capacity.
INHERITANCE TAX IHT is levied at the rate of 40% on the excess over the Nil Rate Band (NRB) allowance, currently £325,000. There are, however, important reliefs. Transfers between husband and wife (and, indeed, between civil partners) are exempt and there is the Seven Year Rule whereby gifts made more that seven years prior to death are free from IHT. Also, the NRB allowance is transferable to the surviving spouse so that on the death of the survivor two NRBs are available shielding £650,000 from IHT. For the larger estates, combining the spousal exemption with the seven year rule and incorporating the appropriate trusts in your wills can result in significant savings of IHT.
REMARRIAGE Many married couples, make simple mirror wills leaving their share of the estate to the survivor and then, on
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second death, everything passes to the children. The problem here arises if the survivor remarries. Because marriage invalidates a will, on remarriage the children have lost all the protection even the simple will gave them.
CARE FEES This is a subject of concern to many particularly the risk to the family home. While both husband and wife are alive, if one goes into care, the house is not included in the assessment for care fees although other assets are. If, however, one spouse has died, the family home is included in the care fees assessment and the costs of care can very rapidly eat into the survivor’s estate. Many of you are also aware that allowable assets will be used to fund care fees down to £23,250 when a sliding scale kicks in. Simple mirror wills provide no protection against the risk. Writing protective trusts into the wills ring fences half the property or estate because that part of the estate is owned by Trustees and not by the surviving spouse. It is also possible to put the property into a lifetime trust. These trusts can run for 125 years. The property can remain in the trust after both spouses have died and will be there for the benefit of the children. This has a number of advantages. If any of the children get divorced or are made bankrupt the family home is not included in the assets forming part of the divorce or bankruptcy settlements because it is held in trust. There is also a saving of professional probate fees as the property is outside the estate. The settlors - that is the original owners who put the house into trust - also have the right to live in the property and to sell it if they wish to move. The trust can also protect against care fees.
LOSING MENTAL CAPACITY If a loved one loses mental capacity it can take months for the Court of Protection to appoint Deputies to look after their affairs and even then, the powers of the Deputies may be restricted to handling the income of the person concerned with further applications to the Court being required if the Deputies wish to realise any of the assets. Not only can the process be time consuming with all the problems that delay will entail there are also Court Fees to be paid which could be onerous. The way to avoid this is to set up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). This can be set up to come into force when the person giving the power (the donor) loses capacity. It will also need to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. Once this is done it will be available to use immediately the donor loses capacity thereby removing the delays a referral to the Court of Protection would entail. The donor also chooses the Attorneys who will act on the donor’s behalf. This is very important. The LPA is a powerful document and it is vital that the donor selects attorneys he or she can trust to look after their affairs in the way they would wish.
CONCLUSION From the above it is clear that there are many risks to wealth and property that need to be guarded against. At Collective Legal Solutions our Associates are well trained to conduct the overall assessment of your estate and to present the different options that may be available. The consultation is totally fee and without obligation and is normally carried out in the comfort, security and privacy of your own home. For further free information call me, Andrew Davies, on my Freephone number 0808 146 9295
Retired Homeowners: your home could be sold to fund care home fees
“We have worked hard all our lives to leave something for our children and grandchildren. Why should the Local Authority get it all?” If you have to go into care and you have assets that total more than £23,250 (including the value of your home), you will have to fund your care in full. A care home could cost £500-£800 a week or more. The reality is that your children could end up with very little. Although care might seem only a distant possibility right now, there are important steps you should take now to protect your home.
Married Couples If you and your husband/wife currently have ‘Mirror Wills’ or ‘Joint Wills’ you risk leaving your share of your home to your husband/wife for it simply to be swallowed up in care home fees. A legal trust arrangement within your Will could save your family tens of thousands of pounds and ensure your hard earned wealth passes to those you choose.
Widowed/Single The options available to you to protect your home are fewer and it is vital you act now.
“I’m protected, I’ve signed my house over to my children” Have you considered what will happen if your child/children experience marital difficulties and your home forms part of a divorce settlement? What will happen if your child/ children experience financial difficulties and enter bankruptcy? Did you know that Capital Gains Tax is payable on second homes, meaning a potentially huge tax bill when your home is eventually sold by your children? It’s not too late to put it right – contact us today for advice.
Collective Legal Solutions are experts at helping you protect your hard earned wealth. Contact us today for your free information pack.
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Take a slice out of your Rent and Council Tax Up to 4 out of 10 people entitled to Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit miss out.
Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit is help towards paying your Rent/Council Tax Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are national welfare benefits These benefits help those people on low incomes to meet the cost of their rent and/ or Council Tax If you pay rent and /or Council Tax for your home, then you can apply for help if you are: l l l l
On a low income, earnings or pension A student with children or a partner Disabled On Benefits
For pensioners with savings (who are not in receipt of pension credit guarantee) the first £10,000 is ignored. There is a maximum of £16,000 above which there is no entitlement to Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit. Those in receipt of guarantee credit are automatically entitled to maximum benefit.
Don’t miss out. What should you do next? Apply now. You can get a claim form by contacting us on 01494 421 325 or visit our website at www.wycombe.gov.uk where you can use the on line calculator to see if you qualify or email us at: benefits@wycombe.gov.uk
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If you are in any doubt - apply! It won’t cost you www.retiredmagazines.co.uk anything and it could save you money
“German Fuel Crisis Solved by Royal Intervention” This was probably the headline in local German newspapers in 1763, when Frederick The Great of Prussia held an engineering competition to find a better way of burning wood. The invention that cut the burning of wood by two thirds, and which won the Royal competition was a new type of heating stove called a Kachelofen and there are still some around today. Three things made the Kachelofen so effective and economic, compared to other stoves: The reduction in size of the burning chamber, the greatly increased surface area and the use of a natural chamotte claylined interior. Our modern electric version also has a big surface area, achieved by using deep flutes, as well as a low electricity input requirement, achieved by embedding pure tungsten elements into a natural refractory chamotte clay core. In 1991, the year of our last design change, a new slimmer radiator (just 80mm deep) was introduced with scientifically optimised hollow flutes to provide even more effective heating.
Photo by Werner Willmann Schloss Hoheraschau c. 1775, Upper Bavaria.
For further details contact Daniel McMahon on 0800 158 8272 or find us on www.sunflowltd.co.uk
A NEW FORM OF HEATING FROM GERMANY Simple to install, Powerful, and no more servicing - EVER!
The onslaught of severe cold is a problem faced by central European homes every single year. For 65 years, one German manufacturer has been perfecting heaters that tackle all the factors we worry about in Britain.
guarantee and needs no servicing ever! All over Get your FREE brochure by calling our Europe more people are choosing to heat their 24hr Brochure Line homes and offices with this very special form of on: 0800 158 8270 electric heating in preference to oil gas or E7. In or email: info@sunflowltd.co.uk our area, more and more people are making that same decision and when you see this incredible heating for yourself you could be next!
Total control and low input radiators allow us to regulate our heating and reduce fuel Although relatively new in the U.K. these low input electric heaters have been used in Germany costs by up to 40%. and Austria for a very long time. Being able to control individual rooms means you can put the heat exactly where you need it. Our heaters are slim, quality built and are available in a range of over 200 colours. Replacement Service
For years, this country has focused on wet central heating with its constant servicing and replacement parts. The high maintenance costs, as well as rising energy costs, means that now is the time to look at Sunflow’s quality German heating which comes with a 12 year
Requiring no special wiring (they simply plug in), you can use them with existing heating or as a complete solution. Whether you have a cold spot, cold rooms or a cold house - it is time to look at Sunflow for the warm and cosy way to reduce energy use in your home. 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.
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oil/GAs HeAtinG - Ask About ouR ReplAcement seRvice
Sunflow can take the worry out of disposing of old central heating systems or old night storage heaters. 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 25
Angela Close - Be autician and Alternative Thera pist
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 these
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 anti-bacterial effects, anti-fungal and anti-viral. With the use of massage, the oils penetrate
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THRE A LVTEHL 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.” 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 postoperative 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 painrelieving,” 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 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.
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For more information, go to the Complementary Therapists Association at www.ctha.com or the Association of Natural Medicine at 27 www.retiredmagazines.co.ukwww.associationnaturalmedicine.co.uk
A Guide to Dentures ....
The Importance of Dentures
Choice of Dentures
The eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality.
There are three main quality standards in denture materials:
Natural teeth grow in proportion and in harmony with your facial features and your dentures should be made accordingly. Your teeth, or your dentures, have many important functions: to support your facial muscles, to help formulate your speech, and most importantly to chew your food and start the digestive process. It is very important to chew food properly, as poorly chewed food will take longer to digest, especially for the elderly who could risk problems in the digestive system.
Difficulties in Constructing a Good Set of Dentures Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth. In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement. At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science. 28
Denture Base Acrylics: standard quality, high impact much stronger non brittle and the latest thermoplastic. Denture Teeth: 2-layer acrylic very basic and cheap, 3-layer acrylic re-enforced much harder, 4-layer composite extra hard and natural looking. However, good materials on their own will not make good dentures. A skilful and experienced clinician and technician are required. The best results are achieved when the whole job is done by the same person.
Removal Partial Dentures It was long thought that removable partial dentures had to be rigid to be effective. The innovation of the Valpast flexible partial denture allows the appliance to adapt to the constant movement and flexibility in your mouth. The preparation is relatively simple as your natural teeth don’t need to be altered. The Valpast flexible partial denture is virtually invisible, no telltale metal clasps and the material itself blends with the tissue in your mouth so that the only thing that shows is your beautiful smile.
How Long Should Dentures Last? The question we should ask is, how long will my dentures be functional for? Dentures can last twenty or
more years, but will lose their function (chewing ability, proper fit etc.) probably after two years. This will depend on many factors: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Quality of dentures. Age of Patient. General health of patient. Any drastic change in weight.
Dentures Need Regular Servicing Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour. Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to constant bone resorbtion dentures will become loose sooner or later. Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage. Have them re-lined as soon as possible to get a good fit. It only takes a day or two. Have your dentures inspected by a dentist or denturist at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary.
Your Dentures need Attention 1. When they become loose. 2. When teeth or denture base discolours. 3. When tooth surfaces become flat. 4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures). www.retiredmagazines.co.uk
5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth. 6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores. 7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.
Loose Dentures Can be re-lined by adding a thin layer of the new acrylic to fit the surface of the dentures, making them fit better (takes one or two days).
Dentures with worn down teeth Teeth can be replaced with a new set.
Major improvements in Facial Features Padding dentures to reduce lines and fill up sunken cheeks will require a new set of dentures. It is advisable to have a new set of dentures made every 5 to 10 years.
Should I have a spare set of Dentures made? Yes, it is very important to have
a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage.
Where do I go to have a good set of Dentures made? Every dentist can make dentures, but not all of them will specialise in denture making. Ask your Dental Technician for recommendations of suitable Dentist.
Summary 1. Clean your dentures daily with a denture brush and denture cream. 2. Have your dentures inspected every two years, and re-lined or ultra-sonically cleaned. 3. Have a new set made every 5 years if possible. 4. Keep a spare set for emergencies. 5. Remember, dentures do not have to hurt and do not need to be uncomfortable. 6. With a new set of dentures, you should receive a written guarantee, a detailed prescription of the materials used in your dentures, cleaning and servicing instructions, and a cleaning kit. 7. Dentures so life-like you’d think they were real.
What is a Clinical Dental Technician? Professional Clinical Dental Technicians are members of the Dental Health Care Team. They have undergone specific training and education in the skills and knowledge necessary to provide a removable appliance service directly to the community. Equipped with solid technical training as a Dental Technician - plus post-technician training in sciences, clinical skills, and interpersonal skills - the Clinical Dental Technician can design, create, construct and modify (repair and rebase) removable appliances to ensure optimal fit, maximum comfort and general wellbeing of patients. These skills enable the Clinical Dental Technician, whilst remaining a member of the Dental Health Care Team, to work independently of other Dental Health Care providers.
A fully qualified local Clinical Dental Technician is Paul Moorcroft of Abacus Dental Studio.
Abacus Dental Studio NEW DENTURES DENTURE REPAIRS l
Do your dentures make you look older? Do they hurt? Clinical Dental Technician l
While you wait - Express Service One hour Denture Repairs l Alterations, Relines and Cleaning l Home Visits l Appointments arranged as necessary l Friendly l Informal atmosphere with prices guaranteed not to frighten the most nervous patients l l
Your Complete Mobile Denture Service - 1 Firs Close, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 7LX. 07970 058506 / 01494 864120 / 01628 603010 15 High St, Theale, Reading, Berks RG7 5AH - Just off Junction 12, M4. (0118) 930 3965 81 Church Street, Crowthorne, Berks RG45 7AW. (01344) 777 751 www.retiredmagazines.co.uk
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PHYSIO - TOP TO TOE - SEASONAL TIPS We may not all be potential Olympians, but good physiotherapy guidance can help us make the best of our bodies. Winter brings its own round of injuries, or just enhances the aches and pains of general wear and tear, but the physios at SBP enjoy keeping their patients mobile and pain-free at any time of year.
Neck –
soreness from leaning over the seasonal greetings? We show best posture, and exercises to free the body up.
Shoulders – it’s easy to pull muscles whilst reaching to load a car or spring clean. A little electrotherapy may ease the pain, and simple stretching will restore function.
Back –
a common problem amongst our patients, but a few treatments, maybe some massage, can often work wonders on a simple injury.
Hips –
some of our older patients just stiffen up in the cold weather. We say ‘use it or lose it’ and advise on maintaining mobility.
Knees –
for overly keen sportsmen, we can advise on taping and muscle building strategies, to help manage fitness targets.
Ankles –
if someone takes a tumble on the ice, we can help restore function and stride out for Spring!
PHYSIO FAQS There are so many health professionals offering advice now for injuries, aches and pains. People often ask what exactly is physiotherapy?
What is the purpose of Physiotherapy? …… Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or by developmental or other disability, by working with people to promote their own health and well being……
What methods do Physiotherapists use? …… We use a combination of education, exercise, massage and electrotherapy (ultrasound, laser, pulsed short wave) ……
How long does it take to see an improvement? …… Lots of our patients see an improvement after only one or two treatments, but chronic problems can take longer. However, the great advantage of physio is that we can educate patients in how to help themselves ……
Do I need to be referred? …… We are happy to treat self-referrals, but we encourage patients to consult their GP to let us know any relevant history …… South Bucks Physio are a team of dedicated professional physios who are based at Spire Thames Hospital. There are modern facilities within this local private hospital with free parking.
Physio opening times: Monday – Friday 08.00 – 18.00, Sat/Sun: By arrangement For appointments please call: 01753 664114 or visit www.southbucksphysio.co.uk Spire Healthcare is the second largest private hospital in the UK, with 37 hospitals and 10 clinics worldwide. The company is built on a proud heritage of over 25 years experience of running successful private hospitalts. Spire Healthcare offers a full range of integrated surgical, medical and diagnostic services and treats over 930,000 patients every year.
For general hospital enquiries please visit www.spirehealthcare.com/thamesvalley or ring 01753 665 404.
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Premium private healthcare for all With the launch of our new paediatric service Spire Thames Valley Hospital can offer a wide range of specialities for a wide range of patients. We offer consultations, tests and treatments for the whole family at either our main hospital site or at our clinic in Windsor – and you don’t have to be insured.
You can choose to pay for most specialities – and you can see the consultant of your choice at a time to suit you. For more information about our range of services, call
01753 665 404 or visit
www.spirehealthcare.com/thamesvalley
Wexham Street, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6NH
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