June 2011
by The Abergavenny Chronicle
Nursing Homes Care Homes Residential Homes Mobility
FREE
With Aberga the ve Chronic nny le
Retire With Care
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Retire with Care This is our first edition of Retire with Care. This guide is a must for your retirement years. Ranging from Retirement & care Homes to motobility vehicles. Retirement can be wonderful, or terrible. A lot depends on how well you plan ahead, and then how well you adapt to your new lifestyle. Check out this magazine for some strategies that will help you make the most of your “golden years.”
In association with When you have finished reading the Gazette & Diary Magazine - please recycle it.
The Abergavenny Chronicle DESIGNERS: Dave Simkiss - dave.simkiss@nwn.co.uk
PUBLISHING: Printed and distributed by NWN Media. www.nwnmedia.co.uk Mold Business Park, Wrexham Road, Mold, CH7 1XY.
John Gaulton - john.gaulton@nwn.co.uk
ADVERTISING: Hazel Walding - Advertising Manager For information on how to advertise in our next issue, contact: hazel@tindlenews.co.uk or telephone 01873 852187 ext 34 GENERAL MANAGER - Mary Purcell
A World Of Freedom Is Only A Phone Call Away
Piece of mind
STAIRLIFTS SCOOTER REPAIRS WHEELCHAIRS SCOOTERS CHAIRS & BEDS TRI-WALKERS Ample THROUGH FLOOR LIFTS ●
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Located in Cwmbran, South Wales, our public showroom houses a wide range of products and demonstration models for your convenience. With an understanding that different people have different requirements, we are continually striving to expand our already-comprehensive range of solutions. And with such a wide choice available, our friendly sales staff are at hand to help you find the solution that is right for you.
Opening Times: Tel: 01633 861717 Fax: 01633 866777 Mobile: 07968 755960 www.havenmobility.co.uk Unit 14, Caldicot Way, Avondale Industrial Estate, Cwmbran, South Wales. NP44 1UF
Monday - Friday: Saturday: Sunday:
Facilities include: ● On-site parking ● Wheelchair access ● Stairlift demonstration model ● Vertical lift demonstration model ● Wide range of products in stock to try
9am - 5pm 9am - 1pm Closed
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The Effects of Arthritis Unfortunately as we get older the effects of working in a repetitive way, often with poor posture, can show themselves in the form of arthritis. According to figures from the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council over 1.5 million people in the UK currently suffer from the symptoms of osteoarthritis but over eight million have early X ray signs of the problem.
The Five Classic Early Warning Signs of Osteoarthritis If you can tick three or more of the following there’s a good chance that your joints are showing the early signs of excessive wear and tear. ● ●
Our framework comprises 206 individual bones, most of which have a smooth covering of cartilage known as the articular surface. Cartilage can withstand enormous forces and mechanical stress when the posture is good and the work varied. Modern pharmaceuticals can be vital in the treatment of arthritis, and sometimes life saving in certain conditions but in the longterm management of osteoarthritis they have a questionable part to play. The prescription for arthritis is the drug ibuprofen, which helps to control the pain and inflammation in rheumatic disease and other muscle and joint problems, however, its longterm use is associated with a number of side effects, such as skin rashes and digestive upsets. Ibuprofen is one member of a large drug family known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs for short), all of which have similar side effects although some have more than others.
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Early morning stiffness in the joints that eases with movement. Bony swelling around the joint and a reduced range of movement. Pain and/or tenderness around the joint. Crunching or grinding sounds from within the joints on movement. Joint pain affected by a change in the weather.
The conventional approach Treatment for arthritis will vary according to the severity of the problem. Conventional medicine can offer powerful drugs to combat the pain and swelling associated with degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis), however they can have serious side effects when taken over a long period of time. The side effects usually include nausea, diarrhoea, and stomach complaints (such as indigestion, ulcers, and stomach bleeding). Most patients with osteoarthritis only need simple pain killers such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) but some progress onto the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example, ibuprofen.
Complementary therapies Herbal Medicine - Of the many herbs available a few continue to provide special help. Devil’s Claw can be used for a variety of painful muscle and joint problems. The extract taken from Willow bark as far back as the 1800s when the active agent salicin was shown to reduce the fevers, joint pains, and swellings associated with rheumatic fever. Licorice has shown some quite remarkable results in some joint conditions. It appears to have cortisone like actions on soft tissue inflammation.
Acupuncture - Acupuncture can be very beneficial in osteoarthritis of any joint. An acupuncturist uses fine needles that are inserted into acupuncture or energy points to balance energy flow and influence internal organs and disease states. Osteopathy and Chiropractic - Regular therapy can be of great benefit to sufferers. Manipulation and mobilization of stiff joints can restore movement and relieve pain effectively.
AVENUE ROAD NURSING HOME Becoming part of your family Our core values of care: • Privacy • Dignity • Rights • Independence • Choice • Fulfilment• Security • Respect • Equality
Oaklands Homecare aims to provide the highest quality and friendly care service in the comfort and security of your own home. Based within Monmouth town and having personal knowledge of the social care needs of the local population we pride ourselves with the quality of the service. With more than 30 years nursing & social care experience at a senior level, 20 years of which has been within the local community, we aim to identify and develop a framework of care to meet the varying needs of the population.
28 Avenue Road, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 7DB Tel: 01873 857607 Fax: 01873 857607 Mob: 07830 385435 (Dr. A. Bansal) 04
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01600 772259
Singleton Court Business Park. Wonastow Road. Monmouth. NP25 5JA
www.oaklandshomecare.co.uk
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The Best Bespoke Care Service Whatever your Care needs, Penpergwm Care Centre is the place to help. They offer a professional service of care for older people in the residential home or in their own home. You can also visit Penpergwm House for Day Care where you can enjoy a home cooked two course lunch (including an alternative menu) and join in the activities. This beautiful home set in lovely grounds provides 26 rooms for residential use. Respite Care for short stays is also offered, subject to availability. Penpergwm House has become renowned for the regular events and the variety of daily activities it offers to Residents and Day Care visitors. For this reason places both permanent and temporary are much sought after. Penpergwm Training Centre offers a variety of training courses for their own staff for other local businesses.
PENPERGWM HOUSE CARE CENTRE Penpergwm House Residential Home for the Elderly Residential Home • Day Care • Homecare • Training Homecare Nestled in the grounds of the House, our Domiciliary office provides friendly professional service tailored to the individual needs of older people wishing to live independently in their own homes. Our friendly professional team will help you design the perfect package of care for you or your family member.
Residential Home This well established home is situated in the heart of the beautiful Usk Valley and retains its character and charm close to the bustling market town of Abergavenny. The aim of the home is for all residents to feel part of a community and to meet the wishes of each individual at all times, promoting a healthy living environment.
Penpergwm Training Training for all aspects of working in care is offered at Penpergwm House. This is available for outside businesses as well and covers training such as Basic First Aid and Basic Food Hygiene, Fire Safety and Risk Assessment, Infection Control and many more.
Day Care A wide programme of stimulating leisure activities is on offer to residents and Day Care visitors - our friendly carers are carefully chosen. Using their experience of working with older people, they can help a visitor with tasks that may be difficult at home, such as bathing, manicure and hairdressing. Transport can be arranged through the Home.
Penpergwm House, Penpergwm, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. NP7 9AE Telephone: 01873 840267 Web site: www.penpergwmhouse.org.uk email: enquiries@penpergwmhouse.org.uk ●
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Belmont House
Residential Home
Chosing a care home Although deciding whether to go into a residential or nursing home is never easy, understanding what the choices are can help you to reach the decision that is best for you. If you decide to move into residential care you will usually live in either a residential home or a nursing home. In a residential home you should get help with personal care if you need it, including help with things like washing, dressing and going to the toilet.
“At Belmont House we aim to provide our residents with a secure, relaxed and homely environment in which, their care, well-being and comfort is of prime importance.” We strive to preserve and maintain the dignity, individuality and privacy of all our residents within a warm and caring atmosphere and in so doing we are sensitive to the ever changing needs of our residents. We encourage our residents along with family members to participate in their individual care to enhance their well-being and comfort. “With over 8 years experience, we pride ourselves on offering a highly professional residential care service for the elderly with a personal touch.”
Belmont House, 4 Belmont Road, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5HN. 01873 850276
MORGANNWG HOUSE
Glamorgan St, Brecon Tel: 01874 610018 Situated in the heart of Brecon, only a short walk from the town centre, Morgannwg House looks onto a beautiful formal garden with a backdrop of the stunning Brecon Beacons. The home has 2 sitting rooms and a dining room with a conservatory. Residentsʼ rooms in the elegant Georgian House are both spacious and yet homely. Each room is single, has en suite facilities and a nurse call system. The home provides a menu, which includes a cooked breakfast and traditional cooking, using fresh meat, vegetables and fruit delivered by local suppliers. Special dietary requirements can be catered for. Morgannwg House has recently received a Silver Hygiene Award by Environmental.
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Staff can also care for you during short illness, but if you require constant nursing care - for example if you are frail, or bedridden or if you have any sort of medical condition or illness that means you need a lot of attention from a doctor or nurse, then you would probably require a nursing home which can provide 24-hour nursing care. Residential homes have to register with the local authority, while nursing homes are registered with the health authority. Some are dual-registered and offer a wide range of care both for people who need a lot of nursing care and those who don’t need this sort of attention. Residential homes can be run directly by local authorities, by voluntary organisations or privately, while nursing homes are usually run privately or by voluntary organisations. Under Community Care legislation, your local authority is responsible for arranging and paying for your place in residential care and for collecting a payment towards the cost from you, based on your income and savings - but it is not a case of you having to move where you are told there is a place (although if the cost is more than the authority would normally pay, someone else - usually a relative or charity - may make up
the difference). As you have the right to choose which home you move into, you will probably want to find out what homes there are in your area and visit a few to get an idea of what they are like. Once you’ve found out about homes in your area, get in touch with a few and ask them to send you a brochure, then arrange to visit some of the homes that appeal to you. You might want to visit with a member of your family or a friend, as a second opinion can be very useful. When you visit a residential or nursing home there are lots of things you might want to look for and ask about, including the range of facilities there are. Don’t be embarrassed about asking questions - make a list before you go of the things you want to find out about. ■ General things to think about include: ■ Can you bring your own furniture and
personal possessions? ■ Will you be able to make and receive
‘phone calls in private? ■ When are meals provided and can you
make yourself a cup of tea or a light snack when you feel like it? ■ Are there activities organised and can you carry on doing the things you enjoy at the moment? ■ Can you go to bed and get up when you decide to? Before you make a final decision, you could also ask to look at a recent inspection report which contains a lot of information about how a home operates. It is only sensible to do as much research as you can when you are making such an important decision about your future.
Men in Retirement During their 40s and 50s most men experience some symptoms of what is now known as the male menopause. Although these symptoms may be unlike those of female menopause, in the sense that they don’t include hot flushes or night sweats, they can include headaches, memory loss, depression, exhaustion, lethargy, loss of confidence, loss of decision-making abilities, and a general feeling of being run down. It is not yet really understood why this happens. The overall level of the male sex hormone testosterone does not decrease significantly until men are in their 60s, but it may be that testosterone stops working efficiently when men are middle-aged, due to some as yet undetermined factor. Or midlife crisis might be a purely psychological condition.
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Healthcare launch £1 Million subsidy to help retired people PSP Healthcare, the award winning provider of new purpose built Care Villages, is helping older people afford much-needed care and accommodation by launching a £1 million subsidy fund. PSP, the award winning organisation, believe its five star hotel-style facilities in the South West and Wales should be available to everyone and not just those who have lots of savings.
carte restaurant. Managing Director Preyen Dewani who was has been awarded Care Entrepreneur of the year told us: “Every person has the right to our facilities whether they have lots of money or limited funds and that is why we set up the £1 million subsidy. “As a company we recognize that each of our residents has individual care needs as well as personal preferences.
Across the South West and Wales elderly people without savings are being forced to sell their homes and belongings in a bid to afford care home fees and close care accommodation.
“We calculate our fees on the individuals care needs, room category and any additional services or requirements and not what they are ‘worth’.
Without selling their life belongings they would not be able to afford the care they desperately need.
“We think it is very important to support older people and this is one way of doing this.”
But now PSP Healthcare’s directors have launched the subsidy fund of £1 million to make sure everyone who needs care can receive help.
All PSP Care Village homes have top of the range security and all the properties are equipped with integrated ‘Eclipse’ emergency call technology; There are also smoke detectors linked to the Village’s fire alarm system and reminder functions for regular events.
Set in stunning locations, PSP’s Care Villages offers residents affordable independent living in either an apartment or cottage with close care facilities on hand 24/7. Recognising that buying a property can be stressful and hard for older people, PSP Healthcare is also offering people the chance to rent accommodation instead of buying. The Retirement Villages offers older people, whatever their financial background, the chance to live independently but with the peace of mind that everything they require is right on their doorstep. The Villages, in Monmouth and Hatherleigh, Devon, also boasts exclusive county club style facilities such as hydro-therapy pool, hair and beauty salon, cinema room and a la
There is also CCTV coverage of the village for added security. Prospective residents can apply to PSP Healthcare for a placement and request a subsidy towards fees. Once this has been received the company will carry out an assessment of care needs and calculate associated fees before the Care Village Manager prepares and submits the application to the Fund Committee for approval. For more information on how PSP Healthcare can help you, please call 0800 046 1133
PARADE HOUSE Ideally situated for the elderly, being within level walking distance of the town centre Parade House is situated in the heart of the beautiful Wye Valley in the centre of the bustling market town of Monmouth. It is ideally situated for the elderly, being within easy level distance of the town with its shops, churches, coffee houses and inns. The building dates from 1970 and has been carefully restored to recreate a country house atmosphere, planned as a comfortable environment in which residents can continue to enjoy their individual way of life. Fully carpeted and centrally heated, the house offers a warm welcome. The pleasant drawing room and sun lounge both offer views of the secluded garden and are agreeable surroundings for reading and conversation.
Newly completed Large en-suite rooms • For long term or respite care • Friendly,caring atmosphere • Lift to first floor • High standard of cuisine
01600 712821 Fax: 01600 772228
For a brochure telephone the proprietor, Maureen Rayner
Email: enquiries@paradehouse.co.uk
The Parade, Monmouth, Monmouthshire NP25 3PA ●
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Wiltshire Farm Foods delicious meals to your door Wiltshire Farm Foods deliver delicious and nutritious frozen ready meals to homes in Abergavenny and the surrounding areas. Your local outlet in Monmouth is run by Brian and Sara Stringer, and their small friendly team, providing a caring and quality service to their customers. Wiltshire Farm Foods meals are not only full of flavour but also wholesome and nutritionally well balanced. There are over 240 tempting dishes to choose from, you can be sure of finding plenty to enjoy. Special dietary needs are also catered for including Diabetic, Gluten Free and more. Meals are simple to heat from frozen and can be ready in minutes in your microwave or oven. Order as often you like – every week or just occasionally, the choice is yours. Not sure of what to order first time, then try our Taster Pack at just £19.95. To find out more, to order your FREE copy of our Spring & Summer 2011 full colour brochure, or to check when we deliver to your door, please call us on 01600 892855.
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All deliveries are made by your regular, friendly, helpful, CRB-checked driver, who can even pop the meals away in the freezer for you! Delivery is absolutely free and there is no minimum order. All our staff and drivers are hand-picked so you can rest assured of the best of service at all times!
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Convalescence & Short Stay Care Now Offered At Nuffield Health, Hereford Hospital
Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital now offers an extended stay package which allows an agreed convalescence period for patients having undergone surgery. This service is aimed at those who require further convalescence prior to returning home after having had surgery.
short stay care. This can be particularly useful for those carers who need a couple of days break at short notice.
There is also now a respite care package available for patients requiring low dependency
For further information please contact the Customer Service Team on 01432 262502
Package prices are set on a daily, weekend or weekly basis.
Other Services Available - Hip Clinic, Knee Clinic, Pain Management Clinic, Eye Clinic, Varicose Veins Clinic, Spinal Clinic, Hernia Clinic, Gallbladder Clinic, Hearing Clinic, Digestive Disorders Clinic, Mobile MRI/CT Scanner
www.nuffieldhealth.com/herefordhospital
Don’t just go private, go personal with Nuffield Health ●
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Try Before You Buy with McCarthy & Stone Deciding to move from your family home to a purpose built retirement apartment can be a daunting experience. However, at McCarthy & Stone’s developments Daffodil Court in Newent and Wallace Court in Rosson-Wye, potential purchasers can now test drive an apartment without obligation following the introduction of a new Try Before You Buy scheme. Through the initiative, anyone considering purchasing an apartment at either development will be able to stay in a fully furnished one bedroom guest suite for up to two nights free of charge.
For two days, they can call the development ‘home’ and make use of all the facilities, enjoy the immaculate gardens, and meet the house manager along with other residents in the communal lounge. Visitors can also get a feel for the area and work out the proximity to local shops and transport links. Robin Pike, sales and marketing director for McCarthy & Stone, explains: “Living in a McCarthy & Stone retirement property offers many unique benefits that can only be appreciated by experiencing the lifestyle first hand. Try Before You Buy is an easy-to-use and friendly service that enables people to live in
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✁ LOCAL SERVICES CUT OUT AND KEEP
CLIVE FRANCIS
Dorrell Oliver Ltd
Tech Cert (Arbor.A.)
chartered accountants
✦ ACCOUNTANCY ✦ AUDIT ✦ TAX ADVICE FOR NEW BUSINESSES
All aspects of Tree Work Undertaken Arboricultural Contractor Report Writing and Consultancy
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Linden House, Monk Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5NF Tel: 01873 852113 Fax: 01873 858523 www.dorrells.co.uk
8 Western Road, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 7AA Tel: 01873 859273 Mobile: 07976 515 722 e-mail: clive4trees@aol.com
Cwmbran Gates & Fencing
BLACKWOOD CHAINSAWS
Wrought Iron Gates Balustrades Handrails Made to Measure Service
RIDE-ON MOWERS FREE DEMONSTRATIONS
FREE INSTALLATION/QUOTES
01495 226657
Both developments offer a selection of one and two bedroom apartments designed exclusively for people over the age of 60 looking for independent living.
H. Waters & Sons
Each apartment is private and selfcontained and includes a number of thoughtful design features including 24hour emergency call points, electrical sockets at a raised height that reduces bending, illuminated light switches, a camera entry system, easy grip lever taps in the bathroom and kitchen and energy efficient heating.
Lawnmowers • Chainsaws • Garden Machinery
SALES • SERVICE • REPAIRS 45 years experience serving our community We accept part exchange / new & reconditioned
Demonstrations available
0800 783 7458 or 07771 560 633
www.blackwoodchainsaws.co.uk Mill Garage, Gelli Groes, Blackwood, Gwent. NP12 2HY
Residents can enjoy landscaped gardens, socialise and relax in the communal lounge and invite family or friends to stay at the development’s guest suite. There is also a house manager at each development.
Established 1993
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Painter & Decorator Interior & Exterior and Paper Hanging ESTIMATES WITHOUT OBLIGATION
07971 073343 10
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one of our apartments and see for themselves what life is like at our developments without any obligation. I would encourage anyone who is interested in a retirement property to give it a go!”
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Prices start from £119,950. For further information about the properties and lifestyle available, please visit the show
complexes open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5.00pm or call Daffodil Court on 01531 820 383 and Wallace Court on 01989 568 698. Alternatively, you can log on to www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk
Nursing Homes
‘Take Action’ award for campaigners aged 60 and over Age Cymru calls for nominations AGE CYMRU is urging campaigners aged 60 and over across Wales to put their names forward for a special award. The Sheila McKechnie Foundation ‘Take Action’ award recognises the achievements of campaigners aged 60 and over. Rhea Stevens, Age Cymru’s Campaigns Coordinator explains: “4.9 million people aged 65 and over take part in volunteering or civil engagement across the UK and many of them are involved with campaigning — championing change and improving the lives of others. “The Take Action award - which is sponsored by our sister charity, Age UK recognises the tireless and often unsung work carried out by so many older campaigners. “Age Cymru is encouraging people across Wales to send in nominations for people involved in campaigning for change, on global issues such as climate change to very local issues such as keeping your library open.
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“We hope the winners will benefit from the great training and support offered by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation.” Sheila McKechnie Foundation awards provide winners with a range of support that will help them polish and sharpen their skills, including: one-to-one coaching sessions, advice on government and media tactics, residential training with other winners, shadowing opportunities and mentoring from senior campaigners with a track record in the winner’s subject area. Nominations may be filed by 1pm, Monday 20 June by the nominees themselves, individuals or by organisations on their behalf by downloading application form from: www.smk.org.uk. Further information may be obtained by emailing: awards@smk.org.uk or by phoning 020 77008231.
General building and home improvements, disability bathrooms, walk in showers, extensions, new builds, loft conversions, guttering, felt roofing, floor screeding, tiling.
Tel 01600 780511, 07971 364451 Opening Hours (Mon-Fri) 8:30am to 5:00pm (Sat) 9am to 12.30pm (Sun) Closed
Penpentre, Llanfaes, Brecon, Powys. LD3 8DL
Tel: 01874 623311 Tel: 01874 611421 Fax: 01874 610325
www.breconcarsales.co.uk Brecon Car Sales is a family run business in the small town of Brecon. Established for 30 years we will endeavour to provide you with the best customer service within the market place. Although we specialise in Renaults we will service, MOT and carry out work on all makes and models. Our technicians are fully trained to Renault standards. We are a friendly garage and welcome all of our customers. Coffee is complementary and provided to you while you wait. Transportation issues will gladly be addressed within the local area. Why not have a day out in Brecon while you’re up here?
Many selected models at NIL Advance Rental
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Ford Retail Dealer
CLYTHA MOTOR Co
MERTHYR ROAD
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LLANFOIST
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ABERGAVENNY
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MONMOUTHSHIRE
Vauxhall Authorised Repairer
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NP7 9LP
☎ 01873 856888
All New Focus ■ 1.6 petrol 5 dr £195 ■ 1.6 diesel 5dr £395
Fiesta 5dr ■ 1.4 Zetec petrol Nil ■ 1.4 zetec diesel Nil ■ 1.4 Zetec Auto Nil ■ 1.6 Zetec S 3dr £95
KA ■ 1.2 Titanium - Nil Advance
All Vehicles available with free metallic paint and free reversing sensors WWW.CLYTHA.COM
All New C Max ■ 1.6 petrol £395 advance ■ 1.6 diesel £545 advance