hertfordshire issue 26

Retired& living in Hertfordshire

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 55s WWW.RETIREDMAGAZINES.CO.UK

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012E

DIT

ION

26

FREEPlease take one

RICK STEINShares his favourite dishesinspired by Flavours of the Med

Inside ...

MICHAEL ASPELOn how he stepped up to the mike

Beard Bros specialise in providing all types of life enhancing mobility and daily living aids. We provide high quality products, that are very good value for money.

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M o b i l i t y S p e c i a l i s t s

“From initial enquiry to the delivery of my new scooter, I have been dealt with in a both professional and caring manner. I would not hesitate to recommend this company to anyone needing help or advice

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"People depend on there products and if they go wrong they want itrepaired as soon as possible. I take pride in getting them up and

running with the knowledge and satisfaction that their independence is restored."John Whitaker, Senior Mobility field Engineer (Pictured)

“We understand that it is not always possible for you to come to us which is why we offer a home demonstration service. This is provided with NO OBLIGATION and we view as an essential element

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Beard Brothers, establishedin 1881, specialise in providingall types of life enhancingmobility and daily living aids.We provide high quality productsat the best value for money.

We offer a complete and free assessment prior to any purchase ororder, this is to ensure that our customers receive the correct product for them to use enjoyably and safely. Our customer pledge is a ‘no hard sell’ just friendly and honest advice.

We take pride in our hard won reputation for customer service and want you to enjoy your chosen purchase.

TEL 01442 248 516FAX: 01442 248 940 | EMAIL: [email protected]

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From initial enquiry to the delivery of my new scooter, I have been dealt with in both a professional and caring manner. I would not hesitate to recommend

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Health and Safety and Hot Air!Reading the entire collection of Health and Safety rules which dictate our lives today would be a suitable prison sentence for murder. New ones are added daily by some overpaid barmpot in Whitehall and two I came across recently are worthy of mention.

In the beautiful Bronte village of Haworth there is an annual event in June to celebrate the 1940s. Everyone and their granny descends on the village, some villagers have been known to move out for the weekend to avoid the crush, and many dress in period costume singing “We’ll Meet Again” increasingly loudly as the local brew takes effect.

Until three years ago part of the spectacle was a fl y past by retired World War Two aeroplanes, usually a Spitfi re, a Hurricane or a Lancaster Bomber. Now these planes are still air worthy after seventy years but some clown in Bradford Council’s Health and Safety asylum decided there was a problem.

The Spitfi re won the Battle of Britain. Hitler and his army eventually chucked the towel in because they couldn’t down enough of the planes to win. It’s a good job Bradford Council wasn’t on his side or he’d have won.

The organisers of the Forties Weekend had to conduct a Health and Safety and feasibility study and here was one of the questions:-

“What was the likelihood of one of the planes crashing onto the village during the fl ypast?”

Now we don’t see many Fokkers or Messerschmitts over Haworth these days and the Home Guard was disbanded some years ago. The only aerial threat we have is from rooks and the occasional duck with a dicky tummy, which might necessitate wearing a tin helmet on windy days.

I think we had the greatest confi dence that the pilots would have successfully cleared the village without a mass slaughter of the population, but, no, we couldn’t have a fl y past.

10,000 people squeezed onto our tiny cobbled streets that weekend. Traffi c management had a pink fi t as the hordes parked their cars anywhere and everywhere. Hermann Goerring was spotted having a pint in The Fleece but we couldn’t have aeroplanes using the only empty space in the valley…the sky.

Were all fl ights from Leeds-Bradford airport suspended for the day in case the lunch time Ireland plane crashed in Central Park? They were not.

There was a famous wartime phrase which said, “Your country needs you”. I suggest the same does not apply to the Health and Safety nitwits of today.

There’s a hole in your bench

Amazingly the same village got a double dose of daftness when the local council decided to recobble and landscape the bottom of Main Street.

A lovely 12-month old wrought iron bench was removed to facilitate the work and it hasn’t come back.For years locals and visitors have enjoyed relaxing on the bench and no injuries have ever been reported apart from the odd drunk slipping off the edge and nearly falling under the Oakworth bus.

The locals of yesteryear would have sat there and watched horses and carts go up and down the steep cobbled street posing some hazard if one set off at the gallop going downhill.

But we can’t have the bench back because a health and safety executive decision said a child might get their fi nger stuck in the wrought iron!

Oh, do me a favour. There are still stocks at the top of the street, what if someone gets trapped in them while having their picture taken? I’ve seen women in stiletto heels pirouetting like Margot Fonteyn trying to walk down the street and not get trapped in the cobbled setts. But we cannot have our bench back. In fact some half wit has now decided it is so dangerous that it is to be repainted and auctioned off.

I suppose we can’t have a wooden on either in case a splinter develops and punctures some old dear’s derriere.

Graham Smith has a TwitterBut is he right or wrong?

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TRAVEL & LEISURE12 Cruise for the First Time Cruise advice for the perfect holiday.

14-15 Under The Tuscan Sun

FOOD & DRINK20-21 Rick Stein Mediterranean Escapes Recipes

INTERVIEW8-9 Michael Aspel On how he stepped up to the mike

HOME5 Why Pay More! Visit Select Furniture - The Furniture Specialists

Inside this issue ...

McGrath Media.Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops | Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG.T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594e: [email protected]

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 everyday 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 benefi t from free publicity please feel free to let us know and we can consider including it in our next issue.

20-21

37-38

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Who would expect a highly experienced broadcaster like Michael Aspel to be dogged by moments of doubt?

“For some years I was very cocky and full of myself, yet I’ve always been very nervous,” he tells Retired. “Luckily I was able to handle awkward situations, but you get less and less confident as you grow older.”

Such feelings are not helped by television’s fondness for young faces, and Michael is now a well-preserved 78. But when the 100 Years of Us series earlier this year highlighted changes in society during the first century of the National Census, he was “well qualified to be the front man, having been around for most of that time”. Indeed, for many of us, Michael has always been on the airwaves, but he was a teaboy for a London publisher before National Service in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps in the early 1950s.

“When I came out of the Army, I wanted to be an actor,” he recalls. “My father was very sympathetic. He said: “Get a job or get out’. I took a job with a bedding firm that had contacts in Cardiff with a big store there. I went down there ostensibly to learn the bedding trade and the sales business, but that wasn’t my intention at all. I auditioned for radio drama at the BBC in Cardiff, and they gave me occasional work while I waited for a place to come up on the BBC drama repertory company. I did all sorts of jobs – including drainpipe-layer and gardener – that I could drop at a moment’s notice when they required me for a freelance broadcast. I would rush straight from the building site and be in things like the Children’s Hour serial.

“I intended to pursue acting and in the mid-50s I was on the radio in London, but then someone told me

they were looking for continuity announcers at the BBC TV’s Lime Grove Studios.

“There was just this one gigantic dinner suit between all of us. We wore whatever we liked below – it could be tennis shorts or whatever, because the picture never cut below the waist.

Lime Grove was the BBC TV’s main London base, but the news department was at Alexandra Palace. When Richard Baker was indisposed, Michael was drafted in to read one weekend’s bulletins and ended up staying for eight years.

“That was a wonderfully happy time. It was quite different from Lime Grove or the later Television

Centre – partly because it was news only and partly because it was such a historic place, where television began, and physically cut off from the rest of the

BBC, and you could not get a better bunch of workmates.”

Michael remembers a time he made news himself. “I went on one night with a black eye. I’d been playing in a charity cricket match the day before and got the ball in my eye. The response was incredible – it was even in the papers in France and America.”

Michael never did become an actor – except that “occasionally theatres let people from the telly do plays, to put bums on seats, and I’ve done a few”. He hosted Ask Aspel, Crackerjack, Aspel and Company, Miss World, Come Dancing, Give Us a Clue, The Six o’Clock Show, This is Your Life and Antiques Roadshow and his mellow tones were also heard on the radio.

On the Light Programme’s Family Favourites sound engineers were at the controls, but Michael learnt to self-operate a studio as part of the launch team of London commercial station Capital

How Michael stepped up to the mikeWhen the young Michael Aspel headed for Cardiff, his father thought it was to develop his career with a bedding company, but Michael had other ideas, as James Pringle discovered

Michael joins Lance England in the studio of community station Brooklands Radio


Radio.

“When I did something for the BBC after that, they asked if I’d like to self-op and I said I would – but their controls worked the other way round and I said ‘Good morning’ and switched myself off.

“Capital was exciting and I did things I never dreamt I would do. There was a brilliant young producer called Simon Booker and the station’s chairman was Richard Attenborough, who would get us tremendous guests with his contacts.

“That kept going with the television chat show, although, to be honest, that was a great disappointment to me. It didn’t compare with the shows I did on Capital, because there were various restrictions and I wasn’t as confident.

“At the radio station my researcher – a woman who had a PhD in mediaeval French – provided me with information on people and I would then prepare the interview. When I started the chat show on Thames, I found there was an agreement between representatives of the guest and our people as to what line the interview would take.”

Who were the most difficult people to interview? “Actors like Elliott Gould – he was utterly impossible – and others just weren’t very good at it.

“Tony Curtis was every interviewer’s gift most of the time, but occasionally he would lose interest and he did that on one of my shows. When I said: ‘Did this make you the happy man you are today?’ his reply was: “Who said I was happy?’ Then he said: ‘And with that, I bid you goodnight’ when we’d only had about three minutes. He walked off and we had to fill in.”

Another live show guest was an inebriated Oliver Reed. “I wasn’t as horrified as I was reported to be,” Michael points out. Always at the back of your mind, in a situation like that, is that ‘This is good telly’.

“The worst experience was the very last chat show we did. It was taken over by Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis, who’d put money into opening a restaurant in the West End. The whole thing became an advert for that and it was just ghastly. I lost control of it and felt very low by the end.”

When Michael hosted Crackerjack and This is Your

I N T E RV I E W

Life, his laid-back style contrasted the anxious manner of his predecessor, Eamonn Andrews.

“For a big burly man and an ex-boxer, he was amazingly sensitive and easily embarrassed,” says Michael. “When This Your Life and guests wandered from the point, I tried to laugh it off. But it was the most silly, unnatural arrangement. Someone would originally come in with a good anecdote and tell it to the researcher, who would type it out and give it back to the person as a script.

“They would then try to learn it, and come stumbling on, trying to remember the script of their own story. That didn’t always work,

so you would have to gently nudge them, hopefully without giving away the joke.”

Michael lives near Weybridge, Surrey, with his partner Irene Clark. Retirement has never figured in his plans. He will be among the stars at this year’s Parkinson’s UK charity Christmas Concert at Central Hall, Westminster.

Recent years have seen him guest hosting Have I Got News for You and making a documentary about his wartime evacuee experiences. He has taken to the stage in a Rocky Horror Show tour, as well as appearing in several pantomimes.

“Because of some kind of imaginary gravitas that you bring to the stage, the thing works and you can still have the time of your life while being this old codger.”

Subscription FormTo receive the next two issues of Retired Magazine hot off the press, either for yourself or to treat a friend, please fill in the form below and post with a cheque for £3.40 made payable to McGrath Media: Unit 6, Moses Gate Workshops, Manchester Road, Bolton BL3 2QG.

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Did you know that only around one in ten people in Hertfordshire aged over 65+ takes part in the recommended amount of sport/active recreation to benefit good health? About two-thirds (68%) of those aged 65+ in Hertfordshire take part in no activity at all, which is slightly better than the national average of 72.9%.

Recent guidance from the Chief Medical Officer confirms that older adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits, including the maintenance of good physical and mental health. Some physical activity is better than none and more physical activity provides greater health benefits.

The benefits of being active include:

• helping to maintain an active and alert mind • reducing the risk of heart disease• helping to maintain the ability to carry out daily living activities • improving mood and self‑confidence• reducing the risk of falls • increasing sociability when undertaken with other people

Older adults should aim to be active every day, adding up to at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) a week of moderate intensity activity. A good way to approach this is to do thirty minutes activity on at least five days a week. For those who are already regularly physically active at moderate intensity, similar benefits can be achieved through 75 additional minutes of more vigorous intensity activity spread across the week or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity.

It is also advised that older adults undertake physical activity to improve muscle strength on at least two days a week and that those older adults at risk of falls should incorporate physical activity to improve balance and co-ordination on at least two days a week, every week.

Nobody is too old to benefit from physical activity. The range of classes and activity sessions around the county are numerous and take place in a range of venues including sports and leisure centres, village halls and community centres. Class instructors should be fully qualified and have experience of working with older adults to ensure maximum benefits for health and well being.

Keep active – keep healthy!

Active Together Hertfordshire

The Active Together project is a programme of physical activity and sporting opportunities across Hertfordshire with a particular focus on older people. The programme is designed to improve health and well-being, reduce health inequalities and increase the use of mainstream services by older people.

Managed by Herts Sport Partnership the programme now offers more than thirty daytime classes across the county that include dance, keep fit, yoga, fellas fitness and multi activity classes. Classes are adapted to be suitable for all abilities.

For more information about the programme ring the Herts Sports Partnership office on01707 281004 or visit

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If you're new to cruising, looking for cruise tips or cruise advice then read on. A cruise holiday is a unique way to escape from the rigours of everyday life and to explore many different destinations in one of the most relaxing ways imaginable. It offers you an extraordinary variety of activities and entertainment, plus an exceptional quality of dining. And of course, if you simply want to escape, there’s plenty of opportunity to do absolutely nothing at all.

Booking a cruise can be like ordering a salad in the States, lot's of choices to make, from dining time to bed configuration, to choice of table size. But by far the most important choice of all is getting the right ship and cruise for your requirements.

When booking your first cruise the choices can be daunting and getting it wrong could lead to a disastrous holiday.

Make sure you seek out a cruise professional for the best advice!

What type of people go on cruises?The great myth about cruise holidays is that it's just for the older generation. More and more families, couples singles are setting sail on ships that offer a holiday for everyone. Cruising appeals to a wide range of people so there’s a good mix of age groups, families, couples and singles on board. Once again the best advice from the outset is imperative. There are adult only ships, family orientated ships, different classes of ships and the size of ship can matter!

How much luggage can I take?On cruises sailing from and returning to Southampton you can take as many bags as you can fit into your cabin. On fly-cruises you’ll be restricted to the airline’s baggage allowance.

What do I wear?During the day casual wear is ideal with comfortable shoes for exploring ashore. Although cruising isn’t as formal as it once was, passengers still love to dress up in the evening. There are three types of evening

Cruise For the First Time

Cruise holidays continue to be in great demand. An estimated 2m people will take a cruise holiday from the UK this year.

wear; smart casual, semi-formal and formal, however it greatly depends on the cruise line you travel with, the dress codes are usually relative to the type of meal arrangements on board, for example NCL Cruises are Freestyle and have no formal evenings and provide buffet meals.

Is the port at the main destination?Usually yes, but in some countries the ships dock in alternative locations. In these cases, the itinerary lists the port in brackets alongside the destination, e.g Rome (from Civitavecchia). Shore excursions are offered from your ship to your destination, with public transport and taxis available for those wishing to explore independently.

How long do I get at each port?Again this can vary by Cruise line and ship.

However, in the majority of destinations you will be able to enjoy a full day ashore. Your ship will usually arrive between 7am and 10 am, departing between 4pm and 6.30pm.

A cruise line such as Hurtigruten, operates as a working ship taking Norwegians from port to port thus spends less time at each port. However as the ships are smaller you get the best possible access and cruise to see the wonderful Norwegian Fjords.

Will I be sea sick?For those who haven't cruised before this seems to be the biggest single fear. The vast majority of those customers on their return state most of the time they couldn't even tell they were on a ship. Sea sickness is rare. The shear size of many of these ships makes them stable in all weather conditions. However if you are worried, you can buy tablets that will help. Additionally, ships also contain well-equipped Medical Centres staffed by qualified doctors and nurses 24 hours a day.

So what you waiting for set sail now!

T R AV E L

Bergen, Stavanger& the Fjords

3rd August 2012 - 8 NightsWhat’s included in your cruise

Included in the price of your Fred Olsen holiday is yourcabin accommodation with en-suite facilities, TV,hairdryer, telephone, individual air conditioning, tea &coffee making facilities, cabin safe or safety deposit boxes.Also included� Transport to and from Southampton� All meals throughout the cruise� Tea & Coffee facilities in cabin� All entertainment� Daily onboard activities� Sports & Leisure facilities� Welcome and farewell cocktail parties� All port taxes and fees

Cruise highlights� The Bergen Aquarium has an astonishing collection ofmarine life, including seemingly every kind of fish� While in Olden, take a fishing trip on the fjord with anexperienced skipper aboard the 10m Isabella� Gamle Stavanger – Old Stavanger – is a wonderfullypreserved collection of over 170 wooden buildings from the late18th century

*Cruise highlights include optional tours which are bookable from six weeksprior to departure

To book or for more information call or visit01462 481707 www.cozytours.co.uk

Retired Full Page Nov 2011:Layout 1 25/11/2011 14:29 Page 1


Strung along 18km of serrated cliffs between Levanto and La Spezia, the Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s treasures. These five higgledy-piggledy

villages Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are cut off by mountains, choked with olive groves and dry-stone-walled vineyards, where farmers have eked out a living over the centuries. The Cinque Terre became a Unesco World Heritage site in 1997, which includes a protected marine area, and became a national park (Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre) in 1999. Wine growers still use monorail mechanisms to ferry themselves up and the grapes down these unique lands, and in some cases have to harvest by boat as access is restricted. If the terraced hillsides are not worked, they will quite literally slide into the sea.

National park status has spared the area from a propagation of tourism and the tacky souvenir stands that come with it and saved it from environmental destruction. Cars and motorbikes are not allowed in the villages, instead they are connected by train. In the villages, electric buses scale the sheer streets. Park authorities close walking paths when numbers become too great, so it�s best to arrive in the cool and relative calm of the early morning.

EATING/DRINKINGGrapevines and olive trees cover the hillsides, so wine and oil are a must on the restaurant tables. They prove excellent companions for the salted anchovies of Monterosso served in olive oil as well as the many specialty fish dishes and authentic gastronomic delights.

The cuisine of the Cinque Terre almost perfectly conserves the characteristics of yesteryear; the respect for the flavours and fragrances of the primary ingredients. Trofie is a kind of pasta made from chestnut or wheat flour, It’s condiment is still pesto sauce, an original Ligurian sauce made from basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, grated parmesan cheese and pine nuts. Torte di verdura - vegetable pies -are prepared with a stuffing containing parsley, marjoram, wild local herbs, artichokes, zucchini, potatoes and leeks, combined with egg and ricotta cheese or with stale bread soaked in milk or béchamel sauce and parmesan cheese. The pie crust is very thin, because flour was a very precious commodity. Torta di riso - rice pie - is a specialty of every Italian grandma in the region. Frittate - flat omelettes - are popular today as the ‘frittata’ has been rediscovered as a tasty antipasto. Another important dish on the tables of the Cinque Terre population was cotoletta di acciuga, anchovies stuffed with a breadcrumb based filling and then fried. The fritelle di bianchetti, fritters made from tiny newborn anchovies or sardines, were also highly appreciated. Following the seamen’s gastronomic traditions, other dishes included stewed cuttlefish, stuffed calamari and spiced octopus.

SLEEPINGNumerous villagers have rooms to rent: look for signs reading camere (rooms) or affittacamere (rooms for rent). Accommodation booking offices in Riomaggiore are really helpful and can help you organise a room ahead of time. The town of Levanto is bigger and has a lot of accommodation including hotels, bed & breakfasts

Under the Tuscan Sun


and even camping areas where you can rent a tent with two beds and linens for very low prices!

Note: Breakfast in an Italian hotel or B&B will be some slices of bread and a croissant, butter, jam and coffee with orange juice if you are lucky. This is a typical Italian breakfast so if you can get a room without breakfast and head down to the nearest cafe where there is a larger choice.

GETTING AROUNDTake the train to La Spezia and change onto the regional (“Regionale”) train that makes all the local stops in the Cinque Terre mostly through tunnels. All the Cinque Terre towns have their own train station. Almost all the trains from La Spezia stop in Levanto. The train represents the best way to visit all the villages of the Cinque Terre. Until the end of the 19th Century these towns were completely isolated and reachable just on foot or by sea. In 1860 (works ended in 1874) the first tunnel of this track was built connecting Genoa with La Spezia and crossing almost entirely all this territory through tunnels (32 tunnels were built here!). This means of transportation gives you the possibility to visit the villages in a discreet and easy way and as the train emerges from another tunnel you are treated to another stunning view of one of the best secrets in Italy.

DONT LEAVE WITHOUT The Cinque Terre boasts some of the best coastline hiking trails in the world. The path from Riomaggiore to Manarola is called the Via Dell’Amore - or �Lovers Walk. The beautiful trail along the shore is very easy to hike.

Along the way, you’ll witness where lovers have written their names on the rocks and trees surrounding the walk. In the middle of Riomaggiore and Manarola you will come across ‘The Lover’s Lock’ which is a place to seal your eternal love. At this point there is a concrete throne in the shape of a male and female locked in a kiss, where many people duplicate this creating a lovely photographic opportunity.

The next hike from Manarola to Corniglia is also easy. However, there is an up hill hike and a large zigzag shaped staircase with 385 steps which can be quite a mission in the midday sun! The trail from Corniglia to Vernazza offers incredible views of shore and is only steep at certain places.

The trail from Vernazza to Monterosso is the steepest (you need a reasonably good level of fitness - there is over 250m of climbing over very uneven rocks, totalling approx. 750 ‘steps’ - not easy!), winding through olive orchards and vineyards and offering dramatic ocean views. The paths are narrow, with a very real danger of falling 12 to 15 feet if you lose your footing. If you attempt this hike, take some water, and be prepared to build up a sweat.

The walk between all the villages takes the better part of a day. For those that would rather not walk (or not walk the entire trail), a pedestrian ferry service runs seasonally to all five villages, plus Lerici. The price is reasonable, and gives a nice view of the villages from the water. The milk train that connect all the villages is also a quick way to hop among towns.

It is advised that you attempt the walk as early as possible to avoid the hottest part of the day during the summer period. Sneakers or suitable walking shoes are essential. You must purchase a pass for the hike. It is also possible to purchase a hiking and train pass in one if you wish to catch a train to the next town.

Hiking Times around the Cinque Terre:Monterosso - Vernazza: 90 minutes.Vernazza - Corniglia: 90 minutes.Corniglia - Manarola: 45 minutes.Manarola - Riomaggiore: 20 minutes.Manarola also has its own beautiful vineyard walk.

Language:Italian and although English is spoken widely, the locals always appreciate your small efforts to communicate in their language.Currency: Euro (EUR) Time zone: GMT + 2

Monarola at Sunset

For further information please call:Tel: 01462 481709 - Web: www.cozytours.co.uk

WARNER 4 NIGHT BREAKS 2012Littlecote House Hotel - Berkshire - 30th January 2012Deposit £50ppPickups: Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston, Biggleswade and SandyLimited single rooms without supplements, other room upgrades available.

Holme Lacy Hotel - Herefordshire - 17th September 2012Deposit £50ppPickups: Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston,Biggleswade and SandyLimited single rooms without supplements, other room upgrades available. Local excursions included in which we explore the Wye Valley and Hereford.

Thoresby Hall Hotel and Spa - Nottingham - 9th April 2012Deposit £50ppPickups: Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston,Biggleswade and SandyLimited single rooms without supplements, other room upgrades available. Local excursions included, day out to Chatsworth House (entrance included) and a day out exploring Sherwood Forest.

Bembridge Coast Hotel - Isle of Wight - 8th October 2012Deposit £50ppPickups: Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston, Biggleswade and SandyLimited single rooms without supplements, other room upgrades available.£15 bowling supplement.

Bembridge Coast Hotel - Isle of Wight - 18th June 2012Deposit £50ppPickups: Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston,Biggleswade and SandyLimited single rooms without supplements, other room upgrades available. Local excursions included in which we explore the IoW.

Littlecote House in Berkshire, on the borders of the Cotswolds, is a superb Grade 1 listed 16th century Tudor mansion in a spectacular setting. Hosting Tudor monarchs, Civil War captains and Regency nobles and an occasional friendly ghost, it was here that Henry Vlll courted Jane Seymour. It has an awe-inspiring Great Hall, Dutch Parlour, Cromwellian chapel and spiral Jerusalem stairs leading to the troops’ quarters and Long Gallery. There is 113 acres of land, 40 of which are gardens which includes the Lime Tree Avenue and a spectacular topiaried yew avenue. There is also a unique Roman Orpheus mosaic and remains of the villa in its grounds.

Thoresby Hall is a Grade I listed mansion set in 50 acres of fabulous landscaped gardens, with a Victorian Rose Garden situated next to Sherwood Forest. This majestic Grade I listed country hotel with its turrets, balustrades, gabled tower and finely wrought iron gates on the outside and galleries, tapestries within are perfect reminders of the exuberance of 19th century architecture.

Bembridge Coast Hotel is situated on a secluded eastern shore with stunning views of the Solent. With its 23 acres of grounds, its famously landscaped Spanish Gardens and its marvellous sea views, Bembridge Coast is the ideal place from which to explore the Isle of Wight’s Royal history. The Isle of Wight is known as the ‘Garden Isle’ because in itself it holds vast amounts of beautiful landscapes and views which are home to all sorts of wildlife.

Set in the idyllic Wye Valley, this magnificent Grade I listed mansion is mainly 18th century with its ornate ceilings, a majestic sweeping staircase, famous ornate carvings and a stately drawing room. It is set in 20 acres of landscaped parkland with a pond, topiary and hedges laid out in the geometric garden design of the period leading to an orchard, wooded parklands and fishing lake.

Full Board Winter Tea Dance

Spring into Summer/Garden Break

Summer on the lOW

Colours of Autumn in theWye Valley

Bowling Break

4 nights

£280per person

4 nights

£395per person

4 nights

£395per person

4 nights

£395per person

4 nights

£380per person

Bembridge Cost Hotel is situated on a secluded eastern shore with stunning views of the Solent. With its 23 acres of grounds, its famously landscaped Spanish Gardens and its marvellous sea views, Bembridge Coast is the ideal place from which to explore the Isle of Wight’s Royal history. The Isle of Wight is known as the ‘Garden Isle’ because in itself it holds vast amounts of beautiful landscapes and views which are home to all sorts of wildlife.

Nidd Hall Hotel - Harrogate - 10th December 2012Deposit £50ppPickups: Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston, Biggleswade and SandyLimited single rooms without supplements, other room upgrades available. Dickensian Christmas

4 nights

£395per person

Set on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, this elegantly preserved historic Grade II listed stately home is set within 45 acres of Victorian and Edwardian parkland, sculpted lawns, stepped terraces and a magnificent fishing lake. The original bow fronted lawn of the east wing is the perfect place for the box hedge maze and gravel planting. Other points of interest include the beautiful grafted Azalea, copper beach, and Japanese azaleas.

For further information please call:Tel: 01462 481709 - Web: www.cozytours.co.uk

WARNER 4 NIGHT BREAKS 2012Littlecote House Hotel - Berkshire - 30th January 2012Deposit £50ppPickups: Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston, Biggleswade and SandyLimited single rooms without supplements, other room upgrades available.

Holme Lacy Hotel - Herefordshire - 17th September 2012Deposit £50ppPickups: Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston,Biggleswade and SandyLimited single rooms without supplements, other room upgrades available. Local excursions included in which we explore the Wye Valley and Hereford.

Thoresby Hall Hotel and Spa - Nottingham - 9th April 2012Deposit £50ppPickups: Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston,Biggleswade and SandyLimited single rooms without supplements, other room upgrades available. Local excursions included, day out to Chatsworth House (entrance included) and a day out exploring Sherwood Forest.

Bembridge Coast Hotel - Isle of Wight - 8th October 2012Deposit £50ppPickups: Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston, Biggleswade and SandyLimited single rooms without supplements, other room upgrades available.£15 bowling supplement.

Bembridge Coast Hotel - Isle of Wight - 18th June 2012Deposit £50ppPickups: Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston,Biggleswade and SandyLimited single rooms without supplements, other room upgrades available. Local excursions included in which we explore the IoW.

Littlecote House in Berkshire, on the borders of the Cotswolds, is a superb Grade 1 listed 16th century Tudor mansion in a spectacular setting. Hosting Tudor monarchs, Civil War captains and Regency nobles and an occasional friendly ghost, it was here that Henry Vlll courted Jane Seymour. It has an awe-inspiring Great Hall, Dutch Parlour, Cromwellian chapel and spiral Jerusalem stairs leading to the troops’ quarters and Long Gallery. There is 113 acres of land, 40 of which are gardens which includes the Lime Tree Avenue and a spectacular topiaried yew avenue. There is also a unique Roman Orpheus mosaic and remains of the villa in its grounds.

Thoresby Hall is a Grade I listed mansion set in 50 acres of fabulous landscaped gardens, with a Victorian Rose Garden situated next to Sherwood Forest. This majestic Grade I listed country hotel with its turrets, balustrades, gabled tower and finely wrought iron gates on the outside and galleries, tapestries within are perfect reminders of the exuberance of 19th century architecture.

Bembridge Coast Hotel is situated on a secluded eastern shore with stunning views of the Solent. With its 23 acres of grounds, its famously landscaped Spanish Gardens and its marvellous sea views, Bembridge Coast is the ideal place from which to explore the Isle of Wight’s Royal history. The Isle of Wight is known as the ‘Garden Isle’ because in itself it holds vast amounts of beautiful landscapes and views which are home to all sorts of wildlife.

Set in the idyllic Wye Valley, this magnificent Grade I listed mansion is mainly 18th century with its ornate ceilings, a majestic sweeping staircase, famous ornate carvings and a stately drawing room. It is set in 20 acres of landscaped parkland with a pond, topiary and hedges laid out in the geometric garden design of the period leading to an orchard, wooded parklands and fishing lake.

Full Board Winter Tea Dance

Spring into Summer/Garden Break

Summer on the lOW

Colours of Autumn in theWye Valley

Bowling Break

4 nights

£280per person

4 nights

£395per person

4 nights

£395per person

4 nights

£395per person

4 nights

£380per person

Bembridge Cost Hotel is situated on a secluded eastern shore with stunning views of the Solent. With its 23 acres of grounds, its famously landscaped Spanish Gardens and its marvellous sea views, Bembridge Coast is the ideal place from which to explore the Isle of Wight’s Royal history. The Isle of Wight is known as the ‘Garden Isle’ because in itself it holds vast amounts of beautiful landscapes and views which are home to all sorts of wildlife.

Nidd Hall Hotel - Harrogate - 10th December 2012Deposit £50ppPickups: Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston, Biggleswade and SandyLimited single rooms without supplements, other room upgrades available. Dickensian Christmas

4 nights

£395per person

Set on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, this elegantly preserved historic Grade II listed stately home is set within 45 acres of Victorian and Edwardian parkland, sculpted lawns, stepped terraces and a magnificent fishing lake. The original bow fronted lawn of the east wing is the perfect place for the box hedge maze and gravel planting. Other points of interest include the beautiful grafted Azalea, copper beach, and Japanese azaleas.

of Letchworth

call 0800 028 1658 or register onl ine atcozytours.co.uk for our 2012 broc hure

01462 481709 cozytours.co.uk

22nd April 20122 days

Price includes:� All Coach Travel� 1 Night Half Board� Entrance to York Minster

£118 ppSingle Supplement may apply

Historic York

4 Star Somerset Price includes:� All Coach Travel� 3 nights Half Board� Local excursions


13th April 20124 days

Great Gardensof Cornwall

Price includes:� All Coach Travel� 4 nights Half Board� Entrance to Eden Project� Entrance to Lost Gardens of Heligan� Entrance to TrevarnoEstate Gardens


30th April 20125 days

13th May 20124 days

Price includes:�All Coach Travel� 3 nights Half Board� Local guide for one full day'Pendle Witches' tour� Two course pub lunch� Single journey on the EastLancs Railway� Canal cruise from Foulridgewith tea and coffee


Lancashire Hills & Pendle Witches

Project1:Layout 1 01/12/2011 15:01 Page 1


Sometimes, it’s a raw new house which needs a designer touch. Or a beautiful old home which needs interior remodelling and modernising. Sometimes, a change of lifestyle has created the need for a new look for your home, or maybe your home is looking tired and old fashioned and could do with a serious update. But you have a busy lifestyle, and very little time. The thought of sourcing builders, plumbers and decorators is overwhelming. So where do you start? Simple. Bring in an expert. Bring in an Interior Designer/Project Manager who can lead you through the intricacies of finding reliable tradesmen, and leave you free to consider ways in which your home can reflect your personality and lifestyle.

Not Just About Cushions and CurtainsThe title Interior Designer can be misleading, and in fact, anyone can give themselves the title of Interior Designer by taking a six week study course on how to build a samples board. This does not cover the skills acquired from undergoing a degree course in Interior Design and Furniture. Louise Putman BA (Hons), MCSD, is a graduate from Middlesex University, having completed a four year degree course in Interior Design and Furniture. This covers the full design process from concept to completion, and she also provides project management, which includes liaison with electricians, builders, furniture manufacturers/suppliers, fabric and lighting. This is followed by costings, quote comparisons,

a programme detailing time scales and completion dates. After graduating, Louise worked on a number of large corporate Headquarters and hospitality projects, including hospitality areas for All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon, and Executive areas at the London Headquarters of Royal Bank of Scotland. In 2009 Louise set up her own design consultancy, Recreate Interiors.

Eureka Moment“My first priority is to understand my client’s taste and vision for the style they want to achieve. Recently, I had a client who wasn’t sure of the sort of interior she wanted,” Louise told me. “The Eureka moment arrived when she studied my mood boards, beamed, and said, “ I didn’t know what I wanted, until you showed me.” That was the moment when I could really focus on the work in hand, and establish rough guidelines on general style, budget and timescale.

My work begins with the creation of a mood board, which shows a variety of interiors of different styles and colour schemes. This is accompanied by samples boards showing fabric swatches, wallpaper samples, carpets,

WHAT IS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?By Sheila Alcock

MY WORK BEGINS WITH THE CREATION OF A MOOD BOARD, WHICH SHOWS A VARIETY OF

INTERIORS OF DIFFERENT STYLES AND COLOUR SCHEMES. THIS IS ACCOMPANIED BY SAMPLES

BOARDS SHOWING FABRIC SWATCHES, WALLPAPER SAMPLES, CARPETS, FINISHES AND OPTIONS.

fi nishes and options. These are discussed, the client makes a choice and at that point, I can set up a detailed summary of costings for each room to be treated by providing a detailed schedule of works to obtain ‘like for like’ quotes from tradesmen, followed by a cost plan including furniture, window treatments, fi nishes, fi xtures and fi ttings, and my designer’s fees.”

“So there’s a lot more to interior design than sourcing fabrics and carpets,” I said. Louise smiled.

“We’re the ones who plod across the site with the builders. We produce detailed space plans to indicate now the space can be better utilised. We’re the ones to sort any problems with decorators and plumbers or the electricians. We discuss their problems and resolve them quickly, so that everyone knows exactly where they are, and completion dates are as stipulated.”

We’ve all heard horror stories of missed completion dates, shoddy workmanship and nerves at screaming point over incorrect fi ttings and soaring costs. A Mood and sample boards

qualifi ed Interior Designer will ensure this never happens. From the update of a single room, to the remodelling of a complete house, an Interior Designer will take the drudgery out of your project, inject fl air and creativity to produce the wow factor you’re looking for, and ensure that it’s completed on time, on budget, and exactly how you imagined it.

Aquarius Wet Roomthe ultimate answer to bathing difficulties exclusively available from Bathing Solutions

Say goodbye to bathtime struggles when you completely replace your existing bathroom with the Aquarius Wet Room.

By waterproofing and then tiling the entire floor, it means there’s no tray to step over and no door to open or close; it’s the ultimate in easy-access, safe showering.

Complete the totally new look by choosing sanitary ware from our superb range and make bathing difficulty a thing of the past with the Aquarius Wet Room.

Completely replaces all your existing bathroom fixtures and fittings

Choice of colours for wall panels & floor tiles

Open, easy-access entry; no doorsOpen, easy-access entry; no doors

Completely replaces all your existing bathroom

Choice of colours for wall panels

Say goodbye to bathtime struggles when you completely replace your existing bathroom with the Aquarius Wet Room.

0800 783 1912 PLEASE quotE oFFER REFEREncE RMWR91

For a free copy of our 28 page brochure call free on

Glass side panel secured to wall

Optional fold up seat for added comfort

Mosaic tiled floor with fast drain; choice of colours

No shower tray to step over – floor is same level throughout the room

Please send me a brochure on your range of easy-access showers and walk-in baths.

Name

Tel No.

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Postcode Bathing Solutions and other group companies may send you information and offers in the future. Please tick box if you do not wish to receive information from us or third parties in the future.

Post coupon to: Bathing Solutions, FREEPOST SWC3136, Ledbury, HR8 2ZZ

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H O M E

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F O O D & D R I N K

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 two of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by flavours of the Med.

Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes Recipes

Bring 4.5 litres water to the boil in a large saucepan with 8 teaspoon salt. Meanwhile, put the oil and garlic into a deep sauté or frying pan and place it over a medium heat. As soon as the garlic begins to sizzle round the edges, add the crushed chillies, green chilli and sliced porcini and cook briskly for 2-3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for another minute or two. Set to one side and keep hot.

Add the pasta to the pan of boiling water and cook for 9 minutes or until al dente. Heat another large pan over a high heat. Add the clams and the wine, cover and cook over a high heat for 2-3 minutes until they have all just opened. (Discard any that stay closed.) Tip them into a colander set over a bowl to collect the clam juices.

Add all but the last tablespoon or two of the clam cooking liquor (which might be gritty) to the porcini sauce, return to the heat and simmer rapidly until it has reduced by half to a well-flavoured sauce.

Drain the pasta and return to the pan with the cooked clams, the porcini sauce and parsley and toss together well. Serve immediately.

5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1/4 teaspoon crushed dried chillies1 mild green chilli, stalk removed and thinly sliced225g fresh porcini mushrooms, cleaned and thickly sliced2 large, ripe vine tomatoes, skinned, seeded and sliced400 g dried spaghetti1 kg small clams, such as carpet-shell, washed60 ml dry white wineA large handful flat-leaf parsley, leaves finely choppedSalt

SERVES 4Vittorio’s Pastawith Clams and Porcini

20


SERVES 8-10

500 g tubular pasta, such as rigatoni, tubetti or tortiglioni2 eggs, lightly beaten50 g finely grated Greek kefalotiricheese or parmesan cheese2 tablespoons melted butter 10 g fresh white breadcrumbs

For the white sauce115 g butter115 g plain flour1.2 litres full-cream milk, plus a little extra1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

For the meat sauce4 tablespoons olive oil1 medium onion, finely chopped4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 celery sticks, finely chopped1kg lean minced beef200 ml red wine400-g can chopped tomatoes2 tablespoons tomato purée10-cm piece cinnamon stick1/4 teaspoon ground cloves1 tablespoon dried oregano, Greek if possible2 tablespoons fresh copped oregano3 fresh bay leavesSalt and freshly ground black pepper

Pastitsio: Beef and Macaroni Piewith Cinnamon, Red Wine and Kefalotiri Cheese

For the meat sauce, heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pan, add the onion, garlic and celery and fry until just beginning to brown. Add the minced beef and fry over a high heat for 3-4 minutes, breaking up any lumps with the wooden spoon as it browns. Add the red wine, tomatoes, tomato purée, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, dried cloves, dried and fresh oregano, bay leaves, 100ml water, 11/2 teaspoons salt and some black pepper, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce has thickened but is still nicely moist. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and bay leaves.

Bring 4.5 litres water to boil in a large saucepan with 8 teaspoons salt. Add the pasta and cook until a al dente - about 13 mins, but take care not to overcook as it will cook a little further in the oven. Drain well, transfer to a large bowl and leave to cool slightly.

For the white sauce, melt the butter in a medium-sized non-stick saucepan, add the flour and cook, stirring, over a medium heat, for 1 minute. Gradually beat in the milk, then bring to the boil, stirring, lower the heat and leave to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with the nutmeg and some salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat the over to 1800C/Gas Mark 4. Stir 250ml (about one-fifth) of the white sauce into the warm pasta with the beaten eggs and half the grated cheese. Keep the remaining sauce warm over a low heat, stirring now and then and adding more milk if it begins to get a little thick.

Use the melted butter to grease a large, shallow ovenproof dish that measures about 23 x 33 cm across and 7cm deep. Spread one-third of the pasta over the base of the dish and cover with half the meat sauce. Add another third of the pasta and then the rest of the meat sauce, then cover with a final layer of pasta. Spoon over the remaining white sauce. Mix the remaining grated cheese with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle them over the top. Bake for 40 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.


The temperature is dropping, time to switch the heating on. The last thing anyone wants is this most important of creature comforts breaking down and, with the ever expensive Christmas day creeping closer, saving money on fuel bills is also very important – especially with energy prices creeping up year on year. Mark Krull, eco-expert from Logic4training - which trains gas fitters, plumbers and electricians – gives his top tips for preventing heating disasters and keeping warm for less.

Frozen pipes: We suffered a particularly cold winter last year with frozen condensate pipes (the black, white or grey pipe coming from the bottom of the boiler to the outside) a common complaint. Frozen pipes means the boiler will stop working completely.

To stop this happening again, ideally, you should call a Gas Safe Registered Installer to help thaw the pipe, plus find a solution to the problem. If it’s an emergency and you can’t get anyone to help, use a hot water bottle or heat wrap (like the ones used to ease muscle pain) and hold round the pipe until thawed. Only attempt to thaw a pipe at ground level, which is easily accessible – don’t scale walls or climb on the roof! Once thawed the boiler must be reset.

Prevention is better than cure; insulate your pipes with waterproof lagging.

Bleed radiators: If your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom this means there’s an air lock and they need bleeding. Unscrew the ‘bleed screw’ at the top, using a radiator key and let the air out until water comes through. If you have a sealed system, make sure you

replace air let out with water, using the filling loop (this should have been shown to you when the boiler was installed.) If you’re a landlord, show your tenants how to do this when they move in, it will stop unnecessary maintenance calls.

If you keep having to bleed your radiators it probably means there’s a water leak, so you should call a trained installer to take a look.

Service: Whether you’ve got a gas, oil or solid fuel boiler an annual service will ensure your heating systems in working to optimum efficiency, plus highlight any problems before they arise. Landlords, this is your responsibility, tenants, make sure you ask for a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate when you move in.

New gas safety rules: If you have a boiler where all, or part of, the flue cannot be seen then inspection hatches need to be fitted. You’ve got until January 2013 to sort this out. If you don’t, by law your boiler could be switched-off.

Keep safe: Install a Carbon Monoxide tester to warn if there’s a leak. If you do have a leak call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately, on 0800 111 999.

Keep warm (and spend less)

Understand your boiler: Learn how to use your boiler properly and save on your heating. If you’re a landlord (especially one with bills included in the rent) go through how the boiler works with your tenants and explain how to use the heating most efficiently.

Tis’ the seasonto be freezing!


· Don’t switch your heating off in the winter; keep it a low base temperature over-night. It costs more to heat up a freezing cold room.· Do turn your thermostat down. Reducing the temperature by just one degree, will save 8% on your heating bill.· Do make sure all radiators have thermostatic valves (TRV’s); then you can set the temperature in each room.

Draught proof: Stop your home leaking heat like a sieve; invest in some thick curtains, draught proof round doors and windows and cover the attic hatch with blankets. Make sure your radiators aren’t covered by furniture.

Insulate: Up to 35% of the heat in your home is lost through the walls, and up to 25% through your roof. Not

all houses can have cavity wall insulation, but every roof should. According to the energy saving trust, insulating your loft could save £180 a year.

The Governments ‘Green Deal’ is offering free insulation for some homes, paid back through utility bills. For more information visit the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s website: www.decc.gov.uk

Call in the experts: If you have any work relating to your gas heating, you must check that the installer you choose is Gas Safe Registered. They should present you with an I.D card. If they don’t have this, then walk away – badly installed or maintained gas equipment could result in death. To find your nearest Gas Safe Registered installer, visitwww.gassaferegister.co.uk.

A cold winter causes considerable heating problems as well as huge bills. Those of us enjoying warm comfy homes have to sympathise with people suffering the cold through burst pipes, faulty boilers, lack of oil or fuel poverty. All of us should re-think the way we keep warm.

In Germany, there is a big move towards ëindividual time switchedí modular heating. That is fully heating rooms just before and during use and either turning the

Modular Heating from Sunflow

heating down or off when not used. The Germans have developed a special type of chamotte based heater ideal for this usage (www.sunflowltd.co.uk).

Some electric heating, such as fan heaters can be very expensive to run but these German heaters are much more efficient and compare very favourably with oil and gas and just think, eliminate burst pipes, servicing, boiler replacement, oil delivery problems. Electric, a sensible heating solution.

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.

Total control and low input radiators allow us to regulate our heating and reduce fuel costs by up to 40%. 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 guarantee and needs no servicing ever! All over Europe more people are choosing to heat their homes and offices with this very special form of electric heating in preference to oil gas or E7. In our area, more and more people are making that same decision, when you see this incredible heating for yourself you could be next! Although relatively new in the U.K. these low input electric heaters have been used in Germany 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. 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 - take a look at Sunflow for the warm

and cosy way to reduce energy use in your home. Discover for yourself this incredible German heating. Get your FREE brochure by calling our

24hr Brochure Line on: 0800 158 8270

or email: [email protected]

Sunflow have a package price that can include the safe and certificated removal of oil, lpg and gas systems, even old oil tanks!Questions?

Call Suzanne on 0800 158 8272

A NEW FORM OF HEATING FROM GERMANYSimple to install, Powerful, and no more servicing - EVER!

A ReAl AlteRnAtive to oil/GAs HeAtinG - Ask About ouR ReplAcement seRvice

Winner

Care Employer

of the Year 2010

making a real difference to the lives of our residents and their families. It’s through understanding each individual, their likes and dislikes and their life story that our specialist teams can provide personal care with a real difference. Our staff are trained to make every moment count.

Honey Lane Care Home offers a range of services for long and short stays.

To find out more information or to arrange a visit please contact the home manager on 01992 718 558 or email [email protected]

Honey Lane Care Home, in Waltham Abbey is a purpose built home offering specialist dementia care. It has been furnished throughout by our professional team to exceptionally high standards, providing elegance and comfort but above all a warm, homely and welcoming environment. You decide what you do and when you want to do it and friends and family can visit any time. At Honey Lane our highly trained staff are leading the way in dementia care and

At Honey Lane Care Home, we make sure we put personal relationships first. You’re one of a kind and we want it to stay that way.

We believe a care home should be a home first and foremost. Honey Lane offers exceptional care and support, in beautiful and comfortable surroundings. So you can feel well and truly at home.

You’re unique. So are we.

Quality care at the heart of your community

“We have been extremely impressed by the care and kindness shown to my aunt, and have seen a remarkable improvement to her health since she moved to Honey Lane. Your staff are always welcoming, and take time to talk to us, showing a genuine concern not only to my aunt but to us too.”

Specialist Dementia Care Honey Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 3BA

www.honeylanecarehome.co.uk

Honey Lane R&Living DPS Ad.indd 1 25/05/2011 12:43

26

WillsIf you have not yet made a Will, or it is some years since you did so, then now is the time to deal with this essential task. For many people, this is the most important document you will ever sign and yet, although nowadays we are all aware of the importance of having our affairs in order, many people still approach retirement without having an up to date Will professionally drawn up and in place.

Dying without a valid Will means that all we own passes according to the law (the intestacy rules), which may not be in the manner we thought or would have wished. If we are married, everything does not necessarily automatically pass to our spouse. If we are not married to our partner, they would receive nothing: nor would our step children, our good friends, our favoured charities, or perhaps our late spouse’s niece who helps us with cooking and shopping. Worse still, if we have remarried, unless the situation has been discussed with a solicitor and a Will drawn up specifically to deal with such a situation, all we own could end up passing to the children of our second spouse, and not to our own children.

Care fees are a constant worry; with a professionally drawn up Will a specialist solicitor will be able to explain how these are calculated, and will be able to suggest ways of mitigating them in the event that you should need care at some point in the future. It is no use waiting until you or your spouse is on the verge of going into care to start thinking about these matters; now is the time to address any concerns.

Inheritance tax (death duties) is another cause of anxiety for many people. When we meet clients to discuss their Wills, we look at all their circumstances and, if appropriate, explain about lifetime gifts and discretionary trusts, just two of the methods used to reduce the value of your estate and possibly avoid the

burden of inheritance tax on your eventual death. The maxim “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing” is never more true than with estate planning, and we’ll explain why it is generally not possible to avoid inheritance tax simply by giving your home to your children while you continue to live there, and in fact may result in additional tax being payable.

Lasting Powers of AttorneyAs important as Wills are for what happens on our death, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are equally important during our lifetime. We liken LPAs to holiday insurance; “We hope we’ll never have to claim on it, but we’d never go abroad without it”.

An LPA is a document by which we give authority to a person or persons to act on our behalf if we find ourselves unable to do so. There are two types of LPA, and it is possible to have either or both set up for our use:-

l Property & Financial Affairsl Health & Welfare

The first type allows your attorney(s), who will be your choice of responsible person(s), to manage your financial and property affairs. For example, you can authorise them to write cheques on your behalf, pay bills, and claim benefits for you. By planning ahead, you are able to give your instructions while you are of sound mind, in anticipation of not being capable, either mentally or physically, to do so at some future date. Hopefully, it may never need to be used, but you will have peace of mind knowing that it is in place.

The Health & Welfare LPA allows you to authorise your attorney(s) to make health & welfare decisions for you, and can only be used if you lose the necessary mental capacity. They can make decisions about where you live and your day to day care; if you wish, your attorney(s)

Planning for the futureWills ‑ Lasting Powers of Attorney ‑ Probate

27

We’ll help guide you through

We specialise in:

WillsProbate

Inheritance TaxEstate Planning

Lasting Powers of AttorneyOlder Client AffairsCourt of Protection

SOLICITORS

If you are unsure how to deal with the affairs of a lovedone who has died, and either you are the person named asExecutor in their Will or (if there is no Will) you are theirclosest relative, without charge we’ll give you clear,friendly and professional advice in plain English aboutwhat has to be done, and the options available to you.

Tel: (020) 8449 0003www.anvoner.co.uk

Constable House, 5 Bulwer Road, Barnet, Herts EN5 5JD

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

WE SPECIALISE IN:

l WILLSl PROBATEl INHERITANCE TAXl ESTATE PLANNINGl LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEYl OLDER CLIENT AFFAIRSl COURT OF PROTECTION

HOME VISITS AVAILABLE INCLUDING EVENINGS

Estate Planning. For you, for your family, for life

Tel: (020) 8449 0003email: [email protected]

Constable House, 5 Bulwer Road, Barnet, Herts EN5 5JD

www.anvoner.co.uk

will also be able to refuse or consent to medical treatment on your behalf. In the event of a disagreement between them and the local authority, the latter will have to abide by the decisions of your attorney(s).

What problems might arise if I don’t have an LPA?

Not having LPAs in place could cause untold distress to you and to your loved ones, and create problems which could easily have been avoided. If you were struck down by a sudden illness or disability, such as a stroke, there would inevitably be significant delays before money was available for care or (if necessary) your home sold; no decisions could be made, and even your spouse would not be able to have access to money or savings held in your name. With a registered LPA in place, your attorney could deal with these problems straightaway by ‘stepping into your shoes’. If you lost your mental faculties, all your finances would be frozen until someone makes an application to the Court of Protection for a ‘Deputyship Order’, a lengthy and expensive option which could have been avoided.

Probate & Estate AdministrationAfter your death, it is the responsibility of the person(s) you have appointed in your Will as your Executor(s) (or your next of kin if you have no valid Will) to deal with the winding up of your estate. If you are married and everything is held in joint names, or the value of all you have left is very modest indeed, it is sometimes straightforward enough for the executors to deal with everything without professional assistance, or perhaps only using a solicitor to apply to the Court for a grant of Probate in the estate to enable the executor(s) to collect in the assets.

Often, though, matters are rather more complicated. There will be an inheritance tax Return to complete and submit, and possible a final income tax Return; estate accounts will generally need to be prepared, and it may be sensible to review everything with a specialist solicitor to see if steps might be taken to prevent assets which pass to a beneficiary or next of kin being lost to care fees, or a Deed of Variation being executed to avoid a future tax bill. When a client contacts us to advise us of a death, we usually recommend a meeting to go through the Will (or intestacy), and explain what steps will need to be taken. Depending on the complexity of the estate, and the enthusiasm (or otherwise) of the Executors to deal with some matters themselves, we can advise whether we feel it is practical for them to do so, or whether they should consider instructing solicitors either to apply to the Court for a Grant or deal with the entire administration on their behalf.

At Michael Anvoner & Company we deal almost exclusively with Estate Planning matters:- Wills, Probate, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Inheritance Tax mitigation and Older Client Affairs. Every client has their own particular intentions, wishes and requirements, and we always aim to ensure every client receives a personal, prompt, efficient, and friendly tailor-made service. And for the elderly or those with mobility problems, we can often visit clients at their home.

Worried About Your Bill? Having Difficulty Paying?The sooner you contact us, the quicker we can help...

We can reduce your Council Tax bill in the following

situations:

• If you live alone

• If you are disabled and your property has been adapted because of this

• If you are being cared for somewhere other than

your main home

• If the property we billed you for is a second home

or is empty

• There is also a 25% discount if the other

residents aged 18 or over are severely mentally

impaired

Direct Debit is as simple as one telephone call.

Just phone your local council (see following pages) and

have the following information ready:-

Your Council Tax account number

Your bank account details (sort code, account name and

number)

Just phone your local council (see following pages) and

have the following information ready:-

Your Council Tax account number

Your debit card number, expiry date and name on the card

Can I get a reduction in my bill?

Ways to pay your Council Tax

By Debit Card over the phone

If you have less than £16,000* in capital and a low income please contact the Benefits Service (see other page)

More Pensioners can now get help to pay their Council Tax and Rent...

If you get Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) you should be getting help with your rent or Council Tax bills.

If you receive Pensions Credit (Savings Credit) and your capital is less than £16,000* there is a good chance we can help.

If you don't get either of these, and your capital is less than £16,000* we may still be able to help.

*We ignore in full capital that you have been awarded in respect of World War 2 prisoner of war settlements.

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are calculated on your income and capital and also considers if there are other people living in your household.

We will ask to see proof of your income and capital in the form of original documentation. All information supplied is held in the strictest confidence.

If you need help to apply, please tell us. We are here to help you.

Don't delay, apply todayPlease don't let YOUR benefit go unclaimed

Benefit Fraud

Things to Look out for:Some examples of things to look out for include:

• Does the individual appear to be living beyond their means? e.g. luxury goods in the home, expensive clothes or jewellery, expensive cars parked on the drive etc.

• Is the person working? e.g. do they have vehicles parked outside the property carrying work equipment or business signage? Do they regularly go out wearing work uniforms/during working hours?

• Might somebody have a partner living in the house who they have not declared? Might they have any other undeclared adult living with them - such as a boarder or lodger?

• Report any suspicions immediately. Our trained investigators will do the rest.

It's your money they're stealing

Common types of Fraud• Landlord is related to tenant (directly or related to children).

• Fictitious Landlord - e.g. an owner/occupier falsely claims to be a tenant at the address.

• Non-residency - customer is not resident at the given address.

• Undeclared partner - customer applies for benefit as a single person and fails to declare that a partner lives in the household.

• This also now applies to same sex couples.

• Fictitious desertion - customer falsely states that their partner has left the address.

• Customer fails to disclose that they own, or have sold, another property.

• Failure to declare bank/building society accounts, shares, assets or capital.

• Customer or partner fails to declare their income from full or part time employment.

report it, in complete confidence

All calls and any information given will be treated in confidence.

30


The Benefits ServiceStevenage Borough Council Daneshill HouseDanestreteStevenageSG1 1HNTel: 01438 242440Email:[email protected]

Benefit ServiceWelwyn Hatfield Borough CouncilThe CampusWelwyn Garden CityHertsAL8 6AETel: 01707 357000Email: [email protected] in partnership with ARP

ARPT Working in Partnership withWelwyn Hatfield Council

Dacorum Borough CouncilCivic CentreMarlowesHemel HempsteadHertfordshireHP1 1HHTel: 01442 867868Email: [email protected]

St Albans District CouncilDistrict Council Offices, Civic CentreSt Albans, Herts AL1 3JE Tel: 01727 866100Text phone 07727 819570Email [email protected]

Broxbourne CouncilBishops' CollegeChurchgate, CheshuntHertfordshire EN8 9XGTel: 01992 785503Email: [email protected]

Benefit SectionThree Rivers District CouncilThree Rivers HouseNorthwayRickmansworthHertsWD3 1RLTel: 01923 773138.Email: [email protected] www.threerivers.gov.uk

Benefits Section North Hertfordshire District Council Council Offices Gernon Road Letchworth Garden City SG6 3JF Tel: 01462 474597 Email: [email protected] www.north-herts.gov.uk

Hertsmere Borough CouncilCivic OfficesElstree WayBorehamwoodHertsWD6 1WATel: 020 8207 7404 Fax: 0208 207 7403 Email [email protected]

East Herts Council The Causeway, Bishop's Stortford, Herts, CM23 2EN. Tel: 01279 655261Email: [email protected]

The Benefits Office Watford Council Town Hall, Watford, Herts, WD17 3EX Tel: 01923 278501 Fax: 01923 278541 Email: revenues&[email protected] www.watford.gov.uk

Contact your local CouncilThe Benefits ServiceStevenage Borough CouncilDaneshill House, DanestreteStevenage SG1 1HNTel: 01438 242440Email: [email protected]

Benefit ServiceWelwyn Hatfield Borough CouncilThe Campus, Welwyn Garden CityHerts AL8 6AETel: 01707 357000Email: [email protected] in partnership with Steria

Steria working in Partnership withWelwyn Hatfield Council

Dacorum Borough CouncilCivic CentreMarlowes, Hemel HempsteadHertfordshire HP1 1HHTel: 01442 228 000 and ask for BenefitsEmail: [email protected]

St Albans District CouncilDistrict Council OfficesCivic Centre, St AlbansHerts AL1 3JETel: 01727 866100Text phone 07727 819570Email: [email protected]


Benefits SectionThree Rivers District CouncilThree Rivers HouseNorthway, RickmansworthHerts WD3 1RLTel: 01923 773138Email: [email protected]

In Person: Benefits SectionNorth Hertfordshire District CouncilCouncil OfficesGernon RoadLetchworth Garden City SG6 3JFBy Post to: Benefits ServiceNorth Hertfordshire District CouncilPO Box 480Sale M33 ODE

Tel: 01462 474597Email: [email protected]

Hertsmere Borough CouncilCivic Offices, Elstree WayBorehamwoodHerts WD6 1WATel: 0208 207 7404Fax: 0208 207 7403Email: [email protected]

East Herts CouncilThe CausewayBishop's StortfordHerts CM23 2ENTel: 01279 655261Email: [email protected]

The Benefits OfficeWatford CouncilTown Hall, WatfordHerts WD17 3EXTel: 01923 278501Fax: 01923 278541Email: [email protected]




































































































31

Do you remember the days when summers were long, skirts were short and the BBC started Radio 1 just for you? A time long before home computers and mobile phones, yet when space travel seemed like it might be just around the corner? A time when you could play out on the streets without a care? You could even play conkers at school!

Take a step back through the beaded curtains to the colourful world of 1960sSt Albans. Explore this fascinating decade; from fashion and interior design, pop music and the folk revival, to the world politics and new technologythat influenced everything. Sit in a 1960s living room, and watch anearly episode of Dr Who. Find out what children kept in theirschool desk and which toys were on their Christmas lists. See how St Albans has changed over the last 50 yearsthrough cine film footage and old photographs.

And if you’re too young to remember…come along andtry on the clothes, play the games, listen to the musicand find out about the events and the people thatmade this a remarkable decade.

A fun and interactive exhibitionfor all of the family.

Admission Free

Sixties: St Albans in a Decade of ChangeMuseum of St Albans1st October 2011 to 22nd April 2012

Ryders Seed Hall, Holywell Hill Lyons, High Street World Cup Willy

Museum of St Albans 9a Hatfield Road St Albans AL1 3RR

www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

33

FluFlu usually comes on much more quickly than a cold, and symptoms include sudden fever of 38-40°C (100-104°F), muscle aches and pains, sweating, feeling exhausted and needing to lie down, dry & chesty cough and sneezing.

Flu symptoms appear one to three days after infection and most people recover within a week, although you may feel tired for longer. A severe cold can also cause muscle aches and fever, so it can be hard to tell the difference.

Whether it’s a cold or flu, get medical help if you have a chronic condition (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease), or if you have a very high fever as well as an unusually severe headache or abdominal or chest pain.

Stop the viruses spreadingCold and flu viruses are spread by droplets that are sneezed or coughed out by an infected person. Other people can breathe in these droplets or transfer the droplets to their eyes or nose on their fingers.

Again protect yourself and others against colds and flu by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, throwing a used tissue away as soon as possible, washing your hands as soon as possible and having a flu jab every year if you’re in an at-risk group.

Cold or Flu?Colds and flu share some of the same symptoms (sneezing, coughing, sore throat), but are caused by different viruses. Flu can be much more serious than a cold.If you’re generally fit and healthy, you can usually manage the symptoms of a cold or flu yourself without seeing a doctor. Look after yourself by resting, drinking non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration and avoiding strenuous activity. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can relieve aches and pains.

Some people need to take extra care as they’re more at risk of serious chest complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. People over 65 are more at risk of complications. People under 65, including children, are more at risk of complications if they have serious heart or chest complaints, including asthma, serious kidney disease or liver disease, diabetes, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment or have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Everyone in an at-risk group is eligible for a free flu vaccination. This is the best protection against the virus.

SymptomsThere are around 200 viruses that cause colds and three that cause flu. There are many strains of these flu viruses, and the vaccine changes every year to protect against the most common ones.

ColdsSymptoms of a cold include a runny nose, beginning with clear mucus that develops into thicker, green mucus as the cold progresses, blocked nose, sore throat, sneezing and a cough.

People with a cold may also suffer with a mild fever, earache, tiredness and headache. Symptoms develop over one or two days and gradually get better after a few days. Some colds can last for up to two weeks.

Help prevent colds and flu from spreading by sneezing or coughing into a tissue, throwing the tissue away, washing your hands and getting the flu jab if you’re eligible.According to the Common Cold Centre in Cardiff, a cold is most contagious during the early stages when the person has a runny nose and sore throat.

Coping with the Winter Months

Information provided courtesy of Please visit www.nhs.uk for further details.

www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

H E A LT H


IF we were asked to describe which of the senses we could not bear to lose research shows that 90 per cent of us would most fear losing our sight.Our eyes are our link with life around us, our guide to inter-action, and the idea of losing that daily visual connection is naturally frightening.

But, with that in mind, do we really take enough care of the precious gift of sight? And are we aware of the problems that can affect it as we grow older?

It’s a fact that nearly two million people in the UK today are blind or partially sighted, and that every 15 minutes someone, somewhere begins to lose their sight.

Such worrying statistics should make us want to rush out and do something practical about caring for our eyes, but the reality is that many of us simply don’t know how to.

There are, however, some simple things that we can do to help our vision and look after our eyes. And, just like any other part of the body, exercise is important.

Yes, strange as it may sound, a workout for the eyes can definitely tone eye muscles which can help our eyes focus more easily and may alleviate eyestrain.

Try this easy Eye Workout two or three times a day. But before you start, ensure you remove your glasses or contact lenses, bathe your eyes so they don’t feel dry or scratchy, and relax, breathing deeply and focusing on your eyes.

EYE WORKOUT:THE CLOCKFACE Look straight ahead, imagine that you are looking at the face of a giant clock. Keeping your head still, move your eyes slowly to each number on the clockface in a clockwise direction then repeat the movement anti-clockwise. Next, look up at the number 12, stretching your eye muscles as much as you can, then down at the 6, then stretch to 3 and across to 9.

THE SQUEEZESqueeze your eyes into a tight ball and hold there for three seconds. Open your eyes and stretch them as wide as you can for three seconds. Repeat the exercise five times.

SHIFTING FOCUSHold up a finger in front of your face, about six inches away. Select another object – a tree or building, for example – at least 20 feet (6 metres) away. Then alternate between these two points, far and near, looking at each for around two seconds at a time. Repeat the exercise for two to three minutes.

DARK TO LIGHTPlace your cupped palms over your open eyes and hold them there for 20-30 seconds. Allow your eyes to relax in the darkness, take long deep breaths then remove your hands and blink slowly.

Just like any other element of personal health, good nutrition is necessary to help our bodies grow properly, repair wear and tear, protect against infection and function correctly. And the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) points out that antioxidant vitamins found in certain foods have been linked with eye health, helping to maintain healthy cells and tissues in the eye.

This mainly involves antioxidant vitamins A, C and E which can be found in different types of fruit and vegetables including oranges, kiwis, grapefruit, dried apricots, tomatoes, peppers, raw carrots, kale and spinach, green peas and beans and brussel sprouts. They are also in nuts, seeds, dairy products and eggs.

The RNIB says it has also been suggested recently that two types of antioxidants known as carotenoids, and called lutein and zeaxanthin, may also help with eye health. Some studies have found that people who have a good diet rich in carotenoids, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, have a lower risk of developing Age-related Macular Degeneration - an eye condition resulting in the loss of central vision..

Lutein can be found naturally in vegetables and fruit including yellow peppers, mango, bilberries, kale, spinach, chard and broccoli. And zeaxanthin can be found in orange sweet peppers, corn, lettuce (not iceberg), tangerines, oranges and eggs.

A regular eye test can identify any early indications of diseases such as Cataract, Glaucoma and Age-related

It’s important to have an eye test every two years just as veteran actress Honor Blackman is doing here. Picture courtesy of Action for Blind People

How important is your sight?


Macular Degeneration. It can also identify other problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure for which the optometrist can refer you back to a GP.

For general inquiries about sight problems contact the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or go to www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk

TOP TEN TIPS FORPROTECTING YOUR EYESIGHT1. Wear sunglasses – Ultra violet light from the sun’s

rays can cause damage to your eyes. To reduce risks always wear a pair of sunglasses outside in the sun. Check your shades have a UV factor rating and carry the CE mark indicating they meet European safety standards.

2. Take regular screen breaks – If you use a computer, take frequent breaks from your screen – at least one an hour. Resting your eyes can avoid headaches, eyestrain, soreness and double vision.

3. Eat the right food – Some foods can prevent eye conditions.

4. Know your family eye history – Glaucoma, a condition which causes sight to become patchy and may lead to tunnel vision can, if detected early, be treated and controlled. It can be hereditary, although it may skip generations. So if members of your family have the condition, go and get yourself tested.

5. Clean your contact lenses – Only use commercially prepared solutions for contact lens care and never

use tap or distilled water, or saliva. If you don’t stick to a strict cleaning routine, your eyes can become infected and you risk corneal disease, or even the loss of an eye. You should never borrow or use anybody else’s contacts and never sleep in your contacts unless advised you can by the optometrist.

6. Wear safety glasses – Cleaning, DIY or gardening can be hazardous to your eyes as chemicals, garden debris or nails and splinters can all cause injury. Consider wearing safety goggles.

7. Take care with cosmetics – Be careful when using eye make-up remover or any other cream around your eyes. Also, close your eyes or turn away when spraying perfume or hairspray.

8. Know your first-aid – Never guess about the severity of an eye injury. Seek medical attention as soon as possible following an injury, particularly if you have pain in the eye, blurred vision or loss of vision.

9. Diabetics – Although the majority of diabetics never experience any eye problems at all, people who have diabetes are at risk of losing vision through a condition called Diabetic Retinopathy.

10. Visit your optician – More than half of all sight loss is avoidable if the cause is caught early. It is recommended that people have an eye test every two years – free to anyone under 16 or over 60, anyone over 70, or who are diabetic are entitled and recommended to have an eye test every year – but research shows that one in four of us fail to do this.

FREE EYE TESTS IN THECOMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME

FREE HOME VISITS IF YOU ARE OVER 60 ANDNOT ABLE TO VISIT THE PRACTICE UNAIDED*

(WIDE AREA COVERED)Home visits mean your sight can be tested and your spectacles delivered

and fitted in your own home by friendly professional staff

Regular tests help early detection of:l Macular degenerationl Cataractsl GlaucomaInstore Services include:l Contact lensesl FREE Specialist Child Orpthoptist

106 DARKES LANE, POTTERS BAR, EN6 1AE

Tel: 01707 64 22 55

*Terms and conditions apply

LARGE SELECTION OF FRAMES FROM BUDGET TO DESIGNER

Give an old athletethe will to live.

There’s a hopeful, trusting look in the eyes ofmost retired greyhounds. They’re hoping for acomfortable retirement home, and they trust us toprovide it for them!How can you help? With the best will in the world,

you may not be able to either adopt or sponsor agreyhound right now.

But a legacy could be the answer; remember the

RGT in your Will and you’ll be sure of a place indoggy heaven!

For more information on how to leave a legacyto The Retired Greyhound Trust, simply fill in thecoupon or phone us on:

0844 826 8424You’ll be doing us all a big favour.

Retired Greyhound Trust2nd Floor, Park House,1-4 Park Terrace, Worcester ParkSurrey KT4 7JZwww.retiredgreyhounds.co.ukemail:[email protected]

I’d like more information on leaving a legacy to RGT.

I enclose a donation £

Name:

Address:

Postcode:

Tel: RT/June/2011

Charity no. 269668

�

GT936_Retirement_Mag_2011_Layout 1 22/06/2011 17:03 Page 1

Early symptoms of the illness are memory loss and confusion, and eventually it leads to a complete loss of cognitive functioning, where the person with dementia relies on care 24 hours a day. There are many different types of dementia but the most common form is Alzheimer’s disease. Maybe you engage in exercise and eat healthily to maintain your physical health and well-being, but did you know that you are also benefiting your mental health? There is mounting scientific evidence showing that positive lifestyle decisions you make now will help to reduce your risk of developing dementia later in life. Making the right changes in diet, exercise, mental stimulation and social interaction are good for you and good for your brain. Reducing your risk of dementia does not require huge lifestyle shifts, but small changes in four key areas that will greatly benefit your mental health

Whilst awareness of the link between what we consume and how it affects our physical health and well being is increasing, the link between diet and brain health is less recognised. However, the same healthy diet that protects against diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and strokes also protects our brain. There is growing evidence that what we eat is one of the factors that affects our risk of dementia.

So what should we be eating to ensure we are brain healthy? Our bodies and minds need a balanced diet to make sure we receive the correct amounts of vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre. Vitamins and minerals are vital for repairing damage to the body caused by free radicals and are naturally occurring in fresh fruit and vegetables such as berries, walnuts, sunflower seeds and ginger.

Evidence also supports the consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish such as mackerel and salmon as it could help reduce the risk of dementia by up to 60 per cent if eaten at least once a week. It is also important to avoid excess salt in food as

research into vascular dementia has shown that high blood pressure, which is linked to high salt in take is known to increase the likelihood of the illness.

Physical activity helps the body to remain healthy and mobile by keeping joints and muscles in good condition and keeping the heart and blood circulation pumping. It is also good for the brain.

Although it is still not clear why this is the case, it is likely to do with improving blood flow to the brain, enabling it to carry out its function.

If images of gyms and aerobic studios fill you with dread there is no need to panic. The recommended minimum level of physical activity for adults is 30 minutes of moderate activity most days and could include cycling, jogging, brisk walks, an afternoon gardening or simply using the stairs instead of catching the lift - anything that increases your heart rate and makes you breathe more deeply. An American study of 3,375 men and women over the age of 65 found that those who took part in four or more different kinds of physical activity had about half the risk of developing dementia of those who did just one or none of these activities. Activities included walking, housework, gardening, golfing and swimming.

The phrase ‘use it or lose it’ is perhaps most pertinent to older people who are beginning to notice a decline in their abilities to retain and process information. Evidence also suggests that mental stimulation may have a preventative effect for illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

One American study asked subjects to look back on their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s and report on which leisure activities they had taken part in and for how long each month. People who had done more intellectual activities in their 20s and 30s were at a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Intellectual activities included things like reading, doing jigsaws and other puzzles, playing a musical instrument, writing letters, playing

A healthy body could bring a healthy mind

Dementia is more prevalent and more widely known than at any time and has become one of the scourges of the 21st century, but everyone can do something to try and avoid it.



board games, doing crafts or home repairs. Those who had increased their intellectual activities after their 30s also reduced their risk of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 47 per cent.

So doing the crossword every morning might drive you to distraction, but it could also be helping to increase your cognitive reserve enabling your brain to adapt more in some areas to make up for other damaged areas. Think of your brain as a muscle that requires exercising in the same way as other muscles in your body.

It is only recently that scientists have begun looking at the effects of social interaction and how it might affect human health, in particular the risk of developing dementia. However the evidence so far suggests that maintaining and developing social activities could be good for your brain.

It is thought that as with mental stimulation, social interaction may help to build cognitive reserves. A lot of the evidence showing the benefi ts of social interaction comes from Sweden and one study in particular showed that having a poor or limited social network increased the risk of dementia by up to 60 per cent. Later studies from the same large scale project found that activities involving mental, physical and social stimulation individually offered some protection

against dementia but that combining two or three of these offered the most benefi t.

With our increasingly hectic lifestyles we tend to make ourselves our last priority. It is therefore important to make sure you do something sociable and enjoyable every day. Activities that combine mental, physical and social stimulation may be even better for protecting against dementia. Keep in touch with friends and family by phone, email or a letter, go out with friends of colleagues, volunteer for something that interests you or join a club. If you are coming up to retirement, plan how you will remain socially involved – you could start a completely new and different hobby!

In summary, more and more research continues to highlight that there are certain things we can do now to actively reduce our risk of developing dementia later in life. However it is important to note that much of this evidence comes from studies of large groups of people ad that the evidence might not apply to an individual. There is no guarantee that acting even on the best evidence available, will help a particular person avoid or delay the onset of dementia. However, making these lifestyle changes means you are taking informed and empowering steps to improving your mental and physical health what ever your age and there is no doubt that this is good for you, and good for your brain.

Specialist dementia care for older people from homes you can trust ....

B&M care have been providing specialist care for the elderly for over 35 years with a wealth of knowledge and experience of understanding and caring for older people and older people experiencing living with a dementia.

l Long term and short stay residential carel Specialist dementia carel Outstanding facilitiesl Full activities programmesl En-suite private rooms

For further information or to arrange a visit please give us a call01422 236020 email: [email protected]

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Imagine if every one of us had been born with no strength in our fingers. It’s possible we’d hardly notice we had a problem, because commonplace items like screw top jars or scissors and cutlery would be designed to be used without the need

for strength in the hands. Unfortunately, because the majority of us have strong hands and the ability to open cans and use cutlery, the ones who can’t have a major problem getting the lid off a jar of instant coffee, and have to ask for help, until now. To most problems there are answers, and fortunately, there are talented designers out there who can put themselves in the place of people with disabilities, and come up with a way of improving their lives.

There’s still a long way to go, but it should be said that people with disabilities have an easier time of it than if they’d lived one hundred years ago, when there were virtually no significant aids for the disabled. When Stefan Farffler invented the wheelchair in the 17th century, it must have been a wonderful thing for the housebound to have the ability to move around independently at last, and almost impossible for the physically fit to understand how much it meant to have that precious independence.

It’s really all about recognising a need and coming up with a solution, and these days, the problems of the disabled are being studied, and solutions are being designed. For outdoor use, wheelchairs are fast being replaced by electric buggies, and now, a trip to the shops and a wander around a super store is possible without the need to ask for help. And how wonderful, at last, to be able to browse the food ranges in M & S, or take the time to really check on the latest fashions, without feeling that you’re taking too long, and your helper needs to get home.

Sometimes, even the smallest aid can make a difference, and I’ve been going from room to room in my house, and wondering how I’d manage if I were sitting in a wheelchair. I tried turning on the lights from a sitting position, and couldn’t reach the switch. My oven is at eye level, so I couldn’t turn it on. I could only just reach my back door handle, and my worktops were all too high to use for chopping vegetables or making a cup of tea. It was a revelation, and I began to realise the difficulties encountered on a daily basis by people in wheelchairs.

I started looking more closely at the ways available to make living easier for the handicapped, and

was pleasantly surprised at the number of ingenious solutions available.

For the kitchen, I found a nifty gadget for pouring boiling water from the kettle without needing to lift it, a one handled grater, and a one touch jar opener. For the bathroom, I found a swivel seat which clamps on to the edge of the bath. It has a grab rail for extra security, and works by allowing you to sit, then swivel around for easier access to the bath. Getting out of the bath is just as easy in reverse.

Fancy taking a bike ride? Well, you can, there are trikes out there with a mounting step of just 6”, making it easier to get on and off.

Like playing cards, but find the shuffling difficult? No worries, there’s an automatic card shuffler available. There are tap turners and key turners, long handled brushes and combs, and even elastic shoe laces. It seems that the problems of the disabled are being addressed very closely these days, and maybe, with a little shopping around, the answer to individual problems can be solved. From power chairs and walking aids, to magnifiers and weighted pens, there’s help out there to enable the disabled to be happier, more independent and free to get the very best out of their lives.

Enabling the Disabled

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Andrew Dilnot’s report takes the view that the existing funding system for long term care is confusing, unfair, and unsustainable. His proposals for change would cost an initial £1.7bn a year, but he claims this is a price well worth paying.

At present, anyone with savings and assets of more than £23,250 has no help from the state for care costs. The Dilnot report recommends that this limit should rise to £100,000. No individual should have to pay more that £35,000 towards their care costs, regardless of savings, although they would still be liable for costs of accommodation and food in a care home, but this would be capped at £10,000 a year. If these proposals were implemented, no individual would have to spend more than 30% of their assets on care.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has described this report as an “immensely valuable contribution” but the government would need to consider this against other funding priorities. Ministers considered the plans ambitious and costly, but were impressed with proposals for a simplified means testing system, better national standards, and the cap, which could enable a viable private insurance market to work. Government response will be published next spring, and proposals for the reform of adult social care will be published in a white paper.

So we wait, and hope, that government acts promptly on this report. Twenty three leading charity organisations issued a joint statement, in which they urged that the government “sets out a clear timetable for change and does so quickly.”

At present, we cannot insure against future care costs, for the simple reason that we have no idea how much we may need. Once the cap on costs is implemented, insurance companies can become involved, or savings can be considered, so that the worry over where money will come from for long term care can be alleviated.

In the meantime, the rules for long term care are complex and confusing. Various factors, such as restrictions on mobility, behaviour changes brought on by the illness, and speed of deterioration, all count in the assessment process, and a patient may not automatically qualify for NHS funding. Over the past ten years there have been many cases where people

have been forced to sell their homes to pay healthcare fees, and in some cases, later discovered they were entitled to state support. At present, levels of care and criteria vary from borough to borough and Age UK says that councils are rationing services. The outlook for the elderly looks bleak. We’ve all been appalled over cases where vulnerable older people have been neglected and mistreated, and hopefully, the Dilnot report will help to ensure that this can never happen again However, this will take time. In the meantime, how can elderly people, and their families, ensure that they’re given dedicated care and kindness in their most vulnerable years.

1. It is essential that the correct level of funding is established. Relatives of the

elderly should make sure that they are aware of the rules, and that these are correctly interpreted when funding for care is established.

2. Funding can be provided through the Direct Payment Scheme, allowing the individual to make his/her own arrangements for care. Use this tailored to your own requirements. In order to qualify for this, the amount of care you need is assessed, and for more information on this you can obtain a leaflet: Guide to Direct Payments From Local Council, free from the Department of Health. Tel: 0207 972 2000. A fact sheet has also been produced – Paying for Care and Support at Home by Age UK.

3. Be realistic. The number of people over 85 has risen by two thirds since 2004, but local authority budgets for social care are being cut. It is becoming more and more apparent that help in an individual’s later years is, in part, down to their own efforts in preparation and funding. Good sources for information on this is Age UK.

4. Check out private care agencies. If you need help in the home, but are still mobile, this is the perfect stage in your life to establish a relationship with a care agency. Using your Direct Funding, you can assess if this particular agency is efficient, caring and responsible. You can also assess the capability of the agency to provide more long term care, should that become necessary. A reputable Care Agency will have your best interests at heart. You can build up your trust in your Carers, and relax.

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If you are finding the cost of a private care home challenging then speak to B&M Care. We offer high quality privateelderly residential and specialist dementia care at very affordable weekly rates. Long term and short stay breaks are

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If you are finding the cost of a private care home challenging then speak to B&M Care. We offer high quality private elderly residential and specialist dementia care at very affordable weekly rates. Long term and short stay breaks are available in outstanding homes throughout Herts, Bucks, Berks and Northants.

Clare Lodge, St. Albans Hillview Ware The Lodge, Hemel Hempstead Tara’s Retreat, Sandridge T: 01727 864379 T: 01920 469428 T: 01442 244722 T: 01727 850527

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The state will provide for those in greatest need but if you have assets of more than £23,250 you may be classed as a ‘self funder’. Unfortunately many families are not aware that specialist advice is available and if sought could result in more efficient funding arrangements.

Carematters have 2 key objectives:

1. To ensure that the person needing care can receive that care for the remainder of their lives.2. To preserve as much of that persons assets as possible.

The Carematters team of specialist advisers will work with you to recommend the right financial option for your loved one. There are a number of options open to families, but without the right advice, there is a real risk of the money running out.

Many areas of finance merit forward planning and this is no exception. One positive step you can take now is to have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) drawn up. This allows

you to take financial and/or health welfare decisions on behalf of your loved one.

Failure to draw up an LPA can result in high fees being incurred, and the ability to make decisions and access funds will be delayed resulting in untold anxiety and pressure for all concerned.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR RETIREMENT READERS: We have built trusted links with local solicitors, Labrums, who will draw up your Lasting Power of Attorney at a discounted price of £175. Their experience, advice and expertise will simplify what can be a complex process. Call 0800 822 3385 to find out more.

Carematters specialises in providing financial advice to later life clients. Each member of the team is an expert in their chosen field. Our expertise in helping families fund care fees is widely recognised. Based in St Albans, we have achieved the prestigious title of Chartered Financial Planners.

Each member of the Carematters team have undergone Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks and are members of SOLLA (Society of Later Life Advisors) thus demonstrating our commitment to the sensitive nature of our work. Founders Lorreine Kennedy and Brian Tabor feature regularly in the national press, and Brian has appeared on BBC News and Sky News, Radio 4 Today show and Radio 5Live.

Arranging the care of a loved one can be a complex, time consuming and emotional experience. Failure to seek advice could result in the assets of your loved ones being depleted and the person falling back on the state for their care.

TO RECEIVE YOUR COPY OF ‘THE GUIDE TO CARE FEE PLANNING’ CALL 0800 822 3385 OR EMAIL:

advice@carematters‑uk.com

www.carematters-uk.com

If you are considering the care provision of a relative or friend, you will know how complicated and stressful such a task can be. Carematters recognise this and provide clear, practical advice. We offer a bespoke service that focuses on those aspects of financial planning which are designed to help you secure your loved one’s care needs and financial security.

Services include: • Funding Care Fees • Estate Preservation • Equity Release • Wealth Preservation

The Carematters team are approachable, highly experienced and totally independent. Let us help you to make sense of the complex issues involved, so that you can make an informed decision that is right for you and your family.

0800 822 [email protected] is a trading style of Nhance Protection Ltd.

CALL FOR YOUR FREEGuide to Care Fees Planning Handbook


How it worksIf you are considering a plan, our funeral arrangers will be happy to guide you through the options. They will go through the details in the same way as any other funeral and will provide you with a written estimate. The cost is based on Austin’s current price list and is fully inclusive.

You will receive a draft plan of the arrangements for your approval. There is no rush. You may wish to discuss your wishes with family and friends and any changes can easily be made prior to finalising the plan.

Once you are completely happy, and payment has been made, you will receive a certificate outlining all the details along with copies for your family or solicitor.

When the time comes your family simply informs us that you have a Hertfordshire Funeral Plan and we will take care of everything.

The HertfordshireFuneral Plan is a

bespoke, pre-paymentplan exclusive to Austin’swhich takes care of your

wishes and simplifi esthe arrangements for

your loved ones.

Peaceof mind

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www.austins.co.uk

Planning ahead for peace of mind

01438 794420MONDAY - FRIDAY ONLY

Planning ahead for peace of mind

Arranging a funeral for a loved one can be a distressing experience for family and friends. Quite often the wishes of the deceased have never been discussed and it is left to grieving relatives to second guess what they may have wanted.

Hertfordshire’s leading independent funeral directors Austin’s, offers an exclusive, pre-payment funeral plan which enables

you to have the funeral of your choice and your family to avoid any emotional or financial stress. Unlike many other plans, the Hertfordshire Funeral Plan is bespoke so arrangements can be as simple or elaborate as required. And whatever choices you do make, you can rest assured that you and your loved ones will benefit from the exceptional customer care that Austin’s is renowned for.

Austin’s Funerals Team


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• Is the plan secure? Although the Hertfordshire Funeral Plan is operated in conjunction with Austin’s Funeral Service, its fund and administration are protected under an independent trust. A copy of the full Declaration of Trust is available.

• What happens if I move to a different area? If you move to an area not serviced by Austin’s, on death, the current value of the plan may be claimed by the local funeral director carrying out the arrangements.

• Must I be in good health to take out a plan? No. A Hertfordshire Funeral Plan may be taken out by anyone regardless of age or state of health.

• Can I change my mind about the arrangements? Yes. Changes may be made by contacting Austin’s.

• When do I pay for the plan? Payment is normally made in full on confirmation of the arrangements. However payment by instalments will be considered, if required.

• What happens if I die away from home or on holiday? The plan will cover returning you from anywhere in the United Kingdom, to your home area. Should you die whilst overseas, the plan includes collecting you from any UK port or airport. You should be insured when travelling overseas. The Hertfordshire Funeral Plan can not include charges for air or sea travel.

• Will the plan completely cover the cost of my funeral? Yes. Providing that the funeral arrangements are carried out in accordance with the details of your plan, no further charges will be incurred. Your family, or friends may wish however to include additional services not selected by you. These will be charged in accordance with Austin’s current price list.

Frequently asked questions

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hertfordshire issue 26

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