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BernieNolanBOUNCES BACK IN TRUE CHICAGO STYLE

Rick SteinSHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

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AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 | EDITION 27

InsideWELSH WONDERSAN AREA OF OUTSTANDINGNATURAL BEAUTY

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

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From initial enquiry to the delivery of my new scooter, I have been dealt with in both

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on all aspects of mobility.

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.

We offer a complete and free assessment prior to any purchase or order, this is to ensure that our customers receive the correct product for them to use enjoyably and safely. Our customer pledge is 'no hard sell' just friendly and honest advice. We take pride in our hard won reputation for customer service and want you to





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“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

on all aspects of mobility”Mr. John Doncaster, Edgeware, Middx

"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

in ensuring we understand your needs fully and help you choose the most suitable product” Simon Greenway showroom manager

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FoldableLightweightWheelchairSelf propel or transitversions availableFrom£25 perweek

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NHSApproved

From £50per week

MH

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RENT and TRY BEFORE YOU BUYIf you wish to purchase any of the above,your rental fee will be deducted from thepurchase price.

Call now for

help, advice or

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demonstration

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.

We offer a complete and free assessment prior to any purchase or order, this is to

ensure that our customers receive the correct product for them to use enjoyably

and safely. Our customer pledge is 'no hard sell' just friendly and honest advice.

We take pride in our hard won reputation for customer service and want you to





MOBILE ENGINEERS

Tel 01442 248 516

Fax: 01442 248940 e-mail: [email protected]

2 Maxted Court, Maxted Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP2 7BL

www.beardbros.co.uk



“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

on all aspects of mobility”

Mr. John Doncaster, Edgeware, Middx

"People depend on there products and if they go wrong they want it

repaired 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

in ensuring we understand your needs fully and help you choose the most suitable product”

Simon Greenway showroom manager

10% DISCOUNT

On presentation of the voucher in showroom or home demonstration.




CALL NOW FOR HELP, ADVICE OR A FREE

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£15 OFFWHEELCHAIRS

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Valid until 31/10/12 Valid until 31/10/12 Valid until 31/10/12 Valid until 31/10/12 Valid until 31/10/12

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WE ARE HERE

CONTENTS

Inside this issue ...

TRAVEL & LEISURE6-8 Welsh Wonders Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

9-11 Cozys of Hertfordshire Holidays by Coach

FOOD & DRINK26-27 Rick Steins' Recipe Pages Rick's favourite recipes

HOME14-16 Is it time to Downsize? Tips on furnishing something smaller

16 Do not be a victim say NO to doorstep callers Advice from Trading Standards

HEALTH29-31 Need a new Hip or Knee? Rivers Hospital giving your health back.

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

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STEFANBOOTH

BERNIENOLAN

12-13

14-16

22-23

Efficiency - the reason a Sunflow heater is incredibly efficient is the naturally occurring refractory clay core. Called chamotte, we embed a pure tungsten element into the clay and this combination allows us to heat large surface areas with a comparatively low electrical input, thus making our heaters very economic to run. It all sounds very scientific but to the sceptical we offer a simple demonstration. (See our brochure).

Questions? CallSuzanneon 0800 158 8272

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Heating is a major purchase in our life. Not just the cost of buying a system but the cost of the energy to run it and, just as importantly, the costs to maintain it.

Maintenance - get rid of the maintenance costs all together. A Sunflow guarantee of 12 years will do the trick - nobody inspecting every year - with heating that has a life expectancy of 40 to 50 years! A Sunflow heater is well made and hand finished in Germany. So if you add maintenance and depreciation prevalent in other systems this could easily be a 30% reduction in costs in the first 12 years. That’s just the start!

EnergyManagement - often called modular heating, Sunflow German built electric heaters allow total control of heating costs. Every room can be time and temperature controlled, far more accurately than any form of wet system. We have a range of controls from simple manual thermostats and timers, to switching on your heat from remote locations. Ask for advice. Whatever controls you choose you will be able to decide where and when to use energy. Hea t^

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Graham Smith has a Twitter

Life is just a tweet!Do you tweet? Twitter seems to have become all the rage but don’t some people make themselves look twits by what they say?

Even David Cameron is tweeting, and for once it’s not about Nick Clegg. As I write he’s just popped up to announce that Prime Minister’s Question Time is about to start. A sure cue for everyone to switch off their computers and phones and hide in a darkened corner before this adult version of Children’s Playtime starts.

Does the Queen tweet? Well not officially but someone assuming her name, @Queen_UK, and claiming to be Elizabeth Windsor, gives me many a chuckle with irreverent comments and quips at various member of the Royal Family and the government.

Her catchphrase is “gin o’clock” and he or she has an astonishing 646,553 followers and counting. The latest tweet,“ Camilla on the phone, worried that “the interweb has gone”. The DoE (Prince Philip) thinks she’s trying to find Ceefax”. Then there was this little gem, “Alvin and the Chipmunks (Mr Cameron and Co) are back from their Burma holiday. The poor Burmese still have no idea who they are”.

Or “Bungle (Boris Johnson) on the phone. Not really sure what he’s saying, partly due to one having hung up”. She creases me!

The “gin o’clock” bit comes in when our supposed monarch announces at 5pm each day that it’s home time and “gin o’clock”. And one of my favourites, “Just been out with the dogs. The DoE is trying to dry Linnet the corgi off with a hairdryer”.

To me this is great humour and I am an avid follower. Others make me laugh for other reasons. They tweet before they’re out of bed and I even know the flavour of one southern lady’s toothpaste thanks to her being retweeted by one of my followers.

Then there are the dodgy ones. I sat at my machine one morning and discovered I was being followed by three brothels in San Diego and a dispensing chemist for some very suspect stuff in India, duly deleted. Be very careful if you click any links to these kind of people or you will find your computer or mobile phone infected with something which spreads like mumps and ruins any social standing you ever had.

Last word with the Queen after the budget, “Text from Nick Clegg: “I didn’t agree with the tax on fruit machines. People shouldn’t pay tax on their apples and bananas”.

Waiting for a Princess!Joining a small crowd waiting to see the Princess Royal in Keighley I had to laugh at some of the comments as time ticked by and she did not emerge from the Civic Centre she was opening.

“I suppose she’s had her dinner, I’m on the wrong side of mine,” growled one elderly lady.

“Who does she think she is being so late, royalty?”, from one man.

I was curious to see this much travelled, often criticised member of the Royal Family whose dog has a penchant for eating geese and who can be a bit nippy behind a steering wheel.

Security was tight for the only royal to have been close to being kidnapped some years ago. On the centre door were two local security people who collectively must have weighed 50 stone but when Anne’s exit was signalled they were dwarfed by her own security men, and women, one of whom could have been seven feet tall with a tell-tale bulge under his immaculately tailored suit jacket.

Then there she was, initially wearing that so serious look she is known for but she kindly broke into a half grin and her eyes lit up as a lady beside me made a light hearted comment about how long she had been inside before leaping nimbly into the back of a Range Rover.

She certainly has the “royal” look and for a woman slightly older than me, in her early 60s, she is still youthful.

“I’ve immensely enjoyed my trip to Yorkshire,” she said to us all.

We enjoyed having you Ma’am, but next time could you save us a sandwich if we have to wait so long?


RhossiliVisitors to the area should head straight for Rhossili, which has been described on numerous occasions as one of the best beaches in the UK, and even the world! Rhossili is located at the most Western part of the Gower Peninsula. The most photographed part of Gower, The Worms Head, stretches out to sea and becomes an island when the tide comes in. History buffs can investigate the wreck of the Helvetica, which ran aground in 1887. For the best panoramic views, walkers should head for the top of the Downs where they will be able to see for miles in each direction.The breathtaking view is completed by the long sandy beach and the towering cliffs and this makes it a popular destination throughout the year with surfers, paragliders and ramblers. However, Rhossili still manages to maintain its tranquillity and unspoilt beauty.

Back To NatureFor those wanting to get back to nature, there are a number of companies that can get you on the right track. Dryad Bushcraft offers a range of courses in the art of bushcraft (learning to live in a wilderness environment). Courses include Wilderness Gourmet,

Prehistoric Gower, Introduction to Bushcraft and Family Bushcraft. www.dryadbushcraft.co.uk

Village LifeAmongst the Gower’s many other charms are its tiny fishing villages, from Llangennith to Horton. Perhaps the most well-known is The Mumbles, a delightful Victorian village with lovely views over Swansea Bay, boasting little boutique shops and a plethora of pubs and restaurants. Up on a hill overlooking the town is Oystermouth Castle, a picturesque and atmospheric 12th century castle that used to be the chief residence of the Lords of Gower and merges perfectly with the dramatic landscape. In fact, the area is so picturesque that Catherine Zeta Jones chose to build a house there not so long ago.

Bright LightsNearby Swansea offers a vibrant nightlife, with the Wind Street area turning from a modern café quarter during the day to a party zone at night. The city is also home to Wales’s must see largest indoor market which is a huge and buzzing expanse selling cockles, lava bread and fresh Welsh cakes. Swansea city is also the birthplace of poet Dylan Thomas, (for information about his house then visit www.5cwmdonkindrive.com).

WELSH WONDERSThe GowerIn 1956 The Gower (a peninsula in south Wales jutting from the coast into the Bristol Channel) was named the very first ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ in the UK by the Countryside Agency and it’s not hard to see why.

Its rugged coastline boasts some of the cleanest water in Europe and with the Gulf Stream keeping the water warm the Gower is a tempting place to take a dip. The

spectacular landscape also makes the Gower perfect for rambling walks, country cycling or even horse riding along the golden sands. Despite all this, the Gower has remained one of Wales’ best-kept secrets and is all the better for it.

GORGEOUS GOWER



Eating and DrinkingThe Gower is spoilt for choice for quality when it comes to eating out locally but the Gower itself is limited to the number of establishments that it could viably sustain; however, Swansea certainly offers everything that you could hope for and all within driving distance.

SleepingThe rugged nature of the landscape is offset by The Gower’s many attractive places to stay ranging from one or two rooms in a family home to self-contained en-suite rooms with dining and sitting room facilities reserved especially for guests.

The Gower may only be 70 square miles but it seems vast. With its huge deserted beaches, isolated landscapes and tiny, pretty villages, the peninsula will envelop you – and you won’t want it to let go.

SnowdoniaLakes, castles and waterfalls create a surreal experience which could be right out of Lord of the Rings as you enter Snowdonia National Park. Located in north-western Wales, the national park was established in 1951, which made it the first national park in Wales - it covers 840 square miles! www.snowdonia.org.uk

Local signs are often both English and Welsh and many aspects of traditional Welsh life, including food, clothing, and crafts are still to be found. The region is very popular for hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, amongst other outdoor pursuits. It also features the magnificent Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 m (3,560 ft).

Talyllyn RailwayThe Talyllyn Railway is one of The Great Little Trains of Wales, a group of Welsh narrow gauge railways which offers bargain travel through its Discount Card scheme.The Talyllyn operates over 7 miles of 2ft 3in gauge track along the Fathew Valley from Tywyn Wharf near the coast of Cardigan Bay, to Nant Gwernol, three miles from the lake which gives the railway its name. Much of the route is within the Snowdonia National Park, and leaflets are available detailing scenic walks from many of the stations.

The line opened in 1865 and still uses two of the original locomotives and coaching stock, in fact three of the locomotives are over a century old! The Victorian train runs on Saturdays and offers the unique experience of travelling in the original coaches behind a Victorian locomotive. The line was the first

narrow gauge railway designed for use with steam locomotives. It was built to serve the slate industry but also carried passengers almost from the outset. The quarry closed in 1946, but the railway’s owner pledged to keep the line open for as long as he lived. He died in 1950, but the line was saved from closure by a group of enthusiasts who formed a preservation society (the world’s first) dedicated to safeguarding its future.

Riding The FootplateWhilst on the Talyllyn Railway and if you are very lucky, you can ride part of the way on the locomotive footplate - a sensational experience! Not wanting to disappoint, the Railway also offers members of the public the opportunity to drive one of its historic steam locomotives. For information see either:www.talyllyn.co.uk or www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk

Picture PerfectThe picturesque town of Barmouth rests just within the south west corner of Snowdonia National Park. Barmouth’s location lying between a mountain range and the sea on the mouth of the river Mawddach is arguably one of the most beautiful locations in Wales. The old town is well worth a visit with its steep steps and slate-roofed cottages set on the side of a mountain. The harbour is beautiful and you can walk across the spectacular Barmouth Bridge spanning the river which can be an ideal spot for an evening stroll.The beach is large and perfect for sunbathing; surfers can often be seen here depending on the swells and time of year. It also has a large range of shops, pubs, hotels and other accommodations including caravan parks. A funfair and amusement arcades are open from March to October.

BEAUTIFUL BARMOUTH

T R A V E L


Eating and DrinkingThe foodie scene in this area has come a long way in the last 20 years or so. The Snowdonia mountains and coast are bursting with quality local produce, from Welsh lamb and black beef to farmhouse cheeses and Dyfi salmon, not to mention the sensational seafood from the rich waters of Cardigan Bay. This freshly sourced and home-grown produce has helped transform bistros and fine dining restaurants, cafésand country inns throughout the region.

DON’T LEAVE WALES WITHOUT ...Hanging Ten On The Gower!The Gower lends itself to a large range of water sports, such as surfing, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. Most of the beaches do NOT have a lifeguard, so don’t forget to stay safe and check the tides. Surfing is very popular in this area so whether you’re a novice or more advanced, try ‘hanging ten’ on the Gower - Hanging Ten is a difficult surfing maneuver when the surfer walks to the front of the board and

GETTING AROUND...

By RailAs previously mentioned, there are a large number of local steam railways, rescued by railway enthusiasts during the Beeching era, known collectively as The Great Little Trains of Wales. Passport tickets are available, giving access to all the railways for the whole season (email addresses supplied above).

By RoadMany of the smaller roads are slow, and in upland areas may become impassable during bad weather. The latest traffic information is available from Traffic Wales www.traffic-wales.com

ClimateWales has a temperate climate, which means, like the rest of the UK, it never really gets very hot and never gets really cold. The best times to visit is during the summer months. May, June, July and August are generally the sunniest and driest months. During the winter it can rain frequently, but temperatures rarely drop below zero. They’re normally between five and seven degrees. A raincoat and a thick jumper will usually cope with the worst that the Welsh weather has to offer!

SleepingSnowdonia has a wide-range of hotels, B&B’s - traditional or fashionable boutique, country houses or even campsites to satisfy even the most discriminating visitor, whether you choose to stay in Llanberis, Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert, Abersoch, Harlech, or any of the other pretty towns and villages.

hangs all ten toes over the nose of the board – easier said than done! For people fortunate enough to have their own equipment popular surfing spots include: Sumpters near Overton, Boilers Reef near Port Eynon or Pete’s Reef not far from Pilton, but for those who don’t or would like a ‘taster’ session, there are a number of companies who can hire boards and wetsuits, or provide you with more information

Try these websites: www.samssurfshack.com or gowersurfing.com

WHY NOT TRY SOME SURFING?

What’s included in your Warner Leisure Hotels break:• Accommodation is in a Standard Room or a Standard Chalet – upgraded accommodation is available at a supplement• Cooked or continental breakfast and three course evening dinner• Live entertainment every night• Opportunity to enjoy your special interests or take up a new hobby• Full programme of day time activities• Wealth of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities, from swimming and saunas to croquet and fencing.• Coach travel from local area

Only five single rooms per holiday without supplementSingle room supplements viry from £60 to £120 please call

01462 481709 cozytours.co.uk

Holme Lacy Hotel £395pp17th September 2012 (5 days)Local excursions included in which we explore the Wye Valleyand Hereford.

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

Colours of Autumn in theWye Valley

Bembridge Coast Hotel £380 pp8th October 2012 (5 days)£15 bowling supplementBembridge Coast Hotel is situated on a secluded eastern shore with stunningviews of the Solent. With its 23 acres of grounds, its famously landscapedSpanish Gardens and its marvellous sea views, Bembridge Coast is the idealplace from which to explore the Isle of Wight’s Royal history. The Isle ofWight is known as the ‘Garden Isle’ because in itself it holds vast amounts ofbeautiful landscapes and views which are home to all sorts of wildlife.

•Four rink indoor bowls complex • 6 rink Outdoor bowls green with pavilion

Nidd Hall Hotel £395pp10th December 2012 (5 days)

Set on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, this elegantly preserved historicGrade II listed stately home is set within 45 acres of Victorian andEdwardian parkland, sculpted lawns, stepped terraces and a magnificentfishing lake. The original bow fronted lawn of the east wing is the perfectplace for the box hedge maze and gravel planting. Other points of interestinclude the beautiful grafted Azalea, copper beach, and Japanese azaleas.

Dickensian Christmas

Retired Full Page July 2012:Layout 1 11/07/2012 17:54 Page 1

Only five single rooms per holiday without supplementSingle room supplements vary from £60 to £120 please call

of Hertfordshire

4 Star Liverpool

Price includes:� All Coach Travel� 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast� Magical Mystery tour

£129 pp

20th October 20122 days

Best of Wales3rd September 2012 - 7 Days

Price includes:� All Coach Travel� 6 nights Half Board� Entrance to Caernarfon Castle� Entrance to Portmeirion� Single journey on theFfestiniog Railway� Lunch and visit to the Hallat Abbey-Cwm-Hir� Entrance to Cardiff Castle

Blackpool Illuminations31st October 2012 - 3 days

Price includes:� All Coach Travel� 2 nights Half Board� Tour of BlackpoolIlluminations

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Holly & Ivy in Bournemouth5th November 2012 - 5 Days

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� Afternoon tea andcake� Local excursions� Evening Entertainment

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Manchester Christmas Market2nd December 2012 - 2 Days

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For more information or to request a brochure please contact Cozy Tours

01462 481709 cozytours.co.uk

Retired Herts Double Page July 2012a:Layout 1 11/07/2012 17:52 Page 1


Bernie Nolan has taken on the pivotal role of Mama Morton in multi award-

winning musical ‘Chicago’ this year.

In 2009, the singer and actress played the fairy godmother at Manchester Opera House, following on The Nolans’ reunion tour which proved a spectacular success and filled arenas around the UK. But between then and now, Bernie, aged 51, has fought a dramatic battle against breast cancer which saw her having to have a mastectomy and six months of chemotherapy.

In true showbiz style, Bernie has bounced back from this traumatic time to entertain us once more. All of which is no surprise when you consider her strong family background, and the way she has lived much of her life in the spotlight.

Bernadette Therese Nolan came from an Irish family, the second youngest of eight children, and was brought up in Blackpool. Showbiz was in her blood and her sisters, brothers and parents would often perform in clubs and pubs around the resort.

It was when Bernie teamed up with four of her sisters, however, as The Nolans that fame and success finally came their way. The pretty, harmonious pop group sold millions of records worldwide in the ‘80s and ‘90s including more than nine million albums.

They had chart hits like ‘I’m in the Mood for Dancing’ and were regular guests on some of the top TV shows of the time. Their appeal – apart from singable, danceable hits – was their wholesome niceness and visual charm, which proved a pleasant antidote to the extreme vagaries of the pop scene.

Bernie had one of the strongest voices in the group, but when she first tried her hand at acting she showed that she also had talent in this direction. She became a presenter on BBC Saturday morning children’s show ‘On The Waterfront’ , and pleasantly surprised critics by her gift for comedy and the ability to laugh at herself.

In 1993, she appeared in the stage play ‘The Devil Rides Out’, and left The Nolans in 1994 to pursue a solo career, scoring solo hits and an album ‘All By Myself.’ She also had noteable success in the Willy Russell musical ‘Blood Brothers’ which brought her to the attention of TV bosses, and in 2000 she joined the cast of popular Liverpool soap ‘Brookside’ as Diane Murray.

Bernie played this role successfully for two years before leaving to play Sheelagh Murphy in ITV’s iconic police drama series ‘The Bill’ where she was given several strong storylines. Her character proved popular and, although she left in 2005, the door was left open for her character’s return.

In 2006, she took part in the Channel 4 series ‘The Games, raising funds for Alzheimer’s and children’s charities, and the following year starred in the play ‘Mum’s The Word’. During the summer, she appeared at Blackpool’s North Pier Theatre in ‘Soap Queens’ , enhancing her reputation as a reliable stage star when she went on to play Hannah Owens in ‘Flashdance The Musical.’

The Nolan family had already been affected by cancer previously:

sister Anne had breast cancer in 2000 and Linda suffered from the disease in 2006. However, little could really have prepared Bernie for her own breast cancer diagnosis in April, 2010.

As she recalls: “The day I found out, I cried my eyes out for about two or three minutes with my husband, Steve. After that, I didn’t cry again the whole way through my treatment.

Bernie bounces back intrue Chicago style

I N T E RV I E W


“ At the very beginning, though, it’s important to let out every feeling you’ve got. Cry, scream, shout, do whatever you want because it’s one of the biggest things that will ever happen to you.”

As a strong woman, however, Bernie very quickly adopted a positive attitude. “I thought ‘ there’s no way I’m going to die from this’. Once you make that decision, you can get on with beating it. From the start, it’s a case of taking things one day at a time.

Don’t worry about what’s coming up in two weeks’ time. Deal with today, you’ve got enough on your plate.”

Inevitably, though, there were terrible times. One of the worst for Bernie was telling her children. “I was diagnosed a week before my daughter Erin’s 11th birthday and we didn’t want to tell her until that was over. But kids aren’t daft – she knew something wasn’t quite right,” she recalls.

‘So we just sat her down and told her the truth. She knew about cancer because of Anne’s and Linda’s experience and she knew they were OK, which helped. Erin asked if I was going to die. I told her no and then she asked me if the lump was big. Again, I said no, and explained they’d found it early. One little tear ran down her cheek and she accepted it.’

Bernie had great support from her large family, and especially from her husband Steve in spite of the understandable initial shock and fears for the future. Much of the optimism surrounding Bernie, however, emanated from herself. When her hair fell out from the treatment, she didn’t hide but spoke out publicly about the problem and campaigned for early diagnosis and better understanding of the disease.

She believes in check-ups and self-awareness in the battle against cancer, and has a practical approach to the disease itself. “You’ve got to take every bit of support you’re offered, whether that’s from the doctors, your family or friends,” she insists. “And, take it from me, none of it is as scary as it sounds. I wouldn’t lie.”

Given that strength and determination, it’s logical that she has now returned to the stage and performing, and is reportedly “excited” about her role in one of the most enduringly successful hit musicals of recent times.

In fact, Bernie has followed the advice of one of The Nolans’ biggest hits “Gotta Pull Myself Together”. And in 2012 she is certainly one together lady!

Angela Kelly



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THE children have all left home for lives of their own or you suddenly realise one day that the house you’re in is simply too big for your needs. Whatever the reason, it’s time to DOWNSIZE!Once, downsizing carried a bit of a stigma, almost as if you couldn’t afford the home you had so you had to go for something less. But, in today’s cost-conscious, energy-efficient and finance-orientated world, many more people are downsizing for all the right reasons.

Along with finding a smaller property to live in, however, comes some unusual dilemmas – along with the usual dilemmas of how to furnish the new home and what is surplus to requirements.

Interior designer Chrissy Halton from Innerspace offers some simple advice: “When downsizing, don’t try and replicate the house you had – go for a new look.

“And only take with you items that really mean something to you. Off-white walls look great with more antique furniture items, for example. Less is more!”

The advantages of moving to a smaller property can be that your bills are likely to be smaller and there will be less housework needed. The first big minus, though, is that you’ve probably got far too many possessions to fit into your new home.

“You can’t take everything with you,” says Chrissy, “so start by having a really good de-clutter so that you can really see what you have that you love. That way you can more easily make the decision about what to take – and you don’t have to pay the removal company too much!”

Ask your relatives and friends if they would like to have particular items that you don’t want to take with you. There’s a growing trend for mixing old and new furniture currently so they may be glad to be offered a piece they’ve coveted or that may fit in their home. Or look to sell items on ebay and start afresh in your new home with some new furniture.

The National Association of Estate Agents says that downsizing offers a chance to have “a thorough springclean and focus on exactly what you want in your new home, and what you don’t.”

“You may have furniture which isn’t suitable for your new home, or that could do with replacing. So think ahead and make sure you have taken proper measurements of your new property so you don’t struggle on moving day with items that you probably shouldn’t have brought with you.”

For many of us, the pull of our old home is all about the memories that we’ve shared as a family within those bricks and mortar. Our children may have grown up here, and every room can be associated with personal milestones or events that matter to our own family history.

“If you’re worried about losing all the history behind your old home, think about using photos to show your life,” adds Chrissy. “It’s easy to make them into beautiful collages, and that way you can ‘take’ the items with you without having the real thing.”

When it actually comes to chucking out much-loved – and possibly worn – furniture or other items, contact a local charity which might be glad of household goods and especially furniture in good condition. The national homeless charity Emmaus, for example, may have a local collection service for unwanted furniture, or

IS IT TIME TO DOWNSIZE?

Interior Designer Chrissy Halton


another charitable organisation may be willing to pick up your item to sell for funds or to give it a good home with someone else who really needs it.

It’s important to plan ahead with your new space. “Think about how you’re going to use the space you are moving to,” says Chrissy. “What is the purpose of each room? How many people will you need to fit in to sit? Will you really need a dining room specifically?”

“Situations change and what you once needed you may no longer require. If you actually look at how

much time you spend in each room of your current home now, you may be very surprised at how little space you actually use on a regular basis. Take this – and what items you use – as a gauge for what you need to take with you.”

For example, she points out, if your new bathroom is smaller than you’ve been used to, is it worth removing the bath and having a larger shower? This may not only make more sense for your daily living but can help with any current or future mobility issues.

LOVELY LOUNGE – Relaxing toning, muted shades, a lack of clutter and plenty of light can be the hallmark of your new lounge when you downsize.

BEDROOM BEAUTY – Go for pretty fabrics in blinds and warm shades that can be picked up in bedding to create this attractive smaller bedroom.

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Whatever style of décor you choose for your new home, it’s worth trying to avoid clutter and opt for today’s cleaner lines and minimalist approach – if only to cut down on housework!

Take a look at current interior styles and how these can be easily achieved. Open up a dark room or small bathroom with a roof window or skylight, for example.

Take advantage of the wealth of modern flooring including natural woods that can make a room warm and homely in Winter and cool and calming in Summer. You might like to team this type of flooring with a handsome rug in a shade or pattern that tones with your room’s chosen colour scheme.

Plain walls matched with attractive fabrics in curtains or blinds give a room a modern look and allow smart furniture and impressive pictures or photographs to really come into their own.

If the downsizing also applies to your pocket, then you don’t have to spend a fortune on your new place. In fact, there’s often an enjoyable challenge in keeping within a tight budget yet coming up with something fresh, new and comfortable even if the items are cut-price or second-hand. Again, ebay can be a boon here.

The key to successfully moving at this crucial stage is to take a fresh look at your lifestyle, and decide to make a new start. That way you can downsize the costs – but upsize your enjoyment of your new home!

BATHROOM BRIGHT – Ensure your new bathroom has plenty of light with the help of a clever skylight window

For more information on Innerspace Interior Design go to www.innerspaceinteriordesign.co.uk

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SWINDON ISSUE 18.indd 48 27/03/2012 14:30


Paradise Wildlife Park is a fantastic fun day out for all of the family with over 400 animals including; tigers, lions, monkeys, zebras, meerkats, lemurs, the Birds of Paradise area, the Reptile Temple, plus regular keeper talks, daily shows and events. There is also 3 adventure playgrounds, the Tumble Jungle, Tractor Trailer Rides, the Dinosaur Woodland Railway*, Formula Fun*, Jungle Gems*, Woodland Walk, On Safari Adventure Golf*, Paradise Lagoon paddling pool and the National Speedway Museum. (*additional charge).

Paradise has a good a selection of catering outlets including Safari Sam’s Diner and the Tumble Jungle, offering snacks and ice cream, to plated meals. Toilets are located around the Park and most of the site is wheel chair accessible.

Paradise Wildlife Park is situated 20 miles north of London, just off the A10 near to junction 25 of the M25. Simply follow the brown and white tourist signs! For Sat Navs it is EN10 7QA. We are also accessible by rail at Broxbourne Station via National Express. There is a mini bus service which is £1 per person each way to and from the Park.

Amazing Animal ExperiencesParadise Wildlife Park is Europe’s leading zoo for ‘Wild Animal Experiences’. These give you a real sense of beauty, size and strength of our wonderful animal friends. You can Feed A Big Cat, Meet The Meerkats, have Tea with The Tigers, Feed A Lemur, Shadow A keeper or Big Cat Keeper, have Breakfast with the Big Cats, Face Your Phobia and much, much more. They make great birthday and Christmas presents, and gifts for special occasions. Of course you could just simply treat yourself. These experiences create fantastic memories and all the family can participate. For more information and a full list of experiences go to pwpark.com

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WeddingsParadise Wildlife Park is licensed for civil services. You’ve heard of “Dancing With Wolves” well how about get married with Tigers? We have several locations for ceremonies with different animals including snow leopards, wolves, lions, penguins, and of course tigers! We also have two fantastic locations for receptions, the Marquee with its own Secret Garden or the Safari Suite. Please ask at Safari Sam’s Diner for information or go to pwpark.com/weddings.

Snooze At The ZooThe park is giving guests the opportunity to spend the night in one of three themed luxury apartments, Tiger, Leopard or the largest of the three, the Zebra suite. Each room has been designed to the highest standard to ensure all guests get a good nights sleep before an action packed day at the park. But rest

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assured you certainly won’t need an alarm clock as the lions will be on hand to help.

Continental breakfast is served in the secluded Tiger Treetops Cafe. Exclusively yours for the morning, it overlooks the tiger enclosure. Savour freshly made croissants and coffee while the tigers enjoy their breakfast with you! You’re then free to spend the rest of the day enjoying the activities Paradise has to offer.

The highlight of your stay is a VIP guided tour by one of the well trained keepers. You’ll learn all about the conservation work that happens at the park, and can get hands on with some of the smaller creatures too. But the fun doesn’t stop when the gates close. After hours you will have exclusive use of the Paradise Lagoon and Woodland Walk surrounded by foxes, deer and owls.

To finish the day the park has teamed up with a selection of local restaurants to give you exclusive discounts for your evening meal.

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Dave Myers and Simon King alias The Hairy Bikers were in the middle of a regime of diet and exercise when we chatted.

Yes, sorry, I know you’ll probably have to read that sentence again. Those two well-covered foodies? Diet? Exercise?

Fear not. It’s all in the cause of a new cookery book about dieting and Dave and Simon had thrown themselves into both food and exercise regimes with the kind of enthusiasm they normally reserve for a piece of garlic-dripping Italian foccaccia bread or a couple of their favourite beers.

“Yes, I know,” explains Simon, the blonde Geordie member of the famous chef duo. “It doesn’t sound like us, but obesity is a real problem in this country at the moment, hen, and we’re just trying to help.”

As a result, Simon, aged 45, had been hitting the gym regularly – “and it’s working. I’m not sure how much weight I’ve lost because I’ve got some dodgy scales that say 20 stone 5lb one minute and 14 stone 8lb the next, but I know I can get into some jeans I couldn’t before. Mind you, I’m still a fat lad!” he roars familiarly.

Dave, at 55, sounds like he’s taken a more scientific approach to the subject. He’s lost a stone and a half, has taken up boxing but still manages to sound incredulous when he says :”Do y’know, I’m actually enjoying the sessions.”

You might be forgiven for not putting “weight-loss” and “The Hairy Bikers” in the same sentence because the likeable lads have spent the past eight years showing us what fun food can be – both making it and eating it.They’ve travelled around the UK and across the globe gathering culinary experiences and footage for their TV series, astride some seriously large motorbikes. Their trademark has been making new friends via food, cooking in people’s homes and generally acting as brilliant ambassadors for the best dishes that people can make for themselves.

“The new cookery book will still be about food, though,” states Dave, the darker, bespectacled one. “It’s just that we’ll be showing good food that you can easily make with fewer calories in it so it won’t put too much weight on.”

The two are speaking ahead of their new country-wide tour that starts in September and takes in 41 venues over the next three months, from Barrow in Furness to Bolton and Lowestoft to Liverpool. It’s their first live tour since their last sell-out tour two years ago, and it sounds like their usual eclectic mix of fun, socialising and, er, some cooking.

THE HAIRY

BIKERS


“It’s definitely not going to be two blokes on a sofa talking about food,” laughs Dave. “There’s loads going on. We’re having strip tombola and an escapologist – oh, and we’ll be doing the tango. We’ll also have a couple of people from the audience having a meal with wine and beer on the stage with us. We love that, and so do they!”

In fact, Dave and Simon love most things about their lives currently, although it wasn’t always as easy or straightforward. Both grew up with ailing parents: Dave’s mum had Multiple Sclerosis and Simon’s Dad was on kidney dialysis.

For Dave, who was born when his father was 55, his earliest memory of cooking is when he was around eight helping his mum bake bread, simple fruit scones and a Victoria sponge.

As an older dad, his father was able to spend plenty of time with Dave, although from around the age of 13 it was Dave who did the bulk of the cooking at home. He later went to art school “but I was a better cook than an artist,” he recalls.

It was when he became a make-up artist specialising in prosthetics and was working on the set of a Catherine Cookson TV drama that he met Simon, then a first assistant director and locations’ manager. The two shared a love of bikes and food, began cooking together – and a legend was born.

Simon’s first foodie memory is of making sandwiches, strangely enough “with the crusts taken off and cut into little triangles”, when he was about six and helping in the kitchen. “But most of the time I was just off out scrambling about, no time to cook!” he says, with that gentle rumbling roar of laughter bubbling up.

Their first programmes for the BBC eight years ago were more travelogue than cookery show, but the emphasis gradually changed to the enjoyable format that has attracted so many viewers today.

They’ve also sold millions of cookery books linked to the series, and now earned themselves a BAFTA nomination for their Meals on Wheels programmes. These highlighted the vital visiting service to the elderly, and they also tried – successfully - to put the emphasis back on regular freshly-cooked meals for them.

They’re both delighted about the nomination and, Simon insists, they hope the subject will continue to catch the public imagination because it’s an important one. “In the series, it wasn’t Dave and I who were the stars of the show but all these marvellous older people,” he insists.

“They’ve got the most wonderful cookery knowledge themselves. It’s so important for older people to keep on cooking good food like they always did, and share their skills with their grandchildren to keep these going and become a real legacy.”

The two Northerners and their easygoing style has already been credited with tickling taste-buds at home and abroad, whether that’s sampling breads in Poland or guzzling nougat in the French town of Montelimar.

But it’s plain they are genuinely passionate about all that’s best in food and sharing the enthusiasm to create it. Although the new cookery book has a dietary theme, food enjoyment as always comes first. “We’ll be doing dishes like a really tasty cassoulet and a great Masala Spatchcock Chicken,” states Dave.

As for the problematic weight-loss, they’re both confident they can lead this new campaign trimly from the front. “Well,” adds Simon, “If God is good and he keeps me off the brown ale!”

INTERV IEW

For details of tour dates and venues go to www.hairybikers.com

24 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk24

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

25www.50plusmagazine.co.uk 25

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


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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 possibly 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.

26

F O O D & D R I N K

Rick Stein's French Odyssey

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 ‘French Odyssey’ (BBC Books, £25) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by flavours from France.

Heat the butter in a large, heavy-based pan. Add the onions, garlic and sugar and cook over a medium heat, stirring regularly, for 25-30 minutes until the onions are really soft and well caramelized.

Add the wine and leave to simmer rapidly until it has reduced by half.

Add the beef stock and bouquet garni, cover and leave the soup to simmer for at least another 30 minutes. Then remove and discard the bouquet garni, and season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, preheat the over to 150oC/Gas Mark 2. Place the slices of bread onto a baking tray and leave them for 30 minutes to dry out but not get at all brown. Then remove the tray and increase the oven temperature to 220oC/Gas Mark 7.

To serve, place a slice of bread into the bottom of each of 4 deep ovenproof soup bowls and ladle the soup on top, making sure the onions and stock are distributed evenly. Cover the top of the soup thickly with the grated cheese, place the bowls onto a sturdy baking tray and bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling. You can also place them under a hot grill for 5 minutes if you prefer or are short of time. This soup should be served scalding hot.

60 g butter

1 kg onions, halved and thinly sliced

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 teaspoons caster sugar

300 ml dry white wine

1.5 litres Beef stock, browned

Bouquest garni of bay leaves, thyme

and parsley stalks

4 x 2.5-cm-thick slices French bread

225 g Gruyére or Comté cheese,

coarsely grated

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

SERVES 4 French Onion Soup

26


First you need to remove the bones from the fish. To do this, remove the head of each one, and then, working with one fish at a time, start to cut the top fillet away from the bones until you can get the whole blade underneath the fillet. Then rest a hand on top of the fish and cut the rest of the fillet away from the bones until you are about 2.5cm away from the tail. Turn the fish over and repeat on the other side. Then pull back the top fillet and snip out the backbone, close to the tail, with scissors. The fillets will still be attached at the tail. Repeat with the remaining fish.

Melt the butter in a large frying pan and as soon as it is foaming, add the bacon and fry briefly until lightly coloured. Add the sliced ceps and the garlic and toss over a medium-high heat for 1 minute until lightly cooked. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.

Lay the prepared trout on a chopping board and pull back the top fillet of each one.

Season the outside of each fish with a little more salt and pepper, then dredge with the flour and pat off the excess. Heat the sunflower oil in one very large or 2 slightly smaller frying pans over a moderate heat. Add the fish and fry for 21/2 minutes without moving them until nicely golden. Carefully turn the fish over and cook for another 21/2 minutes, until golden brown on the second side and cooked through. Lift the fish onto warmed plates.

Discard the frying oil (from one of the pans if using two) and wipe the pan clean. Add the butter for the beurre noisette and allow it to melt over a moderate heat. As soon as the butter starts to smell nutty and turns light brown, add the lemon juice, parsley and some seasoning. Pour some of the butter over each fish and serve.

Fried trout stuffed with sliced ceps, garlic and diced bacon

4 trout, each weighing about 300g 40g butter60g rindless streaky bacon, chopped175g fresh ceps, trimmed and cut into 4-mm-thick slices2 garlic cloves, finely chopped1 tablespoon roughly chopped parsley25g plain flour2 tablespoons sunflower oilSalt and freshly ground black pepper

FOR THE BEURRE NOISETTE:75g unsalted butter2 teaspoons lemon juice1 heaped tablespoon chopped parsley

SERVES 4


Cataract is one of the most common causes of sight loss in the UK, but it needn’t be. Leading sight loss charity RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) warns that 50 per cent of sight loss could be avoided and that people should be more aware of what to look out for. A cataract is a clouding of the part of the eye called the lens. It causes vision to become blurred because the cataract is like frosted glass, interfering with a person’s sight. The lens is a clear tissue found behind the iris, the coloured part of the eye. The lens helps to focus light on the back of the eye – the retina – forming an image.

What to look out for:If you experience any of the following symptoms make an appointment for an eye examination.

• Blurry Sight: This is very common. You may notice that your sight has become blurred or misty, or that your glasses seem dirty or appear scratched. • Dazzled By Light: You may be dazzled by lights, such as a car headlamps, and sunlight. • Change of Colour Vision: Your colours may become washed out or faded. If your doctor or optician has told you that you have a cataract, don’t be alarmed. Cataracts are very common with one in three people over 65 being diagnosed in the UK. Many people over 60 have some cataract and the vast majority can be treated successfully. Cataract surgery, where the cloudy lens is removed during an operation, is one of the most successful eye operations.

If you or someone you know has a sight problem, RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.

If your vision has declined or become blurry in recent years, don’t assume that a stronger prescription is all you need for a quick fix.

H E A L T H


If there’s one thing that has helped keep us fit an on our feet in the last 50 years it’s the increase in the technology and availability of hip and knee replacements.

Hip replacements were first performed in this country in the 1960s, with knee and ankle replacements since the 1970s. In England and Wales each year, around 160,000 of us are able to enjoy a new lease of life and mobility thanks to our new hip and knee joints and, if you’ll forgive the pun, ankles are quickly catching up.

For many people, hip or knee surgery not only signals a return to mobility but usually leaves behind grinding daily pain.

If hip pain is so serve it interferes with quality of life including sleep, medication is not working and everyday tasks are difficult, it might well be the right time to for a hip replacement. Most adults having them are over 64, and women tend to need them more than men.

Need a new hip or knee?A return to mobility……….

The most common reasons for hip replacement are: osteoarthritis (when the connecting tissue between the joint is damaged, causing the bones to run together painfully), rheumatoid arthritis (when the immune system attacks the lining of the joint resulting in pain and stiffness), septic arthritis (when the joint becomes infected), Paget’s disease (affecting bone growth), bone tumours and other joint injuries.

Osteoporosis can sometimes cause hip and joint fractures which need a replacement, as can late development dysplasia (which prevents the ball and socket hip joint from developing probably).

Always speak to you GP about hip problems because they will know your history and examine you, and may want you to have an x-ray to confirm their diagnosis. Your overall health is important before any major surgery, so your GP will want you to be fit as possible beforehand.

Before surgery, a physiotherapist will also discuss your rehabilitation programme and how to use walking aids like crutches and sticks.

Before surgery, you will visit the hospital’s Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic to ensure that you understand the nature of the operation. There will be medical checks including blood and urine tests and you will be screened for MRSA as well as possible having further X-rays.

This is also an opportunity to discuss your surgery and what happens afterwards and talk about the aids you will need to help recovery. You will also have a chance to discuss the different types of anaesthesia available.

The anaesthetist will offer you the choice of anaesthetic and pain relief to suit you with your medical history taken in to consideration.

Patients are usually admitted either on the day or the day before. Your leg will be prepared for surgery with the correct side marked, and you will be seen by the anaesthetist.

The surgery replaces both the natural socket and the rounded ball at the top of the thigh bone with artificial parts. The surgeon will remove the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) and the natural socket for the head of the femur is hollowed out.

A plastic or ceramic socket is fitted in to the hollow in the pelvis and a short, angled metal shaft with a smooth ball on its upper end is placed in to the hollow of the thigh bone. The plastic cup and the artificial bone head may be pressed in to place or fixed with acrylic cement.

Hip resurfacing is an alternative to replacement and involves replacing the diseased or damaged surfaces in the joint with metal parts. It involves less bone being removed, so less implant is needed.


After surgery you will be prescribed medication to control the pain and it is important to take it regularly initially as progress is better if your pain is under control.

As your confidence and leg control improve, you will progress to walking with crutches or sticks – all with physiotherapy help. You will be discharged from hospital once you have managed to walk up and down a flight of stairs and the consultant and physiotherapist are happy for you to be discharged.

You may need to use your walking aids for up to six weeks but this varies from person to person.

Hip replacements currently last 20 to 30 years. A damaged, worn or diseased knee – arthritis is again the chief culprit – is an ideal candidate for knee replacement surgery. There are two major types of surgery involved – total knee replacement and partial (half) knee replacement depending on the amount of damaged.

And, as for hip surgery, candidates need to be well enough for both a major operation and rehabilitation afterwards. Most candidates are over 65, and just over half are women.

The process is very like hip surgery – starting with your GP and their assessment of you, and continuing through x-rays, the Pre-Operative assessment Clinic, admission to the hospital and anaesthesia.

Surgery involves removing the worn ends of the bones in your knee joint and replacing them with metal and plastic parts. In total knee replacement, both sides of the knee joint are replaced.

You will begin moving about the next day, once the wound drains have been removed, and the physiotherapy will help with mobility. Like hip surgery, you will be discharged once you are able to get up and down stairs safely and have regular physiotherapy afterwards.

With proper care, the replacement knee should last 15 to 20 years.

Unlike hip or knee arthritis, most ankle arthritis is post traumatic. The most common causes for ankle replacement is following serve ankle fractures or recurrent severe ankle sprains.

The worn out joint surfaces of the ankle are replaced with shaped metal and plastic components to allow continued movement of the ankle. There are several different types of ankle replacement available.

Awaiting Orthopaedic Treatment?

Do you need a hip or knee replacement, arthroscopy or other orthopaedic operation? Have you suffered from a sporting injury that needs attention?

The Rivers Hospital provides access to highly specialised consultant Orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists specialising in Adult and Paediatric Orthopaedics and sports injuries. We offer advanced diagnostic testing including, X-rays, Ultrasound, MRIs and scans for Osteoporosis.

The Rivers Hospital offers all patients:

• ConsultantledCare• Privateroomswithensuitfacilities• Stateoftheartequipment• Friendlyandprofessionalstafffocused on individual customer care.• Cleansurroundingswithvery exceptionally low infection rates• HighQualityCare• Excellentnurse-patientratios

If you have medical insurance, please use it to enjoy the benefits of our Premium Care treatment which will include early and flexible appointments and hotel style comfort on Admission. We also offer completive prices to self paying patients.

If you would like to chat through your options or for self pay price enquiries please contact us on 01279 602644 or visit www.rivers-hospital.co.uk.

I have had pain for many years and this did not help with my quality of life. It was so bad that I could not walk without having to stand or sit for 5 to 10 minutes so the pain would go away.

I can remember the day I had to come into hospital for my operation, I was crying with the pain.

You come in the night before so you are relaxed and all the pre op details are taken. I had my operation the following day. I was in bed all that day without any pain because of the pain killers I was given.

The next day when I was able to get out of bed to sit on the chair “I had no pain”, And I have not looked back since, I can now do all the things I could not do before. I can go for long walks with my Grandchildren, do the gardening that I love to do, swim again, and I am starting to ride my bike that I had not been able to do for a long time.

I am still in full time work, and these things I could not have done if I did not have my new hip. I can say that my stay in the Rivers Hospital was why I did so well, from the Consultant, to the theatre staff, the nursing staff and the physios, they were all so good. I have had my new hip in now for the last 6 years and cannot see why I cannot carry on doing all the things I love to do for the next 20 years.

All I can say is don’t sit in pain like I did. If you have to have a new hip or knees, please have them done, your quality life will improve so much.

I HAVE NOT LOOKED BACK.

Sandra White had a hip replacement at The Rivers Hospital 6 years ago and she writes about her experience.

Expert Hip & Knee Surgery

... I’ve got my health back

Joint pain stopped me from keeping up with my granddaughter, now...

Rivers Hospital, High Wych Road, Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM21 0HH

www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/orthopaedics

For more information call:

01279 602 [email protected]

Rated in the top 2% of all organisations and no reported cases of MRSA bacteraemia

Your health is important so with our expert Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons and staff, you can be safe in the knowledge that you will receive the highest quality care before and after your operation.

Private patients bene� t from exclusive Premium Care services:

• You can choose your own consultant• Priority access through our fast track service• Healthy à la carte food

• Your own private room to assist recovery*• Personal service and care for your speci� c needs• Choice of appointment and short waiting times

*Only for overnight stays


OUT & ABOUT

THE LOCAL MAGAZINEFOR THE OVER 50s

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Subscription FormTo receive the next two issues of 50 Plus 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 Regional Media: Unit 6, Moses Gate Workshops, Gladys Street, Bolton BL3 2QG.

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Name: ......................................................................................

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Open Day - Howard Garden Social CentreSaturday 8th September from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

Howard Garden Social Centre, Norton Way South, Letchworth SG6 1SU

Howard Garden Social and Day Care Centre, Norton Road South, Letchworth. Our Open Day gives members of the community a chance to meet us, have a chat, see what we do. If you like what you see and are over 50 then why not join us. Have a relaxing cup of tea/coffee with a tasty slice of cake or scone. Stay for one of our delicious cooked lunches.Come along and grab a bargain. Lots of stalls including: Cakes, Preserves, Books, Bric-a-brac, Knitting and clothing and of course a Tombola and Raffle.

For further information please see our website: www.howardgardensocialcentre.orgContact : Centre ManagerDaytime number : 01462 682524Evening number : 01462 623 823email : [email protected]

St Albans Community Fire Station Open DaySunday 9th September from 12noon to 4.00pm

St Albans Community Fire Station, 153 London Road, St Albans AL1 1TQ

Fire Station Open DayContact : General OfficeDaytime number : 01727 818919email : [email protected]

The Watford Dial Up!Sunday 9th September from 5.00pm to 7.30pm

Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1JZ

Join vocalist Alex Williams & the whole Dial Up family for a celebration of the Great American Songbook!Tickets £5

www.thedialup.co.ukContact : Alex WilliamsDaytime number : 07763 695 481email : [email protected]

Help with handling your moneyCourse starts on Monday 10th September from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Leavesden Children’s Centre, High Road, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7QZ

CAP Money are running a FREE 3 week course to get you back in control of your money. Learn a simple system to help you budget, save and plan for the future. A creche is available for children under 5 yrs at a cost of £2 per child per week.

Contact : Nina CollinsDaytime number : 01923 484360email : [email protected]

Push it for the PeaceSunday 23rd September 2012

Cassiobury Park, Watford WD18 7LH

Cassiobury Park is the place to be for this unique, exciting challenge.

You will be crawling, climbing, jumping, swinging, and hauling yourself through the elements on our energetic adventure, combining a 5 mile running race with assault course-style obstacles. Be prepared to tackle cargo nets, wire crawls and break through those barriers with lashings of mud and water thrown in for good measure, plus a few other surprises along the way!

Everyone who registers will be playing their part in helping the Hospice continue to provide care for those people across South West Herts with a life limiting or terminal illness.

Entry Fee £20Registration opens at 10.00amStaggered Start from 10.30-11.30am

Register online today online at: www.peacehospice.


Be sure not to miss the UK’s biggest cruise showcase - perfect for those new to cruising and needing help to plan their first voyage, or seasoned cruisers looking for inspiration for their next holiday at sea. This is the only place where you will find all the major and specialist cruise lines under one roof, hear directly from the cruise experts about what’s new for 2013 and save thousands of pounds with the exclusive show only offers! We are giving 5 lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show!Just answer this simple question below: Where is the Birmingham Telegraph CRUISE Show taking place?l ExCel l NEC l The local village hall READER’STICKETOFFER:We are also offering 50 plus magazine readers reduced price advance tickets to the show! Get your tickets for only £5 (that’s saving£5offthedoorprice!!)byquoting‘50PLUS’whenbookingticketsonlineatwww.cruisingshow.comorwhencalling0871 620 4024. (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).

WINTicketstoTheTelegraphCRUISEShow!SECC,Glasgow:6-7October2012NEC,Birmingham:20-21October2012TheUK’sbiggesteventfordiscoveringaworldofvoyages

Win TicketsFor a chance to win a pair of tickets to The Telegraph Cruise Show at either Birmingham or Glasgow simply answer the question above and send slip to:McGrath Regional Media: Unit 6, Moses Gate Workshops, Gladys Street, Bolton BL3 2QG.

Name: ...............................................................................................

Address: ...........................................................................................

Postcode: ..........................................................................................

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Email: ................................................................................................

Answer: ............................................................................................

Closing date for entries 24.9.12 and winners will be notified by telephone or email.

Go RedMonday 24 September 2012

Join Herts Air Ambulance during National Air Ambulance week by Going Red and help raise much needed and vital funds for your Air Ambulance. The idea is simple! Week commencing Monday 24th September 2012 we are running our ‘Go Red’ appeal supported by Arc Legal Assistance. Wear Red on any day during National Air Ambulance Week and kindly donate £1 per person to help keep your local Air Ambulance flying!

Contact : Dawn EasbyDaytime number : 0845 5040055email : [email protected] to Events list

Amadeus Chamber OrchestraSaturday 29th September from 7.30pm.

St Saviours Church, 25 Sandpit Lane,St Albans AL1 4DF

With Simon Thompson (Conductor), Jennifer Wigram (Leader) and Nicholas Ireson (French Horn), Amadeus Chamber Orchestra presents:• Dvorak:CzechSuite• R.Strauss:HornConcertono.1• Beethoven:Symphonyno.8

Tickets: £12 (£9 students, seniors, unemployed; £3 accompanied schoolchildren) at the door, or in advance from St Albans Tourist Information Centre (Tel: 01727 864511).

Please visit the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra website for further information.

Contact : St Albans Tourist Information CentreDaytime number : 01727 864511

Total Food, Total HealthFour week course starts on Wednesday 6th November 2012. (13:00 - 15:00)

Leavesden Children’s Centre, High Road, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7QZ

A 4 week course aimed at helping parents to plan a healthy diet/meals for their family. This course will cover both adult and child nutrition including additives/E Numbers, portion size, understanding food labels and MUCH MORE.

Course costs £3 per adult living in WD25, other postcodes £6. A creche is also available for children under 5 years at a cost of £2 per child per week. All fees must be payed in advance

Contact : Nina CollinsDaytime number : 01923 484360email : [email protected]


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.

EXCLUSIVEOFFERFOR50PLUSREADERS:We have built trusted links with local solicitors, Labrums, who will draw up your Lasting Power of Attorney at a discounted price of £200. 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.

TORECEIVEYOURCOPYOF‘THEGUIDETOCAREFEEPLANNING’CALL08008223385OREMAIL:

[email protected]

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

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.

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 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.

For more information or to arrange a visit please call 01992 800 138 or [email protected]

Honey Lane Care Home Specialist Dementia Care Honey LaneWaltham Abbey Essex, EN9 3BAwww.honeylanecourtcarehome.co.uk

You’re unique. So are we.

Honey Lane Retired & Living_Herts_420x297_DPS.indd 1 14/02/2012 15:07


Staff at Austin’s Funeral Directors are celebrating once again after winning three prestigious business awards. The family firm, which has eight branches in Hertfordshire and owns and runs Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens in Stevenage, picked up the Excellence in Customer Service award, Medium to Large Business of the Year award and the prestigious overall Business of the Year award at the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards.

Organised by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry the awards are designed “to celebrate success and achievement and boost business confidence in Hertfordshire” and attracted a huge number of entries. Over 300 people attended the gala presentation evening which was held at the Porsche Centre in Hatfield.

Hat-trick of awards for Austin’s

Harwood ParkTh e perfect setting to commemorate

the life of your loved one

Keeping memories alive

Crematorium and memorial gardens createdand managed by the Austin family in the

beautiful Hertfordshire countryside

01438 815555

www.crematorium.co.uk

Claire Austin, the tenth generation of her family to run Austin’s said: “I was absolutely thrilled to win these awards. Customer service is our number one priority so to have our hard work recognised officially is great. To then go on and win the other two awards, including overall Business of the Year, is amazing. All three are testament to the hard work and commitment of every single member of staff at Austin’s and I’m incredibly proud of their achievements.”

Presenting the Business of the Year award to Claire, who was also a finalist in the Entrepreneur of the Year category, the judges commented: “In an outstanding field, our winner tonight demonstrated all the qualities one would wish to see in a successful company. Over a 10 year period it has increased turnover on a consistent basis, delivering impressive growth in its profits. It has achieved this by delivering upon a clear and imaginative growth strategy which has been driven by its management and supported by its staff. Austin’s Funeral Service is not only outstanding within its own sector but is an exemplar for all business.”

As overall winner, Austin’s also received £7,500 worth of integrated marketing support from Royston-based Kiss Communications.

Claire and her team are no strangers to awards; in November the company won Most Successful Medium Business category at the Hertfordshire Business Awards and in October Austin’s won the Service Excellence category at the East of England Business Champions Awards. Earlier this year Claire travelled to Mexico to pick up the international NextGen Professional of the Year Award in recognition of her achievements as head of the 300 year old firm.

L-R: Alan Coleman, Annette Bird, Gary Ford, Jackie Lawrence, Claire Austin, Neville Reyner CBE, DL, chairman of the Hertfordshire Chamber of

Commerce, Peter Hope and Brian Lawrence.



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

for you andyour family

www.austins.co.uk

Planning ahead for peace of mind

01438 794420MONDAY - FRIDAY ONLY

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.

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.

Frequently asked questions

• Istheplansecure? 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 fullDeclaration of Trust is available.

• WhathappensifImovetoadifferentarea? 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.

• MustIbeingoodhealthtotakeoutaplan? No. A Hertfordshire Funeral Plan may be taken out by anyone regardless of age or state of health.

• CanIchangemymindaboutthe arrangements? Yes. Changes may be made by contacting Austin’s.

Planning ahead for peace of mind• WhendoIpayfortheplan? Payment is normally made in full on confirmation of the arrangements. However payment by instalments will be considered, if required.

• WhathappensifIdieawayfromhomeor onholiday? 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.

• Willtheplancompletelycoverthecostof myfuneral? 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.


Don’t Stop Doing the Things You Love

Sunrise of Elstree & Chorleywood

www.sunrise-care.co.uk

Sunrise is a place that brings people together. We encourage residents to embrace life, offering five carefully planned activities every day – from flower arranging and gardening to musical entertainment and more. These activities are a great way to enjoy the company of others, build new friendships and keep active. And they’re just one small part of the Sunrise story.

Sunrise of Elstree0203 627 6595

Sunrise of Elstree, Edgwarebury Lane, off Barnet Lane,

Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3RG

Sunrise of Chorleywood01923 884044

Sunrise of Chorleywood High View, Chorleywood, Hertfordshire WD3 5TQ

20232002 Sunrise Press 297x210_Chorleywood&Elstree_50 Plus.indd 1 10/07/2012 14:04