birmingham, solihull, wolverhampton & coventry 35

FREEP

lea

se t

ake o

ne

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Gloria HunnifordTalks of the early days, health & more...

Interchoice HolidaysWin a break for two people. See inside.

BIRMINGHAM, SOLIHULL, WOLVERHAMPTON & COVENTRTYJANUARY - MARCH 2014EDITION 35

Enjoy the best of live theatre in the beautiful surroundings ofWolverhampton Grand Theatre,which celebrates its 120th birthdayin 2014.

With a fantastic selection of the best touring shows and itsdelightful Grade 2 listedauditorium, the Grand is always a treat to visit. You can even save 20% off tickets for certainproductions using the voucheropposite!

There isn’t room to mention everyproduction on these pages soyou’ll find just a few highlightswe’ve picked out to the right.

Other Spring attractions includethe RUSSIAN STATE BALLET OFSIBERIA performing SleepingBeauty, Jack Shepherd in CLASSICGHOSTS, Lesley Joseph in thecomedy musical HOT FLUSH anda host of concerts including THEELVIS YEARS, THE RAT PACK ISBACK and THE SOLID SILVER60s SHOW.

Tickets for our blockbusterbirthday pantomime for 2014/15CINDERELLA are on sale alreadywith star cast to be announcedsoon and don’t miss the trulyspectacular DIRTY DANCING liveon stage for 3 weeks in theAutumn.

BOOK NOW FOR G

MON 3 - SAT 8 FEBRUARY

PL

AY

S

MON 3 - SAT 8 MARCH

MU

SI

CA

LS

SUN 6 APRIL

CO

NC

ER

TS

ENJOY GREAT THEATREAT THE GRAND!

For details of all productions listed and many more too visitgrandtheatre.co.uk or call the friendly in-house Box Office team on 01902 42 92 12.

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

IT’S BACK - AND IT’S GONNA LIVE FOREVER!

the Faaaabulous

ceridupree showceri is back on the road withhis 1 man, 21 woman show!

Grand DPS 50+ Dec13_Layout 1 05/12/2013 16:38 Page 1

R GREAT SHOWS AT THE GRAND THEATRE!

Box Office 01902 42 92 12 BOOK ONLINE AT: www.grandtheatre.co.uk

WED 26 - SAT 29 MARCH

MON 31 MARCH - SAT 5 APRIL

FRI 18 APRIL

TUES 8 - SAT 12 APRIL

MON 19 - SAT 24 MAY

SUNDAY 18 MAY

TUES 29 APRIL - SAT 3 MAY

TUES 24 - SAT 28 JUNE

��‘AN EVENING OF RARE, RAW POWER’

THE INDEPENDENT

John McCardle

Starring

Directed by Damian Cruden(director of The Railway Children - Olivier Award Best Entertainment)

A BRAND NEW RE-STAGED VERSION OF THE CLASSIC AMERICAN FRONTIER DANCE MUSICAL!

Book by

LAWRENCE KASHA andDAVID S. LANDAYDirected and Choreographed by

PATTI COLOMBOMusic by

GENE DE PAUL Lyrics by

JOHNNY MERCER New Songs by

AL KASHA and JOEL HIRSCHORN

T h e G i l b e r T a n d S u l l i v a n O p e r a C O m p a n y

THE MIKADO ( S a T u r d a y )

I O LANTHE ( T h u - F r i )

The Pirates of Penzance ( T u e S - W e d )

�� Daily Mail

‘A GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY SHOW THAT’LL

BE THE DAY IS. NOT TO BE MISSED!!!’

The Daily Mail

TheGLeNN MILLeR

ORCheSTRA

with the line-up loved by UK audiences duringGlenn’s wartime years, including the Glenn

Miller Strings!

Under the direction of band-leader Ray McVay,here is your chance to enjoy CLAIM 20% OFF

A PAIR OF TICKETS WITHTHIS VOUCHER!

Call the Box Office on 01902 42 92 12 and mention

“FIFTYPLUS” to claim.Offer valid for any one purchase of two

tickets for one of the eight PLAYS orMUSICALS displayed in the blocks above.

Offer subject to availability. Offer applies toMon-Thurs evenings only. Offer only availablefor phone and in person bookings only. Thisvoucher must be given up in exchange for

tickets. Offer tickets must be purchasedbefore March 1st 2014.

Grand DPS 50+ Dec13_Layout 1 05/12/2013 16:38 Page 2

4 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

18-19

22-23

10-11

8-9

6-7 Interchoice Holidays Great Holidays at Great Prices. Check out the competition on page 9.

8-9 The Great British Holiday

10-11 Ancient Turkey... Discover the Great Empires of Caria and Lycia.

14-15 Gloria Hunniford... talks of the early days, health & more.

18-19 Top Tips: Art Deco

22-23 Food & Drink... Low Fat Winter Warmers.

inside...

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

14-15

6 -7VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM AND SERVICE CENTRE

Now Open on Becketts Farm Site J3 M42

SUPERLIGHTWHEELCAIRS

Only 9kg. Folded Width = 11" (28cm)Folded Height = 31" (79cm).Unique folding mechanism

Lightweight fold-awaywheelchairs with attendant braking

RRP £225

NOW£149

STAIRLIFTSNEW FITTED FROM £1595/RECON FITTED FROM £595

One of the largest stairlift service centres in the Midlands. Curved and straight stairlifts now on display in our showroom.

RING NOW FOR YOUR FREE HOME SURVEY.

This Comfort Back Motor Riser

Recliner

This Fireside Chair with Orthopaedic Back and Queen legs

ONLY

£245NOW ONLY

£599

This Damask Orthopaedic Bed and Cotton Covered Reflex Foam Mattress

THE MOBILITY CENTREBecketts Farm, Alcester Road, Birmingham B47 6AJ.

A435 to B'ham from Junction 3 M42

Tel: 01564 829541ALSO AT Fairfield Court, Bromsgrove, B61 9NJ

Tel: 01527 837076

SCOOTERSNEW BOOT SCOOTERS

from £545RECONDITIONED MODELS

available from£299

NOW ONLY£599

OVER SIXTY

MODELS IN STOCKNOW

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Now Open on Becketts Farm Site J3 M42

WWW.MAGBILITY.CO.UK

5www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Mobile moments of madness

There have been moments recently when I have been sorely tempted to launch my mobile telephone into orbit, pre-programmed to crash to earth on Richard Branson’s head.

Since the beginning of the year my signal from the Virgin network had been gradually worsening often to the point where using a carrier pigeon would have been more effective. Of course the first line of defence for all mobile phone companies are the foreign call centres where everyone is called Godfrey or Marion and you know they’ve never been called that in their life. They’re irritatingly polite and heavily scripted on how to deal with awkward customers going ballistic down the phone and threatening to do all manner of unspeakable things.

“Oh we’re very sorry for the inconvenience Mr Graham,” trilled

one after 45 minutes on the helpline which was the cut off, probably because a passing pigeon had blocked the one bar of signal which I was using. They want you to give in and go away don’t they?

“Oh we’ll be giving you another 3,000 texts as compensation Mr Graham, isn’t that wonderful?”

No! I want to speak to someone not write everything in text, I replied, quietly steaming and thinking of what I’d like to do with the operator’s headset.

Many calls later I was allowed permission to speak to the technical department and, amazingly, I actually understood what he was saying. Virgin had decommissioned a mast close to our area and the signal was weakened because of it and there were no plans to recommission it in the future. Oh

Graham SmithTwitter Column

nice, I live high on the Yorkshire moors and would have thought there was plenty of room for a new mast, but no, said the technical man. I was put through to the public relations department and a very polite chap confirmed that my signal would not improve and I was free to leave Virgin without penalty!

I was in a quandary about who to go to for service, or should I revert back to the two syrup tins and a length of string which had been so effective in my youth? And cheaper. I settled for Talk Talk but for three days that was precisely what I couldn’t do, talk, until numbers had been ported, sims transferred and I had to threaten to separate at least three help line operators from their important bits.

My wife opted for a package with one of those tablet come Kindly wotsit gadgets. It’s amazing the stuff they have now, even a phone that reacts when you look at it. I’m hanging on until they have one which soothes you when you can’t make a phone call, brews tea and makes a bacon sandwich. Sorry, just having another moment of mobile madness!

A North Shields man loves Marmite so much that he’s changed his surname by deed poll to match the yeast spread.

Saire May - now Marmite - made the leap to show his ‘devotion and passion’ to the dark brown paste.“I’m not exactly sure how old I was when I first tried Marmite, but I just remember eating it as far back as I can remember,” he said.

“I like the smell, the taste, the texture. I think I pretty much like everything about it.”

Mr Marmite, 38, says he easily gets through a jar a week and also collects Marmite paraphernalia including limited edition jars, cufflinks and a recipe book dating back to the Second World War.

Spreading the news

“My family think I’m mad. However my mum just shrugged her shoulders, she expects this kind of thing from me,” he added.

It’s the sort of silly idea which could spread.

Tyred of wasted moneyIt seems to me that an incredible amount of money is wasted on rather useless items, many in the name of education.

Our local school has just unveiled a “tyre park” which has cost a staggering £10,000. Now how many swimming lessons or creative activities could that money have bought instead of dumping a pile of old painted tyres for pupils to clamber across?

In my schooldays we were quite happy with a playground area where we fashioned wickets from a dustbin, chalked goalposts on the wall and if anyone had dumped a load of old tyres there we’d have thrown them out. Progress?

InterChoice are proud to offer our customers an awardwinning experience from the moment you book in shop,by phone or online, to the moment you return from one ofour fabulous holidays. Should you wish to see thestunning coast line surrounding the Isle of Wight, the vasthighlands up in Scotland or the traditional seaside resortof Weston-super-Mare, InterChoice has the break for you.

Open the door to your next holiday

Group Holiday Specialist

Door2Door Holidays

With our hugely popular 'Door2Door' service, you'll find our holidays and short breaks offera perfect relaxing, stress–free and hugely enjoyable experience!

Superb choice of tours – coast, country, history, heritage, cities and more and all plannedwith meticulous attention to detail to ensure your holiday with us is always perfect.

Carefully selected hotels Great value for money – most holidays include half board accommodation, as well as all

excursions and any admission fees to visitor attractions Dedicated driver/couriers look after you from the moment you leave home to the

minute you get back Comfortable, air–conditioned coaches with reclining seats, on–board toilet and hot/cold drinks servery.

InterChoice are proud to be one of the leading group travel specialists in thecountry. We have a dedicated group travel team whose sole job in the company isto look after you and your group. With experience arranging tailor made holidaysfor over 200 people to the far side of Europe or putting together a package for 10people looking to see Torquay, InterChoice can make it happen.

Free Place PolicyWhat gives us the leading edge over other companies you may be considering?Quite simply we constantly monitor all our competitors and are proud to offer anindustry leading free place policy. This means more value for you and your groupthan any other tour operator. So why not see just how much we can provide youand your group with and give us a call on local rate 0845 1303 321 and ask tospeak to one of our group bookings team.

Call now to get a copy of our brand new 2014 Brochure

Call 0845 1303 321Visit interchoice.co.uk 44 Berry St Wolverhampton WV1 1HA

5 DAY TOURS Mon 20 Jan Bar Promotions Included

Hayling Island Mill Rythe HB £169 £199

5 DAY TOURS Mon 3 Mar

Babbacombe Anchorage Hotel HB £169 £199

W-s-M Sand Bay Leisure Resort HB £155 £185


Eastbourne Congress Hotel HB £199 £229


5 DAY TOURS Mon 17 Mar Half Price 7-11 nightly



Devon Croyde Bay Hotel Resort HB £269 £299


5 DAY TOURS Mon 7 Apr

Hampshire Warner Sinah Warren HB £329 £359

Hampshire Warner Lakeside HB £269 £299

Chichester South Downs FB £209 £239

Hemsby Seacroft Holiday Village FB £199 £229

5 DAY TOURS Mon 14 AprSuffolk Warner Corton Resort HB £255 £285

Suffolk Warner Gunton Resort HB £279 £309

Bridlington Monarch Hotel HB £199 £229

Llandudno Ambassador Hotel HB £209 £239

Llandudno Risboro Hotel HB £225 £255

Sussex Cumberland Hotel HB £249 £279


PICK UPPOINTS

DOOR2DOOR5 DAY TOURS Mon 7 Apr

5 DAY TOURS Mon 28 AprHampshire Warner Lakeside HB £269 £299

Hampshire Warner Sinah Warren HB £319 £349

Hopton -on-Sea Potters Resort HB £335 £365

Isle of Wight Carlton Hotel HB £215 £245

Isle of Wight Trouville Hotel HB £249 £279

Isle of Wight Channel View Hotel HB £325 £355

Llandudno Grand Ash Hotel HB £199 £229

5 DAY TOURS Mon 5 MaySussex Cumberland Hotel HB £259 £289


Eastbourne Congress Hotel HB £215 £245

5 DAY TOURS Mon 5 May


Torquay Victoria Hotel HB £259 £289

Torquay Abbey Court Hotel HB £199 £229

Torquay Rainbow Internatonal HB £209 £239

Paignton Preston Sands Hotel HB £219 £249

Skegness Royal Hotel HB £229 £259

Llandudno Ambassador Hotel HB £209 £239

Llandudno Risboro Hotel HB £229 £259

5 DAY TOURS Mon 12 May

Suffolk Warner Corton Resort HB £269 £299

Suffolk Warner Gunton Resort HB £289 £319

Dorset Suncliff Hotel HB £245 £275

Dorset Russell Court Hotel HB £219 £249

PICK UPPOINTS

DOOR2DOOR

InterChoice have a great range of breaks many including free excursions, bar promotions and nightlyentertainment. Take a look at what’s available and start planning your next holiday, now!

Excursions to fantastic locationlike the amazing Alnwick Castle

Many breaks to the beautifulEnglish Riviera

Breaks to the Isle of WightStarting at only £215

2 Day breaks to London.

2 DAY FEATU

RED TOUR

From Only £89pp

Newcastle Upon Tyne Vermont Hotel 4*

£399

NEW

£369Pick up Point Door 2 Door

£399£369Pick up Point Door 2 Door

Sun 30th March HB

Sun 22nd June HB

Preston, Lancashire Barton Grange 4*

6 Days 5 Nights



Sun 10th Aug HB

Mon 1st Sept HB

4 Days 3 Nights

NEW

Featuring Lune Aqueduct. Canal Cruise,Carnforth, Heritage Centre (tearoomfeatured in Brief Encounter). Cheese

making, Leighton Hall (pictured above).(Includes 2 Light lunches)

NEW

Featuring Lindisfarne, Berwick,Alnwick, Hexham & Housesteads Fort

Call for more details

NEW Warner Christmas lunches from ｣35.00


When it comes to choosing a break away many of us automatically go online or get brochures from the travel agent to look beyond our own shores to possibly sunnier climes in other parts of the world.

That blinkered approach to homegrown charms means we may not appreciate the best of what this country has to offer. But, for the discerning, The Great British Holiday has become THE way to enjoy time away from home.

Look at the basic reality: you don’t have to worry about changing money to a different currency or learning a foreign language, agonise over flight delays, spend long hours at the airport doing nothing or deal with the often baffling laws and customs of another country.

By discovering the genuine wonders of the world on your own doorstep, you plug into a much more relaxed holiday that can quickly awaken all

of us to just why so many visitors from other countries converge on the UK each year as their destination of choice.

For a start, there are all kinds of holidays we can take in this country – ranging from active adventure holidays to tailor-made tourism around fascinating towns and villages, to ultra-relaxing breaks to allow mind and body to rest and re-charge to face the rest of life.

There are few countries in the world where so many holiday choices are available. You can hire a cottage in a remote rural spot, take over a country lodge for a family break, stay in a piece of English history, or just put your trust in a reliable travel company and let a coach whisk you away on a scenic route to a super hotel home-from-home.

When you’ve got past the family holiday style of seaside breaks or activity holiday parks, you may just love the luxury and sheer lack of responsibility of being taken on a coach tour holiday.

Dan Caddick of Interchoice has been organising exactly that type of holiday for satisfied clients for the past 16

years. “We cater for holidays for any adult over the age of 18 but we specialise in breaks for older travellers,” he explained.He creates a holiday that starts from the moment you and your luggage are taken from home on executive coaches with built-in facilities including toilets, radio and tea and coffee-making services.

Destinations are a variety of hotels around the country. Eastbourne and the Isle of Wight are particularly popular venues, he explains, although Dan’s own favourites include lovely Sherborne in Dorset and the handsome city of Edinburgh. “I love city breaks as well,” he stated.

“I really don’t think everyone knows just what beautiful places there are around our own country,” he added. “But I think that people are starting to realise this now, and enjoy seeing what we have to offer here.”

And there is just so much to see and do in this country! You can sample local ales in Devizes in Wiltshire, enjoy international arts in Salisbury and explore stone circles and Iron Age forts in the countryside.

Consider an escape to the country’s largest oak forest in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, see Dover’s stunning white cliffs or visit the beautiful cathedrals of Rochester and Canterbury. Then there’s the glorious ancient woodland of the New Forest where William the Conqueror once hunted.

Our first National Park in the Peak District is the scenery which inspired the Brontes, or you can view Creswell Crag’s stunning Ice Age legacy. Little around the world is as beautiful as our own Lake District and Cumbria, while the Yorkshire Dales offer mile upon mile of unspoiled landscape as a feast for the eyes and the senses.

Explore the historic streets of Salisbury and Stonehenge and tuck into tasty local farmers’ produce, or wander the banks of the River Wear in Durham.

TRAVEL AND LEISURE

The Great British Holiday


Spare some time, too, to visit its iconic cathedral there before appreciating the wild and lovely countryside of the Durham Dales.

Our cities have much to fascinate – from stunning landmarks in Norwich spanning the Norman, Medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern eras to Windsor Castle, bursting with a thousand years of history.

Soak up the atmosphere in Bath and visit the fascinating Roman baths or wonder at York’s remarkable old buildings and visit the Shambles, voted the country’s most picturesque street.

Make a pilgrimage to Canterbury and discover the bloody history behind Chaucer’s tales. Or travel to our historic seats of learning and culture to stimulate the intellect and the imagination. Stratford upon Avon is home to all things Shakespeare; see works by Michaelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Picasso at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, or study Charles Darwin’s specimens at the Zoology Museum in Cambridge.

Of course, holidays don’t all have to be about sitting around or simply strolling about looking at tourist spots. You might prefer your walks brisk, exploring the Cornish coast, or hiking over the many English hills and dales.

You might be one of the thousands of people who love caravan holidays, taking your accommodation with you to the hundreds of well-organised camp sites and their useful facilities to structure your own days. You might prefer to try out well-appointed static caravans at holiday parks which also offer entertainment on your independent holiday.

Boating holidays are more popular than ever, with the country’s wonderful network of canals and rivers introduced to new fans every year.

The Lancaster Canal, for example, is one of our most scenic and gentle waterways, running for 42 lock-free miles through pleasant pasturelands, overlooked for most

of the way by the foothills of the Pennines.

Today’s narrowboats come fully-equipped, some with central heating, full-size shower and TV, appealing to all.

As Robert Foulkes of Crabtree Narrowboat Hire explained: “Last year we had people in their early 20s, grandparents with their grandkids and 50-somethings whose children had left home and this was their first holiday on their own for 20 years.”

The Great British Holiday – in all its forms, price-ranges and activities or lack of them - offers the freedom to choose exactly how YOU want to spend your break. And the bonus is that it’s often a brand new voyage of discovery of the fabulous place that is our country.

Win a Break for 2 people!To the Preston Sands Hotel Paignton

Just fill out this form and return to InterChoice Holidays, The Old Mill, 44 Berry Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HAAlternatively you can email your details to [email protected] under the subject InterChoice Competition.

Name: .....................................................................................................................................................................Address:..................................................................................................................................................................Postcode:................................................................................................................................................................Tel: ..........................................................................................................................................................................Email:.......................................................................................................................................................................


50 Plus Travel sponsored by

Turkey is home to numerous ruins

dating back to ancient times and the

country’s south western coastline is

one of the most historically populated

areas. Dubbed as the ‘Turquoise

Coast’ for its stunning scenic colours,

this vast area spans two significant

and influential regions in antiquity,

namely Lycia and Caria. From

intricately carved tombs to underwater

towns, this area of Turkey has much to

explore!

The charming resort of Dalyan –

close to the regions’ main airport,

Dalaman – straddles the delta and

is an area rich in natural beauty and

historical attractions. Until the late

1980s, this traditional fishing area

remained somewhat undiscovered

by tourists, despite its impressive

landscape, diverse wildlife and ancient

ruins. However, the delta gained

international fame after developers

attempted to construct a luxury hotel

close to the breeding ground of the

endangered loggerhead turtles. As

a result, the Dalyan Delta became a

protected area, thereby maintaining

the unspoilt nature of the region.

Nowadays, visitors head to Dalyan

not just to observe this endangered

species, but also to see the other

impressive attractions the area has to

offer.

One such attraction is the Dalyan

Tombs that are set high up in the cliff

face above the Dalyan Delta. They

were constructed for the Carian city

of Caunos around 400BC to house the

bodies of deceased kings, providing

us with a fascinating insight into the

burial customs of the inhabitants of

this ancient city. The location of the

tombs also helps us to understand

the way of life in ancient Lycia and

Caria, as they believed that a winged

creature carried the deceased to

the after world, therefore the burial

chambers were constructed on a cliff

face. Whilst the entire landscape of

Lycia is scattered with a selection of

fascinating funeral monuments, it is

these on the Dalyan Delta that are

considered the most imposing and

awe-inspiring tombs of the ancient

region. At night time the tombs are lit

up creating a dramatic, atmospheric

backdrop to the delta which can be

seen for miles.

Caunos itself is another fascinating

attraction. The largest ancient city in

the Carian era, it was constructed,

according to Greek mythology, by

Apollo’s grandson. Those who visit

these iconic ruins can discover

remains of many different parts of

the old city which were uncovered

during an excavation, from the

ancient amphitheatre to the traditional

Hellenistic and Roman temples, to

name a few.

Further eastwards, Kalkan lies at the

heart of some of the most impressive

Lycian sites. Xanthos was a site of

exceptional importance in antiquity

as it is thought to have been a main

centre for culture and commerce.

Extensive excavations and research

of the area have led to the discovery

of a selection of texts in the Lycian

Ancient Turkey:Discover the Great Empires of Caria and Lycia

By Mathew Simpson

Simpson Travel

www.simpsontravel.com

Patara Ruins


Silver Travel Advisor is a travel review, information and advice website exclusively for over 50’s, packed with articles, suggestions, tips and ideas. For free and independent travel advice as well as reviews about holidays, hotels, restaurants and days out, please visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com or email [email protected]. It’s free to register as a member of Silver Travel Advisor, and you could win a fabulous holiday prize.

language and Greek, as well as a

considerable amount of artefacts.

The British Museum now houses

two tombs, the Nereid monument

and the Tomb of Payava, both

of which were discovered at the

ruins. Another tomb, known as

the Harpy Tomb, is still located at

the remains of the city. Only 4kms

south of Xanthos, positioned on

the banks of the Xanthos River, is

one of the most important religious

centres in the region – Letoon –

where the foundations of temples

can be seen. A further remain – the

ancient city of Patara – can also

be found in this historically rich

region. Excavated in the 1980s,

a magnificent Roman arch can

be admired, as well as an impressive theatre. Once a prosperous

commercial city, the ruins are positioned just a short distance

from Patara Beach – one of the most photographed beaches in the

Mediterranean.

There are also a number of other smaller sites and one of the more

interesting and unusual ones is nearby Kekova which is home to the

semi-sunken city of Simena. Originally a fishing village, a 2nd century

earthquake had devastating effects on Simena – however it left behind

an exceptional historical site. Half of the ancient houses have become

submerged, with staircases leading down underwater, where the

foundations of the buildings and an old harbour can be found. In 1990,

this region was declared a protected area, prohibiting swimming and

diving.

Further north and on its own peninsula lies the unspoilt rural region

of Bozburun, yet another area which is home to other interesting

historical settlements located in ancient Caria. From here, you can

explore the ancient Greek settlement of Knidos, located just a short

drive away on the nearby Datça Peninsula, a ruin that is built partly on

the mainland and partly on the Island of Triopion which, in antiquity,

was connected to the mainland by a bridge.

Iztuzu Beach

Bozburun Peninsula


2014 ROBINSONS OWN HOTELS

See brochure for full holiday details, Terms & conditions apply.

The Robinsons Differencel Complimentary Insurancel Local joining points l No single supplements*l High standard of accommodationl Great choice of menusl Executive coaches with extra legrooml Includes excursionsl Friendly staffl Own hotels in great locationsl Peace of mind securityl Payment in instalments* Robinsons own hotels

Stylish hotel located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey.

Facilities at the Abbey Lawn Hotel include:

Indoor Heated Pool/Outdoor Pool, Lounge, Large Conservatory, Sea View Rooms available*, Lift, Porterage.

An impressive Victorian building set amidst a beautiful tree lined boulevard.

Facilities at the Imperial Hotel include:

Two Residents’ Bars, Ballroom, TV & Complimentary Tea & Coffee in all Bedrooms, 2 x Lifts, Porterage.

An elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, Golden Beaches and a quaint collection of shops.

Facilities at the Ocean View Hotel include:

Indoor Heated Pool, Indoor Bowling Green, Table Tennis, Snooker Room, Sea View Rooms available* Lift, Porterage.

The Imperial Hotel, Eastbourne, Robinsons 3H

The Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin, Robinsons 3H

The Abbey Lawn Hotel, Torquay AA3H

Coach Holidays

Est.1923

Enjoy a relaxing holiday by coach to great hotels and destinations throughout the UK and Europe with Robinsons Holidays.

FREEPHONE 0800 0839900FOR GROUPS 0800 785 1025 BOOK ONLINE www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

13www.50plusmagazine.co.uk 13www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

5 Day Tour ~ 4 Nights Half Board 8 Day Tour ~ 7 Nights Half Board

Date Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn

09 Feb £125 - £125

16 Feb £129 - £129

23 Feb £135 - £135

03 Mar £139 £139 £139

10 Mar £145 £145 £145

17 Mar £149 £149 £149

23 Mar £155 £155 £155

31 Mar £159 £159 £159

06 Apr £165 £165 £165

13 Apr £169 £169 £169

18 Apr £179 £179 £179

23 Apr £175 £175 £175

27 Apr £179 £179 £179

03 May £185 £185 £185

07 May £189 £189 £189

11 May £195 £195 £195

17 May £199 £199 £199

21 May £205 £205 £205

25 May £209 £209 -

31 May £219 £219 -

l Eastbourne l Isle of Wight l Torquay

BOOK ONLINE www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

Date Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn

03 May £359 £359 £359

04 May £359 £359 -

10 May £369 £369 £369

11 May £369 £369 -

17 May £379 £379 £379

18 May £379 £379 -

24 May £389 £389 £389

25 May £389 £389 £389

31 May £399 £399 £399

01 Jun £399 £399 £399

07 Jun £399 £399 £399

08 Jun £399 £399 £399

14 Jun £399 £399 £399

15 Jun £399 £399 £399

21 Jun £399 £399 £399

22 Jun £399 £399 £399

28 Jun £399 £399 £399

29 Jun £399 £399 £399

05 July £399 £399 £399

06 July £399 £399 £399

12 July £399 £399 £399

13 July £399 £399 £399

19 July £399 £399 £399

20 July £399 £399 £399

26 July £399 £399 £399

27 July £399 £399 £399

SUPPLEMENTS - PER PERSON

ABBEY LAWN HOTEL 8 DAYS 5 DAYSFront View £15 £10Premier Room £50 £30

IMPERIAL HOTEL Premier Room £35 £20

OCEAN VIEW HOTELSea View £15 £10Premier Room £50 £30

All tours include 2 Excursions and Complimentary Insurance


Gloria Hunniford was just enjoying a few weeks near Nice in France with her husband when we chatted.It marked a particularly busy time when she had been filming more programmes for the TV hit series Rip-off Britain, which had been extended

to cover rip-offs on holidays and on food. And Ms Hunniford, now a lovely 73 year-old with the beautiful skin and enduring looks typical of Irish people, always tries to look after herself.

“You need to keep balance, avoid being thrown off kilter,” she explains. “It’s very easy when you’re busy but I do try to take holidays and eat and sleep properly.”

She’s also a great fan of vitamins, which she takes each day, and admits

to “a certain amount of exercise”, usually walking the dogs or using her exercise bike in front of the TV.

“I’ve just lost two stone, though,” she states. “It wasn’t a vanity thing – my sister was diagnosed with diabetes and I asked the doctor what I should do to avoid it. Losing weight seemed a sensible idea so I cut out both sugar and carbohydrates and the weight just dropped off.”

It feels like the popular broadcaster has always been with us. Radio and TV audiences love her, and Gloria has the enduring charm that people of all ages and both sexes find attractive and easygoing.

I once stood next to her in an aiport queue as she took a flight to her native Ireland and her fellow travellers were plainly fascinated by the VIP in their

INTERVIEW: GLORIA HUNNIFORD

Gloria Hunniford talks of the early days, health & more...By Angela Kelly

* To visit the Cash in the Attic website, go to CashInTheAttic.com

midst, but also very warm to her.She was named after the actress Gloria Swanson but early on she became a singer, entertaining at her dad’s concerts. He was a newspaper man by day and a magician by night.

She spent time in Canada, singing on TV and performing listeners’ Irish song requests on the radio, then returned home where she joined ITV’s new Ulster Television as a production assistant. She continued her singing, though, and got a record in the Ulster charts in 1969.

After she was interviewed on BBC radio, the producer asked her to audition as an interviewer, then hired her for Northern Ireland’s equivalent of the Today programme.

She cut her teeth on news and current affairs, moved on to a nightly news programme and finally ended up invited to work in London. Here, her friendly Irish accident and warm manner quickly won over fans. She filled in for Jimmy Young while he was on holiday, and the banter between her and Terry Wogan – whom she already knew – at the end of the programme swiftly enhanced her reputation. People felt she was a familiar friend on the air.

She was given her own show, Gloria Hunniford’s Open House, and was a daily TV fixture for five years. She still makes appearances on The One Show and became a regular once more on our screens with another very popular series Cash in the Attic, which she loves.

“They’ve got about 20 programmes already made but they’ve also now launched an interactive website and an app which is all very exciting because you can go onto the site anytime you want to, anywhere,” she says enthusiastically.

“I love that programme – I’m a great fan of antiques and I’ve collected them myself for years. I collected so many angels and cherubs one of my sons forbade me to bring any more home!

And I’ve also collected teapots and jewellery crosses.”

She loves the surprises that people get when items they discover go to auction, and thoroughly enjoys the celebrity version. “I’m always amazed at how generous the celebrities are in donating items that can be sold for charity,” she adds.

The Rip-off Britain series is another favourite with her. “I think we came along at just the right time with that brand,” she states. “The recession was just beginning and people felt even more aggrieved if they were being ripped off.”

She is proud of the fact that the evening version draws a regular audience of 5.5 million viewers “and the daytime programme has very respectable figures, too,” she asserts.Work is plainly far from drying up for the evergreen presenter but she’s quick to state that she actually wants to work. “I enjoy work, and I’d hope to keep on working for as long as people want me to,” she adds.

She and her second husband, Stephen Way, live in Sevenoaks, Kent, and family life is obviously very important to her. Her presenter daughter, Caron Keating, died from breast cancer after a brave fight in 2004 and any parent can start to imagine the personal devastation that brought.

“I’ve had loss before, but nothing prepares you for the terrible darkness that descends when a child dies,” says Gloria. “It’s like trying to climb out of a big hole by your fingertips and, just when you think you’re at the top, something drags you back.

“I felt like that for a long time, and many of the people who contacted us when Caron died – we had more than 8,000 letters – said it never really goes away.”

But one person’s letter did strike a chord with Gloria, and showed the way ahead for her. It was someone who

pointed out the importance of carrying Caron’s spirit forward, “I just felt then that I knew what I wanted to do,” she recalls.

Gloria founded the Caron Keating Foundation, administered by the family and with all the funds raised being used to help charities concerned with all kinds of cancer.

The result is that, over the past years, the foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds which have gone to projects at 47 different cancer charities all around the country.

This is obviously a source of some consolation to Gloria and her family, although you suspect that Caron is in her thoughts every day. “Someone said that people never die if they remain on the lips of the living,” she states, “and I believe that.”

“ I enjoy work, and I’d hope to keep on working for as long as people want me to”

15

A stunning new Extra Care development, Goldfield Court offers two bed apartments exclusively for those aged 55 and over.

The development has been designed to create a welcoming community, and offers a wide range of facilities, including a restaurant, lounge, hairdressing salon, activities room, guest suite, and communal landscaped gardens. There is a full-time court manager, along with 24 hour care and support services, tailored to individual need.

For further sales information, or to arrange a viewing, please contact Housing 21 on:

0345 608 [email protected]

FOR SALERetirement apartments

This development has been made possible through a close working relationship between Housing 21, the Homes and Communities Agency and Sandwell Borough Council.www.housing21.co.uk

Goldfield Court Dartmouth Street, West Bromwich, B70 8GH

last few

remaining

apartments

Niki Schäfer shares her tips on creating an Art Deco look:

1. The incredibly glamorous Art Deco period spans from 1920 – 1939 and epitomises the opulence of inter-war Britain. The period was characterised by modern, sleek designs with a luxurious use of materials. The New York’s Chrysler building, The Savoy and Sybil Colefax were icons of this era, look to them for inspiration on a smaller scale! 2. The luxury and decadence was increasingly noticeable in contrast to the austerity of the First World War. The use of rare and exotic woods and materials such as ivory, shagreen (imitation shark skin) and

mother of pearl was familiar to this era. Decorate using an excess of mirrors, satins and pale leathers.

3. The Art Deco period was heavily influenced by international style, so perhaps use lacquer as a finish on furniture, a design style developed from China. The period also admired enormously style icons of the era such as Eileen Gray.

4. The era was nicknamed the ‘Cocktail Age’ so for true Art Deco style track down walnut cocktail cabinets in a stepped shape, symbolic of the Aztec pyramids that were also hugely popular at the time.

5. Advances in technology moved towards a more ‘streamlined’ look. Every day objects such as radios became streamlined, swayed by

TOP TIPS: ART DECO



To see more visit: www.refreshglassroofs.com

Refresh your conservatory with a new glass roof

IS YOUR CONSERVATORY: ● Too cold in winter ● Too hot in summer● Difficult to clean ● Noisy when it rains ● Prone to leaks

I0YEARGUARANTEE

ASSEENON TV

Refresh is the country’s leading replacement glass roof specialist, the only long-term solution

to all your conservatory roof problems.OVER 700 ROOFS REPLACED NATIONWIDE

Here’s what our customers think:

“ First Classcompany, who wentjust that little bitfurther to obtainsatisfaction.”Mr & Mrs Petit, Worcester

“We are delightedwith our new roof. It is amazing how muchmore warmth and light we have in ourconservatory.”Mrs Marchant, Derbyshire

“ Its transformed our home. We can now sit and enjoy ourconservatory in comfortall year round.”Mr & Mrs Ross, Surrey

Before

After

Call us now on:0845 500 2211

For a free brochure and no obligation survey

the aerodynamic shapes cut from ocean liners and Zeppelins.

6. Choose fringed lighting and fitted furniture to incorporate an Art Deco look into your home without creating an overwhelming look. Try Tiger Moth Lighting for some wonderful fringed metal lamps and pendants.7. Search for cantilevered chairs made popular by Marcel Breuer and Miles van Der Rohhe, who made the most of technology advances fashioning original and modern styles from new materials. The Barcelona Chair is another popular design choice, still contemporary today and found in many modern homes and offices.

8. To truly emulate the ‘elite’ style you need to find the original pieces. The technology advances

HOME - INTERIORS

By Niki Schäfer, MD of Dwell-Being

Interior Designer, Speaker and Author of ‘Creating Space’

www.dwell-being.co.uk

spurred the creation of imitation products made from cheap materials, which led to the eventual end of the era.

9. Rugs were hugely popular throughout this period. Search for wild geometrical shapes in a spectrum of bold colours to liven up any room. Imitation zebra and other wild animal skins are widely available as fabrics nowadays, and if you’re feeling extra brave use some flocked wallpaper in the same design.

10. If you live and breathe for Art Deco inspired design then take a visit to La Maison de Verre in Paris, or slightly closer to home stay at The Park Lane Hotel and dine in Claridges.

222222

FOOD & DRINK - LOW FAT WINTER WARMERS

OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE STEWThe cider and bacon add a touch of sweetness and extra flavour to the chicken and veg, making this a lovely supper dish. Keep it low-fat by removing the skin from the chicken legs before cooking and using as little oil as possible for browning the meat and vegetables.

freezer bag. Strip the skin off the chicken legs and put them on a board. Break the joint of each leg by bending it in the opposite direction. You may hear a small crack. Cut each leg quarter in half with a sturdy knife to give 8 chicken portions. Using a good set of kitchen scissors, trim off any visible fat.

Put the chicken portions in the freezer bag, a few at a time, and shake well until they are evenly coated in the flour. Heat the oil in a large non-stick fying pan over a medium heat and fry the chicken, a few pieces at a time, until golden brown all over. As they are browned, transfer the chicken pieces to a large flameproof casserole dish. Preheat the oven to 1800C/Fan 1600C/Gas 4.

Put the bacon, onions and celery in the pan used for browning the chicken and fry for 4-5 minutes over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring often.

SERVES 4

3 tbsp plain flour2 tsp dried thyme4 chicken leg quarters2 tbsp sunflower oil4 rashers of rindless smoked back bacon, cut into 1cm-wide strips2 medium onions, chopped2 celery sticks, thinly sliced150g small chestnut mushrooms, wiped and sliced or quartered if large500ml bottle of dry cider300ml chicken stock, (made with 1 chicken stock cube)2 bay leaves400g Chantenay or other small fat carrots, trimmed and peeled2 slender leeks, trimmed and cut into 2cm slicesflaked sea saltfreshly ground black pepper.

METHOD

Mix the flour and thyme with a good pinch of salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper in a large strong

Add the mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes more, then tip everything into the casserole dish with the chicken pieces. Sprinkle in any flour remaining in the freezer bag and stir well.

Pour about half the cider into the frying pan and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon to lift any sediment from the bottom. Simmer for a few seconds, then pour into the casserole. Add the rest of the cider and the stock, then stir in the carrots and bay leaves and bring to a simmer on the hob.

Cover with a lid and cook in the centre of the over for 1 hour, then remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the leeks. Pop the dish back into the oven for a further 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickened. Serve with some green beans or spring onions.

435 Calories per portion.

Si King and Dave Myers are self-confessed food lovers. Food isn’t just fuel to them, it’s their life. But like many of us they’ve found that the weight has crept on over the years.

Si and Dave have come up with tasty recipes that are low in calories and big in flavour, and many we have featured in 50 Plus Magazine.

This is real food for real people, not skinny minnies. They are ideas for family meals.


2323

LAMB, SPINACH AND POTATO CURRYThis is a low-cal version of Dave’s favourite curry - saag gosht - becuase he couldn’t bear to it give it up. If you are running short of time, cut out the fresh garlic, ginger and chilli - the curry will still taste great. The recipe contains potatoes so there is no need to serve it with extra rice.

SERVES 6

600g lamb leg steaks(about 4 steaks)1 tbsp sunflower oil2 large onions, roughly chopped4 large garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped25g chunk of fresh root ginger, peeled and roughly chopped1 plump fresh chilli, (deseeded if you like)75g medium or mild curry paste (depending on your taste)400g can of chopped tomatoes350g potatoes, preferably MarisPipers, peeled and cut into 3cm chunks450ml water2 bay leaves1 tsp flaked sea salt, plus extra for seasoning the meat1 tsp caster sugar3 ripe medium tomatoes, quartered100g young spinach leavesfreshly ground black pepper

METHOD

Trim the lamb of any hard fat and cut the meat into rough chunks of about 3cm. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a teaspoon of the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and fry the lamb in 2 batches until lightly coloured on all sides. Transfer the lamb to a plate as soon as each batch is browned.

Heat the remaining oil in a large flameproof casserole dish and add the onions. Cook over a medium heat for

6-8 minutes until they’re softened and lightly browned, stirring regularly. Turn down the heat, add the garlic, ginger, chilli and curry paste and cook for 5 minutes more, stirring frequently.

Remove from the heat and blitz the onion mixture with a stick blender until blended to a purée. Or you can let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then blend it in a food processor before tipping it back into the casserole. Return the casserole to the hob over a medium heat. Preheat the oven to 1900C/Fan 1700C/Gas 5.

Add the browned lamb to the spiced onion purée in the dish and cook over a gentle heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring. Add the chopped tomatoes, potatoes, water, bay leaves, teaspoon of salt and sugar. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid and place the casserole in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened. Check after 1 hour and give the contents of the casserole dish a good stir.

Take the dish out of the oven and remove the lid. Stir in the quartered tomatoes and spinach leaves. Cover once more and return to the oven for a further 5 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and the spinach has wilted. Serve hot with some spoonfuls of fat-free yoghurt if you fancy.

293 calories per portion.

SCRAMBLED EGGS WITH SMOKED SALMON

SERVES 2

4 medium eggs1 tbsp freshly snipped chives, plus a few extra to garnish(optional)15g butter4 slices of smoked salmon (about 75g)1 English muffin, cut in halfflaked sea saltfreshly ground black pepper

METHOD

Beat the eggs with a pinch of flaked sea salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Use a metal whisk and make sure you beat the eggs really well. Stir in the chives if you’re using them.

Melt the butter in a medium non-stick saucepan over a low heat. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and cook very gently for 2 minutes, stirring slowly until the eggs are softly scrambled. Remove from the heat and stir for a few seconds more - the eggs will continue to cook for a while.

While the eggs are cooking, toast the muffin and put 1 half on each plate, cut side up. Spoon the scrambled eggs over the muffins, add the slices of smoked salmon and season with a little more black pepper. Garnish with extra chives if you wish. Serve immediately.

354 calories per portion

This is a treat - light but tasty and packed with protein. It takes next to no time to prepare and makes a really special weekend breakfast or brunch. Shows that you can breakfast like a king and still keep the calories under control.

OUT & ABOUT

www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk Box O�ce: 0121 704 6962 10.30am-4pm

This is not a full listing - see the website

Spring HighlightsJanuary18 Gordon Elvis - The Legend Lives On £14 (£10) 21 Malcolm Stent in the Afternoon In the Studio £1022 The ELO Experience new date added £1624 The Jive Aces entertaining Swing Jazz £1531 Lets Hang On Frankie Valli Show £21.50 (£20)February1 An Evening of Dirty Dancing fun �lm 16+ £182 The Jaguar Land Rover Band (2.30pm show) £7 (£5)6 An Evening of Golf with Peter Alliss £217 Bootleg Abba/Queen Alive Tribute £178 Roy Orbison & Friends with Barry Steele £1913 Richard Digance Comedy & folk music £1514 Jacqui Dankworth sublime jazz £1815 Knoxville Highway Country Music classics £1020 Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders £2022 The Twist - Great Songs Never Die 50s show £19March1 Talon Acoustic laid back classic songs £157 The Johnny Cash Roadshow tribute £198 Andrew Dee Clairvoyant show £15 (£13)19 A Black Country Night Out £2020 The Fortunes - Past & Present Tour £15

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

� ��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR 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.

Name: ......................................................................................Address: ....................................................................................................................................................................................Postcode: .................................................................................Title: 50 Plus Magazine in .........................................................................................................................................................Issue Numbers: .......................................................................Tel: ............................................................................................

Music and entertainment • Craft zone • Seminars & information • Financial tips & advice • Health checks • Gardening Q&A time Park & holidays homes • Keep fit sessions • Dance floor • Prize quiz • Fashion show • Cookery demonstrations • Holidays & travel

Have-a-go dancing and a wide range of exhibition stands!

Register online for free via www.50plusShow.com

The 50+ ShowMANCHESTER

CENTRALFri-Sat, 28-29 MAR 2014

9.30am to 4.30pm

A fantastic day out for everyone who loves lifeand wants to make the most of it!Meet a celebrity each day!

FREE ENTRY!

Not online? CALL the free ticket hotline on 01372 8409 63 or 68

PLUS Mystery guests

Good company, great atmosphere and delicious food are all ingredients for a wonderful meal out. But what about the food hygiene rating? Whatever your recipe for eating out is, make sure you choose one of the 90% of eateries in Solihull with a Food Hygiene Rating of 3 or more.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme rates food businesses on their hygiene standards, based on inspections carried out by the Solihull’s Food Safety Team. Businesses in the area are rated on a scale ranging from 0 which means ‘urgent improvement necessary’ to a top rating of 5 which is ‘very good’.

So, when planning on dining out, don’t only consider the menu – make sure you check the hygiene rating too!Look out for the green and black food hygiene rating stickers displayed on windows and doors to find out how businesses in the Solihull area are doing. If you can’t see a sticker, then ask staff or check online at www.food.gov.uk/ratings .

Diane Hurt, Food Safety Team Leader commented: “The majority of food businesses in the Solihull area are rated 3 or above. The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme makes it easier for everyone to choose to eat out in places where food hygiene is taken seriously. For our local eateries, a good rating will be good for business.”

The recipe for a great meal out in Solihull

Remember to make sure one of your ingredients for a great meal out is a good hygiene rating. Before you book check out the food hygiene rating of your favourite places to eat at www.food.gov.uk/ratings

Shipshape is the register of Solihull Home Improvement Professionals. It is operated by

Solihull Council Trading Standards. The aim of the register is to give consumers a list of traders they

can rely on. It also gives reliable and legitimate businesses the opportunity to show they are

committed to providing a goodservice to their customers.

So if you need a plumber, a roofer, a builderor an electrician give Solihull Council

Trading Standards a call and ask for the “Shipshape” list on:

Are you looking for a reliable

trader?

Don’t use rogue traders;use “Shipshape” from

Solihull TradingStandards.

08454 04 05 06

The Shipshape register now has over 100 members.

BIRMINGHAM ISSUE 29.indd 50 24/1/11 13:48:05


OUT & ABOUT

There are 2 types of taxis operating within Solihull, Private Hire vehicles, also known as minicabs, and Hackney Carriage vehicles, also known as black cabs.

The main differences between the two are that a Private Hire vehicle can be a saloon car, people carrier or minibus and a Hackney Carriage is a London style cab or purpose built vehicle. Only a Hackney Carriage can wait in a rank, ply for trade and legally stop when hailed in the street whereas a Private Hire vehicle must be pre-booked through a licensed operator. Hackney Carriages can also be pre-booked through an operator.

Private Hire vehicles display 2 yellow identification plates, 1 small one on the inside of the windscreen and 1 larger plate on the exterior rear of the vehicle. Hackney Carriages display 2 white identification plates, 1 small one on the inside of the vehicle and 1 larger plate on the exterior rear of the vehicle.

Getting a safe taxi in Solihull








trader?



08454 04 05 06



Keep safe by:• Never getting into an unmarked

car. If this happens there is often no way of tracing the offender as they are not registered taxi drivers and if you were to be involved in an accident you will not be insured. An unlicensed taxi is operating illegally and has not gone through the checks on drivers and vehicles that a licensing authority enforces.

• When the taxi arrives, before you get into it make sure you ask the driver the name of the customer he/she is there to pick. Many operators will send you a text when your taxi is due to arrive with the vehicle details or they will ring you to say they have arrived at the pick up address.

• If you don’t feel comfortable with the taxi that arrives for you or stops for you then trust your instincts and take another one.

• Reporting any problems to the police or licensing authority as you may help protect future passengers. If you are going to report a problem try to remember as much detail as possible about the vehicle, driver and where and when you were travelling.

Be safe: Only use licensed hackney carriages and licensed private hire vehicles.

Private hire vehicles can look like this

Hackney Carriage vehicles canlook like this

The Caravan & Camping Show18-23 February | Birmingham NEC

Now over 70,000m2 (the equivalent of 1,750 average size campsite pitches) the show is the UK’s biggest start of season showcase, of caravans, motorhomes, tents and holiday homes all under one roof, last year attracting over 83,000 visitors.

All the major UK manufacturers will be showcasing their latest models plus ‘Special Edition’ models from major dealers. With over 300 exhibitors you’ll find 1000’s of accessories, holiday inspiration and much more!

You can try a free towing experience or motorhome manoeuvring lesson to help get you started. There’s so much to enjoy with free activities, celebrity appearances and much more as part of a great day out!

BOOK TICKETS NOW to save money & avoid the queues! Plus receive FREE car parking and an official show guide. Kids aged 15 years and under go FREE too!

To book tickets and for more information, please visit www.thecaravanandcampingshow.co.uk

Coventry Walkathon 201411th May

The Walkathon has raised £195,224 for 270 local charities and worthwhile causes. You can nominate your own charity to support. All the money you raise goes to your charity or good causes. The event is organised and run by volunteers from Coventry Leofric Lions.

The walk is a 1.75 mile lap around the Memorial Park and you can walk as many laps as you wish up until 3:15 pm. The walk is wheelchair and pushchair friendly

Every walker can enter the Fancy Dress competition and win prizes!

For more information, please visit www.leofriclions.org.uk

miss having them around?skype the grandkids

question about your savings? talk to the ombudsman (or fi nd us online)

0300 123 9 123fi nancial-ombudsman.org.ukhonest answers – to help you move on

BITE - The Cotswolds Food Festival1st - 9th February

BITE is back. Join them for breakfasts, brunches, lunches, teas & dinners; pop-up restaurants; cocktails & fine wines; masterclasses, talks & tastings; meet the chef & book signings; food fairs & farmers markets.

They’ve spread their wings with events throughout The Cotswolds and beyond in the first week of February 2014.

BITE is unmissable for all food lovers - to register for the newsletter and for further booking details visit the website www.thebite.co

The Bupa Great Birmingham Run 19th October 2014

The Bupa Great Birmingham Run is the biggest half marathon in the Midlands.

Formerly known as the Birmingham Half Marathon the event was first staged in staged in 2008, and in 2009 also incorporated the World Half Marathon Championships.

England’s second city is the perfect stage for the event which attracts competitors from across the UK and around the world.

In 2012 Kenyan Micah Kogo won a thrilling sprint for the line ahead of Abera Kuma to set a new course record. Kogo, who dominated the race almost from the start, breasted the tape in a time of one hour and 17 seconds to deny his Ethiopian rival victory by two seconds with World record holder and pre-race favourite Zersenay Tadese third in 1:01:06.

On a very misty morning, Kogo - after losing the previous month’s Bupa Great North Run by a second - made amends by smashing the course record of 1:01:29 set a year ago by the legendary Ethiopian, Haile Gebrselassie.

For more information please visit www.greatrun.org/Events

LV= 50 Plus planLife cover that pays out

after just one year

Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms) Male Female

First Name(s)

Surname

Address

Postcode

Email

By giving you an e-mail address above I agree to you contacting me by email with information about other products and services.

Tel No.

Date of Birth YZ

GH

For more information call our UK based call centre free today on

0800 756 8000quoting ref YZGH

LV.com/50plus For textphone, dial 18001 � rst. Lines are open between 8am-8pm Mon to Fri and 8am-4pm on Sat. We may record and/or monitor your call for training and audit purposes.

As seen

on TV!

Exclusively for UK residents aged 50 to 80

Information sourced directly from product providers Policy Summaries and websites on 01/08/2013.

From £5 a monthThe 50 Plus plan from LV= can provide a guaranteed cash lump sum to help towards things like funeral expenses and unpaid bills when you’re no longer around. It costs from £5 a month – that’s less than 17p a day! Your cover is � xed and doesn’t change so it will buy less in the future.

Guaranteed acceptanceThere are no medical or health questions when you apply and as long as you’re aged 50 to 80 and a UK resident you are guaranteed to be accepted.

Full pay out after 1 yearAs the table below shows, unlike other companies, LV= will pay out the full death bene� t after just one year. If you pass away within the � rst 12 months, you may only get back the premiums you’ve paid.

Cover for lifeHopefully you’ll live a long and healthy life and, if you do, in total you could end up paying more than the sum paid out on your death. If you choose to stop paying your premiums, you won’t get any money back and your cover will stop.

Julie Walters

Guaranteed acceptance

Guaranteed full payout after

LV= ✔ 1 year

Legal & General ✔ 2 years

Sun Life Direct ✔ 2 years

How the 50 Plus plan compares

“In life there are no retakes

or rehearsals. We have just

the one chance to do the best

we can for the people we love“

Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society Limited: County Gates, Bournemouth BH1 2NF.LV= and Liverpool Victoria are registered trade marks of Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society Limited (LVFS) and LV= and LV= Liverpool Victoria are trading styles of the Liverpool Victoria group of companies. Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society Limited (LVFS) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, register number 110035. Registered address: County Gates, Bournemouth, BH1 2NF. Tel: 01202 292333. 21336073 08/13

Choose your FREE gift To say thank you for choosing LV=, we’ll send you a fantastic free gift after your plan starts. You can choose either:

£30 worth of M&S vouchers

Digital photo frame

DAB radio

Gifts are subject to availability. Please note that you should receive your gift within 28 days of us receiving your third monthly premium. Limited to one gift per person. Please see information pack for full terms and conditions.

To receive an information pack and your free Parker pen, send this completed coupon freepost to:

LV=, FREEPOST RRLG-HKJL-ASHY, Member Care Team (50 Plus plan), County Gates, Bournemouth, BH1 2NF.

We’ll keep your information and add it to our marketing databases even if you don’t take out a plan with us. We may use it to keep your records up to date, for business analysis and market research. We may also use it to let you know by post, phone, email and electronic methods about products and services we think may interest you. We may pass your details to other carefully selected organisations, but only for these purposes.If you don’t want to receive marketing information, please tick this box

Subject to payment of a fee, if you’d like us to send you a copy of the personal information we hold about you, please write to: CCA Department, LV=, County Gates, Bournemouth, BH1 2NF. For more information about the LV= group of companies, go to www.LV.com

21336073_LV_50 Plus Advert_210x297mm_YZGH.indd 1 15/08/2013 16:55


LV= 50 Plus planLife cover that pays out

after just one year

Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms) Male Female

First Name(s)

Surname

Address

Postcode

Email

By giving you an e-mail address above I agree to you contacting me by email with information about other products and services.

Tel No.

Date of Birth YZ

GH

For more information call our UK based call centre free today on

0800 756 8000quoting ref YZGH

LV.com/50plus For textphone, dial 18001 � rst. Lines are open between 8am-8pm Mon to Fri and 8am-4pm on Sat. We may record and/or monitor your call for training and audit purposes.

As seen

on TV!

Exclusively for UK residents aged 50 to 80

Information sourced directly from product providers Policy Summaries and websites on 01/08/2013.

From £5 a monthThe 50 Plus plan from LV= can provide a guaranteed cash lump sum to help towards things like funeral expenses and unpaid bills when you’re no longer around. It costs from £5 a month – that’s less than 17p a day! Your cover is � xed and doesn’t change so it will buy less in the future.

Guaranteed acceptanceThere are no medical or health questions when you apply and as long as you’re aged 50 to 80 and a UK resident you are guaranteed to be accepted.

Full pay out after 1 yearAs the table below shows, unlike other companies, LV= will pay out the full death bene� t after just one year. If you pass away within the � rst 12 months, you may only get back the premiums you’ve paid.

Cover for lifeHopefully you’ll live a long and healthy life and, if you do, in total you could end up paying more than the sum paid out on your death. If you choose to stop paying your premiums, you won’t get any money back and your cover will stop.

Julie Walters

Guaranteed acceptance

Guaranteed full payout after

LV= ✔ 1 year

Legal & General ✔ 2 years

Sun Life Direct ✔ 2 years

How the 50 Plus plan compares

“In life there are no retakes

or rehearsals. We have just

the one chance to do the best

we can for the people we love“

Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society Limited: County Gates, Bournemouth BH1 2NF.LV= and Liverpool Victoria are registered trade marks of Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society Limited (LVFS) and LV= and LV= Liverpool Victoria are trading styles of the Liverpool Victoria group of companies. Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society Limited (LVFS) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, register number 110035. Registered address: County Gates, Bournemouth, BH1 2NF. Tel: 01202 292333. 21336073 08/13

Choose your FREE gift To say thank you for choosing LV=, we’ll send you a fantastic free gift after your plan starts. You can choose either:

£30 worth of M&S vouchers

Digital photo frame

DAB radio

Gifts are subject to availability. Please note that you should receive your gift within 28 days of us receiving your third monthly premium. Limited to one gift per person. Please see information pack for full terms and conditions.

To receive an information pack and your free Parker pen, send this completed coupon freepost to:

LV=, FREEPOST RRLG-HKJL-ASHY, Member Care Team (50 Plus plan), County Gates, Bournemouth, BH1 2NF.

We’ll keep your information and add it to our marketing databases even if you don’t take out a plan with us. We may use it to keep your records up to date, for business analysis and market research. We may also use it to let you know by post, phone, email and electronic methods about products and services we think may interest you. We may pass your details to other carefully selected organisations, but only for these purposes.If you don’t want to receive marketing information, please tick this box

Subject to payment of a fee, if you’d like us to send you a copy of the personal information we hold about you, please write to: CCA Department, LV=, County Gates, Bournemouth, BH1 2NF. For more information about the LV= group of companies, go to www.LV.com

21336073_LV_50 Plus Advert_210x297mm_YZGH.indd 1 15/08/2013 16:55

It is unfortunate that there are traders around who will knock at your door offering a range of home and garden maintenance services such as drive re-surfacing, roof repairs, or tree ‘surgery’ but their offers are not what they seem.

These people appear legitimate and genuine with sign written vehicles and embroidered t-shirts but all too often their work, if carried out at all, is unnecessary and of poor quality. Frequently the price quoted at the start is very attractive but bears no resemblance to that charged at the end of a job. The vastly increased price is put down to, “We found some more work while we were up there”, “The quote didn’t include VAT” or simply “You didn’t hear me properly.”

Sometimes people are frightened into having the work done with suggestions that the chimney may fall down or the tree roots will damage the drains; other times the work does need doing but the quote is too good an offer to miss.

Remember if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.Getting traders who operate in this way to come back and complete jobs or correct defective work is often difficult or impossible as, if they leave receipts, leaflets or quotes, the information it contains is false, with addresses which don’t exist, telephone numbers which are not connected, or fake business names.

So what can you do?The simplest answer is just say “No”: do not agree to have work done by a stranger who turns up at your door. Only use traders who you know or have been recommended to you. If it is a significant job, get quotes from three different traders and pick the quote which suits you, but be prepared this may not necessarily be the cheapest.

It is easy to think that it is only the elderly who fall for these types of scams, and research suggests the most common victim is a woman who is over 80, however due to illness or family circumstances we can all be vulnerable or distracted and therefore can not be complacent.








trader?



08454 04 05 06



For further information telephone 08454 04 05 06or write to Trading Standards, Solihull Council, Public Protection, Council House, Manor Square, Solihull B91 3QB

Any Doubt? Keep them out!How to Beat the Rogue Doorstep Callers

• Keep front and back doors locked• Use a door viewer or window to see

who your caller is• Put your chain or bar on before you

open the door• Never agree to have work done by

a stranger who turns up on your doorstep

• Don’t trust ID offered by the caller, it can easily be faked.

• Never let uninvited callers into your home

• Never agree to be taken to the bank to withdraw cash

Rogue doorstep callers appear trustworthy and genuine; if you let them in they’ll expect a sale and won’t give up easily.

If you require any further information or advice about doorstep callers contact trading standards.

Rogue Doorstep Callers

“We’re with the Council and we’ve got a bit of tarmac left over….”

“I was working on a roof over there and I saw that there is a dip in your ridge tiles.…”

“I was driving down your street and noticed that the tree in your garden is dying….”

Distraction BurglaryAnother scam to watch out for is distraction burglary. This is when you get a knock at the door and a complete stranger distracts you, while an accomplice gets into your house to look for money or valuables. One favoured method of causing a distraction is to claim to be from the water board but remember there is no ‘water board’ and there has not been for some years!

Use the chain on your front door, don’t deal with strangers, don’t let them into your home and remember, it’s okay to say “no”.

JOIN COSTCOTODAY!

122_MagAd_v2_DPS_Jun13_A4.indd 1 26/06/2013 10:19

Costco is a membership warehouse club that sells a wide selection of top quality brand name merchandise at low warehouse prices.

Speciality departments include Fresh Deli and Produce, In-House Bakery and Butchery, Service Deli, Cafe, Tyre Centre, Opticians, Fine Wines, Beers and Spirits, Electrical Appliances and much much more!

Trade Membership*

You qualify for Trade Membership if you are a bona fide business owner or manager, or are self employed. To join Costco and start saving please provide evidence of trading in the form of either a VAT Registration Certificate or two other pieces of business stationery (cheque, letterhead, invoice), PLUS a current business utility bill (electricity, gas, telephone, water). The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

Individual Membership*

You qualify for Individual Membership if you belong to specific employment groups – please call for details of qualifying categories. To join Costco and start saving please provide your employee ID card or current pay slip to prove your employment, PLUS a current utility bill (electricity, gas, telephone, water) or a bank statement addressed to your home. The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

*Membership Criteria applies. Accepted methods of payment: cash, debit card, cheque or American Express. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made.

Join in the warehouse or online:

www.costco.co.uk

Costco Coventry51 Torrington AvenueCoventryCV4 9AQ

T: 02476 854 660E: [email protected]

Central Membership: 01923 830 477www.costco.co.uk

Costco Birmingham100 Watson RoadNechellsBirminghamB7 5SA

T: 0121 326 3500E: [email protected]

You may be eligible for Costco Membership...

Use this PREVIEW PASS to view your nearest Costco Warehouse

COSTCO USE ONLYAuthorised by: Date :

Identification for eligibility required. Purchases may only be made once full membership is obtained.

Name :Address :

Postcode : Tel :email :

Sign up for Membership

with this advert and receive a

FREE gift!Costco Birmingham and Coventry

only. Valid until 31/12/13

122_MagAd_v2_DPS_Jun13_A4.indd 2 26/06/2013 10:19

Sign up forMembership

with this advertand receive a

FREE gift!Costco Birmingham and Coventry only.

Valid until 31/03/14

There are many options to do this and many people are turning to cosmetic dentistry treatments to improve their teeth and feel great.

The list of procedures is like a gold mine waiting to be explored. From implants to veneers, crowns to teeth whitening and straightening, it’s sometimes impossible to know where to start.

All Saints Dental Clinic in Kings Heath, Birmingham has a dedicated team of dental practitioners and nurses who are committed to providing high quality, affordable dental health care to their customers.

Dr Sally Morgan, who has 20 years of experience and works at the clinic, said: “We provide holistic dental care to the ageing population which is of high quality and competitively priced for our customers. We aim to be the best type of dental clinic who look after our customers in any way we can.”

“We offer a wide range of different treatment options including implants, dentures, veneers, crowns, white fillings as well as our complete smile make over.”

Currently, they are also offering a special promotion, providing consultations for only £20 and also taking on Denplan patients.

When we reach our 50s and 60s, the day to day wear and tear, diet of too many sweet treats, injuries and illness, can mean that we may lose a tooth or need work done to help fix our smiles. The numbers seeking advice on cosmetic dentistry has increased massively in recent years.

Dr Morgan says that this is because people are living longer and they want to have better smiles for the foreseeable future, and more choices are now available.

“By having cosmetic dental treatment, they will look more youthful and have more self confidence.” She said.

The decision to undertake dental work can be a big one, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. All Saints advises all customers to always seek a consultation with a trustworthy dentist before agreeing to a procedure.

As we get older, many of us will seek ways in which to keep our smiles looking good and feeling healthy.


• Tooth Whitening• Smile Makeover• Walk-in Hygiene Clinic• Cosmetic Changes• Dental Implants• Crowns, Bridges & Veneers• Dentures (Ken Beard)• Denture Repairs• Screening for Oral Cancer

Smile Reviver ™

Radiance and Brightening Makeover ™

Smoker’s Lift ™

At All Saints Dental Clinic we believe that our patients’ comfort and well-being comes first. Our philosophy is that all our patients receive a five star service every time, making the visit to the dentist a pleasurable and stress-free experience.

We offer a comprehensive range of high quality treatment in a friendly, relaxed, environment. We are proud to be a disability-friendly clinic, providing access for wheelchair users. We are committed to continuing dental education and keeping abreast of the changes in modern dentistry.

Our aim is to encourage preventative techniques by helping you to understand how to maintain the health of your mouth and keep it free from tooth decay and gum disease. We hope to transform your lives through simple changes instilling confidence and well-being.

The All Saints Centre, 2d Vicarage Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7RA.

e: [email protected]

www.allsaintsdentalclinic.co.uk

Call us on 0121 444 0496

All Saints Dental Clinic

However, whether it’s implants, tooth whitening, or just a basic check up, having any sort of medical procedure done can be a daunting one, and many people may feel nervous or scared beforehand.

Dr Morgan has many successful, tried and tested techniques for keeping patients calm and relaxed.

She said: “We have therapeutic music for patients to listen to during the procedure, as well as stress balls which they can hold and squeeze.

Oil burners are located throughout to keep a calming environment. We also make sure that our clinic does not smell or look like a surgery as we’re aware this can put patients off.”

There is no denying that after your treatment, you will be feeling on top of the world. Nothing can beat the feeling of confidence and self esteem when looking at your new, perfect, bright smile.

All Saints say there is nothing better than seeing how happy and pleased each customer is at the end of their appointment, and they are passionate about helping people and improving their lives.

Their motto is: Passionate about dentistry, restoring inner confidence, and they are a dentist you know you can trust.

Keeping you Smilingfor all Occasions


Fortunately, there are plenty of things we can do to help ourselves, whether or not we want to resort to cosmetic surgery. In fairness, the cosmetic surgery industry in this country is generally of a very high standard. But, as in anything where you are dealing with your health and investing large amounts of money, it’s worth checking out your private clinic or hospital of choice and comparing both costs and reputations with others.

Eyebag removal, facelifts, cheek and chin implants, tummy tucks, arm lifts and thigh lifts are now all relatively common procedures – although they are all still surgery and require proper consideration and investigation beforehand.

However, there are less drastic options we can undergo that don’t involve the scalpel but can still improve our appearance. First, though, it’s worth ensuring that you’ve explored all that Mother Nature has to offer - along with your active co-operation.

A healthy diet is vital for glowing skin and hair, and it’s important to keep your weight within a reasonable level, too. If you’re not sure whether you’re

overweight or underweight, ask your doctor and take his or her advice.

Plenty of fruit and vegetables, in particular, are good for health along with a certain amount of protein in meat, fish or pulses. If you’re on a specific diet – for health or other reasons – you may need a vitamin supplement to ensure you keep well and look and feel good. Consulting a nutritionist or asking your GP’s advice are good starting points here.

Exercise can also ensure our joints and muscles stay supple, which is a great aid to youthful vitality as well as improving the shape we’re in. Regular walking in the fresh air can give an outdoorsy look that’s attractive at any age, and the enjoyment of an activity that allows us to relax our faces and bodies can also hold back the years.

Having an attractive smile is surprisingly ante-ageing. In fact, your smile is very important in this ageing battle as an unattractive smile can positively age you far more than skin can in most cases.

Missing teeth, very crooked teeth, poor gum health or very discoloured teeth or fillings will obviously not add up to

a pleasant smile. Paradoxically, crowns and dentures with teeth that are too white, too straight and too uniform can also make a person look older than their years.

The key is for a natural smile of healthy-looking teeth and gums that enhances and suits your face. Clever dentists can carefully add well-matched filling material to the tips of worn lower teeth these days. And it’s also easier now to get rid of a denture with fixed teeth or by fixing or stabilising a denture with implants – all of which can be a massive boost to confidence.

If you’re looking for beauty procedures with natural-looking results, try these ideas:

Anti-wrinkle injections – These involve injecting botulinum toxin type A (the most famous brand being Botox) into facial muscles. This can actually prevent muscle action so effectively reduce frown-lines, furrowing of the forehead and wrinkles around the eyes. When this is carried out well by skilled practitioners, it not only means less wrinkles but a less tired, more relaxed look – like you’ve just been on a lovely holiday!

Dermal fillers – A major problem as we get older is the loss of volume, indeed loss of fat, in the face. Fillers are designed to be used in the face to plump up targeted areas and lines such as the naso-labial folds and the marionette lines around the nose and mouth. They are also great for correcting the turned-down mouth that can sometimes come with age. Temporary fillers are also an effective and popular way of filling folds and lines, and for defining and augmenting lips.

If injections are complete anathema to you, think about the many treatments that the beauty industry can now offer. Facial treatments generally, though, tend to work best on a well-cared for skin so it’s important to keep skin well hydrated inside and out.

Keeping to well-known beauty product names may well help here as you may know better what your skin reaction will be. One typically famous brand offered in some salons is Guinot, and one of their most popular treatments comes from the Hydradermie range.

The Hydradermie deep cleansing facial is, apparently, much beloved by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Coleen Rooney. This involves deep-

Keeping Ageing at Bay

BEAUTY

WE long ago seem to have decided against growing old gracefully and opted to do whatever we can to keep ageing at bay.


cleansing the skin, and it also stimulates cellular renewal. The benefits are particularly felt by those with dry skin, and it also reduces the sebum level in oily skin.

The Hydradermie Lift is a machine-based facial using cutting-edge technology to treat both the skin and the facial muscles for an immediate “lifting” effect. Designed for skin that shows signs of loss of elasticity, it targets areas where fine lines are most evident – around the eyes, mouth and nose and across the forehead. It also “lifts” and firms the cheeks, jawline and neck.

Liftosome Facial – This facial treatment has been specially developed to treat the problems associated with mature skin including lack of skin tone and loss of radiance. With age or fatigue, we notice a slackening and loss of firmness of the skin, especially in the cheeks, chin and neck. This is largely caused by the deterioration of the elastic fibres of the dermis. The skin loses density and becomes dehydrated, resulting in dryness, wrinkling and slackening.

The treatment consists of three phases: the vitamin-enriched serum, the thermal treatment mask and the firming massage. The facial finishes with the application of moisturisers to the face, neck and eye area.

The great thing about all facial treatments for many of us, of course, is that it’s such an enjoyable and luxurious process that we automatically come away feeling much more relaxed – and thus also much younger looking!

TOP TIPS FOR STAYING YOUNG FOR LONGER

1. Avoid and reduce stress as much as possible. Stress is one of the most common causes of premature ageing, so take time to relax and have a little humour in your life.

2. Spend as much time with your family and friends. An increase in social connections can help improve the quality of life and can influence life extension.

3. Oxygen is vital for keeping your body healthy. Make sure you get plenty of fresh air and ensure you have plenty of plants around you at home and at work.

4. Whilst keeping active can help fight the loss of stamina, muscle strength, balance and bone density associated with ageing. Exercising your mind is equally important to exercising your body. A healthy and active mind will help you feel younger. Try learning something new to keep your brain stimulated.

5. Having the right amount of sleep is essential to staying young. Taking a short nap can make a huge difference to thinking clearly and feeling happy, but make sure it’s just after lunch so that night sleeping is not disrupted.

6. Keep the brain active by doing something new every day – clean your teeth with the other hand or take a new route to work

7. Laughter releases endorphins thus relieving pain, reduces stress hormones and boosts the immunity system. So put on those comedy DVDs and laugh a lot!

8. The facial feedback hypothesis suggests that facial expressions influence our emotions. So smile and feel better. It’s the greatest facelift in the world!

9. Stand tall. Good posture can make us look 10 years younger and much more confidant.

10. A suntan makes us look healthy and vibrant, but in the long run it’s terribly ageing. A little colour with the protection of sunscreen is the answer.

Access – Top ten tips for 2014As the New Year gets underway you might be turning your thoughts to making resolutions. Whether you’re giving something up or making a few lifestyle changes, New Year is the time to get into goods habits with your money matters too.

To help keep you motivated, the Financial Ombudsman Service gives us their top tips for 2014:

Set a spending budget: If you’re taking up an activity or joining a new class it will inevitably cost you some money. Set yourself a weekly or monthly budget and stick to it to make sure you’re not overstretching yourself. If you need equipment – like swimming gear – look online for discount vouchers as it could save you a fortune.

Set a savings budget: If you’re giving up a bad habit why not use the spare funds to boost your savings. Small changes like quitting smoking or ditching that weekly takeaway could add over £1,000 a year to your savings pot. Shop around for the best savings plan or ISA to store your new found funds in but don’t be drawn in by high introductory interest rates – you may find you lose out if the rate decreases after a few months.

Clear out the clutter: Taking stock of your accounts can make managing your money much easier. Ask your bank for a list of your existing direct debits and standing orders. If you’re paying for things you don’t recognise or use, consider cancelling them – but tell the business involved first. Having separate savings and spending accounts can be helpful if you’re trying to avoid the temptation of dipping into your rainy day funds.

Out with the old: You wouldn’t pay more than is necessary for an item in a shop so why do we pay more than we need for our insurance? A lot of policies will automatically renew after 12 months – but they may not always offer you the best price. Taking the time to shop around for the best deals before you decide whether or not to renew can save you a fortune in the long-run.

Pursue an interest: Interest rates on credit cards can change, so it’s worth reviewing your current rate – you might find that there is a better offer available. These can range from short-term zero interest deals to fixed interest rates for the life of the balance. Compare offers on accounts and you might find a better rate for your savings.

Face your fears: If you think that you’re going to go overdrawn, have an insurance claim or are struggling to meet your repayments talk to your bank or insurer as soon as possible. Burying your head in the sand can only make things worse. Tell them about the situation – they might be able to help you sort things out.

If you’ve made a complaint and are still unhappy, the ombudsman service might be able to help on www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk or find us on twitter @financialombuds.

35


Why choose Dentures from a Clinical Dental Technician?The Importance of DenturesThe eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality.

Natural teeth grow in proportion and in harmony with your facial features and your dentures should be made accordingly.

Your teeth, or your dentures, have many important functions: to support your facial muscles, to help formulate your speech, and most importantly to chew your food and start the digestive process.

It is very important to chew food properly, as poorly chewed food will take longer to digest, especially for the elderly who could risk problems in the digestive system.

What is a Clinical Dental Technician?A Clinical Dental Technician or CDT is a registered Dental Care Professional who is trained and qualified to offer a range of Denture Services – services that were previously only available through your Dentist.

What qualifies a CDT to work on my Dentures?With many years experience working as Dental Technicians, CDTs have the advanced technical and clinical skills needed to carefully design and hand-craft every denture to the individual requirements of the patient.

Every Clinical Dental Technician has following credentials:

l Graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons l Holds a Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology l Is registered with the General Dental Council as a Dental Technician and CDT l Has appropriate insurance to work with patients

Never seek Denture advice or treatment from someone who is not trained or qualified to practice as a Clinical Dental Technician or Dentist in the UK.

Complete DenturesIf you are experiencing the total loss of all your natural teeth, a Clinical Dental Technician can help you.

As well as taking its toll on daily activities like eating, talking and even laughing, total tooth loss can impact heavily on self-esteem and quality of life. A CDT will create and fit the

Complete Denture that replaces your missing teeth and adjacent tissue in your lower and upper jaws.

A CDT can help you find the Complete Dentures that will:

l Help you to form sounds and bring new clarity to your speech l Feel more secure about eating the food you want l Countering sagging facial muscles and sunken features that can make you appear older (especially around your mouth, lips and cheeks)

Choice of DenturesThere are four main quality standards in denture materials.

The denture base (gum coloured on which the denture teeth sit).

• Standard Quality• High Impact Acrylics (much stronger)• Injection Pressure Formed (Premium Denture Base)• Flexible (Partial Dentures)• Metal Denture

The Denture Teeth

• 2 Layer Acrylic (economy)• 3 Layer Acrylic (harder wearing)• 4 Layer Reinforced (hard wearing, natural look)• N.F.C. (Nano filled composite) premium teeth.

Of course, the materials alone will not make a good denture. In the hands of a skillful and experienced Clinical Dental Technician the best results are achieved.

Partial DenturesIf one or several of your teeth are lost or missing, a CDT can help you restore your smile with a Partial Denture. By replacing your individual missing teeth, Partial Dentures can give you back the look and function of a full set of healthy, natural teeth.

As well as replacing any missing teeth, Partial Dentures also look after the future health of your mouth by preventing your remaining teeth from rotating, tilting and moving into positions that prove unsightly and awkward for eating and talking.

Depending upon your individual needs and preferences, your CDT may recommend Chrome Cobalt dentures.

Following your initial consultation, a Clinical Dental Technician will assess your mouth and develop a personal treatment plan. Working with a Dentist, they will identify any possible problems. In this way, your Denture will be designed correctly and for the long-term, and ensure that you receive the highest standards of care and the right treatment for you and your teeth.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Difficulties in Constructing a Good Set of DenturesConstructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is one of the most difficult tasks in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.

In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement.

If you would like your new dentures to replicate all the favourable aspects of your existing Dentures, then a Clinical Dental Technician can help you. From copying exact tooth position and shape, to improving the way they fit with your mouth and gums – your Copy Dentures will be just like the Dentures you have now, only better.

Dentures Need Regular Servicing

Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour.

Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to constant bone resorbtion dentures will become loose sooner or later.

Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage. Have them re-lined as soon as possible to get a good fit. It only takes a day or two.

Have your dentures inspected by a Clinical Dental Technician at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary.

Should I have a spare set ofDentures made?Yes, it is very important to have a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage.

1. When they become loose.2. When teeth or denture base discolours.3. When tooth surfaces become flat.4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures).5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth.6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores.7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.

Your Dentures need Attention

For further information about our denture services please contact us, we are happy to help...

We provide our patients with dentures that are individually hand crafted by us to look like real teeth NOT false teeth.

We conduct an initial free denture consultation

to ensure you receive the individual care and

attention you need. Calvin Tudor Dip CDT RCS

(Eng) is a Clinical Dental Technician with over

20 years of practical experience in the fields of

denture design, construction and provision.

� New Natural Looking Dentures� Swiss Dentures� Denture Implants� Denture Repairs while you wait� Free Denture Consultation� Home Visits� Free Parking

Contact Calvin Tudor at The Denture Studio, 96 Spon End, Coventry CV1 3HFTel: 02476 033 044 | www.thedenturestudio.co.uk

In 1957, Harold McMillan told the British public ‘we’d never had it so good’ and it was true we were enjoying better health and prosperity. Inevitably, this led to longer life spans, and the phenomena of the sandwich generation.

At the beginning of the 20th century, around 6% of people in their sixties still had one parent living. Today the figure is around 50%. At the same time, in 2000, 52% of young adults were living with their parents, and this figure is still rising. This has led to a situation where couples coming up to retirement are caring for ageing parents, while still supporting their adult children. This is the sandwich generation, worrying about financing their own retirement, their parents and their children. While many 80 year olds are still hale and hearty, there are many who need constant care and attention, resulting in huge stress levels for those responsible for them. If you’re one of these, it’s time to take stock and explore all avenues which could help.

PLAN AHEADDifficult as it may be, you need to discuss issues with your parents. Discuss their assets, check with them where they want to live, and who should make legal and medical decisions if they are no longer capable of handling their affairs.

It may be that care in the home is the preferred option, and this is where you need to spend time making sure that all available help from your local council is fully explored, and a correct assessment of necessary care is arrived at.

Check out the Care Quality Commission. This is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. It registers care services that meet standards and make constant inspections to check that these standards are kept and take action if standards fall.

Direct Payments are a Government initiative designed to give people the freedom to purchase their own care and support, so since 2002 all Social Services departments offer the option of a Direct Payment to people who receive a social care and support service.

Following an assessment by their local Social Services the person receiving the direct payments can use the money for different types of services.

Choosing the RIGHT CARE

These include:

• Personal care and support

• Day care (including domestic help)

• ‘Mixed’ packages of support

• Short-term residential care

• Items of equipment

Direct Payments can also be used for employing a ‘personal assistant’ or arranging care from a private agency. Your local Social Services team will be able to advise you further. There are many benefits to Direct Payments – they allow a greater level of flexibility and freedom for the person who needs the care and support. By employing a care and support worker directly, there is greater choice as to whom the person has looking after them; what times they come and what tasks they perform.

People who are eligible to receive a Direct Payment, instead of their ‘usual’ support include:

• Older People who need social care services

• People with physical disability who are over 16

• People with a learning disability who are over 16

• Carers over 16

• Disabled Parents would receive payments for the needs of their children (non educational)

Steve Tarpey , Managing Director of Bluebird care (Solihull), advises that, in choosing a Home care company, you should ask them what training they provide for their staff. A good care company will have a planned programme of professional training, such as Dementia, as well as the basic statutory induction training.

38

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

Our staffOur staff are caring, trained to give medication andpolice checked.

All staff are dementia trained

What we offerWe offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits. In fact everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home.

AlternativeBluebird Care offers a realistic cost effective alternative to residential care. With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around, Bluebird Care ‘just happens’

Contact usVisit us online atwww.bluebirdcare.co.uk Call our professional team on 0121 711 7435

Bluebird Care (Solihull) PMJ House, Highlands Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 4ND

Call our professional team on 0121 711 7435

All staff are dementia trained

How to best support those suffering with Dementia and their families

1. When dealing with Dementia, it’s often easy to focus on the illness and lose sight of the individual. Whenever you see the person with Dementia treat them with respect and dignity to help them feel confident and valued, however advanced their Dementia may be.

2. Equally, it is important to communicate in a clear and reassuring way to help the Dementia sufferer feel at ease. Even if the person doesn’t understand what you’re saying they may pick up on non-verbal communication, so ensure your tone is warm and that your body language is open and friendly to avoid unintentionally coming across as stressed or irritated.

3. Let the sufferer and their family know you are there for them by making sure you stay in touch. Arrange regular meet-ups or just pop round for a cup of tea and a chat – even a quick text or phone call to let the family know you’re thinking of them can make a huge difference.

4. Find out as much as you can about Dementia and how it is affecting the particular person involved. That way when you talk to family and friends about it, you are in the best position to be understanding and offer the right kind of support.

5. Be a good listener – those supporting the person suffering with Dementia often need someone to talk through things with, so ask thoughtful questions and listen carefully, and give them time to explore their feelings freely without judgment.

6. Offer to help out with little things. Families living with Dementia will undeniably feel the stresses of everyday life to an even greater extent and have less time, so give practical support by helping with their weekly shop, or offering to do the school run.

7. Organise a treat or outing to include the person with Dementia. Think of an appropriate activity for everyone to do together, such as a walk in the park or a trip to the seaside, and give everybody a fun day out.

8. Offer practical tips for how to make life easier for the Dementia sufferer. Small suggestions like placing useful telephone numbers by the phone or labelling cupboards and drawers can make a huge difference to daily life.

9. Give the carer or family member a break – suggest a treat such as a spa weekend or theatre trip, or even just take them out for dinner or coffee as a welcome break from their everyday routine.

10. Appreciate that supporting a relative with Dementia will be hard for the whole family, and will mean changes and disruptions to everyday life. Children in particular may be more affected emotionally, so offer them a chance to express their feelings and talk things through, and don’t be surprised by small changes in behaviour such as them becoming frustrated or anxious.

By Dr Lynda Shaw - www.drlyndashaw.com | Cognitive Neuroscientist and Business Improvement Strategist.

L ivso lBathing Made Easy

Are you in need of a

change?Are you in need of a

change?

Accessibility ProblemsThere comes a time in our lives when everyday tasks become a little harder than they used to be. Bathing is one of those, and may no longer be an enjoyable experience. If that is the case for you, then maybe it is time to consider changing the facilities you use.

Enjoy a Relaxing BathLivsol have a full range of easy access baths in a verity of styles and sizes. If you �nd it hard getting in and out of your current bath tub, then this maybe the thing for you. Whether you want to sit or lay down, the British manufactured units will certainlymeet the highest of expectations.

The Ease of ShoweringThere are so many bene�ts to having a shower; it is refreshing, it is quick and for most of us it is easy. However that is not the case for everyone. General di�culties include standing up whilst showering and getting in and out of the bath which could lead to a risk of slipping and possible injury.

With our shower cubicles, light weight sliding doors, �tted seats and low lip shower trays, we address all the main problems many of us have.

Unique Wetroom DesignIn some cases, a wetroom is required to make bathing easy. With contemporary design and user-friendly facilities, Livsol can install the perfect wetroom meeting all your requirements. From easy access shower units to aesthetically pleasing tiling, we take everything into consideration when designing your unique wetroom.

Phone the team

Book a FREE

consultation

Professional and

quick installation

After sales service

to make sure you

are satisfied

For a brochure please return this slip to the FREEPOST address provided

Livsol is part of Livsol Ltd. Please visit www.livsol.co.uk for more information

Make your bathing experience that much more enjoyable with a walk-in bath or easily accessible shower“ “

FREEPOST RTCC-BZUG-LZAS

Livsol,

92 Rolleston Drive,

Arnold, Nottinghamshire,

NG5 7JP

For a brochure please call FREE on

0800 123 4567

Title Full Name

Tel No.

Address

Postcode

D5PSY2

birmingham, solihull, wolverhampton & coventry 35

Documents