oxfordshire issue 22

& living in Oxfordshire

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2RetiredNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

LYNDABELLINGHAMWHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET WITH THIS CALENDAR GIRL

RICK STEINSHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

INSIDELEISUREMADRIDTHE EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF ART

HEALTHPERSONALISED CARE AT HOMEFOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

OPEN YOUR MIND TO ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

HOMEWAYS TO CUT YOUR FUEL BILLSTHIS WINTER

RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR LIFEGENERATE SUBSTANTIAL INCOME FROM THE "FEED IN TARIFF"

Winner

Care Employer

of the Year 2010

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

Acacia Lodge Care Home offers a range of services for long and short stays.

To find out more information or to arrange a visit please contact the home manager on 01491 579 100 or email [email protected].

Acacia Lodge Care Home, in Henley-on-Thames is a purpose built home offering nursing, residential and dementia care. It has been furnished throughout by our professional team to exceptionally high standards, providing elegance and comfort but above all a warm, homely and welcoming environment. You decide what you do and when you want to do it and friends and family can visit any time. At Acacia Lodge our highly trained staff are leading the way in nursing and dementia care and making a real

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

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

You’re unique. So are we.

Quality care at the heart of your community

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

Nursing, Residential & Dementia Care Quebec Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 1EY

www.acacialodgecarehome.co.uk

CB Retired & Living DPS Ad MAR_11.indd 1-2 21/03/2011 16:43

4 www.retiredmagazines.co.uk

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Dear Reader

Welcome to the latest local Retired magazine which we hope you will sit back and enjoy at your leisure. Our journalists Angela Kelly, Graham Smith and Sheila Alcock are continuing to keep you well informed with their celebrity interviews and up to date household tips.

We know you will also be left with a smile on your face after reading Graham’s observations on life!

If you know of an event which would benefit from free publicity please feel free to let us know and we can consider including it in our next issue.

Welcome toRetired Magazine

TRAVEL & LEISURE6-7 Madrid Charming, cultural & thrilling.

REGULARS5 Graham Smith Twittering on.

14-15 Interview Lynda Bellingham talks to Retired.

18-19 Food and Drink Rick Stein's Coast to Coast Recipes

HEALTH20-21 Orthopaedic Surgery At The Manor Hospital.

22-23 Cosmetic Dentistry At the Old Rectory Dental Practice

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

C O N T E N T S

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www.airogym.comMovement for life

Airogym™ is a portable, infl atable excerciser that provides a resistance-based excercise to help encourage blood fl ow in the lower legs.

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“My daughter bought an Airogym for me four months ago and I use the Airogym every day and my improvement has been miraculous.”

HOW TO ORDER Telephone: 01488 73848Order online: www.airogym.comOrder by post: Airogym, Membury Logistics Centre, Unit 3 Ramsbury Road, Berkshire RG17 7TJCheques payable to Walker 37£11.99 per item + £2.50 P&P for up to 3

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5www.retiredmagazines.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There’s a hole in your bench

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

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

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

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

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

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

Graham Smith has a TwitterBut is he right or wrong?


Madrid possesses a wealth of cultural attractions and is a thrilling city with theatre shows, opera, dancing and countless other forms of nightlife. You will also find other exciting places to go for a night to remember. Madrid has long laid claim to the title of “European Capital of Art”. It has a number of museums and galleries housing some of the finest classics from Goya, Velásquez, El Greco and many more.

Museo del Prado is a fine museum of paintings set in a stunning 18th century neoclassical building. Worth visiting even if you have only a passing interest in art and must see works include Velásquez’s Las Meninas, widely considered to be the finest painting in the world and Goyas Majas and Pinturas Negras (dark paintings). There are usually a number of local artists outside selling interesting pieces.

Centro Nacional de Arte Reina Sofía is second in size only to the Pompidou in Europe, this modern art museum showcases 20th century Spanish creations, including Picasso’s famous anti-war masterpiece – Guernica. I started on the top floor which has pencil drawings and sketches for Guernica before going downstairs to appreciate the magnificence of it for real.

Casa de Campo, known as the “lungs of Madrid”, has plenty of space to get lost in its 4,000 acre park, which was only opened to the public in 1931 after previously serving as a royal hunting estate. As well as countless walks, it boasts a boating lake, an open air pool (mid June - September, 10.30am-8pm), a zoo and a theme park.

Plaza de Santa Ana, a small central square has strong literary connections and is the recommended spot for sundowners and tapas at the end of a day’s sightseeing.

Madrid has a rich football history and the Madrileños live and breathe it. It is home to two 1st division sides, Real Madrid and Athlético Madrid. The main draw is Real who play at the 75,000 capacity Santiago Bernabeau stadium. A tour is available on non-match days between Tue-Sun, 10.30am-8.30pm. Getting to see matches is difficult if they are playing their great rivals Barcelona or one of the Madrid teams but otherwise tickets are generally available, although be prepared to queue!

Madrid is not without its romantic side. As the new home of Flamenco, Madrid is alive with music and passion. The many stunning parks and gardens provide tranquil spots to stroll and the numerous quaint little tapas bars offer a warming ambience all year round.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT…...visiting the Parque del Oeste, one of the city’s lesser known spaces, this park offers the perfect spot for a tranquil shady walk beneath mature trees. Overlooked in the summer by the lively terrazas on Paseo del Pintor Rosales, it is also an ideal way of connecting to Casa de Campo by cable car which runs high over the river and offers stunning views of the city.

Madrid airport is 9km from the centre and Exprés Aeropuerto (Airport Express) is a 24-hour service which has only 3 stops after the airport: O’Donell, Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha. The buses run every 15 minutes during the day and every 35 minutes at night, and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Tickets can be bought on board.

There are taxi ranks in front of the arrivals lounges of all three terminals at Madrid airport. A taxi to/from the airport to/from central Madrid should cost around e20 though taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging recent arrivals! Check that the meter is set at zero when you get in and that it begins the journey at the official minimum fare - currently €2.05.

Climate: The climate of Madrid is dry, warm and pleasant. It’s high altitude and proximity to mountains causes some wide variations in winter and summer temperatures. In summer the heat at midday can be intense, with pleasantly cool evenings. Winters, by contrast, bring temperatures dropping to just below freezing. Rain in Madrid is a rarity, with a short rainy season in late October and some showers in spring.

Language: Spanish and although English is spoken widely, the locals always appreciate your small efforts to communicate in their language.

Currency: Euro (EUR) €

MadridThe European Capital Of Art

JUST MADRID TRAVEL FEATURE.indd 2-3 26/05/2011 10:54

Madrid possesses a wealth of cultural attractions and is a thrilling city with theatre shows, opera, dancing and countless other forms of nightlife. You will also find other exciting places to go for a night to remember. Madrid has long laid claim to the title of “European Capital of Art”. It has a number of museums and galleries housing some of the finest classics from Goya, Velásquez, El Greco and many more.

Museo del Prado is a fine museum of paintings set in a stunning 18th century neoclassical building. Worth visiting even if you have only a passing interest in art and must see works include Velásquez’s Las Meninas, widely considered to be the finest painting in the world and Goyas Majas and Pinturas Negras (dark paintings). There are usually a number of local artists outside selling interesting pieces.

Centro Nacional de Arte Reina Sofía is second in size only to the Pompidou in Europe, this modern art museum showcases 20th century Spanish creations, including Picasso’s famous anti-war masterpiece – Guernica. I started on the top floor which has pencil drawings and sketches for Guernica before going downstairs to appreciate the magnificence of it for real.

Casa de Campo, known as the “lungs of Madrid”, has plenty of space to get lost in its 4,000 acre park, which was only opened to the public in 1931 after previously serving as a royal hunting estate. As well as countless walks, it boasts a boating lake, an open air pool (mid June - September, 10.30am-8pm), a zoo and a theme park.

Plaza de Santa Ana, a small central square has strong literary connections and is the recommended spot for sundowners and tapas at the end of a day’s sightseeing.

Madrid has a rich football history and the Madrileños live and breathe it. It is home to two 1st division sides, Real Madrid and Athlético Madrid. The main draw is Real who play at the 75,000 capacity Santiago Bernabeau stadium. A tour is available on non-match days between Tue-Sun, 10.30am-8.30pm. Getting to see matches is difficult if they are playing their great rivals Barcelona or one of the Madrid teams but otherwise tickets are generally available, although be prepared to queue!

Madrid is not without its romantic side. As the new home of Flamenco, Madrid is alive with music and passion. The many stunning parks and gardens provide tranquil spots to stroll and the numerous quaint little tapas bars offer a warming ambience all year round.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT…...visiting the Parque del Oeste, one of the city’s lesser known spaces, this park offers the perfect spot for a tranquil shady walk beneath mature trees. Overlooked in the summer by the lively terrazas on Paseo del Pintor Rosales, it is also an ideal way of connecting to Casa de Campo by cable car which runs high over the river and offers stunning views of the city.

Madrid airport is 9km from the centre and Exprés Aeropuerto (Airport Express) is a 24-hour service which has only 3 stops after the airport: O’Donell, Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha. The buses run every 15 minutes during the day and every 35 minutes at night, and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Tickets can be bought on board.

There are taxi ranks in front of the arrivals lounges of all three terminals at Madrid airport. A taxi to/from the airport to/from central Madrid should cost around e20 though taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging recent arrivals! Check that the meter is set at zero when you get in and that it begins the journey at the official minimum fare - currently €2.05.

Climate: The climate of Madrid is dry, warm and pleasant. It’s high altitude and proximity to mountains causes some wide variations in winter and summer temperatures. In summer the heat at midday can be intense, with pleasantly cool evenings. Winters, by contrast, bring temperatures dropping to just below freezing. Rain in Madrid is a rarity, with a short rainy season in late October and some showers in spring.

Language: Spanish and although English is spoken widely, the locals always appreciate your small efforts to communicate in their language.

Currency: Euro (EUR) €

MadridThe European Capital Of Art

JUST MADRID TRAVEL FEATURE.indd 2-3 26/05/2011 10:54

TRAVEL


Thousands of homeowners living in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey can now benefit from a Flexible Home Improvement Loan scheme, which is available to residents over the age of 60 years, to improve the warmth, comfort, safety or security of their homes.

The innovative new scheme has been created by a group of local authorities to help residents remain in well-maintained homes during their retirement – and have peace of mind – while paying off as little or as much of the loan as they like each month. It was of paramount importance that the loan would be equal or superior to products available from other lenders in terms of interest rates, charges, efficiency and especially flexibility.

Borrowers are able to make regular repayments, occasional repayments or no payments at all. Furthermore, they are free to vary the arrangement at any time and, if they wish, pay off the loan at any time without penalty. However, the loan plus any outstanding interest must be repaid if the property is sold, or if the owners cease to occupy it.

The interest rate tracks Bank of England base rate, subject to a minimum rate of 3.5% and a

maximum rate of 7.0%. As loans are repaid, the money will be recycled as further loans.

The scheme has proved to be very popular and the participating local authorities have received many favourable comments from borrowers and the families of borrowers. The total of loans made through the scheme has now passed £5,000,000.

Flexibility is the keyword

l Essential repairs and maintenance

l Renewable energy generation technology such as solar panels and heat pumps etc

l Central heating or improvements to heating and hot water systems

l Insulation and energy saving measures

l Replacement doors and windows

l Roof and structural repairs

l Replacement bathroom suites

l Installation of level-access showers

l Plumbing and drainage repairs

l Rewiring

l Replacement kitchens

l Burglar alarms and home security

l Replacement guttering, soffits and cladding

l Work associated with eradicating dampness, wet rot, dry rot and woodworm

l Installation of stairlifts or other adaptations.

Among the improvements and repairs that have been funded by Flexible Home Improvement Loans are:

A property recently revonated using FHIL funds

Additionally, at a time when conventional lenders seem reluctant to provide assistance, the scheme has been enhanced by the introduction of loans to bring empty homes back into habitable use.

The Empty Homes Loans are for five years and can be likened to a very flexible overdraft which must be re-paid at the end of the period by either selling the property or by refinancing.


can now offer you the ultimate

Flexible Home Improvement Loan

Would you like to improve the warmth, comfort, safety and security of your home?

Are you a homeowner aged 60 or over?

If the answer is YES, then you could be in for some good news ...

Call us to find out more

01295 227001

%

In partnership with Flexible Home Improvement Loans Ltd and 16 other local authorities in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire,

Oxfordshire and Surrey. Initial funding from TheSouth East Regional Housing Board.

Or email: [email protected]

Sweets, toys, or save for a more secure financial future for your grandchildren...Now that the Government has announced final details for its new Junior ISA scheme, what does this mean for grandparents who’d previously put away lump sums and contributed to Child Trust Funds (CTFs)? And what impact, if any, will the new initiative have on their grand-children’s financial future? David Dawson, Sales and Marketing Director at www.thechildrensisa.com, explains CTFs, a Government savings and investment scheme that started in 2002, was abolished on 2 January. Recently, the Treasury amended the existing ISA guidelines to enable the establishment of Junior ISAs, which provides a more clear and simple way of saving for a child’s financial future.

Effective from November 1, it is estimated that around six million children are eligible, with a further 800,000 becoming eligible each year. The Government has raised the limit of annual investment into the Junior ISA to £3,600 from £3,000. A move that grandparents will welcome as it means, potentially, they could help their grandchildren save an additional £19,000.

With the main benefit of the new saving scheme being that it is tax free, paying-in up to £3600 per tax year in a Junior ISA could achieve a pot of almost £115,000 by the time the child is 18 (based on growth of 5% net per annum). This enormous figure will be a hefty sum that grown-up grand children are sure to appreciate given the rising cost of higher education and the difficulty of homeownership.

Unlike CTFs, there is no Government contribution to Junior ISAs and each child is limited to one cash ISA and stocks and shares ISA. Any UK resident child under 18, who is not eligible for a CTF, is eligible for a Children’s ISA. This includes children who were born before the CTF eligibility in September 2002. A child born between September 1, 2002 and January 2, 2011 was eligible for the CTF, at this time, if a child has a CTF they cannot have a Junior ISA.

Any parent or guardian can open an account and anyone can make contributions to it. The management of the ISA passes to the child when they reach 16 and they can only access funds when they turn 18 when it becomes an adult ISA.

At that time, it is anticipated that any responsible ISA provider will advise on alternative saving options available to encourage grandchildren to continue saving.

Soon, many high street banks and building societies will market products. www.thechildrensisa.com in particular is offering Cautious, Balanced and Adventurous options which will include low cost, actively managed, ethical and sharia funds, which can be opened with a minimum investment of £10 The ISA is operated by Avalon Investment Services who administer £300m invested primarily through Independent Financial Advisers.

Grandparents can now confidently look to start saving for their grand-children’s future when it comes to gifting, instead of, perhaps, previously giving them lump sums over their lifetime.

Personalised Care at Home for You and Your Family

Do you care for a loved one?

Busy LivesMost of us juggle busy lives, but if you also look after a relative or friend who is ill, frail or disabled, you probably find it extremely difficult to have a full life of your own. Crossroads Care Oxfordshire offers a full range of services, from 1 to 24 hours, for all age groups, disabilities or health conditions, at any time, day or night, and of any frequency or duration. As a carer, or someone with care needs, you may be entitled to support funded by local government or you can choose to pay direct for Crossroads Care services or top-up state entitlements. We are also expert brokers, who are happy to help you source all your care needs.

Contact us ...Whatever your care need, if you think Crossroads may be able to help, we will visit you at home for a free care needs assessment. Together, with the person you care for, we will design a service that meets your respective needs, or simply phone for a chat about your needs.

We care!If you’re going to have someone come into your home and step into your shoes, you may want some reassurance. Crossroads Care Oxfordshire has over 30 years of experience. We’re well known for the quality of our service and try hard to fit into your life and not the other way round. We will help with all aspects of social and personal care, including helping those recovering from stroke or those living with dementia.

Tel: 01865 260 280 Fax: 01865 260 290Email: [email protected]

3 Hurst Street, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 1EZ.www.oxfordshirecrossroads.org.uk

‘Caring for Carers Since

1979’

Scarcely a month seems to go by without bad news from gas and electricity suppliers and the reality for many of us – especially older people

on a fixed income – is colder homes and a poorer quality of life.

However, there are plenty of ways we can help ourselves – from simply blocking draughts and lining curtains to ensuring you have the right benefits and payments. You might also take advantage of available grants and help with home insulation.

First of all, it’s worth looking at the areas around your home where heat is lost, and walls account for around a third of this. An uninsulated loft can be blamed for a quarter of lost heat, and insulating hot water tanks and pipes keeps water hot for longer.

Draught-proofing is a cheap and cost-effective way to reduce your heating bills; double glazing can significantly cut heat loss through windows. You

can also save on heating costs by installing heating controls, and if your boiler is over 15 years old you might want to consider changing it to make it more energy efficient.

Since April, 2005, if you’ve installed a new boiler or replaced an existing one, it’s very likely you will have had to have a condensing boiler. These not only meet higher standards for energy efficiency but also help you save on your annual heating bills.

There may be financial help available if you want to improve heating in your home. The Warm Front grants’ programme can help residents in their own property or privately renting, who receive certain means tested benefits with heating provision or replacements. Find out more from Warm Front at www.warmfront.co.uk or tel 0800 316 2805.

Your local council may also have a home improvement scheme giving grants, loans, materials or other help.

Ways to cut your FUEL BILLSTHE soaring price of energy means that the cost of running a home is at its

highest level for three years and makes Winter an even chillier prospect.

Up to 25% of your heat could be lost through the roof

Up to 35% of your heat could be lost through the walls

Ask about the £49 and £99 insulation deals in Cherwell

Get ready for winter

As a resident, homeowner or tenant, insulating your home is one of the most important things you can do.

cocoonyourhome.co.uk or call 0800 80 48 777

Cavity wall or loft insulation installed £49 Bicester, £99 Cherwell. You may qualify for free insulation.


In fact, as Tim Mills from Cherwell District Council in North Oxforshire explained, there’s never been a better time to apply for help with areas like insulation. His local authority is heavily discounting both loft and cavity wall insulation which means each can be installed for as little as £99 (£49 in Bicester where there is a special scheme). “Insulation makes sense to cut energy bills,” said Tim, private sector housing manager. “But it’s important to get this sorted now before Winter sets in, and before next year when prices will definitely go up. Fortunately, most councils around the country will currently have schemes in place to help.”

You may be entitled to Cold Weather Payments if you are receiving benefits while Winter Fuel Payments provide help with fuel bills for most pensioner households, irrespective of income or savings and they’re not taxable. Find out more from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Winter Fuel Payments helpline on 0845 915 1515.

If you are 70 or over and receiving certain benefits, you may be able to get free cavity wall and/or loft insulation. Contact Cocoon Your Home to find out more on www.cocoonyourhome.org.uk or call 0800 80 48 777. And there is advice for vulnerable customers on keeping warm and reducing energy costs from the Affordable Warmth Helpline on 0800 107 00 44.

LOFT INSULATION helps save energy and money, keeping warmth inside the home. It’s ideal if you have an accessible loft with no damp or condensation problems, although blown insulation (with loose, fire-retardant material and carried out by a professional installer) can be used for lofts with difficult access.

Installing loft insulation blankets or “quilts” can be a straightforward job but does need to be carried out to a high standard to avoid unnecessary wastage, so consider hiring a professional. Again, Cocoon Your Home can give you free, impartial advice and put you in touch with a local installer.

CAVITY WALL INSULATION is very effective in homes built from 1920 onwards because the chances are their external walls are made of two layers with a small gap, or cavity, between them which is where the insulating material goes.

It’s so cost effective that it pays for itself over and over again – you cut heating costs, save energy and your household produces less CO2.

Newer technologies mean that the Government is offering Renewable Heat Premium Payments to help people afford them. These systems include solar panels, heat pumps and biomass boilers.

SOLAR PANELS can be installed no matter how you currently heat your home, but if you rely on oil, liquid gas, solid fuel or electricity then you could also apply for air, ground or water source heat pumps and biomass boilers. The Energy Saving Trust has full details on www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or call 0800 512 012.

Solar panels involve two technologies – one goes directly to heating your hot water (solar thermal) and the other generates electricity (solar photovoltaic or solar PV).

The benefits of solar water heating are enormous as the system works all year round, although you will need the help of a boiler or immersion heater during Winter months. Sunlight is free, however, so you immediately cut your bills and, once you’ve paid for the initial panel installation, hot water costs are reduced. As solar hot water is a green, renewable heating system, it can also reduce home carbon dioxide emissions.

You don’t normally need planning permission for solar panels and most conventional boilers are compatible with them. Maintenance costs are low and there is a Government grants’ scheme already in place which is set for an increase next year. With solar PV, you get paid for the electricity you generate through the Government’s Feed In Tariff.

What the government Feed in Tariff means for homeowners

It has long been recognized that photo-voltaic technology, otherwise known as solar pv, is one of the most effective ways of producing emissions-free electricity.

In April 2010 the government made PV the most favoured green technology by introducing the Feed in Tariffs which allows home owners to earn significant revenues by generating their own energy.

The 25 year scheme pays homeowners for all of the energy they produce as well as an extra payment for energy they return to the grid which they will receive in the form of a cheque direct from their energy supplier. In addition they will see their electricity bills reduce as they use their own power rather than buying from the grid.

Lets look at an actual example from an installation in Glossop in Derbyshire, remember that the homeowner

is paid for all energy produced and on average a typical household will use 50% of that energy themselves and return the other 50% to the grid:-

2.82 kWp system was installed on a south facing roof and produces 2,450 kilowatt hours per year. The homeowner receives…

Feed in tariff of 43.3p per kWh produced = 43.3p x 2,450 £1,061Excess sold to the grid at 3p per unit x 50 % = 3p x 1,225 £37Savings on electricity bills at 13p per unit x 50% = 13p x 1,225 £159

So in total the homeowner has seen a benefit of £1,257 in the first year alone. The important thing to note is that the Feed in Tariff is both tax free and index linked and of course electricity prices will increase over time hence the above figures will increase throughout the life of the scheme.

Installing a solar PV system gives you the opportunity to generate your own energy and helps reduce the impact on you of future electricity price rises as well as providing a very healthy tax free index linked investment.

Radley Solar Systems is a local, fully accredited Government Approved Solar Energy Company. Specialising in the design, supply and installation of the very latest Photovoltaic Electric and Solar Thermal

Systems.

Keith Christian, head system designer for Radley Solar Systems, says “we are experiencing high levels of enquiries from people aged between 50 and 65, desperate to either future proof themselves from every increasing energy costs or quite simply to achieve a far higher level of return on the money they have invested, typically between 8 and 14%, its far better than anything available from

the banks”.

Experts are warning that energy bills are set to soar to more than £5000 a year within the next decade - forcing thousands of families in to fuel poverty. Analysts at the price comparison website uSwitch.com have said “average annual bills have doubled from £580 five years ago to £1243 today and by 2020 they are expected to quadruple – this is a wake up call for us all”.

RENEWABLE ENERGYFOR LIFE

l Fully accredited MCS Companyl Future proof yourself from ever increasing energy costsl Generate substantial income from the ‘Feed In Tariff’l Payments are guaranteed for 25 years and tax freel Dramatically reduce your carbon footprint.

185e Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4SR.

Call today for a FREE survey on 01235 861167www.radleysolarsystems.co.uk

Specialist supplier / installer of Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems. Accredited Company with an enviable reputation of offering first class workmanship and customer service - we continually strive to exceed the expectations of all our Clients. All work is guaranteed and comes with option of full insurance backing for your added piece of mind. Our fully trained and knowledgeable staff can offer efficient and effective solutions to all your Solar Energy needs.


Lynda Bellingham was trying to sort out her home “after a hell of a week” rehearsing someone new on the latest tour of Calendar Girls and spending rare time in domestic bliss.“Because my life tends to be all over the place outside the home, I like relative order in it,” she explains in those immediately identifiable sexy tones that have ensured a fascinatingly varied career including a wealth of radio and TV voice-overs.

She is now 62, still glamorous but with the kind of accessible personality that makes women like her and men fancy her. The fact that she has spent the past two years taking her clothes off on stage – twice on Saturdays – has, surprisingly, endeared her to both.

“We’re not actually nude, of course,” she laughs, “but that’s how it looks. Calendar Girls is a marvellous play – Tim Firth (who wrote the film and the play) has done a fantastic job with it and wherever you go you can feel the audience’s sense of excitement and anticipation because of the ‘nude’ scenes.”

If you’ve been hiding in a cave in the Himalayas for the past couple of years you might not have heard of the true story of the ladies of a Yorkshire Women’s Institute who decided to raise money for charity after the husband of one of them died from leukaemia. Their idea of a nude calendar made them iconic figures worldwide, and spawned both a hit film and the highly successful play.

Chris Harper is the main driver of this campaign (mostly played on stage by Lynda although casts have varied) and the actress is still a great admirer of the original role model. “It took someone like her to make it happen, I think. Having met her several times, I can see why.”

So could Lynda herself have been that driving force in the same situation? “Yes, I think I could,” she states. “I think I’m a bit determined like that.”

A glance back at Lynda’s own life reveals the truth of that statement. She was born in Montreal, Canada, but adopted by an English couple at the age of four months and brought up in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

“I had a wonderful childhood, very happy,” she recalls. “I think my generation got used to accepting things – the Pill, sexual freedom among them – and that has stood us in good stead for today’s changing world.”

She got her big break as a nurse in ITV’s ‘70s afternoon soap opera General Hospital and appeared in films including Confessions of a Driving Instructor and Sweeney! During the ‘80s, though, she became famous as the head of the family in the Oxo TV adverts.

“Of course they wanted me to be warm and motherly, while what I really wanted as an actress was to be edgy and different!” she says with a husky laugh. “It was fine doing the adverts but it can be a double-edged sword - my profile among agents and casting directors for a long time was this type of person.”

This worked in her favour, though, when she played vet James Herriot’s wife (replacing Carol Drinkwater) in telly favourite All Creatures Great and Small, and her comic timing was also recognised in situation comedies Second Thoughts and its sequel Faith in the Future.

What you see is what you get withLYNDA BELLINGHAM


She starred in the 14-part Doctor Who serial The Trial of a Time Lord playing against type as the Inquisitor, reprising this character for an audio series.

And from 2000 for three years, she played compassionate accountant Pauline Farnell in the hit TV series At Home With The Braithwaites alongside Amanda Redman and Peter Davison.

For several months in 2004, however, she enjoyed a recurring role in The Bill as villainess Irene Radford, offering fans a chance to see a different side of Lynda’s acting skills. “I really loved doing that!” she exclaims.

“Unfortunately, there really aren’t that many good roles for women of a certain age, and there are quite a few of us after the few that there are.”

Lynda, has, however, had an interesting range of roles in the theatre, and has also raised her own profile on TV as a quick-witted regular on the award-winning Loose Women programme where she is just herself. In her private life, she has been married three times, her last – “and final” – marriage to Michael Pattemore (a Spanish-based mortgage broker known on Loose Women as “Mr Spain”) on her 60th birthday. She has two sons and a stepson, all in their 20s, two of whom live with the couple in London.

“Michael has always come touring with me, which is lovely because you can be away from home for a while,” she states.

Her autobiography Lost and Found proved a literary hit, and the paperback version was out in March. More appearances in Loose Women and more theatre performances are also on the cards for this year, although Lynda says that Calendar Girls will be “rested” after a three-year run and she’s fine with that.

She has also become an active campaigner and spokeswoman for the Alzheimer’s Research Trust and Age UK after both her adoptive mother and her birth mother suffered from this debilitating dementia.

“It’s funny because you can get quite nervous talking about yourself, as I’ve been doing promoting my book at literary festivals and the like,“ she says. “But I don’t find it difficult to talk about the charity and the importance of getting more people to understand about Alzheimer’s.”

As for having her own “role models”, Lynda reckons that she would really like to have the kind of serious roles that comedian and presenter Matthew Kelly has moved into latterly.

“Now get me some female Matthew Kelly-type roles and I’ll be happy”, she insists.

And that warm voice breaks into the kind of laughter that makes you realise that the likeable image you see is actually what you get with this talented actress whose career is set to continue delighting fans for a long time to come.

OF COURSE THEY WANTED ME TO BE WARM AND MOTHERLY, WHILE WHAT

I REALLY WANTED AS AN ACTRESS WAS TO BE EDGY AND DIFFERENT!

I N T E RV I E W

16

No.1 Fear in Retirement - Running Out Of Money!

*A recent survey of people aged 44 to 75 showed 61% are more afraid of running out of money than they are of dying!

So you are approaching or have finally reached retirement. But wait, your retirement income is substantially less than your salary and your cash savings are yielding a pitiful income.

How will you maintain your standard of living?

Supplement income with further withdrawals from capital? But, if you do this how long will your funds last?

Well, it is possible to maintain your standard of living and accurately predict how long your funds will last. Furthermore, we can help you achieve the things you want in life, to enjoy the lifestyle you want now, without ever fearing you will run out of money. Or worse still, die with too much!

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Thousands of people are faced with this situation. We are all living longer and uncertain whether to spend and enjoy, or save and wait. Inheritance Tax, Long-Term Care, Equity Release, Income & Capital Gains Tax……..it can be a minefield!

In order to solve this dilemma, you need to understand where you are now and consider your future needs, desires and concerns. Encapsulate all this information into one easy to understand plan, which will illustrate your future cash-flow.

My name is Michael Pimm, Director of Cotswold Financial Planning Ltd. I am a Financial Planner who helps clients achieve the lifestyle they want in retirement, without the fear of ever running out of money, or dying with too much. If you think this could be of interest to you then please contact my office who will arrange an initial meeting without obligation or cost.

Here’s what some of our clients say …………

From our first meeting it was clear that you were different to other advisers. Not interested in trying to sell us ‘products’, you explained your fee-based approach and how our no risk portfolio of Bank & Building Society savings could still achieve our goal and allow us to sleep at night. You have gone on to sort Wills, Inheritance Tax and Pension issues for us, and continue to be a guiding influence on all matters financial. Many thanks and look forward to seeing you at the next review meeting.

- Mr & Mrs M, Coventry

Michael, through your cash-flow planning and expert management of our pensions and savings, we can now enjoy our retirement without worry or stress. Thank you.

- Mr & Mrs Mc, Coventry*AARP - source Allianz Life Insurance.

Call Cotswold Financial Planning for advice on:

• Pensions • Investments • ISA • Equity Release • Wealth Management • Lifestyle Planning • Cash-flow Forecasting

“How can we be sure we are fully prepared for Retirement?”

Cotswold Financial Planning Ltd10a Astley House, Cromwell Park, Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxon, OX7 5SR.Tel: 01608 651608 Fax: 01608 643096Email: [email protected]

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Registered in England No. 6674605. Authorised by The Financial Services Authority FSA No. 487893.

For the base, sift the flour, yeast and salt into a bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the warm water and olive oil and mix together into a soft dough. Tip the dough out on to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Then return it to the bowl, cover with cling film and leave in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Meanwhile, for the topping, heat the oil and garlic in a large, shallow pan. As soon as the garlic starts to sizzle, add the tomatoes and some salt and pepper and simmer quite vigorously for 7-10 minutes, until reduced to a thickish sauce. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Put 2 large baking sheets or quarry tiles into the oven and heat it to its highest setting. Knock the air out of the dough and knead it briefly once more on a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 pieces and keep the spare ones covered with cling film while you shape the first pizza.

Sprinkle a spare baking sheet or a pizza peel with some of the polenta or semolina. Roll the dough out into a disc approximately 25cm (10 inches) in diameter, lift it on to the baking sheet and reshape it with your fingers into a round. Spread over one quarter of the tomato sauce to within about 2½ cm (1 inch) of the edge. Sprinkle with some of the oregano and then cover with a quarter of the mozzarella cheese slices. Drizzle with a little olive oil, then open the oven door and quickly slide the pizza off the tray on to the hot baking sheet on the top shelf. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the crust is crisp and golden. Meanwhile, prepare another pizza and slide it on to the second hot baking sheet.

Take the first pizza out of the oven and move the second one on to the top shelf to continue cooking. Slide the cooked pizza directly on to wooden chopping boards placed in the centre of the table, scatter with the torn basil leaves and cut into wedges with a pizza wheel. Make sure everybody starts while you make and cook the other 2 pizzas.

Rick Stein’s passion for fresh well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer. Rick remarks “My greatest enthusiasm in life has been finding dishes that change my perception of cooking, that reveal a whole new vista of flavour combination. I think we all enjoy that. I’m just someone with an enthusiasm for food and a curiosity that’s sent me sniffing around all over the place looking for lovely dishes in all corners of the globe”

Taken from his book ‘Coast to Coast’ (BBC Books, £20) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by travels across the world. Pizza Margherita

M A K E S 4

4 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped,

1½ kg (3½ lb) vine-ripened tomatoes, skinned, seeded and roughly chopped

1 tablespoon chopped oregano

350g (12oz) buffalo mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

A large handful of basil leaves, torn into pieces

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

FOR THE BASE:

550g (1¼ lb) strong white flour

4 teaspoons easy-blend yeast

2 teaspoons salt

325-350ml (11-12 fl oz) hand-hot water

4 teaspoons olive oil

4 tablespoons polenta or semolina

Rick Stein's Coast to Coast Recipes

F O O D & D R I N K

18

Cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling, well-salted water (1 teaspoon per 600ml/1 pint) for 7-8 minutes or until al dente.

Meanwhile, put the tomatoes, crab meat, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, chilli flakes and garlic into another pan and warm through over a gentle heat. Drain the pasta, return to the pan with the sauce and briefly toss together. Season to taste. Divide between 4 warmed plates and serve immediately.

Peel the papaya and finely shred it on a mandolin into long, thin shreds. Work your way around the fruit until you get to the core and seeds, which you discard.

Moisten the palm sugar (which is always very hard) with a little cold water. Put the garlic, red chilli and green beans into a mortar or mixing bowl and lightly bruise with the pestle or the end of a rolling pin. Add the sugar, peanuts, dried shrimps, fish sauce, water, tomatoes and lime juice and bruise everything once more, turning the mixture over with a fork as you do so. Add a good handful of the shredded papaya (about 50g/ 2 oz) and turn over and bruise one last time. Serve straight away.

Crab Linguine with parsley & chilli

Green Papaya Salad

S E R V E S 4

S E R V E S 1

450g (1 lb) dried linguine or spaghetti

3 vine-ripened tomatoes, skinned, seeded and chopped

300g (10 oz) fresh white crab meat

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

1½ tablespoons lemon juice

50ml (2 fl oz) extra virgin olive oil

A pinch of dried chilli flakes

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 small green (under-ripe) papaya

1 teaspoon palm sugar or light muscovado sugar

A pinch of chopped garlic

A pinch of chopped red bird’s eye chilli

5 x 10cm (4-inch) pieces of snake bean or 5 french beans, halved lengthways

A few roasted, unsalted peanuts

A pinch of chopped dried shrimps

1 tablespoon Thai fish sauce (nam pla)

1 tablespoon water

4 cherry plum tomatoes, halved

Juice of 1 lime

www.retiredmagazines.co.uk


In the knee this is often due to cartilage tears which are amenable to treatment with keyhole surgery. Whilst inside the knee we can trim or remove torn cartilage or even replace a ligament or tendon and for many people the problem can often be resolved by simply washing out debris from the knee joint.

In the hip we are pioneering keyhole techniques for the treatment of tears in the lining of the hip joint and a condition known as hip impingement. This is an

extremely common condition which if left untreated can lead to severe arthritis of the hip and in many cases the patient will eventually need a hip replacement if left untreated. In Oxford we have developed special keyhole techniques to deal with this and are one of the lead centres in the country for this type of surgery.

For those patients in whom the cartilage loss and arthritis is too advanced we also specialise in joint replacement in the knee and the hip. We have pioneered the use of patient specific hip and knee replacements, which are designed to perfectly fit a particular patient’s anatomy.

These techniques combined with a rapid diagnostic and rapid recovery physiotherapy service mean that patients spend as little time out of work or missing leisure activities as possible.”

Mr Glyn-Jones consults and operates at The Manor Hospital in Headington. If you would like to make an appointment or for further information about cutting edge surgery in a modern high-tech facility please call The Manor on 01865 307750 or visit our website (www.nuffieldhealth.com/themanorhospitaloxford).

Whatever your age you want to enjoy all that life has to offer. It’s when you’re mobile and active, and your body is working at its best, that you can get the most out of life. So when you’re in pain and your ability to move is restricted it’s good to know there’s an expert close by.

We understand that when you’re suffering from an injury you want to find a solution quickly and easily and that’s why The Manor has an impressive range of state-of-the-art facilities. There is a diagnostic suite with X-ray and ultrasound scanning equipment and a separate unit, with 24 hour cover, for both MRI and CT scanners. MRI and CT scans are used to investigate soft tissue such as ligaments and tendons and are routinely used by orthopaedic surgeons.

Oxford is renowned for its high quality Orthopaedic Specialist Services. The Oxford Hip and Knee Group, based at The Manor Hospital, has been at the forefront of medical developments in hip and knee surgery for over 20 years.

Mr Siôn Glyn-Jones is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and a specialist in adult Hip and Knee surgery. He is senior lecturer in hip research at Oxford University and runs the hip research programme which is directed at improving treatments for hip pain and osteoarthritis of the hip. He undertook his training at Cambridge University and proceeded to clinical training at the Royal Free Hospital in London. Following qualification he came to Oxford and completed a postgraduate PhD degree.

“Our group in Oxford has a lot of experience in managing younger patients with joint related problems. People are often referred to us with intermittent sharp or locking pains in both the hip and the knee. We are able to provide a rapid and highly accurate diagnostic service with specialised scans to diagnose both hip and knee pathology. Once we have the results of these scans we are able to treat a variety of conditions in the hip and knee using keyhole techniques to address both soft tissue damage and to regenerate or replace lost cartilage.

Strictly….Orthopaedic Surgeryat The Manor Hospital

We seeSarah overcoming an unbearably painful hip thanks to surgery and expert aftercare. Now, she’s dancing the waltz with her husband.

You seeSarah enjoying a slow dance.

oxford a4 ortho press ad.indd 2 10/11/2011 9:59:59 AM

Chris Wood BDS MFGDP Dip imp Dent (RCS Eng) FFGDP (UK) trained in dental implantology at The Royal College of Surgeons London. His extensive experience in all aspects of Implant Dentistry has earned him an enviable reputation.

Many dental colleagues in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire refer their patients to him for implant solutions. Chris utilises the latest computerised imaging technology to carefully and precisely plan the most appropriate implant solution. He currently has an implant success rate of 99% over 5 years and works hard to ensure that your implant solution looks great and is functionally predictable for the long term.

To help our anxious patients, Chris has teamed up with a Consultant Anaesthetist who can provide conscious sedation.

For those requiring more extensive surgery, Chris works closely with a well respected Maxillo-facial surgeon.

The aftercare and cleaning of your new implant is critical to its success and lifespan. Included in the cost of your implant treatment is a free implant hygiene appointment with one of our highly experienced hygienists.

Implants represent the ‘state of the art’ in modern cosmetic and restorative dentistry for the replacement of missing teeth.

They are small Titanium cylinders carefully placed in the jaw bone. Once healing is complete, the implant becomes rigidly ‘locked’ in position by a process known as ‘osseo-integration’ and acts as the root or anchor for replacing missing teeth.

Implants can be used to:

• Replacesingleteeth• Supportbridgestoreplaceseveralmissingteeth• Anchordenturesinposition• Createafullsetofnewteeth

What does the treatment involve? Careful planning, often using the latest techniques of digital imaging and computer aided design, is the key to successful implant treatment.

The implant placement is carried out painlessly at the surgery under local anaesthetic. Mild post-operative discomfort follows for 2 to 3 days – similar to having a tooth removed. Healing will typically take 2-3 months. During which time a temporary tooth is normally worn. The restoration of the tooth is very similar to normal crown or bridge treatment.

Occasionally it is possible to place implants at the same time that a tooth is removed – immediate implants. This reduces treatment time.

Some patients prefer to have conscious sedation during implant placement. This is administered by a specially trained colleague and is an excellent way of helping the anxious or nervous patient.

Here are some solutions which you may want to consider:

Single Tooth ReplacementA dental implant can be used to provide a very stable, predictable and natural replacement for a single tooth, without the need to

compromise the health and lifespan of adjacent teeth.

Implant Supported BridgesIf several teeth are missing and adequate bone is available, two or more implants may be spaced to support multiple fixed teeth.

An implant supported bridge functions just like the teeth it replaces.

Implant Retained OverdenturesWearing conventional dentures can compromise your ability to eat, speak and enjoy the taste of food.

Implants can be used to anchor a denture and significantly improve chewing function, taste sensation and self confidence.

‘All on 4’ Bar Retained BridgeExcellent stability, function and aesthetics

With sufficient bone availability, 4 implants can be carefully positioned to retain a bridge. The most comfortable, functionally secure and natural implant solution for people without teeth.

Benefits of Implants:

• Restoreyoursmileandyourself-confidence.• Eatwhatyouwant,whetherathomeoroutatyour favourite restaurant.• Havenaturallookingteeth• Speak,laughandkisswithconfidence–knowing those ill fitting dentures are gone forever.• Longlastingsolutionsthatwillimproveyour dental health• Nomoredenturessittingatthesideofthebed.• Affordablesolutionsforallwhichwilldramatically improve your quality of life• Nodentaldecay–implantsandimplantsupporting teeth do not decay so no more fillings!• Implantscanbelesspronetogumdiseasethan natural teeth.• Implantsdonotcompromiseanyremaining natural teeth as bridges do.• AsinglefullyrestoredImplantcostsfrom£1750.

What are dental implants?

THE OLD RECTORYDENTAL PRACTICE

01280 847857

Take those first steps to a ‘more confident you’Call 01280 847857 today and the first 50 readers who quote ‘Retired and

Living’ will receive a free implant consultation to the value of £100. Contact the practice and speak to Chris or Jane our dedicated receptionists who will

help you take advantage of this exclusive offer.

Our newly refurbished dental practice set in thedelightful rural hamlet of Newton Purcell is ideallysituated between Oxford and Milton Keynes. We offera unique experience in multi-skilled dental and facialcare within an amazingly relaxed and peacefulenvironment.

We are one of the leading private practices providing highquality dental care and facial treatments for our patientsfrom Oxford, Bicester, Buckingham, Brackley and thesurrounding area.

Our team of enthusiastic and highly trained dental professionals offer special skills in:

• CosmeticDentistry • DentalImplants(awellrespectedImplantreferralcentre) • Orthodontics(includingInvisalign®) • Facialrejuvenation.Botox®andDermalFillers • DentalSedation

Here’s what some of our customers say:

“Thank you so very much for giving me new-found confidence in being able to have regular check ups. I had previously been very nervous of any form of dental treatment and with your sensitivity, I am now fear free!”

MikeJones

“My wife and myself, would like to say thank you for the excellent service you have provided us over the years.” James&TheresaColebourne

“Great service. Friendly and reassuring staff. And now fantastic teeth! Thanks.” PollyBlack

“Quality care and excellent dentistry and now at The Old Rectory, it’s even possible to rejuvenate my whole face.” MrsJaneGelling

THE OLD RECTORY DENTAL PRACTICE | NEWTON PURCELL | BUCKINGHAM | MK18 4AX

WWW.THEOLDRECTORYPRACTICE.CO.UK


WHEN it comes to treating our ailments these days most people have a more open mind about what can help them and may combine traditional medicine and alternative therapies with great success.

Sensible care, as always, needs to be employed in anything health-related and sometimes your GP’s opinion may be needed to check if any particular therapies are not recommended for you or your condition.

However, there are plenty of therapy options available across the UK and, reassuringly, governing bodies to ensure standards of practice. There are also millions of satisfied customers of alternative – or complementary – therapies who insist these have been successful in dealing with health problems ranging from asthma and migraine to digestive problems and muscle strains. Even though for many of us in the Western world this is a relatively new approach - and there are certainly sceptics about their effectiveness - there is evidence that many of these alternative therapies have been successfully in use around the world for centuries.

Acupuncture, for example, is an ancient Chinese medical procedure involving the insertion and manipulation of needles at more than 1,000 points in the human body. It’s used to relieve pain during surgery or in rheumatic conditions and also to treat conditions varying from anxiety and depression, to arthritis, asthma, eczema, sports’ injuries, migraine and even gastro-intestinal problems.

The word “acupuncture” means “needle piercing” and the skin is penetrated by special needles in a painless process which is meant to allow the body to transmit

energy or qi (pronounced chee) through pathways or meridians to heal and promote wellbeing.

A common alternative therapy for which you don’t necessarily have to have an ailment but which certainly helps combat stress and makes you feel better is Aromatherapy. This is a relaxing treatment using massage techniques together with blended essential oils. Usually, explained beautician and alternative therapist Angela Close, there is a consultation prior to treatment “to try and build a picture of which oils would be beneficial to the individual – some have anti-bacterial effects, anti-fungal and anti-viral. With the use of massage, the oils penetrate the skin usually after about 20 minutes and have a very calming effect, soothing the mind, body and spirit.”

Aromatherapy can be used for a range of physiological and psychological conditions including anxiety, stress and insomnia, muscular aches and pains, headaches, digestive ailments and menstrual problems. It’s also gentle enough to be used on people of all ages. Added Angela: “Aromatherapy is not a cure for disease; its most potent effect helps relax the mind and body, relieves pain and restores the body’s systems to a state of balance in which healing can best take place.”

Some people suffering from Parkinson’s Disease have found relief and help from a holistic method of healing called Bowen Therapy which is a hands-on technique exponents say prompts the body to re-set and heal itself. Marie Hurst is a qualified Bowen therapist, and she explains: “It’s like acupuncture without any needles – it can be very relaxing although it may not suit everyone. However, I’ve treated several people with Parkinson’s over the years and they have become very

Open your mind to alternative therapies

Angela Close - Beautician and Alternative Therapist


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relaxed because Bowen helps the body release stress at a very deep level. Some have also reported a reduction in their tremors during treatment and a sound night’s sleep afterwards.”

Some alternative therapies seem unconnected to the ailments they may treat. Reflexology, for instance, involves application of pressure to the feet and hands using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques to try to effect physical changes elsewhere in the body. The technique dates back as far as the Egyptians and is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that are said to reflect an image of the body on the hands and feet. The purpose is to create relaxation, reduce pain, improve blood flow and post-operative recovery and aid mental health by interrupting stress signals and re-setting the body’s balance.

People with nasal problems or with head pains have found relief in an unusual therapy called Hopi Ear Candling. At the very least, this is a relaxing treatment which promotes a feeling of wellbeing. You lie on your side on a heated bed in a peaceful environment, and the hollow candle is placed in the ear with the other end lit. “Certainly, some of my clients have found it very soothing and pain-relieving,” said Angela Close, who has been using the therapy for more than 20 years.

Another ancient healing method is Reiki, a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Energy which relates to a system of natural healing. Its ideology is that natural healing flows in a powerful and concentrated form

through the hands of the Reiki-giver. The recipient simply lies on a couch or bed and relaxes comfortably. There is no need to remove any clothing, and the practitioner gently places his or her hands in a sequence of positions which cover the whole of the body. Each position is held for several minutes and, in some of them, the hand is held closely to the body rather than actually on it. “It involves your body, mind and soul,” added Angela. “Reiki balances the energy in the body, heals holistically, relieves pain and relaxes and reduces stress, among many other things.”

Some businesses now bring exponents of Indian Head Massage into the workplace to help stressed out staff to relax and ultimately perform better. Certainly, it’s a safe, simple yet effective therapy that provides relief from aches and pains and stress – and promotes hair growth! The head, neck and shoulders are important energy centres within the body. “If you’re feeling stressed or angry, tension tends to accumulate in these areas,” stated Angela. “The tension can later show up as a stiff neck and shoulders, eyestrain and even hair-loss.”

Indian head massage involves working with a firm and gentle rhythm to help unknot blockages and relieve the uncomfortable build-up of tension. Fans say it also works on an emotional level, calming the spirit, promoting relaxation and banishing stress.

For more information, go to the Complementary Therapists Association at www.ctha.com or the Association of Natural Medicine at www.associationnaturalmedicine.co.uk

T R A V E LH E A L T H


Q & A - About Sight Tests1 I can see fine, why do I need a sight test?Many eye conditions do not have symptoms in their early stages. If detected early enough, many can be treated and blindness can be avoided.

It is easy to think that your eyesight is fine, because you have nothing to compare it against. A sight test does not just assess how well you can see, it also looks for diseases that can be diagnosed through a sight test. Some eye conditions resulting in sight loss are symptomless. Glaucoma has no symptoms until it is very advanced, so without a sight test you could have lost part of the visual field in one eye but not have noticed. Diabetic retinopathy is also symptomless in the initial stages, but can lead to total vision loss. Equally, the first time some people know they have a brain tumour or high blood pressure is through a sight test.

Optometrists are health professionals who can improve your quality of life by prescribing spectacles or by detecting the early signs of an eye condition that could lead to sight loss. Through early detection, the condition can be treatable.

2 Which diseases can be detected through a sight test?Regular sight tests can diagnose more serious problems. Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and in some cases brain tumours and high blood pressure can be detected through a sight test. Sometimes, the first time people are aware they have a brain tumour is when it is detected through a sight test. However, if a sight test doesn’t pick up a condition, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have it.

3. How often should I have a sight test?

Regular sight tests are still important even if you don’t wear spectacles or lenses. They are a vital health check and should be part of everyone’s health routine. Adults should see an optometrist every two years. Some people may need to go more frequently.

These include:•Thoseover70•Peoplewithahistoryofeyeconditionsintheir family

•Peopleover40ofAfro-CarribeanorAsianorigin•Thosewhowearcontactlensesshouldgoevery six months so the surfaces of the eyes can be checked.

Your optometrist will give you individual advice on how often to visit.

4. How much does a sight test cost?Many people qualify for a free sight test and help with the cost of spectacles/lenses on the NHS. An average sight test costs in the region of £27 but shop around, as the cost varies greatly.

5. Could I (or my children) be exempt from paying for sight tests? In England, Northern Ireland & Wales you qualify for a free NHS sight test if you are:•Agedunder16•Agedupto18infull-timeeducation•Agedover60•Agedover40witharelativewithglaucoma•Adiabetesorglaucomasufferer•Claimingbenefit(i.e.IncomeSupport,Income- based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit)•ReceivingTaxCredits(insomecases)•OnalowincomeandnamedonavalidHC2(full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate

If you are entitled to an NHS sight test and are unable to get to a high street opticians unaided, you are entitled to a free sight test at home.

6. How long does a standard sight test take and what does it involve?20 – 25 minutes but it can take longer if further tests are needed. A standard sight test would include:•Checkingifspectaclesorcontactlensesareneeded•Checkingthehealthofboththeinsideandthe outside of the eye•Measuringthepressureofthefluidintheeyeand examining the structures at the back of the eye•Plottingthevisualfieldoftheeyes(checkingif there are any blind areas)•Optometristsalsohavearesponsibilitytoreport any non-ocular conditions they might see.

7. How often do I need to get my spectacles/contact lenses prescription checked?Adults should get their spectacles prescription checked by an optometrist every two years. People who wear contact lenses should go to the optometrist every six months so the surface of the eye can be checked. Your optometrist or dispensing optician might give you individual advice on how often to visit.

MASSIVE SAVINGS ONHIGH STREET PRICES

Unit 3 Chaucer Business Park, Granville Way, Bicester, Oxon OX26 4JTOpen Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm and Saturday 9.30am - 4pm

T: 01869 242299 W: www.spektaclesolutions.co.uk

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Free& EasyParking

Why not useyour existingframe at noextra cost?

Single Vision £40Bi-Focals £50

LT Varifocals £85(Latest Technology)*

2 YearGuarantee,No Quibble

2 Pairs ofSingle VisionSpectacles for

only £69

Remember your prescription is yours - Don't purchase yourspectacles until you visit us!

*All prices shown include Scratch Resistant andReflection Free coatings.

Save £££’s on your spectaclesWe are a family run Dispensing Opticians offering the highest quality eyewear and customer service at very affordable prices. With a qualified optician and Varilux specialist on site, you know you can buy your new spectacles with confidence.

It’s a commonly held belief that you must buy your spectacles from the testing optician. This is untrue! When you have your eyes tested, the prescription is YOUR property and must be handed to you immediately by LAW. You can choose where to purchase your new spectacles without feeling pressurised!

In general most opticians have a captive audience and simply take the order. At Spektacle Solutions we pride ourselves on our customer care and take the time to listen to you and cater for your optical needs.

We offer a huge range of bright and funky frames to suit all budgets and we are constantly seeking new styles for today and tomorrow.

We are official stockist of Silhouette, Radley Ted Baker, Lulu and Guinness to name a few, and with up to date technologies to help you choose your new spectacles at credit crunching prices, Spektacle Solutions is the place to See.

4 We also offer free and easy parking4 Excellent customer service4 Branded spectacles at affordable prices4 On site manufacturing4 Two year ‘no quibble’ guarantee

We GUARANTEE TO BEAT like for like price on your spectacles.

Look at our prices:

Single Vision including all coating:- £40.00Bifocal including all coatings:- £50.00LT Varifocals including all coatings:- £85.00(LT = Latest Technology)

Remember, unlike most opticians we are willing to offer you the choice of using your existing frame for your new prescription at no extra cost.

Always remember the prescription is your by law and you are entitled to shop around. You must not feel pressured into purchasing your spectacles from the testing optician. Taking the time to choose can take the pressure off your mind and your pocket!


OUT & ABOUT

Christmasat the CornhillWRVS Cornhill Centre, Castle Street, Banbury OX16 5NT.

This year, we have a whole array of festive treats in store for you. Everyone is welcome to our events and you do not have to be a member to book.

Christmas day dinnerSunday 25 December 2011 - 10:00am - 3:00pm£15/£13 with a discount card.

This is a very special event that all who attend really enjoy. The price is all inclusive with:

l Drinks served on arrivall Three course freshly prepared festive feastl Wine, sherry and soft drinks served with dinnerl Hot chocolate and mince piesl Carol singing and musicl Special appearance from Santal Gift for everyone.

Menul Roasted plum tomato and red pepper soup with peppered croutonsl Butter breast of Norfolk turkey with traditional trimmings with chateaux potatoes, creamy mash potatoes, Brussels sprouts with bacon, honey roast parsnips and coriander carrots.l Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce or sherry triflel Tea, coffee & mince piesl Vegetarian and dietary options available.

To book call 01295 264214.

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Balscote Christmas Art & Craft Fair - Sat 3 Dec 2011Find ideal gifts for everyone this Christmas at the Balscote Christmas Art & Craft Fair. There will be something for everyone: Jewellery; watercolours, oils, acrylics, illustrations, textiles, cards, prints etc.

10:00am - 4:00pm. Free entry.Balscote Village Hall behind the Butchers Arms public house. Oxfordshire OX15 6JQ

Saturday 17 & Tuesday 20 December, 7.30pm / Christ Church Cathedral For some of us Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without Christmas at Christ Church, our annual celebration of words and music from across the ages. This perennial favourite returns once more with the marvellous Christ Church Cathedral Choir under its talented leader Stephen Darlington with readers Jean Marsh and Robert Hardy. Book early, these events are always enormously popular.

Tickets £42 £28 £18 £10Ends: 9.30pm

Telephone: 01865 244806In Person: The Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW.Post: Music at Oxford, Osney Lock Boathouse, Osney Lock, Bridge Street, Oxford, OX2 0AX.


In Germany and Austria it can get as low as -20, even -30ºC and a single snowfall can be as much as 3ft or more overnight. To deal with this severe cold they need powerful heating able to cope with sub zero temperatures and sudden climate change. They need excellent control and above all - low running costs without the need for constant servicing and replacement parts. The solution, incredibly... is electric!

This incredible heating could be the answer to help beat ever increasing energy costs and amazingly, it is not gas or oil, or solid fuel - but clean electric! All you need is standard supply and NO

special tariff like economy 7. All over Europe more people are choosing to heat their homes and offices with this very special form of electric heating in preference to oil gas or E7. In our area, more and more of our customers are making that same decision and when you see this incredible heating for yourself you could be next! The heating looks just like conventional radiators, but STOP! it is very different! Put simply, that clunky central heating boiler needing constant servicing and replacement parts isn’t the only choice anymore! Now you can heat your homes, offices, extensions or conservatories with these incredible heaters providing individual control over every room without the need for a central control or wasted boiler space. This incredible German heating simply plugs in! Job Done! You can do just one room or the whole house! This heating, whilst quite NEW in the UK has been mainstream for a very long time in

Germany and Austria. Sunflow Ltd. offer a complete solution which can include disposing of your old central heating system, even oil tanks!Discover for yourself this incredible German heating.

Get your FREE brochure by calling our 24hr Brochure Line on: 0800 158 8270 or email: [email protected] ServiceSunflow can take the worry out of disposing of old central heating systems. We have a package price that includes the safe and certificated removal of oil, lpg and gas systems, even old oil tanks!Questions? Call Suzanne on 0800 158 8272

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

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

Bus to town this winter!

In the era of cheap gas and oil nobody questioned central heating systems. Does it make sense now? If you want to heat your bathroom up for half an hour in the morning, firing up a full central heating system seems a wasteful option. Given recent fuel price hikes, watching a dvd in the lounge with the heat blasting away round the entire house seems crazy. With wet central heating systems we also tend to ignore the high maintenance, replacement costs and servicing.

Modular – Control Your Heating Costs

German and Scandinavian households are turning to long life modular electric heating. Using specialist German radiators, one hundred per cent of the heat can be placed in the room or rooms that are being used, allowing unused rooms to be unheated or placed on very low heat. This means that you have much better control of your heating costs.

www.germanelectricheaters.com

Exhibition open: 26.11.11 - 08.01.11Flora McLachlan’s pictures are records of things seen and imagined by twilight or moonglow. She is inspired by medieval poetry and powerful, strange images from fairy tales and myths.

“I try to express a sense of the enchantment I feel is embedded in our ancient landscape. I imagine the secret face of the land, when the light fades and the creatures come out to roam."

Exhibition open: 25.02.12 – 25.03.12O3 Gallery’s Oxford Fashion Week 2012 exhibition will

present a series of sketches, illustrations, garments, installation and photography from some of the finest up-and-coming creatives working in the fashion industry today.

The O3 Gallery has two entrances, one from Oxford Castle Market Square and the other from Oxford Castle garden. Regrettably, only the lower half of the O3 Gallery is currently accessible via wheelchair from the Oxford Castle Garden. The O3 Gallery is open during exhibitions only (please check dates) and may be closed for a short period in between whilst we install a new show. Opening times may be subject to change, please ring 01865 246131 for up-to-date information.Assistance dogs are welcome.


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

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

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

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

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

In the meantime, the rules for long term care are complex and confusing. Various factors, such as restrictions on mobility, behaviour changes brought on by the illness, and speed of deterioration, all count in the assessment process, and a patient may not automatically qualify for NHS funding. Over the past ten years there have been many cases where people have been forced to sell their homes to pay healthcare fees, and in some cases, later discovered they were entitled to state support. At present, levels of care and criteria vary from borough to borough and Age UK says that councils are rationing services. The outlook for the elderly looks bleak. We’ve all been appalled

The Dilnot Report - The Most Ambitious Report into Long Term Care since 1999

Reliable live-in care for continuedindependence at home

Christies Care is one of the UK’s largest specialist providers of live-in carethroughout the country. Our service introduces capable, trained care assistantswho live with you in your own home.

You may just want to enjoy the companionship and reassurance of a careassistant who is there for you when you need support, or you may have morecomplex health and physical needs.

Our award winning training is extremely comprehensive. We have a purposebuilt training centre with six qualified trainers. All our care assistant complete a5 day induction training course.

We offer a professional and dedicated service,which can be tailored to suit your individualrequirements.

0844 477 [email protected] www.christiescare.com


over cases where vulnerable older people have been neglected and mistreated, and hopefully, the Dilnot report will help to ensure that this can never happen again However, this will take time. In the meantime, how can elderly people, and their families, ensure that they’re given dedicated care and kindness in their most vulnerable years.

1. It is essential that the correct level of funding is established. Relatives of the elderly should make sure that they are aware of the rules, and that these are correctly interpreted when funding for care is established.

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

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

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

You’ve worked hard all your life, and need to be sure that your later life will be happy and free from worry. A little forward planning now, can help to ensure that this is the way it will be.

Oxfordshire's lead care providerAlzheimer & Dementia SpecialistsNeed help with your care needs?

Your Care, Our Passion

Call Corrinne on 01869 243 839

If you are having difficulty in caring for yourself or elderly loved ones at home we can help. We provide the regular hands on support to ease the burden and give peace of mind.

At Cherwell Care we are dedicated to providing the best care and support for our clients in the comfort of their own home. Our care programmes are tailor made and personalized so that every client receives as much or as little attention as they want.

A brief guide to some of the services we can offer:-

• Home Help such as housework and gardening• Supported Living including personalised care• Respite Care for clients and their carers• Palliative Care• End of Life Care in conjunction with District Nurses.

T. 0800 587 0207 - E. cfr:scas.nhs.uk - W. www.southcentralambulance.nhs.uk

South Central Ambulance ServiceNHS Trust

Become a community responder... you can make the difference!T. 0800 587 0207 - E. [email protected] - W. www.southcentralambulance.nhs.uk

CFR leaflet 2.indd 1 31/03/2011 09:08:26

oxfordshire issue 22

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