Show Guide Magazine - The 50+ Show Manchester 2012 by The 50+ Show

Show Guide Magazine Manchester Central 2-3 March 2012

Programme, Show plan Exhibitors, Gardening Fashion, Finance Puzzles , Health Living, Food

and more!

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Where so

Name that flower and you could win a prize! see page 3

The average retirement is getting longer. But who wants an average retirement?

There may be more ways to boost your retirement income than you thought â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve left it a bit late. To find out more, visit our stand or come to one of our seminars today.

Alternatively, ask your financial adviser about our retirement income and savings options or visit our website, www.pru.co.uk

Show Guide Magazine Manchester Central 2-3 March 2012

Programme, Show plan Exhibitors, Gardening Fashion, Finance Puzzles , Health Living, Food

and more!

£2

Where sol

Name that flower and you could win a prize! see page 3

Robert McCaffrey Editor rob@propubs.com Reina Villanueva Deputy editor reina@proglobalmedia.co.uk Claire Humphries Associate editor claire.humphries@proglobalmedia.co.uk David Thomson Sales executives Advertising contact david.thomson@proglobalmedia.co.uk Margaret Masson Administration admin@propubs.com Paul Brown Commercial director paul.brown@propubs.com Sonal Patel

Administration sonal.patel@propubs.com

The 50+ Show

Show Guide Magazine is published by PRo Publications International Ltd First Floor Adelphi Court 1 East Street Epsom, Surrey, KT17 1BB Tel Fax

01372 743837 01372 743838

The 50+ Show Magazine

Contents W

elcome to The 50+ Show Magazine and Show Guide for The 50+ Show in Manchester 2012 - if you have visited before, you might remember the show under its previous name, ‘The Retirement Show.’ We’ve made a lot of changes to the show and you should have an even more positive, re-energising and inspirational day out at The 50+ Show this year. The 50+ Show takes place three times each year, in London in July, in Glasgow in November and here in Manchester in March. In this magazine you’ll find features on finance, fashion and more. If you’d like to try to identify our cover flower and be in with a chance to win £25 in M&S vouchers (and our pie competition), please take our quick online questionnaire before 16 March. We hope that you’ll tell us what you thought of the show - we really do read every single questionnaire that we receive back: We’d love to read your feedback to help us make the show better next time! On behalf of the whole organising team, we hope that you enjoy both this 50+ Magazine and The 50+ Show Robert McCaffrey Editor itself. ‘Life is for living:’ that’s our motto!

On-line questionnaire address: http://propubs.polldaddy.com/s/50-plus-show-manchester-2012

4 5 6 10 12 13 16 18 20 24 26 28 31 32 32 34

We have hidden a number of pies throughout the 50+ Magazine like this: There are more than 10 but less than 20. Find them ALL and have a chance of winning £25 in gift vouchers. Include your answer in the on-line questionnaire... Happy pie hunting!

50+ Show floor plan Where to find the exhibitors you are after! 50+ Show A-Z of exhibitors and advertisers Show programme and information At-a-glance programmes for Friday and Saturday... Performer profiles 50+ Show Competitions Featured exhibitor profiles The 50+ Show in Manchester features over 90 exhibitors. Staying well until a cure is found Make sure your money doesn’t retire when you do! Residential parks... where the living is easy Dos and don’ts: Shopping when you’re 50+ How to be an everyday kitchen magician Delicious recipes from Richard Fox The essence of a garden Must try: Wall climbing! The 50+ Show News We’ve made some changes since last year.... here’s why! The 50+ Show Awards You have the power... to decide the winners! The Puzzle Page Sudoku, courtesy of Woman’s Weekly.

Visitors are advised to satisfy themselves as to the bona fides of the exhibitors prior to finalising significant transactions.

March 2012

The 50+ Show Floor Plan

E N T R A N C E

The 50+ Show Magazine

March 2012

The 50+ Show Exhibitor A-Z Organisation Stand Action on Hearing Loss D3 Age UK D7 Agincare C6 Alfa Travel B2A Back In Action E10 Barnardo’s D12B Black Country Living Museum A1 Bloom Hearing Specialists D11 Body Helix B16 Boundary Mill Stores A17 BP Access Solutions A20 British Wheel of Yoga E20 BT C4 Capital Alternatives D19 City Girl Perfurme B18 Classic Lodges B2 Clifton Park Hotel B4 Commonwealth War Graves Commission D1 Core Elements E18 Costco Wholesale D9 Cozies D23 Cruise and Maritime Voyages B11 Cruises and Voyages A3 Cyclo-ssage A13 David Ogden Holidays A7 Emphasize A1A Eurotherapy C10 Evo Dental D6 Financial Ombudsman Service C8E Forever Living E16 Fortina Spa C2 Goldsborough Estates D14A Granite Transformations A12 Highland Heritage Coach Tours B6A Holiday Property Bond C11 Isle of Wight A16 Israel Ministry of Tourism B10A Jet2Holidays B11A justHEAR E17 KCO Minerals E5A Kreativ Dental B12A Leadopinion C3 Leather Genie/Its the thought that counts E19 Leger Holidays B3 M & M Personal Vintners C9A Malbern Windows D24 Mersey Ferries B14 Mulberry Financial B17 National Federation of Occupational Pensioners E11

The 50+ Show Magazine

Organisation Stand New Direction Wealth Management C9 North America Travel Services B6 Oakdale Beds D15 Palace Theatre & Opera House Manchester A5 Prudential C5,C7 Q Hotels B9 Ramblers Worldwide Holidays A6 Regency Tours P2 ResinDrives.co.uk D26 Retired Magazines A19 Retirement Today Magazine A4 Richardson’s B15 Robinsons Holidays A18 Roofsure C8F Rothay Garden Hotel B9A Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation D14 RSPB D13 SavvyWoman C4A Shepherd’s Friendly D8 Silver Fern E12, B19 Silver Travel Advisor B7 Solectric C1 Sparklebright A11 Specsavers D18 Stately Albion P1 Stellar Books Publishing E6 Sunshine Village D10 Swansway Honda (Foyer area) F1 The 50+ Show A1C The Chordites E3 The New Mayfair Hotel B9B The Pensions Advisory Service D2 The Quays B10 Tingdene Parks D27 Trafford Housing C8A Travel Offers B14A Trust Inheritance D4 U3A D22 Visit Hull & East Yorkshire A2 Wiltshire Farm Foods D5 Wyldecrest Parks C13

Advertiser Index Avanti Insurance Bloom Hearing Choice Magazine Fortina Spa Home Start North

15 12 35 11 15

Leadopinion 15 Prudential 2,36 Q Hotels 23 Richardson’s 9 50+ Show Awards 15,33

March 2012

AY ID

12.30pm - 2.30pm

10am - 12.30pm

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Seminar Theatre

Dance Floor

10.45 - 11.30 Gardening Question & Answer Time

10.15 - 11.15 Tai Chi

Chaired by: Sam Youd, Tatton Hall Panelists: David Keegan, DK Garden Design Phil Dunnett, Ribblesdale Nurseries Joan Mulvenna, Garden Design Manchester

British Chen Style Tai Chi College

11.45 - 12.15 Soca Aerobics

Esther Clarke, together with performers from Universal Connection Soca Aerobics will give a wonderful rousing demonstration of Caribbean dance.

12.00 - 12.30 Tax Tips from Prudential

12.40 - 13.40 Your Money Matters Panel

12.30 - 13.15 Tropical Dance with Jan ‘the Hula Man’

14.00 - 14.30 Enhance Your Retirement - Volunteer!

13.30 - 14.15 Zumba with Fiona Gray,

Chaired by: Sarah Pennells, SavvyWoman Representative from Prudential Peter Cook, Financial Ombudsman Service Mark Redmond, Money Advice Service

Tropical Dance - consisting of lovely intoxicating new hybrid of expressive dance, graceful hand motions of Hula and the lovely rhythmic qualities of African music. Hip rolling, sensual, warm and happy music, fun and expressive.

Samantha Howarth, North West Volunteer Manager and Dylan Carroll - Senior Officer, Barnardo’s This seminar aims to explain the benefits of volunteering. Come along to hear from the UK’s leading children’s charity Barnardo’s about volunteering opportunities in fundraising, children’s services and retail across the North West. Find out how you can make a unique difference to the children that Barnardo’s supports.

FLG Dance & Fitness

Zumba Gold is a fun way to develop strength, flexibility, stamina and mental agility. It takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves to suit the needs of the active older participant and true beginner. If you want camaraderie, excitement and fitness as a regular part of your weekly schedule, Zumba Gold is the perfect fit. It’s a dance-fitness class that is friendly and fun, so come join the party!

14.30 - 15.15 Yoga

2.30pm - 5pm

14.40 - 15.10 Retirement Planning with Prudential

British Wheel of Yoga Cool down and chill out with a session of yoga by instructors from the British Wheel of Yoga. Make sure to visit their stand E20 for information on classes and clubs in your area.

15.15 - 15.45 Residential Park Home Living Explained Arthur Phillips, Stately-Albion

16.00 - 17.00 Beginners Digital Photography Workshop with Mike Rampton

So you have a new camera and want to know your way around it? Manchester Photographic School will help you develop your skill and knowledge across a range of photographic techniques. With our guided talk you will feel in control of your camera and gain a good understanding of the basics in photography.

The 50+ Show Magazine

15.45 - 16.45 Salsa & Merengue

Karen McKay will take it up a notch with her energetic merengue and salsa dancing. All the steps and moves will be explained so you will know exactly what to do and you’ll be energised when you leave the show with a smile on your face!

March 2012

FEATURES PROGRAMME --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Performance Stage

11.15 - 12.00 Demonstration by: Celebrity Chef Richard Fox

11.10 - 11.30 Emphasize Fashion Show 11.45 - 12.00 Tropical Dance by Urban Gypsies

12.30 - 13.15 Demonstration by: Paul Beckley, Head Chef, The Midland Hotel

13.00 - 13.30

Paul’s culinary skills earned him a place on ITV’s Britain’s Best Dish: The Chefs, where he im pressed judges with his Custard Tart with Liquorice and Blackcur rant Sorbet.

13.45 - 14.30 Demonstration by: Gareth Bagley, Head Chef, ABode Manchester

Gareth will be showing you how to create some dishes from his winter a la carte menu - show casing the very best seasonal produce.

ZON T F A CR

“Switch off and relax as you are looked after by the Beetle Felt team and spend the day learning new skills and making beautiful things. We offer fun and friendly craft workshops in an inspiring and sociable environment. At the end of the session you will have a hand made item to show off to your friends.”

Join acclaimed local comedian and former TV Producer Rod Taylor for a hilarious celebration of laughter & nostalgia. Rod’s career in television spans more than 35 years. He has produced & directed light entertainment programmes for BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

Michele Hope Fashion Show Accessories by lovelemonade

14.00 - 14.15 The Chordites Quartet

The Chordites are a barbershop quartet. Members: Karl Hendrickx, Ian Firth, Ian Grimshaw and Stuart Taylor. Until a year ago, they were all members of the Rainy City Barbershop Chorus which is based in Stockport. Ian Grimshaw has moved to the Harmony Revival Chorus who are also based in Stockport, and Ian Firth is now a member of the Cottontown Chorus in Bolton who are the reigning UK champion chorus.

14.30 - 15.15 PRIZE QUIZ

Are you a brainiac or perhaps Britain’s next mastermind? Test your Knowledge and join The 50+ Show Quiz! The lucky winner will be rewarded with a pair of tickets to see White Christmas donated by The Lowry.

15.30 - 16.00

Michele Hope Fashion Show Accessories by lovelemonade

HEALTH ZONE

The Health Zone is located at the centre of the show. See Cancer Research Road Show UK & NHS Manchester - they will be running Body Mass Index & Blood Pressure checks throughout the day.

The 50+ Show Magazine

2.30pm - 5pm

15.15 -16.00 Demonstration by: Celebrity Chef Richard Fox

12.00 - 12.30 Comedian Rod Taylor

12.30pm - 2.30pm

Richard Fox is a TV Chef and food and drink expert. He has had his own cooking slot on BBC 1 Regional Look North and was a regular chef on BBC 2’s Food Poker. He is a regular on The Food Channel’s Market Kitchen and launched the Love Food Hate Waste concept on this channel. Richard has also written for various publications including BBC Good Food Magazine, The Daily Mail, The Daily Telegraph and The Ecologist.

10am - 12.30pm

Cookery Theatre

e m m ch a r ar g oMarchM 2012 r P 2

AY RD

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9.30am - 12pm

U T Seminar Theatre SA

Dance Floor

10.15 - 11.05 Gardening Question & Answer Time

10.00 - 10.45 Tai Chi

Chaired by: Sam Youd, Tatton Hall Panelists: David Keegan, DK Garden Design Phil Dunnett, Ribblesdale Nurseries Joan Mulvenna, Garden Design Manchester

British Chen Style Tai Chi College

11.00 - 11.45 Soca Aerobics

Esther Clarke, together with performers from Universal Connection Soca Aerobics will give a wonderful rousing demonstration of Caribbean dance.

11.15 - 11.45 Tax Tips from Prudential

12pm - 2pm

12.00 - 13.00 Your Money Matters Panel

12.00 - 12.45 Tropical Dance with Jan ‘the Hula Man’

Chaired by: Sarah Pennells, SavvyWoman Representative from Prudential Peter Cook, Financial Ombudsman Service Mark Redmond, Money Advice Service

13.15 - 13.45 Put Your Free Will to Good Use

13.00 - 13.45 Zumba with Fiona Gray,

Rob Gore, Associate Solicitor, QualitySolicitors Stephensons and Dylan Carroll, Senior Officer, Barnardo’s

FLG Dance & Fitness Zumba Gold is a fun way to develop strength, flexibility, stamina and mental agility. It takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves to suit the needs of the active older participant and true beginner. If you want camaraderie, excitement and fitness as a regular part of your weekly schedule Zumba Gold is the perfect fit. It’s a dance-fitness class that is friendly and fun, so come join the party!

2pm - 4.30pm

14.00 - 14.30 Retirement Planning with Prudential

14.00 - 14.45 Yoga

14.45 - 15.15 Residential Park Home Living Explained Arthur Phillips, Stately-Albion

15.30 - 16.30 Beginners Digital Photography Workshop with Mike Rampton

15.15 - 16.00 Salsa & Merengue

HEALTH ZONE

The Health Zone is located at the centre of the show. See Cancer Research Road Show UK & NHS Manchester they will be running Body Mass Index & Blood Pressure checks throughout the day. The 50+ Show Magazine

March 2012

FEATURES PROGRAMME --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Performance Stage

10.45 - 11.30 Demonstration by: Celebrity Chef Richard Fox

9.45 -10.15 The Chordites Quartet 10.45 - 11.15 Emphasize Fashion Show

12.00 - 12.45 Malaysian Food Made Easy with Celebrity Chef Norman Musa

12.30 - 13.00

Norman Musa is the multi-talented creator, co-owner and Executive Chef of Ning restaurant, Manchester. Norman is also a TV personality, author, cookery school teacher and passionate ambassador of Malaysian cuisine.

13.15 - 14.30 Demonstration by: Celebrity Chef David Mooney

Dave Mooney is co-owner and Chef Patron of The Lord Binning, pub & kitchen. David’s influence and creative directorship of the Lord Binning’s food offering is being recognised throughout Cheshire’s dining elite and the pub is set to become the culinary venue of choice in the region.

Head Chef, ABode Manchester

Gareth will be showing you how to create some dishes from his winter a la carte menu - show casing the very best seasonal produce.

CRAFT ZONE

Described as a ‘National Phenomenon’, ROCK CHOIR is now available right across the UK. Rock Choir sings pop, gospel and motown music and is open to everyone as there are no auditions and no requirement to read music.

Michele Hope Fashion Show

Accessories by lovelemonade

13.05 - 13.35 Comedian Rod Taylor

13.40 - 14.00 Tropical Dance by Urban Gypsies 14.05 - 14.45 PRIZE QUIZ

Are you a brainiac or perhaps Britain’s next mastermind? Test your knowledge and join The 50+ Show Quiz! The lucky winner will be rewarded with a pair of tickets to see White Christmas donated by The Lowry.

15.00 - 15.30

15.45 - 16.15 Rock Choir

Michele Hope Fashion Show

Accessories by lovelemonade

2pm - 4.30pm

15.00 -15.45 Demonstration by: Gareth Bagley

11.30 - 12.00 Rock Choir

12pm - 2pm

9.30am - 12pm

Cookery Theatre

e m m ch a r ar g oMarchM 2012 r P 3

PROFILES

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orman Musa has a natural gift for his native Malaysian food. Born in Penang, the food capital of Malaysia, he was a finalist for Manchester’s Chef of the Year, along with Ning as Restaurant of the Year in 2009. In 2010, he was the official Malaysian chef for the Lotus Racing Formula OneTM team and awarded one of Prestige Magazine Malaysia’s Top 40 Under 40 poised for power. Self-taught and mentored by his late mother, Norman has featured in the British and Malaysian press and on TV, run cooking demonstrations at live food events, written his own sell-out book and leads Malaysian cookery classes and team-building events. His ambition is to be the Malaysian face of Malaysian food around the world. Norman’s television & Ning-commissioned videos can be viewed at:

www.malaysianfood.tv

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stablished in 2005, Rock Choir™ offers the general public an opportunity to sing pop, gospel & Motown songs, without the need for previous singing experience and no auditions. It provides up-beat and feelgood weekly singing sessions across the UK for teenagers and adults. Many of the members have never sung in public before and are given the opportunity to perform at local events and venues, as part of the Rock Choir experience. It can offer fun, laughter, companionship and most of all the enjoyment of singing with friends. For more information go to www.rockchoir.com

he Colourful Urban Gypsies as seen on semi-finals of “Britain’s Got Talent” will be performing on stage on Friday and Saturday 3rd March with their wonderful mix of World and Tribal Belly Dance moves. Based in Manchester they are available to hire for interactive performance or informal workshops. For more information visit their website: www.Zehara.co.uk or email info@Zehara.co.uk or call 0161 487 4134

The Michele Hope range emphasizes glamour, comfort and style with ease of wear. Her collection covers from size 10-28 with a variety of beautiful fabrics in a palette of stunning colours. Our stylish designs are suitable for any occasion day, evening and holiday wear. Every item can be mixed and matched creating your own preference of style. For more information visit:

www.michelehope.com

Lovelemonade jewellery is encrusted with top quality crystal stones in a choice of attractive colours, Our exquisite range will take you to a new level of sparkle, glitz and glamour. Visit: www.lovelemonade.com

ave Mooney, co-owner and Chef Patron of The Lord Binning, pub & kitchen, was born in Lancashire to be taught from an early age the importance of food. Dave is a serial media star. Recently Dave has appeared on the Hairy Bikers Christmas Special for 2011 and also filmed ‘Perfect’ for Sky TV, a show about perfect pub food! He has also clocked up over 200 appearances as the ‘Granada Tonight’ resident Chef over two years. He has also worked on live magazine formats for Granada Satellite and UKTV Food and the Shopping Channel, demonstrating & selling various cookware lines. Radio work is too numerous to mention, cumulating in guest spots on food for BBC Radio Five Live. David continues to entertain at most of the major food and drink festivals around the north west and indeed further afield. Dave claims he can even teach Victoria Beckham and Katie Price to cook. Visit The Lord Binning Pub & Kitchen website for more information:

www.lordbinning.co.uk

Party Wear

Evening Wear

The 50+ Show Magazine

Holiday Wear

Knitwear

March 2012

COMPETITIONS

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Competitions

Visit the Stands below for your chance to win some fabulous prizes. Terms and Conditions apply. Barnado’s D12B Visitors to the Barnado’s stand will be given the opportunity to write their Wills for free and at the same time make provision for children, young people and families who will be supported by Barnardo’s in the future. Anyone who books an appointment to participate in the Free Will Scheme with QualitySolicitors Stephensons before April 30th will be entered into a prize draw to win a Kindle. Black Country Living Museum A1 Visit the Black Country Living Museum stand and enter into a prize draw to win 2 family tickets, for 2 adults and up to 3 children for a day visit to the museum. Bloom Hearing D11 Visit the Bloom Hearing stand and enter into a prize draw to win £250 of Marks and Spencer vouchers. Boundary Mill Stores A17

Boundary Mill Stores will be running a FREE Prize draw on their stand to win £50 worth of Boundary Mill Stores Vouchers on each day. Goldsborough Estates D14A Enter a prize draw for the chance to win £100 of Marks and Spencer Vouchers. JustHEAR E17 All visitors who visit the justHEAR stand and leave their details will be entered into a prize draw. The winner will receive a pair of high technology hearing aids tailored to fit the winners individual hearing loss. Leadopinion C3 Sign up to become a member of the Leadopinion Panel and be entered into a prize draw with a chance to win a Red Letter Day Certificate, a Kindle or a Nintendo Wii.

Leger Holidays B3 Enter in to a prize draw for the chance to win £500 worth of holiday vouchers. If visitors book with Leger Holidays at The 50+ Show they will get 10% off their holiday. Prudential C7

Visit the Prudential stand to enter into a prize draw to win a Magnum of Champagne.

Retirement Today Magazine A4 Enter into a prize draw to win a pair of tickets to see Miss Julie starring Maxine Peak at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester. One pair of tickets to be won each day. Richardson’s Holidays B15 Enter into a prize draw to win a holiday for two at South Downs, Mundesley or Seacroft Holiday Village. Sunshine Village D10 Enter into a prize draw to win a week’s accommodation at a self-catering cottage for 4 people, on the Costa Dorada, Spain. The draw will take place on the last day of the show. Wiltshire Farm Foods D5 Win one of two great prizes: a £50 House of Fraser gift card, or a Regency Hamper of delicious luxury goodies.

See us

stand

D11

Save 30% on all hearing aids when you book an appointment before 31st March 2012*. Book an appointment today on stand D11

or phone: 0800 612 7978

quoting reference 50BL30 to take advantage of this exclusive offer * The reference code must be used when arranging your appointment to qualify for the discount. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and is only available in participating members of the bloom™ network. The Hearing Aid Audiologist will recommend the most appropriate hearing aids for your hearing loss. Bloom 184mm x 134mm Advert.indd 1

The 50+ Show Magazine

08/02/2012 14:53

March 2012

FEATURED EXHIBITORS

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The 50+ Show Featured Exhibitors

ACTION ON HEARING LOSS

Stand D3 Action on Hearing Loss is the new name for RNID. What we do: •We’re experts in providing support for people with hearing loss and tinnitus. •We provide day-to-day care for people who are deaf and have additional needs. •We supply communication services and training. •We offer practical advice to help people protect their hearing. •We campaign to change public policy around hearing loss issues. •We support research into an eventual cure for hearing loss and tinnitus. Telephone: 0808 808 0123 - Textphone : 0808 808 9000 Web: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk 19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL --------------------------

BLOOM HEARING

Stand D11 bloom™ hearing specialists are a network of local hearing centres staffed by friendly, qualified Hearing Aid Audiologists who are registered with the Health Professions Council. We provide help and advice and will help you choose hearing aids that are technologically advanced, cosmetically attractive and totally comfortable. We want you to feel totally happy and comfortable with your experience and we want to help you choose the best solution for your hearing loss, to help you live life to the full. Telephone: 0800 195 4553 Web: www.bloomhearing.co.uk Winster House, Lakeside, Chester Business Park, Chester, CH4 9QT -----------------------------

The 50+ Show Magazine

GOLDSBOROUGH ESTATES

EVO DENTAL

Stand D6 EvoDental is a dedicated implant centre focusing exclusively on affordable dental implant solutions for both simple and complex cases. EvoDental is home to the “1 Day Smile”, an implant solution for full denture wearers as well as persons with terminal dentition. This involves placing a full arch of teeth using between 4-6 implants per jaw… in 1 day!! For further information or a FULL clinical consultation including xrays, please call our dedicated client coordinators on 0845 6800686 Telephone: 0845 6800686 Web: www.evodental.com/ Evolution House, 5-7 Paramount Business Park, Wilson Rd, Huyton, Merseyside, L36 6AW --------------------------

Stand D14A As part of Bupa, we manage private retirement and assisted living developments throughout the UK. Our awardwinning track record, reputation for outstanding customer care, and corporate financial security mean we are the ideal choice for carefree and independent retirement living. We are a peoplefocused organisation and genuinely care about the happiness and wellbeing of all our customers If you are looking for a caring, friendly and supportive environment in which to enjoy your independent retirement lifestyle, Goldsborough Estates is the trusted solution. Telephone: 0800 731 6287 Web: www.goldsboroughestates.co.uk Goldsborough Estates/Bupa Assisted Living, Bridge House, Outwood Lane, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4UP -------------------------

FORTINA SPA RESORT

Stand C2 The 4 star Hotel Fortina and the 5 star Fortina Spa Resort in Malta are offering 2 for 1 holidays for 14 night durations and over. Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean with fabulous views overlooking the capital city of Valletta, packages are comprised of allinclusive accommodation including all drinks, return flights from Manchester, in-resort hotel transfers and a cruise of Malta’s Grand Harbour. Please visit us on Stand C2 for full details. Telephone: 0800 917 3001 Web: www.hotelfortina.com Tigne Seafront, Sliema, SLM 15 MALTA --------------------------

LEADOPINION

Stand C3 WorldOne is an international research agency specialising in healthcare data collection. We have 1.6 million healthcare professional members. We are currently recruiting people living with illnesses to join our Leadopinion internet community. We work with medical industry, government agencies and pharmaceutical companies to determine the best way to deliver healthcare. The number one way to do so is by speaking to the people that know best - people the live or care for someone with an illness. Telephone: 0800 012 8888 Web: www.leadopinion.com Unit 2-3, Unity Wharf, Mill Street London, SE1 2BH --------------------------March 2012

FEATURED EXHIBITORS

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PRUDENTIAL

Stand C7 Your retirement deserves a good income, and you may have more options than you think to boost your finances. Visit our stand - we can’t offer advice - but can offer free, no-obligation information on pensions, annuities, additional voluntary contributions, savings & investments and general insurance. We’re also running seminars that cover a variety of important topics. Seminar times are posted on our stand, plus you can enter our prize draw! Telephone: 0800 000 000 Web: www.pru.co.uk ---------------------------

QHOTELS

Stand B9 QHotels is a collection of 21 individual four-star hotels that stretch across the UK. Whether you’re looking for a spot of golf, a summer getaway, a romantic indulgence or simply a relaxing treat with friendly, quality service, then look no further. QHotels will strive to tender to your every need, making sure that you have a perfect stay. Telephone: 0845 074 0060 Web: www.QHotels.co.uk Bruntcliffe Drive, Morley, Leeds, LS27 0RY ---------------------------

RETIREMENT TODAY MAGAZINE

Stand A4 Visit our stand and receive a complimentary copy. Fantastic special offer subscription today of just £9.99 for 12 issues. Plus, enter our competition just leave your email address and you could win a pair of tickets to see Miss Julie starring Maxine Peake at The Royal Exchange, Manchester.

The 50+ Show Magazine

Telephone: 01296 632700 Web: www.retirement-today.co.uk Amra Media Solutions, The Old Lavender Mill, 46a Brook Street, Ashton Clinton, Bucks, HP22 5ES ---------------------------

RICHARDSON’S

Stand B15 We are a family run company with over 50 years’ experience in providing quality value for money holidays. With a Richardson’s holiday you will get memories to cherish and a warm and friendly atmosphere. Our villages offer full and half board adult only breaks. Each has its own facilities and resident band who are there so you can enjoy dancing and listening to live music. You can demonstrate your fancy footwork with a mix of ballroom, line and sequence dancing. Telephone: 0844 272 4899 Web: www.richardsonsholidayvillages. co.uk The Staithe, Stalham, Norfolk NR12 9BX ---------------------------

SUNSHINE VILLAGE

Stand D10 Sunshine 50+ Village offers the first comprehensive retirement facility on the Costa Dorada, Spain. We strive to give you the best possible quality of life so you can enjoy your “Golden Years” with the peace of mind knowing that you can live independently with companionship, comfort, support, care and security. All individual homes have small gardens with five star communal facilities offering restaurant, lounges, pool, gym, hobbies room, shop, landscaped gardens, etc. With a variety of homes there is something for everyone. Telephone: 0034 622 553446 Web: www.sunshineretirementvillage. com C/Xaloc 4, L’Ampolla, Catalunya, Spain ----------------------- -- --

SHEPHERDS FRIENDLY

Stand D8 Shepherds has provided financial security to families since 1826, our Over 50’s Life Insurance provides a fixed cash lump sum for your loved ones on death and premiums are guaranteed never to rise. Guaranteed acceptance as there’s no medical or health questions and the plan is available to anyone aged between 50 and 75. There is the option to receive £250 towards the cost. Applying online is quick and easy and you will receive a £30 love to shop voucher. Telephone: 0161 428 1212 Web: www.shepherds.co.uk Shepherds Friendly Society, Shepherds House, Stockport Road, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 2AA ---------------------------

March 2012

Home Manchester North Home Start Start Manchester North Home-Start Manchester Recruiting and training local people with parenting experience to We need retired people with parenting provide emotional and practical home visiting support to families with experience! young children in North Manchester… Many parents need friendship, advice or support during those early years when children are young. They often lack a parent or Grandparent figure, and that’s where you come in!

Weekly emotional and practical home visiting support to families in Manchester… We need you! ~ Do you have a couple of hours a week to spare? ~ Do you have experience you could put to good use?

• 10% Discount on all Annual Multi-trip policies • Promotional Code: 50+Manch

Do you have 2/3 hours a week to spare? Do you understand the challenges as well as the ~ Did you expect Grandchildren by now?! pleasures of having children? Would you like to give something back and help families who are Are you support familiesto in Manchester? the Cheetham/Crumpsall and North East areas of ~struggling? Do you drive ORable aretoable to travel Manchester? Next induction courses will be held in: Wythenshawe (South Mcr) every Thursday 10am-2pm OR training, support and out-of-pocket for 10 wks commencing 10th May Volunteers are rewarded with2012; on-going Newton Heath (North Mcr) every Tuesday 9am-1pm expenses. The next induction courses (1 evening, 1 daytime) start beginning of July. for 8 wks commencing 29th March 2012.

MORE information INFORMATION CONTACT SHELLEYus: OR MARIE ON 0161 203 4229 ForFOR more contact info@homestartmcrnorth.org.uk South Mcr: 0161 946 1420 Successful applications on 2 satisfactory references and an Enhanced CRB disclosure North Mcr: 0161 721depend 4493

Simply the 50+ best?

Volunteers are rewarded with on-going training, support and out-of-pocket expenses. The next induction courses (1 evening, 1 daytime) start beginning of July. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT SHELLEY OR MARIE ON 0161 203 4229 info@homestartmcrnorth.org.uk Successful applications depend on 2 satisfactory references and an Enhanced CRB disclosure

You decide! Vote now at

www.50plus-Awards.com Participants are included in a free draw for one of three £50 vouchers on completion of the survey. Voting closes on 30 June.

HEALTH

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‘Staying well

until a cure is found…’ The many faces of diabetes

ith more than 2.8 million people in the UK diagnosed with diabetes, most people know someone affected. And with a further 1 million sufferers estimated to be undiagnosed it is important more people are aware of the facts in order to minimise the forecast for a widespread epidemic. Diabetes is different in almost every individual case, from those born with the condition, to people who are diagnosed later in life and in each case people are affected in different ways.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes prevents your body converting sugars and starches in your food into energy. The body uses insulin to do this. When diabetes is present the body fails to produce insulin or the insulin it does produce doesn’t work properly (insulin resistance). If insulin isn’t produced, or doesn’t work, the glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of the cells, causing the common symptoms of diabetes: Lethargy, frequent passing of water, thirst, repeated infections and weight loss. People with type 1 diabetes may also experience visual changes; while people with type 2 diabetes may have no or very few symptoms prior to diagnosis. In type 1 diabetes the pancreas fails to produce insulin, while in type 2 diabetes the cause is generally age and lifestyle related. If you are slim it is likely your body is not producing enough insulin to convert the carbohydrate you eat into energy. People with type 1 diabetes need daily injections of insulin to stay alive, most do this by manually injecting while some use a pump. The goal is to keep their blood glucose levels within the safe and desired range.

The 50+ Show Magazine

People with type 2 diabetes control their blood glucose levels by diet or by taking tablets and/or insulin, depending on when they are diagnosed. In both types awareness and education is key to maintaining good health. There are many complications associated with diabetes, many of which can have a debilitating impact in the long-term. People with type 1 diabetes will almost certainly suffer from hypoglycaemic episodes (hypos), when blood sugar levels drop too low and the body cannot function as it should, causing unpleasant side effects such as confusion, wobbliness and blurred vision. However, the condition can be controlled by keeping a regular check on blood sugar levels, having a simple understanding of messages the body sends and adopting good self-management skills, including a healthy diet and regular exercise routines – the sort of positive actions that could benefit most lifestyles.

People with diabetes describe their experiences: from being diagnosed to how they manage the condition: Hypoglycaemia

Hypoglycaemia, or a ‘hypo,’ where blood glucose levels drop too low, is something people with diabetes try to avoid. Early warning signs of a hypo can include feeling hungry, trembling or shakiness and sweating. In severe cases there is confusion, inability to concentrate, loss of balance, fog before the eyes, or double vision, and fear. DRWF supporter and member Heather Davie, who has type 1 diabetes, has experienced severe hypos and all of the above, and offered some advice: “Following a recent severe hypo, I realised there is a conflict between mind and body. My head was telling me: ‘you’ve tested, taken insulin, had dinner, and therefore you should be ok’.’ My body was saying: ‘you haven’t had enough carbohydrate, sort it out NOW,’ but my pattern is for head to overrule

by:

Heather Davie (above)

body, with potentially disastrous results. Always carrying glucose is essential, but in a severe hypo, taking it doesn’t always immediately happen. The reason is the brain may be saying: ‘finish the job you’re doing, then do another one, then think about glucose’, by which time the blood glucose level is too dangerously low. The lesson here is to listen carefully to what the body is telling you and to react with the glucose quickly. Having learnt this, after many years of having type 1, I have fewer severe hypos now, and feel better equipped to deal with them when they do occur.”

Insulin pump user

Since being made available to selected people with type 1 diabetes, particularly those who suffer repeated and unpredictable hypos, the insulin pump has had a life changing effect for users – replacing the need for several daily insulin injections and minimising hypo episodes. The pump can provide more day-to-day control for the user and works by pumping insulin into the body throughout the day and night, set according to the needs of the user, mimicking how insulin works from the pancreas in someone who does not have diabetes. Anna McLeish explains how her life has changed since being fitted with an insulin pump: “For many years I struggled to achieve anything which looked like even basic control. In fact, for me, ‘stable’ was a place you kept a horse, not something you could expect from diaMarch 2012

HEALTH

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------betes. So after fighting against it for far longer than I care to remember, I finally took up the suggestion of trying an insulin pump. Even though the pump is still something which is only available on the NHS for type 1s who meet certain criteria, going onto a pump came with a wealth of information about carbohydrate counting, exercise and cutting yourself some slack when things go a bit ‘wonky’. All of which can make a difference without ever having a pump.”

ily and exercise often, I have a healthy responsibility for protecting my transplant now.”

Spotting the signs

DRWF Lifetime Member and volunteer Lynwood Newman, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 22 years ago at the age of 40, but says if he had known what to look for he may have spotted the warning signs earlier: Lynwood Newman (below)

Islet transplant recipient

Having lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 25 years, Rae-Marie Lawson came off insulin following two islet cell transplants. Islet transplantation involves taking islets (clusters of cells) from the pancreas of a deceased organ donor. The islets are then extracted and purified, and implanted into the liver of someone with diabetes. Once implanted, the islets become lodged in the structure of the liver and begin to make and release insulin. This procedure is now available as an NHS treatment, and around 70 per cent of those that have had the treatment have been able to stop their insulin injections altogether. DRWF funded one of the leading islet isolation facilities in Europe at the Churchill Hospital, Oxford. Rae-Marie explains her feelings before and after the treatment, and how it has transformed her life: Rae-Marie Lawson (below)

Lee Calladine (above)

“I suffered a fall from a height and sometime within six months of that fall, perhaps from the shock of it, I started developing signs that would now have been connected with diabetes. But as I did not know what to look for, I did not consider what was happening to me to be a sufficient warning. It would take my feet almost a week to thaw out and become warm again. If I had known any better I would have realised that I had the signs from the age of 35 - as my feet would remain cold for at least a week. I still have very sensitive feet. A month after turning 40 I was officially diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I was still at the height of fitness and therefore, I went through an anger stage. Why me? I went through some terrible moods in not fully accepting what I had.”

Life changing condition “I had very mixed feelings, I was trying to measure the benefits against possible drawbacks and was worried about being on immuno-suppresants. I also knew that I would probably need more than one procedure. I have my independence back. I’m a different person to two years ago. It’s impossible to put my feelings into words. I feel really fortunate to have had this treatment and I hope one day it will be available to everyone. I still live with a respect for diabetes, I eat healthThe 50+ Show Magazine

DRWF Event Coordinator Lee Calladine, 42, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes nine years ago and for the last five years has been organising educational Wellness events for DRWF: “I almost can’t remember what it was like not having diabetes. It’s such a misunderstood condition. People that are not affected by it just don’t realise how life-changing diabetes can be – and why would they? Most people only attribute having diabetes to not being able to eat chocolate bars and sweet 17

things! I’ve lost count of the times the diabetes police have cautioned me on my diet choices. The thing is, diabetes is much more than that, it is all encompassing, a real learning curve, which in most cases means that you need to go back to the school of life to re-learn a lot of the things you take for granted. I think people who are just starting to cope with diabetes can learn an awful lot from other people already living with the condition 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I know I did.”

Top tips

to manage diabetes Diabetes is never mild…. But it can be managed

• Maintain a healthy weight. Losing weight, if you are overweight, improves overall health and diabetes control • Be physically active. Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity • Keep blood glucose levels under control. Helps protect the eyes, kidneys and feet • Know your cholesterol level. Statin medication helps protect the heart • Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Good blood pressure levels protect the heart and kidneys • Do not smoke. Smoking is highly damaging but much more so when combined with diabetes. Both thicken the blood, encourage plaque formation and put a strain on the heart.

March 2012

MONEY MATTERS

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r u o y e r u Makeys mone doesn’t retire ! when you do

ince I started my website over two years ago, I’ve had over 500 questions to my ‘ask the expert’ panel, and if there’s one area that women – and men – are keen to get advice on, it’s how to invest when they reach retirement. There’s no doubt that in the current low interest rate environment it’s a big challenge. Interest rates on savings aren’t keeping up with inflation and, even though many predict that inflation will begin to fall, it’s widely acknowledged that older people experience a much higher rate of inflation than many others, because more of their income goes on heating and food, which have seen prices rise sharply over the last few years. So how can you squeeze the maximum out of your retirement fund?

by: Sarah Pennells, SavvyWoman.co.uk

viser and that they won’t try and encourage you to take out a product that’s not right for you or that you don’t feel comfortable about.

Understand the relationship between risk and reward If you keep all of your money in savings you will find its value is eroded by inflation over time. Having said that, if you don’t need to preserve your capital you should weigh up the benefits of

amount of investment risk whereas others don’t. What’s key is that you are very clear about what you’re investing in and understand the worst – as well as the best – that may happen.

SAVVYWOMAN TIP: Be aware that

keeping money in cash isn’t risk free. Even ignoring the inflation risk, banks can fail. There is a safety net for UK authorised banks and building societies (which also covers the vast major-

1. Take expert advice, if you

can I’m a big fan of good independent financial advice. If you’re going to take professional advice about your finances, it’s vital that the adviser has all the correct qualifications and specialist knowledge of the area you’re looking for advice on (whether that’s pensions and annuities or savings and investments). But their attitude to their clients is also important and the adviser can only recommend what’s truly best for you if they’ve listened to you.

SAVVYWOMAN TIP: It’s important to feel comfortable with the adviser you’re dealing with. You’re entrusting them with your money (whether it’s tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of pounds), so it’s important that you can be open and honest with your ad-

The 50+ Show Magazine

keeping it in cash and seeing it eroded by inflation versus taking a risk with some of it in the hope it produces a higher return. Don’t assume it’s an all or nothing approach or that it’s a ‘one off’ decision. You can start by investing small amounts and see how you feel after a while. Some people get very worried about exposing their money to any

ity of overseas banks, although there are a handful based in the EU that have signed up to their own country’s savings compensation scheme instead). The safety net protects saving up to £85,000, per person per authorised bank, not per banking ‘brand’. For example, HBOS’s licence covers a range of brands including Bank of Scotland, Halifax and BM Savings.

March 2012

MONEY MATTERS

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Higher risk doesn’t guarantee a higher reward (as one investment expert told me, ‘higher risk means higher risk; higher rewards are not a given’). Equally, don’t automatically assume that you can’t take any risk. With many retired people living for 20 or 25 years after they stop work, it should mean you have time to ride out the ups and downs of the stock market.

SAVVYWOMAN TIP: Although a

number of investment experts are fairly gloomy about the prospects for the stock market over the next few years, don’t assume all stock market investing is the same. There are some sound (and undervalued) companies out there. Be prepared to do a fair amount of research or to take expert advice on what to invest in. Be aware that some advisers see people who are approaching retirement and who want an income from their lump sum as easy money and will try and persuade you to take on riskier investments than you’re comfortable with. Don’t invest in anything that you don’t understand or feel happy about and only rely on information that’s been written down and given to you (not what’s said in your meetings), because that’s what it would come down to if you had to make a complaint about the advice you were given.

4. Work out how much of a tax free

lump sum to take One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is to work out how much of your pension to take as a tax free lump sum. Many people go for the maximum amount but it’s not always the best approach. If you have debts. If you owe money, especially if it’s on something like a credit card or personal loan, it’s definitely worth trying to pay that off with your tax free lump sum. Find out what you’d give up by taking the maximum lump sum. You may receive £12 or £15 in cash for every £ of income that you give up but you may receive twice that in income benefits (i.e. the equivalent of £30) once you factor in a spouse’s pension. Your tax situation is important. If you’re a higher rate taxpayer or if taking a higher income would mean you become a higher rate taxpayer, maximising the tax free lump sum may be more attractive.

SAVVYWOMAN TIP: Taking a higher income and maximising your tax free lump sum don’t have to be mutually exclusive. You can use your tax free cash lump sum to invest in income-generating assets (and you can even buy an annuity, if a guaranteed income is important to you).

Sarah Pennells (above)

If you found this article interesting, come and see me at my stand, come to one of the ‘Money Matters’ panels, which I’ll be chairing or sign up for free fortnightly email newsletters on SavvyWoman.co.uk, which have advice and tips on how to get more from your money. Sarah has covered money and consumer issues every Saturday on BBC1’s Breakfast programme for several years.

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Variety of accommodation

Adult only full and half board breaks on the Norfolk and Sussex Coast

The 50+ Show Magazine

Call 0844 272 4899 for your free brochure and more details now!

March 2012

RESIDENTIAL LIVING

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‘Residential parks... where the living is easy.’

Some examples of park homes: above and right, Kings Park Village, Canvey Island, Essex; below right, Willow View Park, near Dartmoor, Devon

or thousands of people, a residential park home lifestyle has come to mean security, peace of mind and a delightful living environment - plus real financial benefits… For many people, the prospect of retirement can be daunting. With less income available, is seems inevitable to them that compromises will now have to be made. But for tens of thousands of others, quitting work or simply easing off has signaled the start of a much more comfortable lifestyle. These people own residential park homes - and have discovered that a dreamt-for paradise of security, beautiful surroundings, and a worry-free living environment is well within their financial grasp. All it can take to make this dream a reality is the sale of a bricks-and-mortar house – and the purchase of a park home. For many, such a move has left them thousands of pounds in the black, and provided the means to enjoy a comfortable and secure living.

The 50+ Show Magazine

So what exactly is a park home? Most look exactly like traditional detached bungalows - and have their own gardens, and often a private car-parking area. There’s very little difference in appearance to a conventional brick-built property - and once you step inside, there is even less to suggest that this home was built in a workshop rather than on site. The fact that the home is transported, complete, from the workshop to the park gave rise to the old term “mobile home”. In most cases, the destination park is where the home spends the rest of its life. Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and hallways are all generously proportioned with plenty of natural light. There will be built-in cupboards and wardrobes, central heating and double glazing: even the high quality furnishings and carpets are workshop fitted by skilled craftsmen, allowing the home to be occupied immediately after 20

it has been sited on the park. Park homes are designed to be extremely low-maintenance throughout their long lives, meaning there’s little risk that you will ever be faced with major structural headaches or sudden high repair bills. Consider the amount of time and money you probably spent looking after a bricks-and-mortar house, and this represents another major benefit of park home living. Sky-high heating costs could also become a distant memory. Park homes are extremely well insulated, and in many cases offer energy saving values which are superior to brick-built properties. It’s warm inside, but what many park home dwellers also appreciate is the warmth of the community into which they have moved, helped by the fact that most other park home owners are likely to be of a similar age and outlook to them. Many residents say that what they really enjoy about park home living is the old-fashioned sense of ‘neighbourliness’ which seems to have disappeared March 2012

RESIDENTIAL LIVING

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‘Many residents say that what they really enjoy about home park living is the old-fashioned sense of ‘neighbourliness’ which seems to have disappeared from most aspects of urban life

’

from most aspects of urban life. In practice, this means that everyone respects each others’ privacy on a residential park – but that there is a strong feeling of being within a friendly community of like-minded people, always willing to lend support or provide assistance if required. That’s why, for those in or nearing retirement, a residential

Professor Bellamy says he was “absolutely amazed” at the superb efforts being made on residential parks to protect and enhance the natural world from bird boxes and special wildlife zones to the planting of indigenous trees and the creation of natural habitats such as ponds. Certainly the lifestyle offered by a residential park is one of which most people only dream… yet it can be an easily affordable proposition, especially if you have an existing house to sell. But what of the value of your park home? Can it, like a bricks and mortar property, also be regarded as an appreciating asset under the right conditions? The answer is ‘yes,’ for the change in value of park homes has been found to reflect the conventional property market… increasing by similar percent-

age figures when housing costs rise. Purchase costs compare very favourably with conventional properties, and many people find that the sale of a larger family house provides sufficient cash to buy a luxurious, modern park home – with enough funds left over to ensure financial security in later life. As to the actual costs, these of course vary according to the model chosen, and the market value of the land on which the home is situated – precisely the same factors, in other words, which influence the price of a conventional house. The greatest choice is to be found within the £60,000 - £90,000 price range, although prices do start from as little as £40,000 and rise to well over £100,000 in traditional retirement areas in the South of England. It’s little wonder then that park living is gaining in appeal all the time to more and more people. But as with any investment, care needs to be taken when making a decision - so be sure to do your homework, says the British Holiday & Home Parks Association. You can find details of over 800 parks on the Internet at www.parkhome.co.uk – the web site includes maps and simple-to-use tick boxes to help match your precise requirements to a short-list of residential parks in your chosen area.

park in the area of their choice can offer a much better alternative to settling amongst strangers in a range of different age groups. Then there’s also the advantage of the park environment itself which is designed specifically with the convenience and enjoyment of its residents in mind. Most parks invest substantial sums in creating and maintaining very high quality surroundings, from well-lit walkways and sitting-out areas to community meeting centres and landscaped gardens. In fact, the quality of the natural environment on many residential parks has prompted conservationist David Bellamy to institute an award scheme which recognises the achievements he has found.

The 50+ Show Magazine

March 2012

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FAQ How do park homes differ from conventional houses? The only real difference is the method of construction - even though many have the appearance of an attractively designed and traditionally built bungalow with a pitched roof. Once inside, there’s nothing to suggest that you are anywhere other than in a fully-equipped and luxurious modern dwelling. There will be good sized living areas and a separate kitchen, built-in cupboards and wardrobes, two or three bedrooms and fitted bathroom. Central heating and double glazing are usually installed as standard, and so is carpeting throughout. So how is the home actually built? It’s not so much ‘how’ as ‘where’ which makes the main difference. Park homes are constructed under carefully controlled workshop conditions to British Standard BS3632 before being thoroughly checked and transported to the park. Here they are sited on a concrete base and connected to all mains services such as electricity, drainage and sometimes mains gas. In theory, the home can be disconnected and taken by a low-loader to another location – but in practice most park homes stay throughout their lives on the original plot. What materials are used? A park home is timber framed and provided with a tough and durable weatherproof exterior, plus a textured finish. Particular attention is paid to achieving a high level of insulation – often of equal or superior value to cavity wall buildings. This keeps heat loss and future energy bills to a minimum. Park homes are designed for easy maintenance, and owners are most unlikely to be faced with the sudden high repair bills, which are a common feature of bricks-and-mortar life. How do the costs compare with conventional housing? They compare very favourably, and many people find that the sale of a larger family house provides sufficient cash to buy a luxurious, modern park home with enough funds left over to provide financial security. As to the actual costs, these of course vary according to the model chosen, and the market value of the land on which the home is situated – precisely the same factors, in other words, which influence the price of a conventional house. The greatest choice is to be found within the £30,000 - £80,000 price range, although prices do start from as little as £40,000 The 50+ Show Magazine

and rise to over £100,000 in traditional retirement areas in the South of England. How much should be budgeted for park fees? These vary up and down the country depending on the location of the park, and range from £70.00 to £120 per month. The income is largely used by park owners for the maintenance and improvement of the park environment. Increases in fees can only be made in accordance with the requirements of the Mobile Homes Act 1983. Does this legislation offer any other protection to owners? It does indeed. The Mobile Homes Act 1983 give owners of the park homes security of tenure – and that is probably its single most important safeguard. It also gives the owner the right to sell the home on the park, and the right to leave it to certain members of the family. Are most park residents retired? Yes: about 80% are in or near retirement – although some parks do have a higher proportion of couples where one or both go out to work on a full-time or part-time basis. In future we may well see more younger couples opting for home park life. For the present, however, they mostly benefit indirectly through the release of lower-cost housing onto the market when elderly couples sell up and move into park homes. There are currently an estimated 200,000 people living on home parks, representing some 96,000 park homes. Apart from economics, what are the other advantages of park home living? The social benefits are most readily appreciated by many. Home parks are very much communities where no-one need suffer the sense of isolation so often felt by people in retirement - especially those who move away from familiar surroundings. Individual privacy is, of course, respected as it would be anywhere. However, most park home owners do enjoy being drawn into the activities, committees, clubs and other social opportunities which develop as a result of initiatives by residents themselves. Other members of the family living elsewhere also have peace of mind from the knowledge that parks are semi-sheltered environments often with a resident owner or manager to provide additional security. Many park owners invest heavily in creating carefully landscaped and well laid-out surroundings with plenty of pathways, sit-

ting-out areas and other facilities for residents to enjoy. Parks making exceptional efforts to improve and protect the natural environment can win a David Bellamy Conservation Award through a scheme run in conjunction with BH&HPA. Must it be a licensed residential park? Yes, most definitely. The protection offered by the Mobile Homes Act 1983 are applied to licensed residential parks – and are not available to holiday parks. There are also important differences between a residential park home, which is designed and built for year round living, and a caravan holiday home, which is constructed to different standards to reflect its use as leisure accommodation. So in your own interests, and to safeguard the value of your investment, always ensure that your prospective park has a local authority site

licence for residential (not holiday) use, and to make sure that it is in membership of the BH&HPA. How do I find out more? The BH&HPA Residential Home Parks Directory is a complete listing of parks in membership of the BH&HPA throughout Britain. Any of the parks featured will be pleased to send you literature about themselves and the homes they have to offer. You should then take the opportunity to visit a few different parks in your chosen area: the owner or manager will be delighted to show you around, and to answer any questions. Take time also to chat with some of the residents: they, after all, are best placed to tell you about day-to-day life on the park and the benefits they enjoy. You can find details of over 800 parks on the Internet at www.parkhome.co.uk – the web site includes maps and simple-touse tick boxes to help match your precise requirements to a short-list of residential parks in your chosen area.

Images by BH & HPA

March 2012

One for an inspirational, thought provoking break.

QHotels are a collection of 21 hotels located throughout the UK. From the warmest of welcomes to the fondest goodbyes, our four-star hotels and friendly team will make sure you have a memorable stay. Visit QHotels at stand number B9 at the Over 50s show for the latest offers at QHotels. We look forward to seeing you.

www.QHotels.co.uk

FASHION TIPS

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DOs and DON’Ts

Shopping for fashion when you’re 50+ by Lesley Ebbetts

t a certain age a single visit to clothes shops in search of fashion can be completely confus-

ing. Icons like Helen Mirren, Debbie Harry, Cher, Charlotte Rampling, Kirsten Scott Thomas, Francesca Annis - while making us aware of how wonderful sophistication can look at a certain age, can also leave us feeling worse, as their standard feels unattainable and intimidating. Watching our body shape, our hair colour and our complexion change is bad enough, but trying to fit a fashionable catwalk look into our wardrobes can seem impossible. So it was interesting that a glance at a book, ‘The Well-Dressed Woman’s Dos and Don’ts,’ first published in 1925 by Elise Vallee, has a piece of advice that is still, in my opinion, where you start. She says: “Don’t think that once you have bought smart clothes that you have done everything necessary. Because at a certain age you have to find your own style.” Every one of the gorgeous women above has done just that. So here are my shopping ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ for you, their contemporaries! • Do allow yourself proper shopping time. We have the best high streets in the world but you must edit slowly as you shop and be prepared to be disappointed, either because they seem too old or too young. • Do check all the stores that have worked for you in the past

The 50+ Show Magazine

and look at their new collections. Remember that what they offer changes each season, sometimes more frequently, and some seasons will be better than others. Last summer Reiss, French Connection, Wallis, John Lewis and Warehouse all ‘pulled their socks up’ and had a great season. L.K.Bennett, Cos, Fenwick, Zara, Top Shop. The White Company and New Look are always great.

• Don’t worry if some of these brands seem young. You have to get used to looking through the rails. Well over 50, I still find clothes that will suit me. It may have been the only item in the whole shop, but it was worth finding it! • Do keep your body limitations in mind as you shop. It is important for your own personal style that you keep in mind your own rules, such as whether you like to cover your

‘

Don’t think that once you have bought smart clothes that

you have done everything necessary. Because at a certain age you have to find your own style

’

M&S

March 2012

FASHION TIPS

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‘

Resist anything that holds you firmly all the way

around, especially if you are wearing it to go out to

’

eat. It will give you a very nasty side effect! upper arms, (and there are some wonderful three-quarter length sleeves around). Or… you may have decided to wear your hem just over the knees that you hate. Your cleavage might need a new, slightly higher, scoop neckline to make it more flattering. Your waistline might need a disguise, achieved by the silhouette of the dress, the design, the cut and shape of the waist. All these factors add up to the edit as you tour the fashion floors, whatever age they are aimed at. • Do check out all the fashion houses above online before you go shopping, if you can. Remember that there are some award winning fashion brands that are only on-line, if high street shopping is never going to work for you. More and more of us are going on-line shopping and find it very rewarding. Do take a look at the successful ASOS. Very, Simply Be, BooHoo and Oli@ Freemans. And do check out QVC’s fashion designers from all over the world.

M&S

The 50+ Show Magazine

• Do remember that none of the above can be successful if your underwear is out of date or, worse, not doing the job. Alongside new clothes, lingerie today allows you to have a whole new wardrobe of underpinnings. And underpinnings they often have to be! Our delightful bodies will get a new hormonal structure telling our metabolism that we need more fat to protect our abdominal feminine parts after menopause! Have a long hard look at what is on offer these days. For example, there is ‘shape wear’ - the new name for corsetry. Advanced and efficient, it will now hold you in where you need holding in, say front and back, and let your sides breathe. Resist anything that holds you firmly all the way around, especially if you are wearing it to go out to eat. It will give you a very nasty side effect! • Do buy one size up with ‘shapewear’ and if you hate the size label, cut it out. You will be surprised how quickly you forget and it just becomes the one garment you feel comfortable in! (This applies to clothes as well!) And all those bulges that go up and over, or down and out of your new shape wear garment will be contained! • Do get measured for a bra. Experts tell us we change size every seven years and, although bras wear out every year, some of us have fairly ancient ones in our underwear drawers. A new size does give you a chance to pick out something a little more flirtatious than white pants and a t-shirt bra….leave that look to the young. This is the time of your life to get lacy, colourful and desirable. The French female has always known that this is a 25

wonderful way to feel sexy. Even if you live alone it makes you feel alive and young at heart. One French journalist once told me that a French woman will always match her underwear to her outerwear each day. I asked if that was in case she had an accident and she said, “Non! It is in case she meets a man!” • Don’t struggle with any new fashion and lingerie. We all get things home after a shopping trip and wonder what on earth we were thinking in the shop. Unless it really is a terrible colour for you, the wrong size or length, live with it a little. A good tip is to hang it on the outside of your wardrobe door and look at it everyday. You will be surprised how quickly you get to know it and, who knows, the reasons why you bought it in the first place, however daring. You might discover a whole new strikingly stylish you. Lesley Ebbetts has a website, lesleyloves.com and a fashion blog lefashion. co.uk and is an expert TV presenter for QVC. March 2012

R E C I P E S

Source: ‘How to be an Everyday Kitchen Magician’ by Richard Fox

COOKING --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

R E C I P E S The 50+ Show Magazine

March 2012

COOKING --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ichard Fox is an award-winning writer, beer and food writer, cook book author and TV chef presenter. He has had his own cooking slot on BBC1 Regional Look North and was a regular chef on BBC 2’s Food Poker. Richard’s expertise in the world of food and drink has made him a favourite personality for hosting and demonstrating at gourmet events around the world. He has appeared on UKTV Food, Saturday Cooks on ITV, The Good Food Show on BBC Radio 4, to name but a few. Richard is currently touring the country performing cooking demonstrations on the theme of ‘Love Food, Hate Waste’. His new book entitled ‘How to be an everyday kitchen magician’ – ‘fabulous feasts for almost free’ - is published by Green Books and will be launched in April 2012.

How to be an

Everyday Kitchen Magician Fabulous food fo

almost freer

RICHARD FOX First part heading

Principles for ‘non-recipe,’ waste-free cooking by Richard Fox • You can add but you can’t take away. Perhaps the most important mantra for non-recipe cooking. Print this out in huge capital letters and put it on the kichen wall! • Taste as you go along and adjust accordingly. Your palette is a far better guide for ingredient quantities than a recipe. Start trusting in your taste buds and they won’t let you down. • When you want to combine a set of ingredients, begin with the ingredient you think you’ve got the least of. That way you’ll have a chance to adjust the flavouring if you don’t manage to generate enough taste from a scarce ingredient. • Cut, chop or slice ingredients before beginning to cook and combine. In their prepared state you’ll get a much better idea of how much to add or not. Don’t worry if you chopped or sliced stuff that you can’t use in that particular recipe. That’s where your selection of plastic containers comes in. • Embrace the concept of substitution of ingredients. Before you leg it down to the nearest supermarket to get more stuff, ask yourself, “Have I got anything I can use instead?” So when a recipe asks for ground coriander and you only have cumin, does it really matter? Probably not.

The 50+ Show Magazine

March 2012

GARDENING

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The Essence of a GARDEN by David Keegan

he time is fast approaching when our gardens will once again start to awaken from their winter slumber in preparation for the summer show. As the temperatures begin to rise, plants that have lain dormant just below the soil surface will begin to push up new shoots as bird song fills the air. This month of March is an ideal time to start planning for your garden for the year and for the years ahead. In these uncertain times our gardens can also act as a sanctuary of peace and calm. They are also a precious commodity which most of us are fortunate enough to have attached to our homes. With an ever increasing population and the constraints this places on available land, gardens are unfortunately becoming smaller and smaller, particularly in new housing developments, while many larger gardens in our towns and cities are subdivided with land sold off for housing development. It seems to me that, apart from the constraints of population expansion, gardens are also seen as less important to developers as many go unused or are left poorly neglected. Sadly many homeowners seem to find them the most intimidating of spaces. The 50+ Show Magazine

It never ceases to amaze me, when travelling around the UK by train, the number of unloved and underused outdoor spaces viewed through the train window. Most seem to be a place to store rubbish and bikes. But even those that are neat invariably lack imagination with a square or rectangular stretch of lawn and a bare perimeter border, usually a bare brown strip of soil with the occasional unloved tree or shrub. Perhaps in these uncertain times it is the ideal time to rethink our whole attitude as to the value and functionality of our outdoor spaces. We need to rediscover a sense of passion for these outdoor spaces and realise their potential to not only enhance our lives but potentially to change them. By forging a connection with our own back gardens we will naturally begin to feel a greater sense of connection to the wider landscape and our environment. After all can we really be expected to have a passion and connection for what is happening to our planet, whether through the effects of global warming or the introduction of GM crops and food, if we cannot spare the time to 28

interact with our little green pieces of the planet. Maybe you are skeptical about global warming but in reality our climate is changing and our gardens can provide a unique opportunity to witness some of these changes for ourselves. For example, trees are blooming earlier each year or have you noticed that some flowers and bulbs seem to appear a little earlier each year? All of these clues are on our doorsteps. But in saying all this it is, to my mind, irrelevant whether global warming is caused by man, is a natural phenomenon or simply a part of our planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evolution. The reality is the balance of nature is changing and in much the same way that you would want to fix a broken car we surely must do all we can to try and fix and maintain the planet on which we live. You may be thinking what can I do, I am only one person? But the garden is as good a place to start as any. For example when you go about changing or recreating your garden, think about the type of materials you intend to use, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s timber or stone. Ask yourself, do you really need to buy new paving stone and new timber? March 2012

GARDENING

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Reclaimed stone for example can give a garden a more mature and settled look. Again reclaimed timber can make for a more characterful new feature whether it’s a pergola or simply a seat to sit on. In my work I try to keep the environment to the forefront of my mind. A good case in point was a project I carried out for a client in the peak district in Derbyshire and for which I won the award for best garden designer 2011. Case study of the Thornlea Farm project in Derbyshire Thornlea Farm sits in a small hamlet in the peak district in Derbyshire, in a class 4 area of outstanding natural beauty. The area is subject to strict landscape planning and conservation laws, even moving the garden shed from its existing location required a planning application.

Before The field to the rear of the plot was classed as agricultural land and as such could not be rezoned for domestic garden use. Existing trees to the field boundary foreshortened the view to the wider landscape. Applications were made for crown lifting to the perimeter trees to the end of the plot in order to draw the surrounding landscape into the scheme. But like all gardens, success or failure lies in how you see the challenges and not being overwhelmed or intimidated by them. For me it presented a rare opportunity to concentrate on the local materials, from stonewalls to the architecture and style of the surrounding houses which dated back to the 16th century. Like many, as the clients raised their

The 50+ Show Magazine

‘

Overall my aim was to introduce a sense of poetry and mu-

sicality through the use of colour and texture, further reinforcing the gardens relationship within its unique setting.

’

family, the garden had a lower priority but with the family grown up and moved on they now wanted to transform the space from an over-grown wasteland into an aesthetically grown-up space that they could relax in and enjoy. But for my clients it was also important that designs for the garden were in keeping with the surrounding landscape. Surprisingly, they admitted to being unaware of the views beyond the overgrown vegetation and boundary trees. But with hectic lives details like this can often be overlooked. Also, they had a number of other designers visit the site, none of whom returned after the initial visit. So by the time I visited they were beginning to lose hope that anyone would want to take on the project. However for me it was a completely

through the introduction of mixed native hedging and the small wildflower meadow which had the added benefit of encouraging and supporting local wildlife. That is not to say that the garden was without its problems as it was in a very poor state of neglect and was badly overgrown. Little had been done in over 16 years. A broken wooden fence divided the domestic garden area from the paddock to the end of the garden. A cesspit, still in use but submerged in undergrowth, created its own problems as once uncovered it was discovered the internal brick structure was in a state of decay. This was rebuilt and reinforced with the introduction of RSJs, and a recessed manhole cover and inspection chamber were fitted. This is located on the lower terrace and is now barely noticeable. Ventilation was rerouted in order to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the project. From the outset this commission required, indeed demanded, a carefully considered approach due to its unique and historic setting. By working closely with the local conservation and planning department and specifying the use of local raw materials it was possible to create an environmentally responsible landscape that also fulfilled the client’s needs and requirements. After The exiting shed was moved to a lower hard standdiffering. A simple sedum roof was ent experience and on my first visit I installed to blend in and provide insect could see the potential in this unique and wildlife habitat whilst a coat of apsetting. I quickly formed a vision of how ple green paint softened its impact. I could use reclaimed local materials, The seat on the lower terrace was eg the natural local stone for dry stoneconstructed using an old oak beam left wall raised beds. Fortunately the clients over from the house after some internal owned a number of fields with demolreconstruction works. ished dry stone walls, which we were The introduction of mixed native able to salvage for the raised beds. Rehedging further reduced the environclaimed York stone slabs for paths and mental impact whilst from a design terraces were sourced locally. It was aspect helped to frame the view, drawalso my desire to reinforce the garden’s ing the eye down the plot and on to the relationship with the broader landscape wider landscape.

March 2012

GARDENING

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Overall my aim was to introduce a sense of poetry and musicality through the use of colour and texture, further reinforcing the garden’s relationship within its unique setting. They also wanted a design that would be relatively low maintenance and again this is a requirement of many clients who nevertheless want to interact with their outdoor spaces. A low maintenance garden can be easily achieved without sacrificing the overall aesthetic appeal of the finished garden.

‘Managing your garden

and plants in a holistic and organic way will ultimately lead to healthier

’

and stronger plants...

posite stone materials will have been manufactured with a high content of recycled aggregate so again it’s good to check the content and specification of the materials when choosing, as picking products with some degree of recycled material is better than a totally fresh product. When it comes to the use of compost in the garden try to avoid any with peat content as this is harvested from irreplaceable bogs which in turn are valuable natural ecosystems and habitat. The quality of alternatives has much improved over the last couple of years so there is little need to use peat in any form. Well-rotted farmyard manure is again readily available and is a much healthier alternative for your soil and garden than the many chemical fertilisers available. When treating pests and bugs in the garden try to be patient and don’t automatically reach for the many chemical sprays on offer as given time your gar-

den will develop its own natural balance and resistance to pests and disease through the build up of natural predators many of which are killed along with pests as a consequence of using chemical controls. Managing your garden and plants in a holistic and organic way will ultimately lead to healthier and stronger plants and a host of beneficial insects which will generally do the work for you. Of course in some exceptionally warmer years there may be an overbalance of, for example, greenfly or blackly that your garden predators just cannot deal with alone and in this case using a simple soap-based spray instead of a chemical spray will tend to deal with the pest while not affecting the friend. The important thing is that we use these valuable and precious spaces. Enjoy your gardening and remember, if you are overwhelmed or not sure where to start, there are a whole host of professionals out there ready and able to help.

Now of course, having said all that, it is also important to point out that this was a unique project in a unique location and reclaimed materials will not always be suitable or desirable. The use of reclaimed materials should not be viewed as restrictive and at the end of the day it is better to use new materials and do something with the garden than nothing at all. In many of my other designs it is simply not possible or desirable to use all reclaimed materials but even a mix of old and new, when carefully balanced, can be just as effective. If using new materials, try to go for natural stone as opposed to pressed concrete products and also see if it is possible to use locally-sourced timbers from reputable suppliers where the timber will have come from managed forests, green oak being a good example. Many of the timbers seen today in the large DIY stores will often be fast grown, cheap white timbers that are dipped in a toxic array of chemicals to preserve them for outdoor use. This can be witnessed by the green tinge that you will notice in these products. Again for me there would seem to be many ethical issues surrounding the production of Indian stone, so I generally tend to avoid using it. Often concrete flags or other com-

The 50+ Show Magazine

March 2012

STAYING ACTIVE --------------------------------------

or many people of our age, climbing means ‘that chap Chris Bonington,’ some terrible deadly mountain called the North Face of the Eiger and slightly mad lads climbing Everest fuelled by mint cake. It doesn’t sound like an activity to get involved in… or rather it wasn’t. Climbing has come in from the cold… literally, and there are few large cities and towns without an indoor climbing wall these days. Venture through the door of one and you’re presented with a mass of multi faceted climbing surfaces, all dotted with a rainbow of climbing holds. Observe the climbers and one thing is clear, this is no longer just a young person’s activity. That silver-haired lady gliding over the surface may be the grandmother of the young lad in the climbing lesson but her style, grace and neat footwork bring to mind vertical Tai Chi. All the old excuses of ‘I’m old, unfit, weak and too stiff’ are redundant as this is a great state to be in when starting. Too much muscle and you’ll try and haul yourself up the walls, huffing and grunting like Hollywood’s finest. It may look good on the screen but it doesn’t work on a climbing wall. A bit of balance and the ability to stand on your feet will do nicely to start with. You walk up stairs, you walk up a hill and it’s the same with climbing. The upward motion comes from your legs and your hands and arms do more to help your balance. Climb regularly and you’ll begin to notice a few things. You become more flexible. Your body begins to tone up and surplus weight starts to disappear. Don’t ask me where it goes, one day you had a wobbly bottom and then sometime later a prodding finger encounters definite fleshy resistance. Climbing is about 3D movement, thinking and finessing your way up the climbing holds and conserving energy. We’re not talking the bulky muscle of the gym-bound metal mover; we want the slim grace of the long distance runner. When you go into a climbing wall there’ll be lots of different climbing surfaces. Some at easy angles, some steep and overhanging but all covered with climbing holds of different sizes and shapes. A few are so large you can grasp them with both hands. Others may require a bit of help from your bifocals... or at least will appear that way on first acquaintance. Don’t worry. You’re going to be amazed just how little you need to support yourself as experience grows. The holds will be set out in a sequence and that sequence will have a grade The 50+ Show Magazine

Must try: WALL CLIMBING! by: Andrew Reid of difficulty. This will allow you to see how you are progressing; and for some ‘grade chasing’ becomes quite seductive. It is usual for these holds to be removed, cleaned and replaced in different sequences on a regular basis. This means you’re constantly getting new ‘problems’ to try. Some climbing surfaces will have impact mats below them and these are climbed without the backup of ropes or harnesses. We call this ‘bouldering’, just like climbing all over a large natural rocky boulder. Not too high so if you fall off it probably wouldn’t hurt. Other walls are much taller and these require the use of ropes and harnesses. You are still climbing using the climbing holds for your hands and feet (the proper meaning of free climbing); but should you fall off, your partner can control the rope using a small simple friction ‘belay’ device and stop your fall. You can either get back on to the wall or be lowered down to the ground. The devices are very effective and simple to use, and you often see daughters and sons belaying their parents. So how do you start? It’s quite easy really. Do a web search for climbing walls near you. Most of them do taster sessions or beginner courses. A course will teach you to put on a harness, tie the 31

rope to the harness with a simple but effective knot and use a belay device. The course will include climbing techniques and movement and you’ll use these on both the roped climbing walls and the un-roped bouldering walls. Afterwards you’ll be able to visit climbing walls and practice your new skills, wobbly at first but they soon get better. You’ll find climbing very sociable because everyone’s in the building for the same reason; and one of the nice things is the way climbers all talk the same language and share the same sensations despite their different levels of performance. Watch climbers talk and they don’t just describe, they re-enact the climb. It is a tactile activity and amusing to watch the hands and bodies shape and twist. Then one day, you too will look up at the rock face, and in your mind you will be sliding your fingers over each and every curve, weighing their shape, assessing how best to use them…and you will be a climber. Andrew Reid is the CEO of Mile End Climbing Wall and the Chair of the Association of British Climbing Walls. For more information visit: www.mileendwall.org.uk

March 2012

THE 50+ SHOW NEWS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 50+ Show News Robert McCaffrey, The 50+ Show Director

ou may be wondering why we changed the name and focus of our show from ‘The Retirement Show’ to ‘The 50+ Show.’ I thought I would take the opportunity to tell you a little bit of background about the show. Hopefully it will answer many of your questions! The show has its roots way back in 2004, when my father (who is now 80) brought back a book from the US called ‘Where to retire in the US.’ It was an interesting read (Florida and Arizona were the top spots, if you are interested) and I decided to do something similar for the UK, (it seems that Sussex, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire were the top desinations in the UK). It eventually became obvious that what we should really try and do was to organise an exhibition on the theme of ‘retirement.’ What better name for it could there be than ‘The Retirement Show’? I recruited a salesman - the redoubtable David Thomson - to sell stands at the first show and I organised the advertising, the programme and the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the show. Following sage advice from other exhibition organisers, we decided to give ourselves nearly a whole year to organise the first show (our original idea was to organise the whole thing from scratch in about five months, which would have been a disaster and would have been the end of the show at the very first hurdle). The first event took place in the National Hall at London Olympia in July 2007. It was a great success, with lots of positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors. Despite the success of the show, we came up with 150 different ways that the show could be improved - from more seating to employing a company to stuff the visitor bags for us (between us we stuffed 12,000 bags at the first show - never again!). Incorporating the improvements in the show, we launched the event in Manchester in March 2008, repeated the London show in July 2008 and launched the show in Glasgow in November 2008. Four people now work full time to organise the shows.

The 50+ Show Magazine

The show takes one whole day to build up, starting with ‘mark-up’ where the contractors mark out in chalk where everything goes, through stand building and carpet-laying to installation of all the electrics and lighting. The audio-visual people then come in and set up all the microphones, mixer desks and speakers. Finally, all the exhibitors come in and decorate their stands, ready for the opening. At 5pm on the last day the process is reversed, but much quicker - the show is almost totally gone within three hours of the last visitor saying ‘goodbye’! The show in Manchester is very expensive to organise and we made the decision to start to charge for entrance in Manchester in 2010. It has to be said that this was not a popular move with visitors. All of the shows are now free to attend once more. People power! Despite the growth of the show, we thought that we could still change the show for the better. We decided to look again at what we called the show, even though we have been considering changing the name since the first day of the first show, in 2007! After visitor and exhibitor comments in March 2011, I undertook an on-line survey of exhibitors and visitors, essentially asking them if they preferred the old name or a variety of new names. An initial response showed that The 50+ Show was a clear preference and by the end of the survey, 80% of exhibitors (and potential exhibitors) preferred the new name. The trend was not quite so clear-cut with the visitors, but still a majority of them preferred ‘The 50+ Show.’ The visitors and exhibitors who preferred the new name - The 50+ Show - said that it widened the potential audience, gave the show a more positive atmosphere and would lead - literally to a rejuvenation of the event. It was a ‘no brainer’ to change the name to The 50+ Show. It took us less than a week to change the name, from asking the first survey visitor to redesigning the website and

logo. Sure enough, our visitor pre-registrations are more than double those of las year and exhibitor bookings have held up well in a very tough year. As the culmination of a year’s planning, we hope that the show will be a positive, energetic, rejuvenated triumph. Our one regret is not having changed the name of the event to The 50+ Show much sooner!

The 50+ Show Awards 2012

This year, we have also decided to recognise those companies and organisations that provide the very best products and services for those who are ‘50 plus.’ We could have convened a small specialist panel of judges to decide who won what, but the fact is that there is wisdom in crowds - and those who are ‘50 plus’ are uniquely well-qualified to decide who the winners should be. Once again, the process started with a survey. I invited the tens of thousands of people who had previously attended the 50+ Show to nominate their favourites in a wide variety of categories. Nominations closed on 14 February. The nominations were tallied in each category, and the five most-nominated in each category (or more if there was a tie) have now been short-listed for the final voting stage. You can see a selection of the categories and nominees opposite. Some choices will be like seeing old friends but there are some new faces too! You can have your say by voting at www.50plus-Awards.com, by 30 June at the latest. There is £50 in vouchers for three lucky voters, so go on-line now and help decide!

March 2012

THE 50+ Awards --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Who is the best 50+ ...? Vote at www.50plus-Awards.com... and you could win a prize (and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a UK holiday provider Ramblers Countrywide SAGA Shearings Simply Groups Warners UK day out Black Country Museum Isle of Wight Kew Gardens London National Trust

Overseas hotel group Best Western Hilton Marriott Saga Sol Melia

Tour operator Living Ramblers Worldwide Saga Simply Groups Thomas Cook Thompson

UK theatrical Jersey Boys Les Miserables Mama Mia Phantom of the Opera War Horse UK destination Cornwall Edinburgh Isle of Wight London York

Travel agency Co-op Travel Saga Thomas Cook Thompson Trailfinders Adventure travel Exodus Explore Ramblers Worldwide Saga Trailfinders

UK hotel group Best Western Hilton Premier Inn Travelodge Warners

Health tourism destination Bath Cyprus Isle of Wight Malta Spain

UK coach company Eurorider Glenton Just Go National Express Shearings

Medical charity British Heart Foundation Cancer Research UK Macmillan Medicin Sans Frontieres Red Cross

Cruise provider Cunard Fred Olsen P&O Ramblers Cruise & Walk Holidays Saga

Non-medical charity Age UK CCA-HELPS RNLI RSPCA Salvation Army Vegetarian for Life

Overseas destination Australia Cyprus Italy New Zealand Spain

Housing provider Barratts Charles Church Churchill Retirement Living Mccarthy & Stone

The 50+ Show Magazine

Assisted living Age UK Churchill Retirement Living McCarthy & Stone Sunrise

Computer Acer Aspire Apple Ipad Dell inspiron HP Touchsmart Sony Vaio

Newspaper Express Guardian Mail Mature Times Telegraph Times

Mobile phone Apple iPhone Blackberry Storm Doro Phoneeasy Nokia 700 Samsung Galaxy

Magazine Choice Good Housekeeping Prima Saga Yours Radio station BBC Radio 2 BBC Radio 4 Classic FM LBC Smooth Campaign Greenpeace Fairtrade Co-op bank Avaaz 38 degrees Ad campaign Age UK Compare the Market Dove isme M&S Specsavers

Beauty product Boots No 7 protect and perfect night cream Clarins Beauty Flash Balm Clinique Repairwear Nivea cream Oil of Olay Car Ford Focus Honda Jazz Kia Rio Toyota Yaris Vauxhall Astra Clothing retailer Bon Marche Debenhams John Lewis M&S Slaters Bed retailer Bensons Dreams John Lewis Sealy Tempur

Personality Bruce Forsyth Helen Mirren Joanna Lumley Judi Dench Julie Peasgood

Furniture retailer DFS Harveys Ikea John Lewis M&S

Digital camera Canon Ixus Fuji Finepix Nikon Coolpix Panasonic Lumix Sony Cybershot

Supermarket ASDA Morrisons Sainsburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tesco Waitrose

Employer of those aged 50+ Asda B&Q Ramblers Worldwide The NHS Waitrose Small business (fewer than 50 employees) Mercurio Bike Travel Mostly Media Ruby Slippers Simply Groups The Chocolatier Ready-meal provider M&S Oakhouse Foods Tesco Waitrose Weight Watchers Wiltshire Farm Foods Healthcare provider AXA PPP Boots BUPA Holland and Barrett NHS Simply Health Legal services Age UK Citizens Advice Bureau Moore Blatch Solicitors for the Elderly Insurance Avanti Aviva LV Prudential RIAS Saga Gas supplier British Gas E.ON EDF npower Scottish Power

March 2012

“I want my retirement income. But who said anything about retiring?”

Time was when you worked, saved up for a few years, and finally retired to live happily-ever-after on your pension. Well, like it or not, life’s not like that anymore. We’re living longer, which has made retirement a lot more complicated. Which is why so many people are considering working past retirement age. Some because they want to. Some because they have to.

Which begs a very common question: ‘Do I have to retire to receive my retirement income?’ To which the answer is: It's not always necessary. At Prudential, our expertise is in pensions and retirement income plans. Which is why we can offer options about when and how much income you can take from your pension, even if you’re not fully retired. For example, you may want a tax-free lump sum and delay the taking of any income.

Or you may want to take less income while you’re still working, and more later on. To get a better understanding of the different ways we can help, please speak to your Financial Adviser. (If you don’t have one, use ‘Find an adviser’ at www.pru.co.uk.) And if you’d like more specific details about what Prudential can offer, they are on our website too.