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BIRMINGHAM, SOLIHULL & WOLVERHAMPTON MAY - AUGUST 2013 EDITION 34

David Hasselhoff THE HOFF’S GOT TALENT

The Hairy Bikers DELICIOUS SUMMER DISHES

Suggs hits 50 Great Theatre!

AT THE GRAND

Dental Holiday in Budapest READER OFFER INSIDE www.50plusmagazine.co.uk THE LOCAL MAGAZINE

FOR THE OVER 50s

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Newly announced Autumn shows include FIDDLER ON THE ROOF directed by Craig Revel Horwood, a stage version of comedy classic RISING DAMP, two acclaimed productions from ELLEN KENT OPERA, a Halloween treat with THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and much more besides.

2013 brings a fabulous selection of productions including star musicals, unmissable drama, great comedy, magnificent opera, fun family shows and a selection of concerts to suit every musical taste!

There isn’t room to mention everything here so we’ve picked out just a few highlights across these pages. Summer attractions include Marti Pellow in EVITA, the

MON 27 MAY - SAT 1 JUNE F I R S T E V E R U K TO U R

PLAYS

jaw-dropping GHOST THE MUSICAL, and the first ever UK tour of THE MOUSETRAP. A mixture of comedies and thrillers make up a Summer Play Season from June - July. You can make huge savings by booking a season ticket for MURDER IN PLAY, STEAMING, THE TROUBLE WITH OLD LOVERS and A MURDER HAS BEEN ARRANGED.

“THE CLEVEREST MURDER MYSTERY OF BRITISH THEATRE” The Telegraph

MONDAY 3 - SATURDAY 15 JUNE

MUSICALS

With a fantastic selection of the best touring shows and its delightful Grade 2 listed auditorium, the Grand is always a treat to visit. Excellent train, bus and metro links nearby as well as excellent car parking make getting to the venue simple too.

BOOK NOW FOR

MON 8 JULY

CONCERTS

ENJOY GREAT THEATRE AT THE GRAND!

The Grand has a reputation for staging one of the biggest and funniest pantomimes in the UK. Tickets are already selling fast for this years 74-performance spectacular SLEEPING BEAUTY starring Joe Pasquale, Ceri Dupree and Lucy Evans - so don’t be caught napping.

ForFor details of of all all productions details productions listed and many more tootoo visit listed and many more visit grandtheatre.co.uk or call thethe grandtheatre.co.uk or call friendly in-house Box Office friendly in-house Box Office team onon 01902 42 42 92 12. team 01902 92 12.

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GREAT SHOWS AT THE GRAND THEATRE! TUES 9 - SAT 13 JULY

MON 30 SEPT - SAT 5 OCT

TUES 22 - SAT 26 OCT

Starring

DEAN GAFFNEY

GEMMA BISSIX

KATY MANNING

PETER AMORY

By E R Braithwaite Adapted by Ayub Khan-Din

MONDAY 19 - SATURDAY 31 AUGUST

MON 16 - SAT 21 SEPT

TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S MASTERPIECE

‘I LOVED EVERY MOMENT’

BILL KENWRIGHT

BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP PRESENTS

TUES 15 - SAT 19 OCT

DAILY TELEGRAPH

BILL KENWRIGHT AND LAURIE MANSFIELD

BOOK BY LAURENCE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNIVERSAL

MUSIC PRESENT

MARKS & MAURICE GRAN

STARRING

MARTI PELLOW AS CHE

Starring

Paul Michael Glaser

‘A

★★★★★

MONUMENTAL MUSICAL’

‘A GREAT ROCKIN’ EVENING’

SUNDAY EXPRESS

DAILY EXPRESS

SAT 14 - SUN 15 SEPT

★★★★

SUNDAY 13 OCT

WED 13 NOV

★★★★

SOUTHERN DAILY ECHO

LIVERPOOL ECHO

“Possibly the best gala evening of musical theatre you are ever likely to see”

“IF YOU MISSED THEM IN ‘63 NOW’S YOUR CHANCE!”

THE PUBLIC REVIEWS

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Box Office 01902

42 92 12

BOOK ONLINE AT: www.grandtheatre.co.uk

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T R AV E L & L E I S U R E 6 Graham Smith...

Twittering On. 10-11 Travels around Tuscany...

By Maria Meredith.

INTERVIEWS 14-15 David Hasselhoff ...

The Hoff ’s got talent.

20-21 Suggs hits 50... ...and talks about his new show

‘My Life Story’.

ts...

24-25 20-21

FOOD & DRINK 24-25 The Hairy Dieters...

Delicious Summer dishes

H E A LT H

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34-35 Dementia Information and ways to help those

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Graham Smith...

TWITTERING ON Twittering Pope I could of course make some very irreverent remark about the fact that the Pope has opened a Twitter account. But he’s got something going for him for he picked up over 300,000 followers in the first 24 hours of tweeting putting Stephen Fry and others in the shade.

I have a sneaking admiration for any 85-year-old who takes up social media but note that he has a new media department who will doubtless be handling his tweets before publication. It remains to be seen if congregations dwindle in the light of this innovation or whether many turn over in bed on Sunday morning and reach for their lap top!

The self-titled “bacontrepreneur” has also come up with other pork inspired products such as bacon roses, bacon lip balm and bacon baby formula.

And, for those “who love bacon to death”, he has created a £2,000 bacon-wrapped coffin.

Mr Esch added: “Bacon is delicious, people get excited when they smell it. When you walk into a room don’t you want people to be excited to see you?”

I told you they weren’t all locked up.

Coffin therapy Next time you fancy a lie down try a little coffin therapy!

A Ukrainian man is encouraging people to lie down for 15 minutes in one of his coffins to “prepare for the afterlife”.

Now why would I want to do that?

The coffin maker has been in business for ten years and says the feeling is just like being in a bed. It’s the same sheets and pillows with its own special aura. You can choose from one of ten coffins in a special room with birdsong, falling water and he says you go home in a completely different mood.

Err, no thanks

Little lit up donkey!

Hundreds of donkeys are to be fitted with glow-in-the-dark ear tags in Botswana to stop accidents on rural roads at night.

About 500 of the animals will be fitted with the reflective tags in the north of the country where one in ten crashes is donkey-related.

I think it’s a wonderful idea and also recommend the tags for those barmy joggers who tear around in pitch blackness.

The UK-based Society For The Protection Of Animals Abroad is paying for the Maun Animal Welfare Society, in Botswana, to carry out the project.

Is your man a pig?

A US company has created a gift for the man who has everything - bacon flavoured shaving scream.

J&D’s new product is described as “high end, luxurious bacon-scented shaving cream” and is on sale for about £9.

Inventor Justin Esch said: “There is nothing more powerful than the smell of bacon, nothing. Bacon is the smell of champions.

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and bacon is the best part of breakfast. Why not smell like it and be the best?”

Laura Higham, outreach veterinary advisor for SPANA, said: “The people that own working donkeys are some of the very poorest in Botswana’s society and often have no choice other than to let their animals roam freely in search of food in the sparse desert environment.

“This practice is essential, but obviously makes the donkeys vulnerable to accidents and we hope that this simple solution will help reduce the number of collisions caused by the animals every year.”

The charities hope the project will be adopted in other parts of the country, and will be the first step towards making reflective tags a legal requirement for freely roaming livestock.

Isn’t science wonderful?

6

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The average age of a typical domestic solar-panel customer is 60 plus, which may not be so surprising when one considers this as one of the highest disposable income groups. With mortgages paid off any retirement savings are earning a pittance in ISAs and other traditional forms of investments. The advent of SolarPV and the Government Feed-in-Tariff scheme has offered a safe investment vehicle that now yields far more than can be currently earned elsewhere, as well as a way of making fuel savings and doing your bit for the environment.

Of course the basic premise is that those looking for the benefits from generating their own electricity have capital to invest. The cost of installing SolarPV panels will vary according to the size of system but an optimum domestic size of 4kW (16 panels) will now cost around £6000 or £5000 for 2.5kW (10 panels). Investing in SolarPV should be considered a medium term investment that is tied to the value of your property rather like buying a new kitchen or a conservatory. But unlike other home improvements SolarPV will earn you money from the outset; generating electricity and a tax free income day after day, year after year.

In the right conditions an installation can net savings and income in excess of £900 per year, effectively paying off the initial cost in around six to seven years, which stacks up to a very attractive 16% return on investment. Even if your roof is East or West facing, you only have a flat roof, space on a garage or barn then the sums can still stack up.

y n a c s u T

Travels around

veladvisor.com)

ver Travel Advisor (silvertra

By Maria Meredith from Sil

Italy is one of my favourite places not only because I have family there (Parma) but also I love the many different areas- the Puglian trullis, the fabulous scenery and breath taking drives around the Amalfi coast, the Sicilian culture- not forgetting the fabulous food and wine! We had never been to Tuscany and decided it was time to go and see what all the fuss was about!

My Week in Tuscany Our Easyjet plane landed on time at Pisa, it’s much cheaper to fly here than to Florence and we picked up our hire car from Budget, which was a bargain £99 for the week. The car hire collection point is accessed via a 2 minute free bus ride and was one of the easiest car hire pick up/returns 10

we have had along with the bonus of being given a free upgrade. This was a very positive start.

Il Castelle, Certaldo Alta We set out for our first stop, La Fonte in Certaldo, where we were staying for four nights. Our first visit was to San Gimignano, which we did like but we found it very touristy and much preferred the old town of Certaldo. Here we were lucky enough to witness an Italian wedding which provided a great opportunity to experience a true Italian event and watch all the characters enjoy themselves. Sadly, we did not discover the relevance of the various metal life-sized men placed around the town, one of which was perched on top of a high tower, an art installation perhaps?

Certaldo Alto was accessed via a funicular railway which stays open until late (costs 1 euro each way).

It was far less touristy than San Gimignano and therefore was not as crowded. We enjoyed two excellent meals in Certaldo Alto– at Il Castello

and L’Antica Fonte - both with lovely views.

The owner of La Fonte strongly recommended taking the train to Florence (about 10 euros for a return ticket, the journey takes just under an hour to Santa Maria station, where you get off). It’s vital to check and double check train times as these can change at the last minute somewhat unpredictably.

Siena Siena was next on the agenda and this was the only place where we hadn’t pre-booked accommodation.

We found a brilliant hotel within 10 minutes’ walking distance of the Duomo, main square, restaurants & bars etc. It is the Hotel Villa Liberty and cost only 133 euros for B&B in a very good location. The only downside of our stay in Siena was that minutes after getting seated “al fresco” in our chosen restaurant that evening, the heavens opened!

En route to Lucca the following day we decided to take a detour to

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Volterra which I had read about in the tour guide. Volterra is another walled city and most definitely worth the journey. The countryside views en route were stunning and sadly I conceded that many were better than in the UK! And it wasn’t raining……

Our arrival at Albergo Villa Casanova was far later than we planned so we did not really have that much time to relax – this 5 star boutique hotel certainly had the “Wow” factor but at a price! Leaving the luxury of Casanova behind we set out for a morning sightseeing in Lucca before making our way to our last destination of Pisa.

We wished we had allowed more time for Lucca - we noticed many people cycling around the city walls and would have liked to have done the same. We did manage to get lost in the maze of streets but fortunately the lady I asked understood my Italian…. and more importantly. I understood her directions!

We had decided to return the car a day early as the cost of parking the car in the hotel garage was around the same price as taxis to/from the airport. We also felt it would be less stressful than the usual car hire return palaver, but I must say it was one of the easiest car hire returns ever!

The Royal Victoria Hotel in Pisa cost only £99 for B&B. Described as a very old antique hotel we appreciated it was going to be vastly different to the luxury we had experienced at Casanova but it was perfect for a short stay.

The Fields of Miracles was within 1015 minutes walking distance from our hotel with many bars & restaurants en route - obviously the closer to The Tower the more you pay. We chose a bar on the corner directly opposite the Tower and were pleasantly surprised to receive four delicious mini paninis along with our Peronis!

Leaning Tower of Pisa I had wanted to see the Leaning Tower for as long as I could remember and l was not disappointed. It has benefited from a “wash & brush up” and looked

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marvellous. We could not believe the extent that tourists were going to get wacky photos - what a laugh! And … yes…we got a few of our own too-it must be infectious. We will definitely return …in Spring or Autumn maybe.

That evening we chose La Buca restaurant near the Tower – the meal was nice but sadly the service did not match the quality of the food.

After a few more hours in The Fields of Miracles the following morning we returned to our hotel for the taxi to the airport to catch our late afternoon flight.

Our only regret is that we hadn’t booked a further two or three days in this beautiful part of the world with the ever present scent of Jasmine.

We returned feeling like we could do with another more relaxing holiday to totally “chill out”! We hardly had time to read more than a few pages of our books as the sightseeing, travelling and staying at four different accommodations was quite wearing - not to mention that I was suffering from “photography fatigue” after taking over 800 photos! In future I will bear this in mind or make a point of sightseeing only until mid pm returning to our accommodation for a spot of sunbathing, swimming and to read a few chapters.

Maria Meredith

writes for the over 50’s travel review and information website silvertraveladvisor. com. Maria is an active Silver Traveller; when her husband retired two years ago, she decided to join him at the age of 54 (one benefit of marrying an older man!). She has worked in banking, catering and for the last 28 years for M&S at a variety of stores.

She has many hobbies, entering competitions and photography being two of them. Travel has always been a big part of her life - visiting many places in Europe and also destinations further afield such as New Zealand, India & Mauritius. Her first ever cruise was last year to see the Northern Lights. She particularly enjoys reading about different customs and traditions and has many funny stories to share, hence Maria is delighted to be able to contribute to Silver Travel Advisor.

For more details please visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com

11

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Affordable peace of mind ..... Holidays

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All tours include half board accommodation with 2 excursions l Home pick ups l Complimentary Insurance The Abbey Lawn Hotel, Torquay AA3H Stylish hotel located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey.

Facilities at the Abbey Lawn Hotel include: Indoor Heated Pool/Outdoor Pool, Lounge, Large Conservatory, Sea View Rooms available*, Lift, Porterage.

The Imperial Hotel, Eastbourne, Robinsons 3H An impressive Victorian building set amidst a beautiful tree lined boulevard.

Facilities at the Imperial Hotel include: Two Residents’ Bars, Ballroom, TV & Complimentary Tea & Coffee in all Bedrooms, 2 x Lifts, Porterage.

The Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin, Robinsons 3H An elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, Golden Beaches and a quaint collection of shops.

2013

5 DAYS 7 DAYS

9 DAYS

Departures 04 May

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05 May

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06 May

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£259 -

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12 May

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13 May

£269 -

18 May

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19 May

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20 May

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£269 -

25 May

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26 May

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Facilities at the Ocean View Hotel include: Indoor Heated Pool, Indoor Bowling Green, Table Tennis, Snooker Room, Sea View Rooms available* Lift, Porterage.

BOOK ONLINE www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP. *Sea view supplements apply

8 DAYS

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All holidays on these pages are inclusive of a pick up from your home. You will be taken to an appropriate point to join your main tour coach. Tour coaches will depart late morning and you will be advised of the pick up time one week prior to the date of travel.

On the homeward journey, you will arrive back in the West Midlands early afternoon with transport provided to your home.

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27 May

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5 DAYS 7 DAYS

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25 August

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31 August

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£439 £479

01 June

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02 June

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01 Sept

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08 June

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07 Sept

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09 June

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08 Sept

- £409 £439 -

15 June

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14 Sept

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16 June

- £409 £439 -

15 Sept

- £409 £439 -

22 June

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21 Sept

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23 June

- £409 £439 -

22 Sept

- £409 £439 -

29 June

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28 Sept

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30 June

- £409 £439 -

29 Sept

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06 July

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05 Oct

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07 July

- £409 £439 -

06 Oct

- £329 £379 -

13 July

-

13 Oct

£255 £309

-

-

14 July

- £409 £439 -

20 Oct

£249 £295

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20 July

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27 Oct

£245 £285

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21 July

- £409 £439 -

03 Nov

£259 £289

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27 July

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10 Nov

£255 £285

-

-

28 July

- £409 £439 -

17 Nov

£249 £279

-

-

03 August

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24 Nov

£245 £275

-

-

04 August

- £409 £439 -

01 Dec

£239 £269

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-

10 August

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08 Dec

£235 £265

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11 August

- £409 £439 -

15 Dec

£229 £259

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17 August

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23 Dec

£439 -

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18 August

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29 Dec

£429 -

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24 August

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Turkey & Tinsel

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£439 £469

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£439 £479

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£439 £479

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Abbey Lawn Hotel: Front View 7 days £13, 8 days £15, 9 days £17, 5 days £10 Premier Room 7 days £45, 8 & 9 days £50, 5 days £30.

Ocean View Hotel: Sea View 7 days £13, 8 days £15, 9 days £17, 5 days £10 Premier Room 7 days £45, 8 & 9 days £50, 5 days £30.

Imperial Hotel: Premier Room 7 days £30, 8 & 9 days £35, 5 days £20.

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Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

13

The Hoff ’s GOT TALENT For a man who hit 60 not long ago David Hasselhoff – better known as simply The Hoff – has continued the swashbuckling ways he began as a young actor.

Known to millions across the world as good guy Michael Knight, the man with the talking car in iconic science fiction series “Knight Rider” which was the most watched TV show in history, the actor became a hero.

He compounded the image with another blockbuster of the small screen, “Baywatch”, where he played lifeguard Mitch Buchannon and saved even more lives.

The pirate with the interesting hand ornament and overdose of self-confidence, however, is a million miles from the young David Hasselhoff.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, David first got the theatrical bug at the age of seven and took acting, singing and dancing lessons. He was, however, very shy off stage in front of girls because he was tall and thin. On stage, though, he was in his element.

Unsurprisingly, acting became his career and, while in California, he became successful on the hugely popular US TV series “The Young and the Restless” in 1973 as Dr William “Snapper” Foster Jr. By then, he’d developed heartthrob looks and a physique to match.

In 1982 he moved from daytime soap to prime time programming with “Knight Rider” which captured the public’s imagination not only in the States but across the world.

His swashbuckling action is on the side of the baddies rather than the goodies as he became the notorious Captain Hook in perennial panto favourite “Peter Pan” for an extended run at Manchester’s Opera House.

When that show ended, Hasselhoff launched a successful recording career in Europe. In 1989 “Looking for Freedom” remained in the No.1 spot in the German charts for eight consecutive weeks. He has continued to perform regularly in concert ever since and has released nine albums to date, scoring a UK single hit in 2006 with “Jump In My Car”.

He returned to episodic TV in 1989 in “Baywatch” – the series about California lifeguards which launched Pamela Anderson to superstardom and made red one-piece swimming costumes the coolest beachwear on the planet.

Although the programme enjoyed good ratings, the network cancelled it after only one series. Undeterred, Hasselhoff and his partners acquired the rights to the 14

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

INTERVIEW

show and, based on his popularity overseas, secured funding and revived “Baywatch” in 1991.

The programme is still running and is now a piece of American culture, seen in 140 countries by more than one billon viewers each week.

David Hasselhoff has always been prepared to try new challenges and his lengthy acting career has included film and stage roles. He made his Broadway debut in 2000 in the title role of “Jekyll and Hyde” and played the lead role in London performances of “Chicago.”

He’s sufficiently down-to-earth to parody himself – even taking a major role in the children’s blockbuster film “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” in 2004 where he meets SpongeBob and Patrick very much in his “Baywatch” persona.

He had a short appearance in the movie “DodgeBall”, was in “EuroTrip” and played Adam Sandler’s despicable boss in the 2006 film “Click”.

The same year, he portrayed Roger DeBris in the Las Vegas production of Mel Brooks’ famous show “The Producers”.

His star was certainly in the ascendancy during this time as he also became a judge on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”, taking a judging role in the second, third and fourth seasons alongside Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan.

Hasselhoff also has an uncanny knack of spotting trends and opportunities. In 2008, “The Hoff” became the first celebrity downloadable character for the PlayStation Network’s video game “Pain”.

And the following year, he began a TV love affair with the British public through two-part special “The Hoff: When Scott Came To Stay” which chronicled how radio presenter Scott Mills lived for four days with Hasselhoff at his Californian mansion.

The star and his two daughters, Taylor and Hayley, took part in another British TV reality show when they went ghost-hunting at Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire.

And in 2011, The Hoff – always a big favourite in the UK - returned to British TV as a judge on “Britain’s Got Talent”.

He’s been a contestant on America’s “Dancing with the Stars” and, to demonstrate his theatrical diversity, in 2011 took on the dastardly pirate role in “Peter Pan” for the first time.

Hasselhoff is a true Anglophile, has often brought his daughters here and his 32 year-old girlfriend, Hayley Roberts, is Welsh. At 6ft 4ins and with one of the most recognisable faces in the world that appears to be defeating the ravages of time, he’s still hugely popular wherever he goes.

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He’s a big fan of Manchester, and has been reported as saying he wants to enjoy shopping in the city and see a play during his stay. “I love the Manchester accent and I can’t believe how beautiful and hip the city is,” he said.

“When I was in town for ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, Louis Walsh said to me ‘you’ll love Manchester’ and I did. The city is very, very cool and European.”

As for where his career takes him next, David Hasselhoff appears to be accepting of where the theatrical fates send him. Likeable and larger than life, he is pragmatic about his work and was once reported as saying: “I may not be a big movie star who gets to be James Bond, but who cares? I am happy. I’ll leave it in God’s hands.”

Photos: Shutterstock.com

15

OUT & ABOUT

COSFORD AIR SHOW Sun 9th June 2013

The 2013 Air Show brings together a wide variety of Aircraft including the Royal Air Force, aerobatic displays, vintage aircraft and many more.

With so many new things to see and do, you can be sure there is something to entertain the whole family. Enjoy expanded interactive aircraft and military displays, arena demonstrations, visit the fair ground, shop for craft and memorabilia or visit the RAF museum where entry is included. In 2013 the show will celebrate three important Anniversaries: The 75th Anniversary of Royal Air Force Cosford, the 75th Anniversary of the Spitfire entering RAF service and 40 years of RAF service from the Jaguar jet aircraft.

Royal Air Force Cosford is easy to find being located just off the A41, approximately 1 mile south of junction 3 on the M54. It is also highly accessible by rail and Cosford station is adjacent to the airfield and only a few hundred yards from all of the action.

For more information please visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

LOVE ANTIQUES

26th May 2013 & 25th August 2013 The Love Antiques fair is the newest quality national antique & collectors fair held in truly unique award-winning venue, the National Motorcycle Museum Birmingham.

Only established and experienced antique dealers and dealers in quality collectable items are invited to stand at the Love Antiques fair this means that our visitors will be spoiled for choice with an amazing selection of Jewellery, Pottery, Ceramics, Memorabilia, Collectable items, Art, Glass, Pictures, Silver, Gold, Furniture, Ephemera, Books, Toys and much more.

For more information please visit www.loveantiquesfair.co.uk

BIRMINGHAM CARNIVAL Next Carnival: TBC May 22 Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged!) Comedy drama. Age 12+ £15 24 Big Bear Folly Sublime Jazz show £15 25 Alan Barnes’ Liquorice Stick All-sorts Jazz maestro & talented friends. £10 29 My Brother the Robot family fun £6 June 6 12 14 15 July 26

Phantom & The Musicals

£16.50 The Chris Barber Jazz Band £19 Dennis Locorriere - Ex Dr Hook £20 The Barron Knights £16.50 Abba - The Show, tribute fun £16.50 This is not a full list - see website.

Box Office: 0121 704 6962

www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk

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Birmingham’s biennial carnival is a colourful, festival celebrating African-Caribbean culture, art, food and entertainment.

Everyone is welcome at this multicultural celebration, which starts with a fantastic carnival procession from Handsworth Park to Perry Park, led by a new Carnival Queen. The Queen will lead the carnival procession, and will be the ‘face of carnival’ for 2 years until the next queen is chosen.

Birmingham Carnival brings the whole community together, celebrating with a Mas parade, live music Carnival Queen competition and more for the whole family.

The Carnival Procession starts at Handsworth Park, and ends up at Perry Park.

For more information and the announcement of the date for the next carnival, please keep checking back at www.itzcaribbean.com/birminghamcarnival www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Entertainment LIVE! STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL

DUDLEY TOWN HALL

DUDLEY TOWN HALL

In The Box

Memories are made of hits

Jimmy Tarbuck

Tuesday 16 April 7.30pm

Monday 23 September 7.30pm

Tuesday 14 May 2.00pm DUDLEY TOWN HALL

DUDLEY TOWN HALL

Sounds of the 70s & 80s

They Wrote the Songs

Tuesday 16 April 2.00pm

Tuesday 11 June 2.00pm

DUDLEY TOWN HALL

Good Old Days of Music Halls and Variety Tuesday 15 October 2.00pm

Box office 01384 812 812 Visit Dudley Council Plus or book online at

www.dudley.gov.uk/entertainment MATINEE

HOLIDAYS

GREAT VALUE SOUTH COAST SUMMER HOLIDAYS SINCE 1979

Daish’s have five hotels in top south coast resorts, Eastbourne, Newquay, Torquay, Bournemouth and Shanklin.

Founded in 1979, Daish’s have been offering great value, year round holidays for over 30 years, by coach or own travel.

Daish’s holidays include half board accommodation, live entertainment every night and a range of optional excursions - all at great prices, with the option of return coach travel, or making your own way. We’d like to invite you to enjoy the great value Daish’s welcome too. Our 2013 holidays are selling well, with lots of coach holidays to all five hotels, and many more self drive dates.

£25 book

ing!

For a 2013 Brochure Pack and your discount voucher CALL THE J-TEAM at Daish’s travel office on 01803 201 432, & DAYS A WEEK. Email info@daishs.com or visit www.daishs.com please quote “50 Plus” when calling/emailing

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Why Daish’s Holiday Great value holidays from £99 to around £200 in summer!

Daish’s holidays include return coach travel, half board hotel accommodation, with live entertainment every night - all at great prices.

There are free places for children too.

Regular local coach departures Daish’s have regular pickup points across the country. Daish’s Holidays include return travel with no changing of coaches, getting you to your hotel as soon as possible.

Lots of Choice Daish’s run a range of 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 day holidays - by coach or self drive. Optional excursions are available on arrival. There are themed breaks - “Great British and Irish Holidays” from JanuaryMarch and “Tinsel and Turkey” in November and December, and great Christmas and NewYear holidays too.

Specialists in the “Over 50” market for over 30 years Daish’s was founded in 1979, and has offered great seaside holidays for the senior market ever since though families are welcome too of course. There are single rooms at all hotels, with a supplement from just £10.

Live Entertainment 7 nights a week!

Groups Welcome

18

Every single night we present a live act - offering the best in Comedy, Music and Dance! Each evening’s entertainment begins with Bingo, with great cash prizes to be won.There’s usually a quiz too - but there’s never a dull moment.

Call the “J-TEAM” at Daish’s Holidays for your FREE BROCHURE PACK on 01803 201 432 or email info@daishs.com or visit daishs.com www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

five GREAT resorts five GREAT hotels 1. Torquay - The Devonshire Hotel In Torquay you’ll find a palm-lined promenade, seafront gardens, a lively harbour and a marina full of exotic yachts. The 73 room Devonshire Hotel, in its own grounds with an outdoor pool is just a few minutes away from Torquay harbour and town centre, shopping, entertainments and local beaches.

2. Shanklin and the Isle of Wight - Daish’s Hotel Shanklin is one of the most picturesque towns on the Isle of Wight, above an attractive promenade and sandy beach. The Old Town (where our hotel is situated) is full of pretty thatched cottages, pubs and tearooms. The 60 room Daish’s Hotel was built in the late 18th Century as the coaching inn for Shanklin. It is now an elegant hotel in its own extensive grounds, with children’s play area and an indoor pool.

3. Bournemouth - Sands Hotel Bournemouth is the perfect seaside resort, on the sunny south coast amid dramatic cliffs looking down on miles of golden, sandy beaches, with over 2,000 acres of superb parks and gardens. The 74 room Sands Hotel is situated in a side road, only two minutes from the West Cliff with its panoramic views over the bay. It is an ideal setting, within leisurely walking distance of the beach, all the major shops and gardens.

4. Newquay - Barrowfield Hotel Newquay is the largest resort in Cornwall, with spectacular Atlantic beaches, as well as delightful gardens for tranquil strolls. The 80 room Barrowfield Hotel is ideally situated just 200 yards from the seafront and the magnificent Tolcarne Beach, close to the Town Centre and Zoo. Indoor heated pool, enclosed outdoor terrace and large dance floor.

5. Eastbourne - Claremont Hotel Eastbourne is bursting with so many things to see and do. There are plenty of attractions and fun things to do for all ages. From watching pro-skaters stunts and tricks at Eastbourne Extreme to exploring the area’s history, discover museums and art galleries, relax and enjoy the views in our parks and gardens, sample the local produce from our vineyards and farmers markets, enjoy fun filled trips to the seaside or South Downs National Park, spend the day shopping, then soak up the local atmosphere in one of our many restaurants, wine bars or traditional pubs.

When calling or emailing please quote: 50 PLUS

facebook.com/daishs @daishs

SUGGS - MY LIFE STORY I’VE JUST TURNED 50, THE KIDS HAVE LEFT HOME, AND MY CAT JUST DIED Suggs – still best known as the legendary frontman of feelgood band Madness – was 50 last January.

He was lying in the bath on his birthday, nursing an epic hangover from the celebrations the night before when there was the most almighty crash.

‘I jumped out of the water,’ he says, ‘and there, lying amid shards of broken glass, was our four-year-old cat, a British blue called Mamba. I’d put up the glass shelf

myself and it must have given way. I knew he was dead from the strange angle of his body. I couldn’t believe it.

I loved that cat.

‘I was 50. My kids had recently left home and now the cat was dead. I was really upset. It triggered a deluge of emotion, an event that somehow tipped me over the edge. I began to consider my own mortality and, out of that, the idea for exploring my own past somehow crystallised.’

The result, soon to be seen at a venue not far from you, is a new stage show. ‘It’s a memoir,’ says Suggs.

‘It’s not stand-up. It’s not An Evening With… I toyed with calling it Mad-Life Crisis. In the end, though, having gone all round the houses, I’ve called it My Life Story which won’t win any prizes for originality but does at least tell you what you can expect, the good bits and the darker moments.’

It turns out there have been plenty of both.

Born Graham McPherson in Hastings, he’s the only child of a jazz singer called Edith and a father, William – but everyone called him Mac – who worked for a photographic developers but whose life was increasingly overtaken by drugs.

‘Dad left home when I was about three. I have no recollection of him and he never featured in my life. My mum later told me she’d come home and found him with needles sticking out of his hands. Heroin was his drug of choice and it’s a one-way street that takes you further and further away from real life. In the end, it did for the marriage.’

Mother and son then moved to Liverpool where Edith sang in the clubs, winning the accolade of Melody Maker’s Jazz Newcomer of the Year in the mid-60s. She performed regularly at the Blue Angel to where The Beatles and Cilla Black would repair after sessions at The Cavern.

Moving south to London, Suggs’ life was unstructured, to say the least. Soho was his mother’s stomping ground where she both sang and worked in bars for extra money.

They lived in a succession of rented rooms, the young lad trailing around after her when she went drinking in famous watering holes like the Colony. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

INTERVIEW

‘I’ll never forget it,’ says Suggs. ‘You’d walk up this rickety green staircase and enter a room full of artists and actors and various hangers-on, all drinking and smoking. But, amid all the booze, it was a creative hotbed. Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, George Melly, Jeffrey Bernard – they were all regulars.

‘Was it an unsuitable place for a young child?

Absolutely. I clearly remember staring up through the thick fog of tobacco smoke, the occasional hand ruffling my hair or giving me a florin, sometimes even a ten bob note. I couldn’t really understand what was going on at an adult level which was probably all for the best. But there was a feeling of community and I was never in any danger.’

Even so, in time Edith decided that her son would do better living out of London in Pembrokeshire with her sister, Diana, and her three children. ‘It was nice to have other kids around but I missed Mum. She was doing what she thought was the right thing. She was finding it difficult to find the two of us somewhere stable to live so she thought I’d be better off in Haverfordwest.’

Three years later, Suggs was back in London, living with Edith, and about to go to secondary in Swiss Cottage. It’s where he acquired his nickname. ‘The other kids used to call me Gray or Mac and I wanted something a bit more distinctive. I was looking through a book of my mum’s about jazz musicians.

‘I took a pin and, eyes closed, stuck it into the middle of a page. It went through the name Peter which didn’t seem especially memorable and then I noticed his second name was Suggs which somehow resonated with me. He was the drummer in an obscure jazz band in Kentucky. Graffiti was becoming popular and people had these amazing names – or tags, as they were called. Now I had mine.’

Had he known it, this was the moment when his estranged father was on the point of bowing it. ‘I didn’t find this out until many years later when I was researching the new show. It’s a tragic story. My father started injecting himself with paraffin and was then sectioned under the Mental Health Act. ‘When he was eventually released, he moved to Birmingham where he married again. He died aged 40 from a whole variety of drug-related conditions, his wife following him, probably from a drug overdose, a year later. So just as I was getting together with the band that became Madness, my father’s time was up.

I’ve always found that rather poignant.’

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

These revelations prompted him recently to ask his mother about his father. ‘She told me he was a very nice man. “Just like you,” she said. That was the most shocking thing she could have said in many ways. I’d had him down in my mind as some sort of wayward old wastrel who’d just pushed off. The fact that he was really nice upset me. But then heroin is an unforgiving mistress.’

Given his colourful upbringing, it is perhaps not too surprising that Suggs married young. By 21, he had a wife, a baby daughter and a mews house in Camden bought with the money he’d made from Madness’s regular appearances in the Top 10. ‘To some extent, I think it’s true to say that I deliberately created Fortress Suggs to give my life a bit of structure. Having said that, I’d fallen in love with Anne. I wanted to be married to her.’

A professional singer who works under the name Bette Bright, the two are still together three decades later.

They have two daughters – Scarlett, 29 and Viva, 25 – who now sing as a duo under their own names. ‘My mother, my wife, my daughters – I’m surrounded by women who sing,’ says Suggs.

Nor has he hung up his own microphone. ‘2012 was an extraordinary year for us. You wouldn’t have anticipated the Queen was going to invite us on her roof to play or that we were going to play at the Olympic closing ceremony. Like any human being we were insecure but we realise now we’re pretty good.’

The band have just release their tenth album Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da and are planning a series of gigs in the UK this summer.

‘Madness have always been about accentuating the positive,’ says Suggs. ‘It’s no accident our songs are still played, still enjoyed 30 years down the line.

They’re upbeat, timeless, a clear-eyed celebration of life as it’s lived. And we’re still together, still making music. For me, the band has always been a bit like a surrogate family. We’re all a bit dysfunctional, all a bit stronger for being together.’

The only problem now for Suggs is shoehorning his less-than-conventional first half-century into his new show. ‘When we were rehearsing,’ he says, ‘my keyboard player would stop every so often and say: “Was that bit really true?” And it was, all of it. Amazing, really.’

Suggs: My Life Story opened on at Southsea Kings Theatre on 2nd April and tours all over the UK. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.suggslive.com or call 0844 875 8758

21

WIN A BREAK FOR TWO WITH

HOLIDAYS Win a 4 night 5 day break for 2 people!

Just fill in the form below and send it to us for your chance to win.

50 Plus Competition Daishs Holidays, Devonshire Hotel, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2DY Name:.................................................................................................................

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

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

Tel:.......................................................................................................................

Email:.................................................................................................................. q Please tick here if you do not wish to receive any mailings from Daish’s Holidays

www.daishs.com The holiday has to be taken between October and November 2013 or January to March 2014 and cannot be exchanged into monetary value. All dates are subject to availability and our terms & conditions.

PUZZLE PAGE Word Ladder Move from the word at the top of the box to the word at the bottom using the exact number of rungs provided by changing one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter).

F O O T

ACROSS 8 Geographical group including Yell and Unst (9) 9 World’s second‑largest bird (3) 10 US city associated with Al Capone (7) 11 Aircraft location system (5) 12 Main division of geological time (3) 14 Engineer Brunel’s first name (8) 16 Car’s starting mechanism (8) 18 Outward motion of the tide (3) 21 Famous 1836 battle in Texas (5) 23 White‑faced clown (7) 25 Hawaiian garland of flowers (3) 26 Spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism (5,4)

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K G I N G E

E R A N W

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T C O N R

R S E C T

C OO O M U N S

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L D D E A Y

L E R D A I D

D I S N V A L

K E T H R AM I

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T E A E N D OO

P E L I L L E Y

C O N D M O

L O C N R I G

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ACROSS 1 Pendant containing a picture 2 Sixtieth part of a minute 3 Japanese paper‑folding art

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17 Slender reddish‑brown antelope of South and East Africa (6) 19 Comic‑book hero whose real name is Bruce Wayne (6) 20 Golf score of two under par (5) 22 Racing probability (4) 24 Five hundred sheets of paper (4)

Sudoku

Fill the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9.

2 3

6

2

8 4

5 1 5 6 7 2 4 1 7 8 4 7 3 5 2 7 8 7 8 3 1 5 6

5 6

8 9

11 12

4 Make disappear 5 Giving for a limited time 6 Low area between hills 7 Less warm

6 9

With the help of the Across clues only, can you fit the pieces into their correct positions in the grid?

O E N D O

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8

DOWN 1 Mind, as distinguished from 5 Old Russian emperor (4) 6 French police officer (8) the body (6) 2 Legendary creature of the 7 Liquid measure of two Himalayas (4) pints (5) 3 Horse Bob Champion 13 Sprinkled with cheese and rode to win the Grand browned (2,6) National (8) 15 Britain’s highest 4 Variety of wool from a goat or a rabbit (6) mountain (3,5)

Y A R D

Pieceword

Try our general knowledge crossword

8 9 10 11 12

High female voice Not talked about About to weep Church officer Scribble aimlessly

All puzzles © Puzzler Media Ltd ‑ www.puzzler.com

Solutions on page 38

HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT

delicious summer dishes

MUSHROOM, FETA AND TOMATO BAKED PEPPERS It’s always important for food to look good, whether you’re dieting or not, and these peppers are a delight to the eye as well as the tastebuds. A great vegetarian recipe, this has lots of strong flavours that come together in a beautifully colouful and well-balanced dish.

SERVES 2 4 sun-dried tomato pieces in oil, drained well 2 tsp sunflower oil 175g chestnut mushrooms, wiped and diced 20g blanched hazelnuts, roughly chopped 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 50g dry white breadcrumbs 1/2 small bunch of parsley, leaves finely chopped 1 tsp dried chilli flakes 100g feta or soft goat’s cheese, drained 2 smallish peppers, red or yellow freshly ground black pepper 401 calories per portion Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7. Roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and stir-fry the mushrooms over a high heat for 4 minutes.

Add the roughly chopped hazelnuts and fry for a further minute until the nuts are lightly toasted. Season with a good grind of black pepper and remove from the heat.

Stir in the tomatoes, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley and chilli flakes until thoroughly combined. Break the cheese into small chunks and toss them through the stuffing lightly. Cut the peppers in half from top to bottom and carefully remove the seeds and membrane.

Place the peppers in a small foil-lined roasting tin, cut side up, and fill each half with the mushroom and feta stuffing. Cover the surface of the stuffing with a small piece of foil. Bake for 35 minutes until tender, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes of the cooking time. Serve warm with a lightly dressed mixed salad.

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www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

MAKES 8 KEBABS 700g lean lamb leg (or leg steaks) 2 small yellow peppers 2 small red peppers 2 small red onions 150m1 low-fat natural yoghurt 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint or 1 tsp mint sauce 6 pitta breads 1 romaine lettuce heart, shredded 1 medium carrot, finely grated 3 ripe vine tomatoes, sliced 15cm piece of cucumber, thinly sliced flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper lemon wedges and hot chilli sauce, to serve Marinade 2 tsp cumin seeds 203 calories per portion 381 calories per portion (with pitta)

LEMONY LAMB KEBABS There’s nothing better than the scent of lemony, herby lamb cooking on the barbecue. It’s a healthy way of cooking too, as much of the fat drips away. We like to eat these kebabs tucked into warm pitta bread, but you can also enjoy them with just a side salad or some vegetables.

2 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp fennel seeds 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves finely grated zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp fine sea salt freshly ground black pepper

To make the marinade, put the cumin, coriander and fennel seeds in a pestle and mortar and pound to a coarse powder. You can use 11/2 teaspoon each of ground cumin and coriander if you prefer, but the flavour won’t be quite as good as freshly ground spices. Add the thyme leaves and crush them into the spices for a few seconds.

Tip the spices and thyme into a large non-metallic bowl and stir in the lemon zest and juice, garlic, oil, salt and lots of black pepper.

Trim as much fat as possible off the lamb, then cut the meat into rough 3cm chunks — you should have about 40 chunks. Add the lamb to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.

While the lamb is marinating, prepare the vegetables for the kebabs. Deseed the peppers and cut them into 3cm chunks. Cut each onion into 8 wedges with the root intact.

Remove the lamb from the fridge and thread the meat on to 8 metal skewers — these should be about 25cm long — alternating with the pieces of pepper and onion. Season with a little more salt and pepper.

Cook over a hot barbecue or under a preheated hot grill (close to the element) for 6-8 minutes. Turn once or twice until the lamb and vegetables are lightly charred — the meat should be pink in the middle. Mix the yoghurt, garlic and chopped mint or mint sauce together in a small bowl to make the yoghurt sauce.

Warm the pitta bread on the barbecue, in the toaster or under a grill and carefully cut down one side with a sharp knife. Pull the bread open and stuff with shredded lettuce leaves, grated carrot, tomatoes and cucumber. Slide the meat and vegetables off the skewers and into the pittas using a fork. Drizzle a little of the minty yoghurt sauce and serve with some chilli sauce and lemon wedges too if you fancy. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

25

Be free from painful dentures & loose teeth Dental Implants are the solution.

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Replacement teeth can then be attached, even dentures can be made to feel more comfortable and secure.

With routine care dental implants have a high level of success, so you can smile, eat and laugh again with confidence!

Dental implants can be used in the following situations:• Single tooth replacement

I would say to anybody with doub ts about their teeth, come and see Will.

• Multiple tooth replacement • Edentulous cases – no teeth • To stabilise dentures

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Will Murphy Dentistry | 51 Newhall Street | Birmingham | B3 3QR

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0% finance We provide superb patient care in comfortable surroundings We aim to provide you with the highest quality dentistry in our purpose built premiere class dental suite. We have a passion for dental excellence and believe our care and service is second to none. We think you will agree.

Barbara & Eric Higgins’ story Eric had difficulty eating properly due to a gap in his teeth which was caused when an old bridge failed.

Barbara was so pleased with the long term success of her dental implants that she recommended it as a permanent healthy solution to her husband. Eric had dental implants at Will Murphy dentistry and was impressed with the patient care and delighted with the results.

Watch Barbara and Erics success story at www.willmurphyimplants.co.uk

Dr Will Murphy...

BDS MFGDP(UK) DipImpDent RCs (Eng) Advanced certificate GDC: 67270

Will Murphy graduated from Birmingham University in 1991 and has continued to practice in the city ever since.

He has been placing and restoring dental implants for over fourteen years and is one of only a few surgeons to hold the Diploma in Implant Dentistry and Advanced Bone Grafting Certificate from the Royal College of Surgeons. He has held the post of Clinical Assistant in Oral Surgery at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital and is currently tutoring implant dentists at the Royal College of Surgeons.

Will has a strong commitment to post graduate education and lectures for Implant companies and to MSc students at Birmingham University.

You can find out more about Dr Will Murphy and his many delighted implant patients at www.willmurphyimplants.co.uk

Would you like to find out more about how dental implants can help you enjoy the foods you’ve always wanted to eat and to smile with confidence again?

Call 0121 2367630 for a FREE NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION. PLUS we have a very special £150 discount for readers of 50 Plus Magazine Please quote “50 Plus” when you call to make your FREE CONSULTATION

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info@willmurphydentistry.co.uk | www.willmurphyimplants.co.uk

CHANGING ROOMS

IN THE HOME IS SOMETHING MANY OF US LONG TO DO BUT ARE HAMPERED BY THOSE TWIN PROBLEMS: LACK OF MONEY AND LACK OF KNOWLEDGE.

BEFORE

Writes Angela Kelly We may know what we DON’T want around us, but probably have only a vague idea of what we do. The way we proceed next tends to relate either to the structure of the house – knocking through to give bigger rooms, adding a conservatory or building an extension – or the interior décor which includes everything from light fittings and wallpaper to furniture and paintings.

For the first, often more sweeping, approach, architectural consultant Gary Willis from Novensus says always remember the importance of light. “Daylight directly affects our wellbeing and living in dark conditions can add to our lethargy,” he states.

Deep rooms can appear dark as natural daylight can’t penetrate to the furthest reaches, so Gary suggests perhaps adding more windows. If privacy is an issue, consider use opaque window film, opaque glass or even glass blocks. “High level strip windows can also be used to provide natural light without sacrificing privacy,” he adds.

A pitched roof with a flat internal ceiling could be opened up to a more interesting space, enhanced by exposed roof structure and effective roof lights.

“Remove a wall to create an open plan dining/kitchen and a more adaptable space,” says Gary. “Even the removal of a load-bearing wall – one that has a structural purpose – is a relatively straightforward task to a competent builder.”

For bigger projects, consider a garage or loft conversion.

“Only around half of us really utilise our garage,” insists Gary. “Put this space to good use. Rather than just turning the garage into a room, how about thinking more laterally? Could you use part of the garage to extend an adjacent room to create a larger kitchen, whilst still reserving part of the garage for garden storage, a utility area or a study?”

A conservatory can add both light and space to a home, “but a sun room or orangery is a much better option. It 28

BEFORE will be insulated to current standards that will provide a usable room in all seasons and ultimately add more value to your home.

“Another alternative is a pre-built garden room which can be brought onto site in one piece, or built quickly in a modular format with limited disturbance.”

Maximise garden views “and minimise rubbish ones!” advises Gary. “Create a cosy oasis of space with a smaller patio. Dress it up with flower boxes and a beautiful chair or swing to provide visual interest throughout all seasons.”

Indoors, bring in the light with brighter, lighter colours on walls, floors and ceilings to maximise available light.

Gloss and satin finishes will reflect more light than dull, dark colours and mirrors can be used imaginatively to bring much-needed light into a room or brighten a dark hallway also giving the illusion of space.

When cash is short, home stylist and project manager Jill Brimley from Changing Spaces advises looking carefully at what you’ve already got and adapting where you can.

“Dark walls can be painted a light, neutral shade like Dulux Natural Calico,” she says.

Take a close look at doors as these can give a dated feel to a room, and invest in new, white ones to add to light. For the Living Room makeover (pictured), Jill also had new panelled cupboard doors made for the meter cupboard.

The electrical socket was removed and re-sited to get rid of ugly trailing wires and storage added within the cupboard.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

JILL’S TIPS FOR UPDATING

ANY EXISTING KITCHEN ARE:

AFTER

AFTER A “gorgeous little chair” was bought from TK Maxx, the dark legs painted in white satin wood. The original curtains were dry cleaned and a new complimentary fabric panel was added to lengthen them to the floor.

“Additional fabric was bought to cover existing cushion pads to co-ordinate the look,” says Jill.

She recycled accessories from around the home - “We also decluttered, removed the old carpet and put in new oak wood-style laminate flooring and painted the dark mahogany fireplace, mirror and cupboard in white satin wood to provide a brighter and nicer co-ordinated room.”

For this Kitchen makeover on a budget, Jill kept the original units, unifying them to a cream satin wood and then adding freestanding furniture with doors almost identical to the existing units and bought at a clearance shop to add to the fitted look.

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declutter work surfaces, tops of cupboards and walls

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Steam clean kitchen area

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Update white electrical sockets with chrome

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Replace worktops with new, more modern items and/or change cupboard doors

•

Inexpensive plain tiles can make the look fresher and more modern

•

Chrome tile trims give a more upmarket look

•

Emulsion the walls to compliment the décor

•

Invest in new floor covering

•

Change the colour of your kettle, toaster etc for instant impact

“For a contemporary look, change the door handle and light switch to chrome,” adds Jill. “Inset halogen lights in the front and inside of the wardrobe, and upgrade the radiator and radiator cabinet.”

Use old pillows that have flattened as cushion pads or cut up old duvets, and plump up curtains with crumpled tissue paper.

The Bathroom can improve if you knock through an old bathroom and separate toilet into one modern area. Add a heated towel radiator to save on space and for a more stylish look.

It’s worth investing in a combi boiler which gets rid of the old water tank and is more efficient. Try bricking up the original toilet widow externally and reduced it in size internally to give a useful shelf/recess.

Investment in a white modern suite is really worthwhile.

Use floor and wall tiles in the same neutral colour but different sizes - bigger tiles with smaller grout lines also give the illusion of space.

And if you struggle to see new potential in your home – call in the experts!

Modern inexpensive cream brick tiles were used around the necessary areas, the walls were painted lighter with Dulux’s Javan Dawn, and the original back door was replaced with small French windows to bring in extra light and a view of the garden. Jill also replaced the original work top with a solid oak butcher’s block.

Meet the

In the Bedroom, use relaxing light neutral colours. If space is limited, go for sliding wardrobe mirror doors to reflect light back into the room. Shop carefully for complementary bargain soft furnishings – go online, visit mill and clearance shops or use sale curtains to make Roman blinds or a bed throw.

GARY WILLIS Architectural Consultant Novensus

For more details visit www.changingspaces.org.uk and www.novensus.co.uk

EXPERTS JILL BRIMLEY Home Stylist Changing Spaces

LONG TERM CARE FUNDING PROPOSALS Not as straightforward as it seems

Alongside the current welfare reform changes, the government have recently announced its proposals for shaking up the care funding system in England.

The issue of how to meet the cost of care for those not funded by the state has been a problem facing successive governments for many years. Attempts have been made to address this; however the proposals have instead been pushed aside in the hope that the issue might be forgotten.

The aim of the new proposals, is to prevent people having to sell their home in order to meet unlimited care bills. There is an increasing sense of injustice when those who have worked hard to accumulate assets during their lifetime stand to loose much of this, whilst those that are imprudent or have consumed more, have the safety net of care provided by the state.

The Proposals: £75,000 cap on care costs The headline-grabber is that there will be a cap on care costs to be met by an individual of £75,000.

However, this is not as simple as it seems, as the cap does not include the so-called ‘hotel costs’ of accommodation and food – it is the cost of care only.

So for example, someone paying £750 per week for long term care, made up of £400 per week residential costs and £350 per week care costs, only the £350 would count towards the cap.

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Increase of the means-tested threshold Currently if you hold assets (including property) in excess of £23,250 there is no initial state help and you are required to fund care yourself. The new measures include the raising of this asset threshold limit to £123,000. The floor, at which all costs are met, will increase from £14,250 to £17,000. The increase in the threshold means that many more

people will receive some help with care costs, but given that most properties are valued in excess of £123,000 this proposal may not make any significant difference. There has been no change to the basis of contribution – £1 a week for each £250 above the lower threshold.

The care cost that will be met is what a local authority would pay, based on an individual needs assessment.

If you want better care/comfort than the local authority would buy, you will have to pay the excess and this will not count towards the £75,000 cap.

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When will the changes happen?

The proposals are thought to be part funded by a freeze on inheritance tax rates and are expected to be introduced in 2017. So, even if you think you can now dispense with planning for long-term care, you may want to revisit your estate planning. Its also worth bearing in mind that the proposals aren’t due to come into effect until the next election so a change of government or worsening of the financial situation could see the goalposts moved again.

How does this affect care planning?

An introduction of the cap on costs is welcome as it is wrong for a person to face an unlimited bill at the end of their life, even though the real benefit may not be as clear cut as first thought. Likewise a rise in the threshold is a positive step forward and will provide some much needed financial help. However, it is important that people are not distracted from taking

appropriate qualified advice as the proposals will not provide a cap on all care costs and for many people, particularly those wealthier individuals, they may make little difference at all.

Anyone who feels that they may need to fund the bulk of care fees or have elderly relatives who may need long term care, taking appropriate financial advice is essential and will bring peace of mind to the individual and family. Also, if you want to choose the quality of your long term care and want to be certain that you will pass on as much of your estate as possible to your beneficiaries, then proper financial planning remains an absolute essential. The proposals, welcome as they are, have done nothing to change that.

As well as advising on care funding, taking specialist financial advice can give information on other laterlife issues such as updating a will, setting up a power of attorney or inheritance tax planning.

W

hether you are planning for or funding your own existing care needs, or organising care for a friend or relative, these are complex and emotive areas where careful consideration needs to be given to all the options available.

Using a qualified financial adviser who specialises in long term care will mean that your own wishes, needs and specific circumstances are fully addressed in a caring and sympathetic manner.

For a confidential initial consultation at no cost or obligation to you, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE BARRY PINNER

Telephone: 0845 68 68 268 Barry is a specialist in long term care planning and covers the West Midlands region. He is a fully qualified financial adviser and covers all aspects of financial planning, these include:

• Savings and Investments • Retirement Planning

• Estate Planning • Wills, Trusts, Probate

The Stirling House Partnership and the term “Partner” are marketing terms used to describe shareholding representatives of Stirling House Financial Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Nº 413234 Registered Office: Malvern View, Willow End Park, Blackmore Park Road, Welland WR13 6NN

THE STIRLING HOUSE PARTNERSHIP

Why choose Dentures from a Clinical Dental Technician?

The Importance of Dentures

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

The eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality.

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

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

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

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

What is a Clinical Dental Technician?

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

What qualifies a CDT to work on my Dentures?

With many years experience working as Dental Technicians, CDTs have the advanced technical and clinical skills needed to carefully design and hand-craft every denture to the individual requirements of the patient.

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

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

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

As well as taking its toll on daily activities like eating, talking and even laughing, total tooth loss can impact heavily on self-esteem and quality of life. A CDT will create and fit the 32

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

Choice of Dentures There are four main quality standards in denture materials.

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

• • • • •

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

The Denture Teeth • • • •

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

Of course, the materials alone will not make a good denture.

In the hands of a skillful and experienced Clinical Dental Technician the best results are achieved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should I have a spare set of Dentures made?

Yes, it is very important to have a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage.

Your Dentures need Attention 1. When they become loose.

2. When teeth or denture base discolours.

3. When tooth surfaces become flat.

4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures).

5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth.

6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores.

7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.

... A Natural Smile

Can your dentures pass the CLOSE-UP TEST? Our quality made dentures are guaranteed to pass the closeup test because we only use the most-up-to-date materials and techniques to create natural looking dentures that

“MAKE YOU FEEL AND LOOK GREAT” It is very important to seek professional advice before you choose the denture that will suit your lifestyle. State-of-the-art dentures must be able to restore the natural movements of the jaw and phonetics.

Kings Heath

Denture Centre

4d Heathfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DB. 0121 444 8080

In addition, they must be compatible with the sensitive tissues in the mouth.

Dentures should be comfortable to wear, so that they are taken for granted during eating and speaking. Most importantly, the correct denture will restore a carefree smile to your face.

Kings Heath

Denture Centre

£25

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DEMENTIA EXPLAINED

By Cognitive Neuroscientist and Business Improvement Strategist, Dr Lynda Shaw.

Dementia is an age-related syndrome that affects nearly 600,000 people in the UK and that number is rising. Dementia is becoming more and more important because we are living longer and Dementia is now the most common disease in the elderly.

cerebrovascular disease, which occurs where oxygen supply fails or is no longer efficient in the brain and brain cells are likely to die. This can lead to strokes or infarcts (mini strokes) and there is an increased possibility of vascular dementia.

The most common cause of Dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease and there is currently no cure but many believe we can help ourselves prevent or at least slow down a decline into Dementia, so that we can enjoy those precious later years.

Dementia with Lewy bodies

During the course of the disease the chemistry and structure of the brain changes, leading to the death of brain cells. Currently it’s difficult for doctors to make a clear diagnosis for Dementia. In the early stages the clinical symptoms can be quite ambiguous because cognitive impairment needs to be distinguished from brain changes during normal ageing. Dementia usually first appears as forgetfulness.

WHAT IS DEMENTIA? Most types of Dementia are non-reversible (degenerative) but some causes of Dementia may be stopped or reversed if they are found soon enough, including after brain injury or chronic alcohol abuse Dementia is rare in people under age 60. The risk for Dementia increases as a person gets older.

Four main types of Dementia Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of Dementia and accounts for 50% - 60% of all cases. It destroys brain cells and nerves disrupting the neuro transmitters which carry messages in the brain, particularly those responsible for storing memories.

Alzheimer’s can affect memory, understanding, judgment, emotions and even personality and can be both frightening and exhausting for those with Alzheimer’s Disease as well as their loved ones.

Vascular Dementia Vascular Dementia is the second most common form of Dementia and accounts for about 20% of all cases. It affects men more than women and is due to

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Dementia with Lewy bodies is the third most common cause of Dementia and may occur in up to 20% of cases. Dementia with Lewy bodies is similar to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s Disease in that it is caused by the degeneration and death of nerve cells in the brain. Lewy bodies are abnormal collections of protein deposits, found in the nerve cells of the brain.

Fronto-temporal dementia Fronto-temporal dementia is relatively rare and affects people at a younger age. It takes its name from the fact that damage to brain cells usually begins in the frontal lobe of the brain.

Symptoms Dementia affects people differently but symptoms may include difficulty with many areas of mental function, including in language, memory, perception, emotional behaviour such as anxiety or agitation and cognitive skills such as abstract thinking, or judgment and disorientation.

Mild cognitive impairment is somewhere between normal forgetfulness due to ageing and the development of Dementia. People with MCI have mild problems with thinking and memory that do not interfere with everyday activities and are often aware of the forgetfulness. Not everyone with MCI develops Dementia.

Prevention Most causes of Dementia are not preventable but there are many things you can do to best protect yourself or slow down the rate of Dementia.

1. Mental Exercise 2. Quitting smoking and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes can help us reduce our risk of vascular Dementia.

3. Eating a low-fat balanced diet may reduce the risk of Vascular Dementia.

4. Regular physical exercise may reduce the risk of Vascular Dementia.

5. Sleep Well 6. Managing Stress 7. There is also treatment with vitamin B this has had notable effects. Folic Acid, B6 and B12 seem to do something to the reduction in the rate of brain atrophy.

8. Identify MCI as quickly as possible. In studies

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carried out in memory clinics, 10-15 per cent of people with MCI went on to develop Dementia in each year that the research results were followed up. It is therefore very important to identify people with MCI, as they may be in the very early stages of the disease and more likely to benefit from early treatment in the future. However, many people with MCI improve or remain stable, and do not develop Dementia.

In recent years, however, treatments that can improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are becoming available. Other treatments that may slow down the progression of the disease in the brain are also being developed. It is important that people with Alzheimer’s disease are identified as early as possible, so that they can benefit from these treatments in the future.

Identifying people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is one way to try to achieve this but so far, none of the techniques available are sufficiently developed to provide a definitive diagnosis in patients with MCI.

Helping those with Dementia • •

• •

Understanding and respecting the person with Dementia Helping the person feel valued – be tolerant; listen properly and slow down; be affectionate; address them with the name they prefer e.g. Mr or Mrs … be courteous, kind and non-judgemental Respecting cultural values and privacy Regardless of how bad the Dementia is people still have feelings, so help the person feel good about themselves

• • • •

Help them express their feelings.

Choice is confusing – so keep it simple and easy Remember each person with dementia is still that person with unique and valuable experiences Isolation because of Dementia is rife. Help those with Dementia still be sociable and connect with their loved ones and people of all ages.

Helping Families of those with Dementia 1. Caring for a person with AD can have physical, emotional and financial costs. The demands of day to day care, changing family roles, and difficult decisions about placement in a care facility can be hard to handle.

2. Becoming well informed is really important.

3. Developing good coping skills 4. Having a strong network of family and friends also are important 5. Staying physically active helps us cope emotionally to being a carer 6. Getting support groups for respite and expression of concerns

DR LYNDA SHAW RUNS AN ADVISORY SERVICE FOR LOVED ONES OF THOSE SUFFERING WITH DEMENTIA. www.drlyndashaw.com

All staff are dementia trained

Call our professional team on 0121 711 7435 Our staff

Contact us

Our staff are caring, trained to give medication and police checked.

Visit us online at www.bluebirdcare.co.uk Call our professional team on 0121 711 7435

All staff are dementia trained

Alternative

What we offer

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

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

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk Bluebird Care (Solihull) PMJ House, Highlands Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 4ND

Greyhounds: Great Bet to Perfect Pet The Trust operates a network of over 70 branches across England, Scotland and Wales, run by over 1,000 of the most dedicated and hardworking volunteers you could ever hope to meet.

These volunteers help care for greyhounds, raise funds and find the right home for each dog. You can find your nearest branch by visiting www.retiredgreyhounds. co.uk/branches or by calling the Trust on 020 8335 3016.

The Retired Greyhound Trust is a national charity dedicated to finding loving homes for greyhounds at the end of their racing careers.

Since the Trust was established in 1975 it has found more than 60,000 homes for this wonderful breed, so it’s no surprise that greyhounds are fast becoming one of the most popular pets in Britain today!

Each year approximately 8,000 greyhounds retire from racing in Britain, typically between three and five years of age. They are gentle, intelligent animals who, on retirement, deserve some tender loving care in family home and in return will provide you with wonderful companionship.

Most greyhounds need relatively little exercise – just a couple of short walks on a lead each day. They tend to pick up new routines quickly and are not fussy eaters.

They have short coats so don’t get too dirty and some can live happily with other pets, including cats.

The Trust takes great care to match each greyhound with a suitable home. Prior to taking on a greyhound one of our volunteers will carry out a home check and then arrange follow-up checks to ensure things are working out for both you and your greyhound.

All greyhounds that we rehome are neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and flea-treated and come with a lead, collar, muzzle, advice booklet and DVD and four weeks’ free pet insurance. Our experienced volunteers and staff are available to provide additional advice as required.

Anything you can do will make a big difference to the hundreds of greyhounds in our care and will ensure that we can continue to find loving homes for thousands of greyhounds after they have retired from racing. With your help we want to tell the world that ‘Greyhounds Make Great Pets’.

To find out more, visit www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk or call 020 8335 3016.

Leave a legacy to support retired greyhounds.

Every year the Retired Greyhound Trust finds thousands of homes for retired racing greyhounds. We have found over 60,000 homes since we were established in 1976.

Our priority as a charity is to look after these wonderful dogs, but we simply couldn’t continue our vital work without your support.

The generosity of those who leave a gift in their Will is particularly important to us.

A gift in your Will can make a difference to the lives of retired racing greyhounds nationwide.

If you could help the Trust’s vital work and make a difference to these noble, intelligent and gentle dogs, please contact us on: tel: 020 8335 3016

greyhounds@retiredgreyhounds.co.uk www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk Charity no: 269668

2nd Floor Park House, Park Terrace Worcester Park, Surrey, KT4 7JZ

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1. Keys in the car: On a frosty winter morning, there’s nothing better than getting into a nice warm car. But be careful not to leave the keys in the ignition and the car unattended as you could find you’re not covered by your motor insurance policy if it gets stolen.

Jump in your car!

Whether you drive a KIT car, a Corsa or a 4x4 it’s at this time of year when we most appreciate the freedom and comfort of being able to jump in our car. But there’s no denying that running a car can be expensive.

The Financial Ombudsman Service – the free service set up by law to sort out problems between consumers and banks or insurers – dealt with over 3,500 complaints about motor insurance between April and September 2012. They have the power to look at a range of issues from the mis-selling of motor insurance policies through to claim being rejected.

We spoke to the ombudsman for some top tips on how to deal with a complaint and the steps that you can take to avoid a problem cropping up in the first place.

2. Ensure you insure: Shopping around for car insurance can help you get the best deal but be careful if you’re buying a policy through a comparison website. The questions asked may be different to those on the insurer’s website and your answer may be different as a result. For example, the way you list your occupation on a comparison site may be different to how the insurer would define it. It always pays to ring the insurer you end up choosing and confirming the information they require.

3. Valuables in the car: Take care not to leave valuables or shopping bags on display in your car. They could entice a passing opportunist thief and you may not be able to make a valid claim if item were left on show.

Keep them out of sight in your glove box or boot.

4. Valuations: No-one wants to think of being in an accident that causes serious damage to their car - but if you are, your insurer will probably give you a valuation of what they are willing to pay for your car. It pays to consult a price guide like Glasses or Parkers to know what kind of value you can expect. Remember, you don’t have to accept the insurance valuation if you think it’s too low.

5. Dealing with a problem: If you are unhappy with your car insurer and can’t sort it out with them directly, the ombudsman may be able to help on 0300 123 9 123 or www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk.

Smile!

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Budapest has long been established as Budapest long been established as the mosthas popular destination in Europe Budapest has long beendestination established as the most popular dental in because of the high standards of dental the most popular dental destination in Europe because of the high standards care, the rigorous training and education because ofrigorous the hightraining standards ofEurope dental care, the and of Hungarian dentists, and the huge of dental of care, the rigorous training and education Hungarian dentists, and savings on offer to UKdentists, patients.andthe education of Hungarian huge savings on offer to UK patients. the huge savings offer to UKfrom patients.

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Faced with unaffordable quotes ininthe UK or Faced withtreatment unaffordable quotes the UK or Th e same in the UK can cost over the prospect ofofwearing unwanted dentures, this the prospect wearing unwanted dentures, £16,000. The patient received multiple high this patient travelled totoKreativ Dental and received patient travelled Kreativ Dental and received quality dental implants, and full upper and lower multiple quality dental and full multiplehigh high quality dentalimplants, implants, and full porcelain crown and bridge work at the Kreativ upper and lower porcelain crown and bridge upper and lower porcelain crown and bridge Dental Clinic in Budapest. work. work.

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