East berks issue 35

FREE

Please t

ake on

HIGH WYCOMBE, WINDSOR, MAIDENHEAD & SLOUGH MAY - JULY 2014 EDITION 35

Rick Stein In search of the perfect curry...

Robert Lindsay

Talks about the Northwest Premier of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels...

Safeguard your Family Home for the Future

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

e

keep it local... ...help us to help you and your community

Wokingham

Bracknell

Slough

Windsor

Staines

Support your Hospice to provide care for local people and their families at life’s most difficult time

t: 01753 842121 w: thameshospice.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 1108298

Maidenhead

CONTENTS

inside...

6-7

Staying Safe online...

Advice from Trading Standards

9

Get away more this year ... with Just Go Holidays

10-11 Portugal ...

Two of the most traditional and interesting

regions of the country

10-11

12-14 Out and About ...

Places to visit and things to do 15 Dental Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry Centre...

In London & Budapest

16-17

16-17 Companion Planting ...

Top tips for your garden

12-14

18-19 Serious about health. Passionate about care...

The Princess Margaret Hospital 20-21 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels ...

Robert Lindsay talks about his latest show 22-23 Rick Stein ...

In search of the perfect curry

20-21

30-31 Live-in Care ...

Keeps older people in the community.

22-23

My Bronte Book Your autobiography captured in a beautiful, illustrated volume for your family to treasure.

Complete with a web site of your pictures and recordings of your stories. Written in Haworth, home of the Brontes.

WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH NO FEES TO PAY

100%

CASH OFFER

FREE

VALUATION

COMPLETE WITHIN 7 - 28 DAYS

0845 855 1238 McGrath Media.

Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG. T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594 e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Haworth gave birth to the historic novels of the Bronte sisters and it can become the birthplace of your personal story.

Makes a wonderful gift for loved ones.

Bronte Book will publish your personal autobiography, written and published in Haworth, to pass on as a living legacy after making detailed recordings.

Within the four month long process comes your own web site (also available separately) containing recordings, pictures and special stories. Your own living legacy which we know you will enjoy compiling.

You may choose a book and/or a web site and an e-book within the package which starts from ÂŁ300 ranging to ÂŁ2,750 for the full process, which can include up to 20 books. A deposit with instalment payments plan is available.

Details from www.brontebook.com or Bronte Media, brontemedia@outlook.com Tel: 01535 959002, Mobile: 07866 626090

3

0800 015 8995 Â fraud.investigations@wycombe.gcsx.gov.uk 4

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

TWITTER

Social media shrinks the world When I began my career it was with a three-ton Remington typewriter that deafened the street, now I can find friends in Louisiana with the flick of a finger.

Social media has shrunk the world, technology is advancing at such a pace that it is difficult to keep pace with the latest developments and new inventions that were once the stuff of science fiction are an everyday occurrence.

But at what cost is all this in terms of progress? Sales of printed books have plummeted as the world spends an increasing portion of its life on computers, tablets and mobile phones and I worry sometimes that there is a danger of losing the power of joined up thought. Recently I was reading a piece sent to me on the Internet and half a dozen of the sentences written didn’t even begin with the standard capital letter. Worrying.

I know people who are closing their Facebook accounts now because they have almost taken over their lives, and I have to say that on Twitter some of the most inane facts and comments are creeping in now. Do you really need to say, "Goodnight tweeps”? Just turn the thing off!

Neither is the net and social media the province of the young, as it was. Increasing numbers of older people are using the social interaction on offer and in many cases it can provide a relief for loneliness and replace a social life lost due to immobility or loss of a partner, so no bad thing there.

Drives you mad Motorists are often an easy target but I notice that recently some have been getting away with blue murder.

Did you read about the idiot who was caught driving with his hands behind his head? The clot was doing 62mph on a major road in a large four-wheel drive and argues in court that he was in full control of the car. Fortunately the court didn’t agree and banned him for a year and imposed a hefty fine and community service order. But what possesses these people?

There are also cases of motorists still driving with over 30 and sometimes 40 points on their licences because magistrates have shown leniency towards their circumstances. Why? If you’ve clocked up that amount of points you’re quite simply not fit to drive a vehicle and I have serious doubts whether you should be using a wheelbarrow without stabilisers.

To lick or not to lick?

Do you seal your envelopes? Apparently whether you should or not has been the subject of a major and no doubt costly operation. Many older people labour under the misapprehension that you can send an unsealed

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

envelope with a second class stamp on and it will be delivered first class. Err, no.

The younger generation have other ideas. One Internet observation reads, “ Whilst I do seal my envelopes the first thing that came to mind when I Graham Smith saw the headline was the story Twitter Column that went round when I was at school and later repeated on a viral email about cockroach eggs being laid on the glue and when you lick it if you get a paper cut they can hatch in your lip.”

A quick Google showed this story is still on the urban legends websites but it wouldn’t surprise me if that was the reason for people around early 30s.

Health and Safety nonsense Yes I know I’ve twittered about this before but here goes again.

Our village church clock was stopped for several months recently because the Health and Safety ogres decreed that the ladder used to reach the mechanism was too short.

This was despite it having been used for years by a six-foot plus ex-policeman.

Consequently it was twenty past three in Haworth for eight months until a grant was raised to provide a longer ladder!

You couldn’t make it up could you? The bell ringers swung on ropes every Monday night during that period but the poor chap couldn’t wind the clock up because some mentally challenged twerp had nothing better to do than condemn the ladder.

Have these people nothing better to do? How come one of them was lurking in Haworth Church clock tower to see the ladder in the first place?

And he was back at Christmas to chuck Santa Claus out of the boiler room because there might have been asbestos!

Poor chap had to cuddle customers in a gazebo outside the building. Talk about no room at the inn, and the donkey had to wear a coat.

These chaps would have been a riot in Bethlehem.

There’s have been no stable accommodation, too draughty and get those sheep of the bedclothes. You cannot bring your camel in here and stop swinging that foul smelling stuff under the baby’s nose….and has that chap with the wings got a Civil Aviation licence? The mind boggles.

5

The Trading Standards Service is part of RBWM’s Public Protection Unit, we are committed to achieving a fair and safe trading environment to benefit local residents, businesses and visitors to the area.

Staying Safe Online good anti-virus software that includes Firewall Protection, and a Spam Filter.

The BBC Webwise site provides a useful no-nonsense helpful guide. www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/guides/virusprotection.

Phishing

Do you use a computer on a regular basis?

This information could help keep you and your information safer.

Many of us use the internet every day and although it is generally safe, it can be all too easy to become a victim of scams or e-crime - just by an unwilling click on a link.

Phishing refers to any email or online scam that ‘hooks’ users and cons them into supplying personal data. Phishing scams usually take the form of an unexpected email or website that looks like it comes from an official body - for example, your bank - which requests that you input logins, passwords, credit card numbers, dates of birth and the like into an online form.

Viruses

The term ‘virus’ is often used as a catch-all to describe all kinds of security hazards but, in fact, it refers to a specific type of problem.

A true computer virus is a program that works in the same way as a biological virus, infecting and replicating itself without the user’s knowledge.

These programs, which can be attached to emails or come from files you load onto your computer e.g. via USB sticks or simply from accessing some websites. They can take many different forms e.g. attacking your computer and making it inoperable, causing irritation by copying themselves to the email contacts on your computer, or running in the background collecting vital data about yourself.

What you can do The best advice is to take time to gain a wider appreciation to the threats that are out there - the more you understand the threats the better prepared you will be. This advice stands for all the threats covered in this article. To protect yourself from viruses you need some 6

This is a major problem and is not just about computers. The National Fraud Authority has estimated that every year in the UK identity fraud costs more that £2.7 billion and affects over 1.8 million people.

Your dustbin is as much a source of information as your PC. Here villains will seek to collect all manner of personal information about you and then use it for a wide range of fraudulent purposes from acquiring a passport to taking out credit cards in your name.

What you can do Be very cautious about supplying personal details including photographs to anyone, even your friends, and do not throw things such as bank statements in your dustbin without shredding them.

Fortunately, the Home Office has set up an excellent site which advises on all aspects of Identity Fraud from which you can download advice leaflets. www.identitytheft.org.uk

Some IT Jargon Explained

Online crime includes identity theft, virus attacks and unsolicited emails enticing you to reveal personal and financial details.

The Royal Borough has developed this information to highlight the simple steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of e-crime.

Identity theft

The information is then passed on to crooks who can use it to steal your identity or access your finances. Many phishing emails and websites look just like the real thing and it can be hard to tell a fake. If you use a spam filter, however, it should catch the majority of these messages before they reach your inbox. The latest internet browsers have built-in phishing filters. However, some phishing emails will always get through, so take care. Always delete unexpected emails asking for any personal, IT, or financial details.

What you can do Check on the internet sites below which provide advice. But if in doubt, simply delete the email. Reputable organisations will never ask for banking details unless it is part of a financial transaction you have agreed to conduct.

The commercial sites below will provide very useful advice and tips, but we must emphasis we do not endorse products advertised on the sites: www.cymru1.net/extra/security3.php www.technicalinfo.net/papers/ Phishing.html www.technicalinfo.net/papers/ Phishing2.html

Anti-virus (AV) software - these are programs which protect your computer from viruses. Typically, as well as being able to remove or isolate viruses that attack your computer from viruses.

Typically, as well as being able to remove or isolate viruses that attack your computer, they also set up firewalls to prevent virus attack in the first place.

AV software also normally has programs which spot Phishing emails.

Firewall - A firewall is a piece of software (or hardware) that sits between a user’s PC and a network, such as the internet, protecting the computer from unauthorised traffic and potentially malicious attacks. Put simply, a firewall acts as a block between your PC and the outside world.

Phishing - an attempt at identity theft in which criminals lead users to a counterfeit website in the hope that they will disclose private information such as user names and passwords.

Spam filter - normally a program that is sold as part of an AV package. It detects emails that come from potentially risky sources and either deletes or gives you the option of doing so.

Millions being lost to sophisticated new card fraud phone scam · New ‘card fraud phone scam’ records a three-fold increase in financial losses so far in 2012 · “Would you spot it?” – a worrying 80% of consumers feel anyone could fall victim · Simple advice to help combat this crime is available from payyourway.org.uk A sophisticated type of fraud – where people are telephoned by fraudsters and duped into revealing their PIN and handing over their bank card to a courier – is on the rise.

same amount - £750,000 - stolen in the first four months of 2012 that was stolen during the whole of 2011. This equates to a three-fold increase.

The scam involves a person being called by someone claiming to be from their bank and told that their debit or credit card needs collecting as it needs replacing following fraud on their account. The caller often suggests the person hangs up and calls the bank back if they want to ensure the call is genuine, but stays on the line, tricking the person into thinking they’re calling their bank.

The criminal will then ask the person to key in their PIN number, before sending a courier to collect the card. The victim is told the card is going to the bank to be changed but is actually delivered to the fraudster to use along with the PIN obtained during the scam.

With 91 per cent feeling that older adults would be particularly at risk, the campaign is encouraging people to make sure that older relatives and friends are also aware of the scam in order to stamp out this kind of crime and help older generations to keep their finances secure.

Pay Your Way, the Payments Council’s education campaign, is working with The UK Cards Association and Financial Fraud Action UK, to raise awareness of how to avoid becoming a victim of this type of crime. More than £1.5 million has now been lost to this crime, with the

In response to the newly-released figures, tips to help people arm themselves against fraud can now be found at www. payyourway.org.uk, where a whole range of guidance on safer payments and banking is available.

DCI Paul Barnard, head of the bank sponsored Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit (DCPCU), the specialist police unit that tackles UK card and cheque fraud, said: “Many of us feel confident that we can spot fraudsters but this type of crime can be sophisticated and could happen to anyone. If you have friends or relatives who you feel may be vulnerable, please help them to be more aware of the potential risks and what to look out for.

If you think you have become a victim of fraud on your account you should contact your bank in the first instance, although if there is a crime in progress you should call 999 straightaway.”

Follow these simple tips to avoid becoming a victim: 1. Never hand over your card: Your bank or the police will NEVER ring you and tell you that they are coming to your home to pick up your card, so never hand it over to anyone who comes to collect it.

2. Never share your PIN: Your bank will NEVER ask you to authorise anything by entering your PIN into the telephone.

NEVER share your PIN with anyone – the only times you should use your PIN are at a cash machine or when you use a shop’s chip and PIN machine.

3. Always speak to the bank securely: Before calling your bank, make sure you can hear the dial tone and only ever call your bank on an advertised number.

Any Doubt? Keep them out!

How to Beat the Rogue Step Caller • • • • • • •

Keep front and back doors locked Use a door viewer or window to see who your caller is Put your chain or bar on before you open the door Never agree to have work done by a stranger who turns up on your doorstep Don’t trust ID offered by the caller, it can easily be faked.

Never let uninvited callers into your home Never agree to be taken to the bank to withdraw cash

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

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

( 01628 683802 www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/trading_standards.htm trading.standards@rbwm.gov.uk

If you see any suspicious characters going door to door phone the police non-emergency number 08458 505 505. For advice on any other consumer issues you can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau on 08444 111 444 or by e-mail via their website www.adviceguide.org.uk

JOIN TODAY AND SAY YES TO

SAVINGS! Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one.

We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.

Join in the warehouse or online: www.costco.co.uk/membership The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT).

Executive Trade Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT).

Executive Individual Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

Membership Criteria applies. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made.

Costco accepts cash, debit card, cheque or American Express

SIGN UP FOR MEMBERSHIP WITH THIS ADVERT AND RECEIVE A

FREE GIFT! COSTCO READING ONLY. VALID UNTIL 31/12/14.

Costco Reading 100 South Oak Way, Green Park Reading Berks RG2 6UE T: 0118 920 7100 E: marketing114@costco.co.uk Central Membership: 01923 830 477 www.costco.co.uk

Food Court | Fresh Bakery | Groceries | Gifts | Electronics | Fine Jewellery | Designer Apparel | Digital Photo Processing and more!

Get away more this year with

Just Go! Holidays

SuperValue by Just Go! Holidays gives you the opportunity to visit all your favourite UK destinations & best loved resorts at incredible

prices. You still get the pick of the summer months and all breaks include return coach travel, en-suite accommodation with

dinner, bed & breakfast, FREE excursions and the services of one of our friendly drivers throughout…

Please mention

50 Plus Magazine 03

from

only

.99

£119

ABTA No. Y2846

Destination

Dates

A Weekend on the English Riviera

Fri 5 to Mon 8 Sep

Days Available pickups in your area 4

Maidenhead, Reading, Wokingham

£129.99

Price

Blackpool Illuminations

Mon 13 to Fri 17 Oct

5

Reading

£189.99

Bournemouth

Mon 13 to Fri 17 Oct

5

Reading

£159.99

Canterbury & France Weekend

Fri 1 to Mon 4 Aug

4

Maidenhead, Newbury, Reading, Slough, Wokingham

£129.99

Canterbury & France Weekend

Fri 26 to Mon 29 Sep

4

Reading, Slough

£129.99

Cotswolds

Mon 7 to Fri 11 Jul

5

Slough

£179.99

Cotswolds

Mon 14 to Fri 18 Jul

5

Reading

£179.99

Great Yarmouth & The Norfolk Broads Weekend

Fri 1 to Mon 4 Aug

4

Bracknell, Reading, Slough

£129.99

Ilfracombe & Exmoor Weekend

Fri 19 to Mon 22 Sep

4

Reading, Slough

£129.99

Isle of Wight Weekend

Fri 3 to Mon 6 Oct

4

Newbury

£119.99

Loch Lomond & the Ayrshire Coast

Mon 1 to Fri 5 Sep

5

Reading

£169.99

Midsummer Mystery Tour

Mon 7 to Fri 11 Jul

5

Reading, Slough

£159.99

Norfolk Broads Entertainment Break

Mon 13 to Fri 17 Oct

5

Maidenhead, Reading, Slough

£159.99

South Devon Weekend

Fri 27 to Mon 30 Jun

4

Newbury, Reading, Slough

£129.99

South Devon Weekend

Fri 8 to Mon 11 Aug

4

Reading, Slough

£129.99

South Devon Weekend

Fri 10 to Mon 13 Oct

4

Maidenhead, Newbury, Reading, Slough, Thatcham, Wokingham

£119.99

Southern Ireland Highlights

Sun 27 to Wed 30 Jul

4

Bracknell, Maidenhead, Reading, Wokingham

£179.99

Southern Ireland Highlights

Sun 9 to Wed 12 Nov

4

Newbury

£169.99

All prices are per person and based on two people sharing a double/twin room, single supplements apply. Terms and conditions apply, please see our website justgoholidays.com/about-us/terms

Book Now on 08432 244 237 or online at justgoholidays.com/50Plus

50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

By Noel Josephides, Managing Director of Sunvil www.sunvil.co.uk

to a considerable degree upon this wonderful natural product. Portugal is the largest cork exporter in the world.

NASA uses Alentejo cork to insulate the cones of its space capsules and to protect them from heat damage on reentry to the earth’s atmosphere. And cork is not only for wine bottles – you can buy cork jewellery, cork umbrellas, cork i-Pad covers - in fact, just about anything and everything can these days be manufactured from cork.

The Alentejo and the Centro Region of Portugal Visitors to Portugal who fly into Lisbon Airport tend either to head south to the Algarve or north to Estoril, Cascais, the city of Porto and the Douro Region.

In doing so, they inadvertently miss out on two of the most traditional and interesting regions of the country. Both the Centro region - immediately north of Lisbon - and the Alentejo region - between Lisbon and the Algarve - are areas that tend to be driven through quickly yet, together, they make up half of Portugal, and both deserve to be visited in their own right.

The Alentejo was known as the bread basket of Portugal and it boasts some of the country’s tastiest dishes. The countryside is made up of wide, sweeping plains interspersed with medieval hilltop villages topped by dramatic castles. In spring the region is awash with colour - the fields are full of flowers of red, yellow, white 10

Evora, just a 75-minute drive inland from Lisbon on uncrowded roads, is the capital of the Alentejo (which means below the Tejo, or Tagus, river).

It is steeped in history, yet really alive and buzzing courtesy of the university within its ancient walls. It was the seat of the Kings of Portugal in the 15th and 16th centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety.

The Atlantic coastline, south of Lisbon, is like that of the Algarve 50 years ago and much of it is protected by law. Coastal villages like Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes are firm favourites yet have escaped mass development and still have great character; they are ideal for a lazy summer holiday and perhaps a little gentle coastal walking on a wellmarked pathway, the Rota Vicentina, if that appeals. The coast is a few degrees cooler than inland, often with a pleasant breeze in the height of summer. Beaches are many and seldom crowded, even in the peak of the season.

and purple or blue hues. The Alentejo produces 46% of Portugal’s excellent wine but has a mere 6% of its population. It is quiet, it is uncrowded and it is beautiful.

In the summer it’s very hot - in fact, the hottest place in Portugal. Around May/June, depending on the weather, they harvest the cork trees; this is the region of the cork oak tree and the economy of the Alentejo still depends

So why have so few people heard of this region? It’s a very rural area with some excellent accommodation of character but local politics has meant an initial lack of interest in tourism, making it a latecomer to the travel game. This very fact will stand it in good stead – it has been able to learn from mistakes made elsewhere.

The north of the Alentejo region is next-door to Centro, the central region of Portugal or, as I prefer to call it, the

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

That permission can be refused because, within the ancient walls, the Dean wields as much power as the President of the Republic.

Needless to say, Coimbra is a must but there are also other interesting ancient cities to explore, like Aveiro on the coast and Viseu, the gateway to the Estrela National Park. Each area has its own local cuisine and specialities.

Some of the most famous and delicious Portuguese cheeses come from the Estrela region.

Heart of Portugal. This is an area that stretches from its Atlantic coastline, with long beaches stretching for miles, into a mountainous region with some historic fortified villages and castles along the border with Spain that defended Portugal from invasion in the Middle Ages. The most impressive are Almeida, Castelo Rodrigo, Monsanto, Sortelha, Piodao and Idanha-A-Velha.

These castles and villages conjure up images of knights in armour, of damsels in distress and heroic deeds.

Legends abound in this area which, in turn, was overrun by the Romans, Moors and Spanish. Tales are recounted of epic battles and ancient rituals, and religious festivals are still very much part of daily life. The Serra da Estrela national park is snow bound in winter and, in the summer, ideal for walks with breathtaking views across forested landscapes.

The capital of the area is Coimbra, recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. This is a thriving, vibrant city, with a population of

2.3 million, and it is the seat of the oldest university in Portugal, dating from 1290. Since then, it’s been at the centre of Portuguese intellectual life. A visit to the university is a must and the 18th century Baroque library is one of many priceless historical monuments. There are three exquisite gilded chambers housing 300,000 leather-bound texts behind imposing wooden doors, probably some 30 feet tall. The precious books in this library are safeguarded from insect damage by resident bats, which sleep behind the serried rows of ancient tomes by day and eat insects by night; the mahogany reading tables are covered in cloth overnight to protect them from bat excrement. I would visit Portugal simply to re-visit the library - it is so fascinating and so totally extravagant.

The university is nicknamed the ‘Little Vatican’ as it is protected by ancient charter and even the police have to request permission from the Dean before they enter the campus.

These two provinces, the Centro/ Heart of Portugal and the Alentejo, together make ideal fly-drive holiday combinations. There is some stunning accommodation, too, with two of my personal favourite hotels found in the adjacent regions. The Casa da Insua is a wonderful 18th century Baroque confection, located on the outskirts of Viseu in Centro, where you can try your hand at making cheese in the dairy if you wish, afterwards exploring an excellent in-house museum and art gallery. In the Alentejo, just outside Evora, is the Covento do Espinheiro, a historic monument once lived in by the Kings of Portugal - a superlative hotel that manages to be friendly while offering the best of cuisine and comfort. The manager’s tour of the hotel and a wine tasting in the former monastery’s water cistern is not to be missed.

The true character of Portugal lies very much within these two regions and yet so many of us simply drive through on our way south or north. I urge you to spend a little time exploring them; you’ll enjoy a relaxing and inspiring taste of the real Portugal.

Vist www.sunvil.co.uk for further information about holidays to this region or call 0208 568 4499.

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

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

11

OUT & ABOUT

EMBRACE THE BRITISH SUMMER Become a Bumblebee Walker!

Dame Angela Lansbury to star in cinema screening of ‘Driving Miss Daisy - The Play’ A country walk on a summer day is pretty unbeatable. With the scent of flowers and the sound of the birds and bees it is the perfect time to be outside. But this year the Bumblebee Conservation Trust is asking people not just to walk and enjoy the countryside instead they are inviting everyone to help them by monitoring the bumblebee population in a national census across the whole of the UK. Bumblebees are an essential part of the countryside, responsible as they are for pollinating our crops and wildflowers and ensuring the food we need, can grow and be harvested. It is a little known fact that without bumblebees, fruits such as tomatoes, apples and strawberries would simply cease to exist.

BeeWalks are simple and fun, and offer an education experience for all the family to get involved in. By either attending a guided walk or by creating your own route and recording the bumblebees seen in your area, you can help the Bumblebee Conservation Trust monitor how the bumblebee population is changing.

To find out how to get involved in creating your own Bumblebee walk route or where you can join in on one of the many guided trips set up for families across the country, please visit www.bumblebeeconservation.org. Full information on what to look out for when launching your own walk is also available online.

12

The career of Dame Angela Lansbury, who was awarded her DBE by the Queen at Windsor Castle earlier this year, continues to go from strength to strength. The legendary screen and stage actress, aged 88, is to star in a special screening of ‘Driving Miss Daisy – The Play’, which will be broadcast to over 300 cinemas across the UK on Sunday 25th May, starting at 5.30 p.m..

A live 45 minute Question and Answer session with Dame Angela will follow the screening, which is broadcast live from BFI Southbank in London.

Subjects to be discussed include her role in Driving Miss Daisy and her 70+ year career on stage and screen.

To see a trailer for the film, visit http:// www.cinestage.co.uk/daisy , where you will also be able to find the nearest cinema to you and book tickets.

This special cinema event will feature a production of the comedy-drama play, Driving Miss Daisy. The criticallyacclaimed production, which was filmed at The Comedy Theatre, Melbourne in 2013, is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning play and an Academy Award winning film.

The play stars two of the world’s greatest living actors. Dame Angela Lansbury herself has won many awards in a career which started in the 1940s and has included films, musicals and of course the long-running television series, ‘Murder, She Wrote’. Her co-star, James Earl Jones, is also an accomplished and versatile actor,

whose award-winning career spans more than 60 years.

The Play tells the story of the relationship over several decades between a Southern matriarch and her chauffeur. The play has been seen by millions theatregoers worldwide, who have warmed to its story of pride, changing times and friendship.

From: 26 May to 1 June 8 June 14 June to 18 June 26 June to 28 June

Ascot Carriages: Carriage rides through The Royal Landscape The Savill Garden, Windsor and Maidenhead Explore one of England’s most beautiful areas by horse-drawn carriage. We operate all year round, travel at a leisurely pace, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy lakes, woodlands and gardens in The Royal Landscape.

7th June 11:00 am - 3:00pm

Summer Fete Victoria recreation ground, Tilehurst, Berkshire League of Friends of the Royal Berkshire Hospital Annual Summer fete. Normally attracts around 100 stalls, businesses, craft and charities.

Arena events, hot and cold food and ice cream.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

The London Festival of Architecture announces over 150 activities in 2014 programme of events The London Festival of Architecture (LFA) is 10 years old and its role within the UK architectural scene is growing. The annual, city-wide festival features over 150 activities taking place throughout June 2014.This year’s theme CAPITAL provides the framework for the festival to explore London in its role as a major architectural capital, covering culture, people, the economy and the environment.

Rainforest installation. © GUN Architects

The LFA is delivered through a programme of events organised by London’s leading cultural and academic institutions – including the Royal Academy of Arts, Design Museum, Serpentine Galleries and National Trust – as well as associated projects by architects, artists, designers and curators.

7th June 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Twyford Beer Festival Loddon Hall, Twyford, Berkshire Twyford beer festival held under cover at Loddon Hall. We will have had great selection of beers, ciders and food together with live music. Families and dogs are always welcome. Come along and enjoy some lovely beer and help raise funds for the Orchid Mens Cancer Charity. If you wish to volunteer, play or support the Twyford Beer Festival, please send us an email with your contact details.

7th - 15th June 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Donna White’s Imaginarium South Hill Park, Bracknell, Berkshire Visual Artist Donna White invites you to explore her imagination. Discover a side to art you may never have considered: from long-extinct Dodos to the cutting edge of virtual reality. Explore the geometry of crop circles, the lyricism of string theory, and get lost in the 3D spaces of her 2D abstracts .

14th -15th June 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

West Woodhay House Garden Show West Woodhay House, Newbury, Berkshire We had a great selection of trade stalls in 2013 and hope that they will all return, and there will be new events. One of our new Events is “A Night at the Opera” This is brand new for 2014 and will appeal both to Opera Fans and to those of you who like a gentle introduction. The weekend starts with a Gala Preview Evening for around 900 Guests on Friday Night 14th June from 6pm-9pm. Visitors will have the opportunity of visiting the Gardens and seeing all parts of the show during a relaxed evening when wine and canapés will be served. The Rifle Brigade Band will march and play. All are invited to attend, so please contact the show office for your invitation.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

13

OUT & ABOUT 14th June 12:00 pm - 4:15 pm

Warfield Fete 2014 Memorial Ground Bracknell Berkshire The Warfield Fete is the best Village Fete in the area, offering free entry and parking plus with teas and bar available. hog roast, ferrets, morris dancing, tug of war, jazz band, animals and much more.

14th - 15th June 7:00pm - 1:00 am

1940s Wartime Party Liberty Newbury Greenham Business Park Berkshire For the 70th Anniversay of D-Day Liberty Newbury are having a 1940s Wartime party in commemoration of WW1. Live band Apollo Big Band and soloist Jamie Sinatra.

15th June 9:00 am - 4:00pm

Newbury Radio Rally Newbury Showground, Hermitage, Berkshire Popular annual event for people who like radio communications, electronics or computing. Themed around a boot sale but with much more, including a live Ham Radio station on-air plus many demonstrations, displays and interesting national clubs and societies providing you with the ideal opportunity to find out about the hobby of Amateur Radio.

15th June 12:00 pm - 5:00pm

Charvil Village Fete Charvil Village Hall, Charvil, Berkshire Charvil is being relocated to the coast for “Charvil by the Sea!”. The theme of the 2014 fete is the seaside and we are going to bring as much of the seaside as possible to Charvil.

Lots of Clubs and Associations taking part with activities as well as stalls to tempt you and lots of acts to entertain you throughout the day. BBQ, Beer Tent and entertainment.

20th June 8:00 pm - 11:00pm

Blue Touch Wokingham Music Club, Wokingham, Berkshire Blue Touch Live playing Blues and Rock music with an edge at Wokingham Music Club with support from Support All Things Considered.

28th - 29th June 9:00 am - 5:45 pm

Hurst Show & Country Fayre Hurst Show Ground Hurst Berkshire Formerly Hurst Horse Show, Hurst Show & Country Fayre will have all the usual attractions , stalls, displays, BBQ and beer tent. We will still have non competitive horse displays and demonstrations.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Maidenhead Town Centre Show

Enjoy Maidenhead, in cooperation with Craft Coop, is working to put together Maidenhead's first "Town Centre Show," to be held on July 12th on the High Street and in the Nicholsons Centre. Our vision is to create a vibrant, exciting community event bringing together Maidenhead's organisations and individuals in a town centre version of the traditional country show.

13th July

Concert by Army Reserve bands.

Kneller Hall, Twickenham

14

Part of a series of concerts in the grounds of the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, Twickenham.

Doors: 3:00pm til 6:00pm (last entry 2:00pm).

NO WORRIES! Bath out - Shower in

FITTED IN JUST ONE DAY!* NO MESS! NO FUSS! NO RE-TILING!

STRUGGLE TO GET IN & OUT OF YOUR OLD BATH? Designed to fit in the same space as your old bath, the Shower Module’s unique construction enables it to be FITTED IN JUST ONE DAY* with NO MESS, NO FUSS and NO RE-TILING either! ● ● ● ● ● ●

Fits in same space as your old bath!

GLASS PROTECTION

Protects against the build-up of grime, lime scale and stains.

Easy clean tile effect - no re-tiling or mouldy grout!

Easy access NEW lower step Optional seat and grab rail Assistance pole Slip resistant floor Built-in shelving

OVER 20,000

INSTALLATIONS IN THE UK Available with full height sliding doors or half height hinged door and panel

Half height hinged door and panel option

SHOWER STANDING UP OR SITTING DOWN WITH THE OPTIONAL FOLD DOWN SEAT.

Please contact me to arrange a FREE no-obligation Home Survey Please send me a FREE brochure on the Aquability Low Access Shower Module

Tel

FOR MORE DETAILS AND FREE BROCHURE

FREEPHONE 0800 316 0110

53456

Name

* Time based on straightforward fitting.

Ask for Ext. 53456

Address EASY, SAFE BATHING

Postcode Lines open 24 hours 7 days a week. Or return coupon to FREEPOST RRGY-AHAX-AHSX, Aquability UK Ltd, Farnborough, GU14 0NR. Or visit - www.aquability.com Send to: FREEPOST RRGY-AHAX-AHSX, Aquability UK Ltd, Farnborough, GU14 0NR.

FIRSTDENT

0845 057 3670 INFO@FIRSTDENT.CO.UK WWW.FIRSTDENT.CO.UK

©

LONDON & BUDAPEST

DENTAL IMPLANT & COSMETIC DENTISTRY CENTRE IN LONDON & BUDAPEST • 30 years experience in dentistry • Comprehensive solutions for all dental problems • Extensive guarantee on all dental treatments • Over 16,000 implants inserted to date • Immediate implants • All-on-4 Dental implants • Full mouth restorations • Smile makeovers

SAVE UP TO 50%!

firstdent_ad_050314_print.indd 1

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Dental Implants Crowns / Bridges Veneers

Budapest £499 £195 £280

London £899 £335 £380 2014.03.05. 15:38:52

15

HOME - GARDEN

“Planting flowers among the vegetables will attract pollinators.”

Companion PLANTING The idea is to grow two or more plants close together for the benefit of at least one and usually all. As well as being a form of natural pest control, judicial companion planting can be used to provide support and shade, and is a great way to make the most of limited space. Planting flowers among the vegetables will attract pollinators that may not otherwise venture among the greenery - cosmos, larkspur, zinnia, cornflowers and sweetpeas are good choices.

Besides the practical advantage, the mix-and-match approach to a planting scheme is an opportunity to turn your garden into an unusual and colourful place. Experiment to see what works in the soil and conditions in your area, and bear in mind that not all plants are happy in each other’s company.

PEST CONTROL If you would rather not use pesticides in your garden, one simple way to avoid your flowers and vegetables 16

being subject to pest attack is to plant some deterrents among them. A few garlic bulbs among the roses should keep your blooms aphid-free, and also discourage blackspot. Sage among your cabbages and carrots keeps cabbage and carrot fly at bay. However, don’t be tempted to include garlic or chives among the peas or beans stunted growth may be the result.

Some plants may compete for habitat, or have chemical components that don’t mix. Fennel, for instance, is a favourite of ladybirds and deters aphids, but it has a harmful effect on many plants, inhibiting growth and causing them to bolt. One of the few plants that can tolerate growing in close proximity to fennel is dill.

French marigolds protect against pest nematodes. A chemical produced by the flowers’ roots kills the harmful varieties of these worms. Turn in the marigolds at the end of season so the roots decay in the soil to prevent further infestation. Do it several years running

and pest nematodes should vacate the territory forthwith. Tomatoes, potatoes, roses and strawberries are among vulnerable plants.

SCENT Strong smells can confuse or repel insect pests. It seems that aphids don’t like the odour of onions, or of any other plants belonging to the allium family.

Plant your chives among tomatoes and chrysanthemums to deter greenfly and blackfly, and attract hoverflies, those greedy aphid eaters. Siting onions between rows of brassicas, such as cabbages and broccoli, is said to be effective because the onions’ aroma confuses insects intent on eating up their greens. Onions also mask the smell of carrots, as do leeks, and so reduce the threat of carrot fly; and returning the favour, carrots tend to repel onion fly and leek moth.

Tansy’s strong scent puts off ants, and the lovely smell of French marigolds is anathema to whitefly, greenfly and blackfly. Lavender confuses insect pests while attracting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and it looks wonderful, but don’t plant any strong-

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

smelling herbs near cucumbers because they will make the cucumbers taste bitter.

“Onions’ aromas confuses insects intent on eating up their greens.”

CAUTION: Some combinations are best avoided, including the following: Alliums (including chives, garlic, leeks, onions, shallots) with peas, beans, parsley or asparagus.

l

l Brassicas (including broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, cauliflower) with tomatoes or peppers. l Carrots with dill, parsnips, radishes or tomatoes l Runner beans with alliums, beetroot, chillies, tomatoes, sunflowers or French marigolds. l Potatoes with cucumber, squashes, tomatoes, sunflowers or asparagus.

INSECT ALLIES Many insects are beneficial, of course, and another way to control those that aren’t is to include plants that attract hoverflies, ladybirds, lacewings and predatory and parasitic wasps, all of which positively feast on aphids, as well as taking mites, mealybugs and other plant damagers. Daisies, for example, are favourites of hoverflies, ladybirds love coriander and yarrow and dill are beloved by them all.

It may not be usual to preserve nettles among your vegetable and flowers, but if you can, keep a small patch of them because they will attract ladybirds to lay the eggs, and ladybird larvae eat huge numbers of aphids.

DECOYS Nettles are also favourites of cabbage white butterflies, attracting them away from your brassicas. In fact, planting one species right next to another one with the specific intention of decoying pests is a recognised ploy.

Nasturtiums keep aphids off runner beans, for instance, and planting nasturiums and French marigolds among cabbages and lettuces protects

the vegetables from caterpillars and slugs - caterpillars find nasturtiums hard to resist whilst slugs prefer marigolds. Various mints have the same effect on slugs.

However, you do need to keep a careful watch - if too many caterpillars and slugs flock to your decoy plants, you may have to remove the creatures to stop them wandering over to the main crop that you are trying to protect.

Sunflowers can act as decoy in a rather different way - ants herd aphids on to them, away from neighbouring plants. The aphids seem to do little damage to the sunflowers, and as an added advantage the seedheads attract birds to the garden.

SHADY BENEFITS

one can provide support or shade for another. Sunflowers and sweetcorn are ideal tall plants.

Cucumber, all sorts of peas and beans and parsley benefit from the shade.

Some say parsley makes sweetcorn grow bigger and produce more. In another combination, runner beans provide shade for spinach.

This is far from being a new idea.

Native Americans, apparently, used to employ a system known as ‘three sisters’, which involved sweetcorn or sunflowers, runner beans and a squash, such as pumpkin or courgette.

The corn is sturdy enough for the beans to climb up; the beans fix nitrogen in the soil for the squash and corn; the squash’s big leaves provide shade for the roots, suppress weeds and keep the soil moist.

Another strategy is to grow plants of different heights together, so that

GARDENER’S FRIENDS Some plants are said to improve yield and resistance to disease and even enhance the flavour or their neighbours. For instance, parsley increases the vigour of tomatoes and asparagus, horseradish does it for potatoes, and cabbage and broccoli love the company of rhubarb. Some also fulfil pestcontrol duties. These are among the best all rounders.

Basil Borage Chamomile

Chervil Coriander Garlic

Geraniums Lavender Lovage

Marigolds Nasturtiums Yarrow

Feature taken from the 2014 Dairy Diary, Britain’s favourite home diary. This fabulous week-to-view diary is packed with useful information and delicious recipes, and is available to buy for £7.25 (plus P&P) at www.dairydiary.co.uk, by calling 0845 0948 128 or from your local milkman.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

17

ORTHOPaEDIcS

OUR JOB ONLY ENDS WHEN THE PRUNING BEGINS THINkING Of HavING a HIP REPLacEmENT?

mr Gian Singer mB, fRcS, fRcS Orth, consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at BmI The Princess margaret Hospital in Windsor, provides some helpful guidance about total hip replacements.

What can I do to avoid it?

If you have pain in your hip that is interfering with your lifestyle and normal activities of daily living and you have tried nonoperative measures, then you could be a good candidate for a total hip replacement.

In the UK, over 60,000 total hip replacements were performed last year.

You should try non-operative measures as above. In addition, Glucosamine tablets and a fish oil supplement may be helpful.

Seeing the Surgeon

Who needs surgery?

Surgery is generally for patients over the age of 65 who suffer from osteoarthritis of the hip. There are other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or even a fracture of the neck of the femur which may lead to a hip replacement.

What are the symptoms?

Patients will generally notice pain which is located in the front of the hip or the groin down to the thigh and the knee on occasions. This is worse with ambulation.

Stiffness and difficulty with walking can also occur. The pain that is located mainly in the lower back or the buttock area is not generally due to the hip and is more pain referred from the lumbar spine.

Who should I see first?

You should seek advice from your general practitioner or a physiotherapist.

These are the usual primary care first

ports of call. At this stage, non-operative measures such as taking simple analgesia or anti-inflammatories by mouth or using topical anti-inflammatory gel may be useful. You are also encouraged to lose weight if appropriate and to alter your activities or lifestyle if at all possible.

Aerobic exercise that does not involve impact on the hip such as swimming, cycling, yoga or Pilates are useful.

At your consultation, your surgeon will enquire as to the history and duration of your symptoms. Your surgeon will assess the movement of your hip and the length of your leg compared with the normal side. X-rays will be examined to check for the degree of arthritis, the type of arthritis and the structure of the bones around the pelvis and the hips. Once the decision has been made that non-operative measures have been tried then the procedure is discussed in more detail.

Your surgeon will explain the run up to the surgery including the pre-operative tests, the procedure itself and after care. The possible complications will also be explained to you in detail.

Your surgeon will explain the different types of artificial hips. These suit varying types of individual and different types of bone quality. The total hip replacement involves removing the head and the top part of the neck of the femur and

inserting a stem into the marrow cavity onto which fits a ball. The acetabulum is replaced with a cup and lining. It is generally manufactured from high grade medical polyethylene material articulating with cobalt chrome metal heads. A ceramic articulation is also possible. The Birmingham hip resurfacing method is also available to young active male patients who wish to remain active.Your surgeon will explain which of these procedures is best for you based on your age and lifestyle.

Your hospital stay  You are generally admitted early on the morning of your planned surgery.

Prior to this you will have visited the pre-admission clinic for appropriate tests and advice  On the day of surgery your surgeon will visit you and obtain informed consent and mark the appropriate side with an ink marker pen  The surgery generally takes between 1–1 ½ hours and following this you will spend a further hour in the recovery room

 Post-operative physiotherapy exercises and mobilisation are key to early and rapid discharge. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis with the TED stocking, (calf compression device) and relevant medication to help reduce the risk of blood clots are routinely prescribed.

Patients generally stay for 3 days, depending on their mobility.

Your recovery  You will go home when passed fit by the physiotherapists  You will have an exercise sheet to follow and you will normally be free of walking aids at the 3–4 week stage  Help will be needed at home for the first 2 weeks  Driving is not allowed until 6 weeks following surgery  Air travel is permitted after the 6 week post-op stage for short haul and 12 weeks for long haul on account of the increased risk of DVT  You can generally return to work after 6 weeks

Hip replacements generally last for 10–15 years depending on the activity level of the patient.

Waiting for a hip replacement?

If you’re not moving as freely as you would like, or pain is preventing you from doing what you love, or you are facing a long wait on the NHS for what you need, we are here to help. At BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital, our orthopaedic surgeons can offer you specialist advice and tailored treatment for your condition.

We want you back doing what you love best.

Treatment at BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital is available to all, whether you have Private Medical Insurance or are looking to pay for your treatment yourself.

If you would like to know more or would like to make an appointment with mr Singer, please phone 0808 101 0381 or visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/pmh BmI The Princess margaret Hospital Osborne Road Windsor Berkshire SL4 3SJ

 You can return to play golf and most sporting activities at 6 weeks

Serious about health. Passionate about care.

031153 © BMI 2014

INTERVIEW: ROBERT LINDSAY

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Robert Lindsay had been out walking his dogs and taking the opportunity to learn his lines for his latest show.

The fact that it’s the musical version of the 1988 hit film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, set to premier in Manchester before going into the West End, was exciting for the 63 year-old actor. But not because he was reprising the role Michael Caine took onscreen as the suave Riviera conman Lawrence Jameson whose life is suddenly disrupted by Steve Martin’s character, the anarchic Freddy Benson.

“I’ve never seen the film,” he admits, “but it’s a wonderful show. The script is incredibly funny and the score by Yazbek (award-winner David Yazbek) is amazing – the man’s a genius.”

The show did run for a time on Broadway where it won awards, “but it seemed to fade away,” adds Lindsay. “This is a totally different show, and there’s a fantastic buzz about it already. I think the plan long-term may be for it to go back to Broadway.”

All of this is a long way from the very first time the Great British Public became aware of young Robert Lindsay when he played a Cockney layabout in the ITV series Get Some In! However, it was when he headed up the Tooting Popular Front as likeable but inept urban guerrilla Wolfie Smith in the hit comedy TV series Citizen Smith that the public really noticed him.

This ran for three years, from 1977 to 1980, and established the actor firmly in viewers’ consciousness. He felt pretty comfortable in the role as he’d come from a council estate in Ilkeston, Derbyshire before graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), and had admittedly leftwing views.

An early flexibility and desire to take on other, different roles – “as well as wanting to play posh people,” he quickly points out – steered him towards more serious productions.

He played Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing in the BBC’s

20

Shakespeare series, and then moved up to Manchester to play Edmund in a Granada TV version of King Lear alongside Sir Laurence Olivier.

He happily admits that his first love, though, is musicals and he famously played the role of Bill Snibson in the acclaimed 1984 London revival of Me and My Girl. This role not only won him an Olivier Award but, when it later transferred to Broadway, a Tony Award as well.

“I find musicals easier because you’ve always got the music, it’s familiar,” states Lindsay.

He has, however, also enjoyed plenty of film roles.

Interestingly, he was at the same place making a different film (Strike It Rich with Mollie Ringwald and Sir John Gielgud) where Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was being filmed.

“I met Steve Martin one day – we’d met previously when I’d been in the States and had dinner together – and he told me about the film he was making,” explains Lindsay. “He seemed to have some reservations about the script and I got the impression that they were adding to it quite a bit themselves.”

Television has proved a remarkable showcase for Lindsay’s talents over the years. Although he believes that he wanted to get away from his roots for a long time – “I lost my way

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

The Generation Game with Bruce Forsyth – have three sons and he also has a daughter from his relationship with actress Diana Weston.

It’s plain he doesn’t like being away from his home and family. “But sometimes they have to understand that you have to be, you’re doing it for them,” he states.

For the most part, his children don’t like roles that take him away from them, or his being acknowledged as an actor rather than “just Dad” when he’s with them. “When I was in Hornblower and picking them up from school it was different. Normally, they don’t want me to walk with them and disown me, but suddenly I was cool!”

Ask about the highlights of his career and he swiftly points to the work with Alan Bleasdale and Me and My Girl. “I suppose Citizen Smith, The Entertainer at the Old Vic and Cyrano de Bergerac at the Haymarket were also special,” he adds.

He’s still regularly on TV and had just recorded Have I Got News For You as programme presenter. “You have to watch Mr Hislop and Mr Merton, though,” he says light-heartedly.

“They’re very quick but I think they like actors because they understand timing and not hogging the lines.”

“I find musicals easier because you’ve always got the music, it’s familiar,”

Is there any TV he’d like to do, like Downton Abbey? “No,” he states, “that’s not my bag.

“But I’ve just done a cameo role in Atlantis as the father of Icarus – that was good fun. It’s a very well made series and the boys there were great. My children were also very impressed!”

* Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is at the Savoy Theatre, London from 6th May - 29th November.

To find out more go to www.scoundrelswestend.com

a bit in my 30s,” he says – he particularly enjoyed working with gritty Northern writer Alan Bleasdale. Lindsay was in his dark comedy serial G.B.H. (for which Lindsay won a BAFTA) as well as another Bleasdale play, Jake’s Progress with Julie Walters, and recalls both experiences with genuine affection.

He played another posh character when he took on the role of Captain Pellew in the long-running and very successful series of Hornblower with Ioan Gruffudd as the young midshipman of the title.

Was this largely sea-going adventure a fairly physical experience for Lindsay? “Not so much for me, but definitely for Ioan,” he laughs. “What was interesting was that it was the first time I had played a father character.”

His longest running role was also as a father: as dentist Ben Harper in the popular BBC sitcom My Family – this ran for 11 years and still surfaces on Sky channels. “Zoe (Wannamaker) and I had a great time making that,” he states.

Lindsay himself is very much a family man. He and second wife Rosemarie Ford – she was a dancer and a presenter on

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

21

FOOD & DRINK

RICK STEIN - IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT CURRY

PRAWN FRITTERS WITH CHUTNEY AND KACHUMBER FROM THE ALLEN KITCHEN, KOLKATA I couldn’t work out why these prawn cutlets were so delicious; there seemed to be nothing to them, just a simple batter, a bit of lemon, some onion rings and a bottle of mustard sauce.

But the very enthusiastic blogger from Calcutta called Kaniska was keen to point out that this tiny little hole in the wall was one of the most popular foodie spots in the city. They may have put a secret ingredient in the batter, but I expect the success lies in using chickpea flour and frying the battered prawns in pure ghee. I consumed a few plates of them while having a thoroughly enjoyable conversation about the almost infinite possibilities of street food in that city. Later I woke up in the middle of the night in my hotel with my head spinning, thinking the pace of life was so frenetic that I was surely locked into a madhouse, albeit with some of the tastiest food I’ve ever found. This makes a quite soft batter, not a thick, crisp batter like you’d get with fish and chips.

METHOD To prepare the prawns, pull off the head and peel away the shell, leaving the tail intact. Use a small, sharp knife to run down the back of the prawns and pull out the black intestinal tracts, if visible. Then use the knife to cut almost all the way through the prawns and butterfly them open. Flatten them out a little with the palm of your hand. Pat dry with kitchen towel.

For the batter, mix the flours and salt together, whisk in the egg and enough of the water to give a smooth batter the consistency of single cream.

Serves 4 12 extra large unpeeled Raw prawns For the batter 60g plain flour 60g chickpea flour ¼tsp salt 1 free-range egg 150–225ml water 70g ghee, for frying To serve Lemon wedges, Mustard chutney Tomato chutney or Chilli garlic relish and Kachumber salad

22

Heat the ghee in a heavy-based saucepan or karahi over a medium heat. Once hot, dip 2 or 3 prawns in the batter and carefully lower into the ghee. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden and cooked through. Drain on kitchen paper. Repeat with the remaining prawns. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over and chutney and kachumber salad on the side.

KACHUMBER SALAD - SERVES 8 -10 300g vine-ripened tomatoes, thinly sliced 1/2 cucumber, sliced 100g red onions, halved and thinly sliced 1 fresh green chilli, finely chopped 1/2 tsp toasted ground cumin seeds 1/4 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder Large handful of fresh coriander leaves, roughly chopped Freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice or white wine vinegar Lime wedges (optional), to finish Layer the ingredients, or gently toss together, just before serving. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

MADRAS FISH CURRY OF SNAPPER, TOMATO AND TAMARIND I have written at some length in the main introduction about finding this curry, which I have nominated as my favourite.

I’ve used the same fish it was cooked with on that day in Mamalla puram – snapper – but in the UK I recommend using any of the following: monkfish fillet, because you get firm slices of white, meaty fish; filleted bass, preferably a large fish, because although you’ll get softer flesh it has plenty of flavour; or gurnard. I think more than anything else that this dish typifies what I was saying about really fresh fish not being ruined by a spicy curry. I can still remember the slightly oily flavour of the exquisite snapper in that dish because fish oil, when it’s perfectly fresh, is very nice to eat. I always think oily fish goes well with curry anyway, particularly with the flavours of tomatoes, tamarind and curry leaves.

SERVES 4 – 6

Method Heat the oil in a heavy-based saucepan or karahi over a medium heat. When hot, add the mustard seeds and fry for 30 seconds, then stir in the onion and garlic and fry gently for about 10 minutes until softened and lightly golden.

Add the curry leaves, chilli powder, coriander and turmeric and fry for 2 minutes, then stir in the tomatoes, tamarind liquid, green chillies and salt and simmer for about 10 minutes until rich and reduced. Add the fish, cook for a further 5 minutes or until just cooked through, and serve with plain rice.

60ml vegetable oil 1 tbsp yellow mustard seeds 1 large onion, finely chopped 15g/3 cloves garlic, finely crushed 30 fresh curry leaves 2 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder 2 tsp ground coriander 2 tsp turmeric 400g can chopped tomatoes 100ml Tamarind liquid 2 green chillies, each sliced lengthways into 6 pieces, with seeds 1 tsp salt 700g snapper fillets, cut into 5cm chunks Boiled basmati rice to serve

Extracted from Rick Stein’s India by Rick Stein, BBC Books hardback £25 Photography: James Murphy

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

23

PROSTATE NEWS

As we get older, we have an increasing risk of prostate cancer.

Researchers have shown that Lycopene (the red colour in tomatoes and one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants) is beneficial for those at risk as well as those who already have the disease.

For example, the following studies all point towards positive benefits: Harvard Medical School, USA A study of 50,000 men showed a significant reduction in the incidence of prostate cancer for men on high (tomato) Lycopene diets.

“Frequent consumption of tomato products is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.”

Kings College Hospital, London A 12 month trial involving men with confirmed prostate cancer found that about 70% of those consuming Lycoplus, a dietary supplement containing Lycopene, benefited from a much reduced rate of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) increase or an actual reduction in their PSA. “Our clinical study lends weight to the probability that dietary supplementation with Lycopene [from Lycoplus] slows disease progression in men with prostate cancer.”

Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, USA Amongst a group of men with prostate cancer who were to have radical prostatectomy, some took a Lycopene supplement, some not. Following surgery it was found in the Lycopene group that more than two-thirds had the cancer confined to the prostate whereas in the other group more than half found the cancer had spread. Similarly, in the Lycopene group less than 20% had tumours larger than 4cc but in the other group the equivalent number was approximately 50%.

“Lycopene as tomato extract may not only help prevent prostate cancer but also may be useful to treat prostate cancer.”

Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, it is known that Lycopene accumulates in the prostate gland. Many researchers think that Lycopene’s antioxidant properties help to protect the body’s DNA from damaging free radicals. Others believe that Lycopene improves cell-to-cell communication, reducing the risk of the uninhibited growth seen in cancer cells.

In all likelihood, several mechanisms are at work simultaneously and there is much research currently being conducted across the globe to understand these interactions.

In the meantime, many men are not waiting for full scientific explanations but are turning to Lycopene to reduce the risk of prostate disease. Humans possess no mechanism to make Lycopene; instead we accumulate it from our diet. Furthermore, natural Lycopene is hardly taken up at all from the consumption of raw tomatoes and only becomes “bioavailable” if the fruit is cooked and/or processed prior to eating. Consequently, supplements such as Lycoplus EXTRA are an increasingly attractive option.

Reactivating Lycopene with Vitamin C Every time a damaging free radical is removed by a Lycopene molecule, the antioxidant becomes “spent” – in essence, the Lycopene sacrifices itself to protect the body’s DNA. However, research has shown that the presence of plenty of vitamin C allows the “spent” Lycopene molecules to be reactivated, rejuvenating them and preparing them to quench another poisonous free radical.

Thus, vitamin C is believed to prolong the antioxidising effects of Lycopene.

STOP PRESS Diet rich in tomatoes may lower breast cancer risk In work to be published in 2014 in the Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Dr Adana Llanos from Rutgers University, USA shows that a tomato-rich diet could help to protect at-risk post-menopausal women from breast cancer because Lycopene affects the level of hormones that play a role in metabolism and cancer risk. The risk reduction was clear for older (50+) women after only 10 weeks of 25mg Lycopene per day – approximately 2 capsules of Lycoplus Extra daily.

Staying Informed George & Partners is committed to providing readable, up-to-date, scientifically robust information about lycopene research, particularly that related to prostate cancer, breast cancer, heart disease and skin health. To sign up for our free newsletter, please call 08000 234 235 or visit www.lycoplus.co.uk.

Based at Keele University Science Park, George & Partners is the collective brainchild of three internationally renowned professors who have published more than 800 scientific papers over the last 30 years.

Natural Lycopene Supplement Each Lycoplus EXTRA one-a-day capsule contains 15mg of natural Lycopene plus 60mg of vitamin C which reactivates “spent” Lycopene, enhancing and prolonging the effect of the supplement.

One box of 30 capsules (one month’s supply)

£17.95

Save £5

2 boxes for

£30.90

Save £16

4 boxes for

£55.80

All prices include free UK postage & packing

To order call Freephone 08000 234 235 or visit www.lycoplus.co.uk

George & Partners Limited, Keele University Science Park, Staffordshire ST5 5NL

Why choose Dentures from a Clinical Dental Technician?

What is a Clinical Dental Technician?

Every Clinical Dental Technician has following credentials:

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.

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

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 handcraft every denture to the individual requirements of the patient.

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. Denture World was originally established in 1989 at premises on the Bath Road, Cippenham (near Burnham)

and is owned and run by Clinical Dental Technician Andrew Dougan (CDT RCS (Eng).

Andrew relocated the business in 2013 to new modern, spacious premises in the old Cherrrymead Doctors surgery in the centre of Flackwell Heath (1 mile from J3 M40 – between Beaconsfield and High Wycombe).

Andrew has been treating patients as a Denture Technician for over 25 years at Denture World. As a Denture Care Professional he has been solely dedicated to helping denture wearers, making new dentures and solving denture problems. He has the advanced technical and clinical skills needed to design and handcraft every denture for optimum results for every patient he treats. He prides himself on providing the highest quality denture solutions and care for every patient that attends our clinic. This means one person from start to finish, your denture is not sent off to be made by someone you will never meet in a commercial laboratory.

Andrew graduated from The Royal College of Surgeons (Eng) as a Clinical Dental Technician and is registered with the General Dental Council.

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

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

NEW DENTURE STUDIO Relocated from 461 Bath Road near Burnham

Andrew Dougan, owner of Denture World, offers a whole new experience to denture wearers. His patients benefit from the undivided attention and creativity of an expert denture technician with over 20 years clinical experience treating patients directly, personally handcrafting every denture in his onsite laboratory.

• • • • •

True life teeth & latest materials Cosmetic denture enhancements Repairs & alterations Denture problem solving FREE car park

Andrew Dougan Dip CDT RCS (ENG) RDT GDC No. 162175

For honest, friendly advice or to book a FREE consultation

call 01628 521003

17 Straight Bit, Flackwell Heath, Bucks HP10 9LS (Opposite Costa Coffee, 1 mile from M40 J3) www.denture-world.co.uk 26

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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.

Please be aware that a Denture Reline will normally require that you leave your dentures with your Clinical Dental Technician so be prepared to be without them for a short period of time.

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.

Denture Repairs

Major Improvements in Facial Features Padding dentures to reduce lines and fill up sunken cheeks will require a new set of dentures. It is advisable to have a new set of dentures made every 5 to 10 years.

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

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

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.

If your Denture fractures or breaks, the CDT can mend your dentures as follows, making them wearable once more.

Repairing cracks or multiple fractures Repairing chipped false teeth l Repairing your Denture base l l

Over time, the shape of your mouth can change as part of the natural ageing process, as a result of the under use and lack of stimulus for your jawbone. If your Dentures break while you are wearing them, it is probably for one of the following reasons: l l

Poor fit as a result of bone resorbtion (shrinkage) Excessive force possibly due to tooth grinding.

MAIDENHEAD DENTURE STUDIO Personally handcrafted dentures direct to you Emergency 45 minute denture repair

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.

Dentures on Implants This type of Denture is constructed in conjunction with the Dental Implant Surgeon. This is a very good procedure when the patient has limited control and retention of their Dentures. The finished Dentures 'click' into position offering the ultimate in Denture Retension.

Maidenhead Denture Studio 156 Windsor Road Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 2DW Chris Cowell CLINICAL DENTAL TECHNICIAN

Telephone: 01628 674221 Emergency: 07801 298977 www.maidenheaddenturestudio.co.uk

Denture Relines If your dentures tilt, wobble or rub, a Clinical Dental Technician can reline your denture, making the small alterations that make a big difference to the way they fit and feel.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

27

HOpe FOr THe BesT...

Prepare For The Worst

How can you safeguard your family Home for tHe future?

If you feel strongly about safeguarding your family’s inheritance you are not alone.

Many of our clients are concerned that their estate could significantly reduce in value if they were to require privately funded care.

One way to protect your estate is through a ‘Life Interest Trust.’ This type of trust enables you to ‘ring fence’ your share of the value of your property against care home fees.

Mr & Mrs Gallagher had similar concerns and they visited our office in 2012 requesting new Wills. They jointly owned their family home and were concerned that the whole value of their property could be used to fund any care that they may require in the future. We advised them of the ‘Life Interest Trust’ and they requested that this trust be included in their new Wills.

28

Mr Gallagher sadly passed away recently and we have been assisting Mrs Gallagher with her late husband’s estate.

As a result of the Life Interest Trust, should Mrs Gallagher require care in the future, her late husband’s half share of the property will not be taken into account when assessing her contribution towards care home fees.

In short, the Life Interest Trust means that Mrs Gallagher is only liable to pay care home fees up to the value of her half share of the property. Her late husband’s half share is protected as it is held in the

Trustees’ name for the benefit of Mr & Mrs Gallagher’s children.

When Mr Gallagher dies, Mr & Mrs Gallagher’s children will receive Mr Gallagher’s half share of the property irrespective of whether Mrs Gallagher’s whole estate is spent on funding her care.

If your total assets exceed £23,250 then you will have to pay for your care privately, making Mr & Mrs Gallagher’s story increasingly more common.

National statistics show that the average length of stay in a BUPA care home is 801 days

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

and that in 2012 the average annual fee for a room in a nursing home totalled ÂŁ38,376.

It is therefore easy to see how your life savings could quickly diminish if you were to require long term residential or nursing care.

The Life Interest Trust effectively protects your share of the family property (or any other assets as you see fit) for your chosen beneficiaries whilst allowing your spouse or civil partner to reside in the property for their lifetime. This means that your assets held on this trust cannot be taken into account if your surviving spouse or civil partner requires

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

residential or nursing home care. This is because the surviving spouse or civil partner could live in the property but ultimately would not be entitled to the capital from the share of the property held in trust if it were sold.

If you would like detailed advice about setting up a Life Interest Trust, or more general Wills or Inheritance Tax advice, please contact Sarah Timothy at Blaser Mills Solicitors on:

t: 01494 450171 e: sjt@blasermills.co.uk

“Put not your trust in money, but put your money in trust�

Oliver Wendell Holmes

w: www.blasermills.co.uk Sarah is an experienced Solicitor in the Private Client team.

Please note that this is only a basic overview of Life Interest Trusts.

29

www.blasermills.co.uk

CARE

TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR BRAIN HEALTHY

By Dr Lynda Shaw

1. Wind down at night

LIVE - IN CARE

Keeps Older People in the Community Britain’s older population is set to increase dramatically, with the number of over 65’s increasing by 51% by 2030. Public services are already feeling the pressure and care homes are over-crowded and understaffed as it is. With the impending influx of those needing an extra hand looming large, alternatives to residential care need to be considered, live-in care being one such solution.

Nearly half a million older people are hidden away in care homes, out of sight and out of mind. Not only damaging for those kept from their loved ones but we also suffer as a whole community, missing out on the invaluable voice of experience that our older generation provide. Caring for older people within their own home allows them to retain as much independence as possible as well as to continue being part of their muchloved communities.

30

The NHS is already straining under pressure caused by an increase in older patients, with age related ailments such as dementia and arthritis being among the most common reasons for hospitalisation.

Providing the older generation with adequate care that can handle these conditions by staff who receive appropriate training could easily prevent many hospital admissions.

Care homes are struggling as it is with tight budgets and often specialist training is over-looked causing quality of care to suffer as a result. Live-in care professionals, such as those provided by Bluebird Care, are hand picked for each unique placement and are given tailored training to meet the specific requirements of the client. With just the one customer to care for, the carer is able to devote more time to carry out the basic tasks that are so often forgotten or overlooked in residential care homes.

Your brain is a multi-functioning tool that can get tired and stressed if overloaded. Treat it like a sore muscle at the end of the day and give it a chance to unwind. Spend the hour before bed doing something relaxingyoga, listening to gentle music, having a relaxing bath or reading.

2. Floss!

Though it may seem pretty bizarre, there is a link between bad gum health and Alzheimers Disease.

Inflammation and gum disease can also cause damage to the brain and other organs so remember to brush well and floss regularly.

3. Switch hands If you are right handed, spend a few minutes a day doing something with your left hand (and vice versa) - such as writing your name, or just peeling the potatoes. This will challenge your brain and force it to focus more.

4. Drink Studies have shown that being dehydrated can severely affect your concentration, and the brain’s functioning ability. Make sure to drink plenty throughout the day to remain alert and keep your memory sharp.

Unfortunately wine doesn’t count.

5. Think outside the box Routine can be a fast-track way to allow your brain to become lazy.

Instead of cooking the same old meal, why not try a new recipe. Or when taking the dog for a walk, try a new route, even if you’re not entirely sure where you’re going. It’ll get your brain thinking.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Anne Inglis of Bluebird Care - Slough, South Bucks & South Wycombe comments: “Many frail and older customers’ face delays in being discharged from hospitals due to the lack of immediately available care in the community. In the period from 20102012 the number of district nurses fell by 18% in England alone as a result of funding cuts. Live-in care not only reduces the risk of needing hospital treatment but, crucially, it allows individuals to return home to recuperate as quickly and as safely as is possible, with the comfort of having a carer available around the clock. The medical profession widely acknowledge that recovery within the home, if circumstances allow, is more beneficial for a patient, and livein care grants an older person the freedom to choose that option”.

Retaining pets and possessions and continuing with everyday activities and hobbies such as meeting up with

friends, attending church and gardening provides a quality of life they would struggle to match in a residential home where regulations render many of these activities unfeasible.

The residents in care homes often have to rely on relatives visiting to maintain a social life and with today’s pressures on many working families these visits can be few and far between.

Having a trusted and dedicated live-in carer allows the customer to pursue interests with the comforting knowledge that there is someone on standby should they need a little extra help, giving the person the peace of mind to thoroughly enjoy their twilight years.

Nicky Beadle, Bluebird Care, Registered Manager added: “It is important to point out that we have a comprehensive support

system in place to actively manage this aspect of our business. For example, our Live-In Care Supervisor is critical to ensure that our live-in services continue to properly meet the needs of our customers by fully understanding their requirements.

The Live-In Care Supervisor conducts on-going and active supervision in the field, ensures that our care staff are given the appropriate respite, and meets with our customers on a regular basis so that we are immediately responsive to any changes needed in the care delivered”.

CARE VISITS AT HOME Good Old Fashioned Service

Bluebird Care (Slough, South Bucks & South Wycombe) 31 Summers Road, Burnham SL1 7EP. Telephone: 01628 605 797 www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

What we offer 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.

Alternative Bluebird Care offers a realistic cost effective alternative to residential care.

With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around, Bluebird Care ‘just happens’.

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

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

31