Kirklees & calderdale 44

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THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

KIRKLEES & CALDERDALE NOVEMBER - JANUARY 2015

EDITION 44

Fostering make a living, make a difference Change 4 Life Lose Weight FREE!

Rick Stein’s Indian Odyssey Recipes

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Dawn French You could be owed £1000s in compensation

The Queen of British Comedy

e

Elegance in contemporary and traditional lighting

Please mention 50 Plus to receive a 20% DISCOUNT on all lighting!

Halifax, New Brunswick Street, Halifax HX1 5BW t: 01422 363525

Bradford, 113 Manningham Lane, Manningham BD8 7JA t: 01274 731333

Rochdale, Haynes St, off Whitworth Rd OL12 0UW t: 01706 860860

Dewsbury, Webster Hill, Huddersfield Rd WF13 2RU t: 01924 465802

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e:sales@jgharrison.co.uk

Scam Watch

6-7

What’s your favourite prank to play? Whether it’s with unsuspecting friends or the grand-kids, we’ve probably all pulled – and been on the receiving end of – a trick or two in our time. But what about those tricks that aren’t quite as innocent – the ones that are designed to part you with your cash. Well, you’ll be glad we “made you look” as we go through some of the more common pranks you should be on the lookout for.

8-9

Shoulder surfers: one of the most common ways for

10-11

14-15

fraudsters to acquire your PIN is not through sophisticated techniques of card cloning, but simply by watching over your shoulder as you enter it. Always be wary of people standing behind you at cash points and when entering your PIN in a shop.

Phishing: have you won a lottery you didn’t enter? Had a

request from “your bank” to confirm your details? These are all phishing scams and you will end up losing money.

Look out for the email originating from an unusual address, or failing to address you by name. Some can be more convincing and even look like they have been sent to you by friends. If in doubt, don’t give your details out.

28-30

inside...

32-36

6-7 Highlights of Morocco ...

as a solo traveller.

8-9 Robinsons Holidays..

Affordable peace of mind holidays.

10-11 Dawn French..

The Queen of British Comedy.

14-15 Interior Design ...

Tips on making your home look its best.

16 For Quality and Choice ...

Visit Elland Bed Centre.

28-30 Food & Drink

In search of the perfect curry with recipes from Rick

Stein’s Indian Odyssey.

32-36 Out and About

with places to visit and things to do over the festive period.

41 Foster Homes Urgently Needed

from a single puppy to a pregnant cat ... could you help out.

McGrath Media.

6th Floor | 120 Bark Street Bolton | BL1 2AX T: (01204) 860194| F: (01204) 860213 e: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

Hang-up, no you hang-up: imagine it – you receive a

call from your bank telling you your account had been compromised and you need to act fast to save your cash!

You’d do exactly as you were told right? But stop, this is a scam. Your bank would take its own steps to prevent fraud on your account, it would never require you to give out your full account number, password, PIN or hand over your card to a courier – ever. Even if you’re convinced you’re on the phone to your bank – never give out this information.

Payment protection insurance (PPI) refunds: you receive a text or call from someone claiming to be your bank, the Ministry of Justice, or a PPI company telling you that you’re owed money from mis-sold PPI. But, you must pay an administration fee before the refund can be processed.

Don’t give away any money! If you have a PPI complaint, you can come to the ombudsman for free and save yourself giving your cash to claims managers unnecessarily.

Online shopping scams: many of us are beating the

queues by shopping online these days – and the good news is that the majority of transactions are completed with no problem. But always be wary of a seller (or buyer) who asks you to complete transactions outside of the official payment channels like PayPal – as you may find you’re not protected if the item you’re buying, or the money for the goods you’ve sold, doesn’t show up.

We hope these tips help you get ahead of the game.

But if you’ve lost out to a fraudster, don’t panic. Tell your bank what’s gone wrong but if you’re still not able to get things sorted out, the ombudsman may be able to help on 0300 123 9 123 or www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk.

Want to lose weight?

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4

TWITTERING ON

Doggone Silly American pet shop owner Dorothy Hunter is eating nothing but dog and cat food for a month to prove how nutritious it is.

Hunter owns the Paw’s Natural Pet Emporium in Washington and is prepared to prove her pet food is natural and healthy.

She started her pet food diet in June and stayed on it for a month.

She told the Tri-City Herald: “You’d be surprised how tasty dog and cat food can be when it’s made right.”

It hasn’t taken long for her unique month-long diet to generate the publicity it was clearly designed for.

Great Escape Security has been tightened up at a Nottingham school after pupils used stolen cutlery to tunnel their way out in a Great Escape style incident.

Five students used knives, forks and spoons from the canteen to dig their way under a 15ft metal fence at the Djanogly City Academy.

All of the escapees are said to be under 14-years-old and have been “spoken to” about their bid for freedom.

Acting headteacher Elaine Crookes said: “We can confirm that five pupils tried to leave the school at lunchtime by getting below the fence on the fields at our Gregory Boulevard site.

“We have spoken to the students concerned, and taken action to repair the hole.

“That part of the fence has also been reinforced. Our staff are supervising that area to ensure our students stay safe and in school.”

In an email, assistant head Andy Roach asked staff to be on the lookout for more escape attempts.

Pupils aged under 16 are not allowed out of the grounds without permission during the day.

Graham Smith Twitter Column

I suppose detention would be out of the question!

Freedom of the Press I never had time for the News of the World when it was in print and have certainly not mourned its demise.

When the former Editor of the sleazeball publication, Andy Coulson, was jailed over phone hacking recently my only surprise was at the leniency of the sentence. Their corrupt, malicious practices shamed the profession I was once proud of and it is rare these days that I use the word journalist if asked what I do for a living.

Keeping Cool!

A Chinese dad has made sure his son stays cool in summer by making him a pair of underpants out of a watermelon.

Ruifeng Fan from Taiwan had the idea after his five-year-old son complained about being too hot.

He said: “I gave him a watermelon to eat which is usually the best way to cool down, and after cutting out the inside I suddenly thought that actually

the watermelon itself could probably be used to make a really cool pair of underpants.

“So I cut out two holes for his legs and fitted it with a makeshift pair of braces, and he instantly had the coolest underpants in town.”

In fact the youngster Hao loved the underpants so much, his dad later made him a watermelon hat and watermelon boxing gloves.

Postman Cat A postman had to make a special delivery to an animal rescue home after finding a cat in the back of his red van while delivering mail.

The two-year-old tortoiseshell hitched a 67-mile ride from Southampton to Langley in Berkshire before being found by the real-life Postman Pat. The feline passenger was taken to the Old Windsor Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and named Jess by the staff in honour of Postman Pat’s beloved cat from the children’s TV series.

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Tamara Willis, Battersea Old Windsor’s Cat Rehomer, said: “We have a lot of characters turning up at Battersea, but this week we had our very own Jess the cat.

“Jess probably came from a loving home, but sadly her curiosity must’ve got the better of her before she got into the van and started her 67-mile journey from Southampton to Berkshire.

“Her long journey shows the importance of microchipping your pet as you never know how far they can travel from home.”

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50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

Highlights of Morocco as a solo traveller

by Diana Davies from Silver Travel Advisor.

This is my first trip as a single traveller, taking a tour of Morocco with Archers Holidays. It’s also my first coach touring holiday, but I am always ready for a new adventure!

DAY 1 Travelling to Marrakesh, and my first blast of the dry heat as I stepped down onto the tarmac and met Graham or Asis (he used both names) who was to provide an amazing commentary as he looked after us all throughout the week.

The first hotel was very comfortable, overlooking High Atlas Mountains with their first sprinkling of snow. The wide tiled corridors were scattered with Moroccan rugs; the communal areas were cool and light separated by long voile curtains.

DAY 2 Travelling to Casablanca where we met our first local guide; a very knowledgeable, devout Muslim who spoke perfect English, along with 7 other languages; she took us for the tour of the Grand Mosque Hassan II, the 7th largest in the world, built on pillars over the sea, and described its beauty, structure and importance to Muslims.

DAY 3 We left for Rabat and Graham gave us wonderful information with amusing anecdotes. The heavily guarded Royal Palace grounds were enclosed by a twelfth century wall, and we learned that thrones were available in the ablution area – so as not to spoil the King’s view of course!

On to view the Kasbah of Ouidais a maze of 8,500 streets, and to Meknes.

This visit was only marred by the rain but then all of Morocco was praying for rain against 34 tourists who were not!

Next stop Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities where my room at the Hotel Mezneh with its draped curtains was reminiscent of a Bedouin tent.

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DAY 4 By now we had become a group and mixed very easily with each other: joining together at dining tables and chatting as we got on and off the coach and moved around the various points of interest; I was no longer a lone traveller but a group member, an acquaintance. We began exchanging information about each other, our homes and families.

We visited the Mullar, the Jewish quarter, then onto a panoramic view of the Medina, An evening out took us to a Riad (town house) with a belly dancer who also ate fire! A full evening finished off by the youngest lady in our group being dressed in traditional bridal wear and “married” to our tour director! Dull it was not.

TOP: Casablanca LEFT: Marrakesh Souk RIGHT: Marrakesh

DAY 5 -7: Through the mountains to Iframe; a lovely town showing much French influence. The temperature was soon reaching 30 degrees and we reached Rissini market. Back to the hotel where several guests had a swim before getting ready for a trip to the sand dunes to ride camels and watch the changing colours as the sun set.

The Road of the 1000 Kashahs took us alongside the Sahara and to Ourarzazate, home of international movie making.

DAYS 8, 9 and 10: The next day we passed areas where many films had been made, and

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TRAVEL- LEISURE travelled 105 km along a mountain road arriving back at our first hotel in Marrakesh; this hotel had provided a great start to the holiday and would now be a fitting place for us to say goodbye.

A visit to the Jmaa el Fna square at night alive with snake charmers and entertainment. A couple from our group volunteered to get up on stage after our meal and seemed quite unfazed by a scorpion placed on his face and a snake draped around her!.

Where had the 10 days gone? They had passed in a kaleidoscope of colour, facts, countless anecdotes from Graham, and a variety of delicious foods all enriched by the companionship of my travelling companions. An unforgettable experience for the solo traveller.

For Diana’s full blog, please visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com Archers Holidays features the 10 day ‘Highlights of Morocco’ tour to include enchanting cities, exotic Moorish architecture, bustling souks, stunning desert landscapes, kasbahs and oases. The tour includes city sightseeing in Casablanca, Meknes, Rabat and Marrakesh and scenic drives of Atlas Mountains, Dades Valley, Todra Gorges and the Road of 1000 Kasbahs.

Priced from £725pp to include return flights, nine nights bed and breakfast accommodation, guided sightseeing and transfers. Free 2 night Marrakesh extensions as well no single supplement to pay for single travellers on selected departures are also available. www.archersholidays.co.uk

TOP: Dades Valley MIDDLE: Rabat BOTTOM LEFT: Bab Boujeloud Gate BOTTOM RIGHT: Royal Palace Rabat.

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.

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Holidays from

£149

Robinsons Own Hotels

2015

Sunny Sussex Eastbourne

The Garden Isle Isle of Wight

Delightful Devon Torquay

Eastbourne is an “all year round” holiday destination with one of the best sunshine records in the UK.

The Isle of Wight offers stunning landscapes, award winning beaches, breath taking seascapes and not forgetting its extensive history.

With its mild climate and trademark Palm Trees, Torquay is one of the UK’s premier seaside resorts and has been fashionable since the 19th Century.

The Ocean View Hotel is an elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, the balconies provide the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on summer evenings. Guests can unwind in the piano lounge before enjoying an evening meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

The Abbey Lawn Hotel is an elegant Georgian hotel, in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey, with it’s newly refurbished conservatory / lounge offers the discerning holidaymaker an exceptional standard of comfort throughout.

The Imperial Hotel is an impressive Victorian hotel situated at the seaward end of Devonshire Place, an imposing tree-lined boulevard, less than fifteen minutes walk from the facilities and amenities in the town centre and across the road from the promenade and the bandstand. The hotel offers the guest a good standard of accommodation, spacious lounge areas and a majestic restaurant all in a dignified and tranquil ambience for the discerning holidaymaker.

Hotel amenities l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee l Live entertainment most evenings l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

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Hotel amenities l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee l Live entertainment most evenings l Indoor heated pool l Indoor bowling green, table tennis and snooker room l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

Freephone: 0800 083 9900

Many of the bedrooms offer panoramic views of the bay.

Hotel amenities l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee l Live entertainment most evenings l Indoor and seasonal outdoor pool l Lift serving all floors l Porterage

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Groups: 0800 785 1025

The Robinsons Difference

Great choice of menus l Executive coaches with extra legroom l Includes excursions l Friendly staff l

Local joining points No single supplements* l High standard of accommodation l l

l

5 Day Tours

7 Day Tours

8 Day Tours

4 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast

6 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast

7 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast

Date 15 Feb 22 Feb 02 Mar 09 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 29 Mar 03 Apr 08 Apr 13 Apr 20 Apr 26 Apr 04 May 11 May 18 May 25 May 15 June 13 July 17 Aug 14 Sept 05 Oct 12 Oct 19 Oct 26 Oct

Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn £149 £149 £149 £149 £149 £149 £159 £159 £159 £169 £169 £169 £179 £179 £179 £189 £189 £189 £199 £199 £199 £199 £199 £199 £209 £209 £209 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £229 £229 £229 £229 £229 £229 £239 £239 £239 £249 £249 £249 £269 £269 £269 £269 £269 £269 £259 £259 £229 £229 £229 £229 £229 £229 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219

Supplements per person 7 Days: Imperial: Premier Room £20 Ocean View: Premier Room £30 -Sea View Room £10 Abbey Lawn: Premier Room £30 - Front Facing Room £10

We offer you ...

4 4 4 4

Own hotels in great locations Peace of mind security l Payment in instalments * Robinsons own hotels l

4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast 2 included excursions Free pick-ups Service of driver/courier

Loyalty Bonus Here at Robinsons, we are committed to ensuring that our customers are rewarded for their loyalty to us. For 2015, we are pleased to offer all our passengers the opportunity to take advantage.

A voucher will be given to all passengers by the tour driver whilst on holiday. This can either be redeemed on the next holiday booking, or can be saved in multiples towards a future holiday.

Date 30 Mar 05 Apr 12 Apr 19 Apr 26 Apr 03 May 10 May 17 May 24 May 31 May 07 June 14 June 21 June 28 June 05 July 12 July 19 July 26 July 02 Aug 09 Aug 16 Aug 23 Aug 30 Aug 06 Sept 13 Sept 20 Sept 27 Sept

Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn £249* £249* £249* £249 £249 £249 £259 £259 £259 £269 £269 £269 £279 £279 £279 £319 £319 £319 £339 £339 £339 £349 £349 £349 £359 £359 £359 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £359 £359 £359 £329 £329 £329

* Monday departure Supplements per person 7 Days: Imperial: Premier Room £30 Ocean View: Premier Room £45 -Sea View Room £13 Abbey Lawn: Premier Room £40 - Front Facing Room £13

We offer you ...

4 4 4 4

6 nights dinner, bed & breakfast 2 included excursions Free pick-ups Service of driver/courier

Date Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn 02/03 May £369 £369 £369 09/10 May £369 £369 £369 16/17 May £379 £379 £379 23/24 May £389 £389 £389 30/31 May £399 £399 £399 06/07 June £399 £399 £399 13/14 June £399 £399 £399 20/21 June £409 £409 £409 27/28 June £409 £409 £409 04/05 July £409 £409 £409 11/12 July £409 £409 £409 18/19 July £409 £409 £409 25/26 July £409 £409 £409 01/02 Aug £409 £409 £409 08/09 Aug £409 £409 £409 15/16 Aug £409 £409 £409 22/23 Aug £409 £409 £409 29/30 Aug £409 £409 £409 05/06 Sept £399 £399 £399 12/13 Sept £399 £399 £399 19/20 Sept £389 £389 £389 26/27 Sept £359 £359 £359 Supplements per person 8 Days: Imperial: Premier Room £35 Ocean View: Premier Room £50 -Sea View Room £15 Abbey Lawn: Premier Room £50 - Front Facing Room £15

9 Day Tours 8 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast Date 02 May 09 May 16 May 23 May 30 May 06 June 13 June 20 June 27 June 04 July 11 July 18 July 25 July 01 Aug 08 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug 29 Aug 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Sept

Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £409 £409 £409 £419 £419 £419 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £419 £419 £419 £389 £389 £389

9 DAYS ~ ONLY STANDARD ROOMS AVAILABLE

We offer you ...

4 7 nights dinner, bed & breakfast - 8 Days 4 8 nights dinner, bed & breakfast - 9 Days 4 2 included excursions 4 Free pick-ups 4 Service of driver/courier

Visit us online at www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk and book a great deal today!

Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

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DAWN FRENCH The Queen of British Comedy We’ve got so used to seeing comic actress Dawn French in roles where she’s anything but Dawn French that her latest solo tour is proving a bit of a revelation – both to audiences and to Dawn herself.

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INTERVIEW It’s called “30 Million Minutes”, which is the amount of time she reckons she’s been on this earth. But in what she describes as a “sliver of time between the madness of my menopause – now thankfully over – and the impending madness of my dementia” she’s boldly, and at times bawdily, going where she has never gone before.

Dawn is 56 now, arguably the long-term holder of the title Queen of British Comedy, and an award-winning actress, best-selling novelist and all-round funny lady.

She’s written this new show based on her life and career, all with a sharp eye for comic detail as you would expect and a wicked ear for the absurdities of life. Dawn French of Cornwall shares how she misguidedly spent her whole life vigorously attempting to be a fully functioning female human.

“It’s not a stand-up show. It’s not a play. I guess it is a monologue because it’s just me talking,” she states. “It’s a slide show to an extent. But not JUST a slide show. It’s not like your awful, most feared auntie who’s just come back from Egypt where you have to sit and watch everything. It’s quite autobiographical so I show you the people that have made me – so to speak.”

Growing up, she and her brother had been shielded from his depression. It was, she states, “just like a bomb went off in our family. My mum, of course, would have known there was danger. He’d lived his whole life with it but this was in a time when you didn’t say you had mental illness if you were the head of a family. I still have sadness about it. Massive sadness. And I think it’s been a centre point of my life, what happened with my dad.”

Soon after her father’s suicide, Dawn started at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London to do a teaching course. There she met Jennifer Saunders, with whom she would form a hugely successful comedy double act.

The pair began to make names for themselves on the alternative comedy scene in the 1980s and their longrunning TV show, “French and Saunders”, launched in 1987 introducing us to their madcap world.

Roles in TV - including the iconic lead part in The Vicar of Dibley - and in the theatre have followed. She also has an autobiography and two novels to her name, not to mention high-profile TV advertising appearances that have kept her in the public consciousness and firmly associate her with chocolate oranges and insurance.

Three years ago, Dawn revealed that she had lost seven and a half stone.

She has since said that she’s put some of it back on and admits that eating is very comforting. “It’s a lovely thing to do,” she states. “We love tasting things. You don’t get to be spherical without liking eating things.”

Reviews of the show, now touring until the end of November from Nottingham to Southend and Bournemouth to Manchester, reveal a national ongoing affection not just for the characters that Dawn has played which have passed into entertainment folklore but also for Dawn herself. All of which is just as well because the show is a riveting 120 minutes about her life and, being Dawn, it’s not only larger than life but also deeply affecting.

She was born in Holyhead, Wales, in 1957 when her father was stationed there with the RAF, but she spent much of her childhood in Cornwall and went to boarding school in Devon. At home, Dawn was a performer and her dad was, too. “He would tease me to discipline me,” she recalls. “Very loving teasing. Lots of things were dealt with at that quite sophisticated level of lots of fun.”

Her father gave her confidence, and she remembers a “key moment” when she was leaving for a party. “I’ve always been a big girl and shouldn’t really have been wearing hot pants,” she says.

Her father, though, was supportive. “He told me I was completely beautiful and how amazing I looked in them and that I would get loads of attention. So my dad gave me a sort of telling off that was about totally infusing me with confidence and I went on cloud nine to this party, and I’ve never actually left that party. It was armour.”

Bearing in mind that closeness, however, it’s not difficult to imagine how devastated she was at 18 when her father killed himself.

And, although these days she is far from spherical and is a beautiful woman, she will only admit that she is “less than I was.” Fortunately, there is a generally held theory that Dawn French is rightly not defined by her weight, simply by her talent.

She had a much-publicised divorce from comedian Lenny Henry after 25 years together, but they have an adopted daughter and she says they still have a “great” relationship.

After the split, she found – in her 50s – that she was going on dates. “I’m not good at flirting. I’m good at being coy.

What I’d rather do is give a questionnaire out and get people to tick boxes,” she says, laughing.

Now, though, she has finally found happiness with Mark Bignell, who runs a charity, and when she talks about him she shuts her eyes in delight. They have recently had their first wedding anniversary and she says: ”It’s so new. It’s completely thrilling. It’s almost too delightful. I could almost burst with it.”

And, for the thousands of fans who will see Dawn in person around the country, discovering more about who she really is, this is a wonderful – and very happy – postscript to her life so far.

* For ticket and venue information about Dawn French’s 30 Million Minutes UK tour go to dawnfrenchontour.com

ThOrOeLeSHBOaP gs Full W

Great range of wools from Yorkshire and around the world, including Debbie Bliss, West Yorkshire Spinners, Fyberspates, Bergere, Artesano and much, much more. Yarns, patterns, accessories and knittery gifts. Great prices and friendly service!

The Old Bank, Silver Street, Halifax T: 07941133155 www.threebagsfulluk.com

Wetroom & Walk-in Shower Specialists

Great choices for the smallest room Thinking of updating your bathroom? Then take a look at the extensive showroom at Huddersfield’s Atlas Bathrooms of Lockwood.

With now even more choice in store, Atlas has invested heavily in the extensive showroom and now has even more displays of bath suites, showers and wet rooms to choose from. It now has one of the biggest displays of bathrooms and accessories in the Huddersfield area. Spread over two floors it has ranges from top manufacturers including Jacuzzi, Heritage, Roca and Ideal Standard. There is also plenty to suit all budgets with bathrooms and showers ranging in price from affordable to the luxurious end of the market.

There is also a wide choice of bathroom furniture and accessories along with a new display of Christy Towels, one of the UK’s longest established iconic brands. Atlas Bathrooms has recently been appointed an official stockist. He said: “We have something for all tastes and to suit all sizes of bathroom, from the very traditional to the very modern. Wet rooms are growing in popularity along with larger walk-in showers.” Atlas also has a great range of accessories which are sure to add the finishing touch.

Victoria Mill, Albert Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield Tel: 01484 547110 Fax: 01484 432037

For more information, look at the website www.atlasbathrooms.co.uk or ring 01484 547110.

Open:

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday, 9am to 4pm

www.atlasbathrooms.co.uk 12

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HOME

Re-covering an old suite can look amazing – as can adding accent soft furnishings and tasteful pictures

MODERN LIVING Changing Rooms to Suit your lifestyle Every now and then we feel like completely changing the rooms in our home – but we don’t want to spend a fortune.

Only the truly rich can afford to dramatically alter their properties and interiors on a whim; the rest of us have to plan and even then have to do it piecemeal, as and when we can afford it.

But there are always methods to improve your home and give it a new look without the need for a Lottery win.

If you need more space at home and want to invest in an added room, a conservatory can fill the bill. It’s one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of creating extra rooms, and one with the least disruption to daily life.

They come in all types and sizes but fall into three main groups: Traditional, Victorian or Edwardian. Think carefully about the type that most suits your house and what you want it for. If you’re looking to maximise space, one that goes

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right across the back of your home might prove more useful than a smaller version.

Remember that you might need planning permission or building control approval, depending on your property type and the sort of conservatory you want to build. Check this on the Government website www.planningportal.gov. uk Consider improving space by removing walls to create an open plan dining/kitchen or a large family room.

Even the removal of a load-bearing wall is a relatively straightforward job to a competent builder. Ask for recommendations for good professionals in your area they can often find clever ways to make the most of your home.

Allyson Houghton is an interior designer, with her own company, Ideas Interior, and she offers several useful tips on changing your home for the better on a sensible budget.

“If you’re changing things, it’s worth trying to look at your home with a fresh eye,” she explains. “Start at the front of your house with the approach to the front door. Do you

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need a new front door or does the current one just need re-painting, perhaps adding new door furniture? Hanging baskets or pots can result in fragrance and colour here, too.”

Creating more light in your property can make rooms look fresh and attractive. “Begin with the HALLWAY as it’s the gateway to your home,” states Allyson. “Unless you’ve got a massive hallway with plenty of space, don’t go for wallpaper with big designs.

“The idea is to push the walls back so go for plain, light colours and use mirrors to add to the illusion of space and reflect available light.”

Paint all ceilings white, she advises. “Don’t be tempted to have colour on any of the ceilings as you lose precious light and start to bring the ceilings down.”

Just clearing surfaces and putting things away can make a great difference to a room. Rather than have laptops and computers kept out in a lounge, put them away in a desk or drawer and relax away from technology for a while.

Adopt the same principle for flooring. “If you’ve having carpet, avoid bold patterns or big stripes – go for plain in smaller areas as you keep the feeling of space.” And only go for wooden floors in areas practical for them: “Remember that outdoor shoes and stiletto heels can leave marks, so pick your area carefully.”

If you’re having a large, wall-mounted TV in your lounge, consider installing a studded wall to hide all the wires.

If you want to put a feature wall in, for example, the LOUNGE, “think twice before using the fireplace wall as your feature wall – this could bring the room in. And go for the best wallpaper you can afford for this wall as it’s meant to last. You can often buy ends of lines from stores which are good value.”

Re-paint old doors otherwise – “and it’s surprising the difference that just changing the door handles can make,” she says.

To create a contrast wall, go for a deeper shade of the same colour as the other walls. “When shade and colour testing, don’t make the mistake of lining up your test colours side by side on the same wall. How can you get a true idea of the colour? Test each one separately, one at once,” states Allyson.

“Use lining paper to achieve a true shade match if you are painting over magnolia walls.”

Invest wisely in appropriate lighting for individual area, “Changing the lighting in a room can make a really big difference,” states Allyson.

“For your lounge, select relaxing lighting perhaps with additional lamps. Don’t have a huge chandelier, for instance if the room isn’t very big and ensure the bulbs are pointing upwards. If you’ve got a really high hallway, though, a beautiful chandelier can look wonderful.”

Strategic use of big mirrors throughout the house can make a real difference to a dark or narrow area.

In the lounge, go for neutral shades on the walls but pick out accent colours in cushions and other soft furnishings.

Investing in rich materials for your curtains can also give a room a new, opulent look.

If your sofa or three-piece suite is looking a bit dowdy, rather than buying a new one, why not have the old one re-covered? “This can look amazing,” states Allyson.

“It’s tidier and gives you more wall space and clean lines,” advises Allyson. “Putting glass into doors between rooms can also really open up a room and affords more light.”

Replace old wooden panels in staircases with glass. “If you don’t want to use a specialist company, a glass merchant can help and can cut the panels to size,” adds Allyson.

Rather than buying new units for your KITCHEN, how about changing the doors? Or you could buy cheap bases and get a local carpenter to copy the latest styles at a fraction of the price.

Another way is to change the worktops which can make the kitchen look much more contemporary. And, while new appliances will help upgrade the kitchen, just buying the latest type of freestanding fridge, for example, will give it a more modern look.

“Don’t necessarily go for an island unit just because everyone else does if you haven’t really got the space,” states Allyson. Changing the tiles – not necessarily going for expensive ones – can also refresh a kitchen’s style, as can changing the colour of your kettle, toaster etc for instant impact.

BATHROOMS always benefit by looking pristine so ensure all surfaces are clutter-free and sparkling clean. If you can’t afford to change the suite, change the taps which can make a great difference and modernise the look of the suite.

Alter the flooring to plain, light-reflecting tiles to maximise space here. Take a look at the latest shower panels and put in the odd splash of colour with bathroom accessories.

Lighting is also really important here so consider installing inset ceiling lights which free up more space.

And if you’ve still got an old water tank or boiler in the bathroom, buy a combi boiler - better value all round and it can be installed in the loft out of the way.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

15

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Our beginnings Nestled on a corner, at the fringe of Huddersfield town centre you’ll find a store that offers something that little bit different, unusual and unique: for her, for him and for home.

How Bazaar, was founded in 2000 by Gerry Linfoot who, having moved into an old coach house, struggled to find distinctive furnishings that would enrich the character of his unusual home. At the time, choices were limited to high street fashions, functional European-style flat-pack or bespoke designer pieces with a price tag to match.

for unusual interiors and items that allowed his customers to express their homes’ individuality. Over time, he introduced more personal items such as unusual handbags and unique jewellery. More recently a stunning range of women’s clothing and foot wear was also added, offering something that’s a little bit different and as individual as you are.

Men! They are notoriously difficult to buy for. That’s why How Bazaar introduced a range of unusual gifts for men including designer watches, leather luggage and cufflinks. It also has the added advantage of keeping him occupied, while you peruse the clothing department!

You’ll also discover a range of unusual wedding gifts, Christening gifts and housewarming presents.

Truly original

Having worked in the furniture industry for a number of years, and seen a gap in the market for unusual and unique furniture and accessories, Gerry’s solution was to establish his own business. The result was How Bazaar, which Gerry runs with his wife Cathy. From the beginning, How Bazaar set out to be a different kind of company offering unusual furniture and home accessories that you can genuinely fall in love with.

As How Bazaar has grown and diversified, it has stayed true to its original vision. The desire to supply unusual items, such as home furnishings and accessories, evolved into more personal gifts and clothing, all of which offer the same sense of individuality.

Whether it’s for her, for him, or for home you can be confident that every item within How Bazaar is original and distinctive.

The personal touch There are five showrooms, with dedicated areas for her, for him and for home, within the Yorkshire-based store. Around every corner you’ll discover something new to surprise and delight you. You will also receive a warm friendly welcome and a personal service that belongs to another age.

Fresh choices In 2014, How Bazaar refreshed its look and logo to reflect the way that its unusual offer has evolved over time.

In the same year, How Bazaar opened its doors to the world. It’s newly refreshed website includes an online store, giving you the opportunity to shop for distinctive and unusual gifts, clothing and furniture at your convenience.

But if you still prefer the sight, sound, touch and feel of a traditional store, then we would love to meet you. How Bazaar is just a stone’s throw from Huddersfield town centre, and there’s customer parking at the rear of the store. Here’s how to find us.

Over the years, How Bazaar’s reputation flourished, with customers travelling from far and wide in search of intriguing accessories, statement pieces and beautiful furniture.

Remember, however you shop with How Bazaar, you are assured of a professional service.

As individual as you Homes are often an expression of our personality, and Gerry recognised a need

www.howbazaar.co.uk

21-23 Bridge Street l Lockwood l Huddersfield l HD4 6EL T: 01484 537537 E: info@howbazaar.co.uk Like us on www.facebook.com/howbazaar Follow us on Twitter

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19

“Independent” Financial Advice The Next Pensions Mis-selling Scandal?

Is your personal pension worth less than it should be?

Was it recommended by an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA)?

When it comes to pensions, most IFAs unjustifiably expose their clients to excessive and unfair costs. These costs can have a devastating effect on the value of your pension.

If you have received unsuitable, unjustifiable or unfair advice, you could be owed £1,000s in compensation. We can help you claim it.

Even better, we work on a NO WIN NO FEE basis – you only pay if and when you receive compensation.

The “Client’s Best Interests” rule The Financial Conduct Authority says that an IFA firm “must act honestly, fairly and professionally in accordance with the best interests of its client.” It also says that a firm must not hold itself out as acting independently unless the only recommendations it makes are based on a “comprehensive and fair analysis of the relevant market”.

In our experience, when it comes to pensions most IFAs fail to meet these standards. Why? Because they don’t make enough use of low-cost, “passive” investments such as index funds.

The overriding importance of keeping investment costs down Most IFAs use expensive “active” investments. They do this despite the clear evidence which shows that doing so usually leaves their clients worse off than they would be with low-cost passive index funds.

The markets have their ups and downs as we all know, but over the long-term they provide very satisfactory returns as long as costs are kept to a reasonable level.

The following table shows what you could have earned historically with a typical “medium risk” portfolio - 50% equities (shares), 50% bonds - and reasonable costs of 1.25% per year. It also shows the devastating effect of excessive costs.

Notional historical returns from £100,000 invested in a pension Based on a “medium risk” portfolio comprising 50% UK equities* and 50% UK bonds**

5 Years

10 Years

25 Years

(2009 to 2013)

(2004 to 2013)

(1989 to 2013)

Average market return

10.16% p.a.

7.33% p.a.

9.03% p.a.

Return after reasonable costs (1.25% per year)

8.91% p.a.

6.08% p.a.

7.78% p.a.

Reasonable return on £100,000 invested

£153,228

£180,440

£650,810

Return after excessive costs (3% per year)

7.16% p.a.

4.33% p.a.

6.03% p.a.

Below par return due to excessive costs

£141,307

£152,789

£432,234

Shortfall due to excessive costs * FTSE UK All-Share Total Return Index

£11,921

£27,651 £218,576

** FTSE British Govt. Fixed All Stocks Total Return Index and BarCap Sterling Aggregate Total Return Index

A sorry situation for British savers

Buffett’s bet

A recent study by Better Finance compared pension returns earned by savers across Europe. It found that Britain was among the worst places to have a pension. In the UK they found that, on average, £100,000 invested in 2000 would buy just £90,634 worth of goods and services today. By contrast, in Denmark the same £100,000 invested would be worth £192,778 in today’s money. The main reason for the difference – higher charges.

In 2008, Warren Buffett made a $1 million bet (the proceeds go to charity) with a fund management company. He bet them they couldn’t select a portfolio of actively-managed funds which would beat a passive Vanguard index fund over a 10 year period. After 6 1/2 years, the Vanguard fund selected by Buffett had an advantage of over 30%. Those in the know say this lead is practically unassailable. The high costs involved with active management are so difficult to overcome, you are better off not even trying to beat passive funds.

“Wealthier” clients Many IFAs say that wealthier clients need more active, more sophisticated (more expensive) investment advice and management. Unfortunately, simple arithmetic proves them wrong. The larger your pension pot, the more you are losing each year if you are paying excessive and unnecessary fees.

Warren Buffett is the world’s wealthiest and most successful investor, with a documented track record going back to 1956.

He is well-known as a passive investor, and for keeping costs as low as possible. He has long been a strong critic of active investing.

In his 1996 shareholder letter, Buffett said: “Most investors, both institutional and individual, will find that the best way to invest is through an index fund that charges minimal fees.

Those following this path are sure to beat the net results (after fees and expenses) of the great majority of investment professionals.”

In his 2013 letter, Buffett outlined his will regarding his wife’s inheritance: “My advice to the trustee couldn’t be simpler: Put 10% of the cash in short-term government bonds and 90% in a very low-cost S&P500 index fund.

(I suggest Vanguard’s.) I believe the trust’s long-term results from this policy will be superior to those attained by most investors — whether pension funds, institutions or individuals — who employ high-fee managers.“ If low-cost, passive investments are good enough for Warren Buffett, they should be good enough for you and me.

My IFA says he can pick the funds that will beat low-cost passive funds Easy to say, but very difficult to do. We can all look in the paper and see which horses won yesterday. Trying to pick tomorrow’s winners is much riskier. A comprehensive study over 20 years found that just 22% of funds did better than a Vanguard index fund. That’s around 1 in 5. There is no reliable way of selecting the “1” in advance – if you try, you are much more likely to end up with one of the 4 laggards.

Many IFAs use Morningstar ratings to choose funds. Yet Morningstar themselves have admitted that low costs do a better job of predicting superior performance than their own ratings.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

At its expiry at the end of 2017, this bet will be big news and will sound the death knell for the dominance of activelymanaged funds with IFAs. Until then, millions more savers will lose out on £1,000s. Don’t be one of them. Find an adviser who is focussed on keeping costs, activity and risk to a minimum (we can point you in the right direction).

Do any of the following apply to you? If so, you could be entitled to compensation: • Low-cost “stakeholder pension” not recommended • Unjustified high fees on your pension plans or funds • Unjustified switches between funds or pension plans • Use of discretionary investment managers • Locked into a low paying annuity.

Give our friendly team a call now and see if we can help you.

01422 357862 Email: phil@pensioncompensationuk.com www.pensioncompensationuk.com Office address: D262, Dean Clough Mills, Halifax, HX3 5AX. Pension Compensation UK is a trading name of Pension Focus Limited. Pension Focus Limited is regulated by the Claims Management Regulator in respect of regulated claims management activities. Registration is recorded on the website www.justice.gov. uk/claims-regulation. Registration number CRM 40262.

21

THE MOMENT

I helped them to smile again We have opportunities for loving people to start a rewarding career in foster care. If you can foster brothers and sisters or teenagers we’d love to hear from you. You’ll receive financial support, training and the potential to make a real difference in every moment of a child’s life.

Call 0845 245 6000 or visit calderdale.gov.uk/fostering

THE CROFT CARE GROUP IS A FAMILY OWNED GROUP OF COMPANIES, ESTABLISHED IN 1991 AND SPECIALISING IN THE CARE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

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We provide nursing, residential and community based care services in the North of England and currently have six care homes and home care services based in the following locations: •

The Croft Residential Home – Normanton, West Yorkshire

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Laughton Croft Care Home with Nursing – Nr Gainsborough, Lincolnshire

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Croft House Residential Home – Shotton Colliery, County Durham

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Croftlands Care Home with Nursing – Nr Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

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Holme House Care Home with Nursing – Nr Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire

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Croft Dene Care Home with Nursing – Wallsend, Tyne & Wear

The company has been providing nursing, residential and community based care since 1991. The company is owned by Matthew Creegan, Managing Director and is run in conjunction with his two sons:

James Creegan MA STB, Director of Care Martin Creegan NEBS, Director of Finance

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In our care homes we specialise in providing quality care for people in need of:

Our domiciliary care services specialise in providing quality care for people in their own homes, which includes:

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Personal Care Medication Calls Shopping Services Laundry/Cleaning Services Social Support Carer Support

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Wakefield 01924 220163

Covering Castleford, Normanton, Pontefract, Featherstone, Wakefield and all surrounding areas.

www.croftcarehomes.co.uk 23

NOW OFFERING DAY CARE SERVICES FROM ÂŁ25 PER DAY

Holme House Care Home with Nursing

Oxford Road, Gomersal, Cleckheaton BD19 4LA Holme House is a modernised care home in a stunning stone building which will be home to 68 residents both residential, nursing and EMI. All bedrooms are single rooms with en-suite shower facilities. Each room has beautiful fitted furniture with an integrated fridge and a television/dvd with freeview as standard. Sky Television is also available if required by the resident. Each bedroom has its own telephone and residents can make and receive outside calls from the privacy of their own room.

Each nursing bedroom has a ceiling hoist for safe and easy moving of residents and also has a profiling nursing bed as standard as well as all the above facilities.

Our premium ground floor bedrooms have their own front door access for more independent residents to live in.

The home offers a hairdressing salon and lots of activities space with a dedicated computer room with internet access for use by residents. Each floor has a beautifully decorated and furnished lounge and dining room. All the communal bathrooms have tracking hoists which adds to the ease and comfort of the people who live in the care home.

The superb kitchen has the most up to date equipment and is managed by a head chef and his team. An extensive menu of the highest quality food is offered to our residents. Choice is available at every meal. In addition to the main kitchen, each floor of the home has its own dedicated kitchen area with drinks and light snacks available all day and night if required.

All in all this is a attractively designed care home which offers the highest quality accommodation which is matched by high quality nursing and residential care for a dedicated and well trained staff team.

Treat yourself or your loved one to a five star care experience, you deserve it and we want to help you enjoy it.

For information, to view our beautiful home, please contact the Manager or her team on 01274 862021.

24

www.croftcarehomes.co.uk

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Croftlands Care Home with Nursing Kirkburton, Huddersfield HD8 0TH Croftlands is a stunning stone-built care home just over 2 years old, which is home to 55 residents both residential, nursing and people with dementia related needs.

All bedrooms are single rooms with en-suite shower facilities. Each room has beautiful fitted furniture with an integrated fridge and a television/dvd with freeview as standard. Sky Television is also available if required by the resident. Each bedroom has its own telephone and residents can make and receive outside calls from the privacy of their own room.

An extensive menu of the highest quality food is offered to our residents. Choice is available at every meal. In addition to the main kitchen, each floor of the home has its own dedicated kitchen area with drinks and light snacks available all day and night if required.

All in all this is an attractively designed care home which offers the highest quality accommodation which is matched by high quality nursing and residential care for a dedicated and well trained staff team.

Treat yourself or your loved one to a five star care experience, you deserve it and we want to help you enjoy it.

Each nursing bedroom has a ceiling hoist for safe and easy moving of residents and also has a profiling nursing bed as standard as well as all the above facilities.

The home offers a hairdressing salon and lots of activities space. Each floor has a beautifully decorated and furnished lounge and dining room. There are also a number of quiet lounges. For people with EMI needs there is a reminiscence room and a sensory room.

Couple with extensive grounds and well maintained gardens this is a wonderful environment to live in.

All the communal bathrooms have tracking hoists which adds to the ease and comfort of the people who live in the care home.

For information, to view our beautiful home, please contact the Manager or any of the team on 01484 604864.

www.croftcarehomes.co.uk

www.croftcarehomes.co.uk

Croft House Residential Home

Croft Dene Care Home With Nursing

Croftlands Care Home With Nursing

Shotton Colliery, County Durham

Wallsend, Tyne & Wear

Near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

Laughton Croft Care Home With Nursing

The Croft Residential Home

Holme House Care Home With Nursing

Near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire

Normanton, West Yorkshire

Near Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire

FOOD & DRINK

RICK STEIN - IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT CURRY

BEEF VINDALOO I have chosen to use shin of beef of here because it matches the beef in India, which can be pretty tough. This famous recipe from Goa calls for the overnight marination of the beef in vinegar and spices, and then a long, slow cooking till tender. The result is meat that falls apart and a rich, dark, thick sauce which has a delicious hot and sweet ‘vinegariness’. This is the real thing, quite unlike those absurdly hot vindaloos you get in Indian restaurants in the UK. When filming in Bangladesh a few years ago, our guide told me that a couple of his friends from Sylhet with restaurants in the UK had been to my restaurant in Padstow, had the monkfish vindaloo and pronounced it not a vindaloo at all. I said nothing, but the recipe came from Rui Madre Deus, my friend in Baga Beach, Goa, and I reflected that I probably knew more about Goan vindaloo then they did. Of the dishes in the book, this is one of my favourites.

SERVES 6 RECIPE NOTE The beef needs marinating for 12 hours or overnight.

750g boneless shin of beef, cut into 3cm-thick medallions For the marinade 5cm piece of cinnamon stick 1 tsp black peppercorns 1 tsp cloves 1 tsp cumin seeds Seeds from 12 green cardamoms 1 small onion, roughly chopped 40g/8 cloves garlic, peeled 25g/5cm ginger, roughly chopped 2 tbsp Tamarind liquid (SEE BELOW) 1 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp sugar 2 tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder 1/2 tsp turmeric 5 tbsp white wine vinegar

METHOD

To cook the vindaloo 2 tbsp (30g) ghee or vegetable oil 1 small onion, chopped 3 medium, ripe tomatoes, sliced 3 fresh green chillies, halved lengthways, seeds removed 100ml water

For the marinade, grind the cinnamon, black peppercorns, cloves, cumin seeds and cardamom to a powder. Put the onion, garlic, ginger, tamarind, salt, sugar, chilli powder, turmeric and vinegar and all the ground spices into a mini food processor and blend together to a paste. Mix the beef and the paste together in a large bowl, coating the beef well. Cover the bowl and transfer to the fridge for 12 hours.

To cook the vindaloo, heat the ghee in a large, sturdy pan or casserole over a medium heat. Add the onion and fry for 10 minutes until golden.

Increase the heat to medium-high, add the beef and all its marinade paste and fry for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the tomatoes, green chillies and water, cover with a lid and cook for around 2 hours until the meat is tender, checking every so often that it’s not sticking or becoming dry, in which case add a splash of water. Serve.

TAMARIND

TAMARIND LIQUID

The dried pods of the tamarind tree are used as a souring agent, like kokum. The sticky pulp from inside the bean-like pod of the tamarind tree is used to add a slightly sweet tartness to many Indian dishes. Sold in two forms: rectangular blocks of raw pulp, which need to be mixed with warm water and strained to remove the hard black seeds, or in jars and tubs as a concentrated paste that might require diluting. I don’t think very much of the stuff in jars, it seems to lack the mouth puckering sourness that tamarind should bring to a dish. Instead it’s worth preparing it yourself.

Take 60g tamarind pulp and put it in a bowl with 120ml justboiled water. Leave to soak for 15 minutes, then work the paste with your fingers until it has broken down and the seeds have been released. Strain the slightly syrupy mixture through a fine sieve, rubbing it well against the sides of the sieve to extract as much of the liquid as possible. Discard the fibrous material and seeds left behind. The liquid is ready to use and will keep in the fridge for 24 hours.

28

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AMRITSARI FISH In India, unlike in the UK, they are blessed with massive rivers everywhere, so the sight of plentiful, large freshwater fish is common in markets all over the country. They treat fish as they might mutton or paneer, and quite often cook it with a lot of spicy accompaniments, which I think we would find very agreeable if we were more familiar with it. This Amritsari fish is a case in point. When I first tasted it, I knew I had to get it on the menu in the Seafood Restaurant. In India it is often made with singara - a mildly flavoured, local river fish that tastes like a white sea fish with no trace of muddy flavour. I’ve used farmed bream in this recipe; you can also use bass. I like the chickpea flour in the batter; it gives the fish a pleasing savouriness.

METHOD For the fish, mix together the ginger, garlic and vegetable oil, then rub this over the fish fillets and leave to marinate for 15 minutes.

To make the batter, sift the chickpea flour, turmeric and salt into a bowl. Mix the egg with the ginger and garlic and 2-3 tablespoons of cold water. Whisk the liquid into the flour, adding a little more water if needed, until you have a smooth batter with the consistency of double cream.

Heat the mustard or vegetable oil in a sturdy, deep sided pan over a medium-high heat. Drop a tiny amount of batter into the hot oil to check it’s hot enough; the batter should rise and bubble.

Coat the fish in the batter, carefully add to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Sprinkle with a pinch of chat masala and serve with lemon wedges, green chutney and kachumber salad.

SERVES 3 – 6

CHAT MASALA

For the fish 10g/2cm ginger, finely grated 8g/1 large clove garlic, finely crushed 2 tsp vegetable oil 3 x 150g fillets of sea bream, each cut into 2

Makes 50 - 75g

For the batter 50g chickpea (gram/besan) flour 1 tsp turmeric 1/2 tsp salt 1 free-range egg, lightly beaten 5g/1cm ginger, finely grated 4g/1 small clove garlic, finely crushed Mustard oil or vegetable oil, for deep frying To serve Pinch of Chat masala, lemon wedges Green chutney Kachumber salad

Keeps for about 1 month There are more mixtures of spices called masalas in India than you can shake a stick at.

1 tbsp cumin seeds 1 tbsp coriander seeds 1 tbsp black peppercorns 1 tbsp amchur (dried green mango powder) 1 tbsp dried ginger powder 1 tsp asafoetida 1 tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder 1 tbsp black salt powder or pieces 1 tbsp salt Roast the cumin, coriander and black pepper in a dry frying pan over a medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant.

Cool, then combine all the ingredients in a spice mixer or pestle and mortar and make a fine powder. Store in a sealed container out of the sunlight.

KACHUMBER SALAD

GREEN CHUTNEY

Serves 8 - 10

Serves 6 Eat freshly made

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.

Far too often this green chutney is not freshly made in India, and it only works when it is.

Large handful of mint leaves Large handful of coriander leaves 2 fresh chillies, roughly chopped 1 small onion (75g), roughly chopped 11/2 tsp sugar 1/4 ground cumin 2 tsp lime juice 1/4 tsp salt Tip all the ingredients into a food processor and blend to a rough paste.

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FOOD & DRINK

PRAWNS WITH FRESHLY GRATED COCONUT, GREEN CHILLIES AND MUSTARD SEEDS

Chingri daab

There are quite a few recipes for prawn and coconut in my book, but I love the combination. This is different in that I’m using coconut flesh as well as the milk. It’s a popular dish in Bengal, where of course both prawns and coconut abound. It’s normally served in a whole green coconut there, but that’s a bridge too far for us. I would suggest serving it, as in Bengal, as a little course in its own right, but it’s also delicious with some rice and flatbreads.

SERVES 4 – 6 2 tbsp black mustard seeds 4-6 tbsp mustard oil or vegetable oil 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 1 tsp turmeric 250ml coconut milk 250g fresh or frozen coconut flesh, blitzed in a food processor or grated 1 tsp salt 350g peeled raw prawns 4 fresh green chillies, with seeds, cut lengthway into sixths Handful of chopped coriander, to finish.

METHOD Put the mustard seeds into a mini food processor and add 2 tablespoons of water. Blend for one minute then add another 2 tablespoons water and continue blending until the seeds start to break up (this can take a minute or two of persistent blending; add more water if you’re having trouble). Keep blending until you have a rough paste that resembles wholegrain mustard, adding a splash more water if needed. Set aside.

Heat the mustard or vegetable oil in a heavy-based saucepan or karahi over a low-medium heat. Add the onion and fry for 10 minutes. Add the blended mustard paste, turmeric, coconut milk, grated coconut and salt. Bring to a boil then simmer for 4-5 minutes. Add the prawns and green chillies and simmer for a further 3-4 minutes until the prawns are pink and cooked through. Scatter with coriander and serve.

NIMISH This is a light, set cream from Lucknow flavoured with saffron and rosewater - a typical sweet from the era of the Nawabs and their very inventive chefs.

It is standard practice to present the nimish covered with silver leaf as well as pistachios. Due to the almost unbearable heat in Lucknow in the summer, it’s a dish only produced in the cooler winter months; actually, the season only lasts when there is dew on the grass. I had heard that nimish incorporated the early morning dew and assumed this was a bit of romantic frippery, but it’s true; they do collect the dew at night and in the morning whisk it into the cream and milk.

SERVES 6-8 RECIPE NOTE Make the day before you plan to serve it.

450g double cream 50g icing sugar 1 tsp rosewater Pinch of saffron strands, soaked in 100ml warm milk for 15 minutes TO DECORATE Few chopped pistachios and edible silver leaf (optional).

METHOD Whip the cream until soft peaks just start to form - it’s important not to over-whisk it. Sift in the icing sugar then add the rosewater and the now cool saffron milk and strands. Whisk together for a minute until smooth and a few bubbles appear on the surface Pour gently into small serving bowls or glasses and chill overnight. Decorate with sliced pistachios, and silver leaf if you like. Serve.

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

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OUT and ABOUT Places to visit and things to do...

Victorian Christmas in Ossett Saturday 29 November 2014 The event is organised by Ossett Town Centre Partnership and in the Town Hall there is a Charity Craft and Gift Fair, entertainment, refreshments and Santa’s Grotto.

On The Precinct is a Victorian Christmas Market, street entertainers, donkey rides, fairground rides, a DJ, hog roast, various food stalls. Something to keep families entertained all day. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5.00 pm by the Head Boy and Girl of Ossett Academy, which will be preceded by Carol Singing Admission to event is free but charges for goods, food and rides will be charged. Event opens at 10.00am until 6.00pm. Santa’s Grotto is 11.00am to 5.00pm.

Ossett Town Hall and Precinct West Yorkshire WF5 8BE Contact telephone: 01924 263618

Santa Specials 29th November - 24th December 2014 Tickets on sale now!

Climb aboard the Santa Express and travel in steam heated carriages to Shelley Station. Santa will be waiting in his cosy grotto with sacks full of presents for the children.

Whilst you are waiting to see Santa, adults will be treated to a mince pie and “festive tipple” and children will receive a biscuit and juice drink in our heated marquee. The children will also be able to write their letters to Santa, complete an activity sheet or if they want to brave the cold, they are able to use the outdoor adventure playground.

Our Tea Room and Barbeque will also be available for you to purchase any refreshments required.

Also, remember to bring your cameras as you ARE permitted to take photographs or videos in our grotto at no additional charge!

Twilight Santa Specials Join us for a magical experience on the Twilight Santa Specials held on Friday evenings throughout December.

As the sun sets, travel aboard our floodlit train to Shelley in our steam heated carriages and see the surroundings light up as you travel.

Forget Me Not Express Join us on the 29th November on the 10:00 service and help us raise funds for the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.

The Santa Special experience will remain the same on this service as all of the other trains, however the Kirklees Light Railway will be donating all profits from ticket sales sold on this train to the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.

For more information about this fantastic local charity, please visit their website.

Kirklees Light Railway Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Nr Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD8 9XJ Tel: 01484 865727 Email: info@kirkleeslightrailway.com www.kirkleeslightrailway.com

The Christmas Adventure Until 6th January You don’t need to go to Lapland this year for a true Christmas experience. Stockeld Park’s autumn/winter season is open from 22nd October 2014 - 6th January 2015 for magic and adventures.

Our Adventure Zones, magical gift emporium and cafe are waiting to be explored. Our award-winning Christmas Adventure is second to none and guarantees a memorable day out for the whole family.

This season there is even a NEW 4D Cinematic Sleigh Sensation Experience Saturday 15th November to Wednesday 24th December 2014 Daily.

Come and discover the most magical 4D Christmas Experience at Stockeld Park this Season with our sensory sensation and let us take you on an imaginative journey you will never forget. £3 Low season, £5 Mid Season & £6 in High season AMAZING £2.00 discount in Mid season for all Grotto ticket holders.

Don’t forget to pick up a hand-pruned Christmas tree, grown on the estate, from November 26th 2014 at the circus big top.

The Christmas Adventure The Estate Office, Stockeld Park, Wetherby Yorkshire LS22 4AN Telephone: 01937 586333

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St. George’s Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford West Yorkshire BD1 1JT

Winner

of the Best Independent Outlet

at the Business Lunch Awards 2014 Adding to our other national awards for business, food and ice cream

Jools Holland 21 November 2014 We’re delighted to welcome Jools Holland and his greatest boogie-woogie party to St George’s Hall.

Jools Holland will be joined by British icon Marc Almond for his concert at St George’s in November.

With the vocal power of Ruby Turner, the Soul tones of Louise Marshall, and the tireless drums of original Squeeze member Gilson Lavis, along with the inimitable musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Jools Holland will perform tracks spanning his entire solo career as well as songs taken from his new album, due to be released through Rhino this Autumn (further details to be announced soon).

7:30 pm - £37.50 - £31.00* Booking Fees: *Prices inclusive of booking fees: Phone/Counter - £1 per ticket plus postage charge where applicable. Online - £1.50 per ticket plus £1 per transaction for postage.

Limited availability. Box Office: 01274 432000

Disney’s Frozen 13 December 2014 Singalonga Productions are delighted to announce that Disney’s Frozen is the new Singalonga must see! All the usual suspects of lyrics on screen to sing along with together with a live host and a magic moments fun pack so that you can interact with the movie. The host will show you how to use the fun pack and then just sit back and ‘Let it Go’!

You the audience are the stars! Remember to dress up as your favourite character for the fancy dress competition and who wouldn’t want to be a Snow Queen for the day or Olaf the snowman, the coolest iceman ever!

13 Dec 2014 11:00am £16.50* 13 Dec 2014 3:00 pm £16.50* Booking Fees: *Prices inclusive of booking fees: Phone/Counter - £1 per ticket plus postage charge where applicable. Online - £1.50 per ticket plus £1 per transaction for postage.

Limited availability Box Office: 01274 432000

Come along to Yummy Yorkshire for a fantastic range of food, served from breakfast through to late lunch. Try our delicate Smoked Salmon & Eggs Benedict or our own signature Home Reared Hot Pulled Beef Sandwich.

Or, why not spoil yourself with our fresh homemade cakes and fruit scones? Plus, choose from one of 16 flavours of Yummy Yorkshire artisan ice cream made here on the farm.

Visit us today in our beautiful rural location here on the Pennine border. We have ample FREE parking.

Open 9am - 5pm Monday - Sunday Yummy Yorkshire, always great value for money To Huddersfield

To Denby Dale

To Holmfirth

To Sheffield To Penistone

Delph House Farm, High Flatts, Denby Dale, Huddersfield, HD8 8XY 01226 762 551 www.yummyyorkshire.co.uk

Lig ht

up a

Registered Charity No 512987

Life

Registered Charity No 512987

Light up a Life, is a very special event in the Kirkwood Hospice calendar, which sees people from across the community coming together, regardless of faith or culture, to remember a special person in their lives and to dedicate a light in their memory.

You may want to remember someone who has died and is forever in your thoughts. Or, you can remember someone living away from home who you might be missing as the year draws to a close. Why not give thanks for these special people in your life, living or deceased, by dedicating a light to them on Kirkwood’s Tree of Lights.

This year, Kirkwood Hospice is once again holding two very special ceremonies in its beautiful grounds on consecutive days: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December at 4.30pm. These outdoor ceremonies will be ticketed (free admission), with 400 tickets available for each day. An indoor service, will take place at the Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury on Saturday 13 December at 12noon.

During all three events, a tree of lights, will be illuminated; each light on the tree representing a loved one being remembered.

Why I’m supporting Light up a Life.

Natalie from Huddersfield:

colouring or anything else he wanted to do. This was the one thing that really struck me about the Hospice – it’s there not just for the patient but for the entire family. They make you feel as though you’re not alone. This is so comforting at such a stressful and difficult time.

“I’m very much looking forward to Light up a Life this year.

I will bring Isaac with me as I think it’ll be lovely for him to remember his Grandad in such a special and poignant way with so many other people. Dad served in the Armed Forces when I was younger so he would often be away from home.

I think Light up a Life is so special because people can also come along to remember someone who may be working or living away.

“I will be dedicating a light for my dad in celebration of his life and everything he achieved.”

“Kirkwood looked after my dad, John, during the final two weeks of his life after he had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Everything was so personal. He wasn’t just another patient.

If, like Natalie, you would like to join Kirkwood for this year’s Light up a Life celebrations, please pick up a Light up a Life leaflet in one of their 20 shops across Kirklees or visit: www.kirkwoodhospice.co.uk/lightupalife

“The nurses really got to know him and helped him to face the end of his life with dignity and with peace in his heart.

For that, I shall be forever grateful.

Alternatively you can call Kirkwood Hospice on: 01484 557 911 or email: wasim.hussain@kirkwoodhospice.co.uk

“My son, Isaac, was 4 when Dad was at the Hospice. He knew his Grandad was poorly and would look forward to visiting him. The nurses were wonderful with Isaac and would keep him occupied, taking him off to do drawing and

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Light up a Life is kindly supported by Wheawill & Sudworth www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

ir ChristmasberF20a 14 Sunday 23 Novem 11am – 4pm Stadium, The John Smith’s Huddersfield

Don’t forget to add the Kirkwood Hospice Christmas Fair to your diary this November. Come along and find the perfect gift for your loved ones!

After the success of the 2013 Christmas Fair, this year’s event will once again be held at the John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield. Entry is just £1 for adults and is completely free for children. Parking is also free for visitors.

Kirkwood will be showcasing a wide array of wonderful gifts, Christmas goods and cards – perfect for all of your Christmas shopping needs. There is truly something for everyone!

What’s more, Santa has cleared space in his festive calendar to attend 2014’s Christmas Fair. Delight the younger members of your family by visiting him in his Grotto between 11am and 4pm.

Delicious festive food will be served between 12noon and 4pm and you can treat yourself to a warming glass of mulled wine with a mince pie throughout the day!

Fabulous fun and entertainment will also be on offer, with Christmas themed crafts, performances from local acts and fun for children of all ages.

Be sure not to miss out on this fantastic seasonal family event!

If you would be interested in volunteering at the Kirkwood Hospice Christmas Fair, please call Emily Kennedy on: 01484 557 911 or email: emily.kennedy@kirkwoodhospice.co.uk

FREE PARKING

The Kirkwood Hospice Christmas Fair is kindly supported by:

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Lawrence Batley Theatre (LBT) Queen St, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD1 2SP. T: 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org Tues 11 – Wed 12 November | Mon 24 & Wed 26 November Kirklees Council Communities and Leisure Services JUMP AND SHOUT

Sat 13th Dec 2014 to Sun 4th Jan 2015 Jack and The Beanstalk Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum a Giant of a Panto Full of Fun. On their farm in Merrydale our hero Jack, his mother Dame Trot, and his brother Simon haven’t a bean to their name! Their friendly cow, Daisy, has gone dry and worse still the village is being destroyed by the evil giant Blunderbore. His wicked henchman Fleshcreep steals the magic harp of Merrydale and kidnaps the beautiful Princess Tamara. Join us to see if Jack can save the day, retrieve the harp and win the heart of the princess.

With spectacular scenery, stupendous costumes, hilarious slapstick and bags of audience participation, Jack and the Beanstalk promises to be a treat for all the family!

The Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax, HX1 1BP Box Office: 01422 351158 Minicom: 01422 361584 Email: victoriatheatre@calderdale.gov.uk

A festival where performers aged three and above take centre stage and shine in the spotlight. The youngsters of Kirklees will be showing their fancy footwork and dynamic routines, showcasing a variety of dance.

Main Stage: 7.30pm. Tickets: £6 / concessions £4.

Thursday 13 November UNDER MILK WOOD FILM To mark the centenary of the birth of Dylan Thomas, the LBT is delighted to present a screening of the 1972 film version of Thomas’ classic ‘play for voices’ UNDER MILK WOOD. As night falls on the sleepy town of Llareggub, two strangers pass through the quiet cobbled streets. A formidable Celtic ensemble breathes wonderful life into Thomas’ verse, lifting the lid on the quiet town and its deliciously eccentric inhabitants. LBT Screen: 7.30pm.

Tickets: £6.

Thursday 13 November Comedy Cellar WES ZAHARUK | FERN BRADY Laugh your winter blues away in our ever-popular monthly Comedy Cellar, bringing you a series of the very best stand-up talent, this month with Wes Zaharuk and Fern Brady.

Syngenta Cellar: 8.00pm.

Tickets: £9 / concessions £7.

Saturday 15 November KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN Two of the British folk scene’s most accomplished performers, Kathryn and Sean have graced stages the world over in a number of guises. The intimacy and passion shown by this duo, combined with an eclectic repertoire, ensures audiences of their live shows are in for a rare treat.

Syngenta Cellar: 8.00pm. Tickets: £12.50.

Saturday 15 November JASON BYRNE | YOU NAME THE SHOW Jason Byrne needs a show title and he wants you to name it. “It’s January and I’m asked each year ‘what’s the name of your show Jason?’ I ask ‘do you mean the one that will be on in November and by the time I get there my show content will have changed at least 546 times?’ ‘Yes’ they say.’ So I’ve asked the audience to name the show. The best name will win £500.” So get creative and join the high-spirited, quick-witted comedian in this spontaneous and riotous show.

Main Stage: 8.00pm. Tickets: £17.50 / concessions.

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For King and Country Calderdale’s First World War Centenary 2014-18

Exhibition and events commemorating the region’s wartime contribution and experiences

Bankfield Museum, Halifax Now Open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am - 4pm Free Entry museums.calderdale.gov.uk Bankfield Museum

802_50Plus_half-page_Jan14

looking to celebrate that special anniversary? ring your favourite restaurant

looking to sort out that pension problem? ring the ombudsman 0300 123 9 123

Locala HomeCare, a homecare provider in Huddersfield, was launched in July 2013 and provides a high quality, personalised service.

We are a people-focused business, from our hands-on managers who have local knowledge and experience in the areas we serve to our committed, compassionate home care assistants who do what they do because they care.

Our philosophy is that every care plan should be tailored made to the individual’s needs, not one that’s the closest fit.

We are regulated by the independent Care Quality Commission (CQC) which sets stringent quality and safety standards for the management and operation of care services.

Information about the CQC can be found at www.cqc.org.uk where you can read our latest inspection report and compare our performance against

38

other providers. Here’s what the Care Quality Commission inspectors said in their last report:

HomeCare from the beginning. We are delighted that the care we provide has been officially recognised to be of the highest quality by the CQC.

“We spoke with one person who used the service and one relative. Both people we spoke with told us the person receiving the service received good care from staff who knew them well. The relative we spoke with told us their relative received the care they required to meet their personal needs. For example, daily record logs identified that carers stayed with the person who used the service for the allocated amount of time and care had been provided as detailed in the person’s individual plan”.

The philosophy behind Locala HomeCare comes from the years of experience behind the people at Locala Community Partnerships, a community interest company – a type of social enterprise – which provides NHS community healthcare services in and around Kirklees. Locala HomeCare is a subsidiary company with the same values driven approach and the belief that the patient or service user should always be at the centre of all that we do.

Wherever possible our aim is to help our service users retain their independence whilst focusing on their specific needs. This has been the driving philosophy behind Locala

Take that first step and find out how we can help you promote your independence, in your own home, with services tailored to suit your own needs.

“Carers are very sociable, caring and consistent.”

“Excellent carers.”

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“Carers are very sociable, caring and consistent.”

“Excellent carers.”

“Couldn’t wish for a better service, no praise high enough.”

Helping you keep your independence If you think that our carers can provide the right care for you and would like to discuss our service further please contact Charity Dube our HomeCare Manager.

Tel: 07970 810 844 or 01484 467 625.

Email: charity.dube@locala.org.uk If Charity is not available when you call you can speak to Julie and she will also be able to help you. www.locala-homecare.org.uk

Providing quality care and support at home

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Halifax, Huddersfield & District Branch

E.A.R.S Elderly Animal Rehoming Scheme The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield and District Branch have developed the EARS Scheme to assist with the re homing of elderly dogs and cats (10 years +.)

These animals enter our centre often due to their owner’s ill health or death, but few prospective adopters want to take on such an animal, mainly because of the possible financial implications.

The Scheme Adopters will pay £5.00 per month to the Halifax, Huddersfield and District Branch which will entitle them to the following benefits:

• Immediate return for re homing via the scheme should an owner be unable to continue looking after an animal.

• Prescription diets will be offered at a discounted price • Discount grooming from Lara at Warilda Grooming Salon

All dogs and cats will be fully vaccinated, de flea, wormed, microchip, neutered, vet checked and fully temperament assessed before re homing.

• Transport to our clinic where necessary • Grants for emergency treatment/ elective surgery dependant on the buoyancy of the Scheme • Emergency cover if an owner is hospitalised

The Twilight Scheme

• Access to our Animal Centre vet during routine clinic times at £5.00 per consultation • 24 hour emergency phone in case the adopter has a personal emergency

• A free booster vaccination and health check once a year

• Euthanasia free at RSPCA Animal Centre

• Free routine worming tablets and discounted flea treatment

• Discount cremation service

• All current and future medication will be offered at a discounted price

• 20% discount for surgical procedures and emergencies(at participating vets)

If you are unable to adopt an elderly animal but would like to help why not join The RSPCA Twilight Scheme to help provide our elderly animals with essential veterinary care.

Please contact enquiries@ rspca-halifax.org.uk for information on the Scheme and how to donate.

WINNER OF THE MARINA ARNSBY AWARD Presented to the branch for the most innovative re homing scheme

If you are interested in this Scheme and would like to know more please contact: ALEX DARWELL at the Animal Centre on Tel: 01422 365628

RSPCA Animal Centre Wade Street, Halifax HX1 1SN.

Tel: (01422) 365628

www.rspca-halifaxandhuddersfield.org.uk Registered Charity No. 225575

Foster Homes Urgently Needed Would you like to become one of our fantastic fostering team?

A large amount of animals come through our Centre doors each year which require fostering. From a single puppy to pregnant cats, we often call on our fosterers to help out with the temporary care of animals.

Fosterers are provided with everything they need including medical treatment. All we ask in return is for you to love and care for your foster animal until they are able to come back to the Centre for re homing. EARS animals stay in foster care until they are adopted.

If you would like to find out more about fostering or would like to become part of our team please contact Alex Darwell on 01422 365628 or AlexDarwell@rspca-halifax.org.uk

We Need Your Donations...

Every item donated makes a difference All your donations will be used to raise money for our Animal Centre in Halifax where we rehabilitate and rehome animals that are in need of our help.

Our Charity Shops...

HALIFAX

Queens Hall, Queens Road Halifax HX1 3NS. Tel: 01422 362461 28 Union Street Halifax HX1 1PR. Tel: 01422 343858

BRIGHOUSE

SOWERBY BRIDGE 6 Regents Parade, Wharf Street Sowerby Bridge HX6 2EH Tel: 01422 835525

HEBDEN BRIDGE

53 Commercial Street Brighouse.

HD6 1AF Tel: 01484 714571

14 Bridge Gate Hebden Bridge HX7 8EX Tel: 01422 842145

HUDDERSFIELD

DID YOU KNOW

6 Byram Street Huddersfield HD1 1BX. Tel: 01484 469402 37 Trinity Street Huddersfield HD1 4DL. Tel: 01484 426181

We accept furniture donations & we will even collect your items for FREE. To arrange a collection please call 01422 362461

Upcoming RSPCA events...

Saturday 22nd November Christmas Fair Maurice Jagger Centre – Halifax

Saturday 6th December

Animal Centre Christmas Family Fair RSPCA Animal Centre Halifax

Saturday 20th December

Huddersfield Flag Day. We are collecting in Huddersfield to help raise funds for our Animal Centre.

Could you spare a couple of hours - please contact Lauren on 07538 114079 e: laurenmoore@rspcahalifaxand huddersfield.org.uk

www.rspca-halifaxandhuddersfield.org.uk

DEMENTIA – Making the Most out of Life Sufferers of Dementia can still enjoy their later years and can take active steps to lessen the effects of their illnesses with help urges cognitive neuroscientist and ageing specialist Dr Lynda Shaw.

Dementia is an age-related syndrome that affects nearly 600,000 people in the UK, and is now the most common disease in the elderly. Living with Dementia is very difficult for both sufferers and their friends and families, but Dr Lynda Shaw believes it doesn’t have to spell the end of a happy and meaningful life. She strongly upholds that there are steps you can take to help Dementia sufferers enjoy everyday activities and make the most of their later years, despite their illness:

“It is a common misconception that once Dementia has been diagnosed and begins to affect a person’s life, there is little that can be done to help the person. Whilst Dementia can of course at times be frightening, confusing and upsetting for both the sufferer and their carers, many of those with even advanced Dementia can still take great enjoyment from life, and it is a huge mistake to think otherwise.

“As Dementia worsens this will obviously mean a lot of changes in life, and what the sufferer can cope with will undoubtedly change over time. Try varying activities to find what works and what doesn’t, and tailor things to an appropriate level of ability so the person doesn’t get frustrated. Even simple pleasures such as a walk in the park or listening to music can help increase the quality of life of a person with Dementia, so stay flexible in your planning and be creative in thinking of activities the person will enjoy. Most importantly, always focus on the positives.”

Dementia affects people differently and can have several causes, the most common of which being Alzheimer’s Disease; its symptoms can affect memory, perception, understanding, judgement, emotions and even personality.

Dr Lynda Shaw admits that there is no standard formula for how to deal with Dementia, as it depends hugely on the individual and the stage of their illness, but advises carers to invest time in activities that the person once enjoyed, and incorporate socialisation into daily routine wherever possible.

“When dealing with severe Dementia, it’s often easy to focus on the illness and lose sight of the individual.

Whenever you see the person with Dementia treat them with respect and dignity to help them feel confident and valued, however advanced their Dementia may be. Equally, it is important to communicate in a clear and reassuring way to help the Dementia sufferer feel at ease. Even if the 42

person doesn’t understand what you’re saying they may pick up on non-verbal communication, so ensure your tone is warm and that your body language is open and friendly to avoid unintentionally coming across as stressed or irritated.”

Furthermore, Dr Lynda Shaw urges there are active steps that people can take to slow the rate of mental decline from Dementia, and even to avoid succumbing to the illness altogether. Most types of Dementia are degenerative, but some causes can be stopped or reversed if they are found soon enough, and Dr Shaw believes there are many things you can do to protect yourself;

“Spotting the early signs of Dementia is crucial to being able to reduce the rate of deterioration. With the right lifestyle and guidance, we can help those suffering with Dementia in its early stages – and even those who aren’t – retain their independence and prolong their lives, and live as normally and happily as possible.”

Tips to improve your chances at keeping Dementia at bay:

1. Keeping your brain active brain active is the most important way to avoid succumbing to Dementia.

Challenge your brain daily with crosswords, sudokus, maths puzzles, or even a game of hangman, noughts and crosses or Pictionary with a friend.

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2. Use your hands. Gardening, knitting, writing a diary will help improve your coordination and boost brain activity – even practice writing with your other hand to exercise the opposite side of your brain to challenge yourself!

3. Exercise regularly. Even just 10-20 minutes of walking daily can reduce the risk of Dementia through improving cardiovascular health to maintain blood flow to the brain. Not to mention the benefits of some fresh air and a change of scene!

4. Keep socialising. Arrange a weekly coffee date or phone call with friend or family member, join a book club, take up a new hobby, or volunteer for a charity in your local area.

5. Control high blood pressure by maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, cutting back on alcohol intake and quitting smoking.

Tips to help those with Dementia

www.clarkshop.co.uk

55 years of Care & Experience

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

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

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

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

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

Local mobility specialists Clark & Partners began a new chapter as they official opened their new retail store in Sheffield. The well-known company recently celebrated their 55th anniversary and so it is fitting that the new store, helps to form a new chapter in their history.

Helping Families of those with Dementia

You can save £55 off any Rise & Recline Chair that you find instore or grab a Lightweight Tri-Walker for just £55. There’s also a great offer on one of our most popular products – grab a replacement tip for your walking stick for just 55p.

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

Clark & Partners began back in 1959 and continue to grow, opening new stores affording customers a better shopping experience than ever before.

Clark & Partners continue to sell quality mobility products such as scooters, reclining chairs, specialist footwear, walking sticks, wheelchairs and other daily living aids.

As part of their anniversary celebrations, Clark & Partners are offering special discounts throughout their showrooms, so you can take advantage and make a huge saving.

Present the coupons opposite at the checkout. For more information on these and other special offers contact your local showroom.

Clark & Partners are open:

Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturdays 9am-3pm.

Celebration Offer 1

£55

off

any Rise & Recline Chair Valid until 31/12/2014. Only with this voucher.

Celebration Offer 2

55p

Replacement Walking Stick Tip Valid until 31/12/2014. Only with this voucher.

Celebration Offer 3

£55

240L Lightweight Tri-Walker Valid until 31/12/2014. Only with this voucher.

HUDDERSFIELD: 01484 420082 7 Bradley Mills Road Ind. Estate, HD1 6PQ

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Find us opposite John Smith’s Stadium Free parking / info@clarkandpartners.co.uk

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Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees Information and Advice Service As we get older life presents different challenges. Often these are things that we have not had to deal with before and sometimes it is hard to know where to start.

This is where our Information and Advice Service comes in; we have lots of free information booklets that you can pick up from our offices or download from the internet and you can talk to one of our advisers on all sorts of matters including benefits, money or consumer issues, and much more. And if we are not in a position to help you ourselves, then we usually know someone who can!

Other useful contacts: The Home Heat Helpline

Telephone: 0800 336699 (freephone) Website: www.homeheathelpline.org.uk

The Energy Saving Trust Telephone: 0300 123 1234 Website: www.est.org.uk

If you want to speak to someone about winter support or if you have other benefit or general enquiries, you can contact Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees on 01422 399830 or 01484 535994.

You can find our advisers at:

Choices Centre Woolshops -HALIFAX HX1 1RJ Tel: 01422 399830 (Mon-Fri 10am-1pm) Huddersfield Office - 5 Upperhead Row HUDDERSFIELD HD1 2JL Tel: 01484 535994 (Mon-Fri 10am-1pm except Tuesdays) Batley Resource Centre - 90 Commercial St, BATLEY WF17 5DS Tel: 01924 326331 (Mon-Thurs by appointment)

Winter support for older people

As the cold weather approaches, our advisers are frequently asked about additional winter support, so here is an explanation of the main benefits for older people:

Winter Fuel Payment

You could get between £100 and £300 tax-free to help pay your heating bills if you were born on or before 5th January 1952.

This is known as a ”Winter Fuel Payment‟. If someone is born on or before the 5th January 1952 and has never received this payment, we advise them to contact the Winter Fuel Helpline on 08459 151515 or complete the claim form at www.gov.uk/ winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim. Most payments are made by Christmas.

Cold Weather Payments

People in receipt of certain benefits may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments. You’ll get a payment of £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between the 1st November and 31st March. You don’t need to apply. If you’re eligible to get a Cold Weather Payment, you will be paid automatically. More information at www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment

Tailor made products and services for the over 50s • Home Insurance • Travel Insurance • Car Insurance • Gas and Electricity • Personal Alarms • Funeral Plans

Warm Home Discount

This provides a £135 rebate on electricity bills in winter 2014/15.

The money isn’t paid to you, it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, usually paid between October and March. Older customers on low incomes in receipt of Pension Credit should receive the discount automatically and the energy companies can award it to other vulnerable customers. We advise you to register for the discount with your energy supplier. For more information visit www.direct.gov.uk or phone your energy company directly and ask them about the Warm Homes Discount.

Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register is a scheme which offers extra free services to people who are of pensionable age, are registered disabled, have a hearing or visual impairment, or have long term ill-health. Each energy supplier has its own Priority Services Register. If you get your gas and electricity from different suppliers, you’ll need to register with each one and again if you change suppliers.

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For a no obligation quote, visit: Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees Trading Limited (Huddersfield) 5 Upperhead Row, Huddersfield HD1 2JL Tel: 01484 535994 (Open Mon to Fri 10 - 4) 4-6 The Square, Woolshops Halifax HX1 1RJ Tel: 01422 250524

or call

0800 085 3741

or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/products Home, car and travel insurance are provided by Ageas Insurance Limited. Gas and Electricity is provided by E.ON Energy Solutions Limited.

Age UK is a registered trademark of Age UK (Charity number 1128267). The use of the name and logo Age UK is done so under a licence agreement between Age UK and Age UK Enterprises Limited, its commercial services arm. Net profits are donated to Age UK. Age UK Enterprises Limited.

Tavis House, 1–6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. ID200457 03/12 MP2210V3MAR12 SL117732_14

Advertorial feature

Getting to know your elderly care options in Kirklees and Calderdale A guide to help you plan for your needs in later life.

If you’re concerned about the care of a loved one, it can be difficult to know where to turn. It’s not always easy to talk about elderly care and you may go through a range of emotions, or feel that you’re on your own.

Aside from the emotional strain, families also have to get to grips with the implications of paying for care, which can be complex. There’s also the decision about which care to choose, which will depend on a number of factors, including the level of care required.

Many care homes provide a range of care types at one location giving the home the ability to meet individuals’ changing care needs within a single setting. This means that residents may not need to relocate to another care home should their care needs change in the future.

There are several types of care that homes can provide, such as short-stay, residential, nursing and dementia, each of which offers a specific kind of support to meet individual needs.

Choosing the right care home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. For this reason, it is important that you research and fully understand all the different options available to you, including the likely costs, to ensure you make the right choice.

It’s common for someone needing a care home to feel a burden and for relatives to feel guilty about not being able to provide the care themselves. However, life in a care home can bring great benefits; helping people to stay independent for longer in a safe and homely environment, while ensuring help is at hand when needed.

Care homes can also offer a real community spirit, where people can interact with their fellow residents, families and friends and enjoy a more active social life based on their interests and hobbies.

If you would like advice based on your personal circumstances, or you are just not sure where to start, whether it’s queries about funding, getting help to look after someone at home, or just starting the conversation with a loved one about care, Bupa offers a free advice service run by experts.

They are there to listen to your circumstances and, by explaining your options, help you to make choices that are right for you and your loved one.

To discover what care could mean for you in Kirklees and Calderdale, talk to an expert today. Call 0333 331 5797 †

READER OFFER For your free ‘A Guide to Making Choices for the Years Ahead’, send this coupon to: Care Journey Experts, Bupa Care Services, Bridge House, Outwood Lane, Leeds, LS18 4UP Name: ........................................................

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

Tel No: .......................................................

Email: .........................................................

Tick this box if you do not wish to receive further information about Bupa’s products and services.

†Calls to 03 numbers from any line are charged at no more than UK national rates and count towards any inclusive minutes from mobiles.

Affordable Funeral Service

Losing a loved one can be one of life's most upsetting and distressing times. We go out of our way to help ease the worries where funeral arrangements are concerned.

Not only involved with losing a loved one is the emotional upset, but it can also be a time of financial worry and strain and we not only lend a sympathetic ear but also an affordable funeral service too.

Or maybe you see not the need for an elaborate funeral and want only a simple, low key occasion without all the fuss.

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Personal Family Touches We strongly believe that a funeral service for a loved one should be as personal and unique as they were and we will do everything possible to ensure that all wishes are carried out to make things easier on the day.

Be it that family members would like to carry the coffin or perhaps certain members would like to speak within the funeral service. We encourage family involvement and are more than happy to discuss all options possible.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

T H E S I M P L E L OW F U S S F U N E R A L - £ 16 5 0 . 0 0

Includes:• The payment of the Cremation Fee, • The payment of the Doctor's Fees, • The payment of the Minister's Fees, • The provision of an Oak effect coffin and interior of your colour choice, • The bringing in of your loved one into our Chapel of Rest, their care, dressing and repose, • Our professional fees for the arranging and conducting of the funeral, • The hearse and necessary staff on the day of the funeral to meet family and friends at the Crematorium.

We offer a caring, personal and professional Funeral Service tailored to your needs, without compromising on care.

IF WE CAN BE OF HELP TO YOU AND FOR AN INFORMAL CHAT,

P LEASE CAL L L EE ON 0777 9 7 0 4 10 0 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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