Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham & Doncaster issue 35

SHEFFIELD, BARNSLEY, ROTHERHAM & DONCASTER APRIL - JUNE 2012

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EDITION 35

Ruth

Madoc

TALKS ABOUT LIFE AFTER GLADYS PUGH

Inside

Rick Stein

LEISURE

SHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

ROBINSONS HOLIDAYS AFFORDABLE PEACE OF MIND DISCOVER DUBROVNIK A TIMELESS BEAUTY

HEALTH

OPEN YOUR MIND TO ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

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FULL 2012 BROCHURE OUT NOW

Affordable peace of mind ..... Holidays

COACH TOURS 2012 LOCAL PICK UP POINTS

ABBEY LAWN HOTEL, TORQUAY

IMPERIAL HOTEL, EASTBOURNE

OCEAN VIEW HOTEL, ISLE OF WIGHT

Abbey Lawn Hotel, Torquay AAHHH Torquay is most certainly one of the UK’s Finest resorts and the heart of the English Riviera.

If you are looking to unwind in style, this elegant Georgian hotel is the place to stay. Located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey, overlooking Torbay, there are superb facilities. These include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym, steam room, sauna and a spacious conservatory. As with all our own hotels a night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Imperial Hotel, Eastbourne Robinsons HHH Eastbourne is an ideal holiday destination, it has one of the top sunshine records in the UK and has been awarded the Seaside Award for its clean safe beaches for the past eight years.

An impressive Victorian hotel, situated at the seaward end of Devonshire place, less than a hundred yards from the seafront, on a delightful tree-lined boulevard less than five minutes walk from the main facilities and town centre amenities. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin Robinsons HHH Take a short boat ride across the Solent and discover the Isle of Wight, an island of great natural beauty and superb weather, with a wealth of attractions for visitors of all ages. Shanklin, on the south coast of the island, is home to a variety of safe, golden beaches and a quaint collection of shops housed in traditional thatched cottages.

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 evning meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Freephone : 0800 0839086 2

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Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

1501

8 Days/ 7 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes at least 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance

5 Days/ 4 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance

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£199 £195 £189 £185 £179 £175* £169* £395 £375

£199 £195 £189 £185 £179 £175* £169* £395 £375

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Abbey Lawn and Ocean View Hotels Front facing/seaview supplements 7 Days £13 per person. 8 Days £15 per person.

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14-15

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inside...

TRAVEL & LEISURE 2-3

Robinsons Holidays - Affordable Peace of Mind

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Dubrovnik - A Timeless Beauty

Dear Reader,

INTERVIEW 14-15 Ruth Madoc talks to 50 Plus magazine

FOOD & DRINK 18-19 Rick Stein Rick Stein shares his favourite dishes with us.

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Kingfisher Great British fish & chips.

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DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park Where the little things mean everything.

HEALTH 29

Dentures By Dominic Helping you smile with confidence.

FINANCE 31

Whittington Goddard The longest holiday of your life.

Welcome to the latest local 50 Plus magazine which we hope you will sit back and enjoy at your leisure. Our journalists Angela Kelly, Graham Smith and Sheila Alcock are continuing to keep you well informed with their celebrity interviews and up to date household tips.

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

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Graham Smith Twittering on...

There was the Swansea lady who decked out her living room ceiling with 1,700 Christmas baubles. She starts decorating at the end of September and doesn’t usually finish until Christmas Day! You couldn’t make it up could you?

Our beleaguered country can always throw up a laugh. Did you see the one about the internet dating sight which was auctioning a date with a busty Virgin Mary or a hunky Joseph!

Dogs are always good for a laugh too. A Chinese man, whose name I cannot possibly spell and you couldn’t say it if I did, has a four-year-old Pekingese dog which walks backwards on its hind legs for two kilometres a day. What is the point of that I ask and what does it do when it wants to spend a penny? The mind boggles.

When is it Christmas?

If it’s June when you read this don’t worry Christmas isn’t coming any time soon.

Astronomers have calculated that Christmas should be in June by charting the “Christmas Star” which the Bible says led the Three Wise Men to Jesus.

The have decided that the bright star pinpoints Jesus’ birthday as June 17th rather than December 25th.

Well that’s just going to upset a few turkey farmers and artificial snow manufacturers isn’t it?

Lost pussy causes a headache!

Those of us of a certain age will remember Mrs Slocombe of the BBC sitcom “Are You Being Served” having various problems with her pussy.

They were nothing compared to those of a small village where residents spent the best part of three days digging to rescue a cat whose meowing could be heard clearly. Everyone turned out to help and eventually the animal was found. A large orange plastic moggy with a tape recorded cry which was permanently switched on!

Stories like this warm my heart in troubled times. Half the population can’t afford a can of cat food but they will dig for three days to rescue what they thought was a genuine animal in distress.

He should have ducked!

An American duck hunter had to be taken to hospital after being shot in the buttocks by his dog!

And what a mess they’ve made of the carol service.

How can “snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even”, and what about the poor old beggar bringing in his winter fuel? There’s no holly and ivy, the shepherds can’t be watching their flocks because it’s still day light and I just cannot listen to Bing Crosby in June!

Which silly old goat with a white beard and a red suit is going to traipse reindeer and a sleigh about in 20 degrees of heat? I don’t eat sprouts in December so I’m surely not about to in June. “All is calm, all is bright”, well it will be in June, new legislation could mean it’s daylight until four in the morning so the poor little beggar will be throwing his swaddling clothes off and tipping the sheepdog out of the manger.

Why can’t they leave things as they are?

I’m dreaming of a White Easter.

The hunter was climbing out of his boat to place decoys in nearby marsh when his “excited” dog trod on a shotgun firing 27 pellets into his backside from ten feet.

The man managed to walk to a nearby road and call an ambulance and was not seriously injured.

He should have ducked.

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Dubrovnik

Timeless

Beauty

Sitting proudly on the calm blue waters of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most magnificent fortified cities. Today a UNESCO world heritage site and Croatia’s most upmarket destination, it was once the capital of the wealthy seafaring Republic of Ragusa (1358-1808). During its Golden Age in the 16th century, it had one of the largest merchant naval fleets in the world.

Dubrovnik is clearly special. Lord Byron was not overstating the matter when he proclaimed Dubrovnik ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’. Magnificent curtains of walls surround marble streets and baroque buildings that exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun. The main pedestrian thoroughfare, Placa, is a melange of cafés and shops with outstanding monuments at either end.

Churches, monasteries and museums ornamented with finely carved stone recall an eventful history and a vibrant artistic tradition.

As the sun rises over the terracotta roofs the square awakens to the sound of barrow loads of fruit and vegetables bouncing over the stone cobbles. The ‘green market‘, as the locals call it, offers freshly picked produce as well as jars of homemade jams, pickles and spices. However, Dubrovnik shows her true magnificent colours during the winter months as well as the city looks wonderful “out of season.” True beauty is ageless and timeless.

Beyond the city is a heavenly landscape of beaches, wooded peninsulas and a sea strewn with lush islands.

Rector’s Palace: Right off Luza Square is the Rector’s Palace.

It was the seat of the Ragusan government, where the Rector lived and worked. After Napoleon’s army dissolved the Dubrovnik Republic the Rector’s position was reduced. The original palace was modelled after the Roman imperial palace, with some influences from Venetian palaces. In 1435 there was a gunpowder explosion that demolished the structure. It was rebuilt in a late-gothic style. There was another explosion in 1463, and a an earthquake in 1667 that severally damaged the city. What you see now is the final redo that took place at the 6

end of the 17 century. The central portico features beautiful archways and a second story mezzanine.

Pile Gate: This is the north gate into the city. It features a stone bridge with two gothic arches. If you exit towards the outside you can get to Tower Loverjenac. On entering, the outer draw bridge is met by an internal bridge that leads into the city. Some great shots are to be had with your camera from Pile Gate.

War Photo Limited: Dubrovnik’s sturdy fortifications have been put to the test several times during the centuries, most recently during the bloody break-up of Yugoslavia. This modern gallery is dedicated to stunning photojournalism from war zones around the world, and attempts to offer unbiased reporting with a human element.

Antuninska 6. www.warphotoltd.com. Daily 9am-9pm (JunSep); Tue-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 10am-2pm (May and Oct); closed (Nov-Apr). Entry is 30Kn. Dubrovnik Cable Car: The best views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area are seen from the top of the Srd Hill where the Dubrovnik Cable Car was built back in 1969 and boasts the most beautiful panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles)!

For this reason the neighbouring Fort Imperial was strategically built on this privileged spot way back in the early 19th century. http://dubrovnikcablecar.com.

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival (www.dubrovnik-festival.hr) runs from mid-Jul to mid-Aug, staging concerts, theatre and opera at various open-air venues in the old town. Pat line-ups have included the Warsaw Symphony Orchestra, Mexican tenor Ramon Vargas, and Australian-born British classical guitarist John Williams.

Nearby places worth visiting include the Renaissance gardens of Trsteno arboretum, the vineyards of Peljeac peninsular, the seaside resort of Cavtat, the tiny car-free Elafiti islands ,

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the island of Mljet (one-third of which is a national park), and neighbouring Montenegro.

EATING/DRINKING There is a wide range of restaurants in the Old Town, mostly offering a very similar menu of local seafood and some meat dishes. The cuisine may not be very imaginative, but it is usually of good quality and very fresh.

Restaurants can be crudely separated into (slightly) cheaper tourist-trap haunts, and more expensive but first class gastronomic restaurants. There are a few pizzerias, mostly wood-fired and acceptable. The Kraš chocolate sold at stores is delicious too!

Note that in the off peak season of November to March nearly all the top-end restaurants close, leaving only a handful of desperate tourist trap enterprises operating and still charging high prices. You can however still eat well and best of all, discounts can be negotiated.

Dubrovnik cuisine is characteristically not very spicy and is famous for traditionalism. Many popular meals are characteristic of Dubrovnik such as zelena menestra (it is the name for many sorts of cabbages and other vegetables with meat), pasticada and the famous delicacy dubrovacka rozata.

The most popular alcohol in Croatia is homemade rakija. This is a very strong distilled tipple made from a variety of fruits.

Examples include sljivovica, made from plums, loza, made from grapes, and orahovica, made with walnuts. There are many excellent local wines from both the Peljesac Peninsula and Konavle and it is often less expensive than soft drinks. However, be careful when purchasing wine from unlicensed dealers as it can sometimes be of low quality!

SLEEPING Hotels in Dubrovnik include two, three, four and five-star hotels.

Private rooms are a good option for those on a budget; the downside is that they may be far from the Old Town, so make sure to check the location. Owners letting out these rooms accost buses at the bus station, so you can ask around and even bargain a little.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT VISITING… Cafe Buza: This place is little known but definitely the find in Dubrovnik.

Indeed, you will have to wander down an alleyway along the main western wall where you’ll find a nondescript door. Enter it to find the most amazing bar you might ever enjoy a beer in.

The cafe is built on the side of the rocky cliffs, hiding inside the Dubrovnik wall. Relax and enjoy the view as the dramatic wall rises above your head; or, as you are so near the small beach why not dip your toes in the water!

Fact file: Dubrovnik has an international airport, located approximately 20 km (12 miles) from Dubrovnik city centre.

There is no train to Dubrovnik. A narrow gauge line used to link Dubrovnik to Sarajevo but was closed in 1976; however, buses connect the airport with the Dubrovnik old main bus station in Gruž and Croatia Airlines even operates buses between the airport and the main bus station in Kantafig (takes approx. 45 minutes), which is 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. Taxis from the airport to the centre will cost 220 kn. The bus passes close to the Old Town en-route to the airport; you can board the bus at the stop on Petra Kresimira 4 just above the Old Town, by the lower cable car station. Make sure you wave furiously otherwise the driver may not stop!

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The main bus station is in Kantafig, near Port Gruz and the Tudjman Bridge, 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. Local bus 7 operates between this station and Babin kuk, and bus 1 serves the Old Town. On buses you pay a separate fee of 10 Kn to the driver for luggage, so keep some change handy.

Taxis in Dubrovnik are available around the clock and you can easily pick one up at one of the many taxi stops. The good news is that a taxi service will never cost you more than 100 Kn (approx. £11) in any direction within Dubrovnik city limits!

If you are planning to drive a car in Dubrovnik, be aware that lots of streets are one way. If in doubt, passersby will gladly direct you.

Dubrovnik is easy to cover on foot; in fact it will take the averagely fit person less than 1.5 hours to walk from the historical centre to the very end of Lapad peninsula.

Climate: The climate along the Dubrovnik Region is a typical Mediterranean one, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. However, it is perhaps distinct from other Mediterranean climates because of the unusual winds and frequency of thunderstorms. The Bura wind blows cold gusts down the Adriatic coast between October and April. The air temperatures can slightly vary, depending on the area or region.

Typically, in July and August daytime maximum temperatures reach 29°C (84°F), and at night drop to around 21°C (70°F). More comfortable perhaps, is the climate in Spring and Autumn when maximum temperatures are typically between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82°F).

Language: Croatian is the official language spoken in Dubrovnik. English is taught as a second language in schools however, and other international languages are also fluently spoken.

Currency: Kuna (Kn.) £1 British pound is worth approx. 8 Kuna.

The word “Kuna” means “marten” in Croatian since it is based on the use of marten pelts as units of value in medieval trading.

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The vivid blue of cornflowers goes well with marigolds for a later summer display.

What will you grow this year?

The beginning of the gardener’s year is always a challenge. There are decisions to make. More vegetables or a new planting scheme?

Minimum maintenance or a whole new layout? And what about the lawn?

The Lawn Nothing sets off a well tended garden as effectively as a lush green lawn, or detracts from the effect if it’s patchy and sparse.

Particularly at the start of the year, the lawn needs a lot of attention and unfortunately, it’s not always enough to mow regularly and feed correctly. Shaggy edges should be kept neatly clipped. Worn areas lightly forked over and re-seeded, then covered with a fine layer of compost. Creeping buttercup and field daisies may need the use of a selective weed killer. Moss is another problem, and generally means the drainage is poor. Raking

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out the moss by hand, or with an electric scarifyer sometimes helps, as does spiking and incorporating sand, but if the moss persists, then you may need to get more professional advice.

Vegetables Even the smallest plot can provide a plentiful supply of salads. A newcomer on the scene includes Suttons multigreen lettuce, which has a short crown and no wastage. Sow seeds little and often at fortnightly intervals from March to July, and you’re guaranteed a regular supply, and while you’re sowing your lettuce, find a space for a succession of plantings of radishes from March to September. Sew these in a cool position, and thin early. Water well in dry weather.

For variety in your salads, a welcome addition is spinach. Sow from March to mid April, thin early,

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and use these baby leaves in your mix.

Rocket is another easily grown plant, to add that wonderful peppery taste to a green leaf mixture, spring onions give salad rolls an extra zing, and chives are a must with scrambled eggs.

2011 was a bad year for tomatoes, so this year, take extra precautions by siting French marigolds in pots around them.

Planting basil nearby also helps, as it’s natural repellent to flies.

Soft Fruit in pots We all love soft fruit, and I’ve just discovered a new range which have a more upright habit, so gooseberries and blackcurrants can be potted up and sited on the patio. Try blackcurrant Noiroma, which is a very sweet, large fruited variety, and gooseberry Lady Sun, an almost thornless yellow variety, both available from Suttons Seeds.

The Flower Garden Dahlias are making a big comeback.

Grown as part of the general planting scheme, the canny gardener knows that when perennials such as delphiniums and lupins are past their best, dahlias will be coming into their own, continuing to flower at full pitch until the first frost. The tall varieties can provide dramatic accents of colour at the back of the flower beds, and the smaller varieties add interest throughout the garden, and provide plenty of cut flowers for the house. Taller dahlias need to be staked, so position these before planting the tubers, to avoid any accidental damage. I’ve found that although the large flowered pompom

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varieties look sensational, in a wet summer the flower heads retain too much rain and become too heavy for the stems, which bend under the weight. I generally go for the single flowering varieties, which also look more at home in a mixed herbaceous planting.

Dahlias grow in almost any location, and on any soil, although, for best results, good drainage is essential. They can be obtained in almost any colour and any height, as singles, doubles, cactus or dwarf, and at the end of the year, the tubers can be lifted and stored for next year so they’re very economical to grow.

And finally, don’t forget the pleasure of growing flowers from seed. As soon as the soil has warmed up, rake over odd bare patches and scatter a mixture of marigolds and cornflowers.

Surround the sown area with a drizzle of sand, to remind yourself of where they were planted, and be rewarded with a wonderful splash of colour later in the summer. This works in pots as well. Love in the Mist seeds scattered amongst the geraniums, candytuft in troughs, and nasturtiums amongst the tomatoes. All you need is a packet of seeds and a little imagination, and sometimes, the results are spectacular.

Gardening can be hard work, but consider the rewards. All those seeds producing food to eat, and beauty to enjoy. Is there anything that comes close?

Happy gardening.

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W H A T

I S

A N

INTERIOR DESIGNER?

By Sheila Alcock

Sometimes, it’s a raw new house which needs a designer touch.

Or a beautiful old home which needs interior remodelling and modernising. Sometimes, a change of lifestyle has created the need for a new look for your home, or maybe your home is looking tired and old fashioned and could do with a serious update. But you have a busy lifestyle, and very little time.

The thought of sourcing builders, plumbers and decorators is overwhelming. So where do you start? Simple. Bring in an expert. Bring in an Interior Designer/Project Manager who can lead you through the intricacies of finding reliable tradesmen, and leave you free to consider ways in which your home can reflect your personality and lifestyle.

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HOME

oards

b Mood and sample

Not Just About Cushions and Curtains The title Interior Designer can be misleading, and in fact, anyone can give themselves the title of Interior Designer by taking a six week study course on how to build a samples board. This does not cover the skills acquired from undergoing a degree course in Interior Design and Furniture. Louise Putman BA (Hons), MCSD, is a graduate from Middlesex University, having completed a four year degree course in Interior Design and Furniture. This covers the full design process from concept to completion, and she also provides project management, which includes liaison with electricians, builders, furniture manufacturers/ suppliers, fabric and lighting. This is followed by costings, quote comparisons, a programme detailing time scales and completion dates. After graduating, Louise worked on a number of large corporate Headquarters and hospitality projects, including hospitality areas for All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon, and Executive areas at the London Headquarters of Royal Bank of Scotland.

In 2009 Louise set up her own design consultancy, Recreate Interiors.

Eureka Moment “My first priority is to understand my client’s taste and vision for the style they want to achieve. Recently, I had a client who wasn’t sure of the sort of interior she

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wanted,” Louise told me. “The Eureka moment arrived when she studied my mood boards, beamed, and said, “ I didn’t know what I wanted, until you showed me.” That was the moment when I could really focus on the work in hand, and establish rough guidelines on general style, budget and timescale.

My work begins with the creation of a mood board, which shows a variety of interiors of different styles and colour schemes. This is accompanied by samples boards showing fabric swatches, wallpaper samples, carpets, finishes and options. These are discussed, the client makes a choice and at that point, I can set up a detailed summary of costings for each room to be treated by providing a detailed schedule of works to obtain ‘like for like’ quotes from tradesmen, followed by a cost plan including furniture, window treatments, finishes, fixtures and fittings, and my designer’s fees.”

“So there’s a lot more to interior design than sourcing fabrics and carpets,” I said. Louise smiled.

“We’re the ones who plod across the site with the builders. We produce detailed space plans to indicate now the space can be better utilised. We’re the ones to sort any problems with decorators and plumbers or the electricians. We discuss their problems and resolve them quickly, so that everyone knows exactly where they are, and completion dates are as stipulated.”

We’ve all heard horror stories of missed completion dates, shoddy workmanship and nerves at screaming point over incorrect fittings and soaring costs.

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A qualified Interior Designer will ensure this never happens. From the update of a single room, to the remodelling of a complete house, an Interior Designer will take the drudgery out of your project, inject flair and creativity to produce the wow factor you’re looking for, and ensure that it’s completed on time, on budget, and exactly how you imagined it.

Clever storage solutions...

MY WORK BEGINS WITH THE CREATION OF A MOOD BOARD, WHICH SHOWS A VARIETY OF INTERIORS OF DIFFERENT STYLES AND COLOUR SCHEMES. THIS IS ACCOMPANIED BY SAMPLES BOARDS SHOWING FABRIC SWATCHES, WALLPAPER SAMPLES, CARPETS, FINISHES AND OPTIONS.

Get That Unique Bedroom Space, storage, style - three key elements to creating a bedroom that works in harmony with you. But don’t leave it to chance, call in the professionals to design a bedroom that allows you to relax, dress and sleep in comfort.

bedroomhomeofficelifestyle

For the last 25 years, the family-run business Floor to Ceiling has been manufacturing and installing bespoke fitted bedrooms, home offices, dressing rooms, loft spaces and cinema rooms, with each and every room being unique.

With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, owner Mandy White understands just what is required to achieve the perfect room for each customer. By getting to know their specific requirements and tastes, her and her team are able to design fitted furniture that exceeds their expectations.

Organise your lifestyle with a fully fitted bedroom or home office. Contemporary to Traditional hand painted ranges - all Made to Measure to optimise your space.

Three showrooms and one factory make up the Floor to Ceiling portfolio, with the Fitzwilliam Street showroom and factory in Sheffield joined by showrooms in Tickhill and Edenthorpe.

Head Office and Showroom, 83 Fitzwilliam Street, Sheffield Tel: 0114 275 5388 Doncaster Showroom, Tesco Shopping Precinct, Edenthorpe DN3 2NS Tel: 01302 886074

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Fitted Furniture Specialists

Head Office and Showroom, 83 Fitzwilliam Street, Sheffield Tel: 0114 275 5388 Doncaster Showroom, Tesco Shopping Precinct, Edenthorpe DN3 2NS Tel: 01302 886074

www.floortoceiling.co.uk sales@floortoceiling.co.uk

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The Friendly Mobility Company Whether you are looking for a complete mobility makeover or just simple changes to help you in day to day life, look no further than Square Mobility.

Square Mobility Ltd is a leading specialist in premium quality fitted mobility bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms. Having developed an established customer base throughout Yorkshire & Derbyshire Area, Square is focused on providing fantastic customer service, superb value and incredible choice.

As a family run business they understand the true value of customer service and satisfaction. They pride themselves not only on the level of service but the dedication and friendliness of the team.

They are a company that cares too, donating some of their profits to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, a very worthy cause.

The wide range of designs they can offer include both modern and traditional solutions, and all are expertly designed by professionals so, rest assured, if you

are looking for a simple Bath Change or a Complete mobility makeover Square have the right design for you.

Square Mobility, use only the highest of quality products installed by skilled and friendly fitters who work directly for the company, we don’t used subcontract fitting teams. They understand it’s the little things that add to that winning customer service.

They offer a complete Project Managed Service with all the building works taken care of under one roof including removal of all waste leaving you with a clean and tidy project. The product’s they have on offer are specialist designed products to allow an efficient low dust environment.

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Calendar Girl RUTH Madoc had just been having lunch with her five year-old granddaughter in St Albans when she broke off from encouraging her to eat pizza for a chat with Angela Kelly about the theatre and life after Gladys Pugh.

“I’m in the South for two weeks with ‘Calendar Girls’,” she explains in those familiar warm, now-muted Welsh tones.

“So I’m staying with the family here and love being out for lunch with Seren (Welsh for “star”) because this little girl and I have a real connection.”

After she graduated, Ruth – a talented singer and performer as well as an actress – spent three years with the “Black and White Minstrel Show” and various summer seasons with Lesley Crowther, Max Wall and Bruch Forsyth in the final days of provincial variety.

Ruth, now 68, has five grandchildren under the age of five (“hard work sometimes, although lovely”). Three of them live in Gibraltar and it’s plain that Ruth thoroughly enjoys being a grandma.

She became a theatrical favourite appearing in leading roles in musicals like “West Side Story and “Man of La Mancha” and appeared in both the stage and screen versions of “Under Milk Wood.”

It may be hard to see her in this role as, for many TV viewers, she remains fondly in the memory as the man-hungry Maplins’ Yellowcoat and the mere mention of her name has usually restrained people shouting out “Hi-De-Hi!”.

After her high-profile success in “Hi-DeHi!”, Ruth was in the stage version of the show which enjoyed huge success in

This wonderful portrayal in the enduringly popular BBC 1 comedy series revealed her comic talents to thousands at home. But her career, even by then, had already covered a startling variety of theatre.

Although Ruth is well known for her Welsh roots she was, in fact, born in Norwich because her parents consistently travelled around Britain. However, she spent much of her childhood with her maternal grandmother in Llansamlet in Swansea.

From the little mining village she made the unlikely but determined leap to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, guided in this by the man who became an early mentor, Sir Harry Secombe. “I was in East Yorkshire with my parents and the head of drama at school sent a tape of me to Harry Secombe’s agent with the intention of interesting Huw Weldon who used to have a BBC children’s talent programme called ‘All Your Own,’ she states.

Instead, the agent showed it to the famous singer and comedian, and he began helping the young Ruth, offering practical advice on her career.

14

I N T E RV I E W Bournemouth, Blackpool and at the Victoria Palace in London.

“I never felt, though, that I was going to be typecast

by Gladys,” she says. “I’d already done so much in the theatre I knew that I would go on to do many other, different roles.”

And indeed she did. She has been in a large number of stage productions including “A Taste of Honey” and “A Murder is Announced”, and in West End musicals like “Niteclub Confidential” and “Bless the Bride.”

Ruth had great personal success with her portrayal of the indomitable Mama Rose in the musical “Gypsy”, toured Japan and the Far East as Madame Giry in “Phantom of the Opera” and was a wonderful Mrs Bardell to Harry Secombe’s “Pickwick” at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Sadlers Wells Theatre and on an extended national tour.

She was also Dorothy Brock in the hit musical “42nd Street”, Miss Hannigan in “Annie”, and Maria in “Twelfth Night” at Regent’s Park Theatre in London.

Her film appearances vary from “Fiddler on the Roof” to “The Prince and the Pauper” and “Very Annie Mary”, and she has also enjoyed an extensive radio career on programmes like “Some of these Days,” “Woman’s Hour” and “This Family Business.”

Other TV roles over the years have included guest appearances with Morecambe and Wise, Bob Monkhouse and Les Dawson. And, more recently, she was the mother of the infamous Daffyd (the only gay in the village) in the Bafta award-winning comedy series “Little Britain.”.

Ruth has appeared in more than 30 pantomimes in every major city in the UK – as everything from principal boy in “Robin Hood” and “Dick Whittington” to Cinderella’s fairy godmother and the Wicked Queen in “Snow White.”

For the past 18 months, she has been touring in “Calendar Girls” as Marie – the WI protagonist who tries to stop the nude calendar – “and I love it!” she declares with a throaty laugh.

“I think I enjoy playing not so nice people because it’s more interesting. But I really love this play and Tim Firth (the writer) is so clever. While the humour is Northern it works on so many levels and is a great piece of writing.”

Ruth will remain in the production until May, 2012, when, she says, she and her manager husband John will go to Spain to visit their grandchildren.

She states that she “won’t do theatre after I’m 75” because she doesn’t want to spend time learning lines.

“I think when you get older there is a great pressure in learning lines. I’ve seen this happen to many other people, and I don’t want that,” she insists.

“I keep my mind sharp now by doing crosswords each day and, although I’ve got lines in ‘Calendar Girls’, I still learn pieces of poetry.”

Her only career regret is that she didn’t take the “Under Milk Wood” role she was offered at the National Theatre “because I was with Harry in ‘Pickwick’ and didn’t want to let him down.”

Ruth would, though, still love to play the part of Madam Horrible in the hit musical “Wicked!” which re-imagines the Land of Oz. And that inquiring, lively mind, she suspects, will continue until her deathbed. “I think my final words will probably be ‘Eureka!,” she laughs again.

Then it’s back to life as grandma, and that perennial dilemma of how to get small children to eat their lunch.

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O UT

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Barnsley History Day Saturday, 7 April 2012, 10am - 3pm Barnsley Museums, Libraries and Archives are pleased to annouce that the 3rd Barnsley History Day will take place in April, providing the opportunity for the borough to celebrate its past and present.

Battles and re-enactments, the Barnsley poem with Ian McMillan, have-a-go family history and much more are promised at Barnsley History Day 2012 on Saturday, 7 April.

Family-oriented activities will also include exhibitions and performances, and a look at the achievements of Barnsley’s sporting legends.

Local history and community groups from across the borough are invited to attend to talk to the public about the history of their area and the work they do, as well as displaying materials from their respective areas.

The day is also a great opportunity for people to come along and find out about Experience Barnsley the Barnsley people’s museum. We are encouraging participants to dress authentically in a costume from the past, but this isn’t compulsory!

The Civic, Hanson Street, Barnsley S70 2HZ

For more details please call 01226 773950 or email archives@barnsley.gov.uk 16

Beginners Bead Jewellery 16th April 2012 6.30pm-8.30pm

The first of a 3 part course for bead jewellery beginners. You will learn basic techniques in designing, threading and using crimps (silver fasteners that hold everything together) and there will be a choice of necklace, earrings or bracelets to make.

You can attend as many classes as you wish to build your skills, and access our amazing array of gemstone and glass beads.

All materials are included in the cost, with additional beads available to buy.

Attend 3 beginners classes and get a discount for your next advanced class. Located at Hagglers Corner on Queen Street S2 4DU – easy to get to by car (parking in Comet car park is free) or bus.

Visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/ CraftCollective to see details of all the Craft Collective events in Sheffield including advanced crochet and bead jewellery making.

The course is £20.00 and takes place at Hagglers Corner 586 Queens Road Sheffield S2 4DU For more information please call Helen on 0798 039 5866 or email craftcollective@hotmail.co.uk to book www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

A Short Walk Round Low Bradfield What better way to spend a lazy weekend afternoon than going for a lovely scenic walk?

This short walk around historic Low Bradfield takes in many local landmarks including buildings that were affected by the Sheffield flood of 1864 when the Dam above Low Bradfield gave way.

Pick up one of the leaflets so you can follow along with the walk. As well as the leaflets available in local shops and pubs in the village, anyone can download for free any of the 12 walks by visiting www.bradfieldwalkers.org.uk/walks_around_Bradfield.html

And after the walk why not go for a delicious lunch at The Strines Inn at Bradfield Dale?

Bach Appreciation Day Tuesday 8th May 2012, 9.45- 4.30pm Wombwell, South Yorkshire Gareth Green studied music at Oxford University and at the Royal College of Music. Having served Organ Scholarships at Oxford, at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, and at Canterbury Cathedral, he became Assistant Organist at Wakefield Cathedral and later Director of Music at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield.

For the past 20 years he has free-lanced as a performer, teacher, adjudicator and ABRSM examiner (latterly as a Trainer and Moderator). He has also worked for BBC Religious Broadcasting as a Musical Director. He has a passion for the music of Bach, especially the sacred music.

Enjoy the lifestyle you’ve worked for...

With 19 suberb rural and coastal locations to choose from Tingdene Park home living is all about quality of life with a traditional village feel.

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So if you fancy a day away from it all with an opportunity to relax, to hear some of the finest sacred music ever written, and to learn more about the creative genius & the faith that inspired JS Bach, then this is a day for you. No previous musical knowledge or experience is necessary and this is not a day on which we will be singing or playing. Simply take a seat and let Gareth take you on a fascinating musical journey.

Costs £48 (Includes a light Lunch)

For more information please call 01226 752738 or email on gareth@gareth73.freeserve.co.uk 17

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Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes Recipes Rick Stein’s passion for fresh well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer. Rick remarks “My greatest enthusiasm in life has been finding dishes that change my perception of cooking, that reveal a whole new vista of flavour combination. I think we all enjoy that.

I’m just someone with an enthusiasm for food and a curiosity that’s sent me sniffing around all over the place looking for lovely dishes in all corners of the globe” Taken from his book ‘Mediterranean Escapes’ (BBC Books, £20) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by flavours of the Med.

SERVES 8-10 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving 1 large onion, chopped 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 large leek, cleaned and cut into similar-sized pieces 250g dried borlotti beans, soaked overnight 450g waxy potatoes, such as Charlotte, peeled and cut into 1- cm dice 250g peeled carrots, cut into 1-cm dice 2 celery sticks, cut into 1- cm dice 1 ripe beef tomato, skinned and chopped Leaves from 1 small rosemary sprig, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1.2kg smoked ham hock 250g green beans, trimmed and cut into 1- cm pieces 2 medium-sized courgettes, topped and tailed and cut into 1- cm dice 1/2 small cabbage (about 500g), core removed, thinly sliced 75g dried tagliatelle, broken into 5-cm pieces 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano A small handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves, 18 chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Minestra: Corsican Vegetable Soup with Smoked Ham, Cabbage and Borlotti Beans Heat the oil in a really large pan, add the onion, garlic and leek, and cook gently for 3-4 minutes. Drain the soaked beans and add to the pan with the potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato, rosemary, dried oregano and 2 litres of water. Cut the ham hock in half lengthways to one side of the bone, add to the pan and press the pieces down well into the soup so they are totally submerged.

Bring everything to a simmer and leave to cook, uncovered, for 1 hour.

Then add the green beans, courgettes, cabbage, tagliatelle pieces and fresh oregano and simmer for a further 15-20 minutes until the soup is thick. Remove the pieces of ham hock, pull the meat off the bone, and pull it into small chunks. Discard the skin and bone. Stir the ham back into the soup with the parsley and approximately 500 ml more hot water to loosen it slightly and season with salt and pepper. Service in large warmed soup bowls, drizzled with a little more olive oil.

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SERVES 4 400g dried spaghetti 175-g piece smoked pancetta, rind removed 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped A handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped 3 large eggs, beaten 50g finely grated pecorino sardo maturo Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara: Pasta with Pecorino Sardo, Pancetta, Parsley and Eggs Bring 4.5 litres water to the boil in a large saucepan with 8 teaspoons salt. Add the spaghetti and cook for 9 minutes or until al dente.

Meanwhile, cut the pancetta into lardons (short little strips), about 6mm wide. Heat a large, deep frying pan over a medium-high heat, add the oil and the pancetta and allow it to fry until lightly golden. Add the garlic and parsley and cook for a few seconds, then remove from the heat and set to one side.

Drain the spaghetti well, tip into the frying pan with the pancetta, garlic and parsley, add the beaten eggs and half the grated pecorino cheese and toss together well. Season to taste with a little salt and black pepper. The heat from the spaghetti will be sufficient to partly cook the egg but still leave it moist and creamy. Take to the table and serve in warmed pasta bowls, sprinkled with the rest of the cheese.

SERVES 6-8 2 x 1-kg shoulders of lamb, each one cut into 3 large chunks through the bone (get your butcher to do this) 2kg waxy maincrop potatoes, such as Desiree, peeled and cut into 5-6cm chunks 1 head of garlic, outside papery skins removed, cut in half through the middle 1 tablespoon dried oregano, Greek if possible 3-6 fresh bay leaves 2 tablespoons fresh oregano or marjoram leaves 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling Juice of 2 large lemons Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Kleftiko: Slow-cooked Lamb with Garlic, Oregano, Lemon and Potatoes Preheat the oven to 1900C/Gas Mark 5. Combine the meat, potatoes and garlic in a large ovenproof casserole dish.

Sprinkle with the dried and fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, 100ml water, 2 teaspoons of salt and plenty of black pepper and mix together well, then nestle the pieces of meat down in among the potatoes. Drizzle with a little more oil.

Cover the casserole tightly with foil and a well-fitting lid and bake for 3 hours until the meat is falling off the bone.

However, check after a couple of hours to make sure it doesn’t need a little more water.

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the

Strines Inn

D

espite being within Sheffield's border, the Strines Inn could be a world away. Nestled amongst breathtaking moorland scenery, it is one of the local landmarks in the Peak District National Park.

Originally a manor house, it was built in 1275 for the Worrall family, although most of the present day structure is 16th Century. After becoming an Inn in 1771 when John Morton leased the property from the Worrall's, it got its name from an Olde English

word meaning the meeting of water, quite appropriate as nowadays it overlooks the Strines Reservoir.

In the height of Summer the Inn attracts hundreds of visitors on a daily basis. The glorious sunshine and stunning views perfectly compliment the excellent food and drink available, with many dishes being homemade.

The Strines Inn is also famous for its numerous peacocks, the previous Landlord having introduced several pairs twenty years ago, there are now over thirty of them.

There is also accommodation available for those people looking to escape for a few days to relax.

All rooms have Four poster beds and En-Suite facilities.

THE STRINES INN BRADFIELD DALE, SHEFFIELD S6 6JE

TEL: 0114 285 1247

Kingfisher FISH & CHIP RESTAURANT 597 Denby Dale Road, Calder Grove, Wakefield WF4 3DA The Kingfisher Restaurant & Takeaway has dedicated over 60 years to perfecting the art of producing great British Fish & Chips! So, whether you choose to pick up a Takeaway or have time to come and enjoy a more relaxing meal in our family-friendly restaurant, we are pretty sure you'll agree that Kingfisher offers the tastiest Fish & Chips for miles around.

Come and experience great food at great prices, a warm welcome and a friendly service that will make you want to return to Kingfisher again and again.

Enjoy a glass of wine or tradtional pot of tea with your Fish & Chips in contemporary surroundings.

In addition to traditional Fish & Chips, we serve a wide range of other delicious seafood dishes, as well as a selection of vegetarian and meat dishes. And, we can even cook your Fish & Chips to order. AND diners over 60 can take advantage of our great value Senior Citizens Special!

Find us just off Junction 39 M1

Open 7 days a week restaurant 11.30am - 10.00pm takeaway 11.30am - 10.30pm 20

01924 274994

hello@kingfisherrestaurant.co.uk www.kingfisherrestaurant.co.uk

the NEW DoubleTree

by Hilton Sheffield Park

The DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park is a contemporary hotel with top-quality 4-star facilities.

Situated on the outskirts of Sheffield, yet with superb travel links, this DoubleTree by Hilton is a perfect base for South Yorkshire, The Peak District and North Derbyshire.

Our award-winning newly refurbished Restaurant offers contemporary European cuisine with a classical twist using locally sourced produce.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. Let the DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park ensure it becomes your most cherished memory.

We’re here to make organising your wedding day easier and more enjoyable.

For special occasions at The DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park will help you organise your gala dinner or that special Birthday party. We have a range of banqueting rooms you can choose from for your special occasion. sales.sheffieldpark@hilton.com

Where the little things mean everything

Chesterfield Road South, Sheffield, S8 8BW

T 0114 282 9988 W www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

www.sheffieldpark.doubletreebyhilton.com Like us on DoubleTree Sheffield Park 21

. . . x a l e R

...in elegant surroundings

Elliott Lane, Sheffield, S35 8NR | 0114 245 4444 | info@whitleyhall.com | www.whitleyhall.com

Escape into your own 16th Century ivy-clad mansion where peacocks roam the gardens and your dreams can become a reality in this tranquil world.

Nestled in the rolling South Yorkshire countryside,Whitley Hall is a haven where century chic meets historical romance. As you drive down a windy country lane your breath is taken away as you turn into the main driveway. It's like going back in time, the 16th Century mansion is located upon the banks of a river with beautiful terraces, private gardens and opulent woodlands surrounding it.

The perfect place for a romantic break, wedding, civil ceremony, renewal of vows, anniversaries, birthdays and funerals etc.

restaurant you can stay over for the special price of £20.00 per person bed and breakfast (based on 2 people sharing).

Guests have commented that the 'jewel in the crown' of a stay at Whitley Hall is the quality of their cuisine.Whether a simple bar snack, a la carte or table d'hôte, the meals served and the variety of changing seasonal menus are justifiably appreciated by those who recognise superbly cooked, exquisitely presented dishes delivering both taste and flavour as well as value for money.

Ladies if you are looking for the perfect venue to lunch,Whitley Hall's "Lets do Lunch" menu is served Monday to Friday from 12-2pm.You can indulge with a one course table d'hôte meal plus a glass of bubbly at £10.95 or a 3 course table d'hôte meal plus a glass of bubbly for £15.95 (Menus change fortnightly).

Talking of value for money,Whitley Hall offer a special Sunday Supplement. If 2 people have a 3 course dinner in the

It's one of those places you love to recommend, but really you want to keep it all to yourself! Don't miss out on this beautiful exquisite venue, you will never forget your time here.

GREAT ESCAPE OFFER Indulge yourself with our Great Escape Offer which includes two nights stay, dinner, bed and breakfast with a bottle of pink sparkling wine on the first night and a bottle of house wine with dinner on the second night. This offer is based on 22 www.retiredmagazines.co.uk two people sharing. Prices start from £130 per person.

22 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Hassle-Free Shopping in the Heart of the Peak District

side continues to The old Red Lion at Greno ng atmosphere, offer a warm and welcomi michelin trained and with the return of our of his Sous chef, chef and the appointment e Albert Roux in who has worked alongsid d food on offer has his kitchens, the menu an reached a new level.

seasonally, offers a varied The menu which changes ing a number of pub selection of fine food, includ st. twi m classics with a premiu h a choice of starters, Food is served all day wit l as fresh sandwiches mains and desserts as wel s. tea on and traditional afterno le for special occasions The Old Red Lion is availab ions, christenings, including wedding recept . A private dining area ries birthdays and anniversa of up to 15 people and can be booked for parties suit the occasion. menus can be tailored to

0114 2468307

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Up to 30% off rrp on Big Brands Coffee Shop & Restaurant Free Parking for Customers Walkers Zone and Parking Beautiful Rural Location Easy Access for Wheelchairs Dogs Welcome Too!

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Visit www.peakvillage.co.uk for all our latest offers, events and competitions Chatsworth Road, Rowsley, Derbyshire DE4 2JE T: 01629 735326 info@peakvillage.co.uk

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P ak Village

OUTLET SHOPPING CENTRE

23

Your dental implant questions answered

by Dr David Hilton of Churchfield Dental Centre Q: What are dental implants?

A: Implants are in effect small titanium roots which replace natural teeth.

Q: What can they be used for?

A: Implants can be used to replace an individual tooth, avoiding the need for drilling in to a healthy tooth to create a bridge or a denture.

They can be used to stabilise dentures where the patient’s natural teeth have been lost.

This stops the problem of dentures moving or dropping whilst eating or talking and, as you can imagine, this is one of our most popular requests.

Q: Is the procedure uncomfortable?

A: The overwhelming majority of patients report mild or no discomfort at all. Placement of an implant is a

Join our membership scheme at Churchfield Dental Centre from £9.66 per month*

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small surgical procedure so a local anaesthetic is used in a similar way to if the patient was having a filling.

Q: How successful is it?

A: Very! Typical success rates for healing of implants is in the region of 99%.

Q: How would I know if I am suitable?

A: We provide an initial informal consultation first of all. The majority of our patients will be able to decide at this point whether implants are for them.

However, before treatment begins, everyone benefits from an in depth assessment and a report detailing what the treatment options are, the number of likely visits and the fees involved. We make sure that our patients are fully informed so that they can make the right choice about their treatment.

As more and more people are keeping their natural teeth into old age, it’s understandable that they want them to function and look good too. Worn, yellow teeth and loose dentures are no longer an accepted part of old age. Modern techniques and materials allow dentists to rebuild teeth and smiles to their former glory with tooth whitening techniques, veneers and crowns. Even missing teeth can be replaced with permanently fixed-in implants and bridges.

It’s not just a person’s smile that is affected when teeth are broken or missing. Chewing function is impaired, often leading to indigestion and a reduced enjoyment at mealtimes.

Speech can suffer too: We need our

Q: How long does everything take?

A: This depends on a number of factors.

Some techniques and treatments, where suitable for the patient, allow us to place implants and attach fixed bridges all at the same time, giving instant results.

At the other end of the scale, healing can take longer and be generally spread over 6-9 months.

Q: I understand implant treatment is very expensive?

A: Initially implant treatment has a higher investment than traditional forms of treatment but over the longer term it can be better value. For many people this investment is worth making for the benefits mentioned earlier.

We offer interest free facilities and extended payment options which many people find useful. The improvement in quality of life is more difficult to put a price on.

s Ask u ur o t abou unts disco

teeth to form certain sounds, without them speech can be slurred and lisping may occur.

At Churchfield Dental Centre David Hilton and Richard Anderson offer patients the dental implant option.

With years of experience and having extensive training in hard and soft tissue manipulation, involving bone grafting and aesthetics, they offer patients a calm and friendly environment to discuss every option available to you to give you back your smile.

1 Victoria Crescent West, Barnsley S75 2AE Tel: 01226 771471 | Fax: 01226 292444 info@churchfield.info | www.churchfield.info

Transform your skin with a specialist DermaQuest Facial.

The treatments are specifically designed to combat anti-ageing, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles & scarring.

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Reduce fine lines and wrinkles Fade scars and stretch marks Help heal sun damage Improve the appearance of cellulite

The Pure Roller stimulates new collagen and elastin production through creating controlled injury to the skin.

This procedure boosts the skins repairing system resulting in firmer, softer skin with a more refined texture.

The needles also create micro-channels in the skin allowing for increased absorption of active ingredients to create optimal results.

Try the Pure Roller today to see how it can transform your skin, use as part of an existing treatment or on its own for astounding results.

The Pure Roller, will also help products to penetrate the skin, increasing the visible results.

At Above & Beyond Therapy we offer a vast range of facial treatments that always leave our customers satisfied...

Pumpkin Facial Peel I wanted to get my skin in good condition for Spring and the Pumpkin Facial Peel really stood out to me after reading about it. I already use the Dermaquest range and have done for the last 6 months with my skin looking fantastic and in tip-top condition.

The peel was very relaxing taking about 30 minutes in total.

It was a deep peel but one where I could wear make up the next day. Some of the creams were very pungent, but the end result was worth while.

My face was red for only an hour afterwards and once it had calmed down my skin was plump and glowing the next day.

The new skin was fresh and smooth and as the week went on the texture improved greatly. I would definitely recommend this treatment as the results are truly fantastic.

Amanda Holland 50 Plus Magazine

For more information and full price lists please visit www.aboveandbeyondtherapy.co.uk

Sheffield Park Hotel, Chesterfield Road South, Sheffield S8 8BW. Tel: 0114 282 8290

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25

o t d n i m Ope n you r

e v i t a n a lte r pie s t h e ra

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

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

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

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

26

sports’ injuries, migraine and even gastro-intestinal problems.

The word “acupuncture” means “needle piercing” and the skin is penetrated by special needles in a painless process which is meant to allow the body to transmit energy or qi (pronounced chee) through pathways or meridians to heal and promote wellbeing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

People with nasal problems or with head pains have found relief in an unusual therapy called Hopi Ear Candling. At the very least, this is a relaxing treatment which promotes a feeling of wellbeing. You lie on your side on a heated bed in a peaceful environment, and the hollow candle is placed in the ear with the other end lit.

“Certainly, some of my clients have found it very soothing and pain-relieving,” said Angela Close, who has been using the therapy for more than 20 years.

Help relieve

Another ancient healing method is Reiki, a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Energy which relates to a system of natural healing. Its ideology is that natural healing flows in a powerful and concentrated form through the hands of the Reiki-giver. The recipient simply lies on a couch or bed and relaxes comfortably. There is no need to remove any clothing, and the practitioner gently places his or her hands in a sequence of positions which cover the whole of the body. Each position is held for several minutes and, in some of them, the hand is held closely to the body rather than actually on it. “It involves your body, mind and soul,” added Angela. “Reiki balances the energy in the body, heals holistically, relieves pain and relaxes and reduces stress, among many other things.”

Some businesses now bring exponents of Indian Head Massage into the workplace to help stressed out staff to relax and ultimately perform better.

Certainly, it’s a safe, simple yet effective therapy that provides relief from aches and pains and stress – and promotes hair growth! The head, neck and shoulders are important energy centres within the body. “If you’re feeling stressed or angry, tension tends to accumulate in these areas,” stated Angela. “The tension can later show up as a stiff neck and shoulders, eyestrain and even hair-loss.”

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

Angela Close - Be autician and Alternative Thera pist www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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90 years of Insulin

“Insulin is a wonderful thing and those who use it must respect it” 23 January 2012 marked the 90th anniversary of the first successful use of insulin, arguably one of the greatest medical advances of the twentieth century. Since then, millions of people worldwide have used insulin, usually in the form of injections, to regulate their blood glucose levels and stay alive.

Not long after the first insulin treatment began on a 14-year-old boy, in 1934 novelist HG Wells and his practitioner Dr RD Lawrence, both of whom had diabetes, set up the Diabetic Association aiming to make sure that everyone in the UK could gain access to insulin. This charity later became Diabetes UK. Today Diabetes UK is the leading charity for over 3.7 million people in the UK with diabetes – 2.9 million diagnosed and an estimated 850,000 who have diabetes but do not know it - their families, friends and healthcare professionals. The charity cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of all people affected by and at risk of diabetes.

Richard Lane 68, President of Diabetes UK, has been taking insulin for more than 35 years and has seen the technology in administering insulin advance in leaps and bounds: “I used to use glass syringes which would have to be boiled and their needles sharpened. A lot has changed since then and I now use a state-of-theart insulin pump and sensor. It provides me with a remarkable amount of information about my blood glucose levels, which is transmitted wirelessly from a sensor to the actual pump which feeds me insulin. Data can be downloaded onto a computer and a detailed profile of my condition is put together. This life-changing technology means I can now keep a closer eye on my diabetes and manage it well.”

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Richard says he feels “humble” to have access to this modern technology and is concerned that hundreds of people are denied insulin sensors and pumps and strongly believes that they should be available for all people if they are suitable.

Richard is very conscious that insulin keeps him alive and without it he wouldn’t be able to live the active life that he does: “Insulin is a wonderful thing and those of us who use it must respect it. We have to be aware of how to use it and how things could go wrong if we don’t treat our condition properly.”

In addition to self-managing diabetes, it is important that people with the condition are provided with the right care from their healthcare professionals. Diabetes UK has launched the 15 healthcare essentials initiative to identify the 15 care checks which all people with diabetes should have access to.

For more information, visit their website: www.diabetes.org.uk Read Richard Lane’s blog to see who he’s been sharing his experiences with across the world recently: http://blogs.diabetes.org.uk/?cat=241

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Whittington Goddard Associates Ltd provide independent financial advice from our offices in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Whittington Goddard Associates Ltd’s services are tailored to meet a clients current circumstances, aims and objectives.

THE LONGEST HOLIDAY OF YOUR LIFE

• • • •

INVESTMENTS & SAVINGS PENSIONS & RETIREMENT PLANNING LIFE COVER & INCOME PROTECTION/ CRITICAL ILLNESS COVER EQUITY RELEASE

Retirement has often been described as “the longest holiday of your life.”

But attractive as that sounds, can you afford to pay for the holiday?

Whittington Goddard

Research by one leading insurance company shows that 69% of people over the age of 50 are concerned about their income in retirement. And with the recent uncertainty surrounding the stock market, plus the planned changes to public sector pension schemes, that figure is likely to increase.

Many people who have their own business argue that “my business is my pension.” Again, that works well in theory – but it assumes that you can sell the business for the price you want at exactly the time you want. With technology changing ever more quickly and more and more businesses losing market share to the internet, relying on your business to fund your retirement can be a high risk strategy.

Many people underestimate how much income they will need when they retire. If you’ve been used to having two cars, going on foreign holidays and eating out then it is unlikely that you’ll want to give those up simply because you’ve stopped work. In fact, many people find that their need for income actually increases when they retire.

After all, if you’re behind a desk all day, the only money you’ll spend will probably be on a sandwich at lunchtime.

Contrast this with how much you spend on a day off.

As worries about income in retirement increase many people are opting to keep working after their normal retirement date, with 1 in 10 of those over 65 now being classed as ‘not fully retired.’ This figure is likely to increase in the future, and there are undoubted attractions to ‘cutting back a bit’ – especially if you enjoy your job. That’s fine if your health stays good, but although people are now living longer, they are not necessarily living longer in good health.

Source Websites: www.telegraph.co.uk www.moneywise.co.uk

A S S O C I AT E S LTD INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL PLANNERS

More than any other aspect of financial planning, your retirement demands careful consideration. From checking on your likely state pension to tracking down any previous pensions you might have to making sure you’re contributing sufficient to your current pension – retirement planning needs to be done thoroughly and reviewed regularly.

If you are in any way worried about your provision for retirement or you’d like advice on any aspect of pension planning, then please feel free to contact us.

26 Causeway Head Road, Dore, Sheffield S17 3DT Telephone: 0114 235 1623 Fax: 0114 262 0438 Email: enquiry@wg-associates.co.uk Office hours: 9.00am - 5.30pm Monday - Friday

www.wg-associates.co.uk

Whittington Goddard Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by The Financial services Authority.

Home reversion plans and lifetime mortgages are complex products. To understand the features and risk, ask for a personal illustration.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Everyone should consider some basic legal planning to make sure that their families and loved ones are protected in case of future events which can affect anyone. Here we consider the “essentials” of making a Will, Lasting Power of Attorney and Gift of Property into Trust.

REASONS TO MAKE A WILL Making a Will is important, particularly when you realise that without a Will the Government will decide who will receive your money and possessions after you die. Unfortunately this can cause many difficulties for your surviving family and relatives at an already distressing time. By making a Will you can help alleviate additional pressures on your family.

The myth that ‘my wife will receive everything anyway’ is not true. Your estate would be shared out in accordance with the ‘Statutory Legacy’ rules and your wife would receive the first £250,000 with the rest going into trust. This might not be enough to enable your wife to keep the matrimonial home. When it comes to ‘common law husband or wife’, there is no such thing. Only people who are legally married or have formed a civil partnership will be classed as husband, wife or civil partner and only they can enjoy the benefits of automatically inheriting part of their spouse’s estate. You would have to go to Court to claim part of the estate which will come with the usual costs and expenses.

Children are another reason why it is important to make a Will. If something was to happen to you and your children were still minors or disabled, you can appoint Guardians to look after them. It is also important if you are married for a second time and have children from a previous relationship. If you were to die first and your estate was below the ‘Statutory Legacy’ your whole estate would pass to your second spouse and your children would have no absolute right to anything. If you are legally separated the ‘Statutory Legacy’ will still apply until the divorce is finalised so if you want your estate to pass to someone else then you must make a Will.

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You should have your Will prepared by an experienced Lawyer who will make sure all the relevant points are covered especially if your Will is complicated and Tax Planning Advice may be required.

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY Most people know they should have a Will, but have you considered what would happen if you were to become unable to manage your own affairs during your lifetime? Who would make difficult financial and personal decisions on your behalf? You can protect yourself by making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

The LPA is a legal document in which you can appoint another person or persons as Attorney(s) to act on your behalf in relation to your financial affairs and/or personal welfare if you become unable to do so for yourself. The LPA was introduced under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and must be registered with the Court of Protection before it can be used. It is useful if you are ill or in hospital or residential care when it is difficult for you to look after your personal finances or welfare. There is one type of LPA dealing with your financial affairs i.e. managing your Bank Accounts and Investments and also selling your property if required.

There is also an LPA dealing with your personal welfare i.e. issues relating to your personal care and where you should live and also giving or refusing consent to certain medical treatment.

It is important to note that you can only make an LPA if you have sufficient mental capacity and this has to be confirmed by a Certificate Provider. In some cases it may be necessary to obtain a Doctor’s opinion if there is any doubt. It is also important to note that it does not take away your independence as one of the main principles of the Act is that capacity is decision specific and Attorneys should assist people to make their own decisions wherever possible. If you should lose capacity without having an LPA in place then it will be necessary for someone to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to deal with your affairs which can be a very slow and expensive process.

An LPA is an important legal document which should be properly prepared and explained to you by an experienced Lawyer. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

FINANCE

GIFT OF PROPERTY INTO TRUST Most people are concerned about the costs of long term residential care. Currently if your assets exceed ÂŁ23,250 including the value of your property then you will be self funding and have to pay for the cost of your care yourself.

The biggest concern for most people is that you may have to sell your property to pay for the care. However it is possible to avoid this by giving your property away during your lifetime, usually to your children.

The gift however must be made in good time and not simply with the intention of avoiding future care fees otherwise it may be caught by the Local Authority’s anti-avoidance measures.

You could simply make an outright gift to your children but as you will probably wish to continue to live in your property this could cause problems if you were to fall out with them or if they were to experience matrimonial problems or bankruptcy it could lead to someone else making a claim against their share of your property. Additionally, it could also cause problems for your children in owning a share of a second property and could give rise to possible Capital Gains Tax implications on the eventual sale of the property.

We would therefore always recommend that a gift of property should be a gift into Trust which would

protect you and your children from most of these potential difficulties. The Trust would provide for you to remain living in the property for as long as you wish on the basis that you continue to be responsible for all the outgoings as at present. The Trust can also provide for the property to be sold and a replacement property purchased for you to live in if you so wished.

When you no longer live in the property for whatever reason, the trust would come to an end and the property could be sold with the proceeds divided between your children.

In this way you would no longer be treated as the legal owner of the property if you were to be assessed for long-term care fees and also as you are occupying the property which is held in trust, this usually means that main residence exemption from Capital Gains Tax can be claimed although this is decided by the Revenue on a case by case basis.

Obviously giving away your property is a major irrevocable decision which requires specialist legal advice.

Make sure you carry out your legal planning in good time with the benefit of specialist legal advice from a Lawyer who is experienced in such matters.

Wills, Trusts, Tax & Probate SOLICITORS Wath upon Dearne Office: 42 High Street, Wath upon Dearne S63 7QE T: 01709 873321 F: 01709 878637

Doncaster Office: 55 Hallgate Doncaster DN1 3PD T: 01302 321621

Thorne Office: 3 Farriers Court, Horsefair Green DN8 5EE T: 01405 814136 F: 01405 740367 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

EXPERIENCED SPECIALIST LEGAL ADVICE

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Everyone should consider some basic legal planning to make sure their families and loved ones are protected in case of future events which can affect anyone. Contact us to arrange a free consultation about the "essentials" of making a Will, Lasting Power of Attorney and Gift of Property into Trust.

There is no obligation and any work then carried out will be on a fixed fee basis to be agreed in advance. We are happy to visit you at home if more convenient.

Please contact Veranne Bradley on (01302) 321621.

E: info@bsmlaw.co.uk W: www.bsmlaw.co.uk 33

Should the NHS be paying your care home fees?

With care home fees rising families can find themselves paying on average a costly £36,000 a year for individual care.

Residents are currently funding their own care with many not aware that the NHS could help.

If you or a relative are in a care home because of physical or mental health needs you may be paying fees that should have been funded by the NHS. This is the case even if the individual has sadly passed away.

Hugh James are the leading national experts in recovery of wrongly paid care home fees. Our nursing care legal specialists have successfully recovered over £20 million for families like yours.

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What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?

The NHS is responsible for meeting the full cost of care home fees for individuals whose primary need for bring in the care home is because of their health. This is called NHS Continuing Healthcare and is often described as ‘fully funded care’.

Every person should be properly assessed for NHS Continuing Healthcare. Initially this should look at the medical and health needs only and not the individual’s ability to pay.

The McConnell family received over £117,000 in wrongly paid fees Following a seven year fight with the help of Hugh James nursing care, the NHS admitted that their decision on care fees was wrong and the family of Mrs Evangeline McConnell was reimbursed £117,000 in wrongly paid care home fees.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

At the age of 88 Evangeline McConnell suffered a severe stroke and was admitted to hospital.

Evangeline could not return home as she needed 24 hour nursing care and was admitted to a care home in April 2003.

Due to Mrs McConnell’s capital and income, the family were told that she would have to pay for her own care home costs and was found not eligible for NHS Continuing Care, despite her obvious health needs.

The family then found themselves having to pay fees of £2,000 a month and were forced into selling the much loved family home to help fund this cost.

Mrs McConnell had suffered a catastrophic stroke which resulted in her being immobile, incontinent, unable to communicate and swallow. She was totally reliant on two to three carers to attend to all her needs. The family, helped by Hugh James, had to prove that her health and living needs meant she should never have had to pay her own care home fees.

Finally, in January 2008 Mrs McConnell was assessed as meeting the criteria needed and all her future fees were to be paid by the NHS. Fortunately Evangeline and her family later received all the money that they had wrongly paid for her care home.

Hugh James are the leading national experts • Our specialist Nursing Care team have recovered over £20 million in wrongly paid care home fees • Our success and client stories are regularly featured in the press as we are recognised as leading the way • We have represented thousands of individuals and families across England and Wales • We work in partnership with many of the leading older peoples’ charities • Unlike many other companies we are a firm of solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) and comply with the solicitors code of conduct • Our team is the most experienced in this niche area and each case is dealt with by lawyers specialising in reclaiming care home fees • In recognition of our expertise and work in this area we have been awarded an excellence award from the Law Society

How Hugh James can help you...

There are lots of reasons why NHS continuing healthcare decisions may be wrong. If you or a relative have been paying for care since April 2004 then you may be able to reclaim these fees.

Contact us for a free and confidential assessment and we can let you know if you have a claim. Our free assessment will help you decide whether to challenge the decision on your care home fees and there is no obligation to proceed.

Contact the team Call

029 2039 1108

Email

nursing.care@hughjames.com

Website

www.hughjames.com/nursingcare www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Planning for your future Whether you are already retired or are approaching retirement there are certain things you might want to consider as part of your retirement plan. With a plan in place and your financial affairs in order you can relax and enjoy your retirement years. After all you’ve earned it!

Wills

Inheritance Tax Planning

If you don’t have a Will then now is the time to consider writing one as leaving a Will means you can be sure that everything will be dealt with in the way you would wish following your death.

You should also start to think about Inheritance Tax (IHT).

IHT is a tax payable on death at the rate of 40% on the value of your net assets over £325,000. The first £325,000 is called the Nil Rate Band because although it attracts Inheritance Tax, it is taxed at 0%. If you are married, the best way to pay less inheritance tax (or even none at all) is by making a Tax efficient Will.

If you don’t make a Will, the “Intestacy Rules” will govern how your estate is divided up when you die. The government will determine which of your relatives receives how much, but beware, they don’t provide at all for your friends or even for a partner who you may have lived with for years. Under the Intestacy Rules, even your step-children are not counted as your children unless you have formally adopted them.

If you do have a Will it is important to review it, say every five years. Family circumstances and relationships change with family members sometimes becoming estranged, so ask yourself, does your Will still provide for the people you want it to? If you do want to make a change we can do this for you even if your Will was not written by Banner Jones.

Many people believe that giving away money or valuable assets whilst you are alive avoids IHT. This can be the case if the total of the gifts made in any one year does not exceed your annual exemption of £3000, but for gifts over that level you must survive the following 7 years otherwise you will be taxed as though you still owned the asset.

There are ways to gift money that are free from Inheritance Tax. You can make a gift to your spouse (provided you both live in England and Wales) although you should seek legal advice before doing so as this could affect other tax planning possibilities, such as the gifting of agricultural assets or business property. You can also make a tax-free gift

to your children or grandchildren of up to £5000 or £2,500 respectively on their marriage/civil partnership. If you decide to give a larger amount to your children now, you can reduce the tax they pay by insuring the Inheritance Tax liability which would arise if you were to die within 7 years of the gift and we would be happy to advise on the right policy for you.

Planning for Long Term Care As people live longer, more and more of us face the possibility of going into residential care. This currently costs around £575 per week which means that the money you worked so hard for all your life can soon be eaten away.

There are however ways to preserve your assets and that’s where we can help.

If your total assets (usually including the value of your home) exceed £23,250 then you will have to pay the care fees yourself, until your assets fall below that level (when the local authority will step in and contribute some of the cost).

Certain assets are disregarded (such as jewellery or cars) but the best way to prevent all your assets being used up by long term care fees is to come and see us and take advice at an early stage.

As the need to go into residential care approaches, many people are tempted to transfer their home into the names of their children, or to give away large amounts of money. If you do give assets away and one of your reasons for doing so is to avoid care fees, the “notional capital” rules mean that you will be assessed as still owning that asset even after you give it away. Please seek advice before giving away any assets.

As people live longer, more and more of us face the possibility of going into residential care.

This currently costs around £575 per week which means that the money you worked so hard for all your life can soon be eaten away.

Looking After Someone Else’s Affairs Managing your own financial affairs is often difficult enough but sometimes as your parents get older they may also wish for you to help them with theirs. If this has been discussed, the key thing here is to act before your loved one loses mental capacity.

If their mental capacity is still sound they can give you a “Power of Attorney” which allows you to look after things for up to a year for them or it might be more suitable to have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) which will last indefinitely.

At Banner Jones we can tailor-make a Power of Attorney to suit their individual needs and circumstances and we can discuss their options with them at the initial appointment.

If mental capacity is unfortunately lost before an LPA is put in place then we can apply to the Court for a Deputyship order. This would mean that you would be appointed by the Court to be their Deputy and be able to manage their affairs for them under Court guidance.

We know that much of this might sound quite daunting but the key is to deal with it sooner rather than later. We’re here to guide you every step of the way and we’ll make sure that your retirement plan is tailor made and as individual as you are.

www.bannerjones.co.uk

Later Life Planning Consultation Let us help you get prepared with our new fixed fee later life planning consultation. The consultation is tailored around your own personal circumstances, giving you a thorough understanding of the best way forward for you and your family.

The consultation includes bespoke advice on: • Wills & Trusts - what to include • Inheritance Tax guidance • Care fees planning - how to protect your assets from care fees • Lasting Powers of Attorney - will you need one • We’ll even talk to you about funeral plans if required

For a fixed fee you will get a one hour private meeting with an experienced solicitor, as well as a comprehensive advice letter to make sure you know exactly how you should proceed to protect your future.

To book your personal later life planning consultation please call 0333 200 2307 or call into one of our offices in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Bolsover, Dronfield and Clay Cross.

03 numbers cost the same as calling a land line and are included in your mobile minutes.

Bereavement Services are continually monitoring and improving the facilities and the services offered to the public. The staff are committed to ensuring that each funeral is carried out in a caring and dignified manner and each funeral service is attended by a Bereavement Officer.

The grounds of the cemeteries and crematoria are open every day, including Sundays and Bank Holidays and the opening times are displayed in prominent positions at the entrances to our facilities.

City Road Crematorium City Road, Sheffield, S2 1GD

Please contact either your chosen Funeral Director or Bereavement Services for further advice. If required, a recording of the funeral service can be provided for an additional charge.

All crematoria chapels contain either pipe or electronic organs if a more traditional ceremony is required.

Sheffield’s older more traditional Crematorium opened in 1905 and is situated within the grounds of City Road Cemetery which opened in 1881.

There are two chapels for cremation services and facilities include induction loop for the hearing impaired, braille and large print service booklets, wheelchair availability and disabled toilets and access.

Gardens of Remembrance adjoining Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium

The Gardens are attractive and peaceful and extend for 9 acres. Whilst the majority of the area is structured and formal there are a variety of trees, flowers and a more formal perimeter which attracts wildlife.

Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium Memorialisation after Periwood Lane, Sheffield, S8 0HN Cremation

Following a funeral, relatives often find great comfort in being able to remember their loved one in some way. Choosing the most appropriate memorial can be difficult. Bereavement Services offer a wide choice of commemorative memorials.

This crematorium opened in 1974 and has one chapel available for cremation services. Facilities include induction loop for hearing impaired, braille and large print service booklets, wheelchair availability, disabled toilets and stairlift to the exit of the chapel.

Musical Arrangements for Cremation Services

An extensive range of recorded music is available at both crematoria to accompany services.

Books of Remembrance

Books of Remembrance are displayed at both Hutcliffe Wood Hall of Remembrance and the Remembrance Room at City Road Cemetery. The books are handcrafted and inscribed by a professional calligrapher with an appropriate inscription of your choice.

Leather Memorial Panels

The panels are covered in dark blue leather and contained within a decorative oak frame. The chosen inscription is in gold leaf.

Memorial Wall Niches The niches are contained within a granite memorial wall situated within the formal areas of the gardens. The niches are large enough to accept two caskets of cremated remains. The covering plate can be inscribed with your chosen inscription, along with an emblem or photograph if required.

Bronze Memorial Plaques

For a more traditional memorial to a loved one, a wall or kerb plaque may be more appropriate. The plaques are cast in bronze to a high standard.

Memorial Mushroom Plaques

Memorial plaques which are placed on a granite memorial mushroom.

The mushrooms have been sited under trees and are surrounded by bark wood chippings to create a more natural area.

Memorial Vase Block

Granite vase blocks surrounding an ornamental tree are available in the Gardens of Remembrance. The granite tablet is inscribed and can include an emblem or photograph. The vase block includes a flower posy vase for floral tributes.

Arboria Plaques

The plaques are made from natural timber and placed within a metal frame. Plaques are available within the Room of Remembrance at City Road Cemetery.

Bereavement Services Helping our Birds and Wildlife

You can help the wildlife at the Gardens of Remembrance by sponsoring a bird or bat box in memory of a loved one.

For further information and advice on the memorials available, please contact the staff on the telephone number below.

Cemeteries

Cremated Remains Graves

These are smaller graves for the purpose of burying cremated remains only. The graves are available at the majority of cemeteries with the exception of Burngreave, Darnall and Norton.

Grave Leases

The Exclusive Right of Burial on all new graves can be leased for 30, 50 or 90 years if required. Leases can be renewed at the expiry date.

Woodland Burial Ground. A further area has also been allocated for the strewing of cremated remains.

Memorial Safety

Creating a safer environment within our Cemeteries Sheffield City Council are committed to providing a safe environment for those visiting and working in our cemeteries.

To comply with current guidelines issued by Health & Safety Executive (HSE) we are required to survey Expired Grave Leases every headstone in all our sixteen Abbey Lane, Beighton, Burncross, From February 1959, the Exclusive cemeteries (see list on this page) to Burngreave, City Road, Crookes, Right of Burial on all new graves were ensure that these remain in a safe and Darnall, Ecclesfield, Handsworth, leased for 40 years. Since February stable condition and do not pose any Intake, Norton, Shiregreen, 1999, these leases have been expiring. immediate danger to visitors and staff Stocksbridge, Tinsley Park, Wisewood If you are the registered owner to the working in the cemeteries. and Woodhouse.

Rights of a grave which the lease has expired, please contact Bereavement The guidelines from the HSE have There are 5 cemetery chapels Services for advice. been issued to all burial authorities available for services prior to interment. following a number of deaths and Chapels are available at City Road, serious injuries in the United Kingdom Crookes, Abbey Lane, Shiregreen and over the last 5 years in cemeteries Tinsley Park cemeteries. caused by falling headstones.

The following cemeteries are managed

by Bereavement Services:

An extensive range of recorded music is available and arrangements can be made for personal tapes and CDs to be played at the service.

New Graves

New graves are available at the majority of cemeteries with the exception of Burngreave, Darnall and Norton.

Existing Family Graves

Existing graves can be re-opened to allow further interments providing the written authority of the present owner of the rights to the grave is obtained.

Wisewood Woodland Burial Ground An area has been set aside within Wisewood Cemetery for woodland burials. Instead of a traditional headstone, a native species tree is planted on the grave which will eventually create a woodland and encourage wildlife into the area. It is possible to purchase full graves and cremated remains plots within the

From January 2002, a team of Memorial Safety Operatives have been surveying headstones in the sixteen cemeteries. Approximately 350,000 memorials are contained within the 350 acres of cemetery grounds.

Please ensure that we always have current contact details on record should we need to get in touch.

For further advice, please feel free to contact a member of the Memorial Safety Operative team on the number below.

Staff are available to offer confidential advice and assistance on any of the services mentioned in this article by contacting:

Bereavement Services, City Road Cemetery, City Road, Sheffield S2 1GD Telephone: 0114 239 6068 | Fax: 0114 239 3757 Email: bereavement.services@sheffield.gov.uk www.sheffield.gov.uk Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm

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Mr Richards, Director said “We welcome anybody to get in touch with us if they would like to find out more about this amazing product”

• LOW MAINTENANCE • PUDDLE & WEED FREE • MULTIPLE COLOUR CHOICES

...your workmen were all brilliant, and made a lovely job for us, and everybody admires it...

Mr & Mrs Hawksworth

Why Resin over concrete, block paving or tarmac?

That’s simple, our product naturally drains water through the finished surface which means no more puddles, it is also resistant to weeds, hence giving it all round better traction for tyres and for walking on and last but not least, it’s up to 10 times more eco friendly than concrete.

• INSTANT KERB APPEAL • FULLY GUARANTEED • ULTIMATE STRENGTH & DURABILITY

Tel: 0800 007 5733 Unit 1, South Bradford Trading Estate, Brighouse Road, Low Moor, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD12 0NQ 40

www.resindrives.co.uk

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk