Swindon Issue 46

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Celebrity Feature

HARRISON FORD - A CREDIBLE HERO

Travel

HEBRIDEAN ISLAND CRUISES

Twittering On

BY

ANGELA KELLY

BUYING JUST ONE THING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

IN THIS ISSUE

6-7 TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

10-11 TRAVEL

Lord of the Highlands

14-15 CELEBRITY FEATURE

Harrison Ford tackles a tough adventure role at the age of 81

16-17 MOTORING

Steve Howarth test drives the Masarati Grecale

18-20 HOME

Buying just one thing can make a difference

22-24 GARDENING

Flowers that bloom late and how to create an outdoor eating area on a budget

26-29 FOOD

Theo Randall showcases the best of Italian cooking.

Bridgeman House 77 Bridgeman Street | Bolton | BL3 6BY. Sales Enquiries : T: (01204) 238180

E: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

Open Day

Sunday 17 September, 10.30am - 3pm

Marsh Farm Manor care home

Marsh Farm Manor care home in Coped Hall, Royal Wootton Bassett is a brand new state-of-the-art residential care home that’s been purpose built to provide a safe, comfortable and luxurious environment for you or your loved one.

Marsh Farm Manor will offer:

• Beautiful landscaped gardens with outdoor seating areas

• Hair and beauty salon

• Spacious bedrooms with en-suite wet room facilities

• Bar area

For more information, please contact a member of our friendly team on 01793 352 347 or visit marshfarmmanorcarehome.co.uk

Marsh Farm Manor care home, Coped Hall, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 8ER

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

Let’s hope Lewis can rest now and eventually return to his performances with all his usual impressive commitment. We need to hear that beautiful voice – and see Lewis back on form.

How can we condone competitive eating in 2023?

I CAN’T be the only person who feels that competitive eating events are completely at odds with life in a country where so many struggle just to pay for enough daily food.

Reading about eating champion John Dawes’ ability to eat 20 sausages and a kilo of mash in five minutes offers an uncomfortable reality.

Lewis’s fans step in for their hero

THE moment that singer Lewis Capaldi’s Tourette’s Syndrome symptoms prevented him from singing at Glastonbury made heartbreaking viewing.

Even for TV viewers not privy to that live moment at Worthy Farm, seeing the talented Lewis unable to carry on was very upsetting.

He had just had a three week mental health break in order to fulfil this appearance but, sadly, Tourette’s (the neurological condition which causes unwanted, involuntary muscle movements and sounds).is a cruel curse, striking sufferers randomly.

In the middle of all this, the audience came to the rescue, taking over the singing of his haunting hit Someone You Love. Unsurprisingly, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house - in my house, either.

Lewis also wrote the song and it’s opening line “I’m going under and this time there’s no one to save me” was particularly poignant.

Genuine affection between performer and audience is the staple of huge popularity, especially among today’s headliners. But the deal can still mean a “them and us” situation which puts our heroes on pedestals.

To see and hear the real empathy of an audience prepared to offer unconditional support was very touching. All of them knew that Lewis was in anguish, physical and mental, over his inability to perform as he wanted to, in spite of having already delivered some fabulous songs.

Their answer was simply to sing it for him.

Although Glastonbury like any major festival, is built on practical affection for enduring musical heroes, it was rare to see it in action in quite such a deliberate way when it was needed.

The fact that he wants his 18 year-old daughter to continue his legacy with rigorous “training sessions” seems an odd sort of suggested career path for anyone.

Consuming huge amounts of food in mere minutes feels wrong on so many levels when we still urgently need food banks and thousands of children attend school breakfast clubs just to give them a decent start to the day.

Surely promoting gluttony as entertainment - or, worse, as a genuine “sport” - is crazily out of kilter with Britain in 2023?

Cheesy chat-up lines still working

CHAT-up lines are always fascinating, don’t you think?

They are probably a great indication of the social trends of the time but most have one thing in common: they are relentlessly cheesy.

So it was reassuring to see the results of a poll of single Brits and what their current chat-up lines are.

Roughly a quarter of those aged between 16 and 29 (categorized as Gen Z) say they have used corny one liners on someone else compared to just 11 per cent of singles aged from 30 to 49.

The youngsters also prefer to deliver their chat-up lines via online dating rather than face-to-face.

According to them, the best flirty phrase was “ Is your name WiFi? Because I’m feeling a connection.”

Another ranking highly was “Is your name Google? ‘Cause you’re what I’ve been searching for.” Or “Are you a parking ticket? ‘Cause you’ve got fine written all over you” and “Should we get coffee? ‘Cause I like you a latte.”

When you’ve finished groaning, it is rather interesting that today’s youngsters still value this kind of preliminary social action. And quite touching that they believe it will work.

I think I still prefer the old classics like “You dancin’?” You askin’?” “I’m askin’.” “I’m dancin’“. How could that fail?!

Ellie’s heartwarming story of her roots

YOU really have to admire the attitude of Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds to her birth mother.

Ellie was born with dwarfism but has never let this define her.

At 10 days old, she went into foster care and was later adopted by a plainly remarkable couple who have done everything possible to encourage her and allow her to develop as an individual and as a champion, Ellie became the youngest of five children, growing up with adoptive parents Val and Steve in Walsall in the West Midlands. From an early age, she loved swimming and was just 13 when she won two golds for Britain at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing.

She retired from sport in 2020 and it was then that she felt the urge to trace her roots. Now, in a new ITV documentary Ellie Simmonds, Finding My Secret Family, Ellie, aged 28, refuses to judge her birth mother, who already had a daughter without dwarfism.

Her birth mother had separated from Ellie’s father before she found out she was pregnant. She felt guilty about her daughter’s disability and wished she’d had an abortion or that her baby had died.

Ellie explains: “It sounds like she had a fear of not just me but of living with dwarfism.”

Ellie also realized that not enough was known or understood about dwarfism (achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism) then.

When Ellie ultimately discovered her mother, they met up and, critically, she told Ellie that she had suffered with guilt and selfhatred ever since.

She did, though, feel happy that Ellie’s adoptive parents and siblings had provided her with such a loving environment.

On that first meeting, they spoke for over five hours “and were howling with laughter as we’ve got the same sense of humour.”

Not every adoption story has such a happy ending and not every child has the courage and understanding of Ellie Simmonds. This proved a really heartwarming story all round.

or email: help@aamail.org

barnes Holidays

Secret Santa Seaside Mystery

Fri 3rd Nov 2023

4 Days: From £319 Experience a festive version of one of our famous mystery tours, just look at all the extras! This year we visit a 3-star seaside hotel and visit two national parks!

Isle of Wight

Turkey & Tinsel

Mon 6th Nov 2023

4 Days: From £399 Inc. Alum Bay, Yarmouth, Shanklin, Ryde, West Cowes.

Weymouth

Turkey & Tinsel

Mon 6th Nov 2023

4 Days: From £399 Inc. Christchurch, West Bay, Lyme Regis, Swanage, Poole, Lymington.

Ilfracombe

Turkey & Tinsel

Fri 10th Nov 2023

4 Days: From £319 Inc. Barnstaple, Bideford, Appledore, Dunster, Lynmouth, Weston Super Mare.

Lake District & Yorkshire Dales

Mon 20th Nov 2023

Torquay

Turkey & Tinsel

Looe Turkey & Tinsel

Fri 15th Dec 2023

Manchester Christmas Markets

Sun 19th Nov 2023

4 Days: From £429 Inc. Trentham Shopping Village, afternoon tea at Tatton Park, plus Trafford Shopping Centre!

4 Days: From £439 Inc. Trentham Shopping Centre, Hawes, Blackpool or Fleetwood Market, Bury Market. Bownesson-Windermere.

Mon 20th Nov 2023

5 Days: From £449 Inc. Dawlish, Totnes, Dartmouth, Brixham Teignmouth, Wells.

5 Days: From £329 Inc. Padstow, Mevagissey, Falmouth, Truro & Par Market!

Lake District for Christmas

Sat 23rd Dec 2023

5 Days: From £739 Inc. Chester, Keswick, Bownesson-Windermere & Shrewsbury. Plus, ‘Xmas Xtras’

Christmas at Warners: Bodelyddan Castle

Sat 23rd Dec 2023

5 Days: From £1,089 Inc. Shrewsbury, Betws-y-Coed, Llandudno & Chester. Plus, ‘Xmas Xtras’

Christmas in Ilfracombe

Sun 24th Dec 2023

5 Days: From £619 Inc. Minehead, Appledore, Barnstaple, Lynton & Exeter. Plus, ‘Xmas Xtras’

New Year in Ilfracombe

Sat 30th Dec 2023

5 Days: From £569 Inc. Barnstaple, Bideford, Woolacombe, Dunster, Lynmouth, Exeter. Plus, ‘New Year Xtras’

View full tour itineraries and inclusions on our website, or request a free holiday brochure to be posted to you today:

50 Plus Travel sponsored by

LORD OF THE HIGHLANDS

Tonight, is the first Gala Night where we are welcomed to a Champagne Reception by our Captain.

Snow-capped mountains, azure blue skies, history, sea and inland waterways yet less than 90 minutes flying time from London, yes, Scotland, the Highlands and Western Isles, some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

From Inverness airport it’s a short coach journey to Hebridean Islands Cruise ship, Lord of the Highlands, moored on the Caledonian Canal, my home for the next seven days.

My cabin on Richard Hannay deck is impressive, large picture window, single beds with stowage and drawer space under each, UK style electrical sockets, two usb ports by the beds, individual flexible reading lamps, wardrobe, drawers and shelves provide more than enough storage for the seven day voyage. Air conditioning, hair dryer, flat screen tv, kettle with tea/coffee/milk sachets, iron and little extras other ships don’t provide, shoe horn, shoe polish pad, clothes brush and dressing gowns. The bathroom boasts a large walk in shower, toilet, wash basin, extending magnifying mirror, large soft towels, complemented by toiletries of shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, shower cap, soap and much more, all bearing the Molton Brown name. Finally, a small decanter of Whisky and glasses await ready for that night cap and if Whisky is not your tipple, it can be changed for Gin or Brandy.

The following day, Tuesday, I wake to a clear sky and sunshine. After breakfast some depart on a visit to Culloden and Clava Cairns. I stay on board and take in what a beautiful vessel Lord of the Highlands is. Everything of the highest quality, woodwork, panelling, chairs, glass topped tables with inset marquetry, cutlery and glass ware. Lunch over, our transit of the canal begins. Gliding peacefully past the vast Inverness Tomnahurich Cemetery, banks of bright yellow gorse, moored canal boats and houses on the water’s edge. Onwards through swing bridges and locks to arrive at our overnight berth of Fort Augustus.

Wednesday, we continue along the canal berthing at Cullochy Lower. An area of flowering bushes, red and white in various stages of bloom are a delight, trees so tall they seem to touch the sky. We meet a group of canoeists having to take their canoes and drag/carry them as they are not allowed to paddle them through the lock. Back aboard we progress through locks, passing small villages, watching birds diving for fish, fields of sheep and a swan sitting with her young, fish causing ripples in the mirror smooth water can be seen. Following lunch, we moor at the head of Neptune’s Staircase. A set of 8 locks that lower the ship from the Caledonian Canal to sea level 64 feet below at Fort William. We have a choice, stay on board and go through the locks or to take the excursion, I decide on the excursion visiting the Glenfinnan Monument, erected in 1814 in memory of the Highlanders who fought in the Jacobite rising of 1745. There is a small gift shop and museum taking you through the area’s history. From this point can be seen the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Harry Potter fans would recognise this as the viaduct the Hogwarts Express passes over.

Now to visit Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, ithe largest town in the Highlands, and see the sights of this old Scottish town which during the 2nd World War was home to HMS St. Christopher, a British Navy training unit. Fort William is popular with tourists as Glen Coe is nearby as is Ben Nevis, a favourite with climbers and hill walkers. Arriving back to the ship berthed at Corpath the ‘Hogwarts Express’ steams through the station to the delight of Harry Potter fans. Our mooring has views of Ben Nevis, the snow still visible to let us know that for this area winter is not long gone.

Thursday, we enter our 22nd and final lock, the ‘Sea Lock’ as we travel Loch Linnhe on route to Oban. On arrival the sun is shining from a clear blue sky, a great time to go ashore and visit one of my favourite towns in Scotland but not before the Whisky Vault Experience on board from a representative of the Oban Distillery. Oban’s a busy town with tourist and fishing boats plus the Caledonian MacBrayne ferries that travel between the islands. We sail as the sun is beginning to set for our overnight berth at Craignure on the Isle of Mull.

Friday begins with a coach trip to Duart Castle ancestral home to the Clan Maclean since the 14th Century. However, due to Clan Wars, the castle changed hands several times and became almost a ruin before being purchased in 1910 by Sir Fitzroy MacLean, 26th Clan Chief. Situated on a peninsular overlooking the Sound of Mull and the entrances to Lochs Linnie and Etive it affords breath taking vistas.

Alan Fairfax travels the locks and lochs surrounded by magnificent scenery, on water and land.

Lord of the Highlands

In the grounds are a tea shop selling wonderful homemade scones, fruit cake etc and a small but well stocked gift shop. Driving back to the ship, a bright sun shines from a cloudless blue sky, the fields have become alive with sheep and lambs, their white coats contrast with the rich yellow Set amongst gorse hedgerows and green grass, Highland cattle with their long horns and woolly coats ignore us as we pass.

Back on board it’s time to set sail again, this time for my all time favourite, Tobermory a small town on the Isle of Mull featuring brightly coloured houses, cafes, restaurants and shops, its busy small harbour making it a popular location for visitors to Western Scotland and used as the location for the children’s television programme ‘Balamory’. It’s a beautiful warm day and the small sand beach is busy with families. Another interesting visit is the Tobermory Distillery, one of the oldest in Scotland. We remain here overnight allowing passengers to explore the town in the evening.

Saturday, first port is the Isle of Eigg, an amazing island that the 90+ residents have taken into private ownership. Eigg truly has ‘picture postcard’ scenery, hills rolling down to silver sand beaches and inlets, fields that are home to over 1,400 sheep. Unfortunately, we were only here for a short time before crossing to Armadale on the Isle of Skye.

The excursion this afternoon is to Armadale Castle and Gardens now cared for by the Clan Donald Land Trust. The castle is now a ruin but you can imagine what a magnificent structure it used to be

Sunday, our last day, takes us on tours to Eilean Donan Castle believed to be named after the Irish saint, Bishop Doran and in the afternoon to Plockton often said to be the prettiest village in Scotland, and yes, it is beautiful with stunning views. The evening is the final Gala Night and in true Scottish tradition the Haggis is piped aboard and the ancient address made by the hotel manager. A fabulous ending to a great cruise.

Find out more

Alan travelled as a guest of Hebridean Island Cruises. Contact our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678 to discover more about their Scottish voyages on Lord of the Highlands and Hebridean Princess.

Eilean Donan Castle

£254

Whether you’re looking for a romantic break for two, a family holiday or getting away with friends, Daish’s Holidays offers 12 hotels in 10 of the most popular UK destinations. Our fleet of 35 luxury coaches provide return travel in comfort and style from your pick up point and will take you directly to your hotel, aiming to arrive between 3 – 5pm.

If you’d like to get out and about to explore the local area on your holiday, then all of our breaks can also be booked on a self-drive basis so you’ve got the freedom of having your own car.

Every break includes:

Self-drive & coach inclusive breaks Live nightly entertainment

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Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/double rooms with sole occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2022/23. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown.

Offer ends 31st September 2023

10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels.

HARRISON FORD A CREDIBLE HERO

Four years after that came that pivotal role as Han Solo in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope where people worldwide paid attention to the soft-voiced young star with the charismatic personality.

Four years further on and Harrison was cast as swashbuckling archaeologist Indiana Jones in the first film Raiders of the Lost Ark. Industry insiders and audiences of all ages loved his winning combination of understated emotion, light comedy touch and willingness to be an energetic part of the impressive action. Harrison’s film stock rode high.

HOW many actors could happily tackle a tough adventure role at the age of 81 and make a credible hero? Well, Harrison Ford can.

And he is still wowing audiences with his latest film – predictably as enduring favourite Indiana Jones.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is now delighting fans and box-offices around the world - the first of the highly successful series without Steven Spielberg behind the camera.

Scroll back the takes to the 1940 Chicago childhood of young Harrison, though, and it’s hard to spot the superstar potential. An ordinary student who failed to excel at sports, he dropped out of Wisconsin’s Ripon College where he had done some acting and later Summer stock.

Harrison’s next move, however, was more noteworthy. He signed a Hollywood contract with Columbia and then later Universal, enjoying roles in some – admittedly, fairly unremarkable - films and TV series including Ironside and The Virginian.

In fact, he was so discouraged that he turned to a career in professional carpentry before the silver screen called him back in 1973 for the surprise film hit American Graffiti.

He won more fans in the 1982 classic Blade Runner and then reprised his Han Solo role in 1983 with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

Roll on 1985 and he received an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for his sensitive handling of the role of undercover cop John Book in the Amish community in another hit film Witness.

Further success beckoned with subsequent Indiana Jones’ sequels Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008).

By the time the last film was released, the brand was perhaps looking in need of a refresh and adding popular British star Phoebe Waller-Bridge into the mix for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny as the college professor turned adventurer hero-s goddaughter certainly seems to be helping revive its fortunes.

The public’s love of Harrison Ford, though, has never wavered. And it has never seemed to matter what role or what genre was involved.

In the 1988 film Working Girl he impressed audiences in a contemporary romantic comedy alongside Melanie Griffith and Sigourney Weaver. The role seemed effortless for him and played a large part in the film’s enduring success.

Harrison Ford & Calista Flockhart attending the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Award

He played thriller writer Tom Clancy’s engaging hero Jack Ryan in the excellent Patriot Games in 1992, following up the role two years later with another hit movie Clear and Present Danger.

The following year, he earned a Golden Globe nomination for the part of Dr Richard Kimble in compelling thriller The Fugitive. Then in 1997 was promoted to President – be it an action-packed version – for the political thriller Air Force One.

Harrison is nothing if not flexible with his talents and in 1998, played the down-on-his luck pilot to Anne Heche’s stroppy New York magazine editor marooned together after a plane crash in Six Days Seven Nights.

More diversity came from the 2002 blockbuster K-19: The Widowmaker in which he played an inspirational leader in the historical submarine film charting the maiden voyage of a Soviet nuclear sub.

Part of Harrison Ford’s understandable popularity comes not just from an effortless acting style that offers relaxing viewing for audiences but also in his willingness to throw himself into the action, whatever it is.

He holds a private pilot’s licence and owns both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, providing emergency helicopter services on several occasions.

On set, his concern for his own safety seems equally cavalier. He scared director Steven Spielberg and the crew during the making of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom when, without warning, he ran out across the rope bridge used in the film’s climax to test its safety.

Spielberg is later reported stating: “What can I say? Harrison really IS Indiana Jones.”

Nor is he an actor without his own ideas on the films in which he stars.

He is reported to have said: “It’s a little-known fact but I wanted Han Solo to die at the end of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. I thought it would give more weight and resonance. But George Lucas wasn’t sympathetic. He didn’t want me killed by those teddy bear guys.”

Harrison was also apparently initially against casting Sean Connery as his father in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade because Connery was only 12 years older than him.

He later changed his mind and found he enioyed working with the former Bond star immensely. Certainly, the screen chemistry underlines that result.

Away from films, twice-divorced Harrison married Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhart in 2010. They have a son of their own and he has four other children from previous marriages.

He owns an 800-acre ranch in Wyoming, around half of which he has donated as a nature reserve.

Harrison is known for his quiet and charming personality – a world away from the action-first heroes he has long played onscreen. Although it’s reported that Dial of Destiny is his last hurrah as Indiana Jones, Harrison isn’t sad. He told film website Decider:

Nor does this particular “ending” signal his screen retirement. Harrison can still be seen in the Paramount series 1923 alongside Helen Mirren.

“I’ve been able to deliver amazing films developed by Steven (Speilberg) and George (Lucas) over a 40-year period and to end it not with a whimper but a bang has been my greatest ambition for this excursion.”

STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE

MASARATI GRECALE

SUVs are a boom market for car makers here in the UK... so it’s no surprise then that Maserati’s newest model is yet another one, the mid-size Grecale.

As with many Maseratis it is named after an Italian wind and yours truly was amongst a group of UK motoring writers who breezed along to try the 2023 Grecale range at a high end stately home-sized hotel in North Yorkshire.

In glorious sunshine it was the perfect setting to try out a row of gleaming new Maseratis – including their stunning ‘scissor door’ supercar the MC20.

The Grecale range starts with the four cylinder two-litre turbo hybrid GT which boasts an impressive 300bhp and tops out at the Trofeo with a mighty 530 bhp twin turbo 3-litre V6 with technology inherited from Formula One. A fully electric version is also due soon and all are four wheel drive.

First to be tested was that road-burning Trofeo with that incredible 530bhp power plant which meant very rapid progress indeed. This car is seriously quick and needs to be treated with respect (if only for your licence) but ease off on the go pedal and it is as comfy and easy to drive as any SUV.

As you would expect with a Masarati even the entry level GT car is sumptuously appointed while mid-range is the Modena with 30 more bhp from that four cylinder turbo hybrid set up and a higher level of standard kit.

While the Trofeo is blisteringly fast even the GT is rapid with that 300bhp available and all have that incredible Maserati exhaust note which makes their top of the range sound systems pretty much redundant as far as I am concerned.

Maserati claim Grecale has ‘best-in-class spaciousness and comfort’ plus ‘superior performance in terms of driveability and handling’ and with a top speed of 177mph and acceleration from 0 60mph in 3.8 seconds in Trofeo form few could argue with that.

That spec includes lots of leather and quality finishes as well an ‘Intelligent Assistant’ multimedia system, the latest infotainment, comfort displays, digital clock and a great heads-up system available as an option on the four cylinder cars.

The GT is 4.8m long with a wheelbase of 2.9m, a height of 1.67m and width of 2.16 (including wing mirrors) with a rear wheel track of 1.948m (slightly larger in the Trofeo), and has, say Maserati a ‘distinctively sporty appearance, without sacrificing comfort’. The two digital displays are a central 12.3” screen and another 8.8” panel ahead of the driver while passengers can position the threezone air conditioner via another touchscreen in the rear seats.

Air suspension is standard on the Trofeo and an option on the Mild Hybrid versions with six levels of suspension adjustment related to the car’s drive modes.

The five different modes are: COMFORT, GT, SPORT, CORSA and OFF-ROAD.

COMFORT is ideal for everyday use with engine boost and kickdown limited to improve peak efficiency while gear changes are more gradual. The suspension is less rigid and electric power steering is set to maximum for effortless driving pleasure.

GT enables more structured acceleration without compromising efficiency and gear changes are more regular and smooth. Engine boost is normal with kickdown and pedal sensitivity moderate.

SPORT is for peak performance and the active exhaust valves open during maximum engine boost, the driving position is lowered by 15 mm and steering more rigid and responsive.

CORSA (Trofeo only) offers the most extreme experience with all the Sport enhancements plus pedals that are more sensitive and responsive, gear changes are faster and kickdown brings instant maximum power, traction control is much less active and Launch Control is switched on.

OFF-ROAD improves all-terrain performance and driving control, efficiency is slightly reduced and gear changes are more gradual, also the rev limiter is activated and the air suspension switches to high.

So the Grecale is a real blast, in all guises, and starting at £61k (£99k for the Trofeo) is not that expensive when compared with more mundane rivals... it is, after all, a Maserati.

To add to the enjoyment I got behind the wheel of an MC20 which was a real ‘box ticked’ experience. What a machine, but sadly few of us will get to experience it as Maserati are only making six a week... and even at £230k they are all sold out for months to come!

What cost of living crisis?

More information at www.maserati.com

BUYING JUST ONE THING

So, the key this year may be to opt for just one change that will make your home-life more enjoyable, comfortable and simply better.

Since lockdown, we have all spent more time at home and our lives are definitely more involved with our property than ever. We socialize more there, spend more family time there and enjoy more home-based activities.

So, we deserve to have the best surroundings we can afford. Whether this year that means a big project or just a small change, it’s a great time to invest in your lifestyle.

MAKING a house into a home in 2023 has become more complicated financially thanks to higher interest rates, soaring energy costs and general inflation.

We may have had to put major improvement plans on hold until the situation looks more positive but it’s still possible to improve your lifestyle on a budget right now.

Big projects can include an EXTENSION OR CONSERVATORY to give you more much-needed space and which can be as big or small as you feel financially able.

The good news is that conservatories and extensions fall under the same building rules and are classed as permitted developments.

This means that most of them will not need planning permission but this is subject to some specific rules so it’s best to check with your local planning authority first.

Like any big project, it’s best to see your preferred builder’s work beforehand and get an idea of what previous customers’ experiences have been. Fortunately, these days just going online can usually throw up useful reviews and sites like Mybuilder. com can give a good overview of local builders.

The same care in choice applies to new WINDOWS. We take the effects of double-glazing for granted these days but now that we are so conscious of our energy bills having good, doubleglazed windows makes real sense.

Dougle-glazed windows come in all shapes and sizes and not only make your home more energy efficient but also add to the value of your property. New frames also look much smarter than old, decaying frames to give your home a real face-lift.

Another big project that can really alter your home is new FLOORING throughout. This can be new carpets or you may prefer floor tiles or wooden flooring.

Experts say the trend for carpets in 2023 is for bright colours and bold patterns, checked carpets and gold shades. Woodgrain remains a contemporary favourite but any real change will brighten up your home.

If your KITCHEN is in need of updating it’s definitely worth investing in new units. Modern kitchens tend to be minimalist and clutter-free so go for simple, clean looks that fit your lifestyle.

Monochrome colour schemes with large windows to allow plenty of natural light form a main kitchen image currently but a local kitchen expert can help you make the most of what space you have available.

A way to cut costs, however, is to just opt for new unit doors or worktops in a useful makeover. There are plenty of firms around offering this kind of new kitchen look. Again, checking out previous reviews will help you make the best choice

A new FRIDGE OR FREEZER is a more modest buy that can really alter how your kitchen style and storage. Big American fridges fulfill both functions and can add a special cachet to a kitchen. Shop around online and in-store for the best bargains.

For the LIVING ROOM, investing in a new SOFA and/or COMFY CHAIRS is an expense you can justify every time you sit watching the TV or have a cosy evening in with your partner or friends.

This can prove an expensive buy but you can cut costs considerably by going for secondhand furniture instead. Charities like Emmaus and the British Heart Foundation have their own furniture premises so find out if there is one near you at emmaus.org.uk orbhf.org.uk.

Another cost-cutter is to go for tailor-made new covers for your existing sofa and chairswhich really brings them back to life!

Buying new CURTAINS is another investment which can really change the look of a room. This, though, needn’t be a major project. There’s plenty of choice around or buy the material yourself from a mill or discount outlet and find a good seamstress or sewing firm to make them up.

Some fabric companies actually make them free if you buy the material from them so it’s worth investigating.

Investing in RE-DECORATING is also never wasted. Traditional neutrals like grey, taupe and timber brown can add a calm feel to any room although warmer, richer tones are still popular.

Get creative with an accent wall, too. Now that so many of us work from home, having an attractive background for Zoom calls

is important – and no-one believes you’ve read all those books behind you, anyway!

Natural wood effect wallpaper is rustic and charming and bringing Nature indoors very much on trend. Alternately, vivid colours and designs can say much about your personality and personalize your background.

One buy that can really transform a room is a new FIREPLACE

Energy efficiency may be paramount but equally important is the visual appeal that adds to home décor.

The trend towards open-plan homes means that fireplaces are more important than ever as a central feature.

Our greater emphasis on enjoying life outdoors has also meant that outdoor fires, including fire pits, are also proving very popular.

Hearing impairment affects 1 in 6 people

can connect via blue tooth technology to telephones, radios, televisions etc all enabling the wearer the best possible information for their brain to work with.

Above all else my most important message to the reader is, if you, a friend or relative suspects a hearing deficit have it checked out early. We know now that people who do not address their hearing loss early are more likely to be sad, depressed and are more likely to develop dementia. Whereas people who do wear hearing aids successfully have a better quality of life, better relationships and a positive self-perception. Choose your Audiologist carefully because it will be a lifelong relationship. Hearing aids last on average 5.2 years and you are likely to see your Audiologist many times during the life of the hearing aids. Be prepared to share your lifestyle with your Audiologist so that the hearing aids can be programmed to suit your lifestyle. Hear well and have a happy life…..

For more details contact :

Dr David J Reed BA MSc MBA AuD RHAD

“It sounds like I’m listening through a tea towel”. That was how a recent patient described hearing when he went back to his previous hearing aids, having worn the new hearing aids for only five days.

My career as an Audiologist has enabled me to improve the quality of people’s life by using the latest technology to improve their hearing. Being able to hear means that the individual remains in the group, this is very important to a person’s self-esteem and their mental wellbeing.

Becoming an Audiologist was not something that my careers master suggested, and even today few young people go through school wishing to become an Audiologist. For my part I love science and engineering and I wanted to work in health care in a clinical capacity. Initially I thought of working in the renal world, because a friend of my father had a kidney dialysis machine at home, but there was an opening in Audiology so I took that. An interesting point in that the kidneys and the ears form from the same part of the embryo. Such that a person with Alports syndrome is likely to have hearing loss and kidney failure.

My early career in the NHS exposed me to fitting non-electric hearing aids such as speaking tubes and the banjo. The main hearing aid was the OL56 designed by the Post Office telecommunications department, a body worn hearing aid which ladies tucked into their bras and men had to wear shirts with a breast pocket to accommodate the hearing aid. A wire trailed up to the ear and a large earphone clipped to a solid earmould. Soon the NHS introduced behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids and it seemed like everyone wanted them yesterday, the rush was amazing but understandable, people wanted to have better hearing in a discrete format.

The turn of the century witnessed the development of the first digital hearing aids and once again there was a mass clamor for the improved technology. Science fiction precedes reality and in the same way people have demands that are always ahead of the technology which is great because it fuels the development. Today patients want hearing aids that make speech louder and noise quieter and that are not obvious when worn. So, we have hearing aids with tens of millions of transistors in them all on a chip that is a fraction of the size of a finger nail. Hearing aids make millions of changes per second to the sounds that are presented to a patient’s ear. Hearing aids

Consultant Audiological Scientist

T: 07585 525993 E: reeds@reedsear.co.uk

Miss

Consult

Dr David J Reed BA MSc

• Hearing • Up

• Personal

•

FLOWERS THAT BLOOM LATE

Planting late-blooming flowers in your garden is a natural and easy way to add colour and beauty to your outdoor area, even as the year progresses. There are several plants that can brighten up your garden even as the weather starts to turn and the dark nights draw ever closer.

Sedums, commonly known as stonecrops, are a group of succulent plants that often bloom in late summer or early autumn. They have attractive fleshy foliage and produce clusters of star-shaped flowers in colours such as pink, red, or white. As sedums are succulents, though, their leaves can store water well, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings.

Chrysanthemums are known for their lateseason blooms, which come in a wide range of colours and forms. They usually bloom from late summer through autumn, providing vibrant displays in gardens, and are easy to look after. Chrysanthemums need a lot of sunlight and water in the summer, but a layer of mulch around them in the winter should be enough to keep them healthy.

Popular late-blooming perennials, Michaelmas Daisies, also called asters, produce masses of daisy-like flowers in various shades of purple, pink, and white from late summer through autumn, attracting pollinators to the garden. Planting them in your garden is an excellent way to bring colour and nature to your garden for extensive periods of time.

A perennial flower that also blooms from late summer through to early autumn is the Japanese Anemone. It features elegant, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink or white, and its tall stems make it an excellent choice for borders or cottage gardens.

Autumn Crocus, also known as meadow saffron, is another good option, if you want to keep your garden as colourful as possible for as long as possible. They produce beautiful, delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white and typically bloom in late summer to early autumn. Autumn crocus are a lovely addition to flower beds or woodland areas.

Nerines are bulbous plants that bloom in late summer or early autumn, producing striking funnel-shaped flowers in vibrant shades of pink or red. They are often grown in containers or rock gardens, so if you have either of these features in your garden, then nerines could be the ideal plant for you.

Helenium, also known as sneezeweed, is a perennial flower that adds a burst of colour to the garden either later in the summer months or in early autumn. It features daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red and thrives in either full sun or partial shade.

Another common and popular late-season flower is Dahlias. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours, and typically bloom from mid-summer through autumn, providing a spectacular display of vibrancy in gardens and floral arrangements. Dahlias are perhaps one of the most effective ways of prolonging the summer months, at least visually anyway.

Vegetables to sow now that will be ready in Autumn

Summer may be synonymous with harvesting crops, fruits, and vegetables that are ready to be eaten and consumed, but there are still several veggies that you can sow now, so they are ready to be picked in the autumn.

Although they may not be one of the most common vegetables consumed in Britain, radishes are a quick-growing vegetable that are perfect for summer growing. They can be ready to harvest in as little as four weeks and are considered one of the easiest crops to grow. As they require minimal space to grow, they can be planted in small containers, raised beds, or even between other crops in a traditional garden. Lettuce and salad greens are also good choices for summer planting, as like radishes, certain varieties are also quick growing. Varieties such as black-seeded simpson, salad bowl, and oakleaf mature in around six to eight weeks. Other loose-leaf vegetables, including arugula and spinach, can be down in summer for a continuous harvest throughout autumn.

Meanwhile, Kale is a hardy vegetable that thrives in cool weather and is also considered a ‘super food’ meaning you can continue to take in its health benefits as the winter approaches. Sow kale seeds in late summer, and you can enjoy tender leaves well into autumn and even winter.

Swiss chard is another leafy green, albeit far more uncommon that lettuce or spinach, that can be sown in summer. It has colorful stems and large, nutritious leaves, and you can harvest the outer leaves as needed, allowing the plant to continue growing long into the autumn months.

A versatile vegetable that can be sown in summer for an autumn harvest is beetroot. The red vegetable can be used in salads, puddings, and soups. And with both the roots and the greens being edible, it’s a great choice for maximising yield and minimising any waste.

Carrots are an absolute staple vegetable for so many British households and have multiple health benefits from being full of vitamin C to actually helping you seen in the dark. You should sow carrot seeds in late summer for a fall harvest, but make sure to choose varieties with shorter maturity times to ensure they have enough time to develop before the first frost.

Traditionally, turnips have often been used to feed livestock, but they can also be turned into tasty meals for humans with the right recipe. Turnips are fast-growing root vegetables that can be sown in summer and can be harvested when the roots are young and tender, making them ideal for picking in the autumn.

How to create an outdoor eating area on a budget

Another essential element to add is providing lighting, as it plays a crucial role in creating a cosy ambiance. Opt for inexpensive options like string lights, lanterns, or solarpowered lights, and hang string lights overhead or wrap them around tree branches or fencing to create a warm and inviting glow. Place lanterns or candles strategically around the space for a touch of elegance.

Even though British summers are notoriously unreliable, creating shade is important for making a comfortable outdoor space, especially during hot days. If you don't have natural shade from trees, consider using affordable options like a sunshade sail, outdoor umbrella, or even a DIY pergola made from wooden beams or bamboo.

Creating a cosy outdoor space in your garden doesn't have to break the bank, and with a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can transform your outdoor area into a welcoming and relaxing retreat without spending a fortune.

Start by selecting and defining the area you want to turn into a cosy outdoor space as this will dictate what is possible and achievable. This could be a patio, deck, or even a corner of your garden. Use outdoor rugs, potted plants, or decorative stones to create boundaries and give the space a sense of purpose.

Incorporating natural elements into your outdoor space to create a soothing atmosphere is a cost-effective way of upscaling your garden. Use large potted plants, hanging baskets, or create a small herb garden to generate a sense that you are in nature, providing a feeling of escapism. You can also use natural materials like wood and stones for seating or as decorative accents.

Comfortable seating is essential for creating a cosy outdoor space. Look for budget-friendly options such as second-hand furniture, repurposed pallets, or even DIY seating made from old tires or wooden crates. Add cushions and outdoor pillows to make the seating more inviting.

It is also possible to create a fire pit yourself without spending excessive amounts of money. A fire pit can act as a focal point in your outdoor space and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for when you are hosting family and friends while also making your garden inviting all year round. Instead of purchasing an expensive fire pit, consider building your own using inexpensive materials like bricks or cinder blocks.

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, consider adding some budget-friendly entertainment options. Hang a hammock for lazy afternoons, set up a small portable speaker for music, or create a DIY outdoor movie screen using a white sheet and a projector for movie nights under the stars.

And finally, add personal touches to your outdoor space to make it feel like your own. Hang artwork or photographs, create a small garden with your favorite flowers, or incorporate items that reflect your personal style and interests. These small details will make your cosy outdoor space feel inviting and unique.

This article was written by a representative of Sutton Manor Nursery.

A Unique Franchise Opportunity to Make a Positive Difference

Are you a natural leader with a compassionate heart? Are you tired of the way current organizations are run and looking to make a positive impact in your community? Have you considered starting your own business but don’t know where to begin? Helping Old Friends might be the answer you’re looking for.

Founded during the pandemic by Katrina Simms and her business partner Ben Curtis, Helping Old Friends is a company that provides companionship services for people of all ages who wish to stay independent in their own home. Katarina and Ben, who collectively have over 25 years of experience in the care profession, created Helping Old Friends in response to the over-regulated and increasingly unaffordable traditional care system in the UK.

At Helping Old Friends, our ethos is to provide companionship that our customers require in a way that is both fulfilling for the companions and beneficial for the customers. Helping Old Friends can provide a stable environment for its companions and offer a continuity of service that their customers deserve.

Helping Old Friends has already established itself with a successful network of companions in Swindon and Cirencester areas and is now looking to expand its geographical reach through a franchise model. They are particularly interested in developing and empowering young women in the business.

Franchising with Helping Old Friends is a unique opportunity to enter a relatively untapped market with a growing need. The franchise offers a simple and affordable business model, with the support, knowledge, and experience to ensure that franchisees will succeed in starting their own business. Helping Old Friends provides comprehensive training, ongoing support, and a proven system for success. Franchisees can benefit from the established brand and business model, profitable business opportunity, and the opportunity to make a positive difference in their community.

If you are interested in franchising with Helping Old Friends, visit our website https://www.helpingoldfriends. co.uk/franchise-with-us.html, register your interest and we will contact you to start a conversation.

With Helping Old Friends, you can make a difference in the lives of people in your community while building a fulfilling and successful business. Contact us today to learn more about this unique franchise opportunity.

Offering services & companionship to people, who for whatever reason find themselves living alone and isolated.

With over 25 years of experience, we recognise that there is a necessity for a service that provides, more than anything, companionship to people who, for whatever reason find themselves living alone and isolated.

We can provide a check in call when required or a longer visit which could include;

l Light housework

l Putting home deliveries away

l Shopping calls

l Preparing and cooking meals

l Assistance in attending doctors appointments

l Hairdresser appointments

l Attending hospital appointments

l Social calls

l Assistance with writing memoirs

l Gardening and home maintenance

l Accompanying to social events

l Or just somebody to have a chat and cup of tea with. (We do not provide any Personal Care or assist with medication administering).

All our staff have an enhanced police check and relevant training annually. They are Covid Vaccinated and use full PPE following Government Guidelines.

Sometimes you need to have a person just to talk to, someone to replace that lightbulb, someone to help navigate around the internet to fill in a form, Mow the lawn or find a handy man to do the job that has been left undone for ages.

That is where Helping Old Friends comes in…

We can set up regular visits to suit your requirements with well matched companions who will listen, help do the odd jobs or just be there for you. Through our advanced scheduling software, we can ensure that you will get the visit when and where you want them with a companion best suited to your character.

Having a caring companion by the side of a family loved one can make all the difference to the family as well as to the persons themselves. We aim to change people’s lives for the better.

If you have any questions about our services, please get it touch

Katrinasimms@helpingoldfriends.co.uk

World-renowned chef Theo Randall shares his 10 pantry staples and reveals his favourite ways to cook with them showcasing the best of Italian home cooking.

POTATO AND PORCINI SOUP WITH WILD GARLIC CREAM

This creamy and comforting soup is a lovely way to use wild garlic, which is always in abundance in the UK around early springtime. If you want to make it when wild garlic is not in season, you can substitute the wild garlic for baby leaf spinach and add a garlic clove (crushed with salt) to the cream. Alternatively, pick wild garlic in season and freeze it so you can enjoy it year-round.

Serves 4 as a starter

Ingredients

l 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

l 2 leeks, finely chopped

l 1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves

l 200g (7oz) Désirée or Cyprus potatoes, peeled and cut into 1cm (½in) pieces

l 30g (1oz) dried porcini mushrooms, just covered in boiling water and left to soak, drained and finely chopped

l 500ml (17fl oz) chicken or vegetable stock

l 200ml (7fl oz) double (heavy) cream

l 75g (2½oz) wild garlic leaves, roughly chopped

l sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the leeks, thyme, potatoes, chopped rehydrated porcini and a good seasoning of sea salt. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, then add the chicken or vegetable stock and simmer very gently for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and tender. Add half the cream, then use a stick blender to blitz the soup to a purée. The

soup should coat the back of a spoon, but if you think it’s too thick then you can add some hot water. Pour the remaining cream into a small saucepan over a medium heat. Add the wild garlic and cook gently, until it is wilted, then use the stick blender to blitz until just smooth. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to taste, then spoon it into warmed bowls. Top each portion with a dollop of creamed wild garlic and serve.

AUBERGINE AND COURGETTE LASAGNE

My mother used to make the most delicious lasagne – I used to get so excited when I knew it was coming. She was brilliant at making the béchamel sauce – it was always perfectly creamy but never thick and floury. The trick to this was to cook it very slowly and use equal quantities of flour and butter. This is a vegetable lasagne, but it has as much flavour as the traditional meaty offering because you roast the aubergines (eggplant) first. Try to use egg-based lasagne sheets as they tend to have more flavour and are not as brittle when you cook them (or, better still, make your own sheets of pasta).

Serves 6 Ingredients

l 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

l 2 red onions, finely sliced

l 500g (1lb 2oz) courgettes (zucchini), cut into 1cm (½in) rounds

l 1 garlic clove, finely sliced

l 500g (1lb 2oz) tomato passata

l 8 basil leaves, roughly torn

l 3 aubergines (eggplants), sliced into 2cm (¾in) rounds

l 300g (10½oz) egg-based dried lasagne sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

l For the béchamel

l 75g (2½oz) unsalted butter

l 75g (2½oz) plain (all-purpose) flour

l 500ml (17fl oz) whole milk, warmed to just below boiling point

l 150g (5½oz) parmesan, grated, plus extra for sprinkling

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/400°F/Gas 6. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Once hot, add the onions, courgettes (zucchini) and a good seasoning of salt. Cook for 20 minutes, until the onion and courgettes are soft. Heat another tablespoon of the olive oil in a separate saucepan, then add the garlic. Fry the garlic for 30 seconds, then add the passata and cook the mixture gently for 20 minutes, until reduced by half. Season with salt and pepper, then stir through the basil. Brush both sides of the aubergine (eggplant) slices with olive oil and season them with salt. Place the aubergines in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Bake them for 15 minutes, then turn them over and bake them for a further 15 minutes. Remove the slices from the oven and, when they are cool enough to handle, cut them into half-moons. Set them aside and leave the oven on. To

make the béchamel, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over a low heat. When the butter has melted, add the flour and cook it out for a couple of minutes, stirring to combine. Next, add the hot milk and stir continuously to avoid any lumps forming. Cook the sauce gently for 20 minutes, stirring all the while, until smooth and thickened, then mix in the parmesan and check the seasoning. Leave to one side. Mix the aubergines, courgettes, onions and tomato sauce together in a large bowl and check that everything is seasoned well. Use the remaining olive oil to oil a baking dish, then place a layer of lasagne sheets in the base of the dish. Add one-third of the vegetable mixture in an even layer, then top this with one-quarter of the béchamel sauce. Repeat this twice more, then finish with a layer of lasagne sheets and a final layer of béchamel sauce. Sprinkle the top with some more parmesan, then bake the lasagne for 35 minutes, until the pasta is cooked and the top is golden. Serve with a little extra grated parmesan on top, if you like.

CIME DI RAPA WITH LAMB

‘SCOTTADITO’ CHOPS AND ANCHOVY SAUCE

I love cime di rapa. When it first comes into season, I tend to make either this recipe or orecchiette con cime di rapa. The combination of the greens and anchovy is a classic from Puglia, and with the addition of grilled lamb chops (or a grilled, marinated leg of lamb, if you prefer) you just can’t go wrong. The cime di rapa takes longer to cook than you would think, so blanch it for the same amount of time you would cabbage.

Serves 4

Ingredients

l 1 rack of lamb, fat peeled off and discarded

l 1kg (2lb 4oz) cime di rapa or 500g (1lb 2oz) Tenderstem broccoli

l 105ml (3¾fl oz) extra-virgin olive oil

l 1 garlic clove, sliced

l pinch of fennel seeds, crushed in a pestle and mortar

l ½ teaspoon chopped rosemary leaves

l 1 x 50g (1¾oz) can of anchovies in olive oil juice of 1 lemon

l sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Using a sharp knife, cut between each bone in the rack of lamb to give 8 chops. Place 1 lamb chop into a freezer bag with a few drops of water. Place the chop in the bag on a chopping board so that the eye of the meat is flat and facing upwards. Using the base of a small saucepan, bash the lamb using short, sharp bashes to evenly flatten the chop and increase its size. Repeat for the remaining chops. Wash the cime di rapa and rip off the outer leaves. Keep the tender young leaves on the stem. Bring a pan of salted water to a boil over a high heat. Add the greens, bring the water back to a boil and boil them for 5 minutes. Drain the greens in a colander then roughly chop them. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add half the garlic and all the crushed fennel

seeds and cook for 30 seconds, then add the chopped greens and cook gently for 3 minutes. Check the seasoning and keep warm. In a pestle and mortar, crush the remaining sliced garlic with the chopped rosemary and a pinch of sea salt to form a paste. Add the anchovy fillets and work everything together until smooth. Add the lemon juice and slowly add all but 1 tablespoon of the remaining olive oil, so the sauce is emulsified. Keep to one side. Heat a griddle pan over a high heat so that it starts to smoke. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper and the last tablespoon of olive oil. Place the chops on the griddle and cook them for 2 minutes on one side and 1 minute on the other. Transfer the chops to a warm plate to rest for 1 minute. To serve, place the cooked cime di rapa in the middle of each plate with 4 scottadito chops on top, then drizzle over the anchovy sauce.

AMALFI LEMON CHEESECAKE

This has to be one of the easiest and tastiest cheesecakes around. Ricotta is used in place of cream cheese, making for a much lighter mouthful, however this means that it’s important to allow enough time for the cheesecake to set fully – ideally you’d make it a day in advance. The best ricotta to use for this is sheep’s milk ricotta, but you will only find this in Italian delis or in a farm shop that sells local cheese. Ricotta is in fact the by-product of cheese making – it’s made by reheating the whey that has separated from the curds, then draining the coagulated top into a fine sieve. The solids are sold as ricotta and any remaining liquid is traditionally fed to pigs.

Serves 8

Ingredients

l 200g (7oz) cantuccini biscuits

l 75g (2¾oz) unsalted butter

l 50g (2oz) light brown soft sugar

l 500g (1lb 2oz) ricotta, drained

l 100g (3½oz) mascarpone

l zest and juice of 2 Amalfi lemons, plus extra zest to serve

l 125g (4½oz) icing (confectioner’s) sugar, sifted

Method

Tip the cantuccini into a food processor and blitz them to a fine crumb. Alternatively, place them in a Ziplock bag and bash them with a rolling pin or saucepan. Set aside. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over a low heat, then add the blitzed cantuccini biscuits and the sugar. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute, then take the pan off the heat. Tip the mixture into a 22cm (8½in) non-stick springform cake tin, pressing the buttery crumbled biscuits over the base to create a biscuit base. Transfer the tin to the fridge while you make the ricotta filling. Using a hand-held electric

whisk or a wooden spoon, beat together the ricotta, mascarpone, lemon zest and juice and icing (confectioner’s) sugar in a large mixing bowl for 4 minutes, until the mixture is creamy and light. Spoon the ricotta mixture into the springform tin and spread it out into an even layer over the base. Refrigerate to set for a minimum of 3 hours, but preferably overnight, before releasing the cheesecake from the tin. Transfer it to a serving plate and top with extra lemon zest before slicing.

Credit: The Italian Pantry by Theo Randall (Quadrille, £28), Photography © Lizzie Mayson

RETURNING HOME AFTER A STAY IN HOSPITAL?

For people who are recently discharged from hospital changes in ability can arise that make yesterday’s straightforward tasks todays challenges. From bathing and toileting, to making a cup of tea, to getting out of the house and maintaining independence, it can be a challenge for recently discharged patients to adjust to life with limited mobility even down to finding shoes and slippers that fit swollen feet.

As we discovered on our recent visit to the Wroughton branch, The Mobility Store has a surprisingly wide and varied range of products, from simple grabbers to fully automated bath lifts, making life easier if you suddenly find yourself less spritely on

Adjustable Beds

your feet and they can even arrange for short term stairlift hire and hospital beds if needed.

If it’s just a temporary injury all the stores have wheelchairs, knee walkers and mobility scooters available for immediate hire or purchase, as well as things you might not consider such as waterproof bandage/cast protectors and stools for when you bathe or shower, overbed/chair tables, special cutlery as well as crutches, walking sticks and rollators.

All The Mobility Store’s four branches have level access parking right outside for easy access, and their staff have the experience to advise on any future needs that may arise should your mobility continue to be an issue.

Committed to fighting FRAUDLENT ACTIVITY

Council Tax Benefit

Council tax bills are based on the assumption that two adults occupy the property as their main home. If it’s occupied by only one adult, and the property is their main home, the bill is reduced by a single person’s discount of 25%.

In addition, there are certain groups of people who we do not count for Council Tax purposes when counting the number of adults in the household. These groups are known as ‘disregarded persons’. If there is an adult from one of these groups living in your property, they may not be counted for Council Tax purposes and you may be entitled to a discount.

Examples of disregarded persons are:

• people on some apprentice schemes

• 18 and 19-year-olds in full-time education

• full-time college and university students

• student nurses

• foreign language assistants registered with the British Council

• people with a severe mental impairment

• live-in carers who look after someone who isn’t their partner, spouse or child

• diplomats

Fraud within the Council Tax system costs each lawful Council tax payer. Fraud can get into the system a number of ways but the most common issues are:

• Making a false statement at the outset, i.e. misleading the Council into accepting information which at the time was not true.

• Failure to report relevant changes to circumstances to the Council Tax service, for example; someone over 18 has moved into your address and you receive a Single person’s discount.

If you suspect that someone may be defrauding the Council Tax system in any way you can help by reporting you concern’s in confidence to:

CALL 0118 937 2143

Email antifraud@reading.gov.uk

Report via web pages

http://www.reading.gov.uk/ internalaudit

Who is eligible for a blue badge?

If you are disabled, you may be able to park in restricted areas under the blue badge scheme. The scheme is for drivers and passengers.

Who can get a blue badge?

Some people can get a blue badge automatically. This is called being eligible without further assessment. You fit into this group if one or more of the following applies to you:

• you are registered as blind/severely sight impaired

• you receive the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

• you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

• you receive the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and you scored at least 8 points in relation to the ‘moving around’ activity in the PIP assessment, or least 12 points in the mobility activity for planning and following journeys

• you have been awarded a lump sum benefit from the Armed Forces Compensation scheme (tariffs 1 to 8). You have also been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which means you can’t walk or find walking very difficult

• you receive a government grant towards your own vehicle.

If you were on higher rate mobility component of DLA, but you had to claim PIP instead and didn’t get enough points to be eligible for a blue badge, you can continue to use your badge until it expires.

If none of these apply to you, you may still be eligible. This is called being eligible subject to further assessment, and will apply to you if you meet one of these criteria:

• you have a permanent or substantial disability which means you can’t walk or find walking very difficult

• you are a driver and have severe upper limb disabilities

• as a result of a mental disorder you are unable to follow the route of a familiar journey without the assistance

of another person. Anyone aged over two years can be eligible under this condition, including people over 65.

• you are applying on behalf of a child under three with a medical condition that requires them to be close to a vehicle for emergency medical treatment or transporting bulky medical equipment.

If you have any queries about whether you’re eligible for a blue badge, you can contact the national blue badge helpline on 0844 463 0215

How are you assessed?

If you are eligible subject to further assessment, your local authority will look at the evidence of your disability to decide whether you can have a blue badge.

You may need to have an independent mobility assessment. If you have applied for or held a blue badge previously, your GP may have carried this out. Assessments may now be carried out by an independent mobility assessor. This is usually a medical professional such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist, who has never treated you before.

If your local authority wants you to have a mobility assessment, it will refer you to the assessor. You will not be charged for the assessment.

You may not be required to undergo an assessment if your council says it is very obvious that you are eligible or ineligible.

Blue Badge (disabled parking permits) Fraud:

Disabled Parking Permits or Blue Badges are issued by your Local Authority to persons with a genuine need to access facilities and park within easy reach of these. However there are some people who are prepared to misuse or fraudulently acquire these badges. The Investigation Team are committed to fighting fraudulent activity but need your help to do so!

If you suspect someone of committing Blue Badge fraud please contact us in confidence.

CALL 0118 937 2143

Tenancy Fraud in Reading We’re

CALL: 0118 937 2143

Email: antifraud@reading.gov.uk

Report via web pages: http://www.reading.gov.uk/fraud