Swindon issue 38

MARCH - MAY 2019

SWINDON EDITION 38

Katherine Jenkins

FROM POPSTAR TO OPERA STAR

Kwoklyn Wan

AMAZING CHINESE FOOD AT HOME

What's On

A GUIDE TO WHAT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA

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Barnes Holidays Simply Magical River Rhine: Delta to Basel With 7 included excursions!

Mon 1st April 2019 9 Days: From £1,649 per person If this cruise offers you one thing above all others, it is a chance to marvel. At Holland’s impressive tulips, at the beautiful scenery surrounding the famous Lorelei Rock and the delightfully quaint Alsace region. Plus much much more. Also marvel at how quickly you can switch off and leave behind the cares of everyday life. The 5 Star MS Inspire feels like a floating premium hotel which will give you a relaxed lifestyle and atmosphere as soon as you are on board.

Skegness, lincoln & the wolds Mon 8th April 2019 5 Days: From £359 per person The pleasant seaside resort of Skegness has a level promenade and there are beautiful gardens, including the picturesque Tower Gardens, reminiscent of their heyday in 1878 when opened.

Interesting tours out to explore the county. We enjoy a day out in Lincoln and also view the Wolds, a nationally important and cherished landscape. We will be staying at The Quorn Hotel which has received excellent feedback on previous tours.

durham, beamish & the world of James Herriott Sun 7th April 2019 5 Days: From £425 per person

eastbourne, the sussex coast & countryside Mon 8th April 2019 5 Days: From £289 per person

Includes Full Day tour of Durham and the Dales with a local guide

Eastbourne is one of England’s premier seaside resorts. It has a magnificent Victorian seafront and there are beautiful parks and gardens to enjoy. We will be staying at the impressive Imperial Hotel set on a tree-lined boulevard running off the seafront. Tour highlights include stops in the unspoilt town of Rye which is surrounded by the countryside with good views across the Marshes as well as making a visit to Arundel and Chichester.

An opportunity to stay at a 4 star hotel in the centre of the beautiful city of Durham. We enjoy fascinating, turn-of-the-century history recreated at Beamish, a scenic tour of the Yorkshire Dales with a local guide and a visit to the former surgery of England’s most famous vet.and Cardiff!

Devon & Exmoor: Ilfracombe Fri 12th April 2019 4 Days: From £279 per person Ilfracombe has a picturesque harbour along with narrow streets and the North Devon coast is renowned for its unique character and spectacular scenery. Our hotel for this tour will be The Ilfracombe Carlton Hotel which is ideally set in the heart of Ilfracombe with a classical feel with warm conveniences.

Tour highlights include visits to Barnstaple, Appledore, Exmoor and Dunster.

for full tour itineraries, request a copy of our 2019 brochure!

cornish Riviera: falmouth Thu 18th April 2019 5 Days: From £339 Falmouth has a beautiful position and our hotel is well located on the seafront, with far-reaching views. Having such a mild climate, subtropical plants bloom here.

The magnificent natural harbour and interesting town add to the charm of this excellent resort.

Tour highlights include views on St Michael’s Mount overlooked by the beautiful St Michael’s Mount before arriving at St Ives, we also visit Porthleven, Padstow and Truro. We will be staying at one our returning favourite hotels - The Membly Hall Hotel situated on the seafront with panormaic views.

2019 UK & European Holiday Brochure order your free copy today!

01793 821303 www.barnescoaches.co.uk travel@barnescoaches.co.uk

CONTENTS

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10-11

DISCOVER YOUR PARK HOME LIFE Beautiful park homes exclusively for the over 50s

Blunsdon Abbey Park

CONTENTS ...

5 TWITTER

By Angela Kelly 6-7

10 top things to do and see In Croatia

8-9 women's activity week at hassness house

With Ramblers Walking Holidays

BLUNSDON ST ANDREW, SWINDON, WILTSHIRE

10-11 KATHERINE JENKINS

From Popstar to Opera Star

REGISTER INTEREST TODAY

16-18 HOME

Bring Spring into your Home

Call on 01793 722100 www.parkhomelife.com

14-15 How to effortlessly wear living coral

The Colour of 2019

25-27

food & drink Cook amazing Chinese at Home

30-35

WHAT'S ON A guide to what's happening in your region

36-41 YOUR DOCTOR

Tips on how to stay healthy

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throughout the day for messages, emails, texts, Messenger and What’s App groups etc.

Everyone wants to stay in touch with the people who matter to us, in business, socially and personally.

So, this is somewhere to start with phone justice. There should surely be a way (or research needs to be focused that way) to prevent individuals having the use of their own phones for set periods of time. Our names and profiles would be blocked.

Is phone justice the way forward?

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NFORCING justice in 2019 is always a matter of great discussion and can prompt a generational approach.

Older people, brought up in a tougher and probably more straightforward age, tend to want old-fashioned justice.You know, you do something wrong, you pay the price, whether that’s making reparation to an individual, doing something for the community or just going to jail.

Then, for example, anyone caught using a phone while driving would automatically lose it for, say, 60 days plus a fine. Loss of access to any form of mobile service would massively affect people, especially younger people who live on their phones.

This could also be rolled out as a second line of punishment for plenty of other crimes like drug dealing (where it might be particularly effective), drunk driving or dangerous driving. The potential is endless.

Could it work? Well, in today’s hi-tech world we can’t be that far away from such research findings so let’s give it a go. Thoughts, anyone?

Sorry, our Development Chief is just doing his homework ANYONE who has looked at the jobs’ market recently may be surprised by the sorts of posts that are available.

Sentencing today has to take into account bulging jails, the actual amount of cash available to deal with law-breakers and a court system that is constantly questioned.

Irrespective of personal opinions, though, there appears to be a fascinating trend of relevant justice that could be taken to some interesting logical conclusions.

Well, we have lost whole rafts of jobs, thanks to technology and cheaper imports. Our textile industry was long ago decimated, for example. And when I started out as a journalist in the dark ages of linotype, the newspaper I worked on had 90 compositors who worked with type. That job doesn’t even exist today.

Now, police remove the results of ill-gotten gains and sell them to aid the public purse.

Boats and posh houses have long been on the agenda for convicted criminals to lose to make restitution to society, along with other obvious trophies from criminal “achievements.”

Now there are hundreds of different new jobs, many of them online or in other hi-tech areas. New digital posts abound and many jobs have become digital, demanding fresh and different skills.

More recently, one criminal lost his entire collection of designer trainers which were sold off to raise public funds. He had prized these above all else so that’s got to hurt.

That got me thinking about what other things we could threaten to take off law-breakers - even minor ones-to effectively get the message across that what they did was wrong and there is always a price to pay. And the main answer was mobile phones.

Today, millions of us would be lost without our phones. Those in business check them

Some people now make a living from their hobbies, playing online games to an audience.

Their every move is streamed to others who wait, fascinated, for what happens next.

Then there are the social influencers - individuals who recommend online everything from food to make-up and holidays to other people. They’re paid well for their opinions because their influence is so great; a nod of approval from them can mean a product or service is sold out.

These jobs have nothing to do with age or experience, just their appeal to the very wide

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audience out there wanting to know about the next big thing.

Amazingly, even small children can earn a fortune through their “job” online. In America, a seven year-old boy called Ryan earned $22 million (yes, you’re reading that right) in 2018 playing with and reviewing toys on YouTube. The lad even has his own range of toys in Walmart and Target.

As they say, the world is certainly changing.

Marriage CAN last for lucky lads like Harry and Tom IN a throwaway society when little is expected to last any length of time, relationships have become affected.

To many younger people, the idea of a long marriage- just like the idea of staying in one job for 40 years- is generally deemed daft and consigned to the past.

But all that was before Harry Redknapp and his wife Sandra stepped into the public eye. The erstwhile football manager turned I’m A Celebrity …Get Me Out Of Here! winner has been married to his wife for more than 50 years and, as he showed in the Australian jungle, he is still besotted.

He missed her terribly, spoke of her regularly and fondly and generally impressed all ages with their lengthy, loving relationship.

Film star Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have broken the Hollywood mould by remaining married and faithful since they first got together in the 1980s. And, surprisingly, they both still seem affectionate and to actually like each other.

Astonishingly to some, the official average length of marriage in the UK is 30 years, usually ending with the death of a spouse.

Even the number of heterosexual couples getting divorced in England and Wales is at its lowest since 1973. According to the Office for National Statistics, this, though, is also consistent with the decline in the number of marriages and the increase in people living together rather than marrying.

Either way, there may well be a trend towards staying with the same person and promoting longevity in personal relationships.

Whatever happens in the next few years, it’s great to see loving couples like the Redknapps still caring for each other. And long may it last!

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sponsored by 3. Captivating Korcula Neat alliteration but also very true Korcula is just lovely. It’s a tiny port, reputed to be the birthplace of explorer Marco Polo. They certainly milk the connection but it seems plausible enough as you wander the crooked streets and elegant squares flanked with palaces of old nobility. Another Marco, Marco Andijic, a 15th century stonemason played a part in creating the bell tower of the cathedral which gave us our 360 view of Korcula.

It’s a steep old climb but well worth the effort. NB Korcula now restricts cruise ships docking before 5pm.

The old town of Dubrovnick

10 Top Things to Do and See in Croatia

By Cathy Bartrop for Silver Travel Advisor Back in the days of the former Yugoslavia, President Tito made one of his better decisions when he decreed that no multistorey construction could happen with 100 metres of the coastline. The Croatian government subsequently continued the policy and, as a result, the country can now boast what must be the most unspoilt and scenic coastline in Europe.

One of the best ways to explore it is to take a cruise as I did on a filming trip with Noble Caledonia. Our ship was the Princess Eleganza, a gem of a small ship, carrying just 36 passengers and nimble enough to slip in to the smallest of ports.

What a joy is was to berth overnight in peaceful harbours and spend at least half of every day cruising.

Here are my Top 10: 1. Dubrovnik Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik has long been a magnet for tourists. It’s also tiny, which means it gets packed especially when up to 5 mega 6

ships can be docked at once, spewing out up to 20,000 passengers. When we were there, late afternoon in early June, it wasn't too bad, we got to see all the main sites with relative ease but, for me, the most enjoyable bit by far was the cable car ride up Srd hill for the view back down on the Old Town. There are a couple of restaurants at the top but head for the Panorama Bar & Restaurant, next to the cable car station for unforgettable drinks with a view.

2. The 'Lavender Island' of Hvar Hvar has gained a reputation as party central in recent years, especially with students and backpackers. I must say they have good taste – it’s an incredibly pretty port with a castle backdrop, cobbled backstreets, expansive squares and clear blue seas. Hvar is more than just the port though - we actually docked in Starigard, another delightful and much quieter harbour and only 30 minutes’ drive away.

Driving back along the country roads we got to see Hvar’s other claim to fame: the beautiful rural landscape, heady with the scent of lavender, pine and rosemary.

4. Cocktails and sunset dining Still in Korcula, it was also memorable for its bars and restaurants. Massimo's must be one of the more unusual locations for a cocktail bar - atop a medieval tower.

Access is via a steep staircase and then a ladder up through a tiny hole - I very nearly got stuck on it with my back pack!

Fortunately the drinks are delivered more easily, via a winch and pulley system on the side of the tower. Along the waterfront there is a great selection of restaurants - by recommendation we plumped for Nonno's where the antipasti and homemade pasta dishes, even if a little pricey, were as good as anything I've eaten in Italy.

5. Churches, castles and palaces Croatia is awash with historic buildings.

Among the most memorable for me was a tour of Diocletian's Palace in Split - the approach to Split from the sea didn't look all that promising but then, just steps from the waterfront, you enter the complex that the Roman Emperor Dioclea had built as his retirement Palace in AD 305.

Facing the sea on one side, it was built like a Roman military fortress with walls up to 700 feet long and 20 feet high, enclosing an area of 9.5 acres. Split's enchanting old town is within its walls. Zadar is equally as mesmerising - by the 1st century it too was a Roman Municipality. Over the centuries the city has been the subject of numerous assaults, not least more recently during the Yugoslav wars in the 90s.

Krka River Waterfall

Silver Travel are offering 50 Plus readers 3 great prizes to win in March, visit www.50plusmagazine.co.uk to enter and a chance to win.

6. Culture and tradition You come across so many examples of this in Croatia, from its citizens who are clearly proud of their musical traditions, crafts and heritage. The Dalmation ‘Klapa’ or ‘a capella’ singers perform daily in Split's vestibule within the palace walls. The acoustics are unbelievable - needless to say they do a fine trade in CD's.

7. Zadar Sea Organs Back to Zadar for more music - slightly less harmonious but nonetheless appealing - this time from the famous Sea Organ running the length of the peninsula. Completed in 2005, wave action pushes air through a series of underwater pipes and up through niches cut into the steps, producing random melodic notes.

The stronger the waves, the louder the music. It’s a wonderful spot to watch the sun set. At the end of the promenade there is also another installation 'Greeting to the sun', basically a huge round solar panel which radiates a random sequence of coloured lights at night. If the organ is the music, the sun is the disco dance floor!

8. Krka National Park Declared a National Park in 1985, Krka is an absolute stunner.

Covering 109 square kilometres the park follows the River Krka about 2kms down river from Knin to Skradin. The most impressive and most visited waterfall is Skradinski Buk, considered one of the most beautiful cliff waterfalls in Europe. I can't argue with that.

650m of river create 12 waterfalls with a total height of 27m.

The falls themselves are stunning but walking through the shady woodland that surrounds them is also a delight - especially on a hot day.

9. Zrmanja Gorge 43 miles long, the Zrmanja is one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe and a boat trip is a delightful way to witness the dramatically changing scenery. Starting off in lush green waterways, gradually the river widens and the banks brown, eventually turning into sheer rock cliffs split by the blue sparkling water. And just as you begin to tire of looking at rock, suddenly you round a bend and the river opens up into a stunning lake.

10. Water, water everywhere The ever changing colour of the water is a constant delight on a tour of coastal Croatia. Beaches may be small and often shingle but to jump from a boat or a platform in to the crystal clear water is always delightful.

Factbox Cathy experienced the Croatian coast with Noble Caledonia on board the Princess Eleganza. For details visit www.noble-caledonia.co.uk.

Her video - 10 great things to see in Coastal Croatia reflects that voyage and also reflects the beauty of the scenery, the ports, the National Parks, the culinary scene, the sunsets and everything else that makes Croatia such a popular tourist destination. Watch the video at www. travelguru.tv For general information about holidays in Croatia see www.visit-croatia.co.uk

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sponsored by much squealing and laughter. A real bucketlist tick!

We range in age from mid-40s to a fabulously vibrant lady of undisclosed age who could certainly teach the rest of us a thing or two about fitness in advancing years. Everyone does some kind of regular exercise – walking, swimming, tennis – but I’m relieved to find that nobody is dauntingly super-sporty. The thing that clearly bonds us however is attitude. We are all up for exploring this glorious landscape in a safe, guided environment. And whilst we don’t mind how wet we get during the day (and sometimes we do – this is the Lakes in August after all!), we all appreciate a hearty meal and a comfy bed at night.

Women’s Activity Week at Hassness House in the Lake District with Ramblers Walking Holidays As a woman who enjoys mixed company, I’m always slightly wary of gatherings that exclude men. But as the light fades over the Cumbrian fells beyond the window, I find I’m really enjoying meeting my new female companions over dinner.

isn’t one. But I didn’t miss it one bit. Busy days in the fresh air meant for early bedtimes with a book and soothing cuppa. And if – like me – you really must stay in touch, Hassness does have WiFi, though as in many rural areas, it can be a temperamental.

We’re about to spend a week together at Hassness Country House, owned by Ramblers Walking Holidays and the only property on the shores of beautiful Buttermere in the Western Lakes. Beloved by Alfred Wainwright - commemorated in the tiny village church – this is an area of unspoilt natural beauty and tranquillity, away from the hustle and bustle of Lake District hubs like Windermere and Ambleside.

I’m booked on a Women’s Activity Week that offers a varied taste of what this spectacular landscape has to offer. Hiking of course, but also an introduction to Nordic Walking; taster sessions of Yoga and Pilates; and, new this year, a morning’s kayaking. Plus there’s the promise of delicious home-cooked food at breakfast and dinner; picnic lunches; and the daily post-walk essential of freshly-baked cake!

It’s my second time at Hassness but my first since it reopened in spring this year after an upgrade. Most of the 11 bedrooms are now ensuite and the spacious lounge and cosy dining room have had a makeover too, though I’m pleased to find that none of the atmosphere has been lost. If you can’t live without television, stop reading now. There

This is no boot camp. Everything is optional and if you want to skip an activity, that’s fine. I opt out of 7am exercises by the lake in favour of drawing back the curtains and just admiring the fells through the window as I catch up on a chapter or two in bed. But I can’t resist the chance of my first optional ‘wild swim’, a bracing post-hike dip in Buttermere amidst

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Clare, our walk leader, has been leading for Ramblers Walking Holidays for 20 years, and devised the Women’s Activity Week programme four years ago. On the first evening, we each have a confidential chat with her about any fitness issues we may have – a dodgy knee or ancient shoulder injury, for instance – but every activity can be adapted to suit.

Sunday sees us on a gentle hike from base around neighbouring Crummock Water, a distance of some 10 miles. The path is largely level but stony which keeps casual weekend walkers away, so we can really appreciate the wild fells at leisure. We pass the occasional swimmer, with and without clothes; meet intrepid competitors on a run-and-swim race; and walk through fields of grey Herdwick sheep with their cute black lambs and quizzical faces. I start getting to know the other ladies as we fall into step and I begin an emotional journey which is to give me glimpses into the often-inspiring lives of some lovely fellow walkers.

Monday brings an introduction to Nordic Walking, with much giggling as we learn the movements by the lake shore. We test our skills on the surfaced 4-mile path around Buttermere before that fabulous wild swim and an hour of gentle Yoga from a local instructress. Next morning, we head to Whinlatter Forest by minibus to stride out with our Nordic Walking poles up the broad forest trails to a viewpoint above Keswick.

Wednesday is a free day and those who arrived by public transport mostly take the bus into Keswick for retail therapy and the famed Pencil Museum. With a car of our own, my friend and I drive 90 minutes through Grasmere and Ambleside to Coniston where we visit Brantwood, home of 19th century artist, author and humanitarian John Ruskin; take a stroll around Tarn Hows; and visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead (National Trust). Rest day? No way!

Against a dramatic sky of sunshine and summer showers, we set off for Crummock Water again on Thursday and a short but steep climb up Rannerdale Knotts, where I’m thrilled to capture photos looking down on a rainbow. Back at Hassness, an hour of Pilates stretches out tired muscles and prepares me for the last adventure on Friday, a morning’s kayaking on Derwentwater. It’s my first time in a solo craft and I feel quietly chuffed as I pull the kayak onto the beach of St Hubert’s Island at the centre of the lake. A real Swallows & Amazons moment.

We head back down the eastern shore of Derwentwater on foot, stopping to smile at ‘The Bear in the Window’, a cute teddy looking out from a shed beside the trail and

surrounded by letters from fans, young and old. Then it’s time for the last group dinner, reminiscing over the week and swopping contact details. It’s been a physically and emotionally uplifting week with a sense of camaraderie and openness that I hadn’t anticipated.Sure, I was lucky with the group, but I also think that the magic atmosphere of Buttermere and Hassness Country House can take much of the credit. Priceless.

More information The Women’s Activity Week runs in July, August and September, and costs from £585 per person, including accommodation, meals and activities, but there are themed weeks at Hassness all year round from Navigation and Hill Skills to Mindfulness in the Mountains, and the leisurely Lakeland Explorer.

Visit www.ramblersholidays. co.uk for more details.

Enjoy safe and stress-free senior living at one of Tingdene’s 26 communities across the UK Situated in picturesque rural and coastal locations you’re sure to find the perfect new home for you.

CALL US NOW 01933 427 800

www.tingdene-parks.net

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Call to claim your free Beginner’s Guide to Park Home Living 9

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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KATHERINE JENKINS POPSTAR TO OPERA STAR – operatic arias, popular songs, musical theatre and hymns. As she recalled: “I’ve only ever wanted to be a singer. I never wanted to be famous.”

The mezzo soprano from Neath in South Wales has become a firm national favourite over the past 18 years

Katherine and her sister Laura were raised in a loving home. Bright and hard-working, she received A grades in her GCSEs and A levels and took part in college musical productions. She passed her Grade 8 exams in both singing and playing the piano with distinction.

Just by way of starting her professional career, in 2004, she was given a rare six-album deal by Universal. This was the most lucrative in the UK’s classical recording history and reportedly worth £1 million. Six out of seven of these albums have reached No.1 in the UK classical charts. She also became the first female artist to win two consecutive Classical Brit Awards.

Blessed with a beautiful voice, Katherine has always impressed because she moves effortlessly between all kinds of music 10

Katherine was a member of the Royal School of Church Music Cathedral Singers and gained its highest award for female choristers. She was also a member of the National Youth Choir of Wales and won the BBC Radio 2 Choirgirl of the Year contest twice.

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I have such happy memories of performing in a choir and I don’t think I’d have got where I am today without all that experience

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BRIDGING the gap between classical and mainstream music is especially difficult – but Katherine Jenkins has managed it beautifully.

“So my advice to young singers is to either join your school or church’s choir or find one in your local area. Choral music at any level teaches you so much about musicianship and blending your voice.”

Katherine was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music, graduating with honours and receiving a music teacher’s diploma. She worked as a freelance voice coach, a tour guide on the London Eye and as a model. In fact, she

entered a modelling competition in 2000 and became The Face of Wales.

Andrea Bocelli and friends

Her pure tones were first properly heard when she sang in Westminster Cathedral in honour of Pope John Paul II’s silver jubilee in 2003. Then followed that amazing album deal.

On the advice of the original Forces’ Sweetheart, Dame Vera Lynn, in December, 2005 and 2006, she travelled to Iraq to sing to the soldiers for Christmas On her first visit, when travelling to Shaibah, the largest British base in Southern Iraq, the helicopter she was travelling in was targeted by missiles.

Anti-missile flares were deployed and the group landed safely – with true professional Katherine going on to perform for her appreciative audience.

Since those early appearances, she has toured extensively and successfully, becoming an all-round entertainer and appearing in prime-time TV hits like Strictly Come Dancing. She has sung at major sporting events, on TV shows and in support of many charities – and even appeared in “Dr Who”.

She plainly doesn’t limit herself and is always up for a challenge.

While chatting with TV presenter and magician Stephen Mulhern at a post-awards party in 2010, she happened to mention that she had always wanted to be sawn in half by a magician.

The result was that Mulhern invited her to appear on his Saturday Night phone-in game show Magic Numbers. Here, she acted as his assistant and Mulhern and singer Olly Murs sawed her in half inside a see-through box!

That same year, she was a mentor to the celebrity contestants as well as a judge on ITV’s “Popstar to Operastar”. In 2012, she competed on the American TV show “Dancing with the Stars” and finished second.

Katherine seems unaffected by fame. “I really see myself as a homegirl,” she stated. “Wales is my first home. London is my second home. I love coming back to Neath – this is home and always will be.”

Far from being a diva, she has a down-to-earth niceness that appeals to audiences. “Although I’m not shy when I’m singing,” she explained. “I am whenever I hear applause.

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I giggle a lot on-stage. That’s shyness. And the stage manager is always telling me to take a longer bow whenever I come off-stage. I still haven’t learnt to do that

properly. I see other artistes milking the applause but I can’t quite do it.”

Katherine has always said she wanted to get married and have a family and in September, 2014, she married New York artist Andrew Levitas. Their first child, daughter Aaliyah Reign, was born in September, 2015, and their son Xander arrived in April this year.

Now, when Katherine performs, she has the tough challenge of balancing work and motherhood. She told Fabulous Magazine recently that she breastfed Xander while backstage at the Classical Brit Awards.

Last year, she turned her talents to acting when she starred in the English National Opera’s revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s wonderful musical “Carousel.”

Next year, she undertakes a 22-venue tour across the UK through April and May, finishing in Belfast. which will no doubt please her many fans.

Katherine has always been interested in charity work – in 2014, she was awarded an OBE by the Queen for her charity work and services to music.

Whatever the future brings for Katherine Jenkins, it will be decided very much by her. As she once explained: “I have to believe that I know what’s best for me. For instance, I choose all my songs.

I never record anything I don’t want to record. No-one tells me what concerts to do.”

And, as long as Katherine Jenkins keeps singing and keeps pleasing her many fans, that will be good enough for them.

*For more details of Katherine Jenkins’ 2019 tour go to www.katherinejenkins.co.uk/live/ 11

Giving away or selling your home to avoid care fees isn’t always in your best interests There are lots of people out there who profess that they can help you avoid paying care home fees, but much of that simply isn’t true. It’s a hugely complex area and people can easily fall foul of the law if they don’t take advice from a qualified and regulated professional.

The issue of care home fees has become a thorny subject in recent years. While some accept it as a part and parcel of getting older, others view it as a drain on years of hard earned saving.

But, whatever your view, the reality is that if you posses a significant asset, such as a home, it gives you a distinct advantage when it comes to care. Having a property you can draw funds from allows you the benefit of choosing how comfortable you want to be if residential care ends up being your destiny.

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If you’re having difficulty looking after yourself, the local council will assess whether you need social care. This can be anything from having more support at home, right through to moving in to a residential care home.

Currently, if you have assets worth more than £23,250 you are liable for all your costs. If you have less than £23,250 in capital, the council will pay for all or part of your care. How much you pay is calculated on a sliding scale via a means test, which takes into account your savings and any income you may be in

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receipt of. Of course, there could be other factors involved, for example, if you’re already in living in residential social care or a nursing home, whether there’s a dependent relative living with you or if you have dementia and are living at home, but the broad thrust of it is that if you need to be moved in to full time residential care, the council can also include your property in the value of your assets.

Deliberately reducing your assets to avoid paying for care fees is known as ‘deprivation of assets’.Your assets can include money, property or any income you receive. It has been known for people to give their money or home away so that they’re not included in the means test, but if your local authority comes to the conclusion that you’ve done this on purpose, it will view it as a deprivation of assets. As such, even if you no longer have the asset, the council can still include the value of it when calculating your contribution towards the cost of your care fees.

The local authority will base its decision on whether you’ve engaged in a deliberate deprivation of assets by taking into consideration two key factors. Firstly, it will decide if you knew you may need care or support and, secondly, that you’ve intentionally got rid of your assets to avoid paying for care.

And it’s not just about whether you’ve sold your home or transferred the title deeds of your property to someone else that the council will look in to. It will investigate whether you’ve given away large sums of money or you’ve started spending much more than you would do normally. It also looks in to whether you’ve gambled your money away or if you’ve spent your money on buying jewellery or cars which are exempt from the means test.

This may appear harsh; after all who wants to give up the home and possessions they’ve worked so hard to acquire, but it’s all part of paying for care in the 21st Century. This, I believe, is why timing is critical.

Local authorities will make exceptions if you gave up your home or assets at a time when you genuinely thought you wouldn’t need care or support. In these instances, the council will review your situation and ascertain what reasons you had for doing it.

If it deems that, at the time of giving away your assets, you were fit and healthy and didn’t for one minute think you would end up needing care, the council may view that deprivation of assets don’t apply.

While you may believe this is desperately unfair, if you think about it, you’re not really losing your asset, you’re just transferring the value of it in to something else that can help you buy a better life for yourself. Isn’t that exactly why we save in the first place?

Pooleys Solicitors can provide advice and guidance on residential care home fees.

Pooleys Solicitors LLP will be pleased to help you with l

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your capsule wardrobe. Shockingly 30% of the clothes in British wardrobes are rarely worn.

If you do want to buy something of sartorial style in Living Coral consider whether you would better suit wearing Living Coral from head to toe in a gorgeous maxi dress or summer suit, but for others it may best work as a blouse or as summer trousers.

HOW TO EFFORTLESSLY WEAR LIVING CORAL-THE COLOUR OF 2019 The Pantone Colour Institute has announced their colour of 2019 is the gorgeous Living Coral (16-1546) but can we all wear this warm and energising colour? Through their extensive research, The Pantone Institute chose Living Coral ‘partly as an antidote’ to the ‘cold and distant’ digital world and as ‘a shade of connection’. Helen Venables, Managing Director of House of Colour explains how to wear Living Coral with style: We associate coral with the fresh, warmth and sun-kissed coral seas of Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines – but the gorgeous warm hue that is Living Coral will not work for all skin tones; particularly those that suit cool colours.

Some of us have warm pigment in our skin which is yellow based, while others of us have cool pigment which is blue based.

When you wear the right tones for your skin you will look brighter, fresher and younger but when a blue based cool skin undertone is wearing warm colours they appear sallow and slightly blurred. Equally when someone with a warm yellow based skin undertone wears cool colours they will appear washed out, older and tired.

Coral is a warm yellow based pink and so will suit those with warm skin tones much better than those with cool.

Don’t despair though if you are cool toned ie if you have a Winter or Summer colour palette, blue based equivalents 14

range from Winter’s shocking pink, magenta and ice pink to Summer’s softer rose, powder pink or raspberry. If you are cool toned but still want to wear the oh so modern Living Coral then an alternative is to wear a pattern with a splash and a dash of coral.

Springs and Autumns should check their own wardrobes before racing to the shops.

You may already have variants of coral which range from soft peach through to perfect coral and orange reds - which look gorgeous on you and are already within

As a pop of colour, coral looks gorgeous as a scarf, belt, shoes or handbag, particularly against a backdrop of a warm navy and maybe more in 2019’s spring and summer time which are the times of year when coral naturally finds its way into the shops. Using a pop of coral in these types of accessories will also work well with your neutrals for a memorable business look.

In comparison’s to last year’s pantone colour of the year, the bold and empowering ultra-violet, coral is an effortless, mellow colour which doesn't dominate making it the perfect hue to accentuate other colours. Coral teams well with all warm neutrals including the current 1970’s inspired browns, the Dulux colour of the year Spiced Honey, greys, coffee, beiges, khaki or dark olive for a rich and expensive look.

Coral is also fantastic in a lipstick, blusher and on nails for those with warm colour tones. Just make sure you don’t go too orange, which can look exciting on some people but not on everyone.

At a time when looking at how to drastically reduce pollution, plastics, disposal and carbon emissions is of critical importance, Living Coral couldn’t be timelier. Just as coral reefs are a source of sustenance and shelter to sea life, Living Coral reminds us of our precious world and our responsibility to protect it.

BY HELEN VENABLES, MD OF HOUSE OF COLOUR www.houseofcolour.co.uk

USE STYLE TO BLOW AWAY NEGATIVITY DURING MENOPAUSE Menopause is steeped in negativity, rarely talked about openly and is often associated with weight gain, mood swings and hot flushes.

However, menopause is different for every woman and there are many ways we can halt the negative association of this all-important phase in life that every woman goes through. To follow are tips on how to build your confidence using style and colour during Menopause.

Its not always easy but try seeing this as a new phase to your life; perhaps a new chance to reinvent yourself and to celebrate your body, skin and confidence. Always highlight your body parts that you like and don’t think, just perhaps because you are on the good side of fifty, that you must fade into the background! Now is your time!

Oestrogen is key to building collagen in our skin, so during menopause your skin may lose elasticity, or look duller and feel thinner or drier. Being well moisturised and wearing the right coloured makeup will make you appear healthier and more radiant.

The right lipstick is key!

Black is often thought of as a slimming colour but if you are not a winter season then it is not your colour. As we age even some winters begin to struggle to carry it off! Tailoring and the art of layering is far more helpful in creating a slimmer look.

If you feel like foundation is too chalky on your skin now, try using a BB cream as it has all the benefits of hydrating like a moisturiser, providing the coverage of a light foundation and often contains a sunscreen.

It is important to exercise when going through menopause so keep active and choose great sportswear to keep you motivated. Get re-measured for a good fitting bra, invest in some quality sports kit including a great sports bra and choose some trainers in a fabulous colour from your colour palette and you are ready hit the gym or pound the pavements!

If you are feeling flushed, know that the right colours will bring down high colouring and if you feel your complexion needs a lift try the more vibrant colours in your colour palette. Importantly, autumns and springs suit warm tones whilst winters and summers should wear cool tones.

Use accessories close to your face such a scarves, necklaces or earrings in one of, or an assortment of, your wow colours to highlight your complexion and to look radiant.

Comfortable dressing will be another vital consideration during menopause so wearing the right size and shape is important. Some of us may want our clothes to skim over our torso, but make sure you do not swamp your body; you can always add a belt to bring the silhouette in a little. Learning where on your body to best wear a belt is key. It is absolutely possible to prioritise style whilst still being comfortable.

You may be getting hot flushes, so wearing more breathable fabrics that allows the air to flow such as linen or 100% cotton will really help. Avoid anything labelled100% polyester.

Patterns are a great way to hide sweat but choose one that really suits you. Different patterns suit different style personalities.You may have something with a lovely pattern in your wardrobe right now

Fine Fashion Designed and Made in England Shop the new collection at davidnieper.co.uk Call for a catalogue 01773 83 6000 15

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BRING SPRING INTO YOUR HOME People start to have a clear-out and head for their nearest charity shop with boxes of unwanted household ornaments, curtains and even the odd small item of furniture.

It’s natural that the feeling of re-birth after the Winter “hibernation” should make us want to improve our own “habitat”.

But, how do you begin changing and improving your home without (a) spending a fortune and (b) finding a new style you’re happy to live with?

Perhaps the best way is to be completely objective about the state of your home currently. Pretend that you are a potential buyer and are viewing your property for the first time. What would be your impression and what would need to change?

WHEN Spring is just around the corner we tend to have a sense of optimism and change that extends to our

COLOUR is vital to our lives and I’m afraid we can get stale about home décor, just accepting those paint and wallpaper shades around us without really examining them.

So, be honest about the state of your home decor. Have those vibrant colours become drab and tired? Should you opt for something brighter and cheerier?

You know your own taste best so do choose colours that you like. Home experts Ikea suggest yellow as a way of welcoming in the new Spring season and brightening up our lives.

Look for cushions, bedding or vintage crockery with delicate or exuberant floral designs to offset a pale backdrop. Wider expanses on wallpapers and fabrics will create more impact.

Small-scale blooms, trailing botanicals, classic gingham checks and ticking stripes, whether in subtle neutrals or brighter shades, will introduce decorative detail to any room. Animal and bird motifs can also do this vital job, especially with a seasonal theme like hares and chicks.

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While textiles, curtains and rugs introduce subtle colour tones into different rooms to create an impact, you might prefer a bolder statement piece of furniture. These can be in the living room or the kitchen.

Brighter lighting – especially a modern pendant lamp or unusual upright lamp – not only brings light and an airy feeling into the smallest rooms but makes them look more modern.

Are your WINDOWS looking a bit worse for wear? New windows not only give a

to fitting your new doors and worktops, we instantly breathe new life into dated, tired-looking kitchens.

Try seasonal blooms to uplift the atmosphere

Offering a huge selection of kitchen door-styles, finishes and designs that will enhance your space perfectly.

You will also find a fantastic choice of kitchen worktops, appliances and accessories that create the perfect finishing touch.

Installation is quick and often takes only 2-3 days.

real facelift to your home but dramatically improve insulation while giving it a contemporary atmosphere. Look in local showrooms or go online for clever ideas to shed new light on your home.

This may also be just the time to plan that CONSERVATORY or ORANGERIE, giving you not only more space in your home but a lighter, up-to-date style to enhance daily living.

FURNITURE can reflect the family years like nothing else in a home. And, while we may love our battered old sofa, who is not to say that a new, smarter sofa won’t be equally comfortable?

By re-arranging furniture in a room you can quickly create a very different living space, one that reflects exactly your own lifestyle. Add some unusual cushions – either something with natural, earthy tones, in an unusual fabric or that complements curtains and carpets – and you have already brightened up your life.

If your budget isn’t up to that, how about just changing your unit doors for a fresh look? The cost is less and the effect comprehensively different.

Transforming your kitchen needn't cost the earth Dream Doors based at Wootton Bassett understand the importance of creating stylish, functional and inviting kitchens that not only reflect the personality of your home, but also introduce your kitchen to the very latest technology, worktops and accessories.

Managing every stage of the process, from design in the early stages. right through

Complement your new colour scheme with toning utensils, tea-towels and an eye-catching ornament or two. Or, find some really colourful artificial flowers and create a lovely display.

Try seasonal blooms to uplift the atmosphere – a bunch of early tulips arranged in a large jug or emerging narcissus and hyacinth bulbs potted into a trug, old wine crate or terracotta pots.

These instantly signal Spring like nothing else.

Search out old MIRRORS from charity shops and re-paint the frame to suit your new colour scheme. Ensuring that your signature colours are echoed throughout can keep that lovely sense of a change of seasons wherever you are in your home.

CARPETS also tell the tale of family life and – be honest – it may be time you replaced them at home. There are now so many different carpets and styles you will be spoiled for choice, or you may prefer a wooden floor for those clean contemporary lines.

Spring is also often the time that people invest in a new KITCHEN and there are certainly plenty of fabulous kitchens to enhance your home.

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Many charities like the British Heart Foundation and Emmaus collect secondhand furniture to sell and you can pick up bargains there or in other local charity shops. Or, consider renovating an item yourself.

A new BED is something we don’t always think about but a good night’s sleep is priceless. Add new bedding, especially with matching curtains and soft furnishings, and you’ve got a whole new-look bedroom.

Even a standard white BATHROOM can be made to look fresh with a new colour scheme in accessories, a toning jug of flowers or a trailing plant.

Look for quirky coat-hooks for the HALLWAY or an unusual painting or new mirror that will brighten up this vital area.

After all, this is often the first impression that any visitor gets so let’s make it a positive one.

Use spotlights and clever lighting to keep this an extra light area and try and hide away

••••

COLOUR

items like shoe cupboards to improve the space available.

While it would be lovely to have a new living room SUITE, if you can’t afford a brand new one, consider having new covers for your old one. This gives old furniture a real facelift.

ColourFence

And if you want to extend that Spring renovation to the garden, now is a great time to plan changes.

You may be thinking of a minimalist Oriental approach or something more Mediterranean. The Royal Horticultural Society’s website has plenty of ideas so go to https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/design and see how the experts can help.

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Increase your living space and add value to your home

O

ne of the fundamental requirements and first requests made by people contemplating a conservatory or glazed garden room is that they wish to us it THROUGH THE YEAR, not solely a glazed room for grey Summer days.

Those familiar with well designed glazed sun rooms, may suggest they are not really suitable for that purpose.

However, the many thousands of people who have such buildings and find them to be by far their most popular and well used room, thoroughly wish to disagree!

Many enjoyable evenings are spent well into the early hours, comfortably enjoying the unique opportunity of dining and being entertained in a conservatory.

The temperature outside was well below freezing and often snow on the ground.

Heating was of course required - but not much more than will be required within your home if the conservatory is designed and constructed to a suitably high specification.

If you’re pushed for space, and have considered moving to a larger home, think again. For a fraction of the cost of moving, you could install a conservatory.You’ve acquired a new room, full of light. A fabulous place to have your morning coffee and enjoy views into the garden.You can also reflect on the cheering thought that you’ve added around 15% to the value of your house.

20

The Conservatory Centre’s Large Showroom at Cheney Manor

The Conservatory Centre based at Cheney Manor have a large showroom displaying a wide range of styles and finishes. They provide a full conservatory package including tiling and furniture all under one roof, using specialist professional teams of surveyors and fitters. The whole project from initial design to completion usually takes only six to eight weeks.

Can a Conservatory be energy efficient?

Stephen Wright site manager of The Conservatory Centre explains: “A conservatory which is cold and expensive to heat in winter and unbearably hot in summer would represent poor value whatever the price paid. We all would like a room that we can enjoy in the cold winter months and hot summer days.

So how do we achieve this? How do we compare what’s on offer? Quite simply the

term ‘U-value’ is used as a measure of heat transfer through a given material. The huge area of glass, and maybe polycarbonate in the roof of a conservatory, if not in line with the very latest technology can reduce your investment to little more than a glorified greenhouse! The higher the U-value figure, the greater the heat loss will be; conversely, the lower the U-value figure, the lower the heat loss. Remember! for an energy efficient conservatory, compare U-values and GO FOR LOW. With our latest range of intelligent Smart Glass for roofs in active blue, aqua, neutral or bronze tints and our Wall Glass: Total 1.1-1.2 U-Value crystal clear ‘planitherm’, argon gas filled cavity double glazed units.

Europe’s top selling solar controlled ‘Low E’ glass made in Britain.

This glass really does make a difference to the all year round comfort of the conservatory. Our customers who have experienced the difference tell us this!

Ordinary Pilkington double glazed units have a U value of 1.9 and will lose 2 times more heat through the glass. Another type of heat retaining glass, sometimes called low e glass or Pilkington K has a U-value of 1.6 which, although better will still let in 50% more heat than ‘Planitherm’.

Furthermore, crystal clear Planitherm Total 1.1-1.2 does not suffer the hazy sheen often associated with Pilkington K glass. As an added bonus, Planitherm Total 1.1-1.2 glass reduces 70% of harmful radiation passing through the glass, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful effects, and reducing fabric fading. In summer this amazing glass technology with a .74% solar factor and a .85 shading coefficient keeps your conservatory comfortably cool. (g ISO905 M1) Frames: Bowater ‘Rustique’ 1.1 U-value, 5 chamber PVCu frames.

A few years ago, virtually all the PVCu frames systems incorporated 3 lateral internal insulating chambers, which gave the frames a U-value of around 1.8 Advances in glass technology resulted in a glass centre pain U- value as low as 1.1-1.2 a clear gap between the energy efficiency of glass and PVCu frames. In many European countries, 1.1-1.2 centre pane u value glass is the norm (Austria, for example is 100% 1.1-1.2 U-value glass).

Taking into account the close proximity of the glass to the frame, this clear disparity in u values presented a problem for the more responsible PVCu frame designers.

Moisture in the air is attracted to the coolest surface (the frame) forming condensation, just one reason why frames and glass should have similar U-values. The ideal conservatory will have 1.4 U-value frames 1.2 U-value glass. As a major European manufacturer, selling frames across Europe, Bowater Group Laboratories accepted the challenge to match the frame and glass U-values, a few years ago Bowater announced the development of it’s top of the range ‘Rustique’ - Europe’s first fully sculptured 5 chamber frame, driving down the U-value to just 1.4 with zero air leakage, an incredible achievement. The majority of PVCu frames (even those of many leading brands still being sold in 2019) still incorporate the old 3 chamber design, with a U-value of 1.8, losing 60% more heat through the frame, creating dreaded condensation!

Many rival companies who copied the 5 chamber design have still only achieved U-values of around 1.4-1.5 illustrating the technological superiority of the Bowater Group testing laboratories.

Our ultraframe roofs with vented eaves and ridge beam : 1.2 U-value polycarbonate, 35mm thick 7 wall construction comprising of 6 insulating compartments with optional ‘sunshield’ Cheaper typical 25mm thick polycarbonate, made up of 5 layered frame walls, with just 4 insulating compartments, has a U-value of just 1.6, losing 33% more heat, straight through the roof. Should you be concerned about overheating in direct summer sun, The Conservatory Centre will install SUNSHIELD protection free of charge.

SUNSHIELD prevents most of the sun’s heat passing through the roof. Now as standard for 2019 secure ventilation can be achieved through your roof ridge and around the perimeter.Both create thermal air flows in the conservatory, cooling and relieving stuffiness in hot weather, these may be closed as required.

Remember - Compare U-values and ‘GO FOR LOW’.

The Conservatory Centre attain Which? Trusted Trader status The Conservatory Centre based at Manor Garden Centre at Cheney Manor was recently endorsed as a prestigious WHICH? Trusted Trader.

Much like the successful WHICH? Best Buy Scheme, WHICH? Trusted Traders can use the icon.

Each Trader is put through a rigorous assessment meaning that consumers get the best service and WHICH? Trusted Traders get the business and recognition they deserve.

The Conservatory Centre is one of a very exclusive section of their industry to achieve this award.

One of the many testimonials from The Conservatory Centre, Swindon.

“Both Joanne and I had to write and let you know how happy we are with our new conservatory and are very pleased we decided to go with The Conservatory Centre. Martin and Joanne Buck.

Buy a conservatory and get an eco-friendly room with up to

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Telephone 01793 526691 - OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.conservatorycentres.co.uk email: conservatoryworld@btconnect.com 21

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Real lives

Give Your Property KERB APPEAL

Are you looking to transform the front of your house with an attractive new driveway?

I

f so, then a resin drive is well-worth considering.

Resin bound surfacing is a porous paving material made from a mixture of aggregate stones and resin. It combines the best attributes of other surfaces – the appearance of loose gravel, the strength of concrete and the flexibility of tarmac – whilst being easier to maintain than all three!

It’s environmentally friendly too – unlike bonded systems, a resin bound surface allows water to drain through just as Mother Nature intended, so you can minimise the impact on the environment and avoid puddles at the same time.

Resin bound surfacing comes in a choice of over 40 unique colours and is suitable for all types of properties and projects including driveways, patios, paths, terraces and roof gardens.

The benefits of a resin driveway

Slip resistant surface Adds value to your property No planning permission required Suitable for listed buildings, urban or rural properties ✔ Completely porous, so no puddles or floods ✔ Weed adverse materials ✔ Strong and durable so it will outlast other driveway options ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Sarah Beeny, property developer and TV presenter, is a big fan of resin drives. “Resin is definitely the perfect drive finish,” she says. “It’s so practical — being totally porous it drains brilliantly and doesn’t create puddles. It’s lovely to walk on, has a long-lasting durable finish and is available in an amazing range of colours.”

“It’s a bit like a little black dress. You can dress it up glitzy glam if you want a real Hollywood look, or it can blend perfectly with a natural rural setting.”

She recommends Resindrives.co.uk for their professional service and high-quality work on her driveway: “They arrived when they said they would, gave us a clear time schedule for the work and were finished early”, she says.

“All the fitters were polite and charming and properly cleaned up after themselves. They did a beautiful job and were complete perfectionists.”

Resindrives.co.uk have been installing resin driveways successfully since 2007. To find out more or get a free quote, call 0800 007 5733 or visit www.resindrives.co.uk.

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KWOKLYN WAN MAKES IT EASY TO COOK AMAZING CHINESE FOOD AT HOME

SWEET CHILLI CRISPY WINGS Double-fried, super-crunchy, spicy and juicy wings… This recipe does take a little longer to cook, but to get the crispy coating on the wing you have to double-fry. I guarantee that once you try this dish, it will become the one you pull out of the bag to wow your friends and family – it really is that good!

INGREDIENTS Serves 4 people 1.6kg (3lb 8oz) chicken wings ½ tsp salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp grated fresh ginger 125g (1 cup) cornflour (cornstarch) vegetable oil for frying 4 garlic cloves, crushed 3 large, dried red chillies, deseeded and cut into quarters 60ml (¼ cup) light soy sauce 120ml (½ cup) runny honey 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar 1 tbsp palm sugar 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

Pat the chicken wings with kitchen paper to make sure they are absolutely dry. Cut the tips off each wing and then cut each wing in half.

Put the chicken into a large bowl and mix with the salt, pepper and ginger. Add the cornflour to a separate large bowl, then thoroughly coat each chicken wing, gently squeezing to make sure the flour is sticking. Put the coated wings on a plate and set aside.

Heat a large non-stick wok over a medium to high heat. Add 1–2 tablespoons of oil, then fry the garlic and chillies for 30 seconds, taking care not to burn the garlic.

Add the soy sauce, honey and vinegar, mix well and simmer for a couple of minutes.

Add the palm sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Put enough vegetable oil in a large saucepan to be deep enough to deep-fry the wings, and heat to 170°C (340°F).

Gently fry the wings in batches of five, cooking for 8–10 minutes depending on the thickness of each wing piece. Turn the wings frequently to ensure even cooking.

Remove wings and drain on a wire rack.

Continue until all the wings are fried.

Once all the wings are cooked and slightly cooled, reheat the oil (to the same temperature) and fry the wings again for another 12 minutes, until golden brown and crispy, remembering to turn the wings frequently. Remove and drain on a wire rack and repeat with the rest of the wings.

When all the chicken has been doublefried, reheat the sauce in the wok, add the wings and mix well to coat. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve straightaway.

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FOOD & DRINK

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50 plus magazine INGREDIENTS Serves 4-6 people 4 spring onions (scallions), halved a thumb-sized piece of fresh unpeeled ginger, sliced 1 litre (4¼ cups) chicken stock 120ml (½ cup) rice wine 120ml (½ cup) dark soy sauce 100g (½ cup) demerara sugar 1½ tbsp Chinese five spice 2 star anise 1 tsp cloves 3 cinnamon sticks

CRISPY AROMATIC DUCK WITH HOISIN SAUCE AND PANCAKES Everyone, and I do mean everyone, LOVES this dish; it’s the perfect sharing plate to be enjoyed with friends and family.

Put the spring onions, ginger, stock, rice wine, soy sauce, sugar, spices and salt into a large, lidded saucepan and stir well to combine. Add the duck legs and massage the marinade into the skin.

Pop the lid on, put the pan in the fridge and leave to marinate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight. At the end of the marinating time, take the lid off

½ tbsp salt 4 duck legs (or you can use a whole duck cut into quarters) To assemble 1 pack of Chinese pancakes (average 10 pancakes per pack) 2 spring onions (scallions), cut into matchsticks 1 cucumber, cut into matchsticks 60ml (¼ cup) hoisin sauce

the pan and set it over a high heat, bring to the boil, then turn down to a simmer.

Cover and cook for 1–2 hours, keeping an eye on the liquid to ensure it doesn’t boil dry – add water if needed. Remove the duck legs from the liquid and place on a wire rack to cool.

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Arrange the duck legs on a baking tray and cook in the oven for around 15–20 minutes, or until the skin has turned lovely and crispy.

Towards the end of the duck’s cooking time, steam the pancakes for 6 minutes (or according to the packet instructions).

Remove the duck from the oven and shred the meat from the bones using two forks. Serve straight away with the warm pancakes, spring onions, cucumber and hoisin sauce and let everyone fill and roll their own pancakes.

National Helpline 0800 917 7650 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous has over 4,400 groups throughout Great Britain dedicated to helping those with a serious alcohol problem learn how to stay sober. Groups are made up of people from all walks of life and all age groups. Through friendship and mutual support, members assist each other in coping which is made easier by meeting others with the same problem. There are no dues or fees for membership and anonymity is carefully preserved.

Anyone who believes they have a drink problem can contact Alcoholics Anonymous by using the helpline number above or email; help@aamail.org Further information may be obtained from the web site above or from the General Service Office at the address below.

For information: P.O. Box 1, 10 Toft Green, York. YO1 7NJ Tel: 01904 644 026 26

BLACK PEPPER BEEF WITH GREEN PEPPERS AND ONIONS INGREDIENTS Serves 4 people 2 tsp whole black peppercorns 450g (1lb) beef fillet, sliced into bite-sized pieces 2 tbsp oyster sauce 1 tbsp Chinese rice wine 2 tsp light soy sauce a splash of sesame oil 2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch), plus 1 tbsp mixed with 2 tbsp water 1½ tbsp groundnut oil 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 small green (bell) pepper, de-seeded and diced

This dish was always served on a sizzling platter in the restaurant.We had oxshaped, heavy cast-iron platters that we’d heat until they nearly glowed red.They were then placed onto their wooden serving boards and billows of smoke would fill the kitchen.We’d pour the beef covered with its rich sauce onto the platter and it would sizzle and spit, filling the air with an aromatic cloud of smoke that smelled simply amazing.

Coarsely grind the peppercorns in a pestle and mortar – not too fine but you don’t want any whole corns. Put the beef strips, threequarters of the ground pepper, the oyster sauce, rice wine, soy sauce, sesame oil and the 2 teaspoons of cornflour into a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat the meat and leave to tenderise and marinate for 2 hours or overnight. (This isn’t essential but it does make a huge difference).

1 small onion, diced 120ml (½ cup) chicken or vegetable stock

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2QJ

Free

Scatter Cushions

When you’re ready to cook, heat your wok over a high heat. As soon as the wok starts to smoke add the oil and the marinated beef, leaving any marinade in the bowl for later. Stir-fry until the outside of the beef has browned, then add the garlic, green pepper and onion and continue stir-frying for 2 minutes.

Add the remaining marinade and the stock. Once boiling, drizzle the cornflour mixed with water into the sauce, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens. Transfer immediately to a plate, sprinkle over the remaining ground black pepper and serve.

The Chinese Takeaway Cookbook by Kwoklyn Wan (Quadrille £15) Photography: Sam Folan

large selection on display Free local delivery l Open 7 days a week

Tel: 01793 526691

www.conservatorycentres.co.uk 27

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Cut the Fuss

Have Fun this Spring

Eating Ou t ....

Sho pping ....

Get there by

Fam il y Days O u t .. ..

Trave l by B us .. ..

bus

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50 plus magazine Sunday 7th April 2019 Resolution Run Swindon 5k / 10k / 15k

11:00am til 3:00pm (last entry 11:00am) Minimum Age: 18 Take part in a Resolution Run to support stroke survivors across the UK. We know a lot of people want to get fitter, eat healthier or get a new hobby Whether you decide to run, jog or walk the route we'll support you every step of the way. We'll send you some helpful tips and advice to make sure you stay on track and cross that finish line.

WHAT'S ON

A Guide to what's happening in your region ...

6th April 2019 The Great British Dog Walk

THU 4 APRIL The Lindisfarne Story

The Lindisfarne Story is an affectionate and enthusiastic celebration of one of the UK’s most original and successful groups.

Written and performed by former front-man Billy Mitchell and founder member Ray Laidlaw, the show takes the audience on a trip through fifty years of the Geordie group’s history from it’s 1960’s beginnings in the pubs and clubs of Tyneside to the concert halls and festivals of the present day.

The story is told through the groups classic songs, rare and unseen video, audio clips and private photographs linked together with tall tales and scurrilous gossip. From Whitley Bay to Frisco Bay, from Rothbury to Glastonbury, the Lindisfarne Story is a brilliant evening’s entertainment.

It has been performed in theatres, arts centres and festivals plus a history making show on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and another on a North Sea cruise.

Whether you’re a rabid Lindisfarne fan or a just a lover of ‘60’s and ‘70’s music, this show is for you.

Swindon Arts Centre in Swindon Devizes Road, Swindon SN1 4BJ Tel: 01793 614837 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

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10:00 - 15:00.Join Hearing Dogs for The Great British Dog Walk at Lydiard Park on Saturday 6 April 2019, and help change a deaf person's life.

Join Hearing Dogs for The Great British Dog Walk at Lydiard Park on Saturday 6 April 2019, and help change a deaf person's life.

It’s a great way to have fun, get some exercise and of course spend time with lots of dogs! Cost: Adults: £10 online, £12 on the day, Children (under 16): free Lydiard Park Lydiard Tregoze Swindon SN5 3PA lydiardpark@swindon.gov.uk

6 Apr 2019 - 27 Apr 2019 Inside the Royal Wardrobe

Easter activities looking at 300 years of royal fashion. Become a dedicated follower of royal fashion in our art workshop. Check website for times.

Windsor Castle, Windsor Berkshire SL4 1NJ www.windsor.gov.uk/whats-on/ inside-the-royal-wardrobe-p1670151

Lydiard Park Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon SN5 3PA lydiardpark@swindon.gov.uk

Sat 13th - Sun 14th April 2019 Newbury Garden Show

The Newbury Garden Show is back for 2019 and promises to be bigger and better than ever before!

Packed with beautiful blooms and quality plants at amazing discount prices, the Newbury Garden Show will be full of ideas and products to Spring your garden back to life.

Not only can you pick up the latest flowers and select the perfect seeds direct from the growers, but you can learn more about your garden from our friendly and knowledgeable exhibitors.

Or, if you're looking for a gift for a friend or loved one, head into the Craft Village for some wonderful inspiration.

Tickets are on sale now. Visit http:// www.aztecgardenshow.co.uk/newburygarden-show.htm for details and to book Sat 13th - Sun 14th April 2019 All About Dogs Show

The All About Dogs Show is the UK’s FAVOURITE dog event for dogs of all shapes and sizes – and it’s returning to the Newbury Showground on 13th and 14th April 2019!

Bring your dog for two days full of exciting arena displays, expert advice, shopping and lots of fun have-a-go activities including the popular Fun Dog Shows where you and your dog can win rosettes, K9 Aqua Sports, talent competitions and more…

Tickets are available online at www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk Newbury Showground Priors Court Road, Hermitage, Thatcham, Berkshire RG1 9QB Tel: 020 7970 4061

Saturday 4th May 2019 Slough Together Walk

RAISE MONEY FOR YOUR FAVOURITE CHARITY AND HAVE FUN WALKING WITH US. Circular walk, about 5 miles, alongside Thames and Jubilee rivers.

A great walk along the jubilee river and Eton, taking in countryside, riverside, village and town. Discover an amazing variety of views, monuments and buildings, including shops and traditional pubs and of course the real butterflies and birds of this environmentally sensitive area.

Individual walkers or family, charity, company and social teams are all welcome.

Remember ALL the money you raise goes directly to your charity.

Registration is easy to complete online and all the documents you need, a route map, directions for the walk and a sponsorship form can, all be downloaded from Sloughrotary.org.uk/walk website.

Upton Court Park Slough in Slough Should you have any difficulties simply E-mail us at: info@sloughrotary.org.uk

Sunday May 5th 2019 Breast Walk Ever 2019

9:00 am - 6:00 pm Take a walk on the pink side, let’s beat breast cancer together!

A Sponsored walk along the beautiful Thames riverside in May 2019. Walking West from Marlow, you will pass through stunning countryside and picturesque villages as you wind your way to a triumphant finish at Beale Park. Choose from the full marathon, a half marathon or a 10 kilometer walk. All we ask is that each participant sets themselves a target to raise £50 towards our research into the secondary spread of Breast Cancer.

Minimum Age – All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must be at least 16 years of age to take part in the full marathon. No restriction for half and 10km.

Transport provided from Beale Park to your chosen start point before the walk.

Please note – no transport after the event back to any start points.

Marlow Bridge, High Street Bisham, Marlow SL7 1RG www.berkshireeventsguide.co.uk/ events/breast-walk-ever-2019berkshire/

6 May, 27 May , 30 June 2019 Family Fun Days at Royal Windsor Racecourse

Windsor Racecourse's popular family fun days are back and bigger and better than ever with loads of free fun activities for children of all ages to enjoy.

These fantastic days out is guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained with lots of entertainment. The gates, bars and restaurants will be open two hours before the start of the first race so why not come along early and enjoy the fantastic atmosphere. Entrance is FREE for racegoers under the age of 18 when accompanied by an adult! Adults can be responsible for up to three children under 18 each at Royal Windsor Racecourse.

Windsor Racecourse Maidenhead Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 5JJ

9 May 2019 to11 May 2019 'The Pageant' at the Royal Windsor Horse Show

Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria The Pageant is a theatrical performance featuring a cast of artists, dancers and performers together with 500 participants, over 400 horses and 30 carriages.

Saturday 18th May 2019 Counterfeit Seventies Show

Having toured extensively with The Counterfeit Sixties show they now bring you their unique Seventies show from a decade of glam rock through to new wave music, and everything in between!

Featuring the music of Slade, Sweet, T.Rex, The Bay City Rollers and many, many more, they will take you through a rollercoaster ride of the biggest 70s hits. Members of the four piece band have toured worldwide in their individual rights, and have worked with some of the biggest names of that decade. Coupled with a stunning light show, costumes from the period and video footage of the bands and events from that era, makes this one show you don’t want to miss!

So whether you want to sit back and take a trip down memory lane, or get your glad rags on and boogie, this uplifting show will take you on a nostalgic trip back to the 70s!

Swindon Arts Centre in Swindon Devizes Road, Swindon SN1 4BJ Tel: 01793 614837 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

Home Park Windsor Castle, Windsor Berkshire SL4 2NH

18 May 2019 Run for Sparkle Windsor

THU 23 MAY The Dreamboys

10:00 - 12:00. Run for Sparkle is a celebration of fitness, fun and fizz! Enjoy the benefits of exercise with the reward of a cold glass of Prosecco at the finish line (non-alcoholic alternatives available too!)

Achieve your fitness goals and enjoy a fun challenge this summer - run, jog or walk our 5kmroute (all levels, ages and speeds are welcome).

Enter as an individual or why not get your family and friends involved too, run as a team and join the party!

When you cross the finish line, you'll receive a Run for Sparkle finisher's medal with your well deserved glass of bubbles.

So, rally your friends, family or work colleagues and make Run for Sparkle part of your 2019 Bucket List!

The Dreamboys are back and hotter than ever with a brand new show and UK tour for 2019.

The Dreamboys are without a shadow of a doubt the most famous and successful show of its kind in history. Their breathtaking show spectacular has been perfectly created for hen nights, birthday parties and girls nights out with all your friend.

With special guest appearances on some of the UK's biggest TV shows such as The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent, Celebrity Big Brother, Loose Women, This Morning, Geordie Shore and The Only Way Is Essex, plus massive sold out Worldwide tours, it's no wonder The Dreamboys are the only show of its kind in history to have celebrity status.

Alexandra Gardens Riverway, Barry Avenue, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 5JA www.runningdiary.co.uk/view/21299

Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN 01793 524481 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

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2 June 2019 Race for Life Windsor- 5K

11:00 am.This is a 5k for everyone. This is thousands of people uniting with one purpose - to raise valuable funds for lifesaving research. TO ENTER: https:// raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/ find-an-event/royal-windsor-racecourse5k-2019-06-02-1100 Windsor Racecourse Maidenhead Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 5JJ

Saturday June 8th 2019 League of Friends SUMMER FETE

11:00am - 4:00 pm. League of Friends SUMMER FETE. Annual summer fete for League of Friends of the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Fun for all the family, side stalls, food and drinks inflatables, plants, tombolas and much more. In the arena dog show and entertainment Victoria recreation ground Armour Road, Tilehurst Berkshire RG30 6BP

WED 26 JUNE Rhythm of the Dance

Larks in Transit is a compendium of travelers’ tales and the general shenanigans of twenty years as a travelling comedian. With musical virtuosity, surreal tangents and trademark intelligence, Bill Bailey tackles politics, philosophy and the pursuit of happiness. Plus, he fashions a symphony from a ringtone, tells the real story of Old McDonald, and a re-imagines the Stars and Stripes.

Two decades of touring larks from a comic described by the Daily Telegraph as ‘the brainiest comic of his generation’.

Like a sheet of lightening the pulsating rhythms, pure energy and melodic music in the Rhythm of the Dance show has hit 50 countries around the world with audience figures of over 7 million fans during the past 20 years. Now in 2018 this global toe-tapping success continues from China to South America and from sunny Spain to snowy Siberia. Apart from having World and Irish champion dancers, this show also features some of the finest traditional musicians and singers. Perhaps it’s the combination of having the crème de la crème of live performers, intertwined with the latest technology, that takes the audiences on an exhilarating and exciting, energy packed 2-hour time-trip through the ages and makes it so successful.

Oasis Leisure Centre North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1EP 01793 507110 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN 01793 524481 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

TUE 4 JUNE Bill Bailey Larks In Transit

Meet Sandy Sh e l i s t e n s , s h e ’ s k i n d , s h e ’ s p a t i e n t she is Bluebird Care Swindon’s l on g es t s t a n d i n g c a r e a s s i s t a n t .

I f yo u h a v e s i m i l a r q u a l i t i e s t o Sa n d y a n d w o u l d l i k e a r e w a r d i n g ca r eer i n h ome ca r e. . .

...We would love to hear from you!

Bluebird Care Swindon Call us: 01793 239 497 Email us: s w i n d on @b l u eb i r d c a r e. c o. u k

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SUN 30 JUNE The Bob Dylan Story

The stunning and definitive live concert celebration of rock music’s greatest icon.

Join Bob and The Band on a nostalgic trip through and beyond 1960s America as hits including Like A Rolling Stone, Mr Tambourine Man, Blowin’ In The Wind, Knocking On Heaven’s Door, All Along The Watchtower, The Times They Are A-Changin’, Lay Lady Lay and many more are captured to perfection.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dylan’s famous 1969 comeback appearance at the Isle of Wight Festival and relive the moment as we feature classics performed on that heady late summer evening…the joyous romance of I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight, the whimsy of Quinn The Eskimo, and the trademark venom of Maggie’s Farm.

Swindon Arts Centre Devizes Road, Swindon SN1 4BJ Tel: 01793 614837 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

Saturday July 13th - Sunday July 14th 2019 Bastille Day Reading festival 2019

Bastille Day Reading festival 2019 is back in forbury gardens. Activities, performers, theatre, movies. French Stalls, wine, cafe Parisien and more.

Forbury Gardens The Forbury, Reading Berkshire RG1 3EH

Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 July 2019 Jaguar Tri-Fest

Jaguar Tri-Fest combines triathlon, music and luxury glamping with exciting food and drink, creating a truly unforgettable weekend. With a choice of 7 different races including individual, team and kids races, Jaguar Tri-Fest caters for seasoned triathletes through to first timers and families through to groups of friends on a weekend away.

Dorney Lake Court Lane, Windsor Berkshire SL4 6QP

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The Wiltshire Landscape walking challenge 2019 Embrace health, the outdoors and fresh air in beautiful locations all over the county, while having a chance to win a competition and raise funds for these special places - all at the same time.

The Wiltshire Landscape walking challenge consists of a series of twelve walks which take you to all of the National Trust sites cared for by the Wiltshire Landscape team.

You'll get to visit some wonderful places, including Figsbury Ring, White Barrow, Dinton Park, Windmill Hill at Avebury, Cley Hill, The Coombes at Hinton Parva, Stonehenge Landscape, Piggledene, Sutton Lane Meadows, Calstone and Cherhill Down, Lockeridge Dene and Pepperbox Hill (go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wiltshire-landscape to see these special places).

The walks range between approx 4 and 10 miles each and follow national footpaths, public rights of way, bridleways, byways, and are all partially, but not completely, on National Trust land.

All those completing the challenge before 31 December 2019 can enter a prize draw, the lucky winner will receive a £300 Cotswold Outdoor voucher. To enter, participants must purchase a Wiltshire Landscape Walking Challenge pack and take a 'selfie' of themselves on each walk to prove that they have completed it. (Note: when you book through the website it gives various dates - this is a glitch in the system - please ignore it, the end date is 31/12/2019 and you have from the date you book until then to complete the challenge).

The walking challenge packs cost £12 and you'll receive twelve printed walks, a handy map holder and instructions on how to enter the competition, as well as a voucher for a free hot drink at Avebury. To sign up visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk Me talking to Joel and Daniel on the 1st Shop ride of the year. Taken on the railway track between Chiseldon and Marlborough, 3rd February.

The E Cyclist The E stands for electric. Should you or are you keen to join the growing band of eCyclists? It can be a difficult choice and with so many manufactures getting on the bandwagon, how do you choose the best bike? Should I have a front, rear or centre drive motor, where should I have the battery, how big a battery do I need, which is the most reliable and do I need to spend that much!? It’s still a relatively new market which I suppose has been going about 10 years here, 4 or 5 more on the continent, where in some cases ebike’s have overtaken sales of conventional bicycles.

I’ve looked on the internet and I’m confused? You’re not alone, most people are. There is so much stuff out there and some of 34

it is very dated. If you’re a first time ebike purchaser you need to ask yourself a few questions and then get down to your local ebike specialist shop, there are a few of us dotted about. Here you’ll be able to see, touch, feel and more importantly try the bike that you’re interested in, before buying it! Would you buy a car without driving it? There is no substitute to actually riding a bike to see that it’s comfortable and that you are in full control. Some will be too big, others too small, heavy or not your style etc, etc…

Here at e-motion we have been advocates for electric bikes since 2009 and stock 8 of the very best brands which will enable you to contrast and compare, and more importantly ask questions to our knowledgeable staff who have a wealth of experience and will match you to a bike that will fit you perfectly, look great and not decimate your bank balance!

Why not join us on a shop ride? We ride out on the first Sunday of each month taking in a new route each time.

Both ebikes and standard cycles are welcome and if you’re keen to try an ebike we’ll bring one along for you to ride. Yesterday we were up on the Ridgeway for our second ride of the year.

Conditions were dismal, with driving rain and gusty winds from the tail end of storm Freya in our faces for much of the way. Back at Threetrees café after about 2 and a half hours of exhilarating riding we all enjoyed a well deserved hot drink!

by Mark Butler Director of e-motion evc

Theat re & ConcertsTrips

By Coach!

Barnes coaches

view our full list of theatre & concert trips on our website!

01793 821303 www.barnescoaches.co.uk travel@barnescoaches.co.uk 35

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Never wait to see if it is going to get better independently.

YOUR DOCTOR

Never leave a stroke victim - additional harm could be done if they were to fall over and injure themselves therefore it is essential that you are there for guidance and help. Don’t offer them any food or medicine. Take note of any medication they are taking, the time the stroke took place and tell the medical team as they will need all the information they can get.

HOW TO AVOID HAVING A STROKE

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAVING A STROKE Strokes are a serious medical emergency and occur when the blood supply is cut off to part of the brain and the brain cells begin to die.The blood supply is usually cut off either because of a blood clot, which accounts for 85% of all cases (ischaemic) or because of a weakened blood vessel to the brain bursts (haemorrhagic).

How often does it happen?

A stroke changes someone’s life approximately every three and a half minutes in the UK. Strokes can occur at any age, however the risk doubles each decade after the age of 55. Risk of reoccurrence of a stroke is most in the first 30 days.

right side of the body will have neurological complications and vice versa. If the right side of the brain is affected, then you may experience vision problems whilst if the left side of the brain is affected speech problems may be apparent.

Common side effects after a stroke are extreme fatigue and depression.

What to do if someone you are with is having a stroke: Time is essential when having a stroke, therefore it is essential to act fact.The quicker the stroke victim gets to the hospital, the faster the doctors can try to reduce the effects of the stroke. Call 999 as soon as possible if someone you are with is experiencing any stroke symptoms.

Symptoms The way to tell if you are having a stroke is to remember the word F.A.S.T which stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time. Symptoms to look for may be your face drooping to one side, your arms may become weak or numb, your speech could be slurred, or you may be unable to speak.

Time refers to you needing to dial 999 as soon as possible. A stroke sufferer may experience confusion, a lack of attention and have a painful headache. A stroke can vary in severity and can result in brain injury, disability or even death.

Consequences The consequence of a stroke is dependent on what side of the brain is damaged and how much damage the brain tissue has received. Usually if the left side of the brain is damaged then the 36

By Dr Riccardo Di Cuffa, Director and GP at Your Doctor www.your-doctor.co.uk

1. Quit smoking.

2. Make sure you have a healthy blood pressure.

3. Have a healthy weight and balanced diet.

4. Exercise regularly – at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week.

5. Drink alcohol in moderation 6. Treat atrial fibrillation.

7. Treat diabetes.

TIPS TO COMBAT MENOPAUSE The menopause is the phase in a woman’s life cycle where her periods stop, and she becomes unable to have children.This starts with the body producing less oestrogen and eggs less regularly.

For most people, this occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.The symptoms can vary from woman to woman with some saying it barely impacted them whilst others experience stronger symptoms. While these symptoms may seem worrying to some, there are effective ways to combat or reduce them so they do not have such a significant impact. Here are some top tips:

Get active: Although symptoms of the menopause may make you feel sluggish and low, becoming more physically active is one of the best ways to relieve menopausal symptoms.

When exercising, the pituitary gland produces endorphins, feel good chemicals which make us feel happy and reduce pain. As well as helping with menopausal pain and boosting your mood, endorphins can also heighten your sex drive which may have slowed because of menopause.

Exercises such as yoga, pilates, swimming or

running can help by releasing endorphins and relieving stress at the same time.Think about joining your nearest gym or trying home workout DVDs! Find what you enjoy.

Consume oestrogen boosting foods: Certain foods contain phytoestrogens which are plant based forms of oestrogen that mimic the effect that the natural hormones have on the body. Foods such as dried fruit, sesame seeds, cereal containing bran and soy milk are full of this rich goodness. Eating good proteins such as eggs and fish during the menopause is also beneficial as they can boost the immune system.

Consider therapies such as HRT: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the main therapy available for women going through the menopause. It is known for being able to relieve many of the common symptoms in some women. It can also help prevent osteoporosis - a bone condition which women going through this phase are more at risk to. HRT is protective to your heart if taken for less than 10 years and before the age of 60.There are many different forms and treatments, however HRT is not the right treatment for everyone as there can be strong side-effects.The risks of HRT are lower than the risks caused by drinking a glass of wine daily. For more information and to find out if you are eligible, consult your GP. Keep your stress levels low: When oestrogen levels drop, the body may less efficiently regulate levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone produced in the adrenal gland.To combat stress, try making more time for relaxation whether that means new hobbies, exercising or more times with friends and family. Remember, overdoing it at work whilst going through the menopause may cause extra stress, which in turn could make your symptoms feel worse.

Avoid common symptom triggers: It may sound obvious, however certain things have been linked to triggering menopausal symptoms. Cigarettes, caffeine and spicy foods have all been linked to symptoms such as hot flushes. If you’re a smoker, or a big fan of coffee - try and give up, or at least cut down on your habit.You may see a great deal of improvement.

Do you find you are tired at the end of the day?

Are you having problems remembering what has been said to you?

Do young people babble and not speak clearly?

These are all signs that you may have a slight impairment in your hearing.

When you do not hear 100% your brain has to fill in the gaps in conversation.

This can require significant effort by your brain, which leads to you being more tired earlier in the day.

When the brain is trying to fill in the gaps of conversation it can be too busy to store the information leading to you presenting as forgetful.

Unfortunately, we are not able to multitask as well as we would like to think.

Missing subtle parts of the conversation is like completing crosswords, not all the information is there.

Hence the conversation sounds more like babble.

Consider seeing an Audiologist to check out your hearing, improving your hearing can give you many health benefits, including feeling better about yourself, more engagement in company and less embarrassing misunderstandings.

When you do not hear 100% your brain has to fill in the gaps in conversation.

Miss Hearing, sufferi

Remember that if you are eligible for hearing aids they will Consult a local indepen only be as good as the Audiologist that programmes them.

Consult a local independent professional, Dr David J Reed BA MS Dr David J Reed BA MSc MBA AuD RHAD

Dress comfortably - Women who suffer with regular hot flushes are often advised to dress in layers, so there are no awkward or uncomfortable moments when the situation arises. Investing in cool, breathable clothing may be a good option.

•

Sleep well - Sleep can sometimes be disturbed so try to have good sleeping habits such as a bath before going to bed, avoiding gadgets and having a cup of warm milk. Some women recommend going to bed with a cool flannel over the forehead if you suffer from bad night flushes.

• • •

Talk about mood changes – it is likely that you will notice mood changes so talk to your friends, partner and family about this and try to organise as many fun activities with your loved ones as possible.

Listen to your body – if you find you have less of an appetite then eat smaller meals more regularly. Conversely if you feel ravenous often, take care to not put on weight during this time. If you feel tired a lot then take naps if you can. Challenge your brain in new ways to blast through any mental fogginess. Just know that the symptoms will pass.

Although these symptoms may seem daunting, most women going through the menopause and their day to day life as normal. Although women may feel some discomfort from symptoms, it is important to remember, it is not an illness, and is something that all women go through at one stage or another. It is worth addressing as a woman today now spends approximately a third of their life menopausal!

•

• • • • •

Ear wax removal Hearing Assessments Up to date digital Hearing Aids www.reedsear.co.uk reeds@ree Personal Attention & Lifelong aftercare Hearing protection 4 Raglan Close, Lawn, Swin

Call: 01793 692815 reeds@reedsear.co.uk www.reedsear.co.uk Amnigilda, 4 Raglan Close, Lawn Swindon. SN3 1JR

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TIPS ON HOW TO LIVE LONGER Take control of your health and live longer by stopping the acceleration of ageing and disease processes with these top health tips.

Your diet can have a key influence on your life expectancy. Try and eat foods high in antioxidants and vitamins - perhaps follow the Mediterranean diet which contains a lot of fruit and vegetables, nuts, oily fish and healthy fats which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and memory loss and protect cells from damage.

A small amount of stress is known to actually be good for you, but research continues to pour in suggesting that excessive stress or handling stress badly is linked to countless serious diseases.

Mindfulness and meditations techniques are extremely effective at reducing stress.

Love the job that you do. Heart attacks are 20% more likely to occur on a Monday with some researchers suggesting that it could be linked to the stress of another working week.

Try and be as active as possible. Exercise gets your blood flowing and your heart

pumping. Muscle tissue is three times more efficient at burning calories than fat. To maintain good fitness levels, adults aged 20-65 should do 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity like cycling, fast walking or swimming a week.

Try and exercise your mind too. As you grow older your mind can deteriorate, so change your weekly routine and try to visit somewhere new, read challenging books or learn a new language to help keep your mind sharp.

The most obvious way to increase your life expectancy is to stop smoking. Smoking is the largest single preventable cause of cancer each year in the UK yet some 9.4 million people in the UK smoke every day.

Spend time with loved ones and friends and enjoy making new friends. Feeling lonely and isolated can affect your mental and physical health. Having a social life can reduce stress levels and relieve anxiety and depression.

Try to have a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep a night, as any less can

Come again?

decrease the effectiveness of your immune system. Getting enough sleep gives you more energy for rich cognitive function and prevents mental issues, such as depression.

Think positively, it can increase your lifespan. Having a positive outlook even during times of stress can help turn negatives into positives and really aid recovery.

Recent studies have found that spending time in the sun can actually reduce the risk of liver cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer by providing us with Vitamin D which maintains calcium levels in the body which keeps bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Simply exposing our hands and faces to sun for up to 15 minutes a day in the sun is enough. However, continue to take care in the sun as burning can be harmful to your skin.

Coffee can be good for you in moderation.

A daily cup of coffee can fight against type-2 diabetes and can reduce the risk of heart disease. Coffee is said to stimulate the nervous system, raise metabolism and increase the oxidation of fatty acids which can aid in weight loss. Avoid sugar in your coffee though!.

Everyone should check their hearing from time to time, especially those over 50, working in noisy places or listening to loud music for long periods. On average people can wait up to 10 years before addressing their hearing loss. Just think what you could be missing. So don’t put it off — act now!

To book an appointment call us today on 01635 523343.

10 Weavers Walk, Newbury, RG14 1AL newburycentre@maryhare.org.uk www.maryharehearingcentres.co.uk

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CHOOSING CARE AT HOME Homecare is the first choice for people who need help with their personal care to lead independent lives. Many people use a homecare service as an alternative to moving into a care home.

Homecare, also known as domiciliary care, is a term for support provided in the home by careworkers to assist someone with their daily life.

Enabling people to remain at home helps them maintain personal independence, comfort and contact with their local community. Homecare is flexible, with just the right amount of assistance given at any one time.

Bluebird Care UK provides high quality homecare and support to keep you safe and comfortable in your own home.

We want to support you to maintain your chosen lifestyle. We believe that each customer is unique, with their own individual preferences and needs. So, we keep you in control and provide you with the homecare and support you want, where

and when you want it. It’s your life and your care, so it must be your way.

The services we offer Choose our flexible homecare services, anything from a 30 minute check call, to 24 hour live in care. We can offer short term help (following an illness or because your usual carer is having a break), or longer term homecare and support. Our dedicated team of homecare workers are fully trained to: l Assist with a ‘good morning’ start to the day, helping you to get up, wash, shower or bathe, dress and have breakfast l Remind or assist you to take your medicines and collect or return medication

from your pharmacy or dispensing GP surgery l Prepare meals with or for you and assist you at mealtimes l Collect your pension for you or with you l Shop with you or help you to make a shopping list, go to the shops, come back and put it all away l Help with your laundry or ironing and keeping your home clean and tidy l Support you with social activities such as going out for a walk, attending a day centre, visiting friends or family, going to your church or club etc l Give a little pampering when you need it – the occasional visit to organise bathing, clean clothes, fresh bedding and a thoughtfully prepared meal before bedtime l At the end of each day, some help with getting ready for bed l Overnight ‘sleeper’ or waking support, respite care or a 24 hour live in service l Some of our offices can also offer homecare and support to children and their families either on a regular basis or for short term respite care

My life My home My cuppa, just the way I like it Home care from Bluebird Care Swindon

Find out more about home care and the difference it can make to your life.

Email the Bluebird Care team: swindon@bluebirdcare.co.uk or call us on 01793 239499

bluebirdcare.co.uk/swindon 39

HEALTH

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50 plus magazine

Antimalarial medication varies in how long you should take them for and how far in advance you should take them.

Antimalarial pills are also not 100% effective and there is increasing resistance to them and so you should always try and stop yourself being bitten. Mosquitoes carrying the disease often bite after sunset and so it is a good idea to wear strong repellent and long sleeve clothes after sunset. The Advisory Committee for Malaria Prevention (ACMP) strongly recommends DEET-based insect repellents.

There are also diseases spread through mosquito’s that bite during the day (such as Dengue fever) so avoidance measures should be used during day.

TOP TIPS FOR FAMILY TRAVEL Unfortunately there can be a lot of stress surrounding a family holiday, so Your Doctor has compiled ten travel health tips to help your holiday run as smoothly as possible:diphtheria, polio and tetanus (combined vaccine and usually booster as all children will had this as part of primary immunisation programme in UK), typhoid and sometimes hepatitis A as it is a combined vaccine.

Cholera is also available. You are likely to have to pay for other vaccinations privately.

Vaccinations - Seek advice from your GP at least eight weeks prior to your trip to ensure you know what you need, what the risks are at your holiday destination, and so that you can make an appointment in advance and the vaccinations have time to work. For general travel information try www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx.

The following travel vaccinations are usually available free on the NHS:

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Managing child vaccination needle phobia - Discuss with a health expert prior to date of vaccination the best way to manage the situation. Choose an environment which is not busy or crowded and where you are not rushed. Do not take siblings along at same time if possible. Explain to your child beforehand what will be involved. Appear firm and unwavering when proceeding with immunisation. Ensure you child is wearing appropriate clothing which has easy arm exposure for the appointment.

Travel Diarrhoea - In areas where it is difficult to maintain good hygiene and sanitation, travellers are advised to take precautions with food to ensure it is uncontaminated and cooked thoroughly and that all water has been purified. Always carry sanitising gel or hand wipes. Ensure that clean dishes, cups and utensils are used; use alcohol wipes to clean them if necessary. Where possible choose food that is freshly cooked to a high temperature and served immediately whilst still hot.

Be especially cautious with street vendors selling cheese, ice cream, fish and shellfish, salads and fresh herbs (inc in drinks) and fruit. Boiled and bottled water (with intact seal) are usually safe, as are hot tea and coffee, beer and wine. Do not use ice in drinks unless in an established hotel chain.

There is an effective antibiotic used for severe cases of travellers’ diarrhoea called Ciprofloxacin. Most cases of traveller diarrhoea are not in fact due to infection but due to the change in mineral content of the water.

Deep Vein Thrombosis - If any of the family may be at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), seek advice from your GP. Long haul passengers should regularly walk around and stretch their legs on long flights, drink water and preferably avoid alcohol. Wear loose comfortable clothing and anti-DVT special socks. If you have a family history of thrombosis or have had a DVT previously, always consult your doctor before travel. Seek medical advice if planning to travel within a month of abdominal or leg surgery

uk’s faStest growing cbd company Travel Insurance - Make sure you have sufficient travel insurance to cover medical emergencies quickly and efficiently. Take the relevant forms with you.

Benefits of CBD

Managing jetlag for kids - There is no magic solution to avoid jetlag but ensure that you adjust your time to local time and try to keep them active until bedtime. Depending on your age you can use an antihistamine such as Piriton as it has mild sedative properties. For some it could take a day per hour difference to adjust to time changes.

HELPS WITH: l Pain l Inflammation l Anxiety l Sleep l Appetite suppression l Movement disorders l Memory l Seizures l ADHD Sun safety is incredibly important. In hot climates try and be in the shade particularly between 11am and 3pm and make sure you never burn by covering up, wear a wide brimmed hat and using at least factor 15 sunscreen. Remember to reapply after being in water, also to reapply frequently during time exposed Even not having proper eye protection can cause a temporary but painful burn to the surface of the eye, similar to sunburn. If you do get burnt try having a light shower with cool water and apply after-sun or calamine lotion.

Ibuprofen could help reduce inflammation caused by sunburn. Seek medical help if you feel unwell. Extra care should be taken if you have paler skin, freckles, red or fair hair, have many moles, or if there is a family history of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia. Skin can burn in just 15 minutes in the summer sun – take extra care.

Take medicine with you – Always take a travel first aid kit with you. This may include paracetamol, anti-inflammatories, thermometer, plasters, antiseptic cream, dressings, antihistamines if you are prone to allergies and travel sickness pills.

CBD and ME UK is a small family run company and we take pride in our quality of products and service. We have sourced the finest CBD products in the industry and made our labelling as clear and easy to understand as possible.

We are members of the Hemp Association and the CTA.

We supply a full range of CBD Products including: l Oils l Capsules l Balms l CBD Edibles l CBD Infusions

All products sent by guaranteed Royal Mail Delivery

To order visit our website:

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HEALTH

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50 plus magazine

Indoors, they are main agents for British furniture manufacturers Sherborne and Primacare, both companies supplying a range of seating options to suit the needs of the user, whether that be a top of the range custom made rise and recline chair with heat and massage to a matching bespoke suite. New for 2019 there is an option on the Sherborne range of chairs, to have powered adjustable lumbar support.

The Mobility Store has invested heavily in their engineering facilities and offer servicing and repairs on most mobility products, from walking frames to top of the range mobility scooters and powerchairs.

Just call the branch nearest to you to book an appointment.

The Mobility Store The Mobility Store with branches near you has a range of products to help you make the most of the seasons. Outdoors, they supply walking aids and wheelchairs that can cope with multi terrain to a simple trekking pole rubber tip.

MAKE LIFE EASIER On the move: Mobility scooters Footcare: Mobility scooter repairs shoes and slippers Large range of mobility aids Footcare appointments Hire services FREE Hearing health Stairlifts The Mobility Store 7 Clive Parade Cricklade Road, Swindon SN2 1AJ

01793 701313

swindon@thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk

THE MARLBOROUGH MOBILITY STORE

Rise and recline furniture Adjustable beds

check

THE WROUGHTON MOBILITY STORE

56 George Lane, Marlborough SN8 4BY

Unit 9A, Ellendune Shopping Centre Wroughton SN4 9LN

wiltshiremobility@mail.com

wroughtonmobility@mail.com

01672 511550

01793 815083

FREE LEVEL ACCESS PARKING AT ALL STORES www.thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk

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THE BOURTON ON THE WATER MOBILITY STORE Lansdowne Bourton on the Water GL54 2AR

01451 810088

bourtonmobility@mail.com

MOTORING

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50 plus magazine

STEVE HOWARTH'S TESTDRIVE

An indepth look at the Bentley Bentayga There was much more which I don’t have the space here to list but also worthy of mention was an excellent adaptive cruise control system and heads up display (both standard) plus night vision and a raft of other safety features.

One ‘extra’ I did think was a bit steep was the £4,545 for it being in the ‘extended’ paint range – there are seven standard colours and an amazing 100 in the ‘extended’ range - but I suppose if you want the car to stand out even more…

I spent a week behind the wheel and loved every minute of my time driving the 3250kg Bentayga – even though some heavy snowfall saw lesser cars struggling.

But, despite tyres more suitable for the motorway than wintry side roads, the big Bentley did not miss a beat thanks to its permanent 4x4 system, adjustable air suspension and a winter drive mode (seven others and also available).

BENTLEY IF like me you sometimes daydream about what to do with that big lottery win then here is something to put on your wish list.

Much more practical that a Ferrari or Lamborghini, the Bentley Bentayga is a fabulous machine – although it does come with a fairly fabulous price tag.

Mind you – for £136,200 it now has a glorious new 4-litre V8 twin turbocharged 542bhp petrol engine which gives supercar performance - 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 180mph.

And, surprisingly, the engine can shut down four of its cylinders when all that power is not needed (in other words most of the time on our crowded roads) to save fuel meaning that up to a shade over 31 mpg is possible – although this drops to around 18 in town driving.

There are also hybrid and diesel versions for the more economically minded but that means you don’t get that fabulous V8 burble from those imposing twin quad pipe exhausts!

What the big Bentley does have in spades is on the road presence. No one can miss you going by in this beauty, wrapped in total luxury thanks to premium leather seats and every creature comfort you could desire.

Mind you – our test car also came with a somewhat eye-watering £77,675 worth of extras meaning the full on the road price was £213,875 – for which most of us would expect to buy a house!

That long extras list included ‘ Black specification’ (special 22” black alloy wheels, gloss black tailpipes, carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser plus side sill extensions and tailgate spoiler - £19,350); rear seat entertainment with TV’s behind the front seat headrests (£5,690); a premium ‘Naim’ sound system (£6,680); ‘All Terrain Specification’ (dynamic drive control with special off road settings, 360 degree camera system and underfloor protection £5,005) and a hands free powered rear tailgate which seems a bargain at just £690!

I was particularly pleased about that as I had to get number one son to hospital through the wintry weather twice after yet another rugby injury (two broken bones in his hand). He particularly enjoyed the front heated power memory massage seats with several different treatments which took his mind a little off the painful hand situation.

The 2019 Bentayga can be ordered in four, five or seven seat configuration and, despite that boxy SUV design, is a really good looking vehicle that can tackle anything the weather or our roads can throw at it.

Yes it is going to remain in the land of dreams for most of us but if I was lucky enough to come into that kind of cash then as a supercar you could live with every day the Bentayga would be my number one choice.

By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth

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MOTORING

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grip control (with Normal, Mud, Sand and Snow modes) for just £400 is available for those who do plan a little mild off roading.

From the mid-range Feel versions standard equipment also includes a safety pack featuring active safety braking, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning plus parking sensors and auto lights, wipers and air con.

It uses the same platform as its PSA Group cousins, the DS 7 Crossback, Vauxhall Grandland X and Peugeot 3008 so is similar in size.

I pressed the Aircross into service transporting a huge load of gear to my daughter’s wedding reception and with the rear seats down there is a remarkable amount of space – soon filled with boxes of booze and bouquets.

C5 Aircross SUV

With three and four-cylinder petrol engines (1.2 and 1.6) and a pair of four-cylinder diesels (1.5 and 2.0) a plug-in hybrid is set to join the range in 2020. Eight speed automatic transmission is available on all but the lower power petrol versions.

HATS off to Citroen for their latest SUV the C5 Aircross – they have managed to retain the Gallic charm and quirkiness the brand has long been famous for AND produce a muscular motor with loads of street presence.

The flagship mid-sized SUV is also fully loaded with the very latest tech and standard across the range – which starts from £23,225 for the entry level PureTech 130 six-speed manual – are things like programmable cruise control, progressive hydraulic cushion suspension, DAB radio with Bluetooth and dynamic stability control.

Our test car, however, was the all-singing, all dancing top of the range BlueHDi Flair+ 180 EAT8 S&S (£32,725 on the road) which was really loaded with toys and musthave gadgets. These included active cruise, a 12.3” customisable digital instrument display plus a central 8” infotainment touchscreen, a foot operated power tailgate, sat-nav, leather seats (driver’s powered) and a raft of safety systems including one which even tells the driver when it is time to take a coffee break!

A few options (metallic paint, grip control and 19” ‘diamond cut’ alloy wheels) took the final price up to £33,770 - so at the

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And like all big Citroens you get that floating on air feeling thanks to comfortbiased suspension plus big flat armchair-like seats.

top end of the range in particular Citroen are up against some stiff competition as the booming SUV market is very competitive with almost every manufacturer keen to get a slice of the action.

Other features standard on our car include hill descent control and a sport button which sharpens throttle response and firms up the steering.

Citroen have got the basics right with that imposing, but still very corporate, front end featuring high set badging and an imposingly wide grille. In fact the C5 looks the part from any angle and that crucial raised driving position plus good ground clearance gives a ‘tackle any terrain’ appeal.

Off road capability will be more than enough for the vast majority of owners, despite no 4x4 system, but that optional

Facts and figures wise our 181bhp car can hit 62 in a very acceptable 8.6 seconds and go on to a top speed of 131. MPG figures are from around 43mpg to a shade under 55 depending on whether you are in town or on the motorway.

The C5 Aircross stands out in a crowded sector as it is more radical-looking than many of its competitors. It also looks good value an equivalent Tiguan or CX-5 are a few thousand more, but do have four wheel drive.

There’s quite a lot to like about this SUV with quirky design (inside and out), comfort, good mpg and reasonable performance plus great load space. There’s lots of room in the rear seats and boot and a particularly versatile interior arrangement, too, thanks to a two-height boot floor and three individual folding rear seats.

I expect we will see lots on our roads very soon.

By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth

The New Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Corolla range also features the latest Toyota Safety Sense technology.

Toyota’s Burnaston factory in Derbyshire is the European centre for production of the hatchback and touring sports, with hybrid engines (1.8-litre) from their factory in Deeside, North Wales while saloon models are made in Turkey.

Key features that improve the ride and driveability are an all-new multilink rear suspension, a drive mode select system with Eco, Comfort, Normal and Sport and a centre of gravity lowered by 10mm due to a wider front and rear track. Toyota say the result is a more engaging drive and after trying all three models I can see what they mean. The New Corolla is better to drive that previous Toyota models, some of which were labelled a little bland – no such problem here as the car rides well, has plenty of power and is quiet… except when you put your foot down hard and that CVT auto gearbox lets the revs rise.

COROLLA WHEN it comes to new car launches some are a bit bigger than others… and if you are unveiling the latest generation of the bestselling motor in the world - ever - then the pressure is definitely on.

There Is also extensive standard equipment across the range including LED headlights, seven-inch multi-information display and eight-inch central touch-screen with access to connected services and the latest Toyota Touch 2 with Go multimedia and navigation system.

So it was for Toyota recently when they unveiled the 12th generation Corolla to Europe’s motoring journalists in beautiful Mallorca.

Trim levels are Icon, Tech and Design, while toping the range are the Excel models.

Along with dozens of hard-bitten motoring hacks your 50 Plus motors man was there to see what all the fuss was about at a glitzy event held in an exclusive 5-star resort hotel.

Now you may think that the good old Corolla has not been in the news much here for the last few years and that is because Toyota changed its name to the Auris over a decade ago.

But now the Corolla name is back (although it only went away in Europe) and Toyota are promising it is better than ever.

The new model line-up consists of a hatchback, touring sports (estate) and Sedan (saloon) and Toyota say that each has its own look and characteristics with design and engineering differences.

The new Corolla is also lighter yet 60 per cent stronger than the outgoing model thanks to extensive use of aluminium and high tensile steel in its construction.

It also marks the debut of Toyota’s new dual hybrid strategy. The Hatchback and Touring Sports are the first models to offer two self-charging hybrid powertrains, a 1.8-litre with 120bhp and a new 2.0-litre developing 178bhp. The saloon is also available as a hybrid for the first time with the 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain.

There is just one conventional engine option, a 114bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol for the Hatchback and Touring Sports and the new

The maximum EV drive cruising speed has been increased to 70mph on both hybrid engines. The 2-litre version can hit 62mph in a very respectable 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 112mph. As they are hybrids the combined cycle fuel consumption is up to a shade over 60mpg.

The new Corolla goes on sale in the UK in March and with prices starting from £21,300 for the entry level Icon model and going up to £27,300 for the range topping Excel. I am sure we will soon see the Corolla name back on our roads and in even greater numbers – with Toyota bucking the current downward trend in the fortunes of many car makers and continuing to grow its market share in the UK.

By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth

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Momentum Trading Works

By Douglas Chadwick, Chairman, Saltydog Investor Ltd

A

lthough it has its critics, it`s generally accepted that momentum trading works. It is widely used by professional investors as well as legendary historic figures from the past.

The theory of Momentum Trading, like all the best ideas, is simple - the greater the amount of money that is being invested into a fund, or asset class, the quicker its value will rise. This in turn will attract further investment, pushing the price even higher. Obviously, the opposite also applies.

As a fund or asset class loses investors, the upward momentum ceases and it will reverse, gaining impetus in the opposite direction. Time to move your money and exit stage left!

Jesse Livermore In the summer of 1891 a fourteen-year-old farmer`s son ran away from home with five dollars in his pocket. Thirty-eight years later, having spent his entire adult life as an investor and trader, he was worth over $100million - equivalent to $1.3billion in today`s money. His name was Jesse Livermore, and his immense success was largely due to one investment strategy momentum trading. This remains just as effective today as it was one hundred years ago.

Richard Dennis and the ‘turtles’ Another successful momentum investor was a man called Richard Dennis. He was born in Chicago in 1949 and in the early 1970s started to trade commodities with a small loan from his family. By 1973 this had risen to $100,000 and by 1975 he was a millionaire. By the early eighties he was said to be worth more than $100million. It was at this time that he and his long-term friend, the financial genius Bill Eckhardt made a bet – that any sensible person with training and

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which are the best performing funds within these sectors. For those that might suffer from number blindness the information is also presented in graph form. The homework has been done and the findings are presented to you on a silver platter.

To make the most of your investments you need to follow a few simple steps:

a supply of relevant financial information could become a successful momentum trader. It goes without saying that Dennis won his bet. He selected twenty or so novices (‘Turtles’) gave them $1million each and let them loose. Three years later their combined value was $175million.

How to ‘Do it yourself’ The same momentum principles underpin the Saltydog philosophy and our approach to investing.

At Saltydog Investor we do not believe that people should necessarily work longer, pay more into their pensions, or take out extra insurance in order to cover their living expenses during their twilight years. These are all the things that are currently being advocated by politicians and the financial industry and which well might be necessary for some; but why oh why doesn`t anyone suggest the obvious - make your current savings work harder!

To become a D.I.Y. investor with some of your money (whilst you learn) you will need a source of clear well presented fund and asset sector performance data. At Saltydog we analyse thousands of funds and present a summary on a weekly basis in a way designed to help private investors see which sectors are currently performing well, and

• Take advantage of the low–cost fund supermarkets and discount brokers.

You need access to their wide selection of funds and to be able to switch, buy and sell without it costing you an arm and a leg.

• Use tax-efficient wrappers like ISAs, SIPPs and Investment Bonds. The government has set up various schemes to encourage us to save more and it is important to take advantage of these offerings.

• Manage risk. By understanding how different funds are classified it is possible to tailor your portfolio to match your own appetite for adventure.

• Monitor your progress and be prepared to change tack as conditions vary.

We combine the Investment Association Asset sectors into our own proprietary Saltydog Groups which are: • Safe Haven.

• Slow Ahead.

• Steady as She Goes.

• Full Steam Ahead-Developed Markets.

• Full Steam Ahead- Emerging Markets.

The nautical names of these groups give an easily recognisable indication of the volatility of the sectors and funds which are allocated to the groups. Using the performance data it is easy to see whether the increased risk associated with the more volatile funds is then being rewarded.

The Saltydog Portfolios We also run a couple of demonstration portfolios to show how our data can be used and publish details every week. These are real portfolios and show what we’re doing with our own money. The ‘Tugboat’ is designed to be very cautious and avoiding losses when markets fall is as important as making gains when they rise.

The ‘Ocean Liner’, shown on the right, is slightly more adventurous.

sal

Take Control The recent growth in on-line trading has been astonishing. The way we shop, bank, arrange our insurance, book our holidays

and choose our utility providers has changed forever. Surely now is the time that our approach to our pensions and savings should

follow suit? These are your babies and nobody else should have a stronger desire to see them perform well than yourself.

How to beat the market using trend investing Saltydog Investor provides you with all of the information that you need to develop a successful trend investing system.

Each week we analyse thousands of funds, covering all market sectors, and identify which way they are trending. We group the sectors according to their historic volatility and then highlight the best performing funds in each Group. We also run a couple of demonstration portfolios so that you can see how we invest our own money.

For a full explanation of how our trend investing system, using funds, could give you better and less volatile returns from the stock market, please take a look at our website:

www.saltydoginvestor.com

saltydog investor

Saltydog Investor Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and does not provide financial advice. Any information that you use, or guidance that you follow, is entirely at your own risk. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Claim your FREE GUIDE, ‘An introduction to successful trend investing’, or sign up for our two month FREE TRIAL.

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