If you are deciding to move when you retire, it may make sense to do this sooner rather than later.
9 Update
Hot water safety for older people is crucial due to increased vulnerability to scalding and burns; Every Story Matters: an editor on helping writers find their voice; InDependent Diabetes Trust.
11AI isn’t coming, it’s here. Are you ready?
Professional organiser Sammy Ryan explains how to stay safe and make AI work for you.
12 German Bakes
Festive German bakes to celebrate the coming of Christmas.
15 Festive Delights
How to make the festive season just as enjoyable for vegetarians and vegans as for meat-eaters.
16 Animal Sponsorship
A great way of giving a truly memorable gift and making a wonderful contribution to animal welfare.
21 Tips to protect your eyes
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If you do decide to move, it may make sense to do this sooner rather than leaving it to the point where you feel forced to move (say, due to health reasons). With time to spare, you will have a far greater choice of properties and are less likely to indulge in panic buying. Beware of taking on commitments such as a huge garden. While this might be a great source of enjoyment when you are in your 60s, it could prove a burden as you become older. If you are thinking of moving out of the neighbourhood, there are other factors to be taken into account such as access to shops and social activities, proximity to friends and relatives, availability of public transport and even health and social support services. While these may not seem particularly important now, they could become so in the future. The question of downsizing is something that affects many over-60s. While a smaller house may be easier and cheaper to run, make sure that it is not so small that you are going to feel cramped. Remember that, when you and your partner are both at home, you may need more room to avoid getting on top of each other. Also, if your family lives in another part of the country, you may wish to have them and your grandchildren to stay. For advice on adapting to a smaller home, contact APDO UK (the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers). And, if it’s decluttering that is putting you off moving, you might consider hiring a storage unit so that you can move now and sort through your possessions at a more leisurely pace later on.
Moving to a new home
You should also consider the area you are moving to. Even if you think you know an area well, check it out properly before coming to a final decision. If possible, take a selfcatering let for a few weeks, preferably out of season when rents are low and the weather is bad. A good idea is to limit your daily spending to your likely retirement income rather than splurge as most of us do on holiday. Do your research, for example visit
COUNTING THE COST
Moving house can be an expensive exercise. It is estimated that the cost is between 5 and 10 per cent of the value of a new home, once you have totted up extras such as stamp duty, valuation fees, legal fees, estate agent’s commission and removal charges. If you are moving to release some of your housing wealth, you are probably a cash buyer and so will not need a mortgage, but do not be tempted to skimp on areas that a mortgage lender would have insisted on, such as a valuation and buildings insurance.
For a free, anonymous-to-use calculator that can give you a ball-park figure for tax, legal and other costs of moving, see the Moving Cost Calculator at House Move Pro or Reallymoving.
SURVEY OR VALUATION FEE
A lender will require you to have a valuation report (cost from £150 to £1,500 but free with some mortgages) but this does not tell you about the condition of the property you are buying. For that, you need a survey. The cheapest (around £250) is a condition report but it is superficial and may not alert you to flaws that cause you trouble and expense later. Many people opt for a Homebuyer’s Report (cost about £450) which is more detailed. If you are buying an older property or one in a poor state of repair, it is worth getting a full structural survey (£600 or more). To find a surveyor, visit the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) website
Continued overleaf
Property Detective. To check out local crime rates, see the police website.
If you are buying a newly built house, there are a number of safeguards against defects. Look for a National House Building Council (NHBC) warranty or its equivalent. The NHBC operates a 10-year ‘Buildmark’ residential warranty and insurance scheme under which the builder is responsible for putting right defects during the first two years. If a problem becomes apparent after more than two years, the homeowner should contact NHBC, as the Buildmark covers a range of structural aspects as well as double glazing, plastering and staircases.
LEGAL COSTS
As both a seller and a buyer, you will in effect have two sets of legal fees though you will normally appoint the same solicitor or conveyancer to handle both transactions. Expect to pay £1,250 upwards (including VAT at 20 per cent). In addition to the legal expert’s own fees, there will also be the cost of local searches they carry out, for example, to check whether the property you are buying will be affected by any planning applications or unusual obligations, such as contributing to the maintenance of a local church (in which case, your solicitor will probably advise you to take out chancel repair liability insurance). These could all add another £400 to £700.
Most properties in England and Wales are these days recorded on the HM Land Registry, with just 14 per cent of land now unregistered. Similar registers apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Your solicitor or conveyancer will search the register to check that you and the other seller are the rightful owners and to check out anything unusual in the deeds of the home you are
buying, such as covenants that restrict how you use the property, who is responsible for boundaries, and so on. However, you can carry out searched of the relevant land registry (England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland) yourself if you want to.
ESTATE AGENTS
Using an estate agent is free if you are a buyer, but you pay if you are a seller. The agent is acting on behalf of the seller (not prospective buyers) and should be aiming to get the best price consistent with achieving a sale. However, estate agents also have the normal obligations of any business to treat its customers honestly and fairly whether you are a buyer or a seller. What’s more, the 1993 Property Misdescriptions Act prohibits estate agents and property developers from making misleading or inflated claims about a property, site or related matter.
Anyone can set up as an estate agent, so you might want to choose one that is a member of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) Propertymark scheme. Propertymark requires its members to observe professional standards, such as having relevant qualifications, insurance and a complaints procedure if things go wrong. You can find a Propertymark member by looking out for the logo or visiting its website.
All estate agents by law must belong to one of the two approved complaints bodies: the Property Ombudsman service or the Property Redress Scheme. You must have complained first to the estate agent involved and allowed up to eight weeks for a response.
Cost varies from around 1 to 3 per
cent of the sale price plus VAT at 20 per cent. However, a few estate agents charge a flat fee of, say £900 to £1400 including VAT. As a buyer, finding your dream house may take a while. Websites are often a good place to start, so try Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE (EPC)
As a seller in any part of the UK, you will need to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that rates your property’s energy use and suggests ways to make-energy-saving improvements. As a buyer, you will want to inspect the EPC for the new home you are considering as it will give you a clue to potential running costs and any potential outlay required to make the property more energy efficient.
The EPC rating is on a A-G scale (like the EU energy label used on fridges and other white goods); the closer to ‘A’, the more energy efficient the home is. The average UK home has a ‘D’ rating, and the Energy Saving Trust suggests you think carefully before choosing any home with an ‘F’ or ‘G’ rating. For its size it will be expensive to heat, and your carbon footprint will also be larger. EPCs are valid for 10 years. You do not need an EPC for a listed property. EPCs are produced by accredited Domestic Energy Assessors and cost from £35 to £100, depending on the size of the property. Your estate agent can arrange for an EPC for you, but you will usually pay less if you arrange it yourself. To find an assessor in Scotland, use the online directory of domestic energy assessors (Scotland). For the rest of the UK, see domestic energy assessors.
Every year, the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Socie pays over £1M in grants to the dependants of those lost at sea, as well as sick, disabled, and re red seafarers s uggling to make ends meet. For the o en marginalised and forgo en mari me communi we serve, the last few years have been par cularly di cult and con nue to blight the lives of many, including some who are feeling helpless and vulnerable. Please help us to con nue our important work – thank you
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To view and order cards online, visit: www.charitycardshop.com/sms
If you prefer to receive our 2025 Chari Christmas Cards brochure in the post, please contact: SMS, 1 North Pallant, Chichester PO19 1TL, telephone 01243 789329 or email: general@shipwreckedmariners.org.uk
Angela Gifford from Able Community Care advises on the importance of temperatures for hot water and heating for older people
Hot water safety for older people is crucial due to increased vulnerability to scalding and burns
Angela Gifford CEO
It is estimated that many hundreds of older people are admitted to hospital each year as a result of scalding and often there are fatalities.
Scalding in particular can be a hazard for older people, who may have sensory impairments, reduced mobility or be unable to react quickly and appropriately to high water temperatures. Older people also have thinner skin which can leave them less tolerant to high temperatures. A bath temperature of 37C to a maximum of 40C is generally recommended as the temperature range for elderly skin, just a few degrees higher than body temperature. You can set a maximum temperature for all sinks and baths in the home in a few different ways. You can change the settings directly on your boiler or water heater (if you’re unsure how to do this, always seek the support of a professional), or you could ask a plumber to install a thermostatic mixing valve on sinks and taps.
What is a Personal Health Budget?
A Personal Health Budget is a source of NHS funding to pay for healthcare support, which is not widely known.
My
In addition, for pipes and radiators – where there is a risk of a vulnerable person sustaining a burn from a hot surface, the surface should not exceed 43°C when the system is running at the maximum design output. Precautions may include insulation or providing suitable covers.
My company, Able Community Care began providing Live-in Care support in 1980 and today we can provide our services throughout mainland UK and the offshore Islands, such as Jersey and as we did recently, in the Western Isles.
A Personal Health Budget is based upon a personalized, care, support plan which sets out a person’s health and wellbeing needs, the outcomes they wish to achieve and, if the eligibility criteria is reached, then NHS funding towards the cost of supporting this plan is given.
• Live-in care enables older people and people with a disability to remain living in their own home rather than moving into a residential care setting.
recently, in the Western Isles.
Age UK provides guidance on heating controls and suggests that hot water temperatures may need to be adjusted based on individual needs and circumstances, particularly for those with mobility or cognitive impairments. Age UK, in some locations can also offer a Home Bathing Service. Call your local branch to see if this is available.
Both adults and children with complex healthcare support needs can apply for this NHS funding, and for full details of the criteria, search ‘NHS who can have a personal health budget’ for the full details.
• Live-in Care offers helps with domestic tasks, assistance with personal care and especially important in the Autumn and Winter seasons, companionship.
• Live-in care enables older people and people remain living in their own home rather than residential care setting.
• Live-in Care offers helps with domestic tasks, personal care and especially important in the seasons, companionship.
Personal Health Budgets can be given to people who require healthcare support in their home or in a care home.
If you would like to know more about our Live-in Care Schemes, give us a call on 01603 764567.
For more information on Able Community Care or to request a brochure, please call 01603 764567 or email info@ablecommunity care.com
If you would like to know more about our Live-in call on 01603 764567.
In each geographical area there is an Integrated Care Board, which you can contact and they will give guidance on how to apply for this funding. Recently, I rang on behalf of a lady who has complex care needs and was advised to contact her GP or Community Nursing Team who would apply on her behalf.
Questions we are often asked are about the cost, the availability, the professional status of the care workers and what happens if there is an emergency situation after our office is closed.
Also visit: www.ablecommunitycare.com
Our information brochure gives further information and our website at www.ablecommunitycare.com has an application form you can complete.
InDependent Diabetes Trust
Questions we are often asked are about the cost, the professional status of the care workers and what happens emergency situation after our office is closed.
Health conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke support, may be eligible for this funding, and a call to the organisations which represent these health conditions such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Parkinson’s Disease Association and the Stroke Association, and other representative health support charities, will be helpful to you.
Our information brochure gives further information www.ablecommunitycare.com has an application
For a brochure email to: info@ablecommunitycare.com
Able Community Care, based in Norfolk but available everywhere.
The InDependent Diabetes Trust (IDDT) offers support and information to people with diabetes, their families and health professionals on the various aspects of living with diabetes. Their Helpline offers a friendly, understanding ear when the going gets tough and they have a range of free booklets
IDDT supplies a range of FREE Information Packs to people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, their families, carers and also to health professionals and teachers so they have a better understanding of the needs of people living with diabetes. The Trust and its members also provides support for children and adults with diabetes in Ukraine by the collection of unwanted insulin and other supplies.
Diabetes can cause serious long-term complications and a cure is still illusive so funds are necessary for essential research, as well as day-to-day advice and support.
As a registered charity IDDT relies entirely on voluntary donations so if you are thinking about making or reviewing your Will, a gift to the “Independent Diabetes Trust” would be most gratefully received.
www.iddtinternational.org
Every Story Matters: an editor on helping writers find their voice
Angela Gi ord – Able Community Care –A nationwide, live-in, care provider since 1980
For a brochure email to: info@ablecommunitycare.com
Able Community Care, based in Norfolk but available
When developmental editor and novelist Hayley Webster talks about her work, her face lights up.
“One of the most rewarding moments,” she says, “is when a writer tells me, ‘You’ve seen the book I was trying to write all along.’ That’s exactly what I hope to do – hold up a mirror and a magnifying glass, so they can see their story more clearly.”
With more than twenty years in publishing and several novels of her own for adults and children, Hayley brings both expertise and a deep respect for each writer’s voice. Her approach is meticulous but compassionate, considering structure, themes, character, voice, and the heart of the book. “I read every manuscript three times before I even start making notes,” she explains. “The first read is as a reader, the second as an editor, and the third as someone listening for the deeper story beneath the words.”
The outcomes for her clients have been as varied as their stories. Many have gone on to secure agents and publishing deals, while others have chosen to selfpublish. Some have created keepsakes for their families, preserving memories and experiences for generations. Hayley recalls one client who turned a lifetime of memories into a memoir for their grandchildren. “When they held the finished book,” she remembers, “they said, ‘Now my family will know me as I really am.’ That moment was as powerful as any publishing deal.”
For Hayley, editing is not just about polish—it’s about honouring the courage it takes to put pen to paper. “My role is to help people feel less alone in that process, to walk alongside them as they shape their story into something lasting, and to make it gleam.”
Her philosophy remains simple: “Every story matters. And with the right guidance, every story can be told brilliantly.”
To learn more, visit www.hayleywebsteredits.co.uk
Angela Gifford CEO
company, Able Community Care began providing support in 1980 and today we can provide our services mainland UK and the offshore Islands, such as Jersey
Not sure where to look for things on your phone, tablet or laptop? Heard the grandkids talk about ‘clouds’, apps and AI, but not sure what that means or where to start?
How do you feel about AI? Confused, overwhelmed, scared – maybe even excited?
AI can feel like an approaching storm, something beyond your control. But just like with any storm, there are ways to prepare, respond and even find opportunity in the change.
Artificial Intelligence is not on the horizon, it is here. In fact, it’s been evolving since the 1950s – long before it went mainstream, when we started saying: “Alexa, sing ‘Happy Birthday’.”
So, how do we cut through the noise of everyone’s opinion and deal with this practically?
Firstly, it helps to identify what AI is. It is a way of using technology to access information to help us in our lives. It can trawl the internet to gather facts and figures; help us with writing and creating; vacuum our carpets; even mow our lawns. AI provides us with home security; reminds us to take our medications; and is leading to mind-blowing breakthroughs like self-driving cars! AI relies on data, both accurate and flawed, to identify patterns and make suggestions. It learns from experience to make improvements, which is why big tech companies are eager to analyse our behaviour. The goal? To refine their algorithms and automate tasks that save us time.
There are lots of benefits, as well as concerns, that come out of this. The following plan can help you maximise the former and minimise the latter:
1) Do an inventory of what tech you already have: This might
AI isn’t coming, it’s here. Are you ready?
Professional organiser Sammy Ryan explains how to stay safe and make AI work for you
include your smartphone, laptop, tablets and smart home devices, as well as software and apps. Also consider how many email addresses you have (likely more than one!); where you store your files; how you store your passwords; and how secure everything is. Inventories take time, but they are so worth it – giving you confidence in the tech that you have. I call this ‘Building Your Cloud House’.
2) Build your digital infrastructure: This sounds formal, but simply means choosing which cloud system (Apple, Google, Microsoft etc.) you’ll mainly use. Cloud systems deliver computing resources, like storage, over the internet instead of just on your device or servers. They’re all similar, but life is easier if you pick one and integrate it across your systems. It helps AI give better suggestions and reduces compatibility issues.
3) Understand and use cloud storage: What would happen if your laptop was damaged? Are your files backed up? You might feel nervous about cloud storage, but chances are you’re already using it. Most phones automatically back up photos to the ‘cloud’. Services like Apple, Google or Microsoft give you protection if something
happens to your device. The key is making sure your files are saved in the cloud folder. Once that’s organised, you can explore automation tools to handle repetitive tasks, but don’t rely on the ‘cloud’ alone. Always keep a physical backup, just in case.
4) Organise your files and data: How often are you tearing your hair out because you can’t find a file? Whilst AI is becoming better at helping us find files, it still helps to have a folder structure, use file naming conventions and regularly archive and delete documents. The same applies for emails, and there are some AI-powered tools to help with this.
5) Declutter regularly: Whilst data storage is currently cheap, it has a huge environmental impact. Data farms need electricity and water to operate and, in the future, this will likely impact data storage costs. Get ahead of the curve and keep your data organised. Set a monthly reminder to delete old files and emails, update apps and cancel any unwanted subscriptions.
6) Secure your digital life: You wouldn’t leave your front door wide open yet, metaphorically, that’s what unprotected tech access can be. Take stock of your potential ‘open doors’. Anything connected to your Wi-Fi – even a smart coffeemaker or fridge – could pose a risk.
AI is our age’s Industrial Revolution. Big change brings big advancements, some of which will be to our personal advantage. Others, we should rightly be cautious about.
Understanding your own personal technology setup helps you to be curious and, with each new advancement, understand how to safely incorporate the benefits into your tech system.
Sammy Ryan www.strictlyorganised.co.uk
German Bakes
Festive German bakes to celebrate the coming of Christmas
GEWÜRZTER SCHOKOLADEN KUCHEN
Spiced Chocolate and Prune Fudge Cake
This moist, dense cake is made with buckwheat flour, making it gluten free.
8
It’s so rich and indulgent it can also double as dessert.
100g (3½oz) prunes, pitted
100ml (7 tbsp) just-boiled water
200g (¾ cup plus 2 tbsp) unsalted butter, at room temp, plus extra for greasing
225g (1 cup plus 2 tbsp) dark brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
100g (3½oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), melted
1 tsp baking powder (ensure gluten-free, if necessary)
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
FOR THE FROSTING:
225g (8oz) dark chocolate (50% cocoa solids), broken into pieces
300ml (1¼ cups) double (heavy) cream
TO DECORATE:
Sprig of holly, orange slices or bay leaves
Put the prunes into a small bowl and pour the just-boiled water over them. Leave to soak and soften for 30 minutes. Heat the oven to 180°C/ 160°C fan/350°F. Grease and line a 23cm/9in springform cake tin (pan).
Put the butter, sugar and soaked prunes (including liquid) into a food processor and blitz until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and blitz until evenly combined – it may look split at this stage, but this is normal. Pour the melted chocolate into the mixture and blitz once more until mixed through.
Now add the remaining ingredients and blitz for about 30 seconds until the batter is smooth. Tip the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the centre of the oven for 30 minutes, or until set on top and just starting to brown. A metal skewer inserted into the centre of the cake won’t, and should not, come out clean – the middle of this cake is fudgy, hence its name, and because of this it will sink in the centre as it cools.
Cool in the tin, turn out onto a wire rack, then turn the correct way up onto a serving plate.
To make the frosting, put the chocolate into a large mixing bowl. Heat the cream in a saucepan over a medium-high heat, stirring from time to time, until it just comes to the boil. Take off the heat and pour immediately onto the chocolate. Using a wooden spoon, beat the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy; the heat from the cream will melt the chocolate.
Spoon the frosting generously into the dip in the centre of the cake. Decorate with a sprig of holly, some dried orange slices, bay leaves –whatever takes your fancy really. Alternatively, if you choose not to frost this, it is good eaten warm (but not hot straight out of the oven) for dessert with a dollop of crème fraîche on the side, and possibly some hot raspberries (see opposite page) too.
Unfrosted, it will keep well in an airtight tin for three days.
Serves
BAISER KRANZ MIT HEISSEN HIMBEEREN Meringue Wreath with Hot Raspberries
This festive meringue dish is inspired by my favourite dessert of all time, Heiße Liebe, which directly translates as ‘hot love’ – as soon as you put the first spoonful into your mouth you’ll understand why someone called it this. You might even end up dreaming about it; I do. Heiße Liebe is popular in Austria and Alpine towns and, despite being served year round, I’ve always thought of it as a winter dessert. Like most good things, Heiße Liebe isn’t complicated or pretending to be anything it’s not. It’s simply vanilla ice cream with hot vanilla-scented raspberries spooned over the top. Might not sound like much, but trust me when I say you want to try it. Hot, cold, sweet and tangy all in one spoonful, and as you get to the bottom of the dish you’ll find a creamy soup of melted ice cream and raspberry juice that you’ll start to eat increasingly slowly, anticipating the sadness you’ll feel once it’s gone. If you’re not into Christmas pudding, this could be your answer to the perfect ending.
2 egg whites
120g (²⁄3 cup) caster (superfine) sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 scoops of vanilla ice cream, to serve Mint leaves, to decorate
FOR THE HOT RASPBERRIES:
800g (1lb 12oz) frozen raspberries
80g (½ cup minus 1 tbsp) caster (superfine) sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Take the raspberries out of the freezer and place them in a large saucepan to defrost. Add the sugar and vanilla extract and shake all of this together so that the sugar is dispersed through the raspberries. Heat the oven to 100°C/80°C fan/210°F and line a large baking sheet with non-stick baking parchment.
Put the egg whites into the bowl of a free-standing electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or use a mixing bowl and a hand-held electric mixer) and whisk for a couple of minutes on a high speed until stiff peaks form. Turn the speed down and add the sugar one tablespoon at a time, whisking all the while until it is all incorporated and you have a glossy meringue. Now add the vanilla extract and whisk for about 20 seconds until evenly mixed. Take tablespoons of the mixture and place them onto the prepared baking sheet to make eight in total. Personally, I find roughly shaped meringues much more charming than perfectly round ones, but you can smooth them into ball shapes with the back of the spoon if you prefer. Bake in the oven for 1½ hours. Don’t open the over door, but once the time is up turn the oven off and let the meringues cool completely inside the oven. (The meringues will keep well for up to a month if stored in an airtight container and so can be made well in advance.) Heat the raspberries gently until hot through but not boiling. Try not to stir them at all as they will break up easily and it’s nice to have some left whole (we’re not making a coulis). To assemble, arrange the meringues and balls of vanilla ice cream on a large platter, in a wreath shape. Pour over the hot raspberries, arrange some mint leaves decoratively on top and serve immediately.
WEIHNACHTSKRANZ
Christmas Wreath
This might well be the prettiest thing to have come out of our kitchen all year. It has a light and fluffy, yet rich, moist and indulgent crumb. I know some of you might find glacé cherries a little too much, and you probably aren’t wrong – aside from a handful of recipes, this one included, I’m inclined to agree. They are, after all, a shallow ingredient that’s more about looks than taste.
450g (3¼ cups) strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
30g (2 tbsp) caster (superfine) sugar
½ tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
20g (¾oz) fresh yeast, or 10g (¹⁄3oz) dried
180ml (¾ cup) tepid whole milk
200g (1 cup minus 1 tbsp) Quark
FOR THE GLAZE:
100g (¾ cup minus ½ tbsp) icing (confectioners’) sugar, sifted
Put the sugar, salt and cinnamon into a large bowl and mix with a wooden spoon. Crumble the yeast (or sprinkle if using dried) into the tepid milk and stir to dissolve. Pour the yeasted milk into the flour mixture, add the Quark, butter, vanilla extract and lemon zest and, using your hands, bring everything together into a rough dough. Tip out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until elastic. Form it into a ball and nestle it into the bowl.
Cover with a tea towel and set aside in a warm spot to rise for an hour, or until considerably risen in size. (Alternatively, put the flour, sugar, salt and cinnamon into the bowl of a free-standing electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, pour in the yeasted milk, add the Quark, butter, lemon zest and vanilla extract and knead for 5–8 minutes until elastic. Cover and set aside, as above.) Knock the dough back with your fist and add the raisins, glacé cherries and flaked almonds.
Gently knead until evenly incorporated. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 30cm/12in long sausage. Carefully lift the dough onto a large baking sheet lined with non-stick baking parchment and shape it into a wreath, taking care to stick the ends together to join.
Cover the wreath with a tea towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes, or until the dough has visibly grown by at least half its size again. Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/400°F. Brush the top of the wreath with beaten egg and bake for about 25 minutes until rusty brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Once cool, mix the icing sugar, lemon juice and water together. Drizzle the glaze over the top and decorate with the cherries and almonds. This is best served fresh the day it’s baked.
Serves 8-10
Serves 6-8
Are you writing, or have written, a memoir, novel, children’s book or family history? Are you looking for professional input?
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Creating a road map of your life and career.
It’s not as expensive as you may think, so avoid those impersonal digital books produced in a few weeks from just answering 50 questions and then written by Artificial Intelligence. Your life achievements and experiences deserve much better.
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The Captain
The Soldier
The RAF Officer
Festive Delights
– RECIPES FOR IDEAL STARTERS
How to make the festive season just as enjoyable for vegetarians and vegans as for meat-eaters. Christmas is a busy time in the kitchen, however, with a little forwardplanning it needn’t cause a lot of stress. It’s easy to make Christmas a happy time for veggie residents or visitors too. Remember, it’s possible that meat-eaters will like the vegetarian or vegan options, so do give them the choice.
BAKED ONIONS with a CREAMY MUSHROOM and TARRAGON Filling
1. Heat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4.
2. Trim the root hairs from the base of the 4 onions so they sit upright. Leave the onions with their skins on. Make a lid by slicing horizontally through the onions about 1cm down from the top. Replace the lids, wrap each onion individually with foil, place on a baking tray and roast for 1 hour or until tender when pressed lightly through the foil. Leave until cool enough to handle.
3. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the mushrooms on a medium high heat for 10 minutes until they are starting to turn golden. Stir in the garlic, fry for another minute until smelling fragrant, then stir in the tarragon and white wine or vegetable stock. Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, then stir in the crème fraîche with the seasoning. Simmer for 5-6 minutes until the sauce coats the mushrooms, and it thickens into a creamy consistency filling. Leave to cool.
4. Scoop out the middle of the onions using a teaspoon, leaving the largest 3-4 layers and the papery outer shells intact, making a hollow in the middle. Reserve the remaining onion middles for another recipe (these can be used up in soups and stuffing). Using a teaspoon, stuff the mushroom filling into the middle of the onions and put the lids back on. You can keep the onions chilled for up to 2 days if you don’t want to use them straight away.
5. Heat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Bake the onions for another 25-30 minutes, uncovered on a baking tray, until piping hot throughout.
6. Steam the spinach in a steamer until wilted or blanch by bringing a large pan of water to the boil and putting the spinach leaves in it for 30 seconds until wilted. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the butter and some seasoning. Serve the onions with the wilted spinach.
100g leeks trimmed and finely chopped
50g arborio rice
30ml dry white wine
375ml light vegetable stock
60g cooked chestnuts roughly chopped
2 tbsp soya cream
300g filo pastry cut into 24 x 12cm squares
FOR THE RELISH
1 large roasted red pepper
2 tsp ginger finely grated
Pinch of caster sugar
1. Preheat oven to 200ºC/gas mark 6. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, lightly fry leeks until soft and golden. Stir in rice – coat well. Add wine, bring to boil. Add 175ml stock, enough to cover rice.
2. Cover pan, simmer until liquid’s absorbed.
3.Add 175ml stock and chestnuts, bring to boil, cover and simmer for 10-12 mins until rice is cooked.
4. Stir in cream, season well. Set aside.
5. Lightly brush one filo square with oil, place another on top to form an eight pointed star and brush the tips.
6. Place 2 tsp of mixture in centre, pull up edges of star to form a purse. Repeat until 12 are made.
7. Bake on a tray for 15 mins until golden.
8. For relish: Mix pepper, ginger and sugar, blend well. For finer sauce, add water and sieve. Serve relish with each portion of purses.
Take advantage of our FREE Will service and create your legacy today
Little Bert was severely unwell – he was painfully thin with pressure sores over his body. Bert’s untreated wounds had been attacked by flies and there were hundreds of burrowing maggots inside. He was also suffering from a highly contagious respiratory disease called strangles.
Despite the horrific ordeal little Bert has been through, he has an inspirational determination to survive.
Bert’s needs were complex
Animal Sponsorship –
The
perfect alternative gift
Will you remember us?
Help us relieve suffering and provide a safe and secure future for horses, ponies, donkeys and mules like Bert.
Contact us on 01427 788 464 or visit BransbyHorses.co.uk/legacies
Struggling to come up with different and interesting ideas as gifts for friends and family?
Whether it’s Christmas, for a birthday present or for a special occasion, animal adoption or sponsorship makes a perfect gift. It is a fantastic way of giving someone a truly memorable gift and at the same time making a great contribution to animal welfare. It can be a great present for both children and adults, especially for those who, for whatever reason, are unable to keep a pet at home, especially a larger animal such as a horse, and it can also encourage them to develop an interest in wildlife conservation.
Animal adoption is a very important method of fund-raising and it can also build a lifetime relationship with a charity too.
The details of animal adoption vary slightly but the essentials remain the same. Here are some stories and examples of great choices for potential adoptees – take a look and why not give a truly giving gift this year – especially to all the animal lovers in your life.
CASE STUDY
Join the family at Monkey World this Christmas!
Support the UK’s largest ape and monkey sanctuary by joining the adoption scheme this Christmas!
Adopting a primate at Monkey World makes a wonderful gift; as well as gaining a year’s FREE entry to the park, you’ll be helping Monkey World’s mission to save primates in need around the world.
Loss of habitat, poaching and use and abuse by humans has devastated wild populations of primates, bringing many species to the brink of extinction. Monkey World in Dorset is working to save prosimians, monkeys and apes across the globe, by rescuing and rehabilitating primates in need and providing a safe haven for the rest of their lives.
Monkey World is open to visitors 364 days a year, to fund the essential rescue operation, and also operates an adoption scheme where proceeds are used solely for primate rescue and rehabilitation, with no admin costs removed.
Double Trouble! In 2024, Monkey World received two infant orphaned orangutans, Kiwi and Sibu, after they were rejected by their mothers from European zoos. Both needed to be hand-reared before joining Monkey World’s specialist orangutan creche, where they can grow up under the supervision of an orangutan foster mother, and with older foster brothers and sister to show them the ropes… and the cargo nets, and the climbing frames! By growing up with other orangutans, they will hopefully go on to care for their own young and learn how to socialise with adults in the future.
CASE STUDY
Bransby Horses
As one of the UK’s largest equine welfare charities, Bransby Horses is dedicated to improving, promoting and protecting the lives of horses.
Relying entirely on donations from the public, the charity must raise over £8m each year in order to support the animals in their care and be there for horses in need.
One way to support their important work is thorough the sponsoring of a horse, pony or donkey, such as Pika – the New Kid on the Block! Pika, the new sponsorship star at Bransby Horses might be small, but don’t let that fool you — he’s bursting with energy and full of cheeky personality! He loves hanging out with his friends, whether they are grazing peacefully or chasing each other around the field. His absolute favourite thing? Having the zoomies! There’s nothing like racing across the field, showing off his speed and making everyone smile.
He is super excited to be the new boy in town and can’t wait to meet all his amazing supporters
Pika was born at Bransby Horses in 2024 after his mother, Polly, was signed over into their care at a British Horse Society (BHS) Healthcare Clinic.
Polly very nearly died but made a miraculous recovery at a specialist
CASE STUDY
By making a donation, leaving a legacy, or adopting a primate like Kiwi or Sibu, you can help us to rescue and rehabilitate more primates who need our help.
Primate adoptions make a great Christmas present! When you join our family, you’ll receive a photo of your adopted primate, a certificate, three newsletters a year and entry to the park for a year!
Visit www.monkeyworld.org or call 01929 401012 to adopt today!
equine hospital. Three weeks later, Pika arrived. Standing at around 4hh and weighing 12 kilograms (lighter than the average family dog). Pika has grown rapidly since then and has turned into a little pony with a big personality. He’s developed a lot of confidence since birth and is experiencing the joys of life without his mum by his side.
Make a new friend like Pika and help support the work of Bransby Horses by sponsoring one of their horses, ponies or donkeys from as little as £3 a month. www.bransbyhorses.co.uk/sponsor-a-horse/
Calling all Cat Lovers! Sponsor a Cat at Catastrophes Cat Rescue
This handsome young chap is Thomas Eddison. He arrived at Catastrophes sanctuary as a feral who had turned up at a farm. Fortunately a very kind lady started feeding him and he stayed around.
However, the lady was about to move and wanted him to have a happy life with food and care.
Catastrophes said they would take
Thomas as their sanctuary is in the countryside and he would be able to enjoy his freedom along with bed and breakfast! Thomas was, as a priority, neutered and microchipped and had his vaccines. With his health checks completed and after a period of setting in, he had his freedom to enjoy life to the full.
Thomas is a real live wire and loves climbing trees and playing chase with the other Cats.
For cats like Thomas Eddison Catastrophes Cat Rescue aims to be ‘THEIR SOMEONE’.
Help them provide a lifeline to Cats in need by becoming a Sponsor for one of their rescued cats. If you choose Thomas Eddison they will send you a photograph (signed on his behalf!) and updates on his mischievous behaviour.
To reach out to their team at Catastrophes Cat Rescue email direct to: lizzie@catastrophescats.org or call them on: 07912 113392
Do leave your name and number if they are busy with the cats and are unable to answer.
You can also visit them on Facebook at: Catastrophes Cat Rescue Visitors are welcome by appointment.
New kid on the block-Pika
Thomas Eddison enjoying the garden
Adopt a Donkey
For more than 50 years, The Donkey Sanctuary has been working tirelessly to create a better world for donkeys and mules, and this vital work is only possible thanks entirely to the generosity of people like you.
Adopting a donkey this Christmas is a great way to support their work and it makes a truly heartwarming gift too.
There are so many wonderful donkeys available to adopt, from inspirational Zena (pictured) with her distinctive fluffy ears, to adorable miniature donkeys, Maverick and Peanut, who were born at
CASE STUDY
Could you adopt Treacle the hedgehog?
At Tiggywinkles, the world’s busiest wildlife hospital, we treat over 13,000 sick, injured and orphaned wild animals every single year. From tiny garden birds to owls, badgers, deer and, of course, hedgehogs, every patient is given expert care and the chance to return to the wild.
For those that can’t be safely released, we provide a permanent home in our near-natural hospital gardens, where they live safely under our watchful eyes.
One such resident is Treacle, a little female hedgehog with a big personality. Treacle came to us with a severely injured hind leg. Sadly, the damage was too extensive to save it, and the leg had to be removed. While many hedgehogs can cope well with just three legs, Treacle’s disability means she is too vulnerable to survive in the wild. Instead, she now enjoys a safe life in our Visitor Centre garden, where our dedicated team continue to monitor and care for her.Visitors are often delighted to spot her snuffling through the undergrowth or tucked away in her cosy nest box.
Treacle is also available for adoption, helping to fund not just her care, but the hundreds of other hedgehogs we rescue every year. With a one-off donation of £30, supporters receive a beautiful adoption pack including a mounted photograph of Treacle, a certificate, fact sheet, fridge magnet, and even free entry to our Visitor Centre. Adoptions can also be set up as an ongoing Direct Debit, giving lasting support to these much-loved creatures.
Hedgehogs face many challenges in the wild, from habitat loss to road traffic accidents, and your adoption
the sanctuary after their pregnant mothers were part of The Donkey Sanctuary’s biggest ever rescue case in 2021.
It costs from £4 a month, or £48 a year to adopt a donkey, and your loved ones will receive a beautiful welcome pack, which includes:
• Two gorgeous portraits of their donkey
• A display frame
• Four beautiful postcards
• An adoption certificate
• A keepsake membership card…
… and much more!
What makes this a truly unique gift is that your loved ones can visit their donkey for free at the main sanctuary, and award-winning visitor centre, in Devon. If that’s a little too far to travel, there are live webcams too, so they can virtually visit from the comfort of their own home.
By adopting today, you’re not only helping to care for donkeys here in the UK, you’re also helping to improve the lives of donkeys, and those who depend on them, all around the world. Thanks to compassionate people like you, The Donkey Sanctuary is making a real difference by working in partnership with organisations on almost every continent to actively improve the health and welfare of these precious animals. Most importantly, your support will help rescue helpless donkeys from hopeless situations.
This year, give more than just a present, give something amazing. Adopt a donkey for yourself or a loved one and help change the lives of donkeys in need all over the world.
Scan the QR code to adopt a donkey today!
truly makes a difference. By supporting Treacle and her prickly friends, you are helping Tiggywinkles give countless hedgehogs the second chance they deserve. Find out more at: www.tiggywinkles.com
For those already diagnosed with the “wet” form of AMD, specialist clinics can provide treatments that prevent further deterioration. However, these treatments won’t restore vision already lost – underscoring the importance of preventative care.
Smokers also develop cataracts earlier and more severely than non-smokers, leading to vision problems and often requiring surgery.
Even the surface of your eyes suffers from tobacco smoke, irritating and exacerbating dryness.
By Zachary Smith, Optometrist, Midland Eye
nvoluntary noises when getting in or out of a chair, police officers appearing to be 15, music not being what it used to be – signs of getting older that come for us all eventually. Resist if you must, but one classic should be embraced: I’m just resting my eyes.
Our eyes are remarkable organs. Yet, many of us take our vision for granted until we experience problems. Fortunately, many eye issues can be prevented with proper care, while others can be treated or managed effectively –especially when caught early.
UV Damage
Whether it’s golf, gardening, or grandkids at the park, retirement often means more time outside. That’s a good thing but be aware that prolonged exposure to sunshine can cause serious damage to our eyes, just like our skin. Imagine getting sunburned, but on the delicate tissues inside your eyes.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage your eyes over time, potentially leading to early-onset cataracts (clouding of your eye’s natural lens), macular degeneration (deterioration of your central vision), and even cancers affecting the eyelids and surrounding tissues.
You might also develop pinguecula or pterygium –conditions that lead to growths on the white part of your eye. While they won’t usually threaten your vision, they can cause irritation and cosmetic concerns. In advanced cases, pterygium can grow across the cornea and affect vision, potentially requiring surgical removal.
Unsurprisingly, sunglasses are the best preventative measure for UV damage to your eyes. Look for pairs with
100% UV protection and the CE mark. For maximum protection, pair them with a wide-brimmed hat.
And UV protection matters even on cloudy days, as those rays easily penetrate cloud cover.
Smoking-Related Eye Damage
If you smoke, you’re putting your vision at risk. Smoking ranks among the most significant modifiable risk factors for several sight-threatening conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – this is an incurable condition that is the leading cause of blindness in the UK. Smokers are 2-4 times more likely to
The science behind this damage is compelling. Smoking floods your body with free radicals that attack delicate eye tissues, impairs blood circulation to the retina, reduces protective antioxidant levels, and causes harmful fatty deposits to build up in retinal tissues.
While e-cigarette vapes contain fewer toxins than traditional cigarettes, emerging research suggests vaping can still harm retinal cells. The safest option for your eyes remains quitting entirely, using patches or other nicotine replacement to help with cravings.
Nutrition for Eye Health
Diet is just as important for eye health as it is for the rest of your body. While good nutrition won’t stop hereditary conditions or offset the damage from UV or cigarette smoke, it can help prevent and delay other conditions from developing.
Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E are particularly important for neutralising damaging free radicals before they can harm delicate tissues. For maximum benefit, fill your plate with colourful fruits and vegetables –the more vibrant, the better.
Two particularly powerful eye protectors—lutein and zeaxanthin— are abundant in dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale.
Oily fish and/or flaxseeds deliver omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and support tear production which is particularly helpful if you suffer from dry eyes. For those at high risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration, the AREDS formulation (a specific combination of vitamins and minerals) has been clinically proven to slow progression.
Physical Protection and regular examinations
As well as looking after your eyes from the inside, it is important to protect them from the outside too. Most eye injuries happen in everyday situations such as gardening and DIY projects
where flying debris and bacteria can easily embed itself in your eyes.
The best prevention is eye protection in the form of glasses or specialist eyewear. If an eye injury does occur, seek immediate professional care.
Many eye conditions develop silently, with no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Regular check-ups can catch these issues before they threaten your vision.
When issues do arise, early intervention typically offers the best outcomes. Less invasive treatments, shorter recovery times, and better visual results.
And finally, if you’re spending more time watching TV or reading (a
Kindle, a tablet or actual books and magazines), follow the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 metres away for 20 seconds. Regularly rest those eyes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Zachary Smith is an Optometrist at Midland Eye. Midland Eye was founded by four ophthalmic surgeons who wanted to provide patients with a comprehensive, specialist service for the diagnosis and treatment of all eye conditions. The team are leaders in their field and offer a consultantonly service to all patients requiring eye care or surgery. Every consultant is qualified to treat common eye conditions such as cataracts but each one also has a particular area of specialisation, ensuring that patients get the best possible outcome, no matter what the diagnosis. Private patients can benefit from access to collaborative care and facilities with the latest and best technology. The clinic’s approach is designed to be convenient for people who lead busy lives and have limited time to seek medical advice and treatment.
Celebrate 100 Years of Leighton House with unlimited visits
Leighton House, the former home and studio of eminent Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton is celebrating its centenary as a museum with an exciting programme of exhibitions, events and community initiatives starting this year. From artists’ commissions to an Arab Hall-inspired short film featuring Leighton’s fascination for Islamic art, and an in-depth exploration of the ‘magic and mess’ of nineteenth century artists’ studios. The museum has also launched a public call, asking formers visitors and museum lovers to get in touch with stand-out stories and memorabilia (dating from 1926 to 2025) to form a ‘centenary archive’.
A thriving community of art lovers
After Leighton’s death in 1896, all the contents of his house in Kensington were sold and dispersed.Almost immediately
after, The Friends of Leighton House was founded, a pioneering group of supporters led by Emilie Barrington, Leighton’s biographer, who first helped establish Leighton House as a museum. Today, members of the Friends play an active role in carrying out the museum’s mission, preserving Leighton’s extraordinary artistic legacy for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
As Leighton House celebrates its 100 years of heritage and history, there is no better moment to join its membership and discover everything
the museum has to offer. Benefits include unlimited visits, exclusive access to London-based galleries and exhibitions, discounts in museum shop and café and invitations to private events after-hours.
‘This is a brilliant scheme. I’m delighted to be shown so many opportunities. When I renew I’ll be adding my husband and making it a joint membership!’
TheFriends
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is the longest running Fawlty Towers show of any kind worldwide! Allow Basil, Sybil and Manuel to serve up chaos as you are treated to a delicious 70s-style, three-course meal as hilarity ensues. De nitely one worth getting o the couch for.
Come and see why this smash hit has been labelled “theatre at its startling best” (Best of Theatre, London West End) as the iconic trio brings the famous British BBC series to life in a dining experience like no other. Be sure to secure your tickets early, as this smash-hit sells out quickly wherever it goes.
This is the show where you step inside the TV series and become
WIN TICKETS TO THE HILARIOUS FAULTY TOWERS THE DINING EXPERIENCE
part of the action itself. “Highly improvised, truly interactive, and fully immersive, join the action for an unforgettable night where guests are not just audience members, but highly esteemed guests of Basil, Sybil, and Manuel! Pack your sense of humour and be prepared for a hotel experience where anything can (and will) go wrong...”
Enjoy this ve star immersive dining experience inspired by Britian’s greatest ever comedy series – Faulty Towers The Dining Experience at the President Hotel London – Book your tickets now from just £62 – www.faultytowersdining.com
With two hours of comedy and three courses of food, expect chaos, laughs, and a brilliant night out!
Terms and Conditions: One winner will receive two tickets to ‘Faulty Towers The Dining Experience’ at the President Hotel, London, valid for all performances until 30 April 2026 (excluding Easter), subject to availability. No cash alternative. Travel and accommodation not included. For your chance to win a pair of tickets, email info@amramedia.co.uk, quoting FT Comp in the subject. Closing date 1 December 2025.
What’s On...
Celebrate Christmas at Britain’s most iconic palaces
Visit the Tower of London between 27–31 December 2026 and step back in time to experience the charm of a Victorian Christmas. Enjoy festive music and a live performance of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” the beloved poem that helped shape the modern image of Father Christmas. Kick off the festive season in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace, the backdrop to hit shows Bridgerton and My Lady Jane. From 5–7 and 12–14 December 2026, visitors can eat, shop and be merry while exploring a dazzling market with over 100 independent artisan producers. Be immersed in a Tudor Christmas as court favourites are prepared in Henry VIII’s great kitchens.
190 years ago, Princess Victoria and her family spent Christmas in the seaside town of Ramsgate, Kent. From 3 December–4 January 2026, Kensington Palace will be transformed with festive decorations inspired by the coast. Visitors will discover how Christmas for young Victoria was not only enchanting but also a time of curiosity and discovery – experiences that shaped her growing awareness of the wider world as a future queen.
For more information, visit: www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade/fanfare-page
Music, marching and memories for the whole family NEC campus
14th and 15th February 2026
A parade unlike any other, the 2026 Birmingham International Tattoo will bring together massed international marching bands including the Band of the Royal Air Force College, combined pipes and drums, and exciting displays including the Field Gun Competition, dog-racing, massed dancers and the Parade of the Massed Standards, with standard bearers representing many veterans’ associations, including the Royal British Legion.
They will all join forces for just two days in February 2026 for three hours of pageantry and spectacle in the comfort of bp pulse LIVE, easily accessible on the NEC campus.
The Tattoo would not be complete without the ever-popular Spectacular Grand Finale, featuring over 1,000 performers, led by the Tattoo guest vocalist, and joined by the Lone Piper in this fantastic celebration of pomp and pageantry.
The Birmingham International Tattoo is renowned for supporting charitable causes and the organisers have partnered with the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund to donate £1 for every ticket sold to the charity. In addition, the RAF Benevolent Fund will join the two existing Tattoo charities –Royal Star & GarterandTroop Aid– to raise funds at the two performances through a retiring collection and contribution from each souvenir programme sold.
Tickets for this popular event, which will take place on Saturday 14th February at 6pm and Sunday 15th February 2026 at 2pm, are available priced £20 to £42.50 with reduced prices for children and senior citizens.
Visit www.bhamtattoo.com for details or to reserve your seats at Britain’s biggest indoor tattoo.
Women of Influence: The Pattle Sisters
Watts Gallery, Compton, Surrey
From 27 November 2025 – 4 May 2026
Women of Influence: The Pattle Sisters is the first exhibition to explore the lives, influence, and legacy of seven sisters who helped shape 19th century art, ideas and society in ways that continue to reverberate today.
While pioneering photographer Julia Margaret Cameron remains the most celebrated of the sisters, this exhibition uncovers their collective influence. Drawing upon new research shows how, through the bohemian artistic salon they created at Little Holland House in London, the Pattle sisters gained significant influence.
Central to this circle was George Frederic Watts (1817–1904) who became artist-in-residence at Little Holland House and an integral part of the Pattle family’s creative world. Writers, artists, musicians, and scientists of the day gathered in the lively salons hosted by the Pattle sisters, with Watts’s studio at the heart of the action.
Through paintings, photography, works on paper, and personal possessions, including rare loans from private collections, Women of Influence tells the story of the Pattle sisters and of ‘Pattledom’ – a term used by Vanity Fair author and friend William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863) to satirise the dynamic and culturally influential world the women created.
www.watttsgallery.org.uk
GF Watts, The Sisters, also known as Sophia Dairymple and Sara Prinsep 1856. Collection of Watts Gallery Trust.
Greatdays – 40 years of Exceptional Group Travel
Tailor-made tours for groups
Greatdays Holidays is a family run tour operator who have been creating customised tours for groups since 1985. We offer self, part or fully escorted wonderful group holidays (minimum 15 people) in the UK, Europe and most Worldwide destinations, plus Disneyland® Paris and many river and ocean cruises. Each itinerary is tailor-made to meet your group’s exact requirements therefore each tour is unique.
We typically work with quality three and four-star hotels in perfect locations, and our holidays can include a full programme of sightseeing excursions with transport arranged by coach, train or plane. Greatdays Holidays is fully bonded with ABTA and ATOL for your complete financial security.
n UK, Europe and Worldwide destinations
n River and Ocean Cruises
n Group size is typically from 15 persons or more
n Quality hotels (many with plenty of single rooms)
n Travel by coach, train or plane
n Customised itineraries for your group
n Private tour weblink with easy online payments
n 24 hour dedicated client support
n Book with 100% financial security
BEST SELLERS
• Gin & Sin in Hampshire
• A Royal Tour of Scotland
• Dutch Bulbfields & Royal Gardens
• Kynren – An Epic Tale of England
• Treasures of Tuscany
NEW FOR 2026
• Little Boats & Trains of the Ardennes
• Romantic Houses & Gardens of the Lake District
• The Best of the Isle of Man
• Old Timer Boats & Trains of Switzerland
• Luxury Bath & Bristol Christmas Markets
Snaefell Mountain Railway
40 Years of GREATDAYS – the group travel specialist
GREATDAYS is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year.
Providers of tailormade, professionally researched and operationally sound tours for groups, the company remains family owned and family run - a rare species in this ever-consolidating world.
It was founded in 1985 by John Beaumont, previously Managing Director of Shearings Holidays for over 20 years. John and his business partner Don Jackson took Shearings from a handful of charabancs in the 60s to a luxury, market leading fleet
of over 125 coaches. They sold the company in 1984 and a year later Greatdays was formed. John’s son Paul came on board in 1986 and is now the Executive Director.
Andy Beard joined as Managing Director in 2010 bringing his substantial commercial experience to help steer the company forward.
Today Greatdays employs a team of 25 experienced staff at the head office in Altrincham, Cheshire, handling thousands of group reservations annually to British, European and many Worldwide destinations - by air, land and sea. They are a preferred partner for Disneyland Paris , and have established a strong reputation
for hosting unique entertainment events.
Clients include Coach Holiday Operators, Group Travel Organisers, International Tour Operators and Travel agents, and they are able to build bespoke tours to match a group’s specific requirements.
As well as their annual Group Travel Guide with over 130 pages of short breaks, longer holidays, themed packages and multi-centre itineraries, they have recently released specialised brochures for Northern France, Southern Belgium and the increasing popular European River Cruises.
Reflecting on the last 4 decades, Paul Beaumont said: “After 40 great years we continue to learn, innovate and improve our tours and trips, always looking for the next new exciting idea or destination, we never stand still.”
www.greatdays.co.uk
CATASTROPHES CAT RESCUE
Catastrophes Cat Rescue provides a lifeline for cats in desperate need.
The cats we take in have often been abandoned or badly treated. Some are simply strays who have lived on the streets and never had the chance of a caring home.
With your support we can reach out to them and provide urgent veterinary care, food and warmth.
We actively support spaying and neutering as an essential part of responsible animal care.
Our unique sanctuary in the Sussex countryside gives cats that are difficult to home such as feral, nervous and elderly cats, a peaceful environment with all home comforts and the freedom of the country gardens that surround the sanctuary.
Please remember us in your will.
With your legacy we can provide homeless and unwanted cats with love and care and a bright future.
Places are not inherently spiritual.We imbue them with mysticism and mystery. To travel mindfully means to be fully present to a place, receiving it as it is without imposing our ideas or expectations. Here are some inspiring spiritual destinations in Europe.
Giant’s Causeway, Country Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
These dramatic cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean are a thing of wonder, and have sparked the imagination of poets, geologists, naturalists, and artists for centuries. According to legend, the basalt columns that look like huge stepping stones from land to sea were built by a giant or folk hero named Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool).
Geologists, however, are in agreement that these 40,000 interlocking columns were created by a volcanic eruption during the Paleocene Epoch (66–56 million years ago). Molten basalt passed through chalk beds, and as the lava cooled it contracted, creating the myriad columns. Although most of these are hexagonal, some have as many as eight sides, and the tallest are 39 ft (12 m) high. The Blue Trail is the most popular, but if you walk along the less-trafficked clifftops toward Runkerry Beach, on the line of the Bushmills Heritage Railway, you will have an amazing view not only of the causeway, but also of Scotland and the Republic of Ireland’s Inishowen Peninsula. Along this section of the railway you might spot some rare sea spleenwort and frog orchids. As if the remarkable geological formations were not enough, the Giant’s Causeway is also a nature reserve where plants and birds – breeding skylarks, stonechats, and linnets among them – are protected.
Isle of Skye, West Coast of Scotland, UK
At 639 sq. miles (1,656 sq. km), the Isle of Skye is the northernmost and one of the largest islands of the Inner Hebrides. It has been inhabited by Picts, Celts, and Norse peoples. In their sagas, the Norse referred to the island as Skýey or Skuyö – “Isle of Clouds” – and a poetic Gaelic name for the island is Eilean a’ Che., meaning “Island of the Mist.”
Skye’s architecture reflects its many inhabitants, and the brochs – Pictish round towers built more than 2,000 years ago – are especially compelling. Dunvegan Castle is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland, and there are churches and other historical structures, but what makes it a spiritual
destination for me is the island itself – its craggy, atmospheric mountains, labyrinthine shoreline, fossils, unique wildlife (including the rare whitetailed sea eagle), misty vistas, and flora. Especially compelling are the Fairy Pools clustered at the base of the Black Cuillin mountains near the village of Carbost, where clear, icy water flows down into the glen, spilling into rockpools of aquamarine blue.
It has been said that inhabitants of the Isle of Skye possess “second sight”, as explained by the sixteenthcentury writer Donald Monro in his Description of the Western Isles of Scotland: Connect to a thin place.
The beauty of the mists, mountains, and glassy pools is so compelling that it is no surprise Skye is believed to be another “thin place,” in which the distance between human and holy closes. Take a moment, no matter where you are, to settle quietly and breathe consciously. See if you can connect to a thin place.
It might be external – perhaps a
connection to nature, or internal –such as a feeling of love or ease.
“The Second Sight is a singular faculty of seeing an otherwise invisible object, without any previous means used by the person that sees it for that end; the vision makes such a lively impression upon the seers, that they neither see nor think of anything else, except the vision, as long as it continues; and then they appear pensive or jovial, according to the object which was represented to them.” It is believed that those with the gift lose it when they travel to the mainland. Perhaps that is true, but what is certain is that after experiencing Skye’s beauty, it is hard to shake off the impression.
Clarity on Skye is not just for water and mind. The night firmament, especially when seen from the northwestern coast near Glendale, is so devoid of human-made light that the stars are startlingly visible. In fact, so many are visible that it can be a challenge to distinguish familiar constellations.
Giant’s Causeway
Hill of Crosses, Šiauliai, Lithuania
Nobody knows the exact number of crosses on this hill near the town of Šiauliai in northern Lithuania, but it is estimated that there are well over 100,000. Most are inscribed with names, prayers, or supplications, and they span languages, nations, and religions. Some are left in gratitude, others request guidance, and some commemorate deaths or marriages or are placed to protect sports teams, travellers, or the sick.
Nobody is certain when pilgrims began placing crosses on this hill, but it is thought that the practice began after the Polish–Russian War in 1831. As time passed, it came to be a place in which to honour the peaceful fortitude of the Lithuanians throughout history. Soon, the devout also left crucifixes, statues of saints, rosaries, and handmade effigies. The pilgrimage site became especially meaningful during the years of Soviet occupation from 1944 until 1990. Lithuanians visited the hill and left crosses and other tokens in solidarity and as a form of peaceful protest, despite the Soviets bulldozing the area several times. By the time the Lithuanians regained their independence, nearly 15,000 large crosses and more than 5,000 small crosses were counted there, a testament to hope and resilience.
La Forêt de Soignes, Brussels, Belgium
Also known as the Sonian Forest and the Beech Cathedral, this 10,920acre (4,420-ha.) woodland on the southeastern edge of Brussels is comprised mainly of European beeches and oak, many of them more than 200 years old.
The French sculptor Auguste Rodin made frequent trips to the area while living in Brussels during the 1870s, and completed several paintings of the forest. Perhaps he was thinking of La Forêt de Soignes when, in conversation with the art critic Paul Gsell, he commented: “It is not only in living beings that [the
landscape painter] sees the reflection of the universal soul; it is in the trees, the bushes, the valleys, the hills … Everywhere the great artist hears spirit answer to his spirit.”
Such qualities have struck not just poets and artists. Monks and nuns throughout the centuries have sought spiritual refuge in convents and cloisters in and near forests, but what makes this one special are the standing stones, dolmen, which look as though they belong at Stonehenge or perhaps Newgrange.
In the heart of the forest, a huge stone surrounded by 11 more stands at the end of a path. If you look closely, you will see inscriptions: not megalithic symbols, but the names of Belgian forestry workers who lost their lives in World War One. Erected in the 1920s, it is a way to unite people from all over Belgium who died for their country, in a landscape they surely loved.
The beauty of nature
How does being in nature make you feel? More than 20 types of lichen, many mosses, and over 1,000 species of mushroom grow in the Sonian Forest. The mushrooms are natural composters, important for breaking down organic material (such as leaves) and sustaining both animals and trees. They are a reminder of Rodin’s famous words,“ To the artist, all in nature is beautiful.” This could be said for the spiritual seeker as well. As I often put it, “Nature is my church.”
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Although there are a few “blue mosques” in the Muslim world, the Ottoman one constructed in Istanbul in the seventeenth century, commissioned during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I and built by the famed architect Mehmed Ãghã, is one of the most remarkable. This is in no small part because the ceiling is set with over 20,000 bright blue tiles, covering more than three-quarters of the mosque’s surface area.
The grandeur doesn’t end there.The mosque is illuminated by more than 200 stained-glass windows, supplemented by chandeliers. Incorporated into each golden chandelier is an ostrich eggshell that repels spiders and saves the caretakers from having to clean the cobwebs. (This delights me, and it shows there’s more than one way to honour a sacred space.) Even the floors express the sanctity of the mosque, being carpeted in rugs that have been donated by the faithful over generations.
In the Muslim world the colour blue represents the heavens and has divine implications, reminding us to reflect on what is holy. A study of colour in Islamic architecture by the Iranian architecture professor J. Mahdi Nejad confirms that blue is a symbol of spirituality and faith: “Blue is the colour of stillness and balance... Blue is a clear and bright colour, fresh and calm, sweet, quiet, surrendered, and primarily blue is a holy colour and sacred in the Islamic culture, because it is the colour of sky where God, pure souls, and angels are.”
Showing respect
If you look at the main gate at the north entrance of the mosque, you will notice a pair of symbolic chains hanging down. These were placed to encourage everyone – even a sultan arriving on horseback – to bow down upon entering. This may seem archaic; why bow to a place? But think about the gesture: it’s the embodiment of the recognition of the sacred, the fact that one is about to enter hallowed ground.
A safe home, the company of friends and a lifetime of care. For forty years you have helped Redwings provide for rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.
We care for more rescued horses than any other welfare charity. It’s one of the things that makes Redwings special. The waifs and strays, the sick and aged, those that no one else will help are all welcome here. By making a gift in your Will you can ensure a horse with nowhere else to go has a future they can look forward to.
To find out more about including a gift in your Will to Redwings please get in touch: 01508 505246 legacies@redwings.co.uk redwings.org.uk/legacies Registered charity in England and Wales (1068911) and Scotland (SC045070)
Leaving a le for our lo e ones includes loo in er our planet, so oi e li for your next holiday to si ni i n l re e your emissions and benefit from a m more en o le experience.
Leaving a le for our lo e ones includes loo in er our planet, so oi e li for your next holiday to si ni i n l re e your emissions and benefit from a m more en o le experience.
Flight-free travel is e sier and e er than you think!
Flight-free travel is e sier and e er than you think!
Choose r in o or o for your next trip and rel ll e w to your next great destination.
Choose r in o or o for your next trip and rel ll e w to your next great destination.
Taking it slow: why more retirees are choosing to travel without flying
Leaving a positive legacy for our grandchildren
As we move into our later years, thoughts often turn to the legacy we are leaving our grandchildren. It could be things like money and security, but one of the most powerful things we can leave for our grandchildren is a healthy planet.
Reducing our emissions is key to ensuring a safe future for everyone who calls this planet home, and one of the most effective ways to reduce your emissions is to reduce the amount you fly.
The seating is much more comfortable, with more leg room, and you are free to get up and wander around as much as you like. You can read, sleep, catch up on emails, or simply look out of the window and enjoy the constantly changing views. Time spent travelling is time well spent. It’s hard to say the same of being in an airport and on a plane!
Visit multiple destinations
The chances are you’ll have to make a few interchanges on the way to your destination, but this is one of the best parts of flight-free travel. Each interchange gives a chance to discover a new city or place, meet new people, and sample the local cuisine. It’s a cliché, but the journey really is part of the holiday – it might take longer than flying, but it’s better because of all the things you get to see along the way!
the emissions, because of the energy requirements of all the entertainment and accommodation on board, so even though it counts as flight-free travel, it’s not a great idea from an environmental point of view. River cruises are much better: smaller boats, with much lower energy use, and much better views as well!
Not a sacrifice but a gift
The good news is not flying doesn’t mean not travelling. There are so many ways you can travel without flying, including rail, road and sea, and the benefit of retirement is that you have lots of time to explore all of these different ways of seeing the world. You are only restricted by your imagination! A flight-free journey is to be enjoyed rather than endured, so you’re doing yourself a favour as well as the planet when you don’t fly.
Relax all the way to your destination
Who really likes being in an airport? Railway stations are far more civilised, and even with security and passport control at St Pancras in London, it’s much quicker and more relaxed than an airport. Once you’re in your seat, that’s it – you can relax all the way to your destination. No queuing, no waiting, no checking in baggage.
Interchanges might sound daunting but often it’s as simple as crossing from one platform to the next. If the train you’re on is delayed, speak to the guard and they will be able to help, including putting you on the next train for no additional cost (it’s all part of the train passenger charter).
No luggage restrictions or hidden costs
A big benefit is you can take as much luggage as you can carry, and you can bring your own food and drink, too. This also means that there are no hidden fees and costs. How many times have you booked a flight thinking you’ve secured a bargain, only for the price to start rising when you add transfers, seat choice and luggage? Not to mention paying for food and drink at the airport. When you travel by train, you can bring a picnic with you and pop the Prosecco as soon as you step on board.
Save 90% on your emissions
Taking the train over a flight saves more than 90% on your carbon emissions, and other modes such as coach and ferry have pretty good savings too.
Although note, cruise ships are even worse than flying when it comes to
Flight-free travel is easier and cheaper than you think Keep the cost down with Interrail: a 4-day senior pass (£220) will get you to and from numerous destinations across Europe. Find out more at interrail.eu
The Man in Seat 61 will tell you how to travel to almost every country in the world without flying: seat61.com
Use flight-free travel agent Byway to plan and book your holiday for you (use the code FLIGHTFREE2025 at the checkout for £50 off). Get ideas for your holiday at byway.travel
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Qawra Coast Road, Qawra, St Paul’s Bay, Malta tel: 00356-21570591 info@bellavista.com.mt www.bellavistahotelmalta.com
Please contact our Head Office on 0118 942 8782 to discuss your residential park home or holiday lodge requirements.We can supply park homes and leisure lodge homes from any manufacturer.We have an inventory of stock homes from any of the leading manufacturers available immediately, alternatively you can place a forward order for a home of your choice with a lead time of 12 weeks delivery. Our parks are located in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Essex with our address details listed below. We have in excess of 1200 residents living on our estates and have more than 40 years experience in the industry, with our first park ownership in 1976.
We look forward to welcoming you to one of our parks.
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RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2026
• RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is the largest garden wildlife survey in the world and provides a snapshot of how garden birds are faring in the UK.
• In 2025, almost 600,000 people across the UK took part, counting more than 9 million birds.
• With even our familiar birds now facing so many challenges due to the nature and climate emergency, every count matters.
The world’s largest garden wildlife survey returns, with hundreds of thousands of people watching and counting the UK’s garden birds over the last weekend in January for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch.
Almost 600,000 people took part in 2025, counting more than 9 million birds of over 80 species – an amazing achievement. The survey provides a valuable snapshot of how our most common garden birds are faring, and taking part is one positive way to take action for birds and nature. This year’s event takes place on 23, 24 and 25 January 2026. People across the UK are asked to spend an hour watching and counting the birds in their garden or local park, or from their balcony, then send their results to the RSPB.
The Birdwatch, which started in 1979, has become the UK’s biggest citizen science wildlife survey. Over that time, more than 200 million birds have been counted and over 12.6 million hours spent watching and counting garden birds.
Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive, said: “By taking part in the Birdwatch, you and hundreds of thousands of other nature lovers across the UK, are helping us understand how garden birds are doing. Birds and wildlife are struggling right now. Every observation counts, even if you see nothing at all. Whether you live in a city or the countryside, anyone, anywhere, can take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch –even if you don’t have a garden! A park, balcony, allotment or window box will do. Simply spend an hour and count the birds you see. It’s good for wildlife and evidence shows it’s good for our own wellbeing. ”
Over its four decades, Big Garden Birdwatch has
highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world. 2025 results revealed that House Sparrow was still ranked number one for the 22nd year in a row. However, numbers were down 11% compared to 2024. Average House Sparrow counts were the lowest since 1998 and down 64% compared to the first BGBW in 1979. Starlings dropped out of UK’s top three garden birds as the lowest average count ever recorded. Average Woodpigeon counts increased, largely mirroring the national trend in breeding population. Average counts in 2025 were the highest ever recorded in Big Garden Birdwatch . It is the first time Woodpigeon has been ranked in 3rd place at a UK level.
Beccy added: “Even on the greyest winter day, garden birds bring a welcome dose of nature into our everyday lives. Take a moment to pause, to listen, to notice. We need nature, and nature needs us. By joining the Big Garden Birdwatch you’re doing something positive for birds and nature. Because when we act for nature together, we can do so much more. ”
To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 , watch the birds on your balcony, in your garden or in your local green space for one hour at some point over the three days. Only count the birds that land, not those flying over. Tell us the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not the total you see in the hour.
Registration for Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 opens 10th December 2025.
To receive your FREE Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your Birdwatch, RSPB shop offer, plus advice on how to help you attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 82727, or you can choose a free digital guide (which helps the RSPB spend more on nature by reducing costs) by visiting: www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
Bulb Mania
This is the time of year when supermarkets and garden centres are overflowing with packets of bulbs, waiting to tempt us. They are such versatile garden plants, bringing fabulous colour to brighten the garden in early spring.
My absolute favourite is to grow bulbs in containers. Pots, tin baths and many other containers are the perfect growing space, and you will be rewarded with an explosion of spring colour, and so glad you made the effort.
will be most highlighted. That way you get strong visual blocks of colour that will add drama to your space. Favourite tulip species include Apricot Parrot, Carnaval de Nice, and Spring Green. When they have finished flowering, they need to be moved off centre stage, to a quiet corner where they can die down naturally. Keep them out of sight but don’t forget to feed them.
By Annabelle Winter
I tend to grow individual pots of bulbs with the same species.That way you don’t risk a pot with an array of tulips in bloom, alongside a clump of brown foliage where another species has died back. Tulips are my absolute favourite bulbs for pots, but daffodils, in particular Narcissus ‘Pheasants Eye’ is a great favourite. There can be few things more rewarding than a trip to the garden centre and choosing bags of bulbs for planting. I also look online and browse through bulb catalogues to add to my collection. It is important to choose a spot in the garden where your spring collection
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All bulbs need drainage, so make sure you add crocks to the bottom of the pot. If you find your display a little underwhelming when the time comes, you can always add some pots from a garden centre to add more impact. For planting straight to the soil there is nothing better than alliums. The variety is huge. My particular favourites are Allium Scubertii, Allium Nigrum and the ever popular Purple Sensation. The selection is huge. These are such easy bulbs to grow, they seem to thrive anywhere. Beloved by bees so are great for wildlife, they really are the exceptional garden plant. They die back beautifully, and are perfect as dried flowers. A great all rounder!
With a little thought and attention to details you will be rewarded with a magnificent spring display.
Cultural Tours
groups
Magical Madeira - Majesty and Mists 1 – 6 December 2025
Spice, Trade and BotanicalsHistories along the Malabar Coast 23 January – 7 February 2026
Wildflowers, Wine and History in Crete 18 – 24 April 2026
Wildflowers, Wine and the Cape Floral Kingdom - Botanical Histories in South Africa 27 August – 10 September 2026
Orange protea wildflowers in bloom in South Africa
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Imagine being able to enjoy fantastic holidays in beautiful locations, like this. That’s exactly what over 40,000 discerning holidaymakers have already done.
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The Holiday Property Bond’s portfolio currently includes more than 1,500 holiday homes in over 30 exclusive UK and European destinations. Discover this refreshing new approach to the way you plan and enjoy your holidays. You can even pass the benefits on to your children and grandchildren so they will have a lifetime of wonderful holidays to look forward to.
The Holiday Property Bond’s portfolio currently includes more than 1,500 holiday homes in over 30 exclusive UK and European destinations. Discover this refreshing new approach to the way you plan and enjoy your holidays. You can even pass the benefits on to your children and grandchildren so they will have a lifetime of wonderful holidays to look forward to.
Become a Bondholder with HPB and you could take your pick from unforgettable locations with a range of superb facilities every year, for life.
Become a Bondholder with HPB and you could take your pick from unforgettable locations with a range of superb facilities every year, for life.
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Enquire by 23rd December 2025 and you will be entered into our prize draw to win one of six individual cash prizes totalling £3,000. You could win £2,500 when you find out more Request your free brochure today Visit hpb.co.uk/retire Or scan the QR code
Enquire by 23rd December 2025 and you will be entered into our prize draw to win one of six individual cash prizes totalling £3,000. You could win £2,500 when you find out more
Exclusive holidays for life An initial payment from £5,000 and a quarterly fee of under £38 (that is around £150 a year), which can increase in line with but not exceed the Retail Price Index Excluding Mortgage Interest (RPIX), gives you access to all HPB’s holiday homes. For each HPB holiday, you will pay a no-profit user charge covering only property running and maintenance costs and use of on-site facilities. The average charge is the same throughout the year, the average weekly charge for a studio sleeping two is around £372 and around £569 for a two bedroom property, larger properties are also available. After an initial charge of 25% your money is invested in a fund of holiday properties and securities. The fund itself meets annual charges of 2.5% of its net assets at cost, calculated monthly. Your investment return is purely in the form of holidays and, as with most investments, your capital is at risk. You can surrender your investment to the company after two years or more (subject to deferral in exceptional circumstances) but you will get back less than you invested because of the charges referred to above, as well as other overheads and changes in the value of the fund’s properties and securities.
and
New Road, London
Perhaps no other district of London has undergone so many highs and lows as the East End. In the Middle Ages, the area was monastic property and also used as a royal hunting ground. But when England’s importance as a maritime state started to grow in the sixteenth century, so too did the magnitude of the port of London and of the Royal Navy’s shipyards, both of which were located in this part of the capital. Related industries, like the manufacture of gun powder and rope-making, likewise flourished in the East End.
The Great Fire of London in September 1666 was followed by major rebuilding in the old city. Within two decades came new settlement to the immediate east as industrious French immigrants known as Huguenots sought refuge in London following the proscription of the Protestant faith in their native country.
The Huguenots were noted for their weaving of fine silks and they were followed by further waves of economic refugees who likewise became engaged in various aspects of the clothing trade: impoverished Irish, Eastern European Jews, and, in the second half of the last century, Bangladeshis and Pakistanis. Yet while fabric and clothing production employed large numbers of local residents, so too did activities associated with London’s expanding port, bringing produce to England from its colonies around the world.The
This handsome early nineteenth-century mahogany bureau was bought by Whittaker on eBay. The chair in front dates from the 1730s and came from Cumbria, as did Whittaker’s childhood teddy bears.
The house’s old basement kitchen is now a snug sitting room, after Whittaker had lowered the floor level and removed the timber between beams. The mahogany drop-leaf table is late eighteenth century.
West India Docks, where goods could be unloaded directly into quayside warehouses, were established in 1803, construction on London Docks began in 1805, and on the East India Docks a year later.This led to a further demand for housing, such as the properties built in the final years of the eighteenth century by a developer called Barnes; on a site acquired from nearby London Hospital he gave his new thoroughfare the self-explanatory name of New Road. Since 2000, one of its larger properties has been home to Tim Whittaker who runs the Spitalfields Trust (a charity dedicated to restoring Georgian houses) and his partner, chef Harvey Cabaniss. The house’s original residents are unknown, but by the 1840s it was occupied by a family with strong maritime connections, one being a sea captain, another a ship builder, and a third a ship chandler trading from a shop in the basement. However, the family moved out the following decade as this part of London began to go into seemingly irreversible decline. Even by 1800 the East End had become known for its overcrowded houses, many of which deteriorated into slums, and for the related problems of poverty and crime. An abundance of semi- and unskilled labour on the docks led to low wages and poor conditions, and anyone with aspirations to respectability headed west. Whittaker’s house suffered from lack of care over the next 150-odd years, being occupied in succession by Scottish linen drapers, Jewish tailors and then Asian clothes manufacturers until ending as wholesale premises for market stallholders.
Although none of the building had been used as a private residence for the eighty years before his purchase,
Whittaker was undeterred. Nor did he find the amount of work needed to turn the house back into a home disconcerting. In the basement, for example, the back room had a ceiling so low that it was almost impossible for anyone entering to stand upright. So he took up the old flagstones and dug down some seven inches before laying a concrete floor which was then covered with the original flags. Meanwhile, unable to raise the ceiling height, he removed the timber boards and left just the joists, thereby at least giving the impression of more space.
The ground floor required equally radical intervention, since all the room partitions had been taken out, probably sometime in the nineteenth century, to make one big space interrupted only by the stairs. Remnants of cornice work and marks on the timber floor – buried beneath another covering – indicated where the original walls would have been and these were duly reinstated, with missing sections of cornicing replaced. The wall panelling and chair rails in the ground-floor rooms are testament to Whittaker’s initiative since they were all assembled from a variety of salvaged material, as were many of the house’s other furnishings. Both the painted chimneypiece in the bedroom, for example, and the early nineteenth-century mahogany bureau in the study were bought on eBay. Other items, especially those used for the construction of doors, fitted cupboards, and internal windows, were found in skips or rescued from the street. Furniture has come from a wide variety of sources – in the downstairs sitting room is a papier-mâché wall clock bought by
Through the study’s door is a view of the entrance hall and beyond it of the office, the wall above its chimney dominated by a French nineteenth-century rococo-revival gilt frame.
Whittaker’s great, great, great-grandfather for his wife in the 1860s, while a library chair was bought in Rochester and brought back to London on the train.
Whittaker admits his approach to the house’s refurbishment has not been conducted according to rigorous historic principles; in a number of instances he inserted internal windows so as to increase the amount of light throughout the house.The upper section of the little ground-floor office is glazed, allowing the hall to avoid near-darkness.The most substantial addition to the property took place not long after its purchase: the construction of a summer house in the back garden. For a long time this was freestanding; only in 2007 was it connected to the house by a glazed link which doubles as conservatory. Meanwhile, the west-facing garden which benefits from afternoon light was laid out in a formal style with yew and box topiary.Work continues on the house, most recently the refurbishment of what would have been the main reception room on the first floor, a handsome space with three windows overlooking the street. More remains to be done on this and the floor above, no doubt taking place as Whittaker and Cabaniss continue their acquisitions of suitable salvage.
their upper sections made from sash windows found on the street, leads into the basement kitchen with its scrubbed table bought by
Romantic English Homes by Robert O’Byrne,
A pair of doors,
Tim Whittaker’s father in Whitby,Yorkshire.
There’s something quietly magical about the Algarve in the offseason.When the golden summer crowds begin to thin and the pace softens, a different side of Portugal’s southern coast reveals itself. It’s a time of year locals quietly cherish, and seasoned travellers seek out the so-called Secret Season, when the days are still bathed in sunlight, the beaches beautifully empty, and the rhythm of life slows to something altogether more indulgent. For those in the know, there’s no better base from which to enjoy this serene side of the Algarve than Four Seasons Fairways, a luxurious retreat in the heart of Quinta do Lago.
Off-season travel in the Algarve is an insider’s secret. The summer heat mellows to a gentle warmth, perfect for al fresco lunches, evening strolls, and long, peaceful days outdoors. With the sun lingering into the afternoon and temperatures resting in the mid-twenties, it’s the ideal time to enjoy everything the region has to offer, without crowds, queues or too much planning. It’s also when space and stillness become part of the appeal. You can wander empty stretches of beach, book tables at indemand restaurants with ease, or tee off at Quinta do Lago’s world-class golf courses without a wait.
Four Seasons Fairways makes the most of this calm. Its villastyle accommodation, paired with boutique-hotel service, gives guests the best of both worlds. Each villa or apartment is spacious and private, complete with either a pool or Jacuzzi, outdoor dining area and fully equipped kitchen. It’s the kind of place where you can sip coffee on the terrace in your robe, cook up local produce at leisure, or let someone else take care of everything entirely. Despite the privacy, you’re never far from thoughtful service. The wellness centre is a peaceful haven with an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, and treatment rooms offering everything from massages to facials. For those who prefer to stay active, the gym is well equipped and hosts regular classes, from yoga to Pilates. It’s wellness on your terms - unrushed and understated.
Food is central to the Four Seasons Fairways experience, and the quieter seasons offer even more opportunity to indulge. At VIVO, guests can ease into the day with fresh juices,
excellent coffee, and breakfast dishes showcasing seasonal ingredients. Come evening, Amara offers a refined yet relaxed affair. With panoramic views and a menu celebrating modern Portuguese cuisine, dining here feels elegant, especially when paired with a bottle of local wine and the glow of a Quinta do Lago sunset. Beyond the resort, off-season dining takes on a languid rhythm. Long, winesoaked lunches at oceanfront favourites like 2 Passos are practically a requirement. The service is unhurried, the views uninterrupted, and the freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection.
The off-season is also ideal for exploring. Golf remains a major draw with Quinta do Lago’s courses worldrenowned, and the fairways feel even greener when you’re not playing in 30-degree heat. The same is true for tennis, padel, or a gentle cycle along the wooden boardwalks that hug the Ria Formosa. For walkers, the nearby trails through pine forests and along the coast are quiet and wild, alive with colour and the sounds of migrating birds. You might spot flamingos or simply enjoy the salty breeze as you stroll along the sand dunes. For a dose of adventure or culture, there are treasures nearby. The cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings of Faro’s old town are perfect for a slow afternoon, while a boat trip to Estaminé, a restaurant set on a secluded island in the Ria Formosa, is a must. With its barefoot charm and unbeatable views, it feels like stumbling upon a well-kept secret.
And perhaps that’s the real beauty of the Secret Season. It’s a time when indulgence feels natural, when the Algarve’s simple pleasures, sunshine, space, great food and beautiful landscapes, come into focus. At Four Seasons Fairways, everything is designed to let you settle in, slow down, and savour it all. Whether you’re curled up on a terrace with a book, lingering over dinner at Amara, or watching the sun dip beneath the Atlantic after a day in nature, it’s the kind of experience that lingers long after you’ve left.
As the rest of the world rushes on, there’s something wonderful about choosing to pause. And in Quinta do Lago, at Four Seasons Fairways, the Secret Season might just be the most beautiful time of all.
Seven nights at Four Seasons Fairways, staying in a two or three bed villa or apartment with swimming pool or Jacuzzi ranges from £1,180 to £4,408 on a selfcatering basis, based on travel in 2026. www.fourseasonsfairways.com www.visitalgarve.pt
Charity begins at Christmas
Christmas is the season of goodwill and a time not just of giving but also a time to reflect on our place and meaning in the world we live in
Charities work tirelessly all year round to find a way either to help those in need and to make the world a better place. Perhaps it is time to reflect on how they manage to survive in these challenging times and our role in helping them do so, as now more than ever they need your help.
There are many ways you can help charities at Christmas and beyond and one way to help is by purchasing charity Christmas cards. There are many to choose from. Most charities have their own designs and a quick online search will bring up a fantastic array to choose from. Also, many of our high streets have an abundance of charity shops. Why not take the time to search for a unique gift.
Many readers have now reached a time in life where they have all the material things they could possibly want. Why not ask friends and family to donate to a charity of your choice instead of purchasing an unwanted gift. Likewise, when it comes to buying gifts for friends and family why not find a way to do this through charities. Go online. Most have a
fantastic range of gifts available. It also introduces the recipient to the charity and maybe helps build what might be the start of a lifetimes’ relationship.
Another great way to help charities is by volunteering. As well as helping others, it can also enhance your own life. People volunteer for a variety of reasons. It may be that you want to learn a new skill, build upon the skills you already have or with a lifetime of experience, pass on your expertise to others. It gives you the opportunity to meet new people and make friends, at the same time giving something back. Christmas can be a busy time for some charities with fetes, and other seasonal activities but extra help is always appreciated throughout the year too.
There are many ways of raising money for charities through your own fund-raising events, such as coffee mornings, or a sponsored walk. Thinking of decluttering? Then why not sell your unwanted items and donate the money raised. Look on the charity websites, as many give out fundraising packs, which give ideas and help with planning and promoting your event.
Apart from the above, one of the
main ways of supporting is to give a legacy, a note of intent in one’s Will. With careful consideration and wise investment this could be a great asset to a charity (or charities) that are chosen. Anyone can leave money to charity in their Will, but it can sometimes be a delicate subject when approaching family members. The Institute of Fundraising has guidance and principles on the topic. Making a Will is very simple, firstly find a solicitor or professional Will Maker. In fact, some charities are offering free Will writing services. You can also amend an existing Will to include a legacy to one or more charities as many people prefer to help more than one cause.
It is a gift that will help those who need it most, even the smallest of legacies can make a huge difference to a charity that on a daily basis raising funds is a challenge. Within the magazine there is a diverse cross section of charities all very worthy of consideration. Spend the time reading up about them and their work and the difference you can help them make. Follow a cause that is close to your heart, the reward will be a feeling of well-being unimagined. Most charities would be unable to survive without legacies and by remembering them in this way you ensure that their work lives on.
A monthly direct debit donation can be a great way to make an immediate difference to a charity. Choose an amount you can afford. This can be as little as a couple of pounds a month. Every little helps. Also, with Gift Aid the charity will receive even more.
Donating through Gift Aid means charities can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you spend and it doesn’t cost you any extra, but only if the donor has paid the same amount through income tax or capital gains tax that year. Websites such as www.gov.uk provide very useful information on this which helps the donor seek clarification.
Consider to aim, especially at Christmas, to give and to help others less fortunate than ourselves.
Of course, there is no compulsion to do this and it is up to the individuals who participate in this to choose what organisation they are going to support. However, it does give one a great sense of satisfaction to know that there are others who are better off due to our involvement.
Charity NEWS
Little Sisters of the Poor - caring for the elderly
The Little Sisters of the Poor is a registered charity dedicated to the service of vulnerable older people in need of residential or nursing care.
In providing total care, they believe in enabling their Residents to fulfil their physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs. They have at heart to recognise their dignity, desire of being respected, valued and loved and their longing to feel themselves useful.
In response to the increasing economic pressures faced by their care homes, they are appealing for crucial funds to help them continue to meet the ever-evolving needs of their residents. Your vital donations help sustain their work and greatly benefit the residents and communities which they serve.
They find it very humbling to look back over the 180-year history of their charity and realise how much is owed to those who came before them.
In these difficult economic times, they are determined to devote all their energies to ensure that current and future generations can continue to find in their Homes, a place of care and compassion for their loved ones.
Thank you for your support. For further information visit www.littlesistersofthepoor.co.uk
Every Dog Matters
Birmingham Dogs Home is a charity that has been serving the West Midlands community for over 130 years since their charity was founded in 1892, and they have always provided homeless dogs with a refuge and a place to feel safe. From humble beginnings they are now proud to be the largest dog rescue charity in the region, operating from two rescue centres. They care for over 2,000 homeless dogs every year, and their vision is for every dog to be cared for with kindness and empathy, so that they can lead a happy, fulfilled life, feeling safe and loved. They believe that every dog matters, which is why their teams work tirelessly, every day, to relieve suffering and help every dog they can, whilst providing medical care, emotional support and training as well as food, shelter and love. Most of the dogs they care for have been abandoned and come to them as strays through local authorities.
They do not receive any government funding and rely solely on the generosity and kindness of the community they serve.
They are very proud of all they have achieved but they are only able to continue providing these life-changing and life-saving services, thanks to the very special people who kindly remember them in their Wills, as a cause close to their heart.
They have now also launched their Forever Friends service which can provide you with reassurance that their charity can continue to care for your dog in the event of your passing. This a free service and many supporters who sign up also choose to leave a gift in their Will to Birmingham Dogs Home Every Dog Matters – Thank you for helping make the world a better place for them. Please be a part of their future by remembering them in your Will today. Visit www.birminghamdogshome.org.uk/support-us/leave-a-gift-in-your-will/
Birmingham Dogs Home has teamed up with Farewill to give you the opportunity to write your Will for free, using their online or telephone service.
A legacy of kindness: caring for those who care for us
From supporting young children in their early years to ensuring dignity and compassion at the end of life, community nurses are there across the lifespan, touching thousands of lives every year. But who is there for community nurses in their times of need?
For 138 years the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) has been that support. Founded to train district nurses, today the charity provides educational and financial support to community nurses who deliver essential care to people at home.
Through its ‘Support for Nurses’ programme, the QICN is there at life’s most difficult moments: offering financial support to nurses recovering from accidents or living with long-term illness; helping survivors of domestic abuse; providing grants to parents adapting homes for children
Replacing Animal Research
with disabilities; and supporting those experiencing bereavement. One community nurse told them: “I’m normally self-sufficient, but at a time where I felt absolutely lost and without hope you have helped pull me out of a pit. I’m so grateful.”
The QICN’s ‘Keep in Touch’ project connects retired nurses for regular contact: ‘Every week I look forward to my call – I know I can tell my volunteer anything. We usually end up laughing, which makes me feel good.’
This October, during Free Wills Month, QICN invite you to consider a special gift. Through their partnership with Farewill, you can write your Will free of charge, with the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy to the QICN
By remembering them in your Will, you’ll ensure they continue supporting the nurses who make a difference to others – for generations to come.
Visit www.farewill.com/qicn-web or call 020 8050 2686 and quote ‘QICN’ to create your free Will.
Together, we can ensure the community nurses who care for us are never without support.
In 2023, 2.68 million experiments used animals in British labs, from mice and rats to birds and dogs. This is a 3% decrease from 2022 and the lowest number since 2001, but we’re still a long way from zero. Worldwide, it’s believed over 100 million animals are used for science every year. Some of these animals are specifically bred for research and some are captured from their native habitats. None of them live a natural life. While animal research has been the scientific standard for hundreds of years, Replacing Animal Research are here to challenge that. They believe scientific progress can be achieved without causing harm to animals. That’s why at Replacing Animal Research they are so committed to a future where no animal suffers for science, and one of the best ways to support this future is with a gift in your Will.
Wills aren’t just documents, they’re declarations of what mattered most to us. They’re also a powerful opportunity to shape the world we leave behind. That’s why they’re asking you to consider leaving a gift in your Will to help create a future where science is kinder to animals and delivers better results for human health. Replacing animal research won’t happen overnight. It’s one of the most deeply embedded practices in science. But they believe it can be done and with your support, it will be. Your legacy could fund the breakthroughs that finally make non-animal research the norm, not the exception. To find out more visit: www.replacinganimalresearch.org.uk/how-you-can-help
Make a difference this Christmas
Being in hospital is never easy, especially during the festive season.
That’s why University Hospitals Birmingham Charity’s annual Christmas Appeal raises money to fund added extras for patients spending the festive period at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospitals, to help make their stay as comfortable as possible. They also support the incredible staff working hard during this time to continue providing the best care possible to their patients and their families. The hospital charity provides items from gifts for poorly children spending Christmas on a ward to free accommodation to keep families together.
Trevor’s son, Harry was given a terminal Leukaemia diagnosis but was
offered further treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) to give him more time. That’s when QEHBCharity stepped in and offered the family its ‘home away from home’ next to the hospital.
Trevor said, “It was a real lifeline.”
The home is a two-minute walk from the hospital and completely free as it’s paid for by its many supporters.
Trevor said, “Harry had to have treatment during Christmas, but being able to stay in the charity’s home, which we decorated with a Christmas tree and lights, meant he was able to enjoy the festivities in a warm, comfortable home, rather than on a ward. We are very grateful to the Charity, without which, Harry’s last few months would have been far more difficult. We’d like to thank the Charity and everyone who donates, as without them, we wouldn’t have had such wonderful moments to cherish.”
There are many ways you can get involved with their Christmas Appeal including purchasing one of the hospital’s Virtual Gifts. To find out more about their Christmas Appeal and how you can support your local hospital this Christmas, please visit: hospitalcharity.org/appeals/christmas
Help Replacing Animal Research find a better way than animal experiments.
Replacing Animal Research is an independent charity dedicated to the development of new and valid methods that will remove the need for laboratory animals in medical and scientific research, education and testing.
Replacing Animal Research is a charitable incorporated organisation with registration number: 1176266 replacinganimalresearch.org.uk hello@replacinganimalresearch.org.uk
Please remember Replacing Animal Research in your will. For more information visit replacinganimalresearch.org.uk/ legacy or call 0115 958 4740 today.
Charity NEWS
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s 2025 Christmas range takes off
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has announced the launch of its 2025 seasonal merchandise collection, which is already proving to be a hit amongst supporters.
This year’s festive range features new additions of a star shaped key ring, tea towel and shopping bag featuring a custom designed map of the charity’s operating area showing local landmarks, and bobble hat. Supporters will also find fresh designs of the charity’s ever-popular mugs, notebooks, and children’s socks, all showcasing an aerial view of the charity’s new H145 helicopter.
No festive collection would be complete without the charity’s much-loved Christmas cards which feature beautiful designs with heartfelt messages, offering a meaningful way to share the joy of the season with loved ones.
Emma Wood, head of fundraising and engagement at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “The festive season is a magical time of year and we’re thrilled to offer a range of affordable products to help us raise vital funds for our lifesaving missions. Every purchase directly supports emergency missions across the Midlands, making a real difference and helping to save lives this Christmas.”
To help save lives this Christmas, and explore the full festive range, visit: shop.midlandsairambulance.com
The 12 Gifts of Christmas
Christmas is an expensive time of year and the idea of being able to donate regularly to charities may not be affordable. Naturewatch Foundation is a strong believer that not all help has to be financial and has come up with its ‘Twelve Gifts of Christmas’ guide to charity giving.
1. Give your time – volunteering is a fantastic way to support your local charity.
2. Do what you love – use your hobby to fundraise. Raise donations and have fun too!
3. Give pre-loved items a new life – donating items to a shop or selling them yourself can raise vital funds for your charity.
4. Buy charity cards – make the switch and know that every purchase will help your chosen cause.
5. Give a charity gift – instead of buying gifts for loved ones this year, donate to their chosen charity.
6. Use e-shopping sites – these will donate whilst you shop at no extra cost to you.
7. Buy gifts from a charity’s online shop – there is a huge array of wonderful items out there.
8. Use gift aid – charities can claim an extra 25p for every £1 spent and it doesn’t cost you a penny.
9. Recycle – raise funds for your charity and reduce landfill by recycling your empty ink cartridges.
10. Spread the word – sharing your charity’s posts to your social media network is a great way to spread their message.
11. Use your birthday – ask friends and family to donate instead of purchasing gifts.
12. Leave a legacy. Legacy gifts are vital to charities. Without them, Naturewatch Foundation would not be able to carry out its vital animal welfare work.
To find out more, please contact Naturewatch Foundation via: phone 01242 252871, email info@naturewatch.org, or visit them at naturewatch.org
Help us give veterans the support they deserve
Thousands of veterans across the UK are battling pain, trauma and isolation decades after taking off their uniform. Help for Heroes supports veterans, their families and civilians who’ve worked alongside our military to live well after service. We offer personalised clinical treatment and counselling, provide specialist equipment and home adaptations, and deliver a wide range of therapies, self-help groups and exercise programs for veterans facing physical or mental health challenges. We put veterans in touch with groups in their local communities who provide physical and social activities to help improve wellbeing as well as helping with housing, finances and educational courses; and put pressure on Government to take greater responsibility for the Armed Forces community. We support some of the most seriously injured veterans in the UK. Those with serious brain and spinal injuries or who have lost their eyesight and limbs. We offer expert and continuous help to veterans with complex needs, including round-the-clock care, and we’re here for their families and carers too.
Your legacy will save and change lives
We helped 5,229 veterans and family members last year and gifts in Wills make this possible, funding more than half our work. Legacies allow us to provide life-long support to those who sacrifice so much for us. Since 2007 we’ve helped more than 28,000 people but many more still need our support.
By leaving a gift in your Will, you can show our Armed Forces family that they don’t have to fight alone. Together, we can help them find the peace they’ve fought for.
Find out more about the impact of gifts in Wills at: h4hweb.com/RToday25, email us at Legacies@helpforheroes.org.uk or call
Maxine, our Gifts in Wills Officer on 01725 514965 and we’d be pleased to help.
Charity NEWS
Army Benevolent Fund
If you are looking for thoughtful gifts that will matter, purchasing Christmas cards and gifts from the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) is a way to combine the festive spirit with making a difference. 100% of the profit from the sale of our shop items goes directly towards supporting soldiers, veterans, and their families.
From decorations, cards, toys and books to homeware and edible treats with a military flavour, the ABF offers a wide range of Christmas gifts to choose from.
These include:
• Christmas cards featuring Army themes and traditional festive scenes, as well as more modern designs. Our cards are 100% recyclable and packs contain ten cards for just £5.
• Gift sets of shortbread, biscuits, and chocolate, that you can enjoy with a warming cup of tea from our tea rations tin, or coffee made using beans from our Army family supplier, in an ABF bone china mug.
• Signed books from a range of authors, including titles from those with an Army background; and, for any little soldiers in your life, there are toys, T-shirts, and hoodies.
The ABF is the Army’s national charity, here for soldiers, veterans, and their families, for life.
Since 1944, the charity has been at the forefront of support for the Army family. Last year alone, it supported over 80,000 people in 52 countries through its grants to individuals and funding for 93 other organisations and charities.
As one of the largest funders in the sector, the ABF supports the Army community through all of life’s challenges, including bereavement, injury, getting back to work, elderly care, and much more besides. The youngest person helped last year was just three years old, the oldest was 105
This Christmas, your generosity can help the charity ensure that all soldiers, veterans and their families can avoid hardship and live with independence and dignity. With every card and gift purchased from the ABF, you will by showing your support for the whole Army family.
After your family and friends, will you consider us?
Family comes first, and having a Will in place provides invaluable peace of mind for you and your family.
Many ABF supporters feel an enormous sense of pride in leaving a lasting legacy for those who have served their country.
We are the Army’s national charity. Since 1944 we have been here to support soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need.
With no government funding, we rely on the gifts we receive from Wills to support more than a third of our work.
Alternatively
Care that Reaches Every Corner of the UK. Are you or a loved one exploring options for round-the-clock care at home? For over four decades, we've been providing compassionate, professional live-in care across the UK – helping people live independently, with dignity, in the comfort of their own homes.
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• Our free information brochure covers everything you need to know – from how live-in care works, to what makes our carers special, and how we tailor support to each individual and we are always happy to answer any questions by phone or email
When care needs arise for yourself or a loved one, it's natural to wonder about the best path forward. While residential care homes are one option, there's a wonderful alternative that lets you stay exactly where you belong – in the comfort and familiarity of your own home.
When care needs arise for yourself or a loved one, it's natural to wonder about the best path forward. While residential care homes are one option, there's a wonderful alternative that lets you stay exactly where you belong – in the comfort and familiarity of your own home.
• You can request your free brochure today and take the first step toward peace of mind. Call 01603 764567 or email to info@ablecommunitycare.com
When care needs arise for yourself or a loved one, it's natural to wonder about the best path forward. While residential care homes are one option, there's a wonderful alternative that lets you stay exactly where you belong – in the comfort and familiarity of your own home.
• Let us support your journey – just as we’ve supported thousands of families since 1980
When care needs arise for you rself or a loved one, it's natural to wonder about the best path forward. While residential care homes are one option, there's a wonderful alternative that lets you stay exactly where you belong – in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. Welcome to Live-in Care Support – Your home. Your routine. Your independence. Our care team working alongside you every step of the way as we have done for thousands of older people since 1980. • R e a d y t o e x
Welcome to Live-in Care Support – Your home. Your routine. Your independence.
Welcome to Live-in Care Support – Your home. Your routine. Your independence.
Welcome to Live-in Care Support – Your home. Your routine. Your independence.
• On our website we also have an application form (SUAF) which can be completed and we will call you upon receipt.
Our care team working alongside you every step of the way as we have done for thousands of older people since 1980.
www.ablecommunitycare.com
Our care team working alongside you every step of the way as we have done for thousands of older people since 1980.
Our care team working alongside you every step of the way as we have done for thousands of older people since 1980.
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as you are.
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Able Community Care, based in Norfolk but available everywhere for over 45 years.
Able Community Care, based in Norfolk but available everywhere for over 45 years.
Able Community Care, based in Norfolk but available everywhere for over 45 years.
Able Community Care, based in Norfolk but available everywhere for over 45 years.
