How to get started when thinking about downsizing.
15 Tracing your Ancestors
Genealogy has become such a popular and engrossing hobby.
17 How to identify and avoid scams when shopping online
Practical advice on how to stay safe and what to do if you fall victim to a scam.
18Winter Recipes
What better way is there to spend a frosty day than preparing delicious food to enjoy with family and friends?
20 Country Comfort
Hearty, wholesome meals in minutes.
23 Animal Sponsorship
A great way of giving a truly memorable gift and making a wonderful contribution to animal welfare.
2/5 Brook Street
Tring Herts
HP23 5ED
•Tel: 01442 891608
•Email: info@amramedia.co.uk
•www.retirement-today.co.uk
•Layout: Karen Wightman
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Although every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information and the advertisements contained within the magazine, the publishers cannot accept any liability.
Retirement Today would be pleased to receive your articles and photographs for possible publication. Although all reasonable care will be taken the magazine can assume no responsibility and contributors are advised to retain a copy.
27 4 Key Strategies for Maintaining Musculoskeletal Health after 50
Read how maintaining musculoskeletal health becomes increasingly crucial as we get older. 29-30 What’s On Events around the UK during the Autumn.
32 Creating a charming and personal home
Best-selling author Fifi-O-Neill shows us how to recreate this soulful style at home. Here she visits Cathy and Jeff Collins at their cottage in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
35 Ensuring Animal Rights for Humanity’s Future
Despite some progress, animals remain inadequately protected.
38 Subscription
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41 Charity begins at Christmas
Why not give a thought to charities this Christmas and see how you could make a difference.
Independent Diabetes Trust PO Box 294, Northampton NN1 4XS.
www.iddtinternational.org
Charity Number: 1058284
Registered Number: 3148360
Spend it now (not later) on your retirement bucket list
By Ian Child, co-founder of propertyCEO,
and
author
of Your own personal time machine – a guide to getting your life back
Not long ago, I returned from completing the iconic ‘North Coast 500’, a 500-mile road trip around Scotland’s incredible coastline. Overwhelmingly scenic: beautiful shorelines, rugged mountain passes and twisty, seemingly endless driving roads. It was an outstanding trip. Once I will remember forever.
As the author of a book about time management, my family love reminding me that I don’t always take my own medicine. I’d had to accept that unless I made a decision to prioritise the trip above everything else, it simply wouldn’t have happened.
WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Whether you are currently planning your retirement so have already taken that big life-changing step you’ll know that the chances are that the important day to day work stuff will pale into insignificance when compared to new life-enhancing experiences. Chatting to my business partner on this topic we agreed that however well a training course went in Durham or how interesting a Zoom call was in the moment, the memory would fade in comparison to, say, hiking at Knockan Crag, or driving the best roads in Europe against incredible backdrops of sea, land and sky. You get an idea of the kind of things that are on my bucket list!
HOW YOU THINK ABOUT RESOURCES
To share the driving on my Scottish trip, I’d invited a good friend to join me. His approach to motoring is an entirely practical one. For him, it’s about getting from A to B, and, as an electric car enthusiast he also enjoys the frisson of danger that only range anxiety creates. By the end of our journey, he’d admitted that he’d thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would love to do it again.
This sparked a further conversation about cars, namely what his preferred make and model would be to take on such a journey. He eventually confessed to a long held schoolboy crush on one particular sports car, his ultimate car of choice for a road trip. At this point, I said, Why don’t you buy a second-hand one, and we’ll use it next time?. The argument he put forward is what I can only describe as the antithesis of ‘man-maths’. Whereas I can use man-maths to justify any luxury purchase, I was instead subjected to a torrent of pragmatism. Apparently, if one factors in the finance costs, running
costs, insurance and depreciation, it becomes impossible to justify an extravagant purchase based on price alone. Of course, if money is the only yardstick, I’d have to agree. However, while such arguments may make sense financially, it doesn’t mean that it’s the right course of action to take. Let me give you an example at the other end of the scale. Imagine you were to pop into your local coffee shop for a flat white, and you spied a cheeky maple pecan Danish nestling in the display cabinet, winking at you. There are probably dozens of very reasonable arguments you could put forward for NOT indulging.Your expanding waistline, the additional expense, ruining your appetite, and clogging your arteries are just a few. But then you think, what the heck, I just want it. So you buy it, consume it, and it marks a happiness high point in your day, even though it went against all that good reasoning. Were there some pretty sound reasons not to do it? Yes. But you did it anyway because you enjoyed it, and it made you feel better. It was one of the day’s high points.
FILL YOUR HAPPINESS POCKET
This is an example of what I call a ‘happiness pocket’, and your days will be full of them. Little pockets of happiness that make each day bearable. It could be a snack, a chat with a friend, a glass of Rioja, a meal out or a takeaway, or
monies accrued during his lifetime. Would he really be so grateful that he hadn’t spent the money, given that he could see it there in his account? Or would he rather be able to recount the memories and say that, during his lifetime, he HAD owned his dream car and used it to go on exciting road trips with his friends?
IN SUMMARY
When we retire it’s imperative that we make those dreams happen (if we haven’t done so already). If you only settle for a cheeky Danish now and again, you’re selling yourself short. But saving every penny and dying with a fortune in the bank isn’t a great ambition either.
a trip to the cinema or the local pub. You won’t recall them individually in years to come, but they’re essential for making our day-to-day lives enjoyable. These happiness pockets also happen on a yearly basis as well as a daily one. Nice holidays, family parties, and luxury purchases all serve to make the year bearable, and they also give us something not only to look forward to but also to remember. Admittedly, buying a sports car to take on a road trip sits at the more expensive end of the spectrum, but in the end, everything is relative. We always need enough funds to cover the basics, so we can only fund our bucket list requirements out of our disposable income. But, whatever the dream, we often use unjustifiable cost as an excuse for not doing it, even if that cost is a lot more modest than buying a car.
Given that I had my friend’s exclusive attention for the twelve-hour drive back home, I decided to share a different perspective on his potential purchase. I started by asking him how much money it would cost to own his ideal road trip car for three years. He worked out a rough number, which sounded reasonable. It wasn’t cheap, nor ruinously expensive. Then I asked him to imagine sitting out in the garden on a future summer afternoon when he was in his dotage, looking back on his life as the sunlight faded. Now imagine that sum of money sitting in the bank account along with many other
So now is the time to revisit your bucket list. Or if you haven’t got one write it from scratch without delay. Then start working your way through it. Some of the items will be small, inexpensive and easy to achieve. Others may take more time, more planning and more money. But as they say you can’t take it with you.
Let’s make sure that in years to come you can look back at a bucket list with a wealth of items ticked off.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ian Child is a former corporate leader, co-founder of the leading property development training company propertyCEO and the author of Your Own Personal Time Machine, a guide to getting your life back www.propertyceo.co.uk www.facebook.com/ propertyceotraining/ www.instagram.com/ propertyceotraining/ twitter.com/Property_CEO www.linkedin.com/ company/propertyceo
Whether you move or stay, there are also many ways that you can organise and manage your home to make it a more financially viable, safer and more comfortable place to live in later life.
Moving to a new home
If you 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 facts 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.
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 Property Detective. To check out local crime rates, see the police website.
This is even more pertinent if you are thinking of moving abroad.
Retirement housing and sheltered accommodation
The terms ‘retirement housing’ and ‘sheltered accommodation’ cover a wide variety of housing, and while you may not wish to move into this type of accommodation just now, if the idea interests you in the long term it is worth planning ahead, as there are often very long waiting lists.
On the forthcoming pages are developers that offer different options for retirement living.
Each have their own benefits and are worth exploring further.
Whatever you decide, always get family support whenever possible and legal advice.
Moving home can be traumatic, but made easier with research and guidance where needed.
Anchor Homes
Moving to a later living development is often an expensive decision. The premium prices and skyhigh service charges at many retirement living developments make them financially out of reach for the majority of UK pensioners.
At Anchor, we place affordability at the heart of everything we do. As England’s largest not-for-profit provider of homes for people aged 55+, we offer properties for sale with a range of affordable purchasing options.
For example, with a modest lump sum, you could buy into one of our affordable living properties and, if you receive Pension Credit Guarantee, you could even qualify for Government support with your rent and service charge.
To help you make the most of your money, our dedicated BeWise team is available to provide free and impartial advice, support and practical guidance to anyone looking to buy one of our Shared Ownership homes.
Dave and Pam’s story at The Chimes began this way. Throughout the entire buying process, Pam remarked that all her questions were answered, and everything was explained, leaving her feeling reassured. Above all, the couple were relieved that the scheme allowed them to enjoy their later life without financial worries.
“Shared Ownership allowed us to hold onto a certain amount of security. We wouldn’t be here without Shared Ownership.”
Move to a Pegasus Homes community and upon completion we will:
Pay the Stamp Duty on your new Pegasus home, saving you thousands of pounds.
Contribute £2,000 towards legal costs when you use a solicitor from our recommended panel.
Provide an expert downsizing and moving service from Aprico.
Provide a handyman service when you move in to help with jobs like moving furniture, installing curtain rails and putting up pictures.
If you leave a Pegasus Homes community, there are no costly exit fees to pay. Your money stays with you and your family.
Make your move to a Pegasus Homes community by 31st March, and we will pay your Stamp Duty!
We understand moving can be stressful and costly. Our pledge to you is to make the process as easy as possible by offering a range of services, so you can enjoy the best parts of life.
For over 30 years, Pegasus Homes have been creating highquality residences and thriving communities in England’s most inspiring locations. Each community is located within beautiful city, village or coastal settings with a range of lifestyle facilities and on-site support, to enhance the enjoyment of our residents in later life.
or with newly made friends in the community, no matter what they are. One and two-bedroom homes are available from £705,000.
Expect the unexpected: Research demonstrates how unusual hobbies are redefining retirement
From video games to skydiving, the new generation of retirees are redefining how to spend retirement as a recent survey by Pegasus Homes reveals that hobbies and recreational activities are not just pastimes but essential components of a fulfilling retirement.
The pivotal research reveals the powerful impact hobbies have on mental and physical health in later life. Over half of the respondents (57%) recognised hobbies as essential for mental sharpness, while 50% cited their importance in relaxation and stress relief. These findings underscore that hobbies are far more than mere pastimes.They are integral to well-being, providing mental stimulation, physical activity, and social connections. Hobbies ultimately enrich the quality of life for those in their later years.
Modern Thrills on the Rise
What’s more, the study from Pegasus Homes revealed that the range of hobbies among the over-55s is impressively diverse. While traditional activities like reading (63%), gardening (52%), and cooking (39%) remain popular, modern and adventurous pastimes are also gaining traction. Notably, 15% of respondents enjoy video games, a pastime that is now nearly as popular as a more traditional hobby for the older generation, knitting.This trend is particularly notable among men aged 55-60, with 19% engaging in gaming.
The survey also highlights a surprising enthusiasm for adrenaline-related activities among the over-55s, with 9% either participating in or expressing interest in skydiving, bungee jumping, and paragliding. London emerges as the hub for such thrill-seekers, boasting the highest proportion of adrenaline seekers and the largest cohort of over-55s using dating apps.
Communities Designed to Harness Hobbies
Beyond sheer enjoyment, these hobbies deliver tangible health benefits. For those aged 66-70, maintaining mental alertness through hobbies is particularly important, with 60% identifying it as a key benefit.
Knowing how important hobbies are to those in later life, Steve Bangs, CEO at Pegasus Homes, comments on the later living provider’s approach to incorporating spaces to enjoy these throughout their communities:
“We know that for many of our residents, the years over 60 can be some of the best of their life. Our residents are socially active people engaged with their local community so it was important for us to not just offer our residents beautiful new homes, but also modern and welcoming shared amenities that can facilitate hobbies, shared activities and social interaction.”
For over 30 years, Pegasus Homes has been transforming outdated perceptions of retirement, with communities designed around the lifestyles of the new older age, each with a thriving and welcoming atmosphere.
At Belle Vue in Hampstead, residents have access to a communal roof terrace with panoramic views of the capital, along with an onsite wellness Spa, Pool & Gym, with two treatment rooms, a sauna and steam room, as well as a communal lounge with comfy furniture and a homely atmosphere. These facilities give residents spaces where they are able to explore their new or continued pursuits, alone
Meanwhile, Lymington Gate is located just a short walk from the cobbled streets of Lymington town centre and surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the New Forest. For sea and sailing enthusiasts, the homes are just a 16-minute walk away from the coast, with Lymington’s rich maritime history offering two marinas with fishing boats and yachts, as well as two sailing clubs and direct trips to the Isle of Wight. One and two-bedroom homes are available at Lymington Gate from £450,000.
In the Midlands, Lichfield Bonds, is a collection of 62 one and twobedroom apartments that have stunning views of Stowe Pool and the Grade I listed Lichfield Cathedral, England’s only medieval cathedral with three spires. This provides residents with a vista that encourages discovery and exploration every day. Prices for one and two-bedroom homes start from £315,000.
For those looking to make the move to a Pegasus Homes community and thrive in retirement, the Pegasus Pledge makes moving easy and for a limited time, makes moving cheaper!
The Pegasus Pledge will do the following:
• Pegasus Homes will pay the Stamp Duty on your new Pegasus home, saving you thousands of pounds.
• Contribute £2,000 towards legal costs when you use a solicitor from the brand’s recommended panel.
• Provide an expert downsizing and moving service from Aprico.
• Provide a handyman service when you move in to help with jobs like moving furniture, installing curtain rails and putting up pictures.
• If you leave a Pegasus Homes community, there are no costly exit fees to pay.Your money stays with you and your family.
Get in touch today to discover how Pegasus Homes can help you redefine retirement. Call 0800 975 0170 or visit www.pegasushomes.co.uk
Terms apply, visit pegasushomes.co.uk/ terms-and-conditions for information. The purchase of a home must be completed by 31st March 2025 to benefit from the stamp duty incentive.
Homes from only £25,000 and fully fitted New Lodges from £200,000 New and Pre-Owned units available.
Be part of the exclusive Country Park lifestyle and own your own luxury lodge, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the country park with easy access to our golf course and The Fountain Sports Bar and Restaurant.
and pre-owned caravans are available to buy. Enjoy everything that being on the Searles holiday park has to offer with family-friendly facilities perfect for all ages.
• Freedom from ‘stuff’: Decluttering items that you no longer need or use.
• Freedom from responsibilities: Flexibility to visit friends, relatives and travel.
6. Your family’s circumstances: Make sure they understand your reasons for moving. In some cases, one family member might like to move into your existing home, and this gives everyone the opportunity to talk through the options.
The next step is to begin decluttering, so you are left with things you would like to take with you. If you know this is going to be difficult, there are a number of options:
The Emotional and Practical Benefits of Downsizing and Decluttering
By Sammy Ryan
“The thing about downsizing is that it subconsciously marks the beginning of the end of our lives”, a client said the other day. This realisation is often the real heart of the matter – driving the resistance to moving.
The emotions arising from downsizing are multiple, such as leaving behind the memories; the overwhelming task of sorting through and decluttering; the stress behind selling, buying and moving properties; and the knowledge that this is a major life change.
Sometimes, we must face dealing with our children’s emotions about their letting go of a part of their lives too.
On the flip side, there are more positive feelings. The word I hear the most is “freedom”, which takes many forms:
• Financial freedom: Releasing equity or paying off a mortgage. Benefiting from the lower running costs that come with a smaller property.
• Time freedom: Easier management of a smaller property, so you can spend time enjoying things you want to do.
• Freedom from routine: Inject some excitement and life adventures at a critical point in your life.
So, how to get started? First, you must come to an understanding of the following key considerations:
1. Why: What is the reason driving your move?
2. When: When do you want to move? How long do you need to prepare?
3. Where: Moving closer to family is often a strong reason. If you are moving to a new area, then it might be an idea to rent before you buy to test if that location is right for you.
4. The type of property: Is this the final move or a step down? If it is the final property, then consider your mobility needs as you get older. It may not be a nice thing to think about, but if you have looked after older relatives, you will know the surprising things that become issues. One client, for example, had moved to a lovely apartment, but it was on the first floor in the building, which presented a real problem as health issues came to the fore.
5. The timeline: Do you need to do some work to bring your property ready for sale? A local estate agent can look around and give you some advice. Will properties be available in your area when you intend to move?
1. Give your children back the things which they have inevitably left with you for ‘safe keeping’ (paperwork, schoolwork, their personal decorations etc.).
2. Use the technique from the book Dostadning: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson, to pass on things that friends and family love.
3. Start with the end. In the new property, go through each room, measure and then go back and measure the furniture you would like to take with you. If it doesn’t fit, you know it has to move to a new home (family, friends or someone else).
4. Look for local refurbishment sites to donate to (some charities will pick up from your home).
5. If you cannot measure spaces in a new property, and you don’t want to let some items go, then plan for temporary storage (limit yourself to one-three months).
Putting together an outline plan will help to calm the anxiety; then you can break tasks down into steps that will help it all feel less overwhelming. This can include planning a final family party – giving you a happy shared memory before you step away.
If you do find yourself getting discouraged at any stage of this process, then it is helpful to revisit the ‘Why’ behind your decision to downsize, as well as to visualise how your life will change – hopefully, mostly for the positive.
What awaits you is a great feeling of accomplishment – including newfound confidence and freedom.
What can you do to while away the extra hours that retirement brings? If you have ever watched the popular Who Do You Think You Are? TV programme you will know just how fascinating and unpredictable tracing ancestors can be and why genealogy has become such a popular and engrossing hobby.
When I first retired I decided to trace both lines of my family back as far as possible to see if some of the tall tales told about some of the members were really quite so tall. What I didn’t expect to find en route were the fascinating little bits of history from each family’s perspective, the frustrating blind alleys you meet, getting to know your ancestors as flesh and blood rather than as a cold statistic on a family tree.
Digging into the family tree
Like most things you have to start somewhere. My particular journey began when I came across a yellowing press cutting about one of my great-great-uncles who died in the early 1900’s. It had obviously been cherished by my grandmother and from it I was able to go backwards in time with information gleaned from regular visits to the births, marriages and deaths registry which was conveniently situated near where I lived. I would order a relevant certificate and collect it a few days later. The time sped by as I became increasingly engrossed in this detective work and dug deeper into the family tree. I discovered that one side of the family started out as farmers on the east coast living a healthy outdoor life away from the pestilence in the towns and building walls to stop watery creeks from invading the farmland. Consequently, my great-great-great grandfather died in 1847 at 76 years old, a good age for those early times.
Coincidence, confusion, calamity
Subsequently the family became grocers and opened four branches in the Midlands. By coincidence the other side of the family were also grocers in Cambridge. Along the way I stumbled across confusing or distressing events that often occur in family histories. If the first born in a family died then the second child of the same sex would be given the same name. When a mother of 3 died unexpectedly the father was unable
to look after the children and the family suddenly separated. One of them landed up in a workhouse.
What’s in the census?
If like me you want to find out where you fit into the family picture the census is the first port of call and can give useful information about the name, gender, age, occupation and birthplace of your ancestor. The first census to give personal information was in 1841. The 1911 census is the latest you can obtain information from at the moment because of the 100-year privacy rule and was the first written in the relative’s handwriting very often containing personal comments which can add extra dimension to your research. The common practice in those days for parents, grandparents and children to live together in the same or nearby households helps make your detective work easier. Nowadays you can do the family research quite easily on your computer, get access to a particular census and download material as long as you pay a fee.
Parish registers and gravestones
Churches can be a useful addition to your army of fact finding tools. Parish Registers can provide records as far back as the 1500’s and if you locate a church near where your ancestor lived you might be able to find the name on their register. You need to be on the alert for anything you might find there. One of the churches I visited had a stained-glass window in the porch bequeathed by an ancestor of mine with his name proudly engraved in the center. Gravestones can also help fill in the gaps of family history. A gentle walk round the churchyard could be worth the few minutes it takes if you find a relative buried there although allow some time to decipher the etching on the stone which may have faded over the years.
Full circle
While out hunting for signs of my family’s history in Suffolk I came across a village graveyard. The first grave on the right as I entered was my great-great-uncle’s. Because of his importance to the local community he had been given the most prominent position in the graveyard and it was his death recorded on a yellowing press cutting that had inspired my genealogical adventure.
A guided genealogy service for history lovers who are short on time
YourTour™ is a groundbreaking genealogy discovery service, created for those keen to uncover their history and heritage but lacking the time or expertise to do it themselves, or the resources and time to pay for and engage with an expert genealogist.
Our vision is to bring families together and promote better connections between generations through the creation of unique experiences focussed on shared family history, informed and guided by an expert genealogist who curates the narrative and guides the session.
We aim to:
• Bridge the gap between timeconsuming DIY family history (FMP, Ancestry, etc) and the costly engagement of family historians and genealogists.
• Get families talking through informed conversations in a safe and professional environment.
• Enable access for all to family history, even those not able to use archives.
• Encourage more people to take up family history research for themselves.
• Offer excellence by only taking on best-in-class genealogists through our existing network and supplier onboarding process.
• Provide convenience by delivering our product direct to living rooms.
• Answer questions by shedding light on family rumours and myths.
• Be affordable by allowing the experience to be shared by multiple users.
• Address traumas, in a safe professional environment where difficult family histories can be told.
• Be compassionate, by training our Guides in mitigation of risk and prevention of inconsiderate treatment of potentially harmful material.
EnjoymakingnewmemorieswithYourTour.Guidedonlinebyourprofessional genealogists, YourTour makes the perfect gift to be enjoyed with your family. Allyou need is acomputer, laptop ortabletto share, and an hour tovisit your family history together. Visit www.yourtour.live or contact admin@historicproductions.co.uk to take YourTour!
“Our Guide was terrific. My husband discovered a particularly swashbuckling
ancestorwhocrewedon‘cutters’thatchasedwhiskysmugglersatsea.Probably musketsandcutlassesinvolved!OurGuidehadobviouslydoneagreatdealofwork on the tour and we were all engrossed in the revelations.”
What are people saying about YourTour? RM, London
How to identify and avoid scams when shopping online
1. Use safe and reputable websites: Stick to wellknown and trusted e-commerce platforms.You should always look for secure URLs (https://) and read customer reviews before entering any information into a website you are unfamiliar with.
2. Research the seller: If you’re buying from a thirdparty seller or a smaller website, research the seller thoroughly. Check for reviews, ratings, and any red flags in customer feedback. Always check reviews on third-party sites rather than on the site itself.
3. Look for secure payment options: Use payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as credit cards or reputable payment services like PayPal or Stripe. Avoid direct bank transfers or sending money orders.
4. Check for contact information: Ensure the website provides clear contact information, including a phone number and physical address. For UK websites, you can further check the business’s information on the Companies House register https://find-andupdate.company-information.service.gov.uk/
Be wary if this information is missing or hard to find.
5. Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals: If the price of an item is significantly lower than on other websites, it could be a scam. Compare prices and be cautious of unrealistic discounts – especially for bigticket items.
6. Read the fine print: Before entering any information into a site, review its return policy, terms of service, and privacy policy. Make sure you understand the conditions before making a purchase as you don’t want to be stuck with an item you can’t return.
7. Use strong, unique passwords: Protect your online accounts with strong, unique passwords. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites. An easy way to do this is by using a password generating and storing service such as Google Passwords to generate and keep track of your passwords.
8. Monitor your bank accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any
unauthorised transactions. Your bank may also allow you to set up alerts to notify you of suspicious activity.
9. Enable two-factor authentication: If available, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security on your accounts.
10. Keep your device’s software up to date: Ensure your computer, browser, and antivirus software are updated regularly to protect against malware and phishing attacks.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FALL VICTIM TO A SCAM
1. Contact the seller: In the first instance, you should try to resolve the issue directly with the seller. Provide evidence of the transaction and any communication you’ve had, as this may be useful down the line if you need to take further action.
2. Report the scam to your payment provider: If you used a credit card or payment service like PayPal, report the fraudulent transaction immediately. They may be able to reverse the charge or help you recover your money.
3. File a legal complaint and notify your bank: Report the scam to your local consumer protection agency or a relevant government body, such as Action Fraud https://www. actionfraud.police.uk/ reporting-fraud-and-cybercrime . If you provided banking details, inform your bank to monitor for suspicious activity and potentially freeze your account. Keep records of all communications, transactions, and steps you’ve taken. This documentation can be helpful if you need to pursue legal action.
4. Change your passwords: If you created an account on the scam website, change your passwords for any other accounts that use the same or similar passwords.
5. Seek legal advice: If the amount of money lost is significant, consider seeking legal advice to explore your options for recovering the funds.
A spokesperson from Scams.info (https://www.scams.info/) comments:
“To safeguard against online purchase scams, it’s important to stick to reputable websites, use secure payment options, and remain vigilant for deals that seem too good to be true.
If you fall victim to a scam, act quickly by contacting your payment provider and reporting the incident to consumer protection agencies.”
Winter Recipes
What better way is there to spend a frosty day than preparing delicious food to enjoy with family and friends? When it’s chilly outside, make the most of being holed up indoors and get creative in the kitchen with these comforting and nourishing recipes.
ROASTED PUMPKIN SOUP
Pumpkin soup is a classic to serve at Halloween or Bonfire Night –it freezes well so you can prepare ahead and then just defrost and reheat on the day. For an extra spooky treat, why not serve in roasted pumpkin bowls – once the soup is eaten you can eat the bowl too. Small pumpkins and squashes work perfectly for this (see tip below).
1.3 kg pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and roughly chopped grated zest and freshly squeezed juice of 1 orange
1 tsp ground ginger
3 tbs olive oil
1 litre chicken or vegetable stock sea salt and freshly ground black pepper double cream, to serve toasted mixed seeds, to serve Serves 4
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) Gas 4. Place the chopped squash or pumpkin in a roasting pan and sprinkle over the orange zest and juice, ginger and olive oil. Roast in the preheated oven for 20–30 minutes until the squash is soft when you cut it with a knife. Remove from the oven and place in a saucepan with the stock over a medium heat. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Using a stick blender, blender or food processor, blitz until the soup is smooth.
Pour the soup into four bowls and add a swirl of cream to each. Serve topped with toasted seeds.
Tip: If you are making the pumpkin shell bowls, scoop out the insides of four small pumpkins or the round end of four small butternut squashes so that there is a thin layer of flesh remaining on the skin. Use the flesh in the soup recipe above. Drizzle the shells with olive oil and season with salt and pepper and roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes until the flesh is soft, but the pumpkin or squash bowl still holds its shape. Serve the soup in the roasted bowls.
SMOKY BLACK BEAN STEW with SWEET POTATOES & MINTED YOGURT DRESSING
This deliciously easy black bean stew is complemented by roasted sweet potato and a cooling yogurt and mint dressing. You can cook this either on the stovetop or in a hot oven, covered, for 30 minutes. It’s a very versatile recipe so feel free to swap sweet potatoes for any squash or root vegetable and use a chicken or vegetable stock cube for extra depth.
750 g sweet potatoes
splash of olive oil
1 tbs dried thyme
1 onion, diced
1 fresh red chilli, deseeded, chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
11/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cinnamon
400-g can cherry tomatoes
2 x 400-g cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 chicken or vegetable stock cube
a pinch of sugar
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
a few sprigs of fresh coriander, chopped, to garnish
Serves 4
MINTED YOGURT DRESSING
1 garlic clove
250 g Greek yogurt
2 tbs freshly chopped mint or 2 tsp dried mint
1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
11/2 tsp ground cumin
Preheat the oven to 200°C fan/220°C/425°F/Gas 7.
Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into irregular wedges and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper and dried thyme. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–30 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred, then remove and set aside until the black bean stew is ready.
For the minted yogurt dressing, crush the garlic clove and combine with the yogurt, mint, lemon juice, a generous pinch of salt and the cumin. Set aside. In a large pan, fry the onion in another splash of olive oil for 5 minutes until soft, then stir through the chilli and crushed garlic for a minute. Add the cumin, paprika and cinnamon, quickly followed by the tomatoes and black beans. Fill the used tomato can with cold water and pour into the pan, crumble in the stock cube, and season with salt and pepper and a generous pinch of sugar. Part-cover the pan and simmer over a low heat for about 15 minutes or until the sauce has reduced and thickened. Fold the cooked sweet potatoes into the stew.
Taste for seasoning, scatter the coriander over the top and add a swirl of the minted yogurt dressing, with the rest served on the side.
OVEN-BAKED MEATBALLS with CHEESY TOMATO SAUCE
This is an all-round winner. Tasty meatballs, a rich tomato ragù, a little cream for extra comfort, and a layer of meltingly gooey mozzarella all combine to make a type of meatball lasagne! A great midweek winter meal for the family – kids will love this one.
450 g minced beef
300 g minced pork
1 small onion, very finely chopped
2 tsp English mustard
2 tsp freshly chopped thyme
2 tbs olive oil
2 x 400 g cans chopped tomatoes
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp caster/granulated sugar a pinch of dried chilli flakes
4 tbs freshly chopped basil, plus extra to garnish
75 ml single cream
200 g mozzarella cheese, sliced sea salt and freshly ground black pepper pasta or bread, and a crisp green salad, to serve a 4-litre Dutch oven
Serves 4-6
Combine the beef, pork, onion, mustard, thyme and plenty of salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix this together with your hands to form a really good sticky mixture. Then, using slightly damp hands, shape into 20–24 golfball-sized meatballs. Cover and let sit in a cool place for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 140ºC fan/160ºC/325ºF/Gas 3.
Heat the oil in the Dutch oven, add the meatballs, and cook in batches for 3–4 minutes until evenly browned. Remove with a slotted spoon. Add the tomatoes, garlic, 1 teaspoon sea salt, sugar, dried chilli flakes and basil to the pan and bring to the boil. Pop the meatballs into the sauce, cover and transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Cook for 1 hour or until the sauce is thick and glossy and the meatballs are cooked through.
Remove the pan from the oven and the lid from the pan. Very carefully pour the cream around the meatballs and then lay the mozzarella slices on top. Return to the oven, uncovered, and cook for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Scatter with some fresh basil leaves and serve with some pasta or bread and a crisp green salad.
BAKED ORCHARD FRUIT COBBLER with CINNAMON CRÈME FRAICHE
This versatile dish can be easily adapted to any time of year, using pretty much any fruit you like. For example, stick with these colder weather fruits for a winter warmer dessert, or use berries and stone fruit, peaches and raspberries or cherries and apricots in the summer.
8 large plums
3 pears
250 g fresh blackberries
1 tbs crème de cassis (optional)
4 tbs soft brown sugar
COBBLER TOPPING
180 g plain flour
11/2 tsp baking powder a pinch of salt
75 g unsalted butter, diced
50 g granulated/caster sugar
125–150 ml buttermilk
Serves 6
CINNAMON CRÈME FRAÎCHE
150 g crème fraîche
2 tsp icing sugar, sifted a little ground cinnamon a 2-litre Dutch oven
Preheat the oven to 170ºC fan/190ºC/375ºF/Gas 5.
Halve, stone and thickly slice the plums. Peel, core and thinly slice the pears. Wash and dry the blackberries. Place the fruit in a bowl, add the cassis, if using, and brown sugar, and stir well to combine. Transfer the fruit to the Dutch oven.
To make the topping, sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl and rub in the butter to make fine crumbs. Stir in the sugar. Work in enough buttermilk to bring the mixture together to make a slightly sticky dough. Spoon mounds of the topping over the fruit layer, allowing some fruit to remain uncovered.
Transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30–35 minutes until the topping is risen and golden and the fruit is oozing rich juices. Check halfway through and cover the pan with the lid if the top is beginning to over-brown.
Meanwhile, make the cinnamon crème fraîche. Stir the crème fraîche, sugar and cinnamon together until combined. Serve with the fruit cobbler.
There is something so hearty about the combination of couscous and sweet potato: it works for all seasons, whether you’re wanting something warming in the winter or a side salad for a summer barbecue. Throw in some pomegranate and seeds and you have a salad that offers juicy crunches and mellow, cosy carbs in every bite.
COUSCOUS, SWEET POTATO AND POMEGRANATE SALAD
1 large sweet potato (or 2 small), cut into small chunks (I leave the skin on, but remove any hard knobbly bits)
1 tbsp olive oil
sprinkle of paprika
60g (2 ¼ oz) rocket (arugula)
2 spring onions (scallions), trimmed and diced
4 tbsp pomegranate seeds
2 tbsp sunflower seeds
100g (3 ½ oz) feta, crumbled
120g (4 ¼ oz) dried couscous, prepared according to packet instructions salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/400˚F/ gas mark 6). Spread the sweet potato chunks out on baking tray, drizzle with the olive oil and season with paprika and some salt and pepper. Mix so each chunk is coated in oil and seasoning, then roast in the oven for 20 mins.
While the sweet potato is in the oven, put the dressing ingredients in the salad bowl and season with salt and pepper. Mix well with a whisk or a fork until you have a smooth emulsified liquid (you can make the dressing in a separate bowl if you like, but I can never be bothered!).
Add the rocket, spring onions, pomegranate seeds, sunflower seeds, feta, couscous and sweet potato to the bowl of dressing and toss everything together with two spoons or salad tongs – you want every little piece of this salad to be kissed by the dressing.
Serve and enjoy, it’s that simple! The salad will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
ALTERNATIVE INGREDIENTS:
Couscous: use rice, bulgur wheat, quinoa or riced cauliflower.
Sweet potato: use butternut squash, a normal potato, pumpkin (squash), or carrots.
Sunflower seeds: use pumpkin or sesame seeds, or your favourite packet of mixed seeds, or throw in some nuts instead – we’re after that crunch, so raw veggies would work too if you can’t eat nuts and seeds.
Rocket (arugula): use chopped romaine (cos) or gem lettuce, or spinach.
Feta: use goat’s cheese, mozzarella or diced and roasted halloumi.
‘HEAVEN IN MY MOUTH’ PUMPKIN PIE
I make pumpkin pie every autumn. One autumn I made them for my partner’s 6-year-old niece who is probably my toughest critic. When Darcey had one and said ‘this is heaven in my mouth’ I knew I had to share the recipe with everyone. So, guys, you can thank her for this. It’s one of the scrummiest things to make, especially if you finish it with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
1 x 320g (11 ¼ oz) sheet of shortcrust pastry
3 large eggs
165g (5 ¾ oz/generous ¾ cup) light brown sugar
425g (15oz) pumpkin (squash) purée
175ml (6fl oz/ ¾ cup) double cream
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
whipped cream, to serve
EQUIPMENT
20cm (8in) pie dish or tart tin (non-stick, if you want to take it out of the dish to serve), bowl, fork, wooden spoon.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350˚F/ gas mark 4). Unroll the pastry and pop it in the tart tin or pie dish, pushing it into the corners of
the tin and poking little holes with a fork in the base of the pastry. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes until lightly brown and less oily. While the crust bakes, make the filling. Mix the eggs, brown sugar, pumpkin purée, double cream, cinnamon and ginger in a bowl.
Yep, it really is that easy. Pour this into the baked pastry base and bake for about 40 minutes, until the filling has set.
Remove from the oven and serve sliced (warm or cold), with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
The pie will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
ANIMAL ADOPTION –the perfect alternative gift
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
Tiggywinkles
Christmas is getting closer, and we can almost taste the mince pies! So, if you haven’t already, it’s definitely time to start your Christmas shopping and we’ve got you covered here at Tiggywinkles.
Our adoption scheme is a wonderful way to support Tiggywinkles’ life-saving work and also get a heartfelt and exciting gift for your loved ones to open on Christmas morning.
By donating in this way, you allow us to continue to help wildlife in need, providing veterinary treatment and care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Your valuable contribution will help us look after the wild animals receiving treatment at our hospital and will also help care for the animals that cannot be released back into the wild.
Got a fox-mad friend? Or a hedgehog-loving sister? We have lots of wonderful animals available to adopt; there will be a favourite for everyone.
In the adoption pack you will receive:
• Tiggywinkles newsletter
• Mounted photograph of your animal
• Certificate of adoption
CASE STUDY
Adopt a Primate at Monkey World –Ape Rescue Centre
Monkey World, the internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, is home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes of 20 different species. Set in 65 acres of Dorset countryside, the sanctuary works in conjunction with foreign governments worldwide to stop the illegal smuggling of apes and monkeys. At the park, rescued primates are rehabilitated to live in natural family groups of their own kind, with specialist care.
You can support Monkey World by taking part in the Adopt a Primate Scheme. This scheme enables us to create additional reserves and a safe haven for the many primates whose lives are still in danger around the world. Your adoption money goes into a 100% fund, which is used solely for the rescue and rehabilitation of primates. Prices start from £25 (+P&P) for the year and include a photograph, certificate, three editions of the Ape Rescue Chronicle and an annual pass to the park!
patients, so you can tuck in to your Christmas dinner knowing you are helping them tuck into theirs!
(... We even have a bucket of maggots gift for that really annoying brother… )
For all these and more please visit our website: www.tiggywinkles.com
Thank you so much for your support!
A great choice would be orang-utan Hujan, who was sadly rejected by his mother when she became ill after his birth. He is now growing up in our orang-utan crèche, with his adopted brothers and sisters. By adopting Hujan, you can fund his care, and help other primates in need around the world.
Go to monkeyworld.org to read all about the 250 primates at Monkey World, and their rescue stories.
Bransby Horses –Sponsor a
horse, pony or donkey
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 through the sponsoring of a horse, pony or donkey.
For as little as £3 a month or £36 a year, anyone can sponsor Womble the pony, Master Imp the Shetland pony, Woody the thoroughbred, Pecan the Shetland pony, cobs Frazzle and Selene, or donkeys Gnasha, Marlene, Nipper and Matilda Supporters will receive a welcome pack that includes a certificate and special
Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats
Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats is the first charity solely focused on the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of abused and abandoned goats. Currently home to over a hundred individuals, the sanctuary is always on the lookout for supporters to help them in their mission.
As they receive no external government funding, it is only through the generosity of people such as yourselves that mean they are able to keep up the good work. One way you can show your support to the sanctuary is by adopting one of their lovely goats!
For just £25 you can sponsor one of the
Buttercups goats for a year, and receive in return a certificate of adoption, a letter from, and two photos of, your new goat, as well as a subscription to our quarterly newsletter, which will keep you up to date with all the latest goaty-antics from the sanctuary. With a range of characters to choose from, whether you would prefer a sweet goat or a naughty one instead, there’s sure to be a goat that suits you!
Why not adopt a goat (or two) for either yourself or a friend, and support the work of Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats at the same time?
www.buttercups.org.uk/adoptions
photo of their chosen Sponsorship Star, along with their animal’s story. They will then receive regular updates about their equine’s ongoing care and training throughout the year via email or post.
Bransby Horses’ Sponsorship Star scheme is a lovely way to support the work of the charity, which not only includes the rescue of horses from mistreatment and neglect, but also helps feed and care the hundreds of animals currently living at their sanctuary in Lincoln.
Without donations from the public, Bransby Horses would not be able to continue their vital rescue and welfare work it has been doing for over 50 years.
To sponsor a horse, pony or donkey, call their friendly team on 01427 788464 quoting Retirement Today, or visit BransbyHorses.co.uk/sponsor
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.
“Help us to be their someone”
Visitors welcome by appointment – Contact Liz Varney:
This summer saw Catastrophes Cat Rescue throw open its sanctuary gates in the Sussex countryside for a special garden party. Their patron, Peter Egan, (actor and animal activist) joined them to celebrate the opening of their new cat rehabilitation shelter. The building was donated by their generous supporters.
Peter Egan cut the blue ribbon to officially open the new facility which will provide shelter and warmth for the cats that have been given refuge at their sanctuary. Peter was thrilled to support this big step forward in providing a lifeline for cats that have been abandoned or ill-treated, as well as ferals in desperate need, who have never had the chance of love and care and veterinary treatment. Their next step forward is to raise funds for accommodation for emergency cases, so that vet treatment and recovery time can be given to ensure the cats have the best chance of a healthy future.
It’s only through the support of your kind donations that allows them to continue this vital work.
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.
4 Key Strategies for Maintaining Musculoskeletal Health after 50
By Professor Paul Lee
As we advance in age, particularly beyond the age of 50, maintaining musculoskeletal health becomes increasingly crucial. Recent reports indicate that among UK individuals over 50, the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain episodes ranges between 20% and 50%, with pain levels rising further after the age of 65. These staggering statistics underscore the need for proactive care earlier in life.
By taking the right steps, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing chronic musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis and sarcopenia. In addition to proactive care, it is important to incorporate regular exercise, a balanced diet and bone-strengthening activities. Understanding the underlying principles of joint health – rooted in physics, chemistry and biology – can further enhance these efforts.
In this article, I will outline four key strategies to help you strengthen and preserve your musculoskeletal system as you age.
Combatting Joint Pain with Physics
For individuals over 50, understanding and applying the principles of physics is crucial for preserving joint health. The cumulative effects of gravity, poor posture, and repetitive movements can lead to musculoskeletal issues, such as osteoarthritis or chronic back pain. Misaligned joints, improper posture and repetitive strain significantly contribute to deterioration. However, by incorporating Newtonian physics principles into your daily life, you can address these issues before they escalate.
Simple adjustments, such as selecting a chair that promotes proper spinal alignment, can greatly reduce strain on the back and neck. Additionally, low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling are particularly beneficial for those over 50. Yoga is another excellent option, as it helps develop strong core muscles to help stabilise your body and improve muscle control, thereby preventing unnecessary joint strain. These activities minimise gravitational load on the joints, reducing wear and tear while promoting cardiovascular and muscular health.
Supporting Musculoskeletal Vitality through Chemistry
The body’s internal chemistry plays an essential role in musculoskeletal health. After 50, the natural balance of hormones and nutrients that support bone density and muscle strength begins to shift, increasing vulnerability to conditions like osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Ensuring the molecular composition of joints, muscles, bones, and tissues fosters regeneration is therefore essential.
To optimize your body’s chemistry, prioritise a diet abundant in antiinflammatory foods such as fatty fish, nuts, and leafy greens. These foods can help mitigate chronic inflammation, which accelerates joint degeneration. Additionally, incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like berries, dark chocolate and green tea can combat oxidative stress, further supporting musculoskeletal health. Maintaining adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D is vital for supporting bone health. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can assist in monitoring these levels and advising appropriate supplementation if needed. Hydration is another key factor in maintaining optimal chemistry. The discs in our spine are primarily made up of water, and adequate hydration is essential to keep them supple and healthy.
Optimising Sleep and Biology for Renewal
Biological processes like cell regeneration slow down as we age, making it more challenging for the body to recover from injuries or wear and tear. However, by optimising certain biological functions, we can support our body’s natural regenerative capabilities.
Sleep is one of the most powerful tools for regeneration notes. During deep sleep, the body releases growth hormones that are essential for muscle repair and bone health. For individuals over 50, prioritizing sleep is crucial. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to give your body the necessary time it needs to repair and regenerate. To enhance sleep quality, consider creating a sleep-friendly environment, by using blackout curtains, keeping the room cool, and minimizing noise disruptions.
Prioritising Rest and Relaxation
As we age, the significance of rest and recovery becomes increasingly apparent. Recovery periods are vital for
preventing injuries and ensuring that the body remains strong and resilient. It’s essential to include intentional rest into your routine to avoid overexertion, which can result in injuries that are more difficult to recover from as we age. Listening to your body’s signals is especially important; if you are feeling fatigued or sore, take time to rest and recover rather than pushing through discomfort.
For those over 50, engaging in activities such as yoga, meditation, or tai chi can promote relaxation and mental well-being, ultimately benefiting physical health. These practices can help lower stress hormones like cortisol, which can negatively impact musculoskeletal health over time. Additionally, techniques such as foam rolling, regular massages, and even ice baths can help alleviate muscle tension and promote circulation, aiding in the recovery process.
Ultimately, maintaining musculoskeletal health after 50 requires a proactive, multidisciplinary approach. The goal is not just to live longer, but to live better – stronger, and more resilient against the physical challenges that come with time. Making informed decisions now will help you design a future where you continue to thrive well into your later years.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Professor Paul Lee, known as The Regeneration Man, revolutionises regenerative medicine as a doctor by blending over two decades of elite sports and orthopaedic expertise with ground-breaking engineering insights. His unique science-fuelled approach and mantra of Stay Young, Be Strong, Live Forever empowers you to design your path to superhuman health, transcending the traditional boundaries of ageing. In his new book, Regeneration by Design, Paul draws on everything he has learnt throughout his career, including clinical exchanges with superhuman sportspeople and decades of research.
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What’s On...
Royal Marines celebrate 360 years of service to the nation in style
This year the Royal Marines celebrate 360 years of service to the nation and the world-famous Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines will perform three special Christmas concerts during November and December at Bournemouth, Torquay and Cheltenham. During these popular festive events, the Band will perform Christmas music, military marches, big band hits and popular showstoppers – to name but a few. In addition, their world-renowned Corps of Drums will demonstrate the precision, accuracy and musical skills, for which they are famous across the globe.
The Royal Marines will also join the French Foreign Legion Band, the Central Band of the Hungarian Defence Forces and over 1,000 performers at the spectacular Birmingham International Tattoo on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th February at bp pulse LIVE (the new name for Resorts World Arena at the NEC, Birmingham).
A parade like no other, the Birmingham International Tattoo is Britain’s biggest indoor tattoo featuring military and other marching bands, pipes & drums, field gun racing, dog racing, standard bearers, dance teams and much more, including a spectacular Grand Finale with over 1,000 performers.
You can find out more about the Royal Marines Christmas concerts at www.maestromusicconcerts.com, and more about the Birmingham International Tattoo at www.bhamtattoo.com
Framing Fashion: Art and Inspiration from a Private Collection of Vivienne Westwood Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham
19 October 2024 – 2 March 2025
Fashion and art collide in a golden decade of design at The Bowes Museum, in an exciting new exhibition featuring some of Vivienne Westwood’s most recognisable creations from the mid 80s to the mid 90s. Featuring a new selection of the late iconic designer’s ensembles from the private collection of Peter Smithson, who has spent nearly 30 years adding to his compilation of her work. It will explore the inspiration Westwood took from paintings, sitters in portraits and the materials and techniques used by artists.
One of her richest and most recognisable collections, Portrait (autumn/winter 1990/1991) was inspired by the art and interiors of The Wallace Collection in London and marked the mid-point of a particularly creative period for the designer. Items from this collection will be displayed alongside others exploring Westwood’s inspiration from classical and medieval art, 18th century portraits and pastoral scenes as well as other art forms.
The Bowes Museum is open from 10am to 5pm daily. For further information www.bowesmuseum.org.uk
Drawing the Italian Renaissance
The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
1 November 2024 – 9 March 2025
Exploring the diversity and accomplishment of drawing across Italy between 1450 and 1600, this exhibition will feature around 160 works by over 80 artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian, all drawn from the Royal Collection, which holds one of the world’s greatest collections of Italian Renaissance drawings. Over 30 works will be on display for the first time, and a further 12 have never been shown in the UK. Most drawings from this period were created as preparation for projects in a variety of media, from paintings and prints to architecture, sculpture, metalwork, tapestry and costume, with a small number created as works of art in their own right. Together, these works reflect the artists’ creative genius and the infinitely varied medium of drawing. Arranged thematically, the exhibition opens with an exploration of life drawing. Artists usually drew from posed models, often their male assistants, to hone their skills and pursue originality and dynamism in their compositions. A star drawing is Raphael’s The Three Graces in red chalk, c.1517–18, a study of one model in three poses, made for his fresco of the Wedding Feast of Cupid and Psyche in the Villa Farnesina, Rome.
Dovecot Studios present a major new exhibition of Scotland’s textile treasures, many of which have never been on public display. Curated in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, the exhibition will be the first time these textiles are presented together as significant works of art in their own right.
The exhibition explores 200 years of the domestic interior in Scotland, examining the art and design of embroidery from the National Trust for Scotland’s extraordinary collection of textiles. As a result of a two-year research and conservation programme, many of these delicate pieces are now in a condition to be on public display for the first time, enabling enhanced access to this historical collection.
See more than 80 richly embroidered textiles from 1720–1920, including armchairs, large bed hangings, fire screens and tablecloths, alongside personal items such as cushions and tea cosies. Throughout the exhibition, these finely worked historic embroideries from important properties across Scotland will be shown in dialogue with portraiture and framed design drawings to illustrate the stories of the textiles. www.dovecotstudios.com
Flower Fairies™: The Magical World of Cicely Mary Barker
Watts Gallery, Artists’ Village, Compton, Guildford 22 October 2024 – 27 April 2025
Step into the enchanting world of Cicley Mary Barker (1895-1973), the creator of the muchloved Flower Fairies. Explore Cicely’s journey as an artist, from the early years as a young girl with a vivid imagination, to commercial success in adulthood. See childhood sketches, postcard designs and illustrated books, with playful and creative activities to enjoy. This family-friendly exhibition celebrates the life of an extraordinary artist, author and illustrator. Explore the 18 acres of woodland across the Watts Gallery estate with a Tree Fairy Trail inspired by Cicely’s botanical illustrations and traditional folklore. www.wattsgallery.org.uk
Małgorzata Mirga-Tas
Tate, St Ives
Until 5th January 2025
Discover the vibrant textile works of Romani artist Małgorzata Mirga-Tas, who was born in 1978 and lives and works in a village at the foot of the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland.
Her unique and colourful textile collages are often created with fabrics and materials, collected from family and friends. Her visual storytelling comes from a feminist perspective and challenges stereotypical representations of Roma people. Often working in collaboration with other women, she sews pieces of clothing, handkerchiefs, tablecloths, curtains and sheets together to create vivid portraits and scenes from everyday life.
Mirga-Tas was the official Polish representative at the 59th Venice Biennale in 2022 – the first Roma artist to present any country, and this is her first major museum exhibition in the UK. www.tate.org.uk
Free up cash and lower your overheads in a comfortable, well-located home
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Moving to one of our coastal, rural or semi-rural residential parks could help you free up cash and save on your bills. So, not only will you be super-comfortable in a brand new, move-in ready home in a like-minded community. You’ll also have more to spend on the good things in life and could be closer to friends and family. Whether you’re retiring or winding your work down, it’s time to give yourself the opportunity to make the most of every day.
Moving to one of our coastal, rural or semi-rural residential parks could help you free up cash and save on your bills. So, not only will you be super-comfortable in a brand new, move-in ready home in a like-minded community. You’ll also have more to spend on the good things in life and could be closer to friends and family. Whether you’re retiring or winding your work down, it’s time to give yourself the opportunity to make the most of every day.
High-quality, low-maintenance, single-storey homes
Safe, secure community of like-minded residents
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Part
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Creating a charming and personal home
a calming continuity defined by weathered finishes and floral linens.
Far from folksy, today’s cottages are simple yet layered, airy yet enlivened with personal details. Best-selling author
Fifi-O-Neill shows us how to recreate this soulful style at home. Here she visits Cathy and Jeff Collins at their cottage in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Cathy and Jeff Collins readily admit to their infatuation with old, even dilapidated, houses. “We love historic homes and like to leave them better than when we found them,” Cathy says. In 2003, they went on vacation to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It is no surprise to learn that, while they were there, they discovered a hidden gem from 1900. Its name was Rose Cottage and they were immediately smitten by its Gothic Revival style. “It was such a stunning cottage nestled in a spectacular woodsy setting, yet only a short walk to downtown,” Jeff says.
For years, the couple tried to buy the home without success. “My heart kept coming back to this one-of-a-kind property. It was just magical to me, with its Gothic characteristics, inviting front porch and beautiful view,” Cathy reminisces. But it wasn’t until 2011, when the owner finally relented, that
they were able to acquire the cottage complete with all the furnishings.
The 1,500-square-foot / 140-squaremeter home had been renovated in the 1980s by a couple from Texas, who eventually lost interest in it and ended up renting it to various tenants over the years. By the time Cathy and Jeff could call the cottage theirs, it had fallen into neglect. “It was stuffed full of furnishings, including some beautiful antiques, but overall, it looked too stuffy and Victorian,” says Cathy. She proceeded to carefully edit each room, figuring out what to keep and what to discard. Her vision was for an airy, uncluttered feel that would bring the cottage into the 21st century.
“Our goal was to keep the historic bones, but update the cottage enough so our family and friends could be comfortable and enjoy it,” she says. To that end,
although she and Jeff retained the existing footprint, they added a full bathroom upstairs. “Even though it is an old home, there is an openness between the rooms that creates a natural flow from one space to the next. I love every single room in the house.”
For the renovation, the couple enlisted the help of local stores and craftsmen. “We like to work with small entrepreneurs,” Jeff explains. “Our biggest challenge was to stay within a reasonable budget and update the infrastructure while keeping the historic integrity of the home.” Cathy and Jeff were also careful to keep the beautiful blue floors and wainscoting. However, they opted to paint the walls and trim white instead of the pink and turquoise of the original design. “The white made the floor and wainscoting pop,” Cathy explains. When it comes to decorating, Cathy favours a mix of vintage, eclectic, elegant and traditional furnishings, with a touch of French country style. “I don’t have a degree in interior design, but I have always loved looking at magazines and now Pinterest and Instagram,” she says. “I’m pretty much self-taught. I have long loved vintage and antique items because they always have a story to tell, and I add to that story with those I find and when and where they come from. This cottage provides the perfect place to listen.”
Because they wanted the period architecture to be the star of the design, the pair kept furnishings and accessories to a minimum. Finer objects are juxtaposed with primitive ones to create a personal and intentional style – and a bit of intrigue. “I chose fabrics that echoed the muted colours seen in the floors and wainscoting,” says Cathy. She wanted to bring the outdoors in, so she has accentuated the natural setting with an abundance of floral patterns, including on the bed linens. To preserve the sunlit spaces and lovely views, the windows are kept mostly bare, except for a few wisps of lace.
The couple’s infatuation with historic buildings has so far brought eight homes back to life. Still more are awaiting their tender, thoughtful touch. “All of our homes have been decorated from our hearts and minds,” says Cathy. “We have always been attracted to houses with unique qualities and we love to restore those that have lost their soul and create a new identity that gives it back to them. I love preserving pieces of the past.” She concludes: “They all tell a story.” Rose Cottage is a perfect example.
A wide Gothic window doubles as a grand architectural headboard for the master bedroom’s Jenny Lind-style king-size bed. The colour scheme in this space takes its cues from nature for
To emphasize the unique windows of the alcove, Cathy and Jeff painted the trim white while keeping the beadboard and flooring in their original colours. Their patinaed finish makes a perfect backdrop for a farmhouse table, French country chairs and rustic antiques. The window seat’s elegant floral and casual burlap pillows convey a relaxed approach to style.
Cathy has a knack for mixing pieces from various eras and provenances. Case in point, the dining room’s vintage Hoosier cabinet displays an assortment of rustic stoneware and fine china. The trick is to limit accessories to give individual pieces a chance to shine.
Facing the bed, the ornate 19th-century metal fireplace and the surrounding tiles are original to the house.
The picturesque cottage sits up on the hills overlooking downtown Eureka Springs. The period architecture and woodsy surroundings bring to mind the little homes of fairytale books.
An extract from The Soulful Cottage by Fifi O’Neill, published by CICO Books (£25).
Our Pet Peace of Mind service means your pet will be loved and cared for after you’ve gone.
Our Pet Peace of Mind service means your pet will be loved and cared for after you’ve gone. Our Pet Peace of Mind service means your pet will
be loved and cared
Our Pet
Our Pet Peace of Mind service means your pet will be loved and cared for after you’ve gone.
for after you’ve gone.
Peace of Mind service means your pet will be loved and cared for after you’ve gone.
When you register with our Pet Peace of Mind service, we will take in your pet, giving them all the love, care and kindness they need, should they outlive you. And when they’re ready, we’ll match them to a loving new home to live out the rest of their years in happiness.
When you register with our Pet Peace of Mind service, we will take in your pet, giving them all the love, care and kindness they need, should they outlive you. And when they’re ready, we’ll match them to a loving new home to live out the rest of their years in happiness.
When you register with our Pet Peace of Mind service, we will take in your pet, giving them all the love, care and kindness they need, should they outlive you. And when they’re ready, we’ll match them to a loving new home to live out the rest of their years in happiness.
When you register with our Pet Peace of Mind service, we will take in your pet, giving them all the love, care and kindness they need, should they outlive you. And when they’re ready, we’ll match them to a loving new home to live out the rest of their years in happiness.
To receive your Pet Peace of Mind information pack, visit bluecross.org.uk/pet-peace-of-mind or scan the QR code, or complete the form and send it to us at: Freepost BLUE CROSS FOR PETS. You can get in touch with us by calling 0300 777 1910
To receive your Pet Peace of Mind information pack, visit bluecross.org.uk/pet-peace-of-mind or scan the QR code, or complete the form and send it to us at: Freepost BLUE CROSS FOR PETS You can get in touch with us by calling 0300 777 1910.
To receive your Pet Peace of Mind information pack, visit bluecross.org.uk/pet-peace-of-mind or scan the QR code, or complete the form and send it to us at: Freepost BLUE CROSS FOR PETS
You can get in touch with us by calling 0300 777 1910
Title: First name:
Title: First name:
To receive your Pet Peace of Mind information pack, visit bluecross.org.uk/pet-peace-of-mind or scan the QR code, or complete the form and send it to us at: Freepost BLUE CROSS FOR PETS. You can get in touch with us by calling 0300 777 1910.
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From time to time, we may wish to communicate with you about the pets you are helping and ways you can help in the future. If you DO NOT wish to hear from us by post please tick this box: We hope you enjoy the communications we send you. If you ever want to change how you hear from us, please contact our customer care team on 0300 790 9903 or by emailing preferences@bluecross.org.uk
From time to time, we may wish to communicate with you about the pets you are helping and ways you can help in the future.
If you DO NOT wish to hear from us by post please tick this box:
From time to time, we may wish to communicate with you about the pets you are helping and ways you can help in the future. you DO NOT wish to hear from us by post please tick this box: We hope you enjoy the communications we send you. If you ever want to change how you hear from us, please contact our customer care team on 0300 790 9903 or by emailing preferences@bluecross.org.uk see more about how we will use your information visit bluecross.org.uk/privacy Blue Cross is a charity registered in England and Wales (224392) and in Scotland (SC040154). E24PRESS1
To see more about how we will use your information visit bluecross.org.uk/privacy Blue Cross is a charity registered in England and Wales (224392) and in Scotland (SC040154).
We hope you enjoy the communications we send you. If you ever want to change how you hear from us, please contact our customer care team on 0300 790 9903 or by emailing preferences@bluecross.org.uk
To see more about how we will use your information visit bluecross.org.uk/privacy Blue Cross is a charity registered in England and Wales (224392) and in Scotland (SC040154). E24PRESS1
From time to time, we may wish to communicate with you about the pets you are helping and ways you can help in the future. If you DO NOT wish to hear from us by post please tick this box: We hope you enjoy the communications we send you. If you ever want to change how you hear from us, please contact our customer care team on 0300 790 9903 or by emailing preferences@bluecross.org.uk
To see more about how we will use your information visit bluecross.org.uk/privacy Blue Cross is a charity registered in England and Wales (224392) and in Scotland (SC040154). E24PRESS1
Ensuring animal rights for humanity’s future
By Kimberly Moore, Fellow at
the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, and
author
of The Case for the Legal Protection of Animals, Humanity’s Shared Destiny with the Animal Kingdom
The interconnectedness of humans, animals and the environment is recognised by the World Health Organisation, and the body of scientific work into intelligence in the animal kingdom continues to grow: Humpback whales pass their songs down through generations; crows and ravens have exceptional problem-solving skills; elephants display empathy and emotional sensitivity; chimpanzees and orangutans exhibit complex tool use; dolphins engage in sophisticated vocalisations and coordinated behaviours. Science tells us that animals are social and sentient creatures, and that they experience the world much like we do. But the law treats them very differently. Despite some progress, animals remain inadequately protected. A better-informed public is demanding greater legal protection for animals, and it turns out that this is also good for us. In 2022, the United Nations adopted a Resolution affirming that the health and welfare of animals is connected to the health and well-being of humans. We must do better
Human activities drive crises like deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Rooted in exploiting animals and the environment, these actions harm ecosystems and lead to resource scarcity. For example, marine plastic pollution and oil spills threaten all ocean life and military exercises kill billions of sea animals. Animal farming fuels deforestation in order to make way for grazing land and feed crops for farmed animals, which increases the frequency of destructive weather events, exacerbates food and water shortages, and results in species extinction. Our destruction of the natural world also has profound implications for national security; scarce resources, including food and water, are expected to lead to a growing number of wars and conflicts.
These global crises have cascading, detrimental effects on ecosystems and on human societies but for the most part they are unchallenged by legal restraint and, as a result, are accelerating. Outdated laws that fail to protect the planet’s rich biodiversity and natural spaces are having catastrophic consequences for humanity, but it doesn’t have to be this way. To protect our shared destinies, we must accept that the rights of humans are inextricably linked to how we treat the natural world. Protecting animals with meaningful and substantive laws, and ensuring that such laws are enforced, is critically important to both people and animals.
Animal law
In response to growing concerns about the treatment and protection of animals, a new field of law has emerged, known as animal law. This specialised area of legal practice focuses on advocating for the rights and welfare of animals, addressing issues ranging from cruelty and exploitation to conservation and habitat preservation. As the field continues to evolve, it plays a crucial role in shaping legislation, influencing public policy, and fostering a more compassionate and ethical relationship between humans and animals.
Many jurisdictions have enacted laws prohibiting acts of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. Legislation sets minimum standards for the care and treatment of animals in various contexts, including farming, research, entertainment, and transportation. And legal measures aim to conserve and protect wildlife
habitats, regulate hunting and trapping activities, and combat illegal wildlife trafficking. This means there is a widely held view that animals are adequately protected under existing laws. This is not the case.
Key principles guiding animal law should include recognising animals as sentient beings with inherent value and rights, promoting humane treatment and welfare standards, and holding individuals and entities accountable for acts of cruelty and exploitation.
Developing robust legal frameworks for the protection of animals will require recognising an animal’s right to live free from exploitation and harm. It will also require sober reflection on our own actions that contribute to animal suffering and how our mistreatment of animals jeopardises our shared destinies. Implementing stronger and more coordinated legal measures to protect the natural world will help to safeguard vital ecosystems for both human and animal life.
Despite the compelling grounds for legal reform, there are formidable challenges to enacting laws that adequately protect animals. Still, there are grounds for optimism and the past two decades have been a watershed moment for the legal status of animals. Because humanity’s destiny is undeniably tied to the destiny of the animal kingdom, the question is not “if” but “when” laws will change.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kimberly Moore is a senior attorney and a Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. The Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics is an independent centre pioneering ethical perspectives on animals through academic research, teaching, and publication. The Centre comprises more than 100 academic Fellows worldwide.
www.oxfordanimalethics.com/home
Instagram: @oxfordanimalethics
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ oxfordanimalethics
LinkedIn: Dr Clair Linzeywww.linkedin.com/in/clair-linzeyab012272/
NOTE: The Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics is independent, it is not part of the University.
Warren Park
Portsmouth Road, Godalming, GU8 6NE
Situated in the picturesque village of Thursley, Surrey near Guildford. Warren Park is a new development from WVC Park Homes of top of the range park homes for residents over 50 years of age. We highly recommend a viewing of Warren Park to appreciate its true beauty.
Think back to when you first joined the world of work, perhaps you imagined a series of phases in your future life. Doubtless one of those phases would be the idea of retirement.
At the time you may have had retired grandparents and parents still working but with half an eye on their own retirement. You probably thought your own retirement was way into the future, then suddenly here you are, either soon to retire, or maybe you already have left the world of work.
As you consider retirement it is possible you are doing so based on the same model your grandparents experienced? Does this make sense in the 21st Century?
Reimagine Retirement
When I first began work in 1979, the Ford Cortina was the bestselling car in Britain and 40% of the population were cigarette smokers, life expectancy of a retiree was around 15 years, today that is more like 20 years. As well as being smokers a huge percentage of retirees of that time worked in physically hard and demanding jobs, often for decades. Today fewer people have hard physical roles and where they do, technology, and equipment has helped ease the wear and tear on the body. Given this, does it make any sense for you to plan your retirement the same way your grandparents, or your parents did?
By Michael Middleton
Over the last 45 years much has changed; the pace of change has been accelerating and continues to get ever faster. For example, the speed with which medical knowledge doubled in the 1970s was approximately every 7-10 years, today it is more like 2-3 months. Indeed, medical knowledge is doubling so fast your doctor has no chance of remaining on top of it. Truthfully, doctors have been swamped by the pace of advancement for many years, even if they stopped seeing patients to focus on understanding medical advances, they would fail. Future medicine like so many things in life will be hugely dependent upon Artificial Intelligence (AI).
AI, just like the transition to retirement leaves a lot of people worried, however it should not. Most things which
we worry about never do come about. It could well be we fear the future, whether that is our retirement or AI, because we fear the unknown. Humans have evolved to be fearful of things they don’t understand. There is much you can do to better prepare for the future and hopefully reduce the mental anguish that often accompanies change, it is usually the anticipation rather than actual change that exhausts us mentally. Whilst our brains represent only 2% of your physical being they expend around 20% of your energy. It is hardly surprising that worry leads to over consumption of sugar.
One thing which can greatly impact your chances of a happy retirement is a planned retirement. Planning provides you with the best chance to enjoy your later years, which in turn can help ensure better health outcomes.
Planning for your life should be focussed well beyond a wish list of activities or holidays. Clearly these both play a part in the enjoyment of life, but they cannot form the sole basis for life. Indeed, if you try to do nothing but holiday and play golf there will come a day when the novelty or capability has worn off. What then?
Humans gain most from life with a sense of purpose, when your life has meaning, which is unlikely to be achieved by holidaying. Purpose does not mean you should have some grand objective to save the world, but don’t let me stop you if that is
your desire, rather purpose should provide you with a sense of personal value and a reason for getting up in the morning. It does not matter how great or small this might be, what matters is that you know what your purpose is or what it can be.
Self-reflection and thinking through your likes and dislikes is part of the process, as is considering the skills you have and whether you can use these in a meaningful way.
At 360 Rejuvenate we provide courses and coaching on how to go about this. Our work arms people not only with the ability to plan for retirement, but to repeat the process in future. You will need to repeat planning, as much will change in the 20 plus years you can expect to live beyond retirement.
For a limited period and to help us with testing an online course we are offering readers of Retirement Today free access to our course, although we will seek to gain your feedback, this is the only cost to accessing the course. The course can be completed at your own pace, it includes all of the tools and exercises you will need, plus we have added a simple method for calculating how much your retirement will cost and free access to the planning app Bliss, which includes a lifetime cashflow calculator.
If you would like FREE ACCESS to the course, simply email a request to: info@360rejuvenate.com
Whether you are seeking peace and tranquillity or the opportunity for adventure, Oyster Bay is the perfect destination for you.
Set within the beautiful North Cornwall countryside and close to many of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches, Oyster Bay offers owners first-class facilities as well as some of the most luxurious holiday homes and lodges seen in the region and beyond.
Located in the idyllic village of Goonhavern, just to the east of Perranporth and the spectacular Cornish coastline, it is a place where water sport enthusiasts can thrive, meaning there really is nothing stopping you from making a splash.
Family, Friends and
Family, Friends and my
Family, Friends and my
Family, Friends and my
Family, Friends and my
Family, Friends and my Army family
Army family
Army family
Army family
my Army family
Army family
After your family and friends, will you consider us?
After your family and friends, will you consider us?
After your family and friends, will you consider us?
After your family and friends, will you consider us?
After your family and friends, will you consider us?
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.
Family comes first, and having a Will in place provides invaluable peace of mind for you and your family.
Family comes first, and having a Will in place provides invaluable peace of mind for you and your family.
Family comes first, and having a Will in place provides invaluable peace of mind for you and your family.
Family comes first, and having a Will in place provides invaluable peace of mind for you and your family.
Family comes first, and having a Will in place provides invaluable peace of mind for you and your family.
Scan here for further information on our free Will
Many ABF supporters feel an enormous sense of pride in leaving a lasting legacy for those who have served their country.
Many ABF supporters feel an enormous sense of pride in leaving a lasting legacy for those who have served their country.
Scan here for further information on our free Will making services armybenevolentfund.org/gifts-in-wills
Scan here for further information on our free Will making services
Scan here for further information on our free Will making services
armybenevolentfund.org/gifts-in-wills
armybenevolentfund.org/gifts-in-wills
armybenevolentfund.org/gifts-in-wills
Many ABF supporters feel an enormous sense of pride in leaving a lasting legacy for those who have served their country.
Many ABF supporters feel an enormous sense of pride in leaving a lasting legacy for those who have served their country.
Many ABF supporters feel an enormous sense of pride in leaving a lasting legacy for those who have served their country.
Many ABF supporters feel an enormous sense of pride in leaving a lasting legacy for those who have served their country.
armybenevolentfund.org/gifts-in-wills
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With no government funding, we rely on the gifts we receive from Wills to support more than a third of our work.
With no government funding, we rely on the gifts we receive from Wills to support more than a third of our work.
With no government funding, we rely on the gifts we receive from Wills to support more than a third of our work. Scan here for further information on our free Will making services
With no government funding, we rely on the gifts we receive from Wills to support more than a third of our work.
With no government funding, we rely on the gifts we receive from Wills to support more than a third of our work.
Scan here for further information on our free Will making services armybenevolentfund.org/gifts-in-wills Alternatively
Alternatively please call Emma Hamilton,
Alternatively please call Emma Hamilton, Gifts in Wills Manager, on 020 7901 8909
Alternatively please call Emma Hamilton, Gifts in Wills Manager, on 020 7901 8909
Alternatively please call Emma Hamilton, Gifts in Wills Manager, on 020 7901 8909
Alternatively please call Emma Hamilton, Gifts in Wills Manager, on 020 7901 8909
Charity begins at Christmas
From leaving a legacy to purchasing Christmas cards, there are many ways you can help charities at Christmas and beyond
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. At the essence of our role in society is what steps we take to support those in need and the causes that matter.
Charities work tirelessly all year round to find a way 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.
‘One of the most important things that one can do in their lifetime is to leave a legacy to charity.’
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 offer
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 finds raising funds a challenge. Within this magazine there is a diverse cross section of charities all very worthy of consideration. Spend 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 to seek clarification.
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 way of helping is to buy charity Christmas cards. There are many to choose from. Most charities have their own designs. 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.
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.
I believe it should be the aim of people, 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, as I have found, it does give one a great sense of satisfaction to know that there are others who are better off due to our involvement.
The Little Sisters of the Poor are a charity committed to supporting the needs of vulnerable older people of modest means, by providing a caring home with safe accommodation, respite provision, and palliative end of life care. In these challenging times, our staff and volunteers are going above and beyond to make sure that our high quality care continues. However, because of rising costs and inflation, our charity is in real danger of being unable to remain financially viable, which would have a huge impact on the many hundreds of people who rely on us for their care.
In response to the increasing economic pressures faced by our care homes, we are appealing for crucial funds to help us continue to meet the ever-evolving needs of our residents – many of whom are lonely and isolated before they come to us, and often have very little money and no family members of their own to depend on.
Please visit www.littlesistersofthepoor.co.uk/donate-here/ and make a secure online donation today. All gifts, no matter what size, will be very gratefully received and 100% of your donation will benefit our residents.
The Little Sister’s Mission has always been to care for the elderly poor, and we strive to challenge ageism and disadvantage to ensure the neediest are included in society and can lead fuller, more independent lives.
With your crucial support, we can continue to provide safe, affordable, quality care and assistance to older people in need – not just now but for future generations.
Thank you so much.
Little Sisters of the Poor 2a Meadow Road, London SW8 1QH 020 7735 0788 www.littlesistersofthepoor.co.uk
Charity NEWS
The importance of gifts in Wills
Emma talks about the value of gifts in Wills after her mum, Kath, was cared for at the Marie Curie Hospice, Bradford.
“Mum was diagnosed with stage four cancer. Initially she was given the all-clear, but then it came back quite viciously, and that unfortunately was the start of the end.
“The last six months of Mum’s life were spent in the Marie Curie Hospice, Bradford. I knew she was in safe hands there. There were different activities going on that she could get involved with. Mum liked to look her best, so she would have her hair and nails done in the salon, she could do her painting, which she enjoyed. For Mum to be surrounded by other women going through a similar experience in the hospice meant that she felt less alone. I hope she found comfort in that.”
“Society struggles with grief and people being ill, and so people often tiptoe around difficult conversations. But the staff at the Marie Curie hospice weren’t like that, they were very practical, helpful and attentive.
“Mum benefited from other people having that sense of generational legacy and valuing compassionate end of life care.
“It makes you feel good that you’re protecting the future. You know that it’s going to be used well, whether you leave it to family or to a charitable hospice who are all about caring.”
More than a quarter of all people cared for by Marie Curie is thanks to gifts in Wills.
Discover how including a gift in your Will to Marie Curie could help them care for people at the end of life, whatever the illness. Call 0800 144 5740 or search Marie Curie Will Talk
Make a lasting difference
When we make our Wills, we naturally want to ensure our loved ones are provided for in the future. Making a will not only gives us peace of mind that our wishes will be carried out once we are no longer here, but it also allows us to leave something special to a good cause that is close to our hearts.
There are multiple ways to include a legacy in your will, including residuary, pecuniary or specific gifts, and your legal professional will always help you decide on the right option for you. YOUR LEGACY IS OUR FUTURE
As a small charity, it’s difficult to put into words just how important a legacy gift is. Being remembered in a Will allows small charities, like Naturewatch Foundation, to continue campaigning work and take actions that can make a positive impact on animals worldwide. Legacy gifts are vital to them; without them, they would not be able to carry out the animal welfare work that they do. Whatever amount you wish to leave behind goes a long way.
As with many charities, so much of what they achieve at Naturewatch Foundation takes place without fanfare. Their work is only possible through the generosity of their supporters. Their role, large or small, helps them continue to improve the lives of animals.
To find out more about leaving a legacy, please contact Naturewatch Foundation via: phone 01242 252871, email info@naturewatch.org, or visit them at naturewatch.org/get-involved/leave-a-legacy
Animals are not humans, so why do we keep using them for medical research?
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, they 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’re so committed to a future where no animal suffers for science.
All their work is only possible through the support of people who care about creating a world where animals are not used in medical experiments.
Help them find a better way, visit: replacinganimalresearch.org.uk/legacy to find out more or call:
Charity NEWS
Horse
&
Rider – Share the Magic of Christmas with Redwings
Send festive cheer and support rescued horses with Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s Christmas cards. Our Horses in the Snowy Field pack, just £4 for 10 cards, is printed on FSC-certified board with vegetable-based inks and is fully recyclable. Every purchase helps the UK’s largest horse welfare charity care for its rescued residents. Shop now at www.redwings.org.uk/shop and make a difference this Christmas.
Have you thought what will happen if your
pets outlive you?
Pets are part of the family, and it can be hard to imagine life without our beloved animal companions. It’s just the same for them – for many pets, the person they are closest to becomes their whole world. So it can be a worry to think about what will happen to them if they outlive you. Should that happen, Blue Cross can look after your pets, giving them all the love and kindness they need until they find them a loving new home.
University Hospitals Birmingham Charity
Gifts in Wills of any size are the spark that ignites lifesaving research, creates spaces that make hospitals feel less clinical, and funds cutting-edge equipment that gets people back on their feet.
You may have personally experienced the great care the NHS staff provide at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospitals and Community Services; or perhaps you’re inspired to consider a gift in your will in memory of a loved one.
At Blue Cross, they’ve been helping pets and people for over 125 years. Their Pet Peace of Mind service is designed to make sure your pet is safe and well cared for when you’re no longer here, so you can focus on enjoying life with your pet here and now.
Beautiful Birman cat Muffin came to their Southampton rehoming centre at 14 years old. Sadly, his owner had passed away, but because he was registered on their Pet Peace of Mind service, there was no uncertainty over Muffin’s future. He was able to come straight to them to receive plenty of love, kindness and the care he needed.
It was no surprise that this gorgeous, sweet boy found his perfect new family. Muffin was a really affectionate cat, suggesting he was very close to his owner. The loss must have been terribly painful, and they’re so glad he was registered with Pet Peace of Mind so we could make the transition just that bit easier for him.
Put your mind at ease and register today –it’s free and easy.
Visit: bluecross.org.uk/pet-peace-of-mind to order your information pack.
Alternatively, call 0300 777 1910 and they can send an application form in the post.
Whatever your motivation, a gift in your will to University Hospitals Birmingham Charity will be a legacy that helps them support all the patients and staff at their four hospitals, now and into the future. Your generosity could light the way to better physical and mental health for people across Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond. They have FREE Will writing offers that can be done in-person or online. To find out more, please visit: hospitalcharitywills.org You can also support them this festive season with their Christmas Appeal. Being in hospital is never easy, especially at Christmas time. Their hospitals are still extremely busy during this period and their amazing staff continue to work incredibly hard to provide the best care and support to patients and their families. Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, Heartlands Hospital Charity, Good Hope Hospital Charity and Solihull Hospital Charity want to spread some festive cheer by providing items such as gifts for poorly children spending Christmas on a ward, free accommodation so families that live far away can be near their loved ones on a ward, Christmas trees to decorate their hospitals and treats for patients and staff to share. But to do this... they need your help!
Head to hospitalcharity.org/appeals/christmas to get involved and support them this Christmas.
Winter is Coming
Winter is Coming
Winter is Coming
Winter is Coming
Winter is Coming
Throughout the UK Able Community Care will be supporting older and disabled people through the winter weather.
Throughout the UK Able Community Care will be supporting older and disabled people through the winter weather.
Throughout the UK Able Community Care will be supporting older and disabled people through the winter weather.
Throughout the UK Able Community Care will be supporting older and disabled people through the winter weather.
Supporting with Live-in Carers who offer domestic support, personal care support and companionship.
Supporting with Live-in Carers who offer domestic support, personal care support and companionship.
Throughout the UK Able Community Care will be supporting older and disabled people through the winter weather.
Supporting with Live-in Carers who offer domestic support, personal care support and companionship.
Supporting with Live-in Carers who offer domestic support, personal care support and companionship.
Able Community Care was established in 1980 and has enabled thousands of people, throughout the UK, to remain living in their own home throughout every season.
Able Community Care was established in 1980 and has enabled thousands of people, throughout the UK, to remain living in their own home throughout every season.
Supporting with Live-in Carers who offer domestic support, personal care support and companionship.
Can we help someone you know?
Able Community Care was established in 1980 and has enabled thousands of people, throughout the UK, to remain living in their own home throughout every season.
Able Community Care was established in 1980 and has enabled thousands of people, throughout the UK, to remain living in their own home throughout every season.
Can we help someone you know?
Can we help someone you know?
Can we help someone you know?
Call 01603 764567 for our Live-in Care brochure or email to info@ablecommunitycare.com
Able Community Care was established in 1980 and has enabled thousands of people, throughout the UK, to remain living in their own home throughout every season.
www.ablecommunitycare.com
Call 01603 764567 for our Live-in Care brochure or email to info@ablecommunitycare.com
Call 01603 764567 for our Live-in Care brochure or email to info@ablecommunitycare.com
Can we help someone you know?
Call 01603 764567 for our Live-in Care brochure or email to info@ablecommunitycare.com www.ablecommunitycare.com
www.ablecommunitycare.com
www.ablecommunitycare.com
Call 01603 764567 for our Live-in Care brochure or email to info@ablecommunitycare.com
