Middle right; from ‘The Flexitarian Cookbook’ published by Ryland Peters & Small
Bottom right; Courtesy of ‘Visit Alderney May 2022’
Image right; from ‘The Flexitarian Cookbook’ published by Ryland Peters & Small
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4 Volunteering – a new challenge
One way to help to keep active and remain part of your community when you retire is to be become a volunteer.
7 Grandparents’ rights: what happens when your grandchildren’s parents divorce?
There is often an assumption that grandparents have automatic rights to see their grandchildren, when unfortunately, this is not the case.
9 Finding balance and satisfaction in retirement
How do you approach this transition and how do you view success in this context?
10 Flexitarian Recipes
Adaptable recipes for part-time vegetarians and vegans.
13 The Spring Reset
Taking stock of your possessions, priorities and plans.
15 Keeping your affairs in order – Wills
Why it’s so important to make a Will and also have Power of Attorney in place.
23 An Expert Guide to Tracing Your Family History
A guide to help you get started with tips straight from expert researchers.
24 The Magical UK Island of Alderney Alderney is the ‘hidden gem of the Channel Islands’.
27 What’s On Exhibitions around the UK.
31 Update
Adult Social Care Reform Update; Is Neighbourly Trust Dead?; Government action needed to stop and reverse the proliferation of millions of small pension pots.
32 Cornish Bolthole
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A Victorian cottage in the picture-postcard village of Port Isaac is a peaceful bolthole for interior designer Nicola O’Mara and her partner John Merriman.
35 Animal charities need your help
With no government support many animal charities struggle on a day to day basis. But there are ways to help.
40 Decline of British Wildlife
Britain’s countryside and gardens have long been a haven for a range of wildlife, but many of these creatures are facing alarming declines.
42 Gardening with Scented Plants
Scent can be part of a garden’s virtues throughout the year, where every month you can have some plants with fragrant flowers, foliage or bark, and in some cases all three.
If you would like to receive FREE digital copies of Retirement Today magazine, please email the code ‘Free Digital RT’ to: info@amramedia.co.uk
Image from ‘Gardening with Scented Plants’ by Tony Hall (Kew Publishing)
Volunteeringa new challenge
Retirement is a life changing experience, a step into the unknown. Although full of anticipation, perhaps endless days filled with social activities may feel a little unchallenging after the daily hustle and bustle of working life. If you are looking for something a little more stimulating and thought-provoking, what could be better than volunteering. As people move from work to retirement and are still in good health, one way to help to keep active and remain part of their community is to be become a volunteer.
Volunteering can go much deeper than just helping others. People choose to volunteer for a number of reasons. For some, it is a great way of meeting new people, engaging with the community, reducing feelings of isolation, while for others it is an opportunity to gain new or use existing skills. Whatever the reason, the result can be both challenging and very rewarding at the same time.
Many charitable organisations couldn’t function without people who give up part of their day to gift their time and expertise to benefit others, and their very existence depends on the work of caring people who offer themselves freely, or offer a service without payment.
If you want to consider volunteering but not sure where to start, there are lots of easy ways you can help to make a difference to the lives of others, giving as much or as little time as suits you. The time commitment can vary to suit yourself and the organisation. However, it is better to give a smaller amount of time you can commit to and be reliable, rather than promise more time which becomes harder to sustain and results in you having to cancel and let people down.
Once you have decided that you might want to take on some volunteering work, the next thing you have to decide is what you would like to do, and what is available in your area.
There is a wide range of opportunities to suit all individuals. For instance, any active charity is likely to need administrators, whether it’s answering the telephone, creating newsletters or if you have IT skills assisting with setting up websites, social media, etc. If you are a driver,
you could be a valuable asset. With an ageing population and many elderly people cut off from their communities, volunteering is a great way in giving your time to maybe visit the housebound providing companionship to elderly individuals, deliver meals, or offer to take people to doctors appointments, or visiting people in hospital.
If you like meeting people, another option would be working in a charity shop where there is a variety of volunteering roles from sorting out donations, customer service to stock generators, or a stock collection driver.
There are plenty of opportunities that help the younger generation –tutoring students, reading to children, and helping with after school activities.
holding Spring and Summer fetes, help is always welcomed to man the stands, or to get involved with the organising of the event. Fundraisers organise events such as coffee mornings too, as well as collections outside supermarkets and other locations in local communities. These are just a few suggestions, but before you start any volunteering work, make sure you are absolutely clear on the terms and conditions, the same as you would be for any paid work. For example, find out exactly what work is involved, who you will be working with, when you would be needed and what would be expected of you. If you have all this outlined before you start, there will be less chance of any confusion or misunderstandings along the way.
If you like working with animals, why not consider dog walking, helping at an animal shelter or maybe even fostering a pet.
At this time of year with charities
Remember, volunteering is one of those great opportunities when the more you give, the more you receive. See your work make a real difference to the lives of others!
Veteran turns Passion into Purpose
Iain Forbes, a former chef in the Army Catering Corps, has transformed his life and the lives of others since retiring from the Armed Forces. Following a serious personal incident, which affected his health and left him unable to work for several months, Iain received invaluable support from the Army Benevolent Fund, a gesture he has never forgotten. Determined to repay that kindness, he has dedicated himself to helping fellow veterans in any way he can.
One of Iain’s most significant contributions has been his participation in the Cateran Yomp, an impressive 54-mile hiking challenge held annually in the stunning Cairngorms. With around 1,000 supporters taking part each year, the event not only showcases the spirit of camaraderie amongst its participants, but also raises substantial funds for the Army Benevolent Fund. Iain actively recruits friends and family, including his son who serves in the RAF, to join him in this challenge, taking it upon himself to ensure that each of his recruits exceeds their fundraising targets.
The ABF supports soldiers, former soldiers, and their families through life’s challenges – such as bereavement, injury and elderly care. This year over 75,000 people received its support through its grants to individuals and to other charities.
Even when health issues prevented him from participating in the Yomp one year, Iain’s commitment never wavered. He volunteered his time to support the event, demonstrating his steadfast dedication to the cause. Iain said: “I was determined to continue my support for a charity that helped me when the chips were down and I’ve been inspired to help others which is what we do in the military family.”
Over the years, he has raised an impressive £16,000 for the charity, and he can often be found at the finish line, cheering on fellow participants long after he has crossed it himself. His tireless efforts have earned him
CASE STUDY
Make
a difference in just one hour a week: volunteer with Action Tutoring
Give back, stay active, and make a real impact. By volunteering with Action Tutoring, you can help level the playing field for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds - supporting them in maths or English to improve their confidence and future prospects.
Children from lower-income families are less likely to achieve good grades, limiting their opportunities later in life. As a volunteer tutor, you can change that. You don’t need teaching experience - just an enthusiasm for education and a desire to help. With our structured workbooks and training, you’ll be fully supported every step of the way. What’s involved?
• Commit to just one hour a week for 10–20 weeks.
• Work with 1-3 pupils, online or in-person.
• Support either primary or secondary school-aged pupils.
• Use our tutor workbooks to guide each session.
The benefits of tutoring
the title of Ambassador for the Cateran Yomp, a testament to his impact on both the event and the charity.
Iain Forbes is a shining example of how one person’s journey can inspire others, proving that with determination and compassion, we can make a lasting impact in our communities.
His unwavering dedication has not gone unnoticed. Iain was recently awarded a ‘Room 2 Reward’; a well-deserved honour recognising not only his fundraising achievements, but also his support for the charity during challenging personal times. His refusal to take the easy road is a testament to his character and commitment to helping others.
To learn more about getting involved with the Army Benevolent Fund and make a difference in the lives of veterans, visit: www.events.armybenevolentfund.org/ event/volunteer/home
To join Iain at this year’s Yomp, visit www.events.armybenevolentfund.org/cateranyomp
We support you every step of the way
• A two-hour induction training session.
• On-going guidance from a programme coordinator.
• Structured session plans to follow.
• Travel expenses covered (up to £5 per session).
• A free DBS check.
Volunteering keeps your mind active, offers a sense of purpose, and allows you to share your knowledge with the next generation. Many of our volunteers find it an incredibly rewarding experience, building meaningful connections while making a tangible difference.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend an hour a week, why not use your time to help young people succeed? Join us today and be part of the change. Find out more and sign up at Action Tutoring’s website: www.actiontutoring.org.uk
After your family and friends, will you consider us?
Family comes first, and having a Will in place provides invaluable peace of mind for you and your family.
Many ABF supporters feel an enormous sense of pride in leaving a lasting legacy for those who have served their country.
We are the Army’s national charity. Since 1944 we have been here to support soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need.
With no government funding, we rely on the gifts we receive from Wills to support more than a third of our work.
here for further information on our free Will making services
armybenevolentfund.org/gifts-in-wills Alternatively please call Emma Hamilton, Gifts in Wills Manager, on 020 7901 8909
Grandparents’ rights: what
happens when your grandchildren’s parents
divorce?
When two parents decide to divorce, there is of course a ripple effect on other members of the family, including children and grandparents.
Rina Mistry, senior associate specialising in family law at leading East Midlands law firm Nelsons discusses the legal rights of grandparents, and the challenges that can come up during a parental divorce.
Grandparents play an important role in their grandchildren’s lives – they often act as secondary guardians, they may be involved in special occasions like birthdays and family events, and they can be a link to a grandchild’s traditional culture or religion.
Separation and divorce in any family is an unsettling and uncertain time, with potentially new living arrangements and changes to routines for children and other relatives. There is often an assumption that grandparents have automatic rights to see their grandchildren, when unfortunately, this is not the case. The law does not give grandparents (maternal or paternal) any automatic rights to be in their grandchild’s life. This means that if parents choose to keep their children away from grandparents, they are free to do so.This can have a significant impact on the grandparent-grandchild relationship.
Challenges
Grandparents may face a number of hurdles when navigating their grandchildren’s parents’ divorce. Communication may become more challenging, particularly between exspouses, which can make it hard to keep contact with grandchildren – especially those that are very young. In more serious situations, there can be the issue of parental alienation – usually this happens when one parent intentionally tries to damage the relationship between the other parent and the children by speaking badly about them or enforcing negative views. This can also happen with grandparents, which can be traumatic for grandchildren who may have had a close bond previously. Talking it out
Despite not having automatic rights, grandparents still have options available to them. The first and usually the
As grandparents hold no parental responsibility, they will need to first ask the Court for permission before being able to make an application for a Child Arrangements Order. If the Court grants permission, then a formal application for a Child Arrangements Order can proceed. However, if the Court does not grant permission, progress would go no further.
Like all applications, the Court will consider each matter individually but must take into account the following:
• The nature of the application
most effective is to try resolving all issues between the adults, whether it is directly or via the mediation process.
The situation can vary from case to case; it may be that the relationship between the adults has broken down or the grandparents are concerned for the children, and in an attempt to intervene they are denied any further time with the grandchild.
If legal advice is needed, grandparents will always be asked whether or not they have attempted to speak with the parents of the child to try and resolve the issues and further consideration will be applied as to whether correspondence from solicitors may assist to resolve the issues amicably.
If an agreement cannot be reached and a referral to mediation has not yet been made, this will be the next step. Mediation is not only a better option to try and resolve the issues but also far more cost-effective than making an application to Court. Compulsory attendance will be needed at a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). There are exemptions available, for example if the grandchild is at significant risk of harm, but in most cases, the Court will expect grandparents to attempt to resolve issues through mediation.
Court application
If mediation is considered inappropriate or is refused by the other party, then the only available option is making a formal application to Court to resolve the child arrangements. This is the last option most solicitors would advise, however, this may be the only available option if all else has failed.
• The applicant’s connection with the child
• Any risk of the proposed application disrupting the child’s life to the extent that they would be harmed by it.
If Court is the only option available, then it is highly recommended that you seek independent legal advice regarding your position and next steps.
Maintaining relationships
Whatever course of action is taken, respectful communication is highly encouraged throughout the process between not only parents but all family members. Not only does this support a more efficient process, but it limits the emotional impact on children and paves the way for better relationships in the future.
Grandparents should take the same approach to not speak negatively about either parent in front of their grandchildren and instead look to focus on their best interests and ensuring they feel cared for and supported.
For more information on grandparents’ rights during a parental divorce, please contact the expert family law team at Nelsons, by visiting www.nelsonslaw.co.uk/personallegal-services/family-lawsolicitors/children-law
By
Stephen Bruyant-Langer, author
Finding balance and satisfaction in retirement
Retirement is something that some of us look forward to and others dread. One thing is certain – retirement marks a significant moment in life. How do you approach this transition and how do you view success in this context? Success can mean different things to different people, but happiness isn’t always part of the deal. Having spent decades working with high-achieving individuals, I’ve observed that dissatisfaction often stems not from a lack of success, but from an imbalance in how we engage with life that in turn leads to a lack of meaning.
The Three Elements of a Satisfying Life Post Employment
20th-century political theorist Hannah Arendt offered deep insights into human activity, categorising it into three fundamental types: labour, work and action. In modern terms, we can think of these elements as Mindful Movement, Creative Doing, and Impactful Thinking
Mindful Movement focuses on our physical existence and engagement with nature. Activities like household maintenance, cooking, and gardening fall into this category. These tasks often involve repetition but they ground us in the present moment and provide an immediate sense of accomplishment. When we engage in Mindful Movement, we experience the satisfaction of immediate value and the deep connection to our physical existence.
Creative Doing involves projects where both process and outcome matter. Whether painting, woodworking, coding, or problem-solving, this type of activity allows us to engage deeply, fostering flow and satisfaction. It is not merely about productivity but about immersing ourselves in creation, enjoying the act itself as much as the result.
Impactful Thinking emphasises our connection with others and our influence on the world. It may involve mentoring, engaging in meaningful discussions, participating in community initiatives, or driving positive change. This element satisfies our need to contribute beyond ourselves, reinforcing our role in a larger social or intellectual landscape.
Recognising Imbalances
When life feels unsatisfying, it often signals an imbalance among these three elements.
of ‘The Existential Playbook –How to Survive, Live and Thrive’
Consider your current situation. Are you spending all your energy maintaining your environment without time for creativity? Are you pouring yourself into creative projects without engaging with your community? Or are you so focused on making an impact that you’ve neglected your immediate environment?
Different life stages bring different challenges to maintaining balance. When you were in your thirties you may have struggled to keep up with younger colleagues while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you’re in your fifties you may be questioning your identity and seeking ways to reinvent yourself. Or as you approach or enter retirement you may be wondering how to create meaning beyond your career.
If you’re feeling frustrated, ask yourself:
• When did you last lose track of time while creating something?
• How connected do you feel to your physical environment and well-being?
• Where do you see your influence making a difference in others’ lives?
• What activities make you feel most alive and engaged?
Restoring Balance and Overcoming Obstacles
The key to addressing these imbalances lies not in achieving perfection in all areas, but in ensuring sufficient engagement in each. For instance, if you’re lacking Mindful Movement, you might start by dedicating time to cooking or gardening. If Creative Doing is missing, you could begin a project where the process itself brings joy – whether that’s crafting, writing, or problem-solving in a community project. For Impactful Thinking, consider how your skills and interests could benefit others or the world at large.
Remember, balance doesn’t mean equal time or expertise in all areas. Someone might find great satisfaction spending most of their time in Creative Doing, while maintaining sufficient engagement in Mindful Movement and Impactful Thinking to feel grounded and connected. The right balance is personal and may shift over time.
Challenges like time constraints, energy levels, and social expectations can make this difficult. The key is not necessarily finding more time but incorporating these elements into daily life. A morning walk can serve as Mindful Movement, a work project can incorporate Mindful Movement, and meaningful conversations can cultivate Impactful Thinking
Creating Lasting Satisfaction
When we achieve our own unique balance among these elements, we develop what I call relaxed readiness – a state where we feel grounded, capable, and prepared to handle life’s challenges.
This balance creates resilience and a sense of control over our lives, not through attempting to control everything (which leads to anxiety), but through meaningful engagement in all aspects of life.
The goal isn’t perfection but rather conscious engagement with each aspect of vita activa, creating a rich tapestry of experience that leads to lasting satisfaction in the lead up to our retirement and when we make the transition away from employment.
THE AUTHOR
Stephen BruyantLanger has over 30 years’ experience as a top executive coach and leadership expert, guiding top executives and leaders worldwide to reach their full potential. He is the author of The Existential Playbook –How to Survive, Live and Thrive, Your Next Career – A head-hunter’s guide to lifelong success and The Personal Business Plan – A blueprint for running your life’ theexistentialplaybook.com thepersonalbusinessplan.com/ books
Adaptable recipes for part-time vegetarians and vegans
PUY LENTIL & SQUASH CASSEROLE with QUINOA
An earthy combination of flavours and textures makes this a satisfying vegan dish. Serve with nutty and nutritious quinoa for a hearty meal.
15 g assorted dried mushrooms (morels, porcini, girolles)
200 ml hot water
120 g Puy lentils
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red onion, sliced
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 celery stick, finely chopped
1 fresh rosemary sprig, leaves only 400 g can chopped tomatoes pinch of sugar
400 g (1 small) butternut squash, peeled and cubed
200 g chestnut mushrooms, halved salt and freshly ground black pepper freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley, to garnish
Serves 4
Soak the dried mushrooms in the hot water for 20 minutes. Strain, reserving the mushrooms and 100 ml of the soaking water. Place the lentils in a pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the lentils have softened, but retain some texture; drain and set aside until needed. Heat the olive oil in a casserole dish or Dutch oven over a medium heat. Fry the onion, garlic, celery and rosemary for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper and sugar. Bring to the boil. Add the butternut squash and the reserved soaking water from the dried mushrooms. Cover and cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes, until the squash is tender.
Mix in the soaked mushrooms, chestnut mushrooms and cooked lentils. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Check the seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve at once.
SMOKED HAM, PUY LENTIL & SQUASH CASSEROLE Omit the mushrooms and add 200 g cubed thick-cut smoked ham to the casserole, stirring it in 5 minutes before the end of cooking time just to heat it through. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, if liked.
HARISSA-BAKED SQUASH with AVOCADO & EGGS
The addition of spicy harissa to the already colourful flavour and texture combination of green avocado, bright orange butternut squash and eggs, is the ideal way to marry all of these ingredients together. It’s rich and tangy in flavour, but the mellowness of the other ingredients contrasts well.
2 tablespoons harissa paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
550 g butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and roughly chopped into 2cm / 3/4-inch cubes
1 ripe avocado, peeled, stoned and thinly sliced freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon
60 g stoned black olives
15 cherry tomatoes
4 eggs
freshly ground black pepper
Serves 2
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) Gas 6.
Stir together the harissa paste and olive oil in a large bowl then toss in the butternut squash and stir again to coat the squash.
Put the butternut squash on a sheet pan with sides and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the avocado and squeeze over the lemon juice to prevent it from turning brown.
After 30 minutes, add the olives, tomatoes and avocado to the butternut squash and bake for a further 10 minutes.
Make four wells in the vegetables and crack-in the eggs. Bake for another 6–9 minutes until the egg whites are cooked. Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.
BREAKFAST SHEET PAN WITH CHORIZO & EGGS Omit the olives and add a 200–250 g package (about 10–12) of Spanish mini cooking chorizo. Add these to the baking sheet with the tomatoes and avocado. (If the chorizo you are using is particularly spicy, reduce the amount of harissa paste in the main recipe to 1 tablespoon.) Finish as main recipe.
FENNEL & ROAST TOMATO LASAGNE
A delicious and sophisticated vegetarian twist on an Italian classic. Serve with sweet potato chips for a satisfying meal.
3 fennel bulbs, thinly sliced
800 g tomatoes on the vine
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
300 ml double cream
100 g grated vegetarian Parmesan cheese about 12 lasagne sheets, cooked according to instructions on package salt and freshly ground black pepper
one 28 x 18-cm / 11 x 7-inch ovenproof dish, generously oiled
Serves 4
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) Gas 4.
Spread the sliced fennel out on a roasting pan, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Put the tomatoes (still on the vine) on a separate baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar and season with a pinch of salt and a little freshly ground black pepper.
Put both sheets in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes. Remove the fennel, pour over the cream, mix with the fennel, and return to the oven for a further 10 minutes.
Transfer the tomatoes to a large mixing bowl. Carefully remove the vine and lightly crush the tomatoes with the back of a fork. Leave the oven on.
Add most of the cheese to the fennel and cream mixture and stir, making a thick cheesy sauce with a custard-like consistency. In the prepared ovenproof dish, start to assemble the lasagne with a thin layer of tomatoes, then a layer of lasagne sheets, followed by a layer of fennel and another layer of lasagne sheets. Continue with this pattern of layers; tomatoes, pasta, fennel, pasta, finishing with fennel, onto which you can sprinkle the remaining cheese. Cover with foil and set aside.
Remove the foil from the lasagne for the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to brown.
Remove from the oven and serve.
SALMON & FENNEL LASAGNE To turn this into a luxurious fish dish take 2 fillets (about 170 g) of hot smoked salmon. Break the flesh into chunks and place them in between the tomatoes when adding this layer. (As the salmon is pre-cooked you don’t need to adjust the cooking time.) If you find you have a few leftover roasted tomatoes, simply purée them in a blender, season and serve on the side as a spooning sauce.
MUSHROOM & BEAN CHILI SIN CARNE
This vegetarian take on a classic chili con carne is simple and quick to make. Delicious served with crunchy tortilla chips or used to fill baked potatoes, it can be made a day in advance and kept in the fridge until needed. Simply substitute Vegan Cheese and Vegan Cream when serving for a vegan option.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1/2 red (bell) pepper, finely chopped
150 g field mushrooms (Portabellini), finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin pinch of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
400 g can chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon Chipotle paste pinch of sugar
400 g can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
200 g button mushrooms, halved if large salt and freshly ground black pepper freshly chopped coriander, to garnish
Serves 4
TO SERVE (OPTIONAL) sour cream grated Cheddar cheese tortilla chips
Heat the oil over a medium heat in a casserole dish or Dutch oven. Add the onion, garlic, celery and red (bell) pepper and fry, stirring, for 5 minutes until softened. Add the field mushrooms (Portabellini), cumin, oregano and smoked paprika and fry, stirring, for 5 minutes.
Add the chopped tomatoes, 200 ml of water, Chipotle paste and sugar. Season with salt and pepper and stir well. Bring to the boil, then stir in the kidney beans and button mushrooms.
Lower the heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring now and then. Portion into bowls and garnish with the chopped coriander. Serve with sour cream, grated Cheddar cheese and tortilla chips, if liked.
CHUNKY BEEF CHILI Omit the red (bell) peppers and both types of mushroom and replace with 400 g diced stewing beef. Heat an additional 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large saucepan. Add the cubed beef and cook for a few minutes on each side until browned all over. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside. Follow the main recipe, reintroducing the beef to the pan with the chopped tomatoes, water, Chipotle paste and sugar, but hold back the kidney beans. Bring to a simmer, then cook, covered for about 1 1/2–2 hours until the beef is tender. Add the kidney beans, stir and warm them through before serving.
‘Thedaysarelongbuttheyearsare short...’
‘The days are long but the years are short ’
Lifehasahabitofslippingbyifyou donottakecontrol.
Life has a habit of slipping by if you do not take control.
We have in excess of 1200 residents living on our estates and have more than 40 years experience in the
with our first park ownership in 1976. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our parks.
The Spring Reset – taking stock of your possessions, priorities and plans
Professional Organiser Sammy Ryan walks us through her
It was like a massive shot in the arm – that first glorious sunny day after a long winter. The snowdrops were out, plants were popping up and everyone seemed to have a spring in their step.
This is what I needed. Having spent January ill in bed and February catching up, I felt like the traditional ‘start of the year’ had never happened… no resolutions, no real plans. The house felt slightly tired and not put together. Things I had promised myself I would do between Christmas and New Year had gone by the wayside as I lay in bed. I felt discombobulated.
But, taking my cue from nature, I sprang into action.
I walked round my house and garden and created a list of what needed attention: bigger maintenance and DIY projects, as well as areas that just needed a good declutter and spring clean. By writing it down, I could easily see what I could tackle quickly, what needed some concerted effort and where I might need some help.
For my declutter list, I noted clothes I hadn’t worn over winter and was unlikely to wear in summer. I looked at bookshelves where I had run out of space; saw presents I could re-donate; areas of detritus that had accumulated out of my eyeline (how did all those handbags get on top of the cupboard?); and dead or dying houseplants.
All this activity fired up my brain. What did I really want to achieve? Why was it important? It reminded me of the book I read a few months earlier – Oliver Burkeman’s Four Thousand Weeks. Time Management for Mere Mortals (I highly recommend reading this title before a reset activity). What was going to make this year really matter?
I am not a minimalist, but I like a home that works harmoniously so when I need a battery, screwdriver or button, I can find it. If objects have a home, we naturally put them away rather than leaving them on the kitchen table. Our environment is important and should work for us, however we like it.
I had some travel plans in place and socials with friends on the horizon, but what else? I created a Things I Want to Do list so I could add to it as I went along and make the necessary arrangements. So far, I’m planning a stargazing session at a local observatory and immersing myself in flotation tanks in the forest. Things I have always wanted to do are now out of my head and in front of me, ready to organise.
Next, I looked at my daily routine. If I listened to my body and noted my energy levels, when were good times for me to exercise, do creative work and spend time with friends and family? What were the non-
‘Spring Reset’
negotiable activities I had to commit to? Planning out my week in advance helped me feel more in control. I then turned my attention to my business.What aspects did I not enjoy, were not financially viable and what could I cut or delegate? What was my focus for the year?
Naturally, having thought about income, money was next. Did I have enough to fund everyday bills and essentials, as well as the joyful things I wanted to do? And what about the future... were my pension and investments on track to afford me the security and stability we all crave?
All this activity made me feel emboldened and excited to move forward.
With each spring-like day, my enthusiasm grew and, as I chipped away at all the things I wanted to do, so did the momentum. By the end of the month, I was pleasantly surprised at how much things had progressed. It wasn’t all done and some of it may never get done, but my year had finally begun.
I am now ditching New Year’s Resolutions for good. January is a month to dream, but that first Spring Day is the time to take action – or, as I prefer, and in the words of the late, great Robin Williams: Spring is nature’s way of saying: Let’s party!
Sammy Ryan www.strictlyorganised.co.uk
Keeping your affairs in order – Wills
No one likes to think about death, and many people delay writing a Will. Often people say ‘it’s too much effort’, or ‘I have no assets to pass on’, or that ‘I’m too young’.
There are often changes in your life when you retire, including your finances, and making a Will and deciding what will happen to your money and possessions after your death helps ensure your loved ones are financially secure and your money goes where you want it to go, rather than leaving it to the rules of intestacy (dying without a Will). It also provides clarity for your loved ones and potentially minimises disputes and tax liabilities.
You can specify how your assets should be distributed, ensuring they go to the people or organisations you intend to benefit, and by having a clear plan you also alleviate stress and tension during an already difficult time for your loved ones.
If you die without a Will, there are certain rules which dictate how the money, property and possessions should be allocated.This may not be the way that you would have wished.
Unmarried partners, and partners who have not registered a civil partnership cannot inherit from each other unless there is a Will, so the death of one partner may create serious financial problems for the remaining partner.
Also, if your circumstances have changed, for example if you have separated, you may want to change your Will.
It is generally advisable to use a solicitor or to have a solicitor check a Will you have drawn up to make sure it will have the effect you want. This is because it is easy to make mistakes and, if there are errors in the Will, this can cause problems after your passing. Sorting out misunderstandings and disputes after your death may result in considerable legal costs, which will reduce the amount of money in the estate.
When making a Will, once family and friends are taken care of, consider who else you would like to help
Many people in the UK support charities in their lifetime
and when asked many say that they would happily leave a gift in their Will, but unfortunately only a small percentage actually do.
Leaving a legacy to a charity of your choice in your Will means you will be making a significant contribution to its vital work for future generations –not to mention the fantastic footprint you will leave.
Over the years, gifts in Wills have helped charities in many areas. It is often a very important income source for many. The truth is that without gifts left in Wills, many of the charities we know and support today would struggle to survive and many wouldn’t even exist, unfortunately.
It is often believed that only the very wealthy leave money to charity when they die, but this is not the case. No matter how small the legacy, it can make a huge difference to a charity in the long term.
Of course, as we have already mentioned family and friends always come first, but donations to charity in Wills can sometimes mean your family also avoids paying inheritance tax on your estate.
As well as making a Will, a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is also another important legal document that can help ensure your wishes are carried out. A Will takes effect after you pass, while an LPA takes effect while you are alive. Some solicitors consider this to be just as important as making a Will.
Continued over
Lasting Power of Attorney
A lasting power of attorney is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more persons to make decisions on your behalf should there come a time when you are unable to do so yourself. This can happen if you become ill, have an accident, or develop a disability. However, before doing anything it would be a good idea to discuss the options with the family or someone you trust to see what they think and whether they can help. This has to be done before losing mental capacity otherwise it is invalid.
Knowing you have someone you can trust to make decisions in your best interests in the event you are unable to do so yourself can be very comforting, not just for you but your wider family too.
In England and Wales there are two types of LPA, you can choose to make one for health and welfare and one for financial affairs, or both. In Scotland there are similar documents – a Continuing Power of Attorney for finance and property and a Welfare Power for health and welfare, and in Northern Ireland, there is just an Enduring Power of Attorney for property and finance.
A health and welfare LPA allows someone to make decisions about another person’s health and care. This can include decisions about daily activities, medical care and where to live. The LPA can only be used when the donor has lost the mental capacity to make the decisions for themselves. It can’t be used to make decisions while the donor can still make them for themselves.
The LPA for property and finances gives someone the authority to make decisions about your money and property. You can use an LPA to pay bills, manage bank accounts, collect benefits or pensions and sell property. You can choose when your attorney can make decisions, either when you lose the capacity to make decisions yourself, or as soon as the LPA is registered.
If no LPA is in place and you lose mental capacity, your loved ones will need to apply to the Court of Protection to become a deputy if
they want to make decisions on your behalf. However, this is a costly and complex process.
If you are having health issues, then knowing you have an LPA in place can take away an enormous amount of stress at a difficult time. However, they’re not something to leave until later in life. You should consider putting one in place when you draw up a Will. Often, we have no warning of when we might lose capacity to make financial decisions, so the sooner you draw up an LPA, the sooner you will be protected.
Stop the pain of ‘butterfly skin’
Help stop the pain of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) or butterfly skin and bring us closer to vital treatment breakthroughs with a gift in your Will.
DEBRA are fighting for a world where no one suffers from the pain of EB. EB causes your skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch and is as delicate as a butterfly’s wing. It is otherwise known as butterfly skin
People with EB live with constant pain and itch. DEBRA are there to support not only those who live with EB, but their family members and carers too. They deliver community care and practical help to improve quality of life today, whilst funding research into treatments for all types of EB for tomorrow.
DEBRA Vice President Graeme Souness CBE understands only too well the pain of EB. His friend, Isla, lives with a severe form of EB and undergoes hours of daily bandage changing to protect her fragile skin. Isla is the inspiration behind Graeme’s passion and determination to help find an end to the pain and insists “we must do more” to help. The charity relies on the generosity of their supporters to continue the fight against this cruel condition. Every gift, no matter the size, can help stop the pain, and legacy gifts are vital in helping DEBRA achieve this. Last year, gifts in Wills equated to 25% of the charity’s income, or the cost of one clinical trial. Clinical trials are essential as repurposing existing drugs could help ease the symptoms of EB and improve quality of life.
Together, we can help stop the pain for those affected by EB, today and tomorrow. Visit debra.org.uk/legacies to find out more about what it means to leave a gift in your Will to DEBRA.
CASE STUDY
Leave a legacy of hope for future generations
Retirement is a time to reflect on the life you’ve built and the legacy you wish to leave behind. For many, this means ensuring loved ones are taken care of, but it can also be an opportunity to make a lasting impact on causes close to your heart. One of the most meaningful ways to do this is by leaving a gift in your Will.
Every five minutes someone dies from heart diseases in the UK. It will affect someone you love if it hasn’t already. Each death is the tragic loss of a loved one too soon. Heart Research UK is a charity that prioritises not only saving lives but also improving the quality of life for countless individuals and families. They fund ground-breaking research – supporting the breakthroughs in treatment that so many people desperately need.Their innovative projects have directly influenced countless medical advancements, ensuring that research translates into real-world benefits for patients as soon as possible. By leaving a gift in your Will to Heart Research UK, your generosity will contribute to a future free from heart diseases.
Beyond the profound emotional reward, there are also financial benefits to consider. Leaving a percentage of your estate to charity can reduce the inheritance tax you pay, potentially benefiting your beneficiaries while also supporting a cause that is changing the future.
No matter the size of your contribution, every gift makes a difference.
Whether you choose to leave a fixed amount, a percentage of your estate, or a specific asset, your support will help save lives. If you are considering leaving a gift in your Heart Research UK, speak with your solicitor to ensure your wishes are properly reflected in your Will.
By leaving a gift in your Will, many more people will have healthier, happier, longer lives to enjoy with their family and friends. It’s more than just money – it’s life, hope and health for future generations. Visit heartresearch.org.uk for more information.
Leaving a lasting legacy: Gill Ashton
A dedicated volunteer of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s lifesaving service, Gill Ashton, recently went through the charity’s Free Will Writing Service process and kindly pledged a legacy gift. Here she shares her reasons for pledging a gift and her experience with one of the charity’s Free Will Writing partners.
Gill, a volunteer from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, began her journey with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity almost 20 years ago when she attended a talk given by one of their representatives.
Gill shares: “I read about the Free Will Writing Service in the charity’s ‘Take Off’ magazine and as mine and my husband’s Wills were long overdue an update, I decided to contact one of the partnering solicitors.
“I chose Waldrons Solicitors in Cheltenham. They were very helpful. My husband is wheelchair dependent, so I asked if their office was wheelchair accessible. With no hesitation I was told we could have a home visit. The whole process was stress and hassle-free. They made it easier and used far less jargon compared to our other prior experiences of writing our Wills.
“I had already decided that as part of the update to our Wills, that I would leave a bequest to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Whilst it is a charity, it is an absolute necessity for those in need. Who knows when I, my family, or friends, may need their lifesaving care?”
Leaving a gift in a Will to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity makes a real difference to the work of the charity. It is not just the dedicated aircrew who saves lives, but also the people who support this vital service, including those who kindly consider the charity in their Will.
If you are aged 50 or over, you are eligible for this service, and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity will pay a discounted fee to the selected solicitor. You can find out more at midlandsairambulance.com/freewillscheme
CASE STUDY
Leave the gift of life in your Will
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 our NHS staff provide at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital; or perhaps you’re inspired to consider a gift in your Will in memory of a loved one.
Brian’s late wife, Joanne, was a lifelong resident of Sutton Coldfield and chose to support Good Hope Hospital with a transformational gift in her Will. Brian said, “Joanne was very proud of being born and bred in Sutton Coldfield and wanted to support the local hospital. When I was told about the Midwifery Led Unit, I was very pleased that Joanne’s gift was going to something specific. It was very emotional to visit the unit when it opened, and I know that Joanne’s gift will support many more generations of local Sutton Coldfield residents.”
sense, as it also meant I could leave money to the hospital that saved me. I now have the Will I was wanting, exactly as I wanted it.”
Emma Parker left a gift in her Will this year to the hospital charity. She said, “I had been wanting to make a Will for a number of years after the QE saved my life after a very rare illness, and getting a free Will through the charity using their partnership with Octopus Legacy, made
Whatever your motivation, a gift in your Will to University Hospitals Birmingham Charity will be a legacy that helps us support all the patients and staff at our four hospitals, now and in the future. To find out more, please visit: https://hospitalcharitywills.org
Give an incredible gift
I’m Rachel and I’m a Marie Curie Healthcare Assistant. I’d like to share with you why I decided to include a gift to Marie Curie in my Will – and maybe inspire you to do something incredible today.
I’m in my fifties now, and I recently wrote my Will. When we die, after my children are looked after, the remainder of my estate will go to Marie Curie. As a Healthcare Assistant, I can see how important the gift in my Will is. My family don’t need it, but I know how much our patients do.
People should be able to die where they feel safe, at peace and with dignity; but as the years go on, more and more people are going to need expert care at the end of their life. By 2048, demand will have grown by 25% due to our ageing population and longer life spans. Marie Curie needs support to make sure that we can keep providing expert hospice care to those who need it most.
More than a quarter of all people cared for by Marie Curie last year was thanks to gifts in Wills.We simply couldn’t continue our vital care and support without these generous gifts.
I want to know that after I’m gone, I’ll still be there in some way, helping care for people at the end of their life. Will you help Marie Curie Nurses and Healthcare Assistants like me be there for more people in the future?
Thank you for reading this, and please call 0800 114 4570 or email willtalk@mariecurie.org.uk for more information or to receive a free guide to get started.
CASE STUDY
Leaving a gift in your Will to Spires will
help countless
people in overcoming homelessness
We are a south London charity that has been supporting homeless and disadvantaged men and women for over 30 years. We help people with unemployment, financial pressure, substance or alcohol addiction, and physical or mental health challenges. We provide advice and support to help build their confidence and independence, enabling them to avoid or overcome homelessness, while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Spires in your Will ensures we can continue our essential work supporting those facing homelessness for many years to come.
“The staff at Spires have been most welcoming and helpful in the most difficult times for me. Being homeless and afraid, I feel safe in their company. They have been a massive help in helping me back to some sort of decent life.” Anon 2024.
“It is such a joy and a privilege to host Spires at St Luke’s West Norwood. There are so many people that need love and support, and Spires has a very experienced team available to offer direction, advocacy, wisdom and kindness. Our partnership with Spires means that we can help the most isolated and vulnerable within our community.” St Luke’s Church 2024.
Homelessness in London remains a significant issue, with record numbers of people currently homeless and many more at risk. There is great demand for our services, with 750+ people coming to us each year in desperate need.
Your support can make a real difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness. A gift will help maintain our essential services, achieve positive outcomes for those in need and make a lasting impact on helping to end homelessness.
Visit our website to learn more and see the significant impact of our work: www.spires.org.uk
Including
Spires is a South London based charity that supports homeless and vulnerably housed people in our local communities.
For the past 30 years, Spires has been a lifeline for people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in South London. Our mission is to support people in their time of crisis before they become homeless, as well as supporting those experiencing homelessness into securing and maintaining accommodation.
To help ensure our services can continue supporting homeless individuals, you might decideto leave Spires a gift in your will. This could be life-changing for many homeless individuals & play a massive role in the work we do.
The Spires Centre, Elmfield House, 5 Stockwell Mews, London SW9 9GX
DEBRA UK is a national charity and support organisation for people living with the incredibly painful, genetic skin blistering condition, epidermolysis bullosa (EB). With skin as fragile as a butterfly’s wings, it’s often referred to as ‘butterfly skin’.
There are currently no cures for EB. But with your support, we can clinically test existing licenced drugs. Drugs that will o er the potential to improve the quality of life for people with EB.
To find out more, visit www.debra.org.uk
1 31/10/2024
An Expert Guide to Tracing Your Family History
Retirement offers a perfect opportunity to uncover your family history and discover your story. Genealogy has become more accessible than ever, allowing you to piece together your ancestors’ lives. Whether you’re hoping to preserve family memories for future generations or just want to learn more about your family’s past, this guide will help you get started with tips straight from Family Wise’s expert researchers.
Getting Started
The most valuable resource in your genealogy journey is often the knowledge held by your relatives. Begin by talking to your siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and anyone in your family who may have information or stories. Small details that may not appear in documents can be useful to help start your research or understand your ancestors’ lives better.
Once you have gathered information from your family, the next step is to start looking for records. Common sources include:
• Birth, marriage, and death certificates
• Census records
• Military service documents
• Parish and church records
• Immigration and passenger lists
• Newspaper archives and obituaries
• Land and property records
• Probate and Will documents
Start by creating a simple family tree and gathering key documents you may have at home. Family photo albums, old letters and journals, and military service medals can be perfect starting points.
Essential Research Resources
The internet has transformed genealogy research, making it easier than ever to explore your family’s history. Online platforms such as Ancestry, Find My Past, and Family Search are home to extensive databases of records. These websites offer access to census records, birth, marriage and death certificates, military records, and parish records dating back to 1538. Many offer free trials so you can decide which one works best for you before committing to a membership.
Local resources are equally important. Visit your local county records offices, The National Archives, historical societies, church parish archives, and the genealogy section in your local library. These in-person records can hold unique materials which cannot be found online.
Delving into Historical Records
Now, let’s explore some different types of records and how they can help with your research. Parish registers are a gold mine of information, with records dating back to 1538. They provide details about baptisms, marriages and burials, offering insight into your family’s life before civil registration began in 1837.
Census records from 1841 to 1921 are also great, as they provide your ancestors’ occupations and addresses and help us understand more about their households.
Military records also offer significant insights. Service records from the First and Second World Wars, regimental histories, and medal records provide context about your ancestors’ lives during major historical periods.
Digital Research Techniques
Newspaper archives are an invaluable tool for genealogists. Websites like Newspapers.com offer extensive historical newspaper collections that can give you detailed insight into your ancestors’ lives and their communities. Additionally, connecting with other researchers through genealogical societies, online forums, and social media groups can be a great way to collaborate on research - you may even find some distant relatives!
When searching for records online,
it’s important to be aware of spelling variations in historical records, understand traditional naming conventions, and explore the nuances of regional dialects and naming patterns. These can be the difference between breaking down that brick wall or hitting a dead end.
Preserving Your Family Stories
After dedicating your time and effort to research your family history, think about how you could preserve it:
• Write a family history book
• Develop a digital archive of family photographs
• Create genealogy videos
• Design a family tree poster
• Compile a family recipe collection
• Organise and label family heirlooms with their histories
Each of these methods ensures that your family’s stories are preserved and shared for generations to come.
Overcoming Research Challenges
At some point, you will likely encounter a research brick wall. Whether this is due to missing records, incomplete information, or you just can’t find what you need, don’t be discouraged. Expand your search by exploring parish records in neighbouring areas, investigating non-conformist church records, and considering the potential migration patterns of your ancestors.
If you find yourself stuck, ask local family history societies, attend genealogy workshops, or consider hiring a professional genealogist for expert guidance.
Final Thoughts
Family history is more than just collecting names and dates – it’s about understanding your roots and honouring your ancestors. Each document discovered and each story uncovered adds another layer to your family’s unique narrative. Start small, stay curious, and enjoy the process of discovering your family’s story.
Our team has dedicated years to helping people uncover their family history. Whether you need assistance breaking through a brick wall, guidance on your research, or a beautiful family history binder, we’re here to help. Get in touch to see how we can assist you!
www.family-wise.co.uk
The Magical UK Island of Alderney
You may not have heard of the Channel Island of Alderney. It is not the biggest Channel Island, or the smallest, the one without any cars or famous cows. But it is the one you will lose your heart to.
Just eight miles off the coast of France, with no crowds, queues or traffic jams Alderney is the ‘hidden gem of the Channel Islands’ and it offers an unspoilt and peaceful escape.
At just one and a half miles wide and three and a half miles long, you are never far from the beautiful coastline or the charming town of St Anne.
Nature is all around you on this small island – take in the stunning views from the cliff paths, go birdwatching, fishing or rock-pooling or relish the tranquillity of a stroll on one of the island’s stunning and expansive sandy beaches.
The island is full of history too. Explore Victorian forts and WWII bunkers, visit a Neolithic burial site or follow
in the footsteps of legionaries at a Roman fort overlooking the sea, all of which are free to the curious visitor.
There’s also plenty on offer for the sports enthusiast. The island naturally lends itself to kayaking, hiking and cycling. It’s a sea swimmer’s paradise too, with the long white sands, dunes and sheltered bays. There is a spectacularly scenic nine-hole golf course, a bowling green, clay pigeon shooting, tennis and you can even enjoy a game of padel tennis on the newly installed court.
The night-time can be magical too. In the evening, whilst you’re heading to one of the island’s many excellent places to eat or famously welcoming
pubs, you might come face to face with one of our blonde hedgehogsand just look up on a clear night to see the incredible starry nights which the island’s truly dark skies offer. Why not plan your visit around our tempting festival line-up for the year ahead? From the infamous Alderney Week summer carnival to the Chamber Music Festival and Bloomin’ Alderney, to the annual Wildlife Festival, a motor sprint or fishing festival; the island has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape for two or space for the whole family, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Alderney with hotels ranging from family-friendly to boutique luxury, alongside a whole host of welcoming guesthouses. If you prefer to go selfcatering, options range from a unique stay at a Victorian fort, to luxurious holiday homes, or even glamping at Saye beach with a sunset view.
There is no other place in the world like Alderney. It’s a friendly island with an easy pace of life, where children can still roam free.
For help planning a trip to the island of Alderney and for more information on accommodation, things to do, where to eat and how to get around, go to visitalderney.com
CHANNEL ISLANDS
Alderney
A PLACE TO LIVE THAT COULD CHANGE
“We
Do you dream of having the financial freedom to make the most of every day? Moving to a residential park can be the key that unlocks a fulfilling new lifestyle.
However, we know it’s a big step and you’ve probably got some questions.
That’s where our FREE introductory guide comes in. It tells you all you need to know to decide if park home living is right for you, from the financial and legal aspects of buying to real life stories giving personal insights from some of our residents.
At Tingdene Parks we’ve helped many people realise their later life dreams, joining our welcoming communities in wonderful coastal, rural or semi-rural locations.
Claim your FREE copy of our introductory guide to park home living today. You’ll be taking the first step towards a carefree future.
What’s On...
Cartier
V&A Museum, The Sainsbury Gallery, London Until 16 November
The V&A are staging the UK’s first major exhibition in almost 30 years dedicated to Cartier jewels and watches, exploring how Maison became an unparalleled force in the jewellery and watch world.
Featuring more than 350 objects, the exhibition charts the evolution of the house’s legacy of art, design and craftsmanship since the turn of the 20th century. View precious jewels and showstopping objects, historic gemstones, iconic watches and clocks from the V&A and Cartier Collection, as well as previously unseen drawings from their archives. Also on display are works lent by His Majesty The King from the Royal Collection, major UK and international museums and private collections. Highlights include the Williamson Diamond brooch commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 featuring the rare 23.6 carat pink Williamson diamond; the Scroll Tiara commissioned in 1902 and worn to the coronation of Elizabeth II, and by Rihanna on the cover of W magazine in 2016, as well as Grace Kelly’s engagement ring (1956) from the Monaco Princely Palace Collection, that she wore in her final film High Society (1956), and many more spectacular pieces. www.vam.ac.uk
rubies,
Bandeau in Tutti Frutti style, English Art Works for Cartier
diamonds and
Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography
The King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Until 7 September
Charting the evolution of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present day, unveiling the stories behind the creation of some of the most iconic images of the Royal Family.
This exhibition brings together little-seen vintage prints (the original works produced by the photographer, or under their direct supervision), contact sheets and proofs from the Royal Collection, alongside documents including letters and memorandums held in the Royal Archives. It is the first time many of the works have been shown in Scotland, following the exhibition’s successful run in London.
A star work of the exhibition will be a striking photograph of Queen Elizabeth II by Julian Calder, taken on the Highlands landscape of the Balmoral Estate in 2010. Beneath an unpredictable sky and cloaked in the mantle of the Order of the Thistle, the late monarch braved the threat of rain and midges to achieve Calder’s vision, inspired by 19th-century paintings of Clan chiefs – as seen in a behindthe-scenes photograph reproduced on a panel within the exhibition. www.rct.uk
Joséphine; A Woman of Taste and Fashion
Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, Co Durham Until March 2026
An exhibition celebrating The Bowes Museum co-founder’s taste as a collector of textiles, and her personal interest in fashion.
See a diverse display of floor to ceiling textiles, showcasing the variety and breadth of Joséphine’s collecting in this area. Surviving items of her clothing and accessories will also be on display, alongside other example of historic dress from the 1850s and 1860s.
The historical items will be punctuated by more recent examples of French haute couture. Pieces by iconic 20th and 21st century designers including Yves Saint Laurent, Jeanne Paquin and Elsa Schiaparelli, were acquired in the spirit of what Joséphine might have worn had she lived in the 20th and 21st centuries. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Women’s shoes c.1867
Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Scots, Sovereign of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle and Chief of the Chiefs, 2010. Julian Calder/Camera Press.
Cecil Beaton’s Garden Party Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, London
14 May – 21 September
Presenting the first exhibition to explore Sir Cecil Beaton’s (1904-1980) passion for gardens and flowers, and the inspiration that they provided him in his creative work as a photographer, designer and artist.
Best known for his iconic and glamorous fashion photography, Sir Cecil Beaton has a bouquet of creative talents: he was also an accomplished costume and set designer for film, theatre and ballet; a gifted painter and illustrator, and in 1937 he was appointed court photographer to the British Royal Family.
Tracing Beaton’s horticultural journey through his gardens at Ashcombe House and Reddish House in Wiltshire, the exhibition will comprise of photographs, paintings, drawings, costume and set design, many of which have never been publicly displayed before. It will also include Beaton’s personal diaries, photographs of friends and family gathering in his gardens, exploring the distinct role flowers played in developing Beaton’s creative practice; from pioneering the use of painted and fresh flowers as backdrops for fashion photography to Royal portraits, to lavish floral installations created for parties with flowers from his own gardens, to the famous floral costumes worn by Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady (1964). www.gardenmuseum.org.uk
Following its sold-out run at the Kiln Theatre, Ryan Calais Cameron’s critically acclaimed Retrograde is now playing at the Apollo Theatre for a strictly limited run until 14th June. Starring Ivanno Jeremiah (Constellations) as the young Sidney Poitier, this electrifying play explores a defining moment in Hollywood history. Ten years before becoming the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, Poitier faces a career-defining decision: sign a contract that could make him a star – or stay true to his principles in the face of industry pressure.
Nestled in the heart of London’s vibrant West End, Brasserie Zédel is the perfect destination for pre- or post-theatre dining. Just steps away from some of the city’s most iconic theatres, the classic Parisian brasserie offers an elegant yet relaxed setting for a truly memorable evening.
Band A ticket to see Retrograde at the Apollo Theatre. 2-course meal at Brasserie Zédel, featuring classic French cuisine. Glass of wine* to complement your meal.
Book now by calling 0330 333 4809 and quote promocode ZEDEL, or go to nimaxtheatres.com
PhotoMarc Brenner
Homelands Park
Our next OPEN WEEKEND is on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June Show homes are currently available. Viewing is also available throughout the year by appointment.
HOMELANDS PARK
A new development of luxuriously appointed Residential Park Homes in Chorley, near Bridgnorth in Shropshire
Discover a new exciting lifestyle in the Shropshire countryside
A private family owned quality development of luxury Park Homes for the over 50’s, Homelands Park is the perfect Retirement Village in a beautiful countryside setting just 9
l New Residential Development
Various activities at Homelands include:
l Exclusively for over 50’s
• On site allotments (some share so as not to have sole responsibility)
• Knit and Natter groups
l Beautiful countryside setting
l Garden Allotments and Fishing Pool
l Showhome to view
• Library/book/puzzle swap
l Part Exchange Available
• Ladies walking group for all abilities
l One Pet welcome
• Keen golfing group for all abilities
• Cycling
Homelands Park, located in the small village of Chorley in Shropshire, is a fully licensed residential park. All homeowners are covered by the Mobile Home Act 1983 giving security of tenure, and homes have a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty. Family owned for over 60 years, with family members living on site. Your well-being is respected and assured.
Sited show homes are available for immediate occupation. We regularly have plots ready to site a home of your choice.
A likeminded community is paramount to one’s wellbeing. At Homelands you can be involved as much or as little as you want to be. The park has a Whatsapp group chat enabling you to reach out – giving you the feeling that you are not alone and there is friendly help/support nearby.
The village hall holds a monthly film club, whisky and wine tasting events, yoga classes, quiz and bingo nights.
HOMELANDS PARK
• Fishing pool at Homelands, plus local fisheries
• Many residents volunteer at the local Severn Valley animal rescue centre
• Bee keeping opportunities
High Green, Chorley, Nr Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 6PP (For Sat Nav use WV16 6GB) Telephone: 01746 718145 Mobile: 07980 828311 Email: info@homelandschorley.co.uk www.homelandschorley.co.uk
• Pony trekking nearby, and Livery in the village. (We have land for you to keep your own horse.)
• The local church is two miles away – a place of Christian worship for nearly 1,000 years
• Saturday shop – the community bus is booked so you don’t have the hassle of parking
• Christmas celebration meals
The chapel holds events such as afternoon tea and cakes or hot soup and bacon butties, beginners’ pastel classes, wreath making and exercise classes.
The local village pubs are very welcoming with excellent food, oak beams, open fires, and a good community spirit.
The Doctors’ surgery is in the next village of Stottesdon and has an excellent reputation.
The market towns of Bridgnorth, Bewdley and Ludlow are within a short drive with a variety of unique shops and places to dine out.
miles from the market town of Bridgnorth.
Where Dreams Take Shape
Where Dreams Take Shape
Where Dreams Take Shape
Discover our exceptional mobile homes for sale, where customers can design their dream home from the ground up—every detail, from the kitchen layout, vaulted ceilings, and beyond, tailored entirely to their preferences. Our expert design team works closely with each client, ensuring every aspect of their vision comes to life, from selecting premium fixtures to choosing elegant colour schemes that reflect their personal style. We take a comprehensive turnkey approach, handling everything from construction to furnishing with meticulous attention to detail.
Discover our exceptional mobile homes for sale, where customers can design their dream home from the ground up—every detail, from the kitchen layout, vaulted ceilings, and beyond, tailored entirely to their preferences. Our expert design team works closely with each client, ensuring every aspect of their vision comes to life, from selecting premium fixtures to choosing elegant colour schemes that reflect their personal style. We take a comprehensive turnkey approach, handling everything from construction to furnishing with meticulous attention to detail.
Discover our exceptional mobile homes for sale, where customers can design their dream home from the ground up—every detail, from the kitchen layout, vaulted ceilings, and beyond, tailored entirely to their preferences. Our expert design team works closely with each client, ensuring every aspect of their vision comes to life, from selecting premium fixtures to choosing elegant colour schemes that reflect their personal style. We take a comprehensive turnkey approach, handling everything from construction to furnishing with meticulous attention to detail.
Discover our exceptional mobile homes for sale, where customers can design their dream home from the ground up—every detail, from the kitchen layout, vaulted ceilings, and beyond, tailored entirely to their preferences. Our expert design team works closely with each client, ensuring every aspect of their vision comes to life, from selecting premium fixtures to choosing elegant colour schemes that reflect their personal style. We take a comprehensive turnkey approach, handling everything from construction to furnishing with meticulous attention to detail.
Your new home will be fully equipped, complete with premium appliances, luxurious furnishings, and thoughtfully designed living spaces that maximise both comfort and functionality.
Your new home will be fully equipped, complete with premium appliances, luxurious furnishings, and thoughtfully designed living spaces that maximise both comfort and functionality.
Your new home will be fully equipped, complete with premium appliances, luxurious furnishings, and thoughtfully designed living spaces that maximise both comfort and functionality.
Your new home will be fully equipped, complete with premium appliances, luxurious furnishings, and thoughtfully designed living spaces that maximise both comfort and functionality.
All you need to bring are your clothes and your toothbrush—we'll take care of the rest. Every element is carefully curated to create your perfect living environment, allowing you to start enjoying your new lifestyle from the moment you step through the door. Book your one-to-one appointment today.
All you need to bring are your clothes and your toothbrush—we'll take care of the rest. Every element is carefully curated to create your perfect living environment, allowing you to start enjoying your new lifestyle from the moment you step through the door. Book your one-to-one appointment today.
All you need to bring are your clothes and your toothbrush—we'll take care of the rest. Every element is carefully curated to create your perfect living environment, allowing you to start enjoying your new lifestyle from the moment you step through the door. Book your one-to-one appointment today.
All you need to bring are your clothes and your toothbrush—we'll take care of the rest. Every element is carefully curated to create your perfect living environment, allowing you to start enjoying your new lifestyle from the moment you step through the door. Book your one-to-one appointment today.
UPDATE
Able Community Care have been providing care in the home since the early 1980s. Whether it’s complex care needs or a little help, they can provide a cost-effect bespoke care service to suit individual needs. Here, Angela Gifford, CEO of Able Community Care gives some important information on Adult Social Care.
Adult Social Care Reform Update
The reform of adult social care faces further delays, with the newly announced independent commission chaired by Baroness Louise Casey not set to publish its final report until 2028. The commission begins its work in April 2025, but significant changes to the system are unlikely before the report’s publication.
Rising Costs in Social Care
Angela Gifford CEO
• Current minimum price: £32.14 per hour
• Previous year’s price (2024): £28.53 per hour
This increase is attributed to:
• 6.7% rise in the National Living Wage
• Higher employers’ National Insurance contributions (increased from 13.8% to 15%)
The Homecare Association (www.homecareassociation.org.uk) reports that hourly social care costs have increased in 2025:
• Obtain quotes and information
• Research their services thoroughly.
2. Key Questions to Ask
• Total cost breakdown.
• Care worker actual wages.
What is a Personal Health Budget?
• Staff training programs and qualifications.
• DBS (Criminal Record Check) verification.
• Insurance coverage details.
A Personal Health Budget is a source of NHS funding to pay for healthcare support, which is not widely known.
• Out-of-hours support and on-call systems.
• Are there initial registration fees?
My company, Able Community Care began providing Live-in Care support in 1980 and today we can provide our services throughout mainland UK and the offshore Islands, such as Jersey and as we did recently, in the Western Isles.
• Any other relevant concerns.
Important Note on State-Funded Care
A Personal Health Budget is based upon a personalized, care, support plan which sets out a person’s health and wellbeing needs, the outcomes they wish to achieve and, if the eligibility criteria is reached, then NHS funding towards the cost of supporting this plan is given.
• Reduced National Insurance threshold. These cost pressures may lead to some providers exiting both the home care and residential care sectors.
Guidance for Seeking Care Support in 2025
• Live-in care enables older people and people with a disability to remain living in their own home rather than moving into a residential care setting.
My company, Able Community Care began providing support in 1980 and today we can provide our mainland UK and the offshore Islands, such as recently, in the Western Isles.
• Live-in care enables older people and people remain living in their own home rather than residential care setting.
Both adults and children with complex healthcare support needs can apply for this NHS funding, and for full details of the criteria, search ‘NHS who can have a personal health budget’ for the full details.
When arranging care packages, whether privately funded or statesupported, it is essential to:
1. Compare Multiple Providers
• Live-in Care offers helps with domestic tasks, assistance with personal care and especially important in the Autumn and Winter seasons, companionship.
Recipients of state-funded care, both in Social Care and Health (whether full or partial) can opt for Direct Payments. This allows the care budget to be paid directly into a personal bank account, giving individuals greater control over their choice of care provider. For more information on Able Community Care or to request a brochure, please call 01603 764567 or email info@ablecommunity care.com
• Live-in Care offers helps with domestic tasks, personal care and especially important in seasons, companionship.
Personal Health Budgets can be given to people who require healthcare support in their home or in a care home.
Also visit: www.ablecommunitycare.com
If you would like to know more about our Live-in Care Schemes, give us a call on 01603 764567.
In each geographical area there is an Integrated Care Board, which you can contact and they will give guidance on how to apply for this funding. Recently, I rang on behalf of a lady who has complex care needs and was advised to contact her GP or Community Nursing Team who would apply on her behalf.
If you would like to know more about our Live call on 01603 764567.
Is neighbourly trust dead?
Questions we are often asked are about the cost, the availability, the professional status of the care workers and what happens if there is an emergency situation after our office is closed.
There’s no place like home. But there can be various reasons why someone might need to leave their property for a longer period of time, for example, a career sabbatical overseas, needing to move out before a house sale completes, or perhaps when an older resident needs to move into alternative accommodation such as a care home.
Our information brochure gives further information and our website at www.ablecommunitycare.com has an application form you can complete.
Government action needed to stop and reverse the proliferation of millions of small pension pots
Questions we are often asked are about the cost, professional status of the care workers and what emergency situation after our office is closed.
Health conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke support, may be eligible for this funding, and a call to the organisations which represent these health conditions such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Parkinson’s Disease Association and the Stroke Association, and other representative health support charities, will be helpful to you.
For a brochure email to: info@ablecommunitycare.com
Able Community Care, based in Norfolk but available everywhere.
Angela Gi ord – Able Community Care –A nationwide, live-in, care provider since 1980
So when it comes to our home, what and who can we really trust to protect it if we were away from home for a longer period of time?
A new survey by specialist home insurance provider, ‘Homeprotect’, suggests a stark generational divide in how Brits would plan to protect their homes – with older homeowners placing their trust in the local community, and younger generations turning to high-tech solutions. Overall, homeowners aged 60+ were the most worried about break-ins out of all the age groups.
However, when asked what actions they would take if they had to leave their home unoccupied for more than 30 days, they were also the most trusting of their local community compared to other age groups. Younger homeowners are more likely to invest in smart home technology as a deterrent and security measure, though.
But are modern security solutions a sensible safeguard or a sign of declining community trust? Maybe we need to strike a balance between digital security and the human touch.
Private-sector employees tend to get a new pension pot every time they change employer. This means people who work for many different employers over their career often end up with many different pension pots, some of which can be very small.
Our information brochure gives further information www.ablecommunitycare.com has an application
For a brochure email to: info@ablecommunitycare.com
Able Community Care, based in Norfolk but available
In 2023, there were an astonishing 12.1 million defined contribution (DC) pension pots worth under £1,000 which are no longer being contributed to (“deferred”). In aggregate, these contained over £4 billion. These numbers have increased rapidly in recent years and will continue to grow further without policy action.
The proliferation of these small pension pots matter. It is costly for pension providers due to the fixed costs of administering a pension, leading to higher charges and lower returns for savers. Also, having savings spread over many small pension pots makes it easier for people to lose track of their savings, and harder to make sensible decisions on how to use their wealth through retirement.
Mubin Haq, Chief Executive at abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, said: ‘In recent years there has been a rapid rise in the number of small pension pots. This particularly affects lower earners and women. The new Pensions Dashboard will help many to keep track of their pensions, but it will not necessarily lead to consolidation of these pots. Further action is needed to reduce the complexity of managing small pension pots, which should result in gains for employees as well as providers.’
Angela Gifford CEO
Cornish Bolthole
A Victorian cottage in the picturepostcard village of Port Isaac is a peaceful bolthole for interior designer Nicola O’Mara and her partner John Merriman.
Walking around Nicola and John’s coastal retreat, the first thing that strikes you is the atmosphere of calm, thanks to a restful colour scheme inspired by the ocean. Nicola’s use of natural materials such as slate, stone and wood add to the tranquil vibe, providing texture and interest wherever you look.
The couple describe their seaside home as a classic contemporary Victorian house. It’s located at the end of a narrow lane and, over the decades, quaint details such as an ornate wrought-iron balcony and gate had been added by previous owners, all of which contribute to the cottage’s charm. As it’s situated in a conservation area, Nicola and John were not able to make many changes to the exterior, apart from adding bi-folding glazed doors to the kitchen area to allow more light to flood in. The interior, however, was a different story.
When the couple bought the property, back in May 2014, it had been vacant for six years and was in need of some serious TLC. Located a stone’s throw from the harbour and on a road out of the village, you can catch a glimpse of the sea from most of the windows and there’s a glorious view from the terrace at the front. Port Isaac has been the location for films such as Saving Grace and The Shell Seekers, while the TV series Doc Martin is shot here. Despite this, the village remains almost untouched by development and has
The main bedroom exudes pared-down luxury. The bubble pendant lights are from Danish brand House Doctor. Coastal elements such as shells and fan coral add a delicate touch to the scheme.
managed to retain its Cornish charm.
The renovation took two and a half years. It was a huge project and included gutting the property, replumbing, damp-proofing, rewiring, reinforcing floors, reconfiguring the interior, constructing new walls, and more. John carried out almost all the work himself, bringing in local contractors to help as and when necessary. In fact, John became something of a tourist attraction himself, as passers-by stopped to talk to him as he worked on the house. Many holidaymakers even popped back the following year to check on his progress.
Once the structural works were complete, the stone walls were repointed inside and out, and three new bathrooms and a kitchen were installed. Bespoke timber cladding was attached to the interior walls, bringing an extra dimension and depth to the space.
When it came to a colour scheme, Nicola chose Farrow & Ball’s Pavilion Gray for the woodwork and Strong White for the walls. Soft furnishings are upholstered in complementary shades and the result is an interior that looks homely, welcoming and as if it has evolved over time. Nicola sourced much of the furniture from Scandinavian brands like Broste Copenhagen, House Doctor and Lene Bjerre. Some pieces are eBay finds, such as the dining room ceiling light, the wrought-iron shelves in the kitchen and the bench in the dining room.
The couple say their favourite part of the house is the sitting room, where they like to relax with daughter Lola on the capacious sofa with the wood-burning stove roaring as the Cornish mists sweep in from the sea.
A 1970s style rattan hanging chair has been suspended by the large floor-to-ceiling window in the main bedroom to make the most of the wonderful sea views.
The sitting room is snug. Nicola covered the floor in a Moroccan-style rug and provided soft throws to snuggle beneath on chilly winter evenings.
In the dining room, John and Nicola fitted panelling to some walls to add interest and depth. The woodwork is painted Pavilion Gray by Farrow & Ball. Nicola chose oversized lighting to create a dramatic focal point over the dining table and mixed in rattan, wood and sheepskin to bring texture and softness to the look.
An extract from Relaxed Coastal Style by Sally Denning, published by Ryland Peters & Small (£25)
When four-year-old Fred first arrived at Mayhew, it was clear that something was wrong. Fred hid in his kennel, growling whenever anyone came close. He was distressed and disorientated: pacing and bumping into things and overturning bowls. When our vet team examined this lovely little chap, they found he had a serious problem with his eyes. He couldn’t see a thing.
The team decided that the best course of action was to remove Fred’s eyes, to prevent potentially life-threatening infection and ensure his future safety and happiness. The surgery was performed by our dedicated vet team at our London clinic, which helps pets whose owners would not be otherwise able to afford treatment, as well as animals without a home.
It’s only thanks to the kind support of animal lovers like you that we’re able to give dogs and cats like Fred the extra special love and care they deserve. Fred needed a lot of help to get back on
his paws. But as we helped him adapt to being blind, it was clear that he was a much happier dog - free from pain and discomfort. He was such a fast learner, learning to go for walks and understanding a whole host of commands.
By making a gift in your Will to Mayhew, even more wonderful animals like Fred will get the second chance they deserve. With this powerful gift, you can make sure your compassion for dogs and cats in need lives on.
Will you consider a pledge to Mayhew in your Will?
To receive your free gifts in Wills guide, visit www.themayhew.org/giftsinwills, scan the QR code, call us on 020 8206 5870, or complete this form and send it to us at: Mayhew, Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London, NW10 6BJ.
Title: .................... First name: ..................................................................
By submitting your details, you’ll receive communications from Mayhew. We’ll keep in touch about Mayhew updates and ways you can support us to care for more dogs, cats and communities. If you have any questions about our data protection policy or you would like to change the way in which we contact you, please email us at dataprotection@mayhewanimalhome.org, call 020 8206 5870 or write to us at the address above. Mayhew is a charity registered in England and Wales (1077588).
Animal charities need your help
In the UK there is a diverse number of charities that specifically deal with animal welfare. Sadly, the need for these charities has in the main been brought about by humans, cruelty, neglect or profiteering; the result is the same –animals in desperate need and charities struggling to fund their operations. With no government support many struggle on a day to day basis. But there are ways to help.
In the current climate, where people are battling to keep their homes and pay the bills, many people cannot afford the up-keep of pets. In addition, families are breaking up and people’s circumstances change, meaning they are no longer in a position to keep a pet. Sadly, more and more animals are being abandoned or taken to animal sanctuaries, and animal shelters and charities are full to the brim.
Just to survive another day is a constant battle, with many charities working for animal welfare still fighting for every penny on which they can lay their hands. There is often uncertainty for charities that the next month’s rent on property, accommodation or stables can be paid. Not to mention the cost of weekly food bills. The rising costs for an animal population that can be counted in the thousands is a nightmare to find every week. Add on top of that the cost of staff, and huge veterinary fees, as often the animals that come in have been severely neglected and are in need of surgery and medication.
Most animal sanctuaries rely on their full time members of staff, whose training is essential, to look after the sick and injured animals. Being full time usually means that this is how they earn their living, so however dedicated they may
be to animal welfare, the charity has to pay them a living wage or risk losing them to other forms of employment.
As well as domestic animals, wildlife rescue centres in the UK are dedicated to helping save and rehabilitate injured and orphaned wild animals. Many of these rescue centres are open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year to attend to any wildlife that is in need. Their aim is to return the animals and birds back to the wild when they are fully recovered. However, many are unable to be released for various reasons, and are looked after at the sanctuaries for the rest of their lives, at a cost.
Financial support is also vital to help continue developing techniques and procedures for medical research into human disease without the use of animals or animal tissue, and to eliminate the use of animals in biomedical research and testing. As well as mice and rabbits, many other animals are also used in experiments for medical research. This testing is not only cruel but also very often ineffective. Animals do not naturally get many of the illnesses that we do, such as various types of cancer, Parkinson’s disease, etc, therefore these are artificially induced in them at the laboratories in an attempt to mimic the human disease.
Organisations campaigning to end animal cruelty both in the UK and around the world need your support to enable them to continue fighting for a world where humans treat animals with respect and understanding. Much needed funds go towards improving and developing animal welfare standards worldwide, and at the same time help raise awareness of abuse and cruelty.
So how can you help?
If you are an animal lover, one of the main ways to support an animal charity 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).
Charitable organisations work silently and constantly purely for the benefit of others and a legacy really can make a difference, ensuring that their work lives on.
A monthly direct debit donation can be a great way to make a difference too. Choose an amount you can afford, which can be a little as a couple of pounds a month as every little helps. Also, with Gift Aid the charity will receive even more. Websites such as www.gov.uk provide very useful information on this, which can help the donor 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 your chosen charity of your choice instead of purchasing an unwanted gift for your birthday, or even at Christmas time.
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? They why not sell your unwanted items and donate the money raised.
Play your part and help the good work live on!
Catastrophes Cat Rescue
For cats with no or little hope Catastrophes Cat Rescue provides a lifeline that they so desperately need. Our aim is to do our best to help a cat in need, no matter what their special needs are, whatever their circumstances, or how difficult they appear. Our charity’s mantra is that every cat deserves a chance. Our unique, beautiful sanctuary in the Sussex countryside provides a safe haven for those who cannot be homed, as well as for those who are suffering the trauma of cruel treatment and neglect. Sanctuary care is a lifelong and expensive commitment, but we do our very best to take in as many needy souls as we can. We are proud to give our feline residents both a cozy home environment as well as plenty of space to roam in a relaxed countryside setting.
Of course, many of the cats come with enormous health problems and making sure that they receive proper vet care is at the very top of our objectives. We actively support spaying and neutering as an essential part of responsible animal care.
We have been responding to a large number of emergency callouts to help cats in desperate need. This life-saving work has taken a heavy toll on our resources. As well as a lifeline for cats that have been abandoned or ill-treated, we also treat feral cats living out on the streets who are in desperate need. Many of the cats we help have never had the chance of veterinary treatment and care before. Some of them are in need of urgent surgery for painful injuries. All of this of course costs money.
At present, we are in crisis and fighting for survival and every donation helps. No matter how big or small, one-off or monthly, all donations make a huge difference to cats in need of our help.
Established in 1886, Mayhew is one of the busiest animal shelters in London, rescuing hundreds of dogs and cats every year. Our work stretches far beyond rehoming, as we reach out into the community to do all we can to prevent more dogs and cats from being abandoned, left alone, and at risk on the streets. Our vet clinic is at the forefront of this support, providing much-needed veterinary interventions and treatments for pets whose owners would not be otherwise able to afford them, as well as animals without a home.
Legacy gifts pledged to Mayhew by our wonderful supporters help us look after almost half the dogs and cats who arrive here. In the wake of the pandemic and cost of living crisis, we are seeing an unprecedented demand for our services. Pet owners are struggling now more than ever, our own costs are sky rocketing, and vulnerable pets arrive at our door, daily.
By making a gift in your Will to Mayhew, you can make sure your compassion for animals in need lives on. No matter what challenges our communities face, with your support we’ll have the resources and the services in place to save dogs’ and cats’ lives and give them happy, healthy forever homes. Any gift, no matter the size, can make a huge difference. This is invaluable, life-saving work – and you can make sure it continues.
To get your free gifts in Wills guide visit www.themayhew.org/giftsinwills, call us on 020 8206 5870, or write to us at:
Since 1991, Naturewatch Foundation has been a beacon of hope for animals, passionately campaigning to end animal cruelty and advance animal welfare standards in the UK and worldwide.
We’ve made significant progress, including creating an award-winning police control room training package that improves responses to wildlife crimes and is used by over 93% of police forces in England and Wales.
We continue to campaign for transparency around animal testing. We are proud to have the first cruelty-free shopping guide that endorses a paint and decorating brand. Finding cruelty-free products with zero ties to animal testing is now much easier with our Compassionate Shopping Guide.
A commitment to animal welfare fuels our campaign to end low-welfare pet breeding. We’re proud of our Pet Rescue Grant, which supports small organisations dedicated to rescuing dogs, cats and rabbits impacted by such breeding practices.
Our work around the link between animal abuse and the abuse of people has now resulted in 100% of police websites in England and Wales offering specific advice to survivors of domestic abuse, where pets are used as part of coercive control.
Since 2013, we’ve been working with Ukraine to improve animal welfare through education, police training, stronger legislation and aid for shelters. With the onset of war, the needs of Ukraine and its animals changed; we adapted and continue to be there for our partners. We have expanded our animal welfare work into Romania and Moldova, too.
Every 4th October, World Animal Day focuses the world’s attention on improving animals’ lives, and we are proud to be the coordinators of this inspiring global event.
Our work is diverse, but our vision never changes: to make the world a kinder place for all living creatures. With your help, we will continue to fight for animals everywhere.
You can visit us at naturewatch.org for more information.
Committed to a future where no animal suffers for science
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, we’re here to challenge that. We believe scientific progress can be achieved without causing harm to animals.
That’s why at Replacing Animal Research we’re so committed to a future where no animal suffers for science.
There are lots of different ways you can join us and help create a better world for humans and animals:
• Support us online
• Donate or fundraise for Replacing Animal Research
• Share your commitment to our cause with your local MP
• Be part of the research yourself
• Consider leaving a gift to Replacing Animal Research in your Will
• Volunteer for Replacing Animal Research
Finally, you can tell your family and friends about how they can get involved too. To find out more about all the different ways you can get involved visit: www.replacinganimalresearch.org.uk/how-you-can-help Together we can create a better future, for animals and humans.
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:
For over 30 years, Naturewatch Foundation has been a voice for animals, campaigning passionately to end animal cruelty and improve animal welfare standards around the globe.
Leaving a gi in your will to Naturewatch Foundation can make a lasting di erence. With your generosity and support, we will continue working to make the world a kinder place for animals.
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.
Decline of British Wildlife
By Louise Brown
Britain’s countryside and gardens have long been a haven for a range of wildlife, with the beloved hedgehog, the charismatic fox and an array of twittering garden birds being among the most iconic species of the British countryside.Yet, despite their popularity, these creatures are facing alarming declines.
Hedgehogs, one of the most common patients admitted here at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital, have become emblematic of the decline in British wildlife. Once a common site across the country, hedgehog populations have plummeted by up to 30% in rural areas over the past decade. In urban areas, the decline is even steeper, with numbers falling by more than 50% in some regions.
Numerous species of garden birds are also facing significant population drops in recent decades. Birds such as house sparrows, starlings, and the once-ubiquitous song thrush have all seen declines due to a combination of factors.
Rural foxes are facing increasing pressures, and even badgers with their notorious black and white striped faces are facing troubling declines.
These much-loved creatures are all facing increasing threats from habitat loss, road traffic accidents and human activities.
Before we can address them, we first have to take a closer look at the main causes of decline.
One of the biggest causes of decline for British wildlife is habitat loss. Urbanisation and new developments have significantly reduced their natural habitats.The destruction of hedgerows, woodlands and grasslands has broken up the landscape, making it harder for wildlife to find food, shelter, and nesting sites. Without these vital lifelines, survival is proving much harder, especially during the harsh winter months when supplies are already reduced.
Roads also pose a significant threat. As animals forage and migrate between habitats, they are at risk of being hit by vehicles, with many of them killed in the process.
Here at Tiggywinkles this is one of the major causes of injury in the animals admitted. This is particularly common in deer, badgers and birds of prey who are struck when crossing roads or hovering for food. We do our best to treat the injuries; most commonly broken bones and head trauma, but often the accidents can be fatal. This type of accident is often very traumatic for both the animal involved and the driver of the vehicle.
At Tiggywinkles, some of the most heartbreaking injuries we treat are caused by netting and fencing, as they often seem so avoidable. Each year, we rescue animals – particularly hedgehogs and fox cubs – that have become trapped in football goal netting or garden netting. If they aren’t found in time, they can’t escape, leading to starvation or severe injury. In some cases, the netting causes restriction injuries, resulting in lost
While these trends are incredibly concerning, there are significant steps we can take to halt or even reverse the decline of these iconic British species.
There is still hope for Britain’s declining wildlife, but concerted action is required across multiple levels. Some of the most impactful measures include:
Habitat restoration: Creating and maintaining wildlife corridors, rewilding projects, and habitat restoration are essential for supporting species’ survival. Initiatives such as planting wildflower meadows, restoring hedgerows and wetlands, and designing wildlife-friendly spaces provide vital refuges for vulnerable species. You can contribute by letting part of your garden grow wild – even small gardens can become safe havens for visiting wildlife. Ensure you are leaving out safe food for them and a
shallow bowl of water. You can also leave gaps in fences for hedgehogs to pass through or plant native plants to attract insects and other food sources. Why not install some wildlife cameras so you can see what visitors you’re attracting to the garden and keep an eye on how they are getting on?
Raising awareness and engagement: Public engagement is crucial to successful conservation efforts. By raising awareness of local species and promoting actions like wildlife gardening, responsible pet ownership, and volunteering with conservation organisations, individuals can play a meaningful role in protecting our natural world. While it may seem like one person can’t tackle the decline alone, when we all take small steps together, we can make a significant impact.
It’s crucial to always clear away any netting after gardening or sporting activities, as these materials can pose a deadly threat to garden visitors. Gardening tools, like strimmers and lawnmowers also cause frequent injuries. We regularly treat hedgehogs and amphibians that have been caught by these machines. Please take
a few extra minutes to check your garden for animals before using any equipment – it could save a life.
As mentioned earlier road traffic accidents are a major cause of injury and death in British wildlife, so how do we mitigate road mortalities?
Wildlife crossings and safe routes: Installing wildlife crossings, such as tunnels and bridges, can help animals like hedgehogs, badgers and foxes safely cross roads. Creating safe travel corridors will reduce the risks posed by traffic and ensure that animals can move between habitats.
Slower speed limits: Encouraging slower speed limits in rural areas, particularly during the night, when these animals are most active, could help reduce vehicle collisions. We are also seeing an increase in wildlifefriendly road signs which highlight to road users when they are in an area that sees a high level of wildlife so they can be particularly cautious.
Please visit our website to access our animal factsheets and find out further ways you can help British wildlife and support the work of Tiggywinkles Wildlife
Take advantage of our FREE Will service and create your legacy today
Little Bert was severely unwell – he was painfully thin with pressure sores over his body. Bert’s untreated wounds had been attacked by flies and there were hundreds of burrowing maggots inside. He was also suffering from a highly contagious respiratory disease called strangles.
Despite the horrific ordeal little Bert has been through, he has an inspirational determination to survive.
Bert’s needs were complex
or supporting conservation efforts.
The future of these animals is in our hands – let’s act now before it’s too late. www.tiggywinkles.com
Help
Hospital By taking small steps each of us can contribute to a more wildlife-friendly Britain, whether by making our gardens more welcoming
Gardening with Scented Plants
There was a time when many garden plants were grown not only for their colour and form but also for their complex and attractive scents. This was particularly true in the cottage-style garden, where roses and scented perennials were a large part of the overall scheme. In fact, humans have valued scented garden plants for thousands of years.
Paintings and frescoes from ancient Egypt show priests growing fragrant plants in their walled gardens for culinary and medicinal use, and long before synthetic fragrances were first manufactured in the 18th century, perfumes and aromatic cosmetics were made from natural plant material. Murals and mosaics in Roman villas dating from the 1st century depict scenes of trained vines and gardens full of flowers in bloom, and it is the Romans who spread fragrant herbs like fennel, rosemary and thyme far and wide.
In the Middle Ages, many fragrant plants were grown for nosegays – small bunches of scented flowers and herbs worn on the clothes, or carried to hold under the nose to help mask the every-day odours that were commonplace as a result of poor sanitation and open sewers. It was even thought that bad smells could lead to disease.
Many of the early gardening books celebrated the scent of flowers, foliage and herbs. John Gerard in his Herball, published in 1597, described the ‘virtues’ and folklore surrounding many fragrant herbs used in herbal remedies and recipes.
William Shakespeare often romanticised scented plants in his plays, particularly roses.The Elizabethan gardens familiar
to Shakespeare would have been full of sweet-smelling flowers and herbs.
In a Midsummer Night’s Dream, Oberon says:
‘I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine:
There sleeps Titania sometime of the night,
Lulled in these flowers with dances and delight.’
Many modern gardens, although full of colour and with a wide variety of plants, are made up of cultivars and hybrids bred for their hardiness and vigour, often at the expense of the beautiful fragrances, scents and aromas that would have been much more valued in the past.
Annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees can all also add scent to a garden, both through their flowers and their foliage. When I first started working at Kew more than two decades ago, every day I would cycle the same route through the gardens to the area in which
I worked, and every time I reached a particular spot I would be stopped by a fragrance in the air that was richly spicey, and would linger to discover where the scent was coming from, but could see nothing flowering close by that might have been the source.
It took me quite a while to realise that the strong aroma was coming not from a flower, but from the foliage of an evergreen shrub called Escallonia illinita, specifically from the fallen leaves that surrounded the plant. It should be noted that scents can be very different to different people, and some of us have trained noses, like those working in perfumery or the production of wines and spirits.
The sense of smell is subjective, so what may be a strong fragrance for some may be only just detected, or not detected at all, by others. I remember an occasion when a friend, Mark Flanagan, who was Keeper of The Gardens at Windsor Great Park, visited me for a walk around Kew’s Arboretum. In one particular area we walked past a group of Katsura trees, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, where the air was filled with the almost
Lavender
overpowering scent of toffee apples and candyfloss, but surprisingly this could only be picked up by me, even though Mark generally had a good sense of smell for all other plants.
So what exactly is scent? This descriptive word is used here to cover a variety of similar words, such as aroma, fragrance, perfume, smell and odour. While it often describes a pleasant smell, scent can also cover smells that are unpleasant to humans but which are particularly attractive to some insects. Flies, for example, are attracted to the smell of decay, a scent produced by some plants to attract flies and other small creatures, drawing them in for the purposes of pollination.
Scent can be part of a garden’s virtues throughout the year, where every month you can have some plants with fragrant flowers, foliage or bark, and in some cases all three.
When thinking of scented plants, we tend to concentrate on flowers and foliage, but other parts of many plants are also scented, for example their fruits. Resins can also add fragrance, like those produced in the leaves of Mediterranean plants like cistus, lavender and rosemary, particularly on warm summer days. Roots and rhizomes can also be aromatic, like those in the ginger family.
I have tried to ‘sniff test’ every plant mentioned in this book, but some I know from experience, and for those few that I have been unable to personally check, I have relied on other reliable sources, mainly horticultural literature and experienced colleagues.
Chimonanthus preacox
Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’
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