Retirement_Today_Summer2024 by amra-mag

begin your next chapter with NFOP

Published by:-

Amra Media Solutions Ltd

Marash House

2/5 Brook Street

Tring Herts

HP23 5ED

5 Adult Education

Looking to learn a new skill in retirement? There are scores of subjects easily available to everyone, regardless of age or previous qualifications.

8 Sensational Salads

There’s so much more to salad than just a few salad leaves, tomato and cucumber on a plate. Try experimenting with different flavours and additional ingredients.

13 Fighting phobias

For sufferers, phobias can be debilitating, putting strain on relationships, limiting social activities, and casting a shadow over daily routines.

14 Worked hard your whole life?

Want to take an adventure of a lifetime? Sullivan Retirement Residence is offering an alternative way to live the retirement of your dreams in Cambodia.

16 Subscription

Subscribe and have Retirement Today delivered direct to your door.

18 What’s On

Exhibitions around the UK.

21 Park Home living

Thinking of downsizing with less responsibilities? Maybe a Park Home could be the perfect answer.

•Tel: 01442 891608

•Email: info@amramedia.co.uk

•www.retirement-today.co.uk

•Layout: Karen Wightman

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Although every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information and the advertisements contained within the magazine, the publishers cannot accept any liability. Retirement Today would be pleased to receive your articles and photographs for possible publication. Although all reasonable care will be taken the magazine can assume no responsibility and contributors are advised to retain a copy.

27 Vegetarian Recipe

A delicious vegetarian recipe for you to try.

29 Update

Are you over 50 and either planning retirement or already retired? What is a Personal Health Budget? Very weak income growth for poor pensioners has meant rising pensioner poverty since 2011.

30 Fuss-free fabrics

How to get the best from your soft furnishings.

34 A world outside your back door

Make your garden a haven for wildlife.

36 Making a Will

Making a will is so important as it is the only sure way that allows you to decide how you wish your estate to be distributed when you pass.

39 & 41 Charity News

Important news within the world of charity.

42Sawasdee Krab from Ged in Thailand

Gerald Hogg shares his experience of retiring in Thailand.

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 by Polly Wreford from ‘Beautifully Casual Home’ by Judith Wilson, published by Rylands Peters & Small

Cover Images

Top right: image by Mowie Kay ©Ryland Peters & Small from ‘Sensational Salads’ by Kathy Kordalis

Middle right: image by Polly Wreford from ‘Beautifully Casual Home’ by Judith Wilson, published by Ryland Peters & Small

Image by Mowie

Kay ©Ryland Peters & Small from ‘Sensational Salads’ by Kathy Kordalis

Adult Education

Opportunities for education abound, and there are scores of subjects easily available to everyone, regardless of age or previous qualifications. You might be a leisure learner or among the many older people studying with a view to taking on a new career in later life.

FORMAL LEARNING

Not all educational courses are free, and this can deter a number of people from taking the opportunity to learn. However, there is no age limit for applying for a student loan to cover university tuition feeds and, because of the way the rules work, you probably will not have to pay back all or even any of the loan.

Student loans are not interest-free. They start to be repaid after you leave full-time study or after four years if you are studying part-time. Repayments stop if you are not working or your income falls below a specified threshold (which varies across the nations of the UK).

To be eligible for a student loan, you must not be studying at the same level as a degree you already have, unless your new qualification is in a STEM (science, technology, engineering or maths) subject or healthcare. While most universities require you to have some minimum qualifications (such as A-levels), the UK’s largest distance-learning higher education institution, the Open

University, is specifically open to learners regardless of whether or not they have prior qualifications.

The UK has two specialist distance learning universities; the Open University and Arden. However, increasingly, traditional brick universities are also offering online distance learning, which you might find more convenient than attending a campus. Many universities offer a choice of part-time or full-time study.

ARTS

Wherever you live you can enjoy the arts. Whether you are interested in active participation or just appreciating the performance of others, there is an exhilarating choice of events, including theatre, music, exhibitions, film making, and so on. Many offer concessionary prices to retired people.

REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL OFFICES

The Arts Council England works to get great art to everyone by championing, developing and investing in artistic experiences that enrich everyone’s lives.

For those who wish to join in with amateur arts activities, public libraries keep lists of choirs, drama clubs and similar in their locality.

PAINTING AS A HOBBY

If you are interested in improving your own painting technique, art courses are available at your local adult education institute. Your library

may have details of painting groups and societies in your area.

The Society of Arts, which exists to inform, encourage and inspire all who want to paint, whatever their ability, provides all that you need to enjoy this hobby.

Whatever your interest, there is always something to appeal to everyone.

Learn 50+ at CLL

We believe Lifelong Learning should be available to everyone – a commitment that reflects the ethos of our founder, Professor John Anderson, who left instructions more than 200 years ago for a ‘place of useful learning’ for all.

Here at the Centre for Lifelong Learning, we are pleased to offer a range of on-campus and ‘live’ online classes as well as the renown Learn 50+ programme which offers learning aimed at those aged over 50.

We are proud at Strathclyde to continue to be the only UK University with such a programme offering both campus-based and online learning to this age group.

Our face-to-face on-campus classes are ideal for those local to Glasgow and surrounding areas to connect and learn with likeminded people.

Our online via Zoom classes allow students to join us from the comfort of their homes, creating a community online, with no geographical boundaries.

Subject areas vary each term and often include: Archaeology, Art Appreciation, Creative Art, Creative Writing, Film Appreciation, Genealogy, Health & Wellbeing, History, IT, Languages, Literature, Music & Singing, Photography, Psychology, Politics & Humanities, Science & Technology and Wine Appreciation.

Studying with us can also give you an additional social experience through the Learning in Later Life Students’ Association. Linked to the Learn 50+ at CLL programme, and run by our students for our students, the Association is unique in the UK, and is always looking

CASE STUDY

to welcome new members. The 3Ls, as it’s commonly known, was established in 1988 by a group of enthusiastic students under the auspices of the University, and today it boasts over 600 members and 15 clubs.

Join this fantastic community and learn something new in retirement with like-minded people.

Learn 50+ at CLL classes are bookable over four terms (October, January, April and Summer) via: Centre for Lifelong Learning Online Catalogue (strath.ac.uk)

Discover your new hobby at The Seasons Art Class!

Are you looking for a new hobby to enjoy in a relaxing and cozy environment during the cooler months? Do you want to learn something new that anyone can master and continue to enjoy at home long after the class is finished? Are you eager to make new, like-minded friends locally?

We have just the thing for you! At ‘The Seasons Art Class’, we understand the importance of teaching every step from the very beginning. We provide the materials, tools and equipment you need to try out several mediums in one course, helping you discover your talents and preferences. All you need is pencils and paper but we can even help you with those too if you don’t have them. This removes the hassle of shopping and the worry of making expensive mistakes. We cater to absolute beginners who haven’t picked up a paintbrush since school, to those whose teachers told them they couldn’t do it (you can!), and those with some experience looking to improve their techniques. Our top-notch art classes are held in a nurturing and friendly environment at a very reasonable hourly rate. These are proper classes with professional tuition and full-colour handouts to take home and collect but, we make sure everyone feels right at home here.

When you arrive, we encourage you to grab a tea or coffee and a biscuit and bring it to your table to enjoy the same comfort you would have at home. Some customers even bring in their favorite cushion or lap blanket! We believe you do better work when you’re happy and comfortable.

Our classes are a full three hours, giving you plenty of time to achieve

something worthwhile. And don’t worry, there’s another tea or coffee break halfway through when you can stretch your legs, see what everyone else is doing, and chat with your new friends.

To find your nearest branch, make an enquiry, or book a class, visit our website at www.theseasonsartclass.com or scan the QR code.

Our Autumn courses begin in early September and are already booking up fast, so don’t wait – sign up now!

Welcome to our exciting range of on campus and online classes aimed at those aged 50+.

Choose from a variety of classes including creative writing, languages, history, creative art and much more.

Connect and learn with likeminded people.

Visit mycll.strath.ac.uk to browse and book New classes added throughout the year,

Our part time course runs over 3 months – plenty of time to master your new hobby.

Learn to Paint People & Places

Over the 14 week course you will explore four di erent media: Drawing, Painting with Watercolour, Acrylics, and Oil Pastels, highlighting their individual characteristics, learning the basic techniques and secrets needed to create beautiful pieces of original art.

Step By Step Easy Lessons

• Fun part-time course

• 14 Week course, 3-hour classes, once a week

• Morning or afternoon sessions

• Beginners to improvers

• Fun, easy, social event

• We supply everything for you

• Lots of cups of tea!

For the Young at Heart

you through to make it easy and fun!

This is an extremely enjoyable way to develop your creative side and really enjoy the next few months.

On completion of the course you will have 12 pieces of original art to cherish forever. From faces, ﬁgures, friends and family, to beautiful seaside vistas. Even if you have never picked up a brush before, we will guide

Absolute beginners to

Limited Places

To maintain a high standard to our classes and the tuition you will receive, classes are kept to small numbers – so available places are strictly limited!

Sensational Salads

There’s so much more to salad than just a few salad leaves, tomato and cucumber on a plate. They are so easy to elevate and take to the next level by experimenting with different flavours and additional ingredients.

SMOKED MACKEREL with ROASTED BEETROOT, WATERCRESS & WASABI DRESSING

This is one of those salads that can be plated in advance and dressed before serving. It can be served as an appetizer and individually plated or on a sharing plater. It pairs beautifully with a glass of fizz during the holiday season.

4 beetroot, quartered (or 200 g baby beetroot with stalks)

6 tbsp olive oil

1 small celeriac, peeled and cut into fine matchsticks juice of 1 lemon

2 tbsp cider vinegar

2 tbsp clear honey

2 tsp wasabi (or to taste)

100 g watercress, washed and drained, larger stalks removed small handful of fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, tarragon, chives)

4 smoked mackerel fillets, shredded (bones removed)

Serves 4

Preheat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/400ºF/Gas 6. Place the beetroot on a baking sheet with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season well. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes or until cooked through. Meanwhile, toss the celeriac in a large bowl with the lemon juice. In a small bowl, mix the vinegar, honey, wasabi and the remaining olive oil. Toss into the celeriac with the watercress, herbs and smoked mackerel. Add the beetroot and check the seasoning before serving.

PASTA SALAD for a BBQ

This substantial salad works perfectly as a side dish for a barbecue or large gathering. A little goes a long way, and the tastes combine beautifully when paired with grilled meats.

200 g orecchiette

50 g mixed spinach and rocket

120 g mixed edamame beans, petit pois and broad beans

2 small cucumbers, quartered lengthways and chopped

3 spring onions, finely sliced

10 g fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

10 g fresh mint, chopped

2 jalapeños, thinly sliced into rounds

3 tbsp capers, drained grated zest of 1 lemon

100 g artichoke hearts

50 g pumpkin seeds, toasted

½ tsp dried chilli flakes (optional) freshly grated pecorino, to garnish (optional)

THE DRESSING

juice of 1 lemon

1 shallot, finely chopped

1 tsp maple syrup

1 tsp wholegrain mustard

80 ml extra virgin olive oil

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Serves 4

Cook the orecchiette in a large saucepan of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, then set aside to drain while you make the dressing.

In a serving dish whisk the lemon juice and zest, shallot, maple syrup and mustard. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, combine the pasta, spinach and rocket, edamame, peas and broad beans, cucumbers, spring onions, herbs, jalapeños, capers and lemon zest. Toss together for 1–2 minutes, until the spinach and rocket have reduced in volume and becomes slightly wilted.

Add the artichoke hearts and pumpkin seeds and toss gently until just combined.

Season to taste with salt, pepper, chilli flakes and pecorino, if using.

MIXED BRASSICA SALAD with HORSERADISH & LEMON DRESSING

Pure freshness on a plate with a fiery kick from the horseradish. The most important thing to remember here is to dress this simple salad well in advance of serving to give the vegetables time to soften slightly.

100 g fresh peas

1 cauliflower, thinly sliced

200 g cabbage, shredded

200 g Brussels sprouts, shredded

150 g small radishes, thinly sliced lengthways

20 g each (loosely packed) fresh mint and flat-leaf parsley, torn, plus extra to garnish

1 long green chilli, de-seeded and finely chopped

80 g finely grated Parmesan (optional) or vegetarian alternative

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

HORSERADISH LEMON DRESSING

fresh horseradish, grated, to taste

100 ml extra-virgin olive oil

50 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

Serves 4-6

Blanch the peas in boiling water for 1–2 minutes or until bright green, then drain, refresh, drain again and set aside until needed.

For the dressing, whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl, season to taste and set aside.

Combine the cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, radishes, herbs, chilli and half the Parmesan or vegetarian alternative, if using, in a large bowl and toss to combine. Add the lemon dressing, season to taste and mix until the cabbage begins to wilt.

Serve the salad scattered with the peas, the remaining cheese, if using, and extra herbs.

Recipes from Sensational Salads by Kathy Kordalis, published by Ryland Peters & Small (£20)

Photography by Mowie Kay © Ryland Peters & Small

BEAN, SMOKED TROUT AND NEW POTATO SALAD

This is lovely for a weekend lunch or buffet, alongside a cheeseboard or some lovely fresh bread.

500 g new potatoes

300 g runner beans, trimmed and sliced diagonally

4 spring onions, sliced ½ bunch fresh parsley, roughly chopped

200 g smoked trout

10 g mini herbs, leaves and edible flowers

THE DRESSING

50 ml extra-virgin olive oil

juice of ½ lemon

2 tbsp créme fraiche

2 tsp wholegrain mustard

1 tbsp horseradish (optional)

Serves 4

To make the dressing, mix all the ingredients together in a jar or bowl and shake or mix well.

Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 10 minutes until just tender, then drain, allow to cool slightly, then slice into rounds.

Cook the beans in a saucepan of boiling salted water for 10 minutes until tender, then plunge into ice water and drain.

Toss the warm potatoes and beans together with half the spring onions and parsley and half the dressing.

Spread out on a platter, then top with the smoked trout. Scatter over the rest of the spring onions, drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve, or leave everyone to help themselves.

Why retirement is not just about money

By Michael Middleton

For decades the narrative of retirement planning has been dominated by money, clearly investing for retirement is essential, after all living beyond full time work must be paid for.

For a long time the Government was the main provider of pensions, with enlightened employers adding to provision in the early part of the 20th Century. In the years since WWII employer sponsored pension schemes became more common followed by personal provision, which was encouraged with tax incentives. Most people have long understood the need to ensure they have enough by way of pension provision for when they retire. But what is enough?

Debate continues to rage as to how much income an individual needs in retirement and has long been a political football. On the one hand a vote winner if a prospective Government can promise to provide an appealing outcome and on the other the realisation those promises may not be affordable. Subsequently we are provided with encouragement to save more or work longer in order to ease the strain on the taxpayer.

Regardless of your view on how pensions are provided, or at what level, there is something more fundamental to grasp and that is you and your lifestyle and objectives.

As a financial planner I could never fathom how I could advise a client as to the level of retirement provision they should fund without first knowing what kind of life they would like to lead in retirement. This requires a much deeper exploration of where you are now, how you got here and where you would like to get to, which goes much deeper than typical questions about your favourite pastimes or holiday destinations. Important though they are, holidays and hobbies are not the things that bring true purpose and meaning to our lives; understanding this is key to getting the most out of retirement – the financial services industry misses this point regularly.

Ironically by understanding your desired future lifestyle makes financial planning easier. Adopting a ‘save and invest as much as possible’ approach before deciding how to live is the equivalent of putting the cart before the horse. All that said, what do you do if retirement is pending, and you have only ever considered whether you have enough money and not much else?

To begin with it is important to take a step backwards, and ask why you should think about creating meaning and purpose in your life?

Then on the right hand side list the things in life you have found easiest to do, things that you have excelled at, it doesn’t matter how minor or insignificant you think these are, just write them down. There are no right or wrong answers.

Once you have done this take a separate sheet and on the left-hand side write down all the things that you have not enjoyed doing. Follow this by noting on the right hand side all the things you have found difficult or that you have struggled with.

Once complete highlight where your enjoyment and abilities matched and conversely those things you have not enjoyed that coincide with what you found hard.

Looking at your lists can you identify things you would like to stop doing and those of which you would like to do more of or learn more about?

The outputs from your lists in and of themselves may not be sufficient to design a new life, but they are a very good start. If your finances are under strain are there things in your “good” list that could be converted

The simple answer is because it is good for your health and wellbeing. Given the choice between a healthy older age and limited finances or poor health and loads of money I have yet to meet anyone who opts for the latter.

Getting to the bottom of what provides you with renewed purpose and meaning is not always straightforward and may require a degree of experimentation. To help your thinking take a sheet of paper and on the left hand side write down all the things in life that you have enjoyed doing, whether at work, at home, or pastimes and hobbies.

into part time work or even a small new business? There has been a huge growth in small businesses among the over sixties. Among my healthiest clients in the past were those who continued to work in some form or another, often because they wanted to rather than having to. Could you channel your talents into a charity?

After more than 30 years as a financial adviser Mike Middleton sold his business in order to focus on helping those approaching or thinking about retirement to plan differently for this phase of life than has been the norm. His approach is to help people reimagine and reinvent retirement.

Fighting phobias

Phobias can be debilitating, putting strain on relationships, limiting social activities, and casting a shadow over daily routines. Some phobias can be easily understood, such as snakes and spiders. Some are harder to get your head around, like masks, costumes and vegetables.

There are many reasons behind the development of a phobia. With snakes, evolution has likely hardwired us to avoid them. Spiders tend to stimulate feelings of disgust and repulsion which trigger a fear response. While witnessing others’ fear of cats can lead us to develop a phobia ourselves.

Fortunately, most phobias can be addressed; in the majority of cases they can be removed completely. Detailed processes for dealing with phobias are in my new book, “Face Your Fears”, but here is a brief look at a seven-stage process I call the Integrated Change System.

1. Recognise what you’re really afraid of Identifying not just the surface-level fear (dogs, spiders, flying) but also the deeper fears it represents is crucial. Is it a fear of harm, a loss of control, a past traumatic event or something else?

2. Relax the conscious mind

Achieving a state of relaxation allows us to work with fears more effectively. The “4-7-8 Breathing Technique” involves inhaling quietly through the nose for four seconds, holding the breath for seven seconds, and exhaling forcefully through the mouth for eight seconds. Repeated three to four times, this acts as a natural tranquiliser.

3. Reward for your fear

Phobias can serve hidden purposes – a secondary gain.

One way to find this is to ask:

“Does this fear keep me safe from situations I perceive as dangerous?”

“Do I receive comfort or attention because of this fear?”

“What might I lose if this fear were to disappear now?”

4. Recipe

Everything we do, including phobias, operates according to a subconscious ‘recipe’ – a combination of thoughts,

your fear and your acceptance of yourself despite this fear. Proceed to tap lightly but firmly on a sequence of points: eyebrow, side of the eye, under the eye, under the nose, the chin, the collarbone, under the arm, and top of the head.Tapping each point about seven times, briefly state your fear to maintain focus on the issue.

behaviours, and feelings that reinforce, in this case, the fear. Clarity about our recipe for fear makes it easier to change it. A highly effective technique involves changing the internal representation of the fear.

Imagine the thing that triggers your phobia. In your mind’s eye, shrink that image, make it lose its colour, and let it play backward like a film reel running in reverse. This process helps in diminishing the image’s emotional impact.

5. Release the past

Finding the first event and changing the mind’s link to fear can have an effect on how somebody will feel about that fear in the future.

One way to release the past is through tapping. Begin by clearly identifying the fear or specific event related to your phobia and hold this memory in your mind.

Start by tapping on the outer edge of your hand with the fingertips of the other hand. As you tap, verbalise

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After a few rounds of tapping, begin to introduce a positive reframing of your fear. For example, “I am open to feeling safe around dentists.”

6. Recondition your emotions

Our responses to any fearinducing stimuli are learned behaviours. These can be unlearned or modified with an exercise known as Emotional Anchoring. Decide on the positive feeling you want instead of fear and select a memory where you felt this positive emotion strongly. While immersed in this memory, do a simple physical gesture, like pressing your thumb and forefinger together. Repeat with other positive memories. Your chosen physical gesture becomes your anchor – the anchor takes you straight to a positive feeling.

of fear and select a memory where

7. Realise a powerful future Part of your fears will be “what ifs”. For example, what if a spider jumps at you?

We tackle “what ifs” by Script Flipping.Write down as many “what ifs” as you can, then replace each of them with a positive statement or question. For example, what if the spider quietly and quickly goes about its business?

Take your new statements and questions and visualise them, pairing them with affirmations that reinforce your new narrative - perhaps “I am capable of feeling calm and in control around spiders.”

Christopher Paul Jones is a leading Harley Street phobia expert. Having overcome his own phobias, Christopher’s culmination of over 20 years of research across Europe, North America and Asia is an integrated approach combining mainstream psychology with cutting edge techniques: The Integrated Change System™. The system aims to change the mind’s danger response and leave people free and happy to enjoy things they once found terrifying. www.christopherpauljones.com www.youtube.com/user/NewLifetraining www.instagram.com/christopherpauljones/ www.facebook.com/ ChristopherPaulJonesTheBreakthroughExpert twitter.com/breakthruexpert

By Christopher Paul Jones, author of ‘Face your Fears’

Worked hard your whole life? Want to take an adventure of a lifetime?

Retirement is one of the most exciting phases in a person’s life. Sullivan Retirement Residence is offering an alternative way to live the retirement of your dreams; opening a new retirement residence for British expats in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

In recent years, Cambodia has been considered one of the best countries in the world to retire, and it is not hard to see why. With its low cost of living, tropical climate, friendly locals, and breathtaking scenery, it is a perfect destination for seniors to relax and explore. Siem Reap, located in the heart of the country, has always been a popular retirement destination; offering an enchanting city filled with fascinating culture and historical attractions. With

its safe and slower-paced lifestyle, retirees from all over the world are taking advantage of this unique way of living.

Siem Reap’s expat scene offers a vibrant and welcoming community, making itself home to many British residents from all walks of life. With a wide selection of things to keep you busy – including museums, markets, craft classes, and outdoor activities – they’ll always be something to do. Take a cultural boat trip across Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap, or a leisurely stroll down the riverside found in the city centre, or get lost amongst the many French colonial buildings. World class golf courses also make Siem Reap a perfect location for those with a passion for golf, whereas the beautiful mountains and trails at nearby Kulen district offer an outdoor lifestyle for those looking to appreciate nature.

Famous for the Angkor Wat temples, this breathtaking monument hides exciting stories around every corner. Attracting millions of tourists each year, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and a bucket list attraction for many. An architectural masterpiece, covering an area four times the size of Vatican City, it was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the first half of the 12th century making Angkor Wat almost 900 years old.

Cambodians are very proud of their rich culture, which can be seen integrated across many aspects of life in Siem Reap. With a welcoming attitude towards westerners and the English language, it is a perfect opportunity for you to enjoy local cultural activities and events. Annual events in Siem Reap range from Khmer New Year, River Festival, Giant Puppet Parade, Royal Kite Festival, and many more.

Siem Reap offers endless flavours for those looking for great food, with a vast range of Asian and Western dishes to tailor for all needs. Enjoy local tastes at the food markets, explore the local cafe culture, or spoil your loved ones with a fine dining experience - Siem Reap really does offer it all. With welcoming smiles, affordable prices, and outstanding service, Cambodians make every dining experience one to remember.

The healthcare system has seen significant improvements in the last two decades, particularly within major cities. The Cambodian healthcare market comprises a wide variety of providers, including public health facilities, private clinics and hospitals, professional medical service providers, and pharmacies. Whilst a retirement visa provides access to free public healthcare, obtaining private expat healthcare insurance will ensure you have access to the highest standards of medical care; similar to those seen across the western world. And let’s not forget that Southeast Asia offers some of the most beautiful countries in the world for you to explore during your retirement. Siem Reap’s newly built international airport makes travelling around Southeast Asia an affordable and painless experience for your retirement. With many direct flights to popular neighbouring countries – including Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia – you can enjoy weekend getaways or long-term trips at your fingertips.

Owing to the growing trend of British people retiring abroad in Siem Reap, Sullivan Retirement Residence is a soon-to-be opened retirement community that offers a hassle-free way for people to take advantage of this extraordinary way of life. An unmatched lifestyle with exceptional living, Sullivan Retirement Residence understands that your golden years should be filled with endless opportunities to

explore and live each day to the fullest. Recently built in January 2024, this new property is modernly designed with top of the range

facilities throughout; including a communal pool, sky bar, and yoga studio. With a selection of one and two bedroom luxury apartments for rent, you can ensure you’ll be living in comfort and style during your retirement. However, more than just accommodation, Sullivan Retirement Residence offers an all-inclusive package to allow you to enjoy a carefree retirement whilst living in a community of likeminded British retirees. A monthly fee will take care of every aspect of the journey for you, including visas, phone contracts, and local bank accounts. Weekly meals will be served in the comfort of your apartment, or to be enjoyed with your friends on the sky bar. Also included in the fee are exciting weekly group activities and continuous access to onsite private drivers to help you explore the city with peace of mind.

Established by a father and son duo, this family run business is extremely hands-on and part of the daily life at Sullivan Retirement Residence Currently living in Cambodia – as British expats – they understand the local marketplace and have established relationships to ensure a seamless process is seen at every step. With the aim of getting to know each resident personally, and fully understanding their needs, they have a mission to make sure that each resident has the best possible experience when retiring abroad. A company that truly has their residents’ best interest at the heart of everything they do.

Opening soon on 1st August 2024 – join the many Brits who are already taking advantage of retirement in Siem Reap and living each day to the fullest. Don’t wait any longer, live the retirement you deserve!

If you’re looking for an

1* year for

*Four issues a year, published quarterly.

Email your subscription enquiry to: info@amramedia.co.uk

Or send a cheque for £15 to: Amra Media Solutions Ltd Marash House, 2-5 Brook Street Tring, Herts HP23 5ED The perfect gift to give year-round pleasure

Please contact our Head Ofﬁce on 0118 942 8782 to discuss your residential park home or holiday lodge requirements.We can supply park homes and leisure lodge homes from any manufacturer.We have an inventory of stock homes from any of the leading manufacturers available immediately, alternatively you can place a forward order for a home of your choice with a lead time of 12 weeks delivery. Our parks are located in Berkshire,Wiltshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Essex with our address details listed below.

We have in excess of 1200 residents living on our estates and have more than 40 years experience in the industry, with our ﬁrst park ownership in 1976. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our parks.

What’s On...

A Focus on Paris

The Fan Museum, Greenwich Exhibition extended to 17 August

Focusing on Paris as a cultural hub of inventiveness and entrepreneurship, this captivating exhibition of around 90 fans shows Paris as a city at the cutting edge of artistic craft, aviation and fashion.

From the late 17th century, Paris was famed for its skill and ingenuity in fan making, using not only natural materials such as narrow strips of straw and slivers of mother-of-pearl but also silver and gilding to decorate and enhance fans. Generally made by anonymous craftsmen in the 18th century, by the mid- 19th century the makers and the artists were signing fans, giving the objects, and in some cases their owners, an important identity.

It was not long after the invention of the cabriolet carriage, the hot air balloon and later airships and aircraft that they are found depicted on the leaves of fans – early records of important historical events. Less lavish fans but with a significant emphasis, those made during the French Revolutionary period reveal propaganda and political messages and as Paris was host to seven international world fairs between 1850 and 1940, the power of advertising through souvenir fans becomes clear. That theme is carried on with fans focusing on Paris society in the 1920s and its place as a leader in the world of fashion.

For further information www.thefanmuseum.org.uk

See fashion in 18th-century Britain, a revolutionary period of trade, travel and technology which fuelled fashion trends across all levels of society. Explore the Georgians’ style and trends with a chance to view magnificent paintings, prints and drawings by artists including Gainsborough, Zoffany and Hogarth. Also on display are luxurious textiles, sparkling jewellery and a wide range of accessories. The exhibition reveals how the Georgians ushered in many of the cultural trends we know today, including the first stylists and influencers,

©Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 Royal Collection Trust, Photograph: Giulia Sansone.

Now you see us: Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920

Tate Britain, Millbank, London Until 13 October

Gwen John,SelfPortrait, 1902. Photo Tate (Mark Heathcote and Samuel Cole).

This ambitious group show charts women’s road to being recognised as professional artists, a 400-year journey which paved the way for future generations and established what it meant to be a woman in the British art world. The exhibition covers the period in which women were visibly working as professional artists, but went against societal expectations to do so.

Featuring over 100 artists, the exhibition celebrates well-known names such as Artemisia Gentileschi, Angelica Kauffman, Julia Margaret Cameron and Gwen John, alongside many others who are only now being rediscovered. Their careers were as varied as the works they produced: some prevailed over genres deemed suitable for women like watercolour landscapes and domestic scenes. Others dared to take on subjects dominated by men like battle scenes and the nude, or campaigned for equal access to training and membership of professional institutions. Showcasing over 200 works, including oil painting, watercolour, pastel, sculpture, photography and ‘needlepainting’ to tell the story of these trailblazing artists.

For more information visit www.tate.org.uk

Jockeys in the Rain, about 1883–86, by Edgar Degas. ©CSG CIC Glasgow Museums and Libraries Collections.

Discovering Degas – Collecting in the time of William Burrell

Pollok Country Park, Glasgow

Until 30 September

An exhibition celebrating one of the most-loved Impressionist artists, Edgar Degas. The exhibition will bring together around 30 works on loan from leading national and international collections, with Sir William Burrell’s outstanding collection of more than 20 works by the artist. The loaned works include beautiful examples of Degas’ pastels and bronze figures from collections like the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, Tate London and the Courtauld Institute, also in London. Sir William Burrell and his wife Constance, Lady Burrell were amongst the earliest Scottish collectors to buy art by Degas. Over a 40-year collecting period the Burrells bought over 20 pieces, far more than any other UK collector and spanning the artist’s entire career.

As well as bringing together some of the finest examples of Degas’ work, the exhibition will explore the Burrells’ collecting through fascinating letters and other archival material, positioning them in the context of other British collectors at the time. Like the Burrells, many other collectors began to appreciate Degas’ incredible talent for capturing subjects like the ballet, racehorses, and scenes of modern life during the late 1800s and early 1900s. For further information visit www.www.glasgow.gov.uk

Stories in Stitch

The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham

Don’t miss this chance to explore the social and historical significance of needlework, and uncover the stories expressed in stitches at The Bowes Museum.

This extraordinary exhibition showcases a varied collection of samplers and embroidered pictures, from the 17th to the 20th century. Many different styles of stitching are on display, which give an insight into the evolution and popularity of domestic embroidery in Britain.

A unique opportunity to appreciate the intricate skills and techniques of both amateur and professional makers, including the remarkable work of Mary Linwood. Known for her ‘needle paintings’ that mimic the brush strokes of Old Masters like Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough, Linwood’s work highlights the artistic potential of embroidery.

Additionally, the exhibition features the award-winning creations of local artist Dorothy Ann French, whose embroidered pictures reflect the rich cultural heritage of the North East of England. French’s connection to the Bowes family and her success in various craft competitions in the 1890s add a personal touch to the display. For further information visit www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Until 29 September

Panel for casket showing Pyramus and Thisbe, c.1650, English. ©The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle.

Fairway’s range of residential bungalowstyle park homes has been meticulously designed with customers’ needs in mind, offering contemporary styling throughout, and superb kerb appeal.

The range includes a dedicated collection of park homes and holiday lodges, with layouts designed to suit today’s lifestyle, whether for residential living or holiday use.

Inspirational spacious open plan layouts, standard layouts, modern furnishings, vaulted ceilings, feature glazing, contemporary kitchens with integrated appliances, master bedrooms with en-suite, walk-in wardrobes, family bathroom or shower room, mono pitch roof….. and more.

Park Home Living

If you are approaching retirement or contemplating semi-retirement, then maybe you are thinking of moving and the various options available. Perhaps you are looking to escape the responsibilities and pressures of running a large house now that the family have flown the nest. You may want somewhere more economical to run, with not too much housework or a large garden that can become a chore. Having more free time at your disposal once you have retired, you will find your living space will suddenly assume a greater part of your daily life. If you are considering moving, the great thing about retirement is that it gives you the chance to branch out into a different lifestyle, move away to a different place and start a new adventure. It may not be an option you have thought about, but Park Home living is something well worth considering.

Park Homes are less like a caravan and more like a luxury bungalow style property. Usually fully furnished to high specifications, with low maintenance, and not having the responsibility of looking after a larger property. They are well insulated with double or triple glazing and central

heating, making them very energy efficient and eco-friendly, and they also fall within the lowest council tax band. Many have their own driveway and a small, easy to maintain garden. They are an affordable alternative to a more traditional home and the numerous different styles and designs offered guarantees there is a Park Home to suit any personality or taste. Park Homes fall in to two categories, residential park homes on parks with an all year round licence which allows you to live there full time, and leisure homes which are intended to be used as holiday homes and can be rented out when you are not using it, giving you a source of income. Make sure that the park of your choice has the type of license to cover the use of your home as you require.

Found nationwide, Park Homes are becoming particularly sought after for the retired, as they offer a lifestyle with many benefits. Most residential parks have a minimum age requirement meaning that the majority of residents are either retired or semi-retired so you will find yourself among like-minded people of a similar age who are looking for peace and quiet, but at the same time are still active, with many of the parks offering a wide choice of leisure facilities and entertainment. Many people

like the fact that Park Home living provides a community that can give a strong sense of belonging, with the opportunity of making many friends and socialising with people who have similar ideas, attitudes and interests. Whether it be taking a walk in the countryside or chatting over a cup of tea, or wine! Individual privacy needs to be respected but at the same time no-one needs to feel isolated.

Many Park Homes sites are pet friendly. However, each park will have its own individual pet policy, so if you do own a pet it is best to check this before arranging to view the park.

As we grow older, it becomes increasingly important to find a place to live where we feel safe and allows us to relax and feel comfortable. For that extra feeling of security, many have secure gated entry and CCTV to give residents that added peace of mind, which makes them very inviting to an older age group.

Park Homes are often located in the heart of the countryside, nicely landscaped and set in idyllic, relaxing surroundings, away from city noise but with shops and local amenities still within easy reach. While there are lots of financial benefits to choosing a Park Home, improved quality of life is the main reason people choose a park life.

Over the next few pages, highlighted are some of the very best Park Homes on offer throughout the UK.

Free up cash and lower your overheads in a comfortable, well-located home

Freedom

Moving to one of our coastal, rural or semi-rural residential parks could help you free up cash and save on your bills. So, not only will you be super-comfortable in a brand new, move-in ready home in a like-minded community. You’ll also have more to spend on the good things in life and could be closer to friends and family. Whether you’re retiring or winding your work down, it’s time to give yourself the opportunity to make the most of every day.

High-quality, low-maintenance, single-storey homes

Safe, secure community of like-minded residents

Private

Private garden and parking

No stamp duty

Part

Part exchange and assisted move options available

Release your equity and enjoy a luxury Park Home by the sea for a healthier way of life

Beach Court Park is a wonderful community where homeowners enjoy the very best quality in a peaceful location directly on the seafront in the small resort of Seasalter situated a short distance along the coast from Whitstable in Kent.

The Park has 38 residents and on completion with accommodate 50 homes. Residents must be over 50 and there are restrictions regarding pets. The Park boasts a superb layout which includes mains gas, security gates, CCTV, visitors parking and a reception office. The Park is well lit at night which makes it a safe and secure environment to live. The homes are well spaced and open plan gardens are well tended by the residents.

Locally you will find all the amenities you require plus a bus stop

CASE STUDY

Find your happy place at a Tingdene residential park

Retirement should be a time of freedom, financial security, and friendships. Tingdene Residential Parks offer an excellent way to enjoy your later years, whether you are beginning your retirement or seeking a lifestyle change. We don’t just sell homes; we create communities.

We cater to the retired and semi-retired, offering homes in beautiful rural, coastal, and town & country locations close to essential amenities. These settings support an active lifestyle with various sports, leisure activities, and hobbies nearby.

With 30 years of experience, Tingdene delivers high-quality housing and vibrant communities. Each new home comes fully furnished with private outdoor space and parking. With 28 parks and homes to suit every lifestyle and budget, come and explore for yourself.

A rural retreat in Suffolk – Nestled in the heart of the countryside Wixfield Park in Great Bricett, near Ipswich, is a well-established park home community. The rural setting offers residents a wonderfully peaceful lifestyle with adventure close by in the local villages and towns. Prices from £169,950.

CASE STUDY

Stylish park homes, designed by Fairway Park & Leisure Homes, especially for you

The beauty of purchasing a residential park home from Fairway Park & Leisure Homes is the ability to personalise the home to suit your needs.

Imagine the excitement of moving into a brand-new home that you have helped design, working with our experienced team.

We, at Fairway, have a range of homes that have been designed with our customer’s lifestyle needs at the forefront of our minds. However, we also know that no two people are the same, so, we will invite you to visit our Design Studio, where you can view the many internal options available, enabling you to make your choices in comfortable surroundings.

It might be that you instantly love one of our models and don’t want to make any changes, however, it might be that you love the style of say, the Ashby, but would like to change the layout a bit, perhaps incorporating a separate utility room into the layout, or maybe a study.

We will work through all the finer details with you, discussing all aspects which will include, a choice of carpet, furniture, kitchen cupboards, appliances, fireplace, and more.

directly outside the Park, which will take you to Faversham, Canterbury and beyond. There is a pub restaurant on the door step and gated access to the beach which is owned by the Park.

Show homes are available for immediate occupation with plots on offer with panoramic sea views.

For further details or to arrange a visit please contact: South East Parks Ltd • 01227 263389 www.southeastparks.co.uk • sales@southeastparks.co.uk

Fun on the Essex sunshine coast – Located a few minutes’ drive from the Essex Sunshine coast in Clactonon-Sea, Sandpiper Gardens offers open countryside views with the sounds of crashing waves and the taste of salty sea air. Prices from £199,950.

The best of town and country – For the best of both worlds, Badgerwood Park in Wokingham, Berkshire, offers a balance of town and country living. Situated in stunning woodland close to a golf course, it is ideal for those wanting to retire to a quiet, leafy area while staying close to amenities. Prices from £287,450.

At Tingdene Parks we support you every step, from selling your home to moving in and getting acquainted with your new neighbours. To start planning your best retirement, call our friendly team on 01933 829945 or visit www.tingdene-parks.net for your free copy of our Beginners’ Guide to Park Home Living.

Whether you choose the Preston, Ashby, Newnham, Haddon or Burcote, you can be assured of a high-quality superior finish, contemporary stylish interiors, vaulted ceilings, fully equipped kitchens with integrated appliances, spacious lounge/diner, two double bedrooms, and an array of tasteful finishing touches throughout. Fairway’s team pride themselves on providing a personal service, from start to finish, and you will see us on-site to personally complete the home. For added peace of mind, all homes are provided with a 10-year structural warranty, which applies to all homes, including our range of holiday lodges.

Why not visit our website today, and find out more for yourself - www.fairway-homes.co.uk

A family operated business for more than 40 years!

Garstons Park is the headquarters of JJCooper Park Estates that specialises in park home living. A family run business with over 40 years’ experience. Although a family run business, we employ a large number of staff to ensure the parks run smoothly and the welfare needs of the residents are met in a friendly and professional manner. The parks are for those 45 years of age and over, and therefore the majority of residents are retired or semi-retired. Location is everything, we operate eight residential park homes set in beautiful areas of the south of England, three within easy reach of London. We take great pride in maintaining and developing our properties to the highest standard. We offer single and double homes to cater for a variety of lifestyles as we understand that everyone’s needs are unique. Parks have immaculate, well-kept garden areas and many have

leisure facilities on site, such as fishing, walks and golf, as well as conveniently situated within walking distance of local amenities too. We can supply park homes and leisure lodge homes from any manufacturer. We have an inventory of stock homes from any of the leading manufacturers available immediately, or alternatively you can place an order for a home of your choice.

www.jjcooperandsons.com 0118 942 8782

CASE STUDY

Your opportunity to share the delights that thousands of visitors experience at the award winning Southwaite Green Mill

Situated adjacent to the River Eamont in the village of Eamont Bridge about one mile from the attractive market town of Penrith and close to Lake Ullswater, Derwent Water and Windermere, in the beautiful English Lake District. In an ideal location, with excellent road and rail links, with a free weekly mini bus service to Penrith.

Our fully residential park home development for the over 55s was opened in August 1994 and is now recognised as one of the prime park developments in the UK. Affordable and energy-efficient living, with superb interiors, as we appreciate not everyone’s tastes and needs are the same so our luxury homes are designed to suit each individual’s requirements.

You can choose from a large selection of wall coverings, colours, carpets, bedroom furniture and of course a choice of kitchen designs.

CASE STUDY

Welcome to Warfield Park

Warfield Park is a spacious residential park established in 1947, boasting a variety of luxurious park homes, set among 92 acres of beautiful parkland, located on land which was once part of Windsor Great Park and is one of the longest established residential park home estates in the UK.

Our park homes come complete with generously sized gardens, garages and parking, carefully situated to harmonise with their surroundings. Warfield Park is like a village; you can enjoy all the benefits of living in a small rural community, while having Bracknell town centre, mainline trains to London, the M3 and M4 within easy reach.

Warfield Park also boasts a popular onsite Community Centre, Hairdresser, Beauty Salon and a coin-operated Launderette. The park’s stunning communal areas are maintained by our experienced team of groundsmen and we also have a long-term tree planting and woodland management scheme in place to keep Warfield Park beautifully green.

Warfield Park is run from our on-site office Maclaren House which is situated in the centre of the park. Our friendly staff are available to

There are also external choices, whether it’s the colour of the roof tiles, bricks, and your preference of paving or block paving for the driveway, with all plots having the space for a garage subject to local planning. The entrances to your home are designed as requested with either steps or ramps, whichever you prefer.

Great emphasis has been put on site security for residents’ peace of mind, with electronic entry gates to provide a secure environment, an experienced award winning park operator and on-site helpdesk. All this and much more.

Come and see us and make your dream a reality. www.southwaitegreenmill.com

assist you with any enquiries or specific requirements, and this is your main point of contact should you require information on buying a new park home or renting at Warfield Park.

Unlike some other residential parks, we have no age limit and welcome up to 3 well-behaved pets. After all, what’s the point in living among such beauty if you’re not out walking the dog to appreciate it?

With weekly activities such as pilates, the Garden Club and games nights, weekend events at least once a month, and a yearly summer fete and winter fair. Whatever your interests there is sure to be something for you.

To speak to someone about making Warfield Park your home, call us: 01344 884666, email us: enquiries@warfieldpark.co.uk or visit our website: www.warfieldpark.co.uk

UK Park Life

At Park Realty Group we provide extensive services and support to both leisure parks and residential parks across the UK. We manufacture AMOBI, which is our own brand of bespoke homes, all built in our factory in Cardiff and these include: Park Homes, Luxury Lodges and winterised up-scale caravans.

In the last 12 months we have been asked by many of our Park Operators to provide them with help to spread the word about their amazing parks. We love a challenge at Park Realty Group, so in June this year we launched our brand new Marketing Service for Parks across the UK.

We have cherry picked the finest parks from Scotland to Cornwall, each offering something special. Many of our parks offer great transport links and some even have their own on-site bus stop or train station.

We specialise in working with individuals and helping people to understand the different types of site licences, the rules and the legalities as well as the benefits and the risks. We do not charge for our consultancy service – it is completely free of charge. We listen to our clients’ needs and desires and then recommend parks to visit based on specific criteria.

In addition to this, we can find you the perfect home and we are always available to design a bespoke home for you from scratch; that could be a unique floor plan, a high quality internal fit-out or an accessible home with wide corridors, low-level kitchens and large doors with lowered thresholds.

Our sister company, which has been established for 23 years, provides

Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas mark 6.

Property Finder Services in Spain so if you are looking to downsize and keep a foot-hold in the UK we can help with both elements. We partner with excellent currency and legal partners in Spain and professional partners for finance and legal in the UK.

Our high street shop is located in Wimborne Dorset. For your ‘no obligation’ meeting simply give us a call to have an informal chat with one of our professional advisors.

For more information visit: www.ukparklife.com • www.Love2spain.com

Vegetarian Recipe

Courtesy of The Vegetarian Society.

For further information and more recipes visit www.vegso.org

STICKY CIDER-GLAZED SAUSAGE TRAYBAKE

Prep time 10 mins, cook time 1 hr - Serves 4. Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Nut-Free, Dairy-Free,Vegan.

FOR THE STICKY CIDER GLAZE

440ml good quality vegan cider

1 tsp chopped chives

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp white caster sugar

1½ tbsp English mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE TRAYBAKE

500g mini baby new potatoes

1 tbsp olive oil

2 whole garlic bulbs tops cut off to expose the cloves

6 vegan sausages

2 red onions cut into wedges

150g Tenderstem broccoli

2 red apples cut into wedges

In a large bowl, add all the sticky cider glaze ingredients and whisk together thoroughly.

FOR THE DIPPING SAUCE

100g vegan hollandaise sauce

2 tbsp gherkins, finely chopped

1 tsp chives, chopped

1 tsp chopped flat-leaf parsley

A handful of flat-leaf parsley and torn basil to garnish

In a 30 x 40cm deep-sided roasting tray, add the potatoes and coat them with the olive oil. Cook for 20 minutes.

Add the garlic, sausages and red onion. Cook for another 10 minutes.

Add the glaze and Tenderstem broccoli and cook for a further 15 minutes.

Add the apple wedges and cook for a further 10 minutes.

To make the dipping sauce: In a large bowl, add all the ingredients and mix together. Transfer the sauce to a ramekin and set aside.

Once the traybake is cooked, take it out of the oven. Put the ramekin of dipping sauce in the corner of the tray and garnish with parsley leaves and torn basil.

Warfield Park’s new homes are single storey, energy efficient and low maintenance – a place to relax.

Time for you to enjoy the 92 acres of stunning parkland with meandering walks yet close to local amenities – a hidden gem!

New Home For Sale

KINGSTON HOME 50’ x 22’ PRICED at £495,000 6 months free pitch fee and £1,000 John Lewis voucher upon completion

A fully furnished high specification Kingston Serenity home with two bedrooms, en-suite shower room, bathroom, triple aspect lounge, dining room and study. This home comes complete with integrated Bosch appliances and high quality furniture. Set within a good sized fully landscaped garden with patio, detached garage and driveway parking.

Are you over 50 and either planning retirement or already retired?

Retiring from work marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in life. You finally have the time to do the things that you always promised yourself. It could be trying new experiences, learning a new skill, meeting new people, travelling, exploring new hobbies or spending more time with loved ones. The choice and freedom to do what you like without the deadlines and constraints of work is yours!

Established for almost 100 years and with over 30,000 members the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners (NFOP) is a not-for-profit membership organisation providing a broad range of carefully selected services and membership benefits to help our members get the most out of life in retirement.

Members have access to dedicated financial, legal, tax and computer helplines; over 50s specialist travel insurance, exclusive retail and travel offers, a quarterly magazine, regular eNewsletters, monthly NFOP lottery draw, member’s welfare fund and much more!

NFOP also actively campaigns for the rights of its membership and older people in general as a partner organisation of Later Life Ambitions, regularly meeting with government Ministers, MPs and Peers to discuss issues concerning the older generation of today including the Triple Lock and the Pensioners Manifesto

With membership options from just £2.25 per month, join the NFOP today and enjoy peace of mind in the knowledge that whatever you choose to do, they are right behind you.

Visit nfop.org.uk or call them on 01582 721652 to find out more.

Begin your next chapter with NFOP – Your Retirement Your Freedom

Angela Gifford CEO

funding to pay for healthcare

What is a Personal Health Budget?

A Personal Health Budget is a source of NHS funding to pay for healthcare support, which is not widely known.

A Personal Health Budget is based upon a personalised, 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.

personalized, care, support plan

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.

wellbeing needs, the outcomes they wish reached, then NHS funding towards

Personal Health Budgets can be given to people who require healthcare support in their home or in a care home.

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.

healthcare support needs can apply for criteria, search ‘NHS who can have

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.

• 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.

people who require healthcare support

• Live-in Care offers helps with domestic tasks, assistance with personal care and especially important in the Autumn and Winter seasons, companionship.

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.

If you would like to know more about our Live-in Care Schemes, give us a call on 01603 764567.

Integrated Care Board, which you can to apply for this funding. Recently, care needs and was advised to contact would apply on her behalf.

– Angela Gifford – Able Community Care –A nationwide, live-in, care provider since 1980

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.

Parkinson’s Disease, stroke support, may

Our information brochure gives further information and our website at

Very weak income growth for poor pensioners has meant rising pensioner poverty since 2011

Pensioner incomes increased much faster than incomes of workingage people from the early 2000s until 2011. This led to the remarkable situation where, on average, pensioner incomes reached around the same level as average incomes for those under state pension age. Since then, average incomes of pensioners have grown no faster than anyone else’s –incomes of both pensioners and those of working age grew by 12–13% between 2011 and 2022. However, over the same period, incomes at the 10th percentile of pensioner incomes grew by just 5%. This means that the gap between poorer pensioners and those on average incomes grew. Relative pensioner poverty also rose between 2011 and 2022 from 13% to 16%, equivalent to an additional 300,000 pensioners in poverty.

These are some of the headline findings in new IFS research into pensioner incomes and poverty, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and released recently.

Fuss-free fabrics

Fabrics add movement, softness and colour at home. Combine gently crumpled, smartly smooth and cosily dense textures, from light-diffusing sheers to luxurious yet practical upholstery. Hunt out textiles that look crisp on a daily basis, with minimum effort and maximum decorative impact. Apply that rule to every fabric, from the humblest towel to full-length curtains.

We ask a lot from our furnishing fabrics – and in the casual home, there’s even more pressure for textiles to be both good looking and high performance. When choosing fabrics, knowing what style of curtains or upholstery you want helps, but do some research as well. It’s impossible to gauge drape, texture or indeed pattern from the tiny swatches that fabric companies usually supply, so

visit department stores or fabric showrooms to view show lengths. What happens when you scrunch a fabric – does it look prettily rumpled, or just a creased mess? Is your chosen textile suitable for upholstery; will it lose its easygoing crumpled appeal if it’s lined? Steer clear of fabrics that are dry clean only.

If you love a gently dishevelled look, natural texture and the promise of a truly easy-care fabric, then linen, cotton and linen union (usually a mix of linen and cotton) are obvious choices, though lighter-weight variations aren’t suitable for upholstery. There are linens in every shade –including natural tones – and every weight, and the beauty of linen is that it can be washed at 40ºC/104ºF and looks its best when slightly creased. If linen is used for slipcovers, have them made up slightly large, to allow for shrinkage.

Depending on the look you’re after, cottons are inexpensive and remarkably versatile, from translucent muslin – brilliant for window sheers –to denim, which is great for upholstery, and printed cotton. A linen union, in a plain colour, is a fail-safe choice for upholstery – it will retain its neat and crisp good looks, and is washable and durable. Classic ticking is another reliable choice.

In a sophisticated city casual home, it may be more appropriate to choose fixed upholstery styles and fabric that looks pristine on a daily basis and that won’t pill or rub over time. If you like a smooth finish, choose 100% wool in a plain colour, wool mix weaves in tiny patterns, tweed or brushed cotton. For a dense but smart texture, options include jumbo corduroy, chenille or cotton velvet.

If upholstery is fixed, go for a reasonably dark shade so that there are few worries about stains, or choose a large pattern like damask or even tapestry – great in a country casual setting. Striped horsehair is expensive, but has a lustrous sheen and is incredibly hard wearing.

It’s hard to go wrong with leather upholstery, but new leather can look cheap. If you buy new, choose leather that has been distressed so that it doesn’t look too pristine. Old leather sets the best tone; ideally, it will already be nicely softened, with worn patina. It needs minimal maintenance: occasionally treat it with saddle soap and buff with a soft cloth. Vintage fabrics also have a place in the casual home. There is a reason why antique linen sheets and tablecloths endure: they are strong and made to last, becoming softer and more tactile with age. Use vintage sheets for curtains and blinds/shades, light upholstery (such as chair covers) or to cover headboards. Antique fabrics may come with the odd stain or hole, but that adds to the relaxed appeal.

Upholstery and window treatments

Scour antiques markets for pieces of embroidered cotton or lace tablecloths. Antique textiles, already gently worn in, are brilliant allies in the casual home. In this country bathroom, a piece of embroidered voile has been casually fixed across the window for privacy.

stay put, but other fabrics – cushion covers, tablecloths, bed covers – are moved or used on a daily basis. As well as being washable, these must only require shaking out or plumping up to regain their good looks in a moment. Have some fun with texture for cushion covers – think of softly knitted ones, gently worn floral chintzes or felted wool that keeps its shape. Easy, fresh table linens include non-iron seersucker in jolly checks, oilcloths or table runners made from hand-loomed vintage hemp, which are intended to look rustic and crumpled. As for bed coverings, traditional feather eiderdowns or quilted bedcovers, either satin or in cotton matelasse, look relaxed but smart.

For a funky mood, look out for 1960s and 1970s sofas in low-slung shapes with original leather upholstery. Bottle green or red are a quirky alternative to tan.

Scraps of old lace or silk can be stitched into scatter cushions. Have fun mixing one or two really ornate textiles with simple white cotton bed linen.

Odd pieces of vintage fabric, made into one-off cushions, provide a hit of quirky pattern and unusual colour.

An extract from Beautifully Casual Home by Judith Wilson, published by Ryland Peters & Small (£25) Photography by Polly Wreford

Amazing. Jumping in, how does your process work when meeting with a new patient? Could you run us through what your consultation and treatment process looks like on your end? When I ﬁrst meet with a new patient, I take them through a comprehensive assessment of their needs, goals and concerns, after which I take some examinations (ct scan, ios scan, dental records review) which used to formulate a bespoke treatment plan. often use smile design to allow the patient to visualise the end result.

To follow up on that, many people nowadays are under the impression that dental implants are a painful and intimidating procedure. What would you say people who might be scared of getting an implant? A lot of patients have a pre-existing fear of dental implants because of a past negative experience they

Q5: And for any patients that might feel anxious about the procedure, how would you say sedation actually helps with dental implant procedures? I would say that in general, complications related to sedation are rare to none, and sedation actually plays a crucial role when it comes to dental care and implants. Conscious sedation is allows to create a more comfortable and relaxed experience for the patients. During conscious sedation, patients are still awake and able to breathe on their own, but it also lets them feel calmer throughout the procedure.

Q6: Now, once you’re gone through with your implant procedure, it’s safe to say the hard part is over. What would you remind readers are the most important steps in maintaining your implants once you’ve gone through the procedure? Great question. I would say that as a whole, dental implants are designed to be functional and natural replacements for your original teeth, which means you should continue using them as you would your natural teeth for biting, chewing, and speaking. Also, just like natural teeth, implants need regular dental cleanings and diligent oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, using dental ﬂoss or interdental brushes to clean between the teeth and implants, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. provide clear explanations, and address any doubts you may have

FULL ARCH ON DENTAL IMPLANTS EXPLAINED BY THE EXPERT

Dr. Simon, could you enlighten us on how many teeth can be restored with a full arch on dental implant?

The number of teeth restored with a full arch on dental implant varies based on the patient’s needs, smile width and bone. Typically, it ranges from ten to twelve teeth.

How should one clean full arch implants?

Trust the experts in dental implants and full mouth teeth in a day. Voted best implant centre in the UK in 2024.

Full arch dental implants offer improved speech clarity, comfort, strength compared to natural teeth, and long-term beneﬁts.

Is discomfort common after the procedure?

Whilst the procedure is completely pain free, a bit of discomfort is to be expected for a few days following the procedure. Adjusting to the newly implanted teeth can initially feel strange, but once acclimated, a new life starts! Also, a lot will depend on the type of procedure: guided surgery vs traditional. I completely moved to guided as it allows max accuracy in the implants positioning and minimises discomfort and invasiveness.

Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity of implants. Utilizing super ﬂoss, electric toothbrushes, and thorough brushing of teeth and cheeks, coupled with regular professional cleanings every six to twelve months, ensures optimal care. Again, a lot would depend on the design of the bridge, we are one of the few clinics in Europe o ering a particular design (FP1) which make daily maintenance much easier and similar to the one on natural teeth.

Once the ﬁnal bridges are ﬁtted it is possible to resume a normal diet enjoying again the full pleasure of eating.

Lastly, what are the pros of full arch dental implants when compared to dentures?

“ “ “ “

Are all dental implants the same?

Not at all. Dental implants vary in type, materials used, methodology, and duration of the procedure. Implant quality is key to obtain a good long lasting result.

Could you walk us through the process of a full arch dental implant?

Full arch dental implants are a multi-session process involving initial assessments, x-rays, impressions, and careful planning by the dentist before the actual implant procedure, which may require oral surgery. I also perform a particular treatment called Teeth In A Day which provides a new set of teeth within the same day of surgery. Quite an amazing transformation!

Optimum replacement for 1 missing tooth or £1,850

Looks and functions like a regular tooth once fitted

How long can full arch implants last?

A high quality & aesthetic permanent solution

With proper care, full arch implants can last for many years, even a lifetime. Consistent oral hygiene is paramount for their longevity.

Premium materials & lifetime warranty * T&C Applies

What dietary considerations should one have after the procedure?

Following the procedure, it’s advisable to consume soft and nutritious foods such as yogurt, ice cream, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.

Full arch dental implants o er improved speech clarity, comfort, strength compared to natural teeth, and long-term beneﬁts. They also o er a ﬁxed and extremely natural looking solution, very di erent from the rocking denture scenario.

From £95 /month*

With proper care, full arch implants can last for many years, even a lifetime.

Looks and functions like a natural arch of teeth

Same day, high quality & aesthetic fixed solution

Lifetime Guarantee

The most cost effective treatment for permanently replacing a whole arch of teeth * T&C Applies

Wherever you are based in the UK, don’t compromise - get the best treatment at the best price. We got you covered and will look after you.

Dr Simon D.D.S. Implant & Cosmetic Dentist

TIRED OF WEARING DENTURES? FIX SOLUTIONS EXPLAINED

TIRED OF WEARING DENTURES? FIX SOLUTIONS EXPLAINED BY THE EXPERT

With a remarkable career spanning over almost two decades, Dr. Mehdi is renowned for his expertise, precision, and compassionate approach, all of which have led him to become one of the most trusted name in the ﬁeld of UK dentistry. From complex implant surgeries to comprehensive restorative & cosmetic treatments, Dr. Mehdi’s commitment to exceptional treatments and results has led him to be at the forefront of improving patients’ lives and smiles. We sat down with Dr. Mehdi to dive into his wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for innovating dental health treatments with the help of dental implants.

4. How should one clean full arch implants?

Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and success of full arch implants. E ective cleaning routines should include the use of super ﬂoss, which can clean under and around the implants, and electric toothbrushes, which provide thorough brushing of both teeth and cheeks. Daily oral hygiene practices are complemented by regular professional cleanings, recommended every six to twelve months, to ensure optimal care and to address any potential issues early.

7. What dietary considerations should one have after the procedure?

“ “

Many patients are often pleasantly surprised by the minimal discomfort they end up feeling, along with how easy and predictable the treatment really is

“ “

Many patients are often pleasantly surprised by the minimal discomfort they end up feeling, along with how easy and predictable the treatment really is

1. Dr. Mehdi, could you enlighten us on how many teeth can be restored with a full arch on dental implant?

The number of teeth restored with a full arch on dental implants typically ranges from ten to twelve. This range depends on several factors, including the patient’s individual needs, the width of their smile, and the bone structure available for the implants. The goal is to provide a full, natural-looking smile that functions e ectively.

The design of the bridge also impacts the ease of maintenance. For instance, our clinic o ers a speciﬁc design known as FP1, which resembles natural teeth and makes daily maintenance much simpler. This design allows patients to clean their implants as they would their natural teeth, enhancing comfort and ease of care.

5. Could you walk us through the process of a full arch dental implant?

The process of receiving full arch dental implants involves multiple steps and careful planning:

5. Could you walk us through the process of a full arch dental implant?

The process of receiving full arch dental implants involves multiple steps and careful planning:

Once the ﬁnal bridges are ﬁtted, patients can gradually resume a normal diet, enjoying the full pleasure of eating without restrictions. The stability and strength of full arch implants allow patients to eat a wide variety of foods, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Following the procedure, patients are advised to consume soft and nutritious foods to aid healing and minimize discomfort. Recommended foods include yogurt, ice cream, mashed potatoes, and smoothies, which are easy to eat without exerting too much pressure on the new implants. Once the ﬁnal bridges are ﬁtted, patients can gradually resume a normal diet, enjoying the full pleasure of eating without restrictions. The stability and strength of full arch implants allow patients to eat a wide variety of foods, enhancing their overall quality of life.

“ “

With proper care, full arch implants can last for many years, even a lifetime.

“ “

With proper care, full arch implants can last for many years, even a lifetime.

8. What are the pros of full arch dental implants compared to dentures?

- **Initial Assessments:** The ﬁrst stage includes a thorough examination, x-rays, and impressions to assess the patient’s oral health and structure. This step is critical for developing a tailored treatment plan.

2. Is discomfort common after the procedure?

Discomfort is a common experience after the procedure, lasting for a few days. This is a normal part of the healing process. Initially, patients may feel a sense of strangeness as they adjust to the newly implanted teeth. However, this feeling diminishes as they acclimate to the implants, leading to a new, improved life experience.

- **Planning:** The dentist uses the information gathered to plan the exact placement of the implants. Advanced imaging and computer simulations may be employed to ensure precision.

- **Implant Placement:** This stage may involve oral surgery to place the implants into the jawbone. Depending on the patient’s needs and the chosen method, this can be done using traditional surgery or guided surgery, which enhances accuracy and reduces recovery time.

Full arch dental implants o er several advantages over traditional dentures:

8. What are the pros of full arch dental implants compared to dentures?

Full arch dental implants o er several advantages over traditional dentures:

- **Improved Speech Clarity:** Implants provide better support for the lips and cheeks, improving speech and preventing the slurring or mumbling often associated with dentures.

- **Enhanced Comfort:** Unlike dentures, which can be uncomfortable and cause sore spots, implants feel more natural and do not cause irritation.

- **Greater Strength and Stability:** Implants are anchored into the jawbone, providing a strong, stable foundation similar to natural teeth. This allows patients to bite and chew with conﬁdence.

Dr. Simon, could you enlighten us on how many teeth can be restored with a full arch on dental implant?

The number of teeth restored with a full arch on dental implant varies based on the patient’s needs, smile width and bone. Typically, it ranges from ten to twelve teeth.

The type of surgical approach also inﬂuences the level of discomfort. For example, guided surgery is preferred by many practitioners, including myself, because it ensures maximum accuracy in implant positioning and minimizes discomfort and invasiveness. Guided surgery uses advanced imaging technology to plan the exact placement of implants, resulting in a smoother procedure and quicker recovery time compared to traditional methods.

- **Healing Period:** After implant placement, a healing period is necessary to allow the implants to integrate with the bone. This process, known as osseointegration, is crucial for the stability of the implants.

How should one clean full arch implants?

Full arch dental implants offer improved speech clarity, comfort, strength compared to natural teeth, and long-term beneﬁts.

3. Are all dental implants the same?

- **Greater Strength and Stability:** Implants are anchored into the jawbone, providing a strong, stable foundation similar to natural teeth. This allows patients to bite and chew with conﬁdence.

- **Long-term Beneﬁts:** Implants are designed to last many years, o ering a permanent solution compared to dentures, which may need to be replaced or relined periodically.

TIRED OF WEARING DENTURES? FIX SOLUTIONS EXPLAINED BY THE EXPERT

How should one clean full arch implants?

- **Abutment Placement:** Once the implants have integrated, abutments are placed on the implants. These serve as connectors between the implants and the prosthetic teeth.

Once the ﬁnal bridges are ﬁtted it is possible to resume a normal diet enjoying again the full pleasure of eating.

- **Natural Appearance:** Full arch implants look and feel like natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing smile.

- **Long-term Beneﬁts:** Implants are designed to last many years, o ering a permanent solution compared to dentures, which may need to be replaced or relined periodically.

TIRED OF WEARING DENTURES? FIX SOLUTIONS EXPLAINED BY THE EXPERT

Full arch dental implants offer improved speech clarity, comfort, strength compared to natural teeth, and long-term beneﬁts.

3. Are all dental implants the same?

Is discomfort common after the procedure?

“

Is discomfort common after the procedure?

Dental implants are not all the same; they vary signiﬁcantly in type, materials, methodology, and the duration of the procedure. The choice of implant depends on various factors, including the patient’s bone density, overall health, and speciﬁc dental needs. High-quality implants are essential for achieving a good, long-lasting result. They are typically made from biocompatible materials like titanium or zirconia, which integrate well with the jawbone and support the surrounding tissues e ectively.

Could you walk us through the process of a full arch dental implant?

Are all dental implants the same? Not at all. Dental implants vary in type, materials used, methodology, and duration of the procedure. Implant quality is key to obtain a good long lasting result.

Are all dental implants the same?

Could you walk us through the process of a full arch dental implant?

- **Prosthetic Fitting:** The final step involves fitting the custom-made prosthetic teeth onto the abutments. This can be done in phases, with temporary teeth provided initially and permanent teeth fitted once the gums have healed completely. One advanced technique is “Teeth In A Day,” which allows patients to receive a full set of teeth on the same day as the surgery. This method uses immediate loading implants, which are stable enough to support temporary prosthetics right after placement, o ering an incredible transformation in a single day.

6. How long can full arch implants last?

How long can full arch implants last?

6. How long can full arch implants last?

Di erent implant systems may o er varying beneﬁts, such as enhanced stability, quicker healing times, or speciﬁc design features tailored to particular clinical situations. It’s crucial to consult with a dental professional to determine the most suitable implant system for an individual’s unique circumstances.

Not at all. Dental implants vary in type, materials used, methodology, and duration of the procedure. Implant quality is key to obtain a good long lasting result.

With proper care, full arch implants can last for many years, even a lifetime. Consistent oral hygiene is paramount for their longevity.

How long can full arch implants last?

Lastly, what are the pros of full arch dental implants when compared to dentures?

Once the ﬁnal bridges are ﬁtted it is possible to resume a normal diet enjoying again the full pleasure of eating.

- **Natural Appearance:** Full arch implants look and feel like natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing smile.

- **Fixed Solution:** Unlike dentures, which can shift or rock, implants remain ﬁxed in place, eliminating the discomfort and inconvenience associated with removable dentures.

Lastly, what are the pros of full arch dental implants when compared to dentures?

- **Fixed Solution:** Unlike dentures, which can shift or rock, implants remain ﬁxed in place, eliminating the discomfort and inconvenience associated with removable dentures.

“

With proper care, full arch implants can last for many years, even a lifetime.

A good dentist will take the time to listen to you, provide clear explanations, and address any doubts you may have

With proper care, full arch implants can last for many years, even a lifetime. Consistent oral hygiene is paramount for their longevity.

What dietary considerations should one have after the procedure?

Following the procedure, it’s advisable to consume soft and nutritious foods such as yogurt, ice cream, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.

With proper care and maintenance, full arch implants can last many years, potentially even a lifetime. The longevity of implants depends signiﬁcantly on the patient’s commitment to consistent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Good practices include daily brushing and ﬂossing, avoiding hard or sticky foods that could damage the implants, and attending routine dental visits for professional cleanings and assessments.

What dietary considerations should one have after the procedure?

Following the procedure, it’s advisable to consume soft and nutritious foods such as yogurt, ice cream, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.

With proper care, full arch implants can last for many years, even a lifetime.

A good dentist will take the time to listen to you, provide clear explanations, and address any doubts you may have

A world outside your back door

This preening solitary bee (Andrena

has collected tansy pollen on its featherduster-like leg hairs.

There are some 23 million gardens in the UK, amounting to about one million acres –much more land than is occupied by our national nature reserves. If even half of these could be made into havens for wildlife, imagine what a difference that would make.

Somewhat counter-intuitively, small back gardens can offer richer and more diverse habitat than much of our countryside. No naturalist likes the idea of new houses being built on farmland, but if the average intensively managed arable field was to be replaced with sensitively built homes and gardens, the chances are that local biodiversity would benefit. Interestingly, the trend for more compact gardens seems only to improve matters, often with even more plants being crammed into smaller spaces. Doubling the size of a garden may increase plant diversity by only 25 per cent, according to one study, so smaller gardens can be relatively rich pickings if you are a resident bee.

Research has also shown that gardens can have a positive impact on surrounding countryside, acting as pollinator reserves and actually enhancing the productivity of nearby farmland. It is sad that this should be the case, but UK farmland is counted as among the most nature-depleted environments on the planet. Nearby gardens can help to buffer that damage.

The number of species that might make use of our gardens is extraordinary, as revealed in a famous study by ecologist Dr Jennifer Owen. Between 1972–2001, Owen meticulously recorded the wildlife in her remarkably modest family garden in suburban Leicester. Her final tally was 2,673 species. Around 2,200 of these were insects, including 59 species of bees. Sadly, the number and frequency of recordings dropped considerably over that 30-year period, reflecting a worsening environment. Even so, it is still not uncommon for even urban gardens with a good mix of flowering plants and nesting opportunities to host around 20 species of bees, with some managing as many as 50.

The key to biodiversity is variety of habitat, which is exactly what gardens can offer. Consider the average suburban street with its patchwork of adjoining back

gardens; some will be neat and tidy with orderly, flowering borders and lots of exotic plants; some will be more naturalistic, perhaps with more native flowers; others will be unkempt with a variety of uninvited wild plants and possibly some piles of timber or rubble; some will be mostly lawn, and yet others will grow fruit and vegetables. There will be shrubs, ivy-covered walls, and a scattering of mature trees and outbuildings in various states of repair. Although not natural, these many contrasting environments concentrated within a small space can cater for a diverse variety of wildlife, including bees. In a suburban area there might be lots

of patches like this within a short flight of one another, perhaps with interconnecting parks, tree-lined roads, railway embankments and allotments, creating a network of valuable habitats.

Many species of bees live and breed within relatively small areas, so your garden could constitute their entire world – for some perhaps the only place they ever use to feed and nest. With that in mind, aim to provide as many suitable flowering plants and nesting habitats as possible. Don’t get caught up into thinking that a wildlife garden has to be completely wild to be of any use. There is a sliding scale of wildness, and where you want

spp.)

Image:

Image: Pexel

your patch to sit on that scale will depend on your preferences, time and resources. A garden packed with colourful exotic flowers can be just as wildlife-friendly as one overrun with nettles and brambles.The ideal would be a bit of both. Gardens are highly personal spaces that should allow you to express your creativity and above all make you happy. If you like formal gardens with closely clipped hedges and a striped lawn, that’s fine – but take every opportunity to use plants that produce flowers useful to bees. If you want a complete wilderness, that’s fine too – although wildernesses do need to be managed to avoid a small number of thuggish plants taking over completely. Whatever you think you want, be in no hurry. Observe the bees that already visit your garden and plant more of what they seem to like. Look for other species of bees in local parks and gardens, and if you don’t already have the right plants for them, put some in – they will probably find and use them. Your local Wildlife Trust is likely to have an entomologist who can tell you which bees are found locally and whether any are in particular need of support, and you can plant accordingly. A garden is not just a place for bees to feed but also to reproduce, so provide as many different nesting opportunities as you can, using the techniques already described in Part Two.

Gentle gardening

If bees and other wildlife are your priority, then sustainability should be at the forefront of everything you do in the garden. General measures include: avoiding the use of peatbased composts, reducing and recycling plastic waste such as plant pots, conserving water, sourcing plants grown in local nurseries or through local sales and seed swaps, making compost and leaf mould, and using no-dig techniques wherever you can. Your garden needn’t be messy, but allow a little untidiness here and there; the odd pile of dead leaves or stack of gently decaying logs will make quite a difference to wildlife and can be attractive too.

Above all, garden organically. No pesticide can be considered safe for bees. Insecticides, obviously, are highly dangerous, killing insects indiscriminately, whether blackfly or bumblebees. But increasingly, evidence shows that fungicides and herbicides, and in particular some of the ingredients that they are mixed with, can be highly damaging to all

wildlife and to the environment in ways we are only just beginning to understand. A healthy, well-balanced garden will thrive without chemicals. Using them only puts the balance offkilter, fracturing the natural harmony you have striven to achieve in a way that is difficult to repair.

Gardening organically includes how you feed your plants. Good soil and plenty of compost are almost all that most plants need, but a little boost to long-flowering bee plants, those in pots or anything particularly hungry, can keep them going a little longer. There’s no need to buy manufactured oil-based fertilisers when something better can often be made at home.

One of the best all-round feeds is smelly but nutritious comfrey fertiliser, easily made from a beautiful plant which should be grown in every bee garden.

The Victorians used lead arsenate freely in their gardens as an insecticide. That now seems like absolute madness, but what will future generations think when they look back at what we have been doing in our own gardens – particularly now that we know better?

The dark art of pesticide use has been practiced in gardens for over a century, as this advert from the 1920s shows. The benefits of organic gardening are becoming increasingly obvious. Image: ©Richard Rickitt

An extract from Beekeeping for Gardeners by Richard Rickitt, published by Bloomsbury Publishing

Making a Will Do you need a Will?

To some people the answer to this question may be obvious. However, to many they will feel that it’s not relevant to them because they do not have any assets to distribute. Reasons people give for not making a will is that they are not married, they don’t own their own property or they don’t have any children.

Making a will is so important as it is the only sure way that allows you to decide how you wish your estate to be distributed when you pass. Aside from the risk of someone benefitting from your estate who you would not have chosen, dealing with the estate of someone who died without a Will is much more complicated and costly. Members of the family left behind will be handed a great deal of unnecessary, time consuming, work that could easily have been avoided.

In the UK when someone dies without making a Will, their estate passes in accordance to the Rules of Intestacy, which sets out a specific order of who benefits from the estate. If you die without a Will, unmarried and with no children or grandchildren then your estate would automatically pass in the following order:

• to your parents, or if none;

• to your whole blood siblings, or if none;

• to your half blood siblings, or if none;

• to grandparents, or if none;

• to uncles and aunts of the whole blood.

Finally, if none of the ‘above’ survive you, your assets will pass to the Crown

If you don’t already have a Will, then seek out a solicitor who can help you in the process of making one. If you don’t have a solicitor, the following will be able to help:

• The Law Society – use its Find a Solicitor service to find legal advice in England, Wales and Scotland;

• Law Society of Northern Ireland.

Homemade Wills are not generally recommended as often people use ambiguous wording and although it may appear perfectly clear to them, may be less obvious to others and could result in your wishes being misunderstood, as well as causing a significant delay in resolving the estate.

Updating your Will

If you have already made a Will, it needs to be kept up to date to avoid it becoming outdated which could have severe consequences for loved ones after death. It is especially important to update your Will in the event of major life changes such as having children, getting married or divorced, buying a house, if the executor of your estate has died or moved away, or when any beneficiaries have passed away. Even if these changes don’t occur, it is always a good idea to review your Will every few years to make sure it still reflects your wishes.

Leave a Legacy

Once family and friends are taken care of, consider who else you want to help. 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. No matter how small, a legacy can make a huge difference to the charity in the long term.

How important gifts in Wills are

Sharon decided to include a gift in her Will to Marie Curie after her father Raymond received hospice care at home at the end of his life.

“Dad’s bowel cancer returned when he was 95. The hospital said he had a two-week prognosis and that they were discharging him. I took him home – but I wasn’t prepared. I didn’t even have a hospital bed. Dad was struggling to eat and was too frail to walk.

“The GP suggested that Marie Curie step in to support us. Initially, I thought, ‘Marie Curie? I don’t need them.’ But the GP said: ‘Yes, you do.You can’t do this alone.’

“Within 24 hours, a Marie Curie Nurse came over. She said: ‘I’m here so you can go and rest.’ It was like I suddenly had a permanent support unit.

“Gradually, Dad started to become unresponsive. Thankfully, Marie Curie Nurses alerted the district nurses that Dad might be in pain. He passed away a day after his 96th birthday. I was holding his hand right to his last breath.

“You can’t put a price on what Marie Curie did for me and Dad. They came in at such a bad time in my life and were there until the end.

“No amount of money can show my full gratitude. If I can leave something to Marie Curie in my Will, why wouldn’t I? It’s what Dad would have wanted.”

Discover

including a

for

Call 0800 144 5740 or search ‘Marie Curie Will Talk’.

More than a quarter of all people cared for by Marie Curie is thanks to gifts in Wills.

how

gift in your will to Marie Curie could help us care

people at the end of life, whatever the illness.

The Little Sisters of the Poor are a charity committed to supporting the needs of vulnerable older people of modest means, by providing a caring home with safe accommodation, respite provision, and palliative end of life care.

In these challenging times, our staff and volunteers are going above and beyond to make sure that our high quality care continues. However, because of rising costs and inflation, our charity is in real danger of being unable to remain financially viable, which would have a huge impact on the many hundreds of people who rely on us for their care.

In response to the increasing economic pressures faced by our care homes, we are appealing for crucial funds to help us continue to meet the ever-evolving needs of our residents – many of whom are lonely and isolated before they come to us, and often have very little money and no family members of their own to depend on.

Please visit www.littlesistersofthepoor.co.uk/donate-here/ and make a secure online donation today. All gifts, no matter what size, will be very gratefully received and 100% of your donation will benefit our residents.

The Little Sister’s Mission has always been to care for the elderly poor, and we strive to challenge ageism and disadvantage to ensure the neediest are included in society and can lead fuller, more independent lives.

With your crucial support, we can continue to provide safe, affordable, quality care and assistance to older people in need – not just now but for future generations.

Thank you so much.

Little Sisters of the Poor 2a Meadow Road, London SW8 1QH 020 7735 0788 www.littlesistersofthepoor.co.uk

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: Catastrophes Cat Rescue

Half Moon Cottage, Bakers Lane, Dallington, Heathﬁeld, East Sussex TN21 9JS

Tel: 01435 830212 Mobile: 07912 113392

lizzie@catastrophescats.org www.catastrophescats.org

Patron: Peter Egan

Charity NEWS

Be aware of wildlife when gardening

With the sunny weather here, Tiggywinkles know they will start to see an increase in the number of gardening-related injuries and incidents they see with our wildlife, whether that’s birds’ nests accidently disturbed when pruning plants, fox dens uncovered by shed removals or hedgehogs injured by gardening equipment. They would always encourage you to just check carefully before starting these jobs in your garden, just a few minutes delay to your job could well save a life.

One such patient has already arrived at Tiggywinkles, this handsome hedgehog who was sadly caught by a strimmer! On arrival to their hospital, they soon spotted a very serious injury to his side – this is very typical of strimmer injuries and sadly something they will likely see again before not too long.

Their veterinary team quickly got to work cutting back his spines and ‘skirt’ (the fur around the sides) and thoroughly cleaned the area. It was decided the best course of action would be to use surgical staples to close the wound and give him a good chance to heal and recover.

With pain relief, antibiotics, and regular wound-care they are pleased to report their plucky hedgehog is healing well! Fortunately, the large wound hasn’t affected his leg movement, and he is still walking well (they are also pleased to report his appetite hasn’t been affected and he is putting away plenty of tinned dog food and kitten biscuits!), so they are hopeful he will be able to go back to the wild when ready.

Please do take care of our precious wildlife when gardening – your garden can be a mini-nature reserve and provide much needed safety for many creatures like hedgehogs, so thank you for thinking of them! www.tiggywinkles.com

Three foals born after abandoned and neglected mares thrive in equine charity’s care

Three happy, healthy foals have been born after their mothers were rescued by Bransby Horses May turned out to be a busy month for one of the UK’s largest equine welfare charities, with all three arriving within weeks of each other.

Two were born to mares rescued from flooded fields in Leicestershire back in January and the other arrived just weeks after his mum was found needing urgent veterinary care for life-threatening complications connected to her pregnancy.

Bransby Horses’ Senior Press Officer Maria Thompson said: “With so many extremely distressing cases of neglect and abandonment through our doors it’s lovely to know these young horses will never face such hardship thanks to the support we receive from the public in the form of donations.”

While it’s not unusual for foals from rescued mares to be born at the charity based in Lincolnshire, these births were significant as their rescue came at a time when the charity is still recovering from when they themselves were hit hard by winter storms.

Bransby Horses lost over 40 percent of their grazing under flood water over the winter, effecting their ability to operate as normal at a time when their services were in high demand.

Despite these challenges, Bransby Horses continues to provide rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming for vulnerable equines. To find out more visit www.bransbyhorses.co.uk

Catastrophes Cat Rescue

Catastrophes Cat Rescue was set up through their involvement in animal welfare campaigning in the ‘70’s and as they became established and their “no-kill” policy became known their work increased dramatically. Many of the cats have been abandoned or are simply in need of a new home because of a change in people’s circumstances. Some have been ill-treated. They are all in need of love and care.

Catastrophes’ aim has always been to help any cat regardless of age, temperament or behaviour problems, be they wild or tame. Consequently, they tend to get desperate calls for help for elderly, feral and ‘difficult’ to re-home cats. In order to meet these needs, they have had to become a sanctuary as well as a cat rescue and re-homing organisation.

The cats in their care are given a high standard of veterinary care and they strongly believe in spaying and neutering as a responsible part of pet ownership. The cats that are difficult to re-home are given the chance to live out their days in a peaceful home environment with the freedom of the country garden that surrounds the sanctuary. They believe every cat deserves a chance to have a safe, caring and peaceful place to live and enjoy the rest of their lives. It’s surprising how often the most seemingly unfriendly and so called ‘spiteful’ cat that arrives hissing, spitting and lashing out, or has the most difficult and anti-social habits and behaviour, can change with love, care and lots of patience.

Catastrophes believe that every life is worth the effort it takes and with your support more cats in need will have a bright future. Visit their new website for further information: www.catastrophescats.org

Charity NEWS

Make a lasting difference

When we make our Wills, we naturally want to ensure our loved ones are provided for in the future. Making a Will not only gives us peace of mind that our wishes will be carried out once we are no longer here, but it also allows us to leave something special to a good cause that is close to our hearts. There are multiple ways to include a legacy in your Will, including residuary, pecuniary or specific gifts, and your legal professional Will always help you decide on the right option for you.

Your legacy is our future

As a small charity, it’s difficult to put into words just how important a legacy gift is. Being remembered in a Will allows small charities, like Naturewatch Foundation, to continue campaigning work and take actions that can make a positive impact on animals worldwide. Legacy gifts are vital to them; without them, they would not be able to carry out the animal welfare work that they do. Whatever amount you wish to leave behind goes a long way. As with many charities, so much of what they achieve at Naturewatch Foundation takes place without fanfare. Their work is only possible through the generosity of their supporters. Their role, large or small, helps them continue to improve the lives of animals.

To find out more about leaving a legacy, please contact Naturewatch Foundation via phone: 01242 252871, email: info@naturewatch.org or visit them at: naturewatch.org/get-involved/leave-a-legacy

The gift of friendship

For a unique and thoughtful gift, why not sponsor a Redwings Adoption Star horse or donkey for a friend or loved one, or even yourself?

Standing at an impressive 16.3 hands high, stunning Adoption Star Shire cross Fox is a true gentle giant who loves to bend his head over the fence for a cuddle with his visitors.

While Fox now enjoys a peaceful life in his paddock at the charity’s Caldecott Visitor Centre in Norfolk, his future was not always so certain. This handsome gent arrived at Redwings in 2010 as part of a large group of horses when he was just a few months old. Their owner had sadly passed away and no one was able to look after them.

From just £2 per month, you can sponsor Fox for yourself or a loved one and ensure he and his four-legged friends continue to enjoy happy and healthy lives at Redwings

What’s included in your adoption?

• Your Adoption Star’s photo and rescue story

• A certificate of adoption

• A bookmark featuring your Adoption Star

• A fact-sheet all about your chosen animal

• Three postal updates a year from your new friend, including one at Christmas

• Quarterly email updates with photos from your Adoption Star

• An invitation to their birthday party – yes, really!

To sponsor a Redwings Adoption Star, call 01508 505246 or visit redwings.org.uk/adoption

compared to your home country, this is where you will save a big portion of your pension, likewise, if buying a property. If the property is cheaper than the property you sold in your home country you will have surplus funds available after purchasing your new home.

Sawasdee Krab from Ged in Thailand

You may be retiring soon or perhaps you have already retired and will have the time and money to live your life to the fullest. Well, you hope you will have enough money to live your life to the fullest.

Many retirees had well-paying jobs, a healthy superannuation, invested wisely and enough money to live their lives in luxury. Unfortunately, other retirees are not so lucky and only have their government pension and for them, the thought of living their retirement can be quite scary and retiring overseas has become a real consideration, because they can spend less money, and have a better lifestyle due to the lower cost of living than they would by staying in their home countries. Add to this the tempting incentives of tropical climates and new experiences to spice up their lives, you can see why many ex-pats are looking for alternative retirement options abroad.

With 60 being the new 40 many retirees don’t want to retire gracefully they want to retire disgracefully and have fun in their lives. Most of us will live longer compared to our parents as many retirees today are fitter and healthier than their parents were, and are looking for more excitement in their retirement than their parents had when they retired. My parent’s retirement plan was to watch the TV, take the dog for a walk and occasionally go to the pub but that was not what I was looking for when I retired. While doing research for my retiree travel books I met retirees, who to the dismay of their children, decided to move away from the comfort of their hometowns and restart their lives far away in the mystical Far East. One of them now drives a Harley Davidson motorbike, something that he wanted to do since he was sixteen when he saw Dennis Fonda ride from California to New Orleans in the movie Easy Rider. Another bought a sailing boat, learned how to sail at 63 (41 in new year’s) and spends his life sailing around Southeast Asia. You don’t have to go to those extremes, but if you have secretly longed to do something different with your life while you were working and

By Gerald Hogg

raising a family now may be the time to do so, as you don’t want to die wondering what might have been. In today’s ever-changing world, many countries are vying for your pension dollars as many governments realise the economic and social benefits of attracting retirees to their countries and are happy to allow you to live there. However, not all retirement locations are created equal, so some of the important questions you need to ask before you make the big decision about which country is best for you, are here:

Healthcare –

Are the hospitals of a good standard and have the doctors and medical professionals been trained to a standard acceptable for your needs?

Cost of living –

For many retirees, a big factor when retiring to another country is the cost of living. There’s little point coming to live in another country thinking you’re going to live a better lifestyle if when you arrive the cost of living is higher than you anticipated.

Climate –

Visas requirements –Are retirement visas easily obtained, what are the rules and criteria and do you have the same rights as a citizen of the country?

Stable government –Does the country have good governance and political stability to deal with any major problems that may arise should you decide to live there?

When considering overseas retirement destinations, everyone’s retirement needs are different, what suits one retiree may not suit another. If you dislike hot weather and spicy food then perhaps Thailand would not be worth considering. If you love lying on a tropical beach and going to Buddhist temples then you may want to give Ireland a miss. That’s why it’s important to do your research to ensure that the country your considering ticks the boxes that fits your lifestyle.

If you’re considering retiring overseas, you’ll find my book

Maybe you previously spent a week or two on vacation in a hot country but it may not be the same when it’s hot 52 weeks of the year with little respite. Also, many tropical countries have monsoon seasons or hurricane seasons.

Safety –

When moving to a new country safety should be a primary concern. Research the crime statistics in the country you are considering moving to before making your decision.

Owning or renting a home –The cost of renting a home is important as if the rents are low

The Ten Best Countries in The World to Retire on Your Pension…Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, Spain, Portugal, Costa Rica, Belize and Panama, full of information to help you decide where best to retire for your circumstances. www.tinyurl.com/3836fhju

My YouTube channel –tinyurl.com/mpdjchyz

In ruralareas, city areas and coastal areas, we can provide Live-in Care Support which is a true alternative to moving intoresidential accommodation.

• Able Community Care, is a Norfolk company and we have been providing Live-in Care Support on a nationwide basis since 1980.

• Our Live-in Care support has enabled thousands of older people and people with a disabilityto live in their home of choice, their own.

If you would like to receive the latest brochure about our Livein Care Support, please email to info@ablecommunitycare.com or call us on 01603 764567.

You can also visit our website where you will find an application form www.ablecommunitycare.com

In addition to our longer term,care support we offer the following services: Home from Hospital, Planned Respite Care for families who need a break and Holiday Companion Care which can provide care support both in the UK and internationally.

Brochures are available for all services.