Retirement_Today_Summer_2025 by amra-mag

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4 The joys of finding connection in later life: Fiona Lambert reveals her survival guide to dating at 60 plus.

6 How to discover the magic within

We all have something special inside us, the challenge is discovering it.

8 Vegetarian Salads

A selection of vegetarian salads to enliven your meals and encourage you to eat more plants.

11 Update

Questions and Answers from Angela Gifford, Able Community Care; Fulfillment, Not Finances: Why Over-50s Stay in Work; Will butterfly populations bounce back?

12 What’s On Exhibitions around the UK.

16 A road trip in the Rockies

Debra Rixon shares her experience of her travels in the Colorado Rockies.

20 Subscription

Subscribe and have Retirement Today delivered direct to your door.

22 Why can’t I sleep well? What we can do to improve our sleep.

24 French Kissed

Creating a home inspired by French style.

27 Park Homes: a new way of living

For those who are looking for an affordable and low maintenance place to live, park homes make the ideal choice.

33 Competition

Your chance to win a pair of tickets to see the musical comedy The Producers in the West End.

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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.

35 Has a charity helped you or someone you love?

Charities are there for us all when we need it the most. Help ensure they continue their vital work for future generations.

39 Charity News

Important news within the world of charity.

42 The gold price doesn’t just fluctuate – it whispers warnings

Simon Popple writes on how it might make sense to have some gold in your portfolio when you retire.

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

6 11 8 16 39 42

Cover images: Top left; Mark Lohman, from ‘French Flair‘. © Ryland Peters & Small

right, middle right, bottom left; courtesy of pexels.com

right;

Johnson

‘The Kew Gardens Salad Book’ by Jenny Linford

Image right; from ‘The Kew Gardens Salad Book’ by Jenny Linford. Photography by Hugh Johnson.

Image by Mark Lohman, from ‘French Flair‘. © Ryland Peters & Small

Image: Brimstone on Buddleia, Keith Warmington

Don’t let the ‘Sands of Time’ pass away

Honour your past, and inspire the future generations of your family, by creating your life in words and pictures in a book, and create a family heirloom

Published author HM Stevens: hmstevensauthor@gmail.com or www.hmstevens.co.uk/biography-writing/

AISPA

If you had asked me if I would be writing about the trials and tribulations of being back on the dating market at 61, I would have laughed at the thought. Several people have said how ‘brave’ it is to take the step to be single, uncertain about what will happen, AT MY AGE!

AISPA

The Anglo-Italian Society for the Protection of Animals

But, although I loved and still love my husband of 31 years, but having met when I was 23 and he was 26, we developed into different people, with different interests and goals. We decided to part ways amicably, appreciating with huge gratitude what we had had together, but recognising we wanted different futures.

Why are more choosing later life divorce?

We are living longer and don’t want to compromise happiness for the rest of our lives. We want to prioritise personal happiness, selffulfilment over conforming to society’s expectations. We are living healthier lives, making it possible to enjoy vibrant, active lifestyles that don’t necessarily correlate with the way our current partners choose to lead their lives.

AISPA, Anglo-Italian Society for the Protection of Animals

For over 70 years AISPA has been supporting animal protection organisations throughout Italy. Our support involves the rescue and rehoming of cats and dogs, neutering campaigns and conservation initiatives including birds, bears and turtles. Please complete the form below and return it to us by post or email us at at info@aispa.org.uk

BUT, I quickly discovered how different the world of dating is from when I met my husband in the mid-eighties.

For over 70 years AISPA has been supporting animal protection organisations throughout Italy. Our support involves the rescue and return it to us by post or email us at at info@aispa.org.uk

Please check out our website www.aispa.org.uk for further information.

And I had also been half of a couple for more than half of my life.

As I embarked upon rediscovering myself as a single woman and then re-entered the dating world, here are the key lessons I learned.

Please check out our website www.aispa.org.uk for further information.

Please check out our website for further information.

Please check out our website www.aispa.org.uk for further information.

My survival guide summary

Please check out our website www.aispa.org.uk for further information.

6th Floor, 2 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU www.aispa.org.uk • info@aispa.org.uk • UK registered charity no. 208530

YES, I WANT TO SUPPORT AISPA - I enclose a donation of £ (Cheque/PO/CAF made payable to AISPA) Please Gift Aid my donation. AISPA will send you Gift Aid information.

1. Spend time dating yourself first. Practice self-love first and you will be ready to re-enter the dating game happier, more confident and comfortable in your own skin. All very dateable qualities!

YES, I WANT TO SUPPORT AISPA - I enclose a donation of £ (Cheque/PO/CAF made payable to AISPA) Please Gift Aid my donation. AISPA will send you Gift Aid information.

Name Address

Name

Email The Anglo-Italian Society for the Protection of Animals

YES, I WANT TO SUPPORT AISPA - I enclose a donation of £ (Cheque/PO/CAF made payable to AISPA) Please Gift Aid my donation. Name

YES, I WANT TO SUPPORT AISPA - I enclose a donation of £ (Cheque/PO/CAF made payable to AISPA) Please Gift Aid my donation. AISPA will send you Gift Aid information.

Email The Anglo-Italian Society for the Protection of Animals

YES, I WANT TO SUPPORT AISPA - I enclose a donation of £ (Cheque/PO/CAF made payable to AISPA) Please Gift Aid my donation. AISPA will send you Gift Aid information.

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Email RT/J/25

2. Be clear what you want from your next relationship, your needs and desires. Know your non-negotiables and where you are flexible. It will make you stronger and more decisive on your dating journey.

3. Take the time to define what you seek in a partner. Have your shopping list but be prepared to stay open-minded. I had some of my best dates when I broadened my view of what I wanted.

4. Take time over your online dating profile. This is your chance

The joys of finding connection in later life: Fiona Lambert reveals her survival guide to dating at 60 plus

to present yourself in all your fabulous, unique glory. In the dating market, this is your chance to advertise yourself! Your first photo will be the hook in this very visual world, but for those men that seek a bit more depth and read your profile, be your best self. Remember, be authentic. If you aren’t right for them, they are not right for you.

5. Use profile relevant, open questions to find out more about your potential date. As a rule of thumb, if I asked all the questions, and

they weren’t curious about me, they didn’t get past go. If someone is interested in finding out more about you (without asking for your bank details!) it means they are seeing past just your looks and want to find out more about you as a person. This is a good sign.

6. I’d highly recommend that if you are enjoying a conversation on text, rather than investing your time and energy in several days worth of endless texting, have a video call in the app. You can quickly assess whether you can

Fiona Lambert, author of the acclaimed Invincible Not Invisible, returns with her second book, a witty and insightful guide to navigating the world of dating after 60. Drawing on her own experiences and conversations, Fiona explores the challenges, surprises, and joys of finding a connection later in life. Renowned as one of the UK’s leading businesswomen, Fiona has built a remarkable career spanning over 30 years in the fashion industry. She has held senior roles at Asda, Next, Dunelm and River Island and was most recently Managing Director of Jaeger at M&S, where she led its ‘celebrate reinvention’. In this latest chapter of her journey, Fiona combines her professional insight with personal reflection, offering readers an engaging perspective on embracing new beginnings at any stage of life.

‘S.A.S. Sixty and Single’ by Fiona Lambert is out now with Synergy Publishing. (RRP £10.99) engaging embracing new

have a conversation in real life and that the person does look like their photos.

7. Engage in meaningful conversations to see if this is someone who meets your needs and desires. If the conversation gets sexualised very quickly don’t feel forced to reciprocate. Have clear boundaries and if they are overstepped, this date is not for you.

8. Use the 3 date rule. If it’s not an obvious no on the first date, but you are not sure, have a second date. Nerves or shyness can sometimes get in the way the first time you meet for both parties, so giving the match a second chance may lead to a more successful date. If there’s still no chemistry or connection after a third date, it’s probably never going to happen.

9. Trust your instincts. If something feels too good to be true, it probably is.

10. With only 1/3 of marriages coming from on-line dating, that means 2/3 aren’t. Be open to exploring different avenues to meet new people. It may mean pushing yourself out of your comfort zone but even if you don’t meet a date, you will have had new experiences, maybe made new friends or like me have some corking stories to tell your friends.

Lastly, remember this is supposed to be fun! Even if your goal is to meet a long term life partner or future husband, if you overthink or plan too far into the future, you may not make the most of enjoying the journey. I am still laughing about the interesting conversations, both as a result of my good dates and my bad dates.

Embrace the present moment and allow yourself to have fun.

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How to discover the magic within

by Sid Madge, founder of MEEE and author of the ‘MEEE in a Minute’ books

We all have something special inside us, our own unique magic. It’s what makes us different, valuable, and capable of making a difference in the world. The challenge is discovering it. In a world that often pushes us toward conformity, it’s easy to forget that our individuality is our greatest strength.

Sir Ken Robinson was a British author, speaker, and international advisor who became widely known for his passionate advocacy for creativity in education. His central message was that creativity is essential and must be cultivated, not constrained. Robinson advised that if we promote conformity, we shouldn’t be surprised if that’s what we get. If we promote creativity, curiosity and selfdiscovery, we can unlock something magical.

Here are five ways to start:

1. Think about why you do what you do

Author and motivational speaker Simon Sinek gained widespread attention following his 2009 TED Talk which introduced his concept of the “Golden Circle” and the now-famous phrase start with why

Why is a powerful question. When you understand your why, you start to see patterns in your life that reveal what truly matters to you. Take time to think about what excites you, what problems you want to solve, and what kind of impact you want to have. One of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself is why? Why do you love the things you love? Why do certain things excite you? Why do you want to make a difference?

2. Embrace the power of marginal gains

Big changes don’t happen overnight. The best way to improve is through small, consistent actions, what we call Take A Minute opportunities. This idea comes from sporting coach Dave Brailsford’s marginal gains philosophy, which revolutionised British Cycling. He believed that improving every little aspect of performance by just 1% could lead to extraordinary results.

Applying this to your own life means making small, daily improvements.Want to be more creative? Spend just a few minutes a day brainstorming or doodling. Want to be more confident? Practice positive self-talk in the mirror each morning. Over time,

these tiny efforts will add up to something amazing.

3. Dare to Think Differently

Thinking differently is a gift. Some of the greatest minds in history, artists, inventors, entrepreneurs, were those who dared to break the mould.

In a recent workshop, we used creative thinking exercises to push boundaries and encourage new ideas. Whether it was using LEGO to express personal challenges or exploring different perspectives, the goal was to embrace the unexpected. Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Try new things, ask different questions, and never be afraid to stand out.

One of the greatest examples of embracing individuality is Apple’s legendary Think Different campaign, narrated by the late Steve Jobs. The ad celebrated the misfits, the rebels, the ones who see things differently, the ones who change the world. It’s a reminder that real magic happens when we have the courage to think differently and challenge the status quo. You don’t need to fit in to succeed; you need to stand out by being unapologetically yourself.

4. Learn, Unlearn, and Relearn

Growth comes from being open to learning, whether it’s new skills, new perspectives, or even unlearning old habits that no longer serve you. The best way to keep discovering

your magic is to stay curious. Read books that challenge your thinking. Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Seek out opportunities to learn from different cultures, experiences and disciplines. The more you know, the more you grow.

5. Believe in the Magic of Everyday Moments

At Meee, we believe in the Magic in Everyone, Everyday, Everywhere. Our name reflects our belief that magic exists in each of us, no matter where we start or where we are in life. That magic is found in the small, everyday moments; helping someone in need, creating something new, or simply showing up as your best self.

Your magic isn’t just about grand achievements; it’s about how you

show up for yourself and others every day. Look for the magic in simple things. Recognise the beauty in the little wins. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and trust that every step forward is bringing you closer to unlocking your full potential.

Final thoughts

Finding your magic isn’t about being the best or the smartest. It’s about embracing who you are, daring to be different, and making small, meaningful changes every day. The world doesn’t need more conformity; the world needs more originality, more creativity, and more of you

So, take a minute today to reflect, take small steps, think differently, keep learning, and embrace the magic in everyday moments. Because once you find your magic, you can change your world, and maybe even the world around you.

ABOUT Meee

Sid Madge is the founder of Meee and the creator of the Counting on Confidence programme, designed to inspire the belief that education and learning are essential for a more fulfilling and positive life. Sid is also the author of the Meee in a Minute series of books, offering 60 simple, actionable ways to transform your life, work, or family life in just 60 seconds.

Web: www.meee.global

Web: www.meeebooks.com

X: MeeeHQ (@Meee_HQ) / X

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeeeHQ/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/meeehq

TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bR3Cyjs62c8

Vegetarian Salads

A selection of vegetarian salads to enliven your meals and encourage you to eat more plants

CRESS AND EGG SALAD

Inspired by a popular sandwich filling, here the cress takes the leading role. This is a simple, soothing salad, perfect for a starter or light lunch on a warm summer’s day.

100g watercress

1 tsp lemon juice

3 tbsp mayonnaise

4 hard-boiled eggs

salt and freshly ground pepper

1 punnet of mustard cress

Serves 2 as a starter, or 2 for lunch

Finely chop 30g of the watercress. Gently fold the chopped watercress and the lemon juice into the mayonnaise. Tear the remaining watercress into short sprigs. Layer these on a serving dish.

Shell and halve the hard-boiled eggs. Place these in a layer on top of the watercress. Season the egg halves with salt and freshly ground pepper. Top the eggs with dollops of watercress mayonnaise, using it all up.

Sprinkle the mustard cress evenly over the eggs and watercress. Serve immediately.

LEEK AND BRIE SALAD

This way of cooking leeks, known as ‘a la Grecque’, makes them mellow and fragrant. In my version of it, the cooking liquid, perfumed with coriander seeds, is reduced to make a tasty salad dressing. Topped with slices of a vegetarian bloomy rind cheese, this makes an elegant, satisfying dish.

7 trimmed, even-sized leeks, around 1kg

200ml dry white wine

200ml water

100ml extra virgin olive oil

1 bay leaf

1 garlic clove, peeled and whole

1 tbsp coriander seeds

salt and freshly ground pepper

1⁄2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil

100g vegetarian bloomy rind cheese such as Sussex brie, Wigmore or Winslade, sliced into 0.5cm thick slices

2 tbsp pine nuts

dry-fried grated zest of 1⁄2 lemon

Serves 4

Peel off the tough outer casing from the leeks. Cut the leeks into 4cm lengths. Set aside 4 of the lengths from the green part of the leek to use as a topping.

Place the leeks in a single layer in a large, deep, lidded, heavy-based sauté pan. Add the white wine, water, olive oil, bay leaf, garlic clove, and coriander seeds. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Cover the pan and bring to the boil. Remove the lid, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 20 minutes until the leeks are tender, carefully turning over the leeks halfway through to ensure even cooking. Meanwhile, finely slice the reserved green leek lengths. Heat the sunflower oil in a small frying pan. Add the sliced leek and fry over a low heat for a few minutes, stirring often, until softened. Take care not to let it brown; you want it to retain its bright green colour. Drain on kitchen paper.

Remove the cooked leeks with a slotted spoon and place in a serving dish to cool to room temperature.

Heat the remaining liquid in the sauté pan and bring to the boil. Cook for 3–5 minutes, until reduced and thickened to a syrupy texture. Spoon out 50ml of the liquid, together with any coriander seeds. Mash the cooked garlic into a paste and mix this into the leek cooking liquid.

Pour this syrupy liquid over the leeks, turning them so they are evenly coated. Top with slices of Sussex brie. Scatter over the fried green leek, then sprinkle over the pine nuts, lemon zest and a good grinding of pepper.

TARRAGON, TOMATO, GARLIC CROUTON SALAD

Tarragon and tomatoes go together wonderfully well. For a delightful summery salad, try this combination of juicy tomatoes, crunchy garlic croutons, and anise-flavoured tarragon.

4 tbsp olive oil 1 garlic clove, sliced

40g rustic bread, such as sourdough, crusts trimmed, cut into small cubes

500g assorted heritage tomatoes, halved

1⁄2 tsp salt

1 tbsp sherry vinegar

15g tarragon leaves

Serves 4

First, make the garlic croutons. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small frying pan over a medium heat. Add the garlic and fry for a few seconds to flavour the oil. Add the bread cubes and stir often, until both the garlic and bread cubes are golden. Set aside until cool.

Halve the tomatoes, chopping any large ones into chunks.

Place the tomatoes in a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the salt, spoon over the sherry vinegar, mix and set aside.

Reserve 1 tsp tarragon leaves for the garnish. Blitz the remaining tarragon leaves with the remaining olive oil into a paste. Add this tarragon paste to the tomatoes, mixing well.

Sprinkle over the garlic croutons and the fried garlic.

Chop the reserved tarragon, sprinkle over as a garnish and serve.

ROAST FENNEL AND GRAPE SALAD

With its firm, crunchy texture, fennel is usually enjoyed raw in salads. In this recipe however, fennel is roasted with grapes, with their purple juice forming a natural dressing. A sprinkling of fennel seeds adds extra pops of anise flavour.

3–4 fennel bulbs, around 800g

2 tbsp + 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper

2 tsp fennel seeds

150g black grapes

Serves 4

Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/350°F.

Trim the fennel bulbs of their tough stalks, reserving the leafy green fronds, and peel off their outer casing; the fennel trimmings can be used to make vegetable stock. Quarter each fennel bulb lengthways.

Place the fennel on a roasting tray. Toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, coating thoroughly. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Sprinkle over the fennel seeds.

Roast for 20–25 minutes until the fennel is lightly charred. Pick the grapes from their stalks. Toss in the remaining olive oil. Add the grapes to the roasting tin alongside the fennel. Return to the oven and roast for a further 5–7 minutes until the grapes have softened and are bursting open.

Transfer the fennel to a serving bowl or deep plate. Carefully spoon over the roast grapes, their purple juice and any fennel seeds from the roasting tray.

Just before serving, finely chop the reserved fennel fronds and sprinkle over. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipes from The Kew Gardens Salad Book by Jenny Linford. Photography by Hugh Johnson. (Kew Publishing, £22 www.shop.kew.org)

UPDATE

Able Community Care have been providing care in the home since the early 1980s. Whether it’s complex care needs or a little help, they can provide a cost-effective bespoke care service to suit individual needs.

Here, Angela Gifford, CEO of Able Community Care answers some important questions that you may be interested in.

Questions and Answers

Question – I wish to appoint two people as my Power of Attorney. What happens if one of the individuals dies, can the one who is left still carry out my wishes?

Angela Gifford CEO

Answer – Under Section 13(6)(b) and (7) of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, if multiple attorneys are appointed ‘jointly’, the death of one makes the LPA ineffective. However, if appointed ‘jointly and severally’, the remaining attorneys can continue their duties.

Question – Being a person with a disability I can purchase some pieces of equipment and other things VAT-free.

What is a Personal Health Budget?

Can I do this with the online retailer Amazon?

Angela Gifford CEO

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

Question – I want to purchase a pre-paid funeral plan, what advice can I have about purchasing one?

Answer – If you have a pre-paid funeral plan, your provider must be registered with the FCA (Financial Conduct Agency) and authorised to administer your plan. All providers must follow certain rules which include making sure your money is looked after and used responsibly. The Financial Conduct Authority is controlled by the UK’s Treasury and Parliament.

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.

Answer – Amazon can issue VAT refunds on eligible sales to customers who are registered disabled or chronically ill. To apply for your VAT refund, after your order has been completed, you’ll need to fill out an eligibility declaration form which can be requested from our Customer Service department or obtained directly from HMRC (HMRC Notice 701/7 VAT reliefs for disabled people). Visit their website for further details.

My company, Able Community Care began providing support in 1980 and today we can provide our services mainland UK and the offshore Islands, such as recently, in the Western Isles.

A Personal Health Budget is based upon a personalized, care, support plan which sets out a person’s health and wellbeing needs, the outcomes they wish to achieve and, if the eligibility criteria is reached, then NHS funding towards the cost of supporting this plan is given.

• Live-in care enables older people and people with a disability to remain living in their own home rather than moving into a residential care setting.

For more information on Able Community Care or to request a brochure, please call 01603 764567 or email info@ablecommunity care.com Also visit: www.ablecommunitycare.com

• Live-in care enables older people and people remain living in their own home rather than residential care setting.

Both adults and children with complex healthcare support needs can apply for this NHS funding, and for full details of the criteria, search ‘NHS who can have a personal health budget’ for the full details.

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

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

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

Fulfillment, Not Finances: Why Over-50s Stay in Work

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

In each geographical area there is an Integrated Care Board, which you can contact and they will give guidance on how to apply for this funding. Recently, I rang on behalf of a lady who has complex care needs and was advised to contact her GP or Community Nursing Team who would apply on her behalf.

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.

People over 50 are staying in work not for the money, but for the mental and physical benefits, according to a new survey by TIB Services. The research reveals that among the over-50s workforce, fulfillment, structure, and a sense of purpose often outweigh financial motivation. Nearly half of respondents said they had returned to work after retiring, highlighting a growing trend of ‘unretirement’ driven by purpose rather than pay. The top motivation given for working, cited by 9 in 10 respondents was to keep mentally active. 88% said they want to keep physically active, and 73% want to use their skills in a meaningful way. Only 33% of respondent’s choice was financial reasons.

Will butterfly populations bounce back?

Our information brochure gives further information and our website at www.ablecommunitycare.com has an application form you can complete.

For a brochure email to: info@ablecommunitycare.com

If you would like to know more about our Livecall on 01603 764567.

Questions we are often asked are about the cost, professional status of the care workers and what emergency situation after our office is closed.

Health conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke support, may be eligible for this funding, and a call to the organisations which represent these health conditions such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Parkinson’s Disease Association and the Stroke Association, and other representative health support charities, will be helpful to you.

Angela

Able Community Care, based in Norfolk but available everywhere.

Gi ord – Able Community Care

Creating a wildlife haven in your garden could help

–A nationwide, live-in, care provider since 1980

With longer working lives becoming the norm, creating an age-inclusive hiring culture is more than a legal necessity – it’s a huge opportunity. Employers who embrace the strengths and adaptability of older workers will be better placed to build stable, skilled and committed teams.

Our information brochure gives further information www.ablecommunitycare.com has an application

For a brochure email to: info@ablecommunitycare.com

but available

The ‘Big Butterfly Count’, running from July 18 to August 10, invites everyone in the UK, from countryside dwellers to city residents, to participate in counting butterflies.

Research shows that 80% of butterflies have declined since the 1970s and the ‘Big Butterfly Count’ is a quick and easy way for people to take action for their survival.

Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at ‘Butterfly Conservation’, said “Following last summer’s ‘Big Butterfly Count’ results, which showed a significant decline in the number of butterflies participants observed, we need everyone to get involved this year.

Anything you can do to make your garden more butterfly-friendly increases the chances of butterflies surviving, and your chance of seeing them in your garden.

• Be a grower, not a mower

• Make your garden a stepping stone for wildlife

• Avoid pesticides and insecticides

• Deadhead flowers

• Avoid peat-based composts

Getting involved in the ‘Big Butterfly Count’ really is as simple as 1,2,3, following the steps on the website.

For further information visit www.bigbutterflycount.org

Able Community Care, based in Norfolk

Image: Brimstone on Buddleia, Keith Warmington

What’s On

...

G F Watts, Ellen Terry (Choosing), 1864, oil on strawboard mounted on Gatorfoam, 47.2 x 35.2cm © National Portrait Gallery

Malgorzata Mirga-Tas

Scented Visions: Smell in Art 1850-1915

Watts Gallery, Guildford, Surrey Until 9 November

Engage yourself in the captivating world of Pre-Raphaelite art through the evocative power of scent in Scented Visions, the first exhibition to explore the iconography and symbolism of scent in nineteenth and early twentieth-century art.

Examine how artists conveyed scent in their art and how the ideas they held about smells and smelling informed their paintings in intriguing ways.

Scented Visions opens with an exploration of the popular image of women smelling flowers. Central to this section of the exhibition is G F Watts’ much-loved painting of his first wife, Ellen Terry (Choosing), 1864 (National Portrait Gallery). In this painting the actress Ellen Terry is portrayed in the process of choosing between the luscious, showy blooms of the unscented camellia pressed to her face, and the handful of sweet-smelling wild violets clutched to her heart. The painting alludes to the artist’s feelings about the choice between the temptations of a flamboyant life of vanity on stage and a comparatively innocent and simple life as Watts’ wife and muse.

The exhibition is in three sections, following on with a theme of Seeing Smell showing ways in which artists, scientists, popular writers and cartoonists tried to see (give visual form to) invisible smell.

Finishing with All Smell is Disease revealing how intense smells were seen to depress spirits, lower morals and poison the body.

For further information visit www.Wattsgallery.org.uk

The Whitworth, University of Manchester Until 7 September

The Whitworth presents the work of Romani artist Małgorzata Mirga-Tas. Born in 1978 in Zakopane, Poland, Mirga-Tas grew up in a Romani community in Czarna Góra, at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, where she continues to live and work today.

Organised in collaboration with Tate St Ives, the exhibition explores the key themes and methods across Mirga-Tas’s practice.

Showcasing more than 20 textile-based works by the artist, including some of the artist’s largest works made especially for this touring exhibition.

It presents her embroidered screens loaned from the Tate collection, alongside works from the celebrated Out of Egypt series.

On display are colourful textile collages using materials gathered from family and friends. From elaborate compositions based on European Old Master painting, to striking individual portraits of community representatives, Mirga-Tas’s work challenges stereotypical perceptions of Romani people and history. The artist’s visual storytelling is pronouncedly feminist, foregrounding female labour and the deep connections of women across the Roma world. www.manchester.ac.uk/whitworth

Małgorzata Mirga-Tas ‘Out of Egypt’ from the series ‘Out of Egypt’, 2021. © Małgorzata Mirga-Tas

The Barber in London: Highlights from a remarkable collection

The Courtauld Gallery, Strand, London

Until 22 February 2026

A selection of 18 masterpieces ranging from the Renaissance to the 20th century, including works by Gainsborough, Reynolds, Turner, Degas and Monet, will be exhibited at The Courtauld Gallery while the Barber undergoes major building improvements.

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts was founded as a university gallery in 1932, the same year as The Courtauld Institute of Art and its collection. Both were intended to encourage the study and public appreciation of art. Today, the Barber and The Courtauld Gallery are home to two of the finest collections of European art in the country.

Highlights of the display will include Saint Jerome in the Wilderness (around 1445-60) – one of the earliest surviving works by Giovanni Bellini – along with Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun’s Portrait of Countess Golovina (1797-1800) and the striking Portrait of a Man with a Skull, (around 1610-14) by Frans Hals.

The Barber’s significant strand of landscape paintings will be represented with exceptional examples by artists including Rubens, Claude, Turner and Monet. Several internationally significant 19th century works will be exhibited, including Gabriel Dante Rossetti’s sumptuous The Blue Bower (1865) and Edgar Degas’s Jockeys Before the Race (1879). Max Pechstein’s Still Life in Grey (1913) – the Barber’s most recent painting acquisition – demonstrates the museum’s ongoing interest in growing the collection with 20th century works. www.courtauld.ac.uk

Claude Monet (1840-1926), The Church at Varengeville 1882, Oil paint on canvas

Greatdays – 40 years of Exceptional Group Travel

Tailor-made tours for groups

Greatdays Holidays is a family run tour operator who have been creating customised tours for groups since 1985. We offer self, part or fully escorted wonderful group holidays (minimum 15 people) in the UK, Europe and most Worldwide destinations, plus Disneyland® Paris and many river and ocean cruises. Each itinerary is tailor-made to meet your group’s exact requirements therefore each tour is unique.

We typically work with quality three and four-star hotels in perfect locations, and our holidays can include a full programme of sightseeing excursions with transport arranged by coach, train or plane. Greatdays Holidays is fully bonded with ABTA and ATOL for your complete financial security.

n UK, Europe and Worldwide destinations

n River and Ocean Cruises

n Group size is typically from 15 persons or more

n Quality hotels (many with plenty of single rooms)

n Travel by coach, train or plane

n Customised itineraries for your group

n Private tour weblink with easy online payments

n 24 hour dedicated client support

n Book with 100% financial security

2026 Group Travel Guide

Order a FREE copy of our new brochure full of interesting tour ideas for your next group holiday

70’S JUKEBOX CHRISTMAS SHOW PARTY LUNCH 2025

CHESTER - QUEEN HOTEL CHESTER

November 19, 20, 21

December 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 15, 16, 17, 18 £46pp

KENT - MERCURE GREAT DANES HOTEL MAIDSTONE

November 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 £49pp

SURREY - HILTON COBHAM

December 8, 9 £53pp

ESSEX - CHIGWELL PRINCE REGENT HOTEL

December 10, 11 £52pp

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - CROWNE PLAZA

December 12 £47pp

Price includes:

• Welcome tea/coffee and mince pies

• 90 minutes of premium entertainment performed by our talented entertainers

• 3 course set festive lunch with tea/coffee

Swan Hellenic cruises –exploring the most extraordinary places on earth

Discovering small and lesser-known port destinations of special cultural, geographical or wildlife interest as well as bucket-list famous cities. Exploring many uniquely remote places beyond any ports of call, boarding Zodiac or Tender boats and exploring at sea level to come ashore in rich unspoiled areas of our planet that cannot be accessed in any other way. But, above all, really seeing where they explore, thanks to the seasoned guides and international experts who share their knowledge and insights every step of the way.

Each uncompromisingly designed cultural expedition cruise thus takes you to discover some of the most astonishing secrets of our planet, from Antarctica and the arctic regions to the Americas, Asia, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, where the unique tradition of cultural expedition cruises began.

Every ship in the fleet has been purpose-designed and built to support these unique experiences. They are all ice-class expedition ships able to call at smaller ports and feature extensive deck areas, panoramic interiors and special observation posts, state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities for lectures by world authorities and a Conciergemanaged Basecamp where guests prepare for their expertled expeditions.

It is this complete, totally immersive interaction that transforms each Swan Hellenic destination from a word on an itinerary to a place intimately experienced with the enriching insight of expert knowledge.

Swan Hellenic’s purpose-built boutique ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. SH Minerva and SH Vega, two 5-star Polar Code PC 5 expedition cruise ships with ice-strengthened hulls, launched in December 2021 and July 2022. Both accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious suites and staterooms, the majority with large balconies. A slightly larger PC 6 ice-class vessel, SH Diana, accommodating 192 guests in the same distinctive comfort and style in 96 staterooms and suites, was launched in April 2023.

All three ships feature three dining venues – the Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge and Pool Bar & Grill – and are built in full compliance with SOLAS Safe Return to Port requirements. Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company’s meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, people and cultures of the world’s less travelled and most historic regions.

The crew each includes a team of 12 seasoned expedition guides, expert speakers and lecturers, for a total complement of 120 and 140 people respectively, offering outstanding staff-to-guest ratios to deliver the highest standards of attentive personal service.

On many cruises, guests can also participate in Swan Hellenic’s Citizen Science partnerships, contributing valuable data obtained during their expeditions and on board, reporting cloud data with NASA, recording whale sightings with Happywhale,

monitoring phytoplankton with the Secchi Disk Study, and Antarctic seabird numbers with Stony Brook University.

Every cruise proudly combines geographical exploration of the most extraordinary places on earth with cultural and scientific discovery, involving renowned experts who offer eye-opening lectures and are on hand for informal questions and discussion.

So, when adventurous voyagers choose Swan Hellenic, they can be sure to gain real insights into the history, cultures, wildlife, flora, geology and geography of the places they explore, bringing each species encountered and every moment of discovery additional depth, resonance and meaning.

Briefings before and recaps after each disembarkation supplement these lectures and talks, stimulating a relaxed social environment that encourages the sharing of experiences. Because Swan Hellenic’s mission to enrich curious minds means it’s only natural that we attract them. This makes for a stimulating social life and sense of camaraderie on board, fostered by the shared expedition experience. It’s the combination of these many dimensions, unique to Swan Hellenic, that make us the first choice of adventurous minds worldwide who want to see what others don’t.

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in July 2020 to proudly advance the spirit of cultural expedition cruising that the company pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company prides itself on taking its guests to see what others don’t.

VENETIAN HORIZONS: SAILING FROM PALERMO TO THE DALMATIAN COAST

PALERMO - VENICE I 22 AUG - 01 SEPT 2025

Explore the Mediterranean’s cultural diversity from Sicily’s lively capital through the Adriatic to Venice’s canals. Visit historic Sicily, Puglia, Montenegro, and Croatia for a seamless cultural journey.

Experience Sicily’s beauty, Dubrovnik’s medieval charm, and Montenegro’s stunning landscapes. Discover Kotor’s serene bay and Split’s bustling harbor. Enjoy Rovinj’s Italianate architecture and Hvar’s Venetian elegance. Engage in walking tours, vineyard visits, and kayaking adventures. Delight in historical explorations and culinary treasures, from Savina Hills wines to Puglia’s rich flavors, immersing in the vibrant Mediterranean cultures.

10 Nights from £2,775 per person

Exclusive to Retirement Today, savings of over 50%

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

•A 10-night Palermo to Venice cruise on SH Diana, in a Balcony Stateroom

•All-inclusive onboard the ship, including all meals and 24-hour drinks

•Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers

•Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)

•One selected shore excursion per port of call

•Onboard gratuities & port taxes

•24/7 self service laundry

•Gym, sauna, pool

Stromboli

Rovinj

Dubrovnik

Venice

Monopoli

Kotor

Split

Palermo

Gallipoli

ITALY

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

CROATIA

A road trip in the Rockies

by Debra Rixon

Ithink most people think of retirement as the time when you can do things, so it was a bit of a blow to be advised that as we had reached the age of 70, our new driving license had changed so we could no longer hire an RV in the US, without passing a specialised driving test. We were planning our next visit to see our son and his family in the Colorado Rockies, and had thought about camping on the RV site beside the lake at the State Park, half a mile away from him. As it turned out, he provided the trailer for the camp site, and we decided to hire a regular car in Denver – at least we could still do that.

This was our third trip to the small, high desert town that he lived in, and we thought we would make a road trip out of the journey to, and from, his home. This involved several mountain passes, the first of which had only just been opened the day before we flew into Denver at the end of May. Some might say that getting off a transatlantic flight and setting off in a hire car might have been a shade hasty, but the drive was around an hour and a half, and we felt we could do that comfortably. Friday night traffic out of Denver, with thunderstorms raging over the foothills of the Rockies we were heading towards, meant that journey time stretched to two hours.

The passes have good roads and little traffic, but with hairpin bends and no crash barriers, low speeds were essential to get up the mountain, and then of course, down the other side – that timeframe was slipping even more. By the time we rolled up at our first night’s stop, we were ready for a long drink and something better than airline food to eat. Nicky’s Resort in Estes Park was a small family run motel beside a raging mountain river with the inevitable bar and grill on the side. A comfortable bed was all we craved, and the sound of rushing water lulled us to sleep in the end.

Estes Park is a reasonably sized tourist town set in a valley surrounded by stunning mountains. It runs a little

tourist trolley bus, which we missed, so we walked into town to inspect the facilities and adjust to our new time zone. The US has discovered brew pubs and craft beer, so there are always one or two small breweries to sample and compare to our own brands. In husband Dave’s view they didn’t, but I was open to persuasion. We took the antique, but safe, cable car up to the highest point above the town, and had fun feeding the local chipmunks peanuts. Back in town, a motorist had hit the tourist trolley bus, so we walked back via the local supermarket to stock up on supplies for the next day’s drive.

We shared the driving in the main, and first stop was at an old mining town called Blackhawk. Most of the

buildings on Main Street and the two adjoining streets had been preserved, with some wonderful black and white photographs and legends depicting the history of this prosperous town, until the coal and silver ran out. But the town remains prosperous because every single one of those buildings houses a casino, and backing onto the mountain side is an incongruous high rise glitzy hotel to cater to all the gamblers that head there. Hardly a soul (besides Dave and I) on the street pavements, but peek into any doorway and there they are, packed in like sardines in a multi-coloured, clanging, dinging and whooping room full of machines.

After this Dave elected to drive the Independence Pass, a slow twisting

Estes Park Tramway Ouray

ascent to 12,000 feet and a sign declaring The Continental Divide There was still snow on the summit, and although we got out to stretch our legs and take photos, the wind was cold and the altitude making itself noticeable. Down the mountain we headed for the ski resort of Aspen – a place that is affordable out of season and if you find a delightful little two star hotel on the edge of town. The mansions were above the town, dotted around the famous ski slopes, and the resort itself is rather unprepossessing – neat, well kept, several stone and brick municipal looking buildings, and a John Denver Sanctuary Garden. We’ve found that Americans often prefer to eat out early, so we were lucky to finally find somewhere that was still serving food at 8pm. We met two delightful ladies in the small pool at the hotel who knew the small mountain town we were heading for, and suggested a couple of interesting detours on the route, which we duly noted.

We were glad of the car’s air conditioning as we set off for the McClure Pass that would take us to our son’s home. We made a detour in the valley bottom to the settlement known as Marble that the Aspen ladies had recommended, and found the Slow Grooving BBQ and Grill nestled between a shingle covered church and a small working quarry. They were right, it was worth it, and we reluctantly left to drive the last part of the pass to thunderstorms – driving rain and high winds that stayed with us through Hotchkiss and Paonia to journey’s end at Crawford. We spent a wonderful 10 days with our son and family, but had to leave on the eve of their town’s Pioneer Days celebration to drive to our next destination on the loop back to Denver – Durango. We made a stop in another small town called Ouray, named for the Ute Indian Chief who had negotiated with the US Government in their relentless campaign to drive the Ute Indians off their land and onto Reservations. It was a pleasant but predictable tourist town that offered skiing in winter and jeep safaris in the summer and rest rooms, of course.

After Ouray we had another mountain pass, skirting the old mining town of Silverton taking Million Dollar Highway 550. A squally shower descended on us at a convenient look-out spot that possessed toilets, and the weather closed in for much of the descent,

and then cleared to blue skies and hot sun. I was driving and it took longer because of a recent rock avalanche that had covered half of the road on a bend, and we had to be shepherded single file in both directions. This was quite a serious rock ‘slide’ as this pass is a major arterial road, and I shook my head in awe at the size of some of the trucks that were travelling up and down and had to say to myself that they ‘must do this every day’.

We arrived at the town of Durango, which was also the starting point for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, constructed in 1881 – our sole reason for being there. This glorious steam train with not one but two huge locomotives pulling a dozen restored heritage coaches, climbs 3,000 feet up the mountainside back to Silverton at 9,000 feet, with stunning views of the, at times, raging Animas river and scenic vertical drops over three and a

half hours. Silverton is a small, tourist town at the railhead, with the locos coming to a stop almost into Main Street. We had a drink at the bar in the Shady Lady Saloon, and inspected the tourist shops before the long mournful whistle of the loco called us back to our carriage.

We left Durango the next morning on the Interstate Highway for much of the journey to Pueblo, but a gentler mountain pass took us past the small town of Fort Garland, which possessed an intact historic Civil War adobe fort, that we detoured to be able to visit. The fort is situated on a plain with good all round visibility, and as the heat was building it was pleasant to find that inside the adobe and wood buildings, it was cool and we could take time to assimilate its history. Sadly we were the only visitors, but the ladies in charge were pleased to see us. Cold drinks and rest rooms were also on offer before we set off for the last stop of our 1,000 mile journey – a nondescript motel beside the freeway in Pueblo on the outskirts of Denver. From there we returned happy but exhausted to the international Airport.

Debra and David’s Footloose travel series is available to view on Amazon Prime

Near Independence Pass

Shady Lady Saloon, Silverton

WHY CHOOSE US?

Small, friendly groups

No single supplement dates for solo travellers!

Private group bookings for walking groups & clubs

Choose from 40 easy going guided walking destinations

Regional UK Departures - convenient airports, closer to home

Local Guides: Uncover hidden gems with expert knowledge

Stress-Free Travel: Luggage & transfers included as standard

spending less than they would back home.

Sun, savings, and serenity: why British retirees are choosing Thailand

I recently had the opportunity to speak with 54 year-old British Andrew Stocks, founder of Sunshine International, Thailand’s leading luxury retirement residence brand.

Here’s an overview of our conversation:

Q: What inspired you to establish retirement residences in Thailand?

My journey began with a personal experience involving my grandmother, who was dissatisfied with traditional nursing homes. This led me to create a hybrid model combining the comforts of a luxury resort with essential support services for retirees. My vision was to offer a dignified and independent lifestyle for seniors, blending hotel-style amenities with comprehensive care.

Q: Why Thailand?

My affection for Thailand grew over time, particularly appreciating the warmth and kindness of the Thai people. I recognized the country’s appeal to expatriates seeking affordable and high-quality retirement options. Thailand’s tropical climate, cultural richness, and cost-effective healthcare made it an attractive destination for retirees.

Q: What services do your residences offer?

Sunshine International provides a range of services, including:

• 24-hour medical staff on-site

• Housekeeping and concierge services

• On-site fitness centers and spas

• International restaurants

• Private villas and apartments for rent and sale

These amenities aim to ensure residents feel secure, cared for, and part of a vibrant community.

Q: How has the market responded?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Since the pandemic, the number of British residents at Sunshine International has increased significantly, reflecting a broader trend of expatriates seeking quality retirement options in Thailand.

Q: What are your future plans?

I envisage expanding Sunshine International across Thailand, with new projects planned for Chiang Mai and Pattaya. I aim to meet the growing demand from overseas retirees moving to Thailand, ensuring they have access to high-standard services and care.

Andrew’s commitment to providing dignified and luxurious living options for retirees in Thailand underscores his dedication to enhancing the quality of life for seniors. His personal experiences and deep appreciation for Thai culture have been instrumental in shaping Sunshine International’s success.

For many Britons, the dream of retirement involves lazy days in the sun, a comfortable lifestyle, and the reassuring knowledge that their savings are stretching further. Increasingly, this dream is being pursued not on the shores of the UK, but in the vibrant and captivating landscapes of Thailand. More and more British retirees are packing their bags and embarking on a Southeast Asian adventure in their golden years.

The allure of Thailand is multifaceted, offering a compelling combination of factors that make it an increasingly attractive destination for those looking to enjoy their retirement to the fullest.

The Climate is a Key Draw: British weather can be... unpredictable. The promise of consistent sunshine, warm temperatures, and a vibrant tropical environment is a powerful draw for those yearning to escape the damp and cold.

A Better Lifestyle, at a Fraction of the Cost: While the weather is a significant factor, affordability plays an equally crucial role in Thailand’s appeal. The cost of living is significantly lower compared to the UK, meaning retirees can enjoy a higher standard of living, all while

Stretching those Savings: For many, a fixed retirement income can feel stretched in the UK. The higher cost of living can put a strain on finances. In Thailand, the lower cost of living allows retirees to make their savings go further, freeing up funds for travel, hobbies, and other pursuits.

Beyond the Beaches – a Culture to Embrace: Thailand offers more than just beautiful beaches and affordable living. Its rich cultural heritage, friendly locals, and vibrant traditions provide a unique and enriching experience for those who choose to call it home. Exploring ancient temples, indulging in delicious Thai cuisine, learning a new language, and immersing oneself in local customs are just a few of the ways retirees can enrich their lives.

The Growing Expat Community: Moving to a new country can be daunting, but the established and welcoming expat community in Thailand provides a valuable support network for newcomers. Offering assistance with everything from navigating local bureaucracy to finding suitable accommodation and connecting with like-minded individuals. This sense of community can ease the transition and help retirees feel at home in their new surroundings.

In conclusion, the increasing number of British retirees flocking to Thailand is a testament to the country’s undeniable appeal. For those seeking warmer weather, a more affordable lifestyle, and the chance to make their retirement savings go further, Thailand offers a compelling and increasingly attractive option. The dream of a better life in retirement is within reach, and for many, that dream is found in the land of smiles.

For further information on Sunshine International visit www.sunshine-residences.com

Why are so many of us struggling to sleep well?

POOR MENTAL HEALTH

It’s impossible to have good mental health if you don’t sleep well. But the issue with that is that a symptom of mental health disorders is disordered sleep. Here we have the perfect example of the chicken vs the egg.

WE’VE NEVER LEARNT TO ‘SLEEP WELL’

We just go to bed and expect that we can sleep. Imagine going to your fridge and thinking your dinner would just land on your plate. Nope – you have to think about it, shop for it, prepare and cook it THEN eat it.

Sleep needs TLC too.

M.L.S. – MODERN LIFE SABOTAGE

Whether you are a serial Netflixer, marathon training at midnight or just sending that one last email to your boss, these ‘essentials’ of modern life are a death knell to a good night’s sleep.

WE ARE WORRYING ABOUT SLEEPING

Have you ever slept well the night before you have an early flight, an exam or a big presentation? When we need and want it the most, sleep can be at its most elusive. One reason for that is the worry factor. By knowing this and

looking at our sleep behaviours with a close-up lens, we can make changes.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO IMPROVE OUR SLEEP?

Before we get into sleep prep, remember these three things.

First, nights of bad sleep will be part of our lives. That’s OK and totally normal.

What we need is to have the tools in place to help us ride that storm of sleeplessness and know we can break out of it back into better sleep when we are ready.

Second, your body and mind tell you when you are tired – pay attention! Third, when you are in a phase of feeling tired, daytime tools can be helpful sticking plasters to restoring a sense of balance, calm and energy.

SLEEP SCHOOL: TROUBLESHOOTING

Work backwards. What time is it realistic for you to go to bed? That may seem an obvious question, but so many of us have unrealistic expectations. The question isn’t when you are going to bed, it is what you need to do before you can go to bed. I have fallen into this trap so many times it’s embarrassing.‘I’m going to bed tonight at 9pm’, I say to my husband as we sit down to dinner at 7.30. If you set a bed time then miss it, this can trigger a negative thought cycle and more self-sabotaging behaviours. Let’s aim for 10.30 instead and work from there.

WIND DOWN

If we prepare for sleep like we prepare for going to work, we are giving ourselves the best chance possible to sleep well. Actively winding down might be reading, journaling, stretching or meditation – all proven to help improve sleep quality and help you fall asleep faster. Baths – yes or no? If you choose yes, not too hot or too close to bed – they can have the opposite effect.

ROUTINE

Our bodies crave routine, so ideally we should be planning for bedtime and wake up time as the same most days. However, listening to how you feel matters too.

The optimal goal is to be tired when you go to bed so you fall asleep easily.

DON’T LIE AWAKE IN BED

Your bed should be a place of calm, quiet and respite from the stresses of the day. If you put your head on the pillow and start to have an outpouring of worries running through your head, these thoughts can set off your sympathetic nervous system and trigger a fight-or-flight reaction, meaning adrenaline starts pumping and you become more awake than ever.

Sleep is essential for life, requires minimal effort or equipment and is usually quite enjoyable – so what’s going wrong?

When this happens, it’s time for an intervention.

If you go to bed and can’t sleep after twenty minutes, then the answer is to get up.

Consider it a false start. Go and do something else for thirty minutes and enjoy what you are doing. Then go back to bed and try again. Keep repeating this cycle until you fall asleep. And do it tomorrow night too. Eventually, you will retrain yourself that bed is for sleep and when your head hits the pillow, you will fall asleep faster.

NOTEBOOK BY THE BED

It’s 2am and you remember you didn’t do THAT THING yesterday. You are kicking yourself and thinking how and when you can fit that into tomorrow. One thing is sure, lying awake worrying about it isn’t going to help you:

a) do it, or b) get back to sleep. When that happens, and it will, a notebook or pad of sticky notes by the bed is the perfect thing to help you scribble it down, get it off your mind, and fall back to sleep.

SLEEP MASK

Ever tried to sleep in broad daylight on a plane? Darkness tells our brain that it’s time to sleep. You can help that by wearing a sleep mask.

Heads Up by Dr Clara Doran, Published by Leaping Hare Press. Out Now, £15.00

TFrench Kissed

Creating a home inspired by French style

here are some things that never cease to tug at the heart of Chantal Cloutier: love of nature, animals, homes, simple French interiors and a pure palette. Bringing together all these elements, her home in Solvang, California represents a return to her roots.

“MY MOTHER WAS FRENCH-CANADIAN and she married an American,” Chantal recalls. “I was the only one of our large family born in California, but as a young child, I returned to live in the quiet countryside outside Montréal with my aunts, uncles and cousins.”

It was a formative experience. “Our family always had a strong connection to nature. We were brought up with the four seasons and the outdoors was our playground.”

It was the love of her family and their simple, seasonal lifestyle that, when she was in her thirties, compelled her to buy a cabin of her own in Québec. It nestles on 80 acres/32.4 hectares in the Laurentians, one of the oldest mountain regions in the world. “I still own the cabin and it remains my favourite home,” she says, adding, “and it was the first time I discovered flea-market shopping as a way to furnish and decorate an interior.”

After Chantal’s parents divorced, she and her mother moved to Los Angeles where Chantal began a career in modelling.

“One day, I was walking home from school – I must have been 5 feet 10 inches and about 11 years old,” she recalls. “A lady with a French accent asked if I would model for one of her paintings. I remember that painting being 6 feet tall. That’s how my modelling career began and it continued until I was in my thirties.” At that point, she decided to start her own modelling agency. “I was fortunate to have interned for many years under the wings of Franklin Welsh and Paul Jasmin, two talented men in the beauty and fashion arenas. It was the right time, the right place and the right people helping each other.”

Chantal understands the positive results that come with

In a romantic gesture, a pair of antique crystal sconces and flea-market side tables flank the bed, which is outfitted in linen sheets, a ruffled bedspread and a velvet throw.

kindness and thoughtfulness. Case in point, a letter she received years ago from a stranger named Michael Blake, asking if he could rent her former home in Topanga Canyon. “He had no credit and no money, but he told me he had just finished writing a book and would soon have the necessary funds. I trusted him,” she recalls. As fate would have it, shortly thereafter, Michael was nominated and won an Academy Award for his screen adaptation of that same book: Dances With Wolves

Chantal had long been an animal advocate, rescuing countless senior dogs, but of her connection with Michael, she says “He opened my eyes to the plight of old horses.” That week, she brought home seven horses that were destined for a slaughterhouse. That was 25 years ago, but of the years she spent saving animals Chantal says, “It remains my life’s most essential and rewarding time.”

Today, she shares her home with True Ami, a 10-year-old rescue Labrador. Chantal says she always knew her roots were in France. “I learned early on that my ancestors immigrated from La Rochelle to Gravelbourg, a small multicultural town in Canada.” She loves all things French and has visited the country numerous times.

“I always start in Paris, then venture off to discover as much of the country as possible by car, bike or barge.”

She has managed to incorporate her preferred interior style in her present abode in Solvang. “I specifically visualized a place that had a loft-style feel,” she says. “What I love about many French interiors is that they are clean and uncluttered, and they don’t follow decorating rules.” That uncontrived design ethos is evident in her sparsely yet cozily furnished rooms. She transformed the previously gloomy, dreary space into a light-filled sanctuary.

To impart character to the loft, Chantal turned to vintage pieces that she has owned for 30 years or more – from mirrors to farm-style cabinets.

“I always value authenticity and quality over quantity,” she notes. That mantra comes fully into focus with rustic yet refined antiques. Their offthe-shoulder elegance lends a French minimalist appeal and highlights the beauty found in the humble and imperfect.

And let’s not forget that the French have an unwavering love for their pets. So, it’s no surprise that Chantal would conclude,“A home without an animal is not a home.”

(left) Found in a vintage shop, a harvest table and wood and wicker chairs offer a rustic counterpoint to a crystal chandelier. The French poster captured Chantal’s heart the moment she saw it. Branches of lemons are displayed in a pitcher.

The original farmhouse cabinet has moved with Chantal from one home to the next. “I found it in a now-defunct vintage shop many years ago,” she recalls. A birdcage-style chandelier presides over a floor pillow with authentic embroidery, acquired at a friend’s moving sale.

An extract from French Flair by Fifi O’Neill, published by Ryland Peters & Small (£25).

Photography by Mark Lohman. © Ryland Peters & Small

A street sign and enamel wall bins were discovered at a travelling antique show.

A PLACE TO LIVE THAT COULD CHANGE

“We

Find out how moving to a residential park can give you financial freedom and more

Do you dream of having the financial freedom to make the most of every day? Moving to a residential park can be the key that unlocks a fulfilling new lifestyle.

However, we know it’s a big step and you’ve probably got some questions.

That’s where our FREE introductory guide comes in. It tells you all you need to know to decide if park home living is right for you, from the financial and legal aspects of buying to real life stories giving personal insights from some of our residents.

At Tingdene Parks we’ve helped many people realise their later life dreams, joining our welcoming communities in wonderful coastal, rural or semi-rural locations.

Claim your FREE copy of our introductory guide to park home living today. You’ll be taking the first step towards a carefree future.

If you’re at a stage where you are starting to contemplate your possibilities for retirement, and moving is a consideration, there are some great choices available in the way of park home living. However, if your idea of a park home is a small step up from a static caravan then you are very much mistaken, and need to think again.

Over the years, park homes have changed a great deal and are now more like luxury bungalows and have become an increasingly popular lifestyle choice for retirees. A park home is a normal detached bungalow style property where all the rooms are on one level, so you can easily move around from room to room. Most offer a wide range of layouts and designs, with good quality furnishings, carpets, central heating, double glazing and modern appliances. In fact, everything you need for a comfortable, relaxed, luxury lifestyle.

For those who are looking for an affordable and low-maintenance place to live, park homes make the ideal choice, a lot are designed exclusively for the retired or semiretired. Most residential parks have a minimum age requirement, which means you will be living amongst like-minded people of a similar age who are looking for peace and quiet in their retirement, but at the same time are still active.

One of the main attractions of park home residents being retired means they have time to chat and make friends, so you really feel part of a community with a real sense of belonging.

Park Homes: a new way of living

With your retirement not far away, it’s time to be thinking what comes next...

As we grow older, it becomes increasingly important to find a place to live where we feel safe and comfortable, and many parks have gated secure entry systems, giving you peace of mind.

Another reason they are so popular is their price, which compares favourably with the more expensive traditional homes. As well as being low maintenance, they are very economical to run and most will qualify for ‘Band A’ council tax. Many park homes are insulated, making them very energy efficient and can be a more cost-effective option than bricks and mortar. Choosing a park home can free up capital, giving you the chance to travel and live life to the full in retirement.

However, it is important to mention that although you buy the home, you won’t actually own the land if it’s on a park, so you will need to pay a monthly ground rent which varies from park to park.

One of the great things when you retire is that it frees you up from the daily routine of commuting and gives you the opportunity of possibly moving to a new area and having a complete change of location. Maybe you have family or friends in a certain part of the country that you would like to move near to, or perhaps there is somewhere you have visited on holiday which has appealed to you and would be your ideal retirement location. Residential park homes are very often situated in the most idyllic, beautiful areas up and down the country, so whether you are looking to live by the coast, in the countryside, or near to a town, the choice is yours!

Park homes fall into two categories, either residential park homes on parks with an all year round licence which allows you to reside there full time, or leisure homes which are intended to be used as holiday homes, and most can be rented out when you are not using it, giving you a source of revenue. It’s important to make sure that the park of your choice has the type of licence to cover the use of your home as you require.

Although there is no legal requirement to use a solicitor when buying a park home, we strongly recommend doing so. Like any other ‘bricks and mortar’ property, buying a park home is a major commitment, and just as you wouldn’t dream of purchasing bricks and mortar without a solicitor, the same should be said when purchasing a park home.

If you are looking to purchase a park home, find a solicitor that has expertise in park home law to guide you through the purchase and who will be aware of any pitfalls that may occur, so any potential issues can be picked up and quickly sorted.

There are numerous companies specialising in park living, and the following are examples of what is available throughout the UK.

Continued over

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.

CASE STUDY

Discover a more rewarding lifestyle on a Charles Simpson Park

With ten parks across England, Charles Simpson Organisation have been providing affordable high-quality homes since 1963. In these more demanding times, where costs associated with maintaining a comfortable way of life are becoming increasingly difficult, rising fuel bills, Council tax, insurances etc, transitioning to the Park Home lifestyle has become more popular than ever!

As a well-respected Park Operator, we strive to work in harmony with the natural surroundings of the park. Creating communities for like-minded people who wish to enjoy life and have less expenditure. With our park homes enjoying the lowest Council tax banding, having no stamp duty to pay and lower heating bills due to the excellent insulation required to achieve the British Standard 3632 for fully residential park homes, many of our residents find they are saving money even with the monthly site fee payable under the written statement agreement. Buying a home on a Charles Simpson Park is an excellent alternative to equity release and can be much cheaper than other retirement living options.

Find your happy place at a Tingdene residential park

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.

Fun on the Essex sunshine coast

Located a few minutes’ drive from the Essex sunshine coast in Clacton-on-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

Nestled in a peaceful corner of Lincolnshire, Ashfield Park offers the perfect balance of town convenience and countryside charm. Just minutes from Scunthorpe, you’ll find all the essentials close to hand, plus a range of leisure opportunities nearby.

Prices from £145,950

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 to find out more.

constructed the homes are. They also commented how friendly and welcoming the community were towards them. ‘This is delightful’ the gentleman remarked ‘yes its like we have discovered a well-kept secret so close to our doorstep’ the lady replied.

If a bungalow style home appeals to you, or you are intrigued to find out more then contact our small, friendly team for more information.

www.csoparkhomes.co.uk sales@csoparkhomes.com

At a recent open weekend event at our Woodside Park near Slip End a married couple were amazed at how modern and well-

CALL US ON 01442 235 448, mention Retirement Today and UNLOCK A SPECIAL OFFER.

Regency Living

Regency Living offers a supreme collection of Park Bungalow communities, set in some of the UK’s most enviable locations. Whether you’re looking to downsize, appreciate single storey living, or simply start fresh in a like-minded community, Regency Living developments are where comfort, convenience and charm come together.

With 28 sites across the UK, from the Cornish coast to the forests of Norfolk, we take pride in curating an exclusive collection of residential Park Bungalows, suitable for those aged 45 and over, creating a perfect spot for those seeking a relaxing and manageable lifestyle. And with Regency Living’s Home Part Exchange Scheme you have a hassle-free way to downsize by trading your current property for a luxury Park Bungalow. The scheme guarantees a quick sale at up to 100% market value, eliminating estate agent fees, solicitor fees, chains, and uncertainties. With no hidden costs and a straightforward process, the scheme provides financial security and peace of mind. It’s an ideal solution for those seeking a stress-free move to a high-quality, low-maintenance home in a welcoming community.

Pets are welcome on most developments, as we know that home wouldn’t be home without them. That’s why our communities are near to green areas, dog-walking routes, and easy access to open countryside – the perfect setting for pets to stretch their legs and enjoy the good life right alongside you.

So, whether you’re looking to enjoy more freedom, make room for the things that truly matter, or settle into a community where both you and your pets are welcome, Regency Living is here to help you turn the page in style.

Start your Regency Living journey today!

What truly sets us apart? It starts with the homes themselves –thoughtfully designed, easy to maintain, and finished to the exceptional BS3632 residential standards. Think stylish interiors, modern kitchens, and light-filled living spaces that open onto private gardens. It’s everyday luxury, designed around you.

CASE STUDY

A family operated business for more than 40 years!

Contact Details: REGENCY LIVING

01329 761849

SALES@REGENCY-LIVING.COM

WWW.REGENCY-LIVING.COM

Garstons Park is the headquarters of JJ Cooper 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

Tel: 0118 942 8782

We opened our doors in 2001 with Lakeview Residential Park in Romford, Essex, and have since expanded to over 100 sites nationwide, cementing our position as the UK’s largest residential park operator.

For individuals aged 50 and over, Wyldecrest Parks offers a lifestyle that blends affordability, peace of mind, and community living. With over 100 parks across the UK, Wyldecrest is a trusted name in residential park home living.

Affordable and Stress-Free

All Wyldecrest homes are in Council Tax Band A and exempt from Stamp Duty, delivering immediate savings. Flexible finance and part exchange options make the move even easier, especially for those looking to downsize and release equity.

Why choose a Wyldecrest Residential Park?

Low-Maintenance, Energy-Efficient Living

Homes are built to the BS3632 residential standard, offering excellent insulation, double glazing and central heating. With significantly lower running costs and minimal maintenance, residents enjoy greater comfort with fewer concerns.

Safe and Secure Communities

Wyldecrest Parks offer gated entrances and on-site teams who ensure high standards of up-keep and support. Parks are exclusively for the over 50s, promoting a quiet, respectful atmosphere.

A True Sense of Belonging

Life in a Wyldecrest park is about more than just the home. It’s about joining a like-minded community. Social events, shared spaces, and a neighbourly spirit all contribute to enhanced well-being and a strong sense of connection.

Choice of Prime UK Locations

Whether it’s the coast, countryside, or a semi-rural retreat, there’s a park to suit every preference, all within reach of local services and transport links.

For more information or to enquire, head on over to our website: www.wyldecrestparks.co.uk, call us today on: 0330 133 7300 or email us at: enquiry@wyldecrestparks.com

We can’t wait to hear from you!

PRODUCERS in the West End this autumn

The first major London revival of Mel Brooks’ hilarious musical THE PRODUCERS transfers to the Garrick Theatre this autumn following a smash-hit ✭✭✭✭✭ sold-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

Based on the classic cult film and teeming with Mel Brooks’ signature humour, THE PRODUCERS takes no prisoners as it proudly proclaims itself an “equal opportunity offender! ”

Down-on-his-luck Broadway producer Max Bialystock schemes with timid accountant Leo Bloom to create the biggest flop in theatre history – only to have it backfire spectacularly, and with thunderous applause.

THE PRODUCERS is opening at the Garrick Theatre on 30 August. For more information, and to book your tickets, visit theproducersmusical.com

For your chance to win a pair of tickets, email info@amramedia.co.uk , quoting THE PRODUCERS in the subject. Closing date 21 August.

After your family and friends, will you consider us?

Family comes ﬁrst, and having a Will in place provides invaluable peace of mind for you and your family.

Many ABF supporters feel an enormous sense of pride in leaving a lasting legacy for those who have served their country.

We are the Army’s national charity. Since 1944 we have been here to support soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need.

With no government funding, we rely on the gifts we receive from Wills to support more than a third of our work.

Scan here for further information on our free Will-making services

armybenevolentfund.org/gifts-in-wills

Alternatively please contact Emma Hamilton, Gifts in Wills Manager, on 020 7901 8909 or ehamilton@armybenevolentfund.org

Army Benevolent Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and Scotland (SC039189) and registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609).

Has a charity helped you or someone you love?

Perhaps when you least expect it, the chances are a charity will assist you or a loved one at some point in your life. Charities are there for us all when we need them the most, and we need to ensure they continue their vital work for future generations.

Many people believe that charities are well supported, well-funded and generally doing very well. Unfortunately, this is not often the case, and many struggle to survive fighting for every penny they can lay their hands on, often working under extreme financial pressures.

Some charities are fortunate in owning or having had bequeathed properties, but as every house owner will know, the upkeep of any building will, in itself cost a small fortune.

So just how do charities that do such exceptional work all over the country survive? The answer most will tell you is they depend heavily on the work done and income raised or donated by a loyal group of ‘supporters’.

One of the main ways you can support charities long into the future is to leave a gift in your Will. However small, a legacy left in your Will to your chosen charity means you will be making a significant contribution to protect their work for generations to come.

Anyone can leave money to charity in their Will, but it can sometimes be a delicate subject when approaching family members, and of course family and friends should come first. Many people are worried their children would feel cheated of their inheritance. However, one of the steps you can take is to talk to your family about your plans for your death, including leaving a donation and you may find that many people are proud of their parents planning to leave a gift to charity once loved ones have been looked after.

Many people feel it’s only the wealthy that leave money to charities in their Will, but this is not the case. The amount you leave to others or to a charitable organisation is entirely your decision. There is no minimum amount you have to leave when considering a legacy, and you can, if you wish, leave a gift to more than one worthwhile cause. However, it’s very important to be specific and accurate with the details as some charities have similar names and you need

to avoid mistaken identity. The name, address and charity number should be correct otherwise the donation could be invalid.

A legacy, in fact, can be anything you want it to be, not necessarily monetary. It could be a rare antique, a car, a piece of jewellery, investments in shares, land or property, anything that a charity of your choice would subsequently benefit from.

You can sometimes stipulate how your legacy is used within a charity, but it’s best to discuss this with the charity first as often they may not to able to use a gift in the way you intend, which could affect their ability to accept the gift.

As well as helping a good cause, leaving a legacy to charity could also reduce your inheritance tax burden. A gift to charity is free from inheritance tax (IHT). IHT is currently charged at 40% on any estate worth more that £325,000. This means, in some instances, donating more to charity could actually lower your IHT bill, which could mean you have a little more to leave to your beneficiaries overall. This does depend to how much your estate is worth in the first place, as well as the size of the donation, so it is always worth seeking expert advice before gifting to charity for the purpose of avoiding inheritance tax.

There are three different types of gift you can leave a charity:

• Pecuniary gifts – a set amount of money.

• Residuary gifts – a percentage, or the whole, of your estate (what’s

left after other specified gifts, costs and tax).

• Specific gifts – a specific object, asset or property.

You will be able to discuss this with a professional advisor to make it clear exactly what you want to leave. Many people support charities in their lifetime and when asked many say they’d happily leave a gift in their Will, but unfortunately only a small percentage actually do. Making a Will is the only way you can have peace of mind, ensuring that your estate is distributed according to your wishes.

If you don’t currently have a Will, then seek out a solicitor who can help you in the process of making one. In fact, your chosen charity may be able to provide you with a solicitor, sometimes at no cost or for a donation.

Leave a legacy in your Will and let charitable work live on.

Leaving a Gift in Your Will: Support the Army Benevolent Fund

Making a Will is a crucial step in ensuring that your loved ones are cared for after you’re gone. It not only provides peace of mind but also presents an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by supporting a cause close to your heart. One such cause is the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity, which provides a lifetime of support for soldiers, veterans and their families.

Since it was set up in 1944, the ABF has been dedicated to alleviating hardship and ensuring that soldiers, veterans and their families can live with dignity. By including a gift to the ABF in your Will, you can make a significant impact on the lives of those who have served our country. This gift can help provide essential support for soldiers facing challenges, from recovering from injuries to securing their independence in later life.

Your contribution can help fund vital support, as the ABF relies on gifts from Wills for over a third of its fundraising income. With no government funding, every gift counts, allowing the charity to assist thousands of individuals each year – last year alone, they supported over 80,000 members of the Army community.

CASE STUDY

Stan and Joyce’s Legacy to the RAF Benevolent Fund

Former RAF Flight Lieutenant Stan Smith and his wife, former WAAF Pilot Officer Joyce Smith, generously donated £50,000 as a legacy gift in their Wills to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund: the RAF’s leading welfare charity; providing lifelong practical, emotional and financial support.

Born in Glasgow in 1927, Flight Lieutenant Stan Smith (MBE RAF) joined the RAF in 1951 and served until 1986. Stan first met Joyce while both were stationed in Cyprus in 1959. Stan’s nephew Ed, reminisces: “Stan had a strong voice. People would often joke if he was calling from Germany that he wouldn’t even need a telephone.”

The impact this gift will make to the RAF Family is inspiring: the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Listening and Counselling Service is a priority welfare programme, and demand continued to rise in 2024. Stan and Joyce’s legacy gift could, therefore, be used to support a staggering total of 774 counselling sessions, or a course of eight sessions for 97 serving RAF or their family members.

Squadron Leader Samantha May, who received support from this Service said: “It was really helpful; it was really important to me to have a non-judgemental place to go and talk about things and

Creating or updating your Will is simple and should be done through qualified solicitors or professional Will-writers. The ABF offers free Will-writing services for those over 18, ensuring that the process is accessible and straightforward. There’s no obligation to leave a gift, but many find pride in knowing their legacy will help future generations of soldiers and their families.

In conclusion, leaving a gift in your Will to the Army Benevolent Fund not only secures your family’s future but also aids those who have sacrificed for our country. It’s a meaningful way to ensure that the Army family is supported in times of need, making a lasting difference for countless lives.

For further information contact Emma Hamilton, Gifts in Wills Manager on 020 7901 8909 or ehamilton@armybenvolentfund.org

share the load with someone who could help me figure out coping strategies.”

Ed believes that leaving a legacy gift to the Fund was always destined to be for Stan and Joyce. He said: “You have to give a legacy gift some good thought and if you consider the RAF to be part of your family – it was very much Stan and Joyce’s family –why wouldn’t you do it?” www.rafbf.org

Be Part Of the Heart

As RAF veterans like Leroy have been ready to defend your family’s freedom, will you be there for them?

For over 100 years, those who serve in the Royal Air Force have been ready to protect us and those we cherish. But who will protect them and their families, in their hour of need?

With a gift in your Will, you can be part of the heart of the RAF Family. Your gift will give the RAF and its people the support they need, when they need it. That could mean everything from conﬁdential counselling to mobility aids, as well as support for injuries, illness and bereavement.

or visit rafbf.org/heart

For over 30 years, Naturewatch Foundation has been a voice for animals, campaigning passionately to end animal cruelty and improve animal welfare standards around the globe.

Leaving a gi in your will to Naturewatch Foundation can make a lasting di erence.

With your generosity and support, we will continue working to make the world a kinder place for animals.

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

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 isn’t easy to put into words just how vital a legacy gift is. Being remembered in a Will enables small charities, such as 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

You could help Redwings be Ready to Rescue the next foal in need

When a horse is in danger, every moment matters. That’s why Redwings is always Ready to Rescue thanks to the generosity of supporters like you. In the weeks and months ahead, their Welfare team will be called on time and again to help desperately vulnerable horses, ponies and donkeys across the UK. For those animals, a fast and effective rescue can be the difference between life and death.

From the moment they receive a call, their work begins. Whether it’s a single foal or a group of neglected ponies, they rapidly deploy a team of expert Field Officers, handlers, vets and carers. In many cases, they work alongside other equine charities and local authorities to respond to complex rescues, because the scale of suffering can’t always be tackled alone.

Just recently, they were called to help two young foals, Billy and Patch Found in a field in Norfolk after a concerned member of the public got in touch, both were suffering from the devastating effects of liver disease and maggot infestations, likely caused by ragwort poisoning. Billy, just four months old, was emaciated, riddled with parasites and sores, and already in severe pain.

Despite receiving urgent treatment as soon as they arrived at Redwings, Billy’s condition was simply too advanced. With heavy hearts, they made the kindest decision to let him go peacefully.

His companion Patch is still fighting. He’s responded well to treatment and, although not out of the woods yet, they remain hopeful. Each rescue they carry out is about more than just a moment. It’s the beginning of a lifetime of care. Every horse, pony, donkey or mule they save receives expert veterinary attention, a tailored care plan, and a safe, loving home for life.

Your gift today could make the next rescue possible: £17 could help a Field Officer reach and assess a pony in need. £23 could provide vital tests and treatment for a new arrival. £29 could support essential dental care throughout the year. Please give today – online, or by texting SAFETY 10 to 70470 to donate £10.*

Together, they can be there for more ponies, horses and donkeys that need them. Before it’s too late. www.redwings.co.uk

Catastrophes Cat Rescue crisis appeal – update

Liz Varney, founder of Catastrophes Cat Rescue, located in the beautiful Sussex countryside, provides a safe haven and lifelong care for cats in desperate need.

This is Louis, contentedly sleeping in the Sussex sunshine. Looking at him now, you’d never guess his story. He came to Catastrophes from France when his owner simply couldn’t cope anymore. Louis can be, shall we say, rather spirited – even vicious at times. But here’s the beautiful thing about second chances: with patience and love, even the most difficult cats can find peace.

Liz’s partner, Alan, has become Louis’s trusted friend. After months of gentle persistence, Louis now sits with Alan all evening and even lets him clip his nails – something his previous owner could never manage. His original mum visits him regularly, knowing he’s safe and loved, even if she couldn’t provide the specialised care he needed. This is exactly why Catastrophes Crisis Appeal matters so deeply. Every cat deserves someone who won’t give up on them.

Thanks to people’s incredible kindness, they have raised £52,344 towards their £180,000 goal. But they still urgently need £127,656 to keep their doors open for cats like Louis – the ones nobody else will take. Whether you have already donated or are hearing about their appeal for the first time, please know that every single pound makes a difference. Louis is sleeping peacefully tonight because people like you believed that even the most challenging cats deserve love. Could you be someone’s second chance today? Visit: www.catastrophescats.org/catastrophes-crisis-appeal/

Charity NEWS

Alzheimer’s drugs: a cure for dementia?

Dementia sadly, touches almost every family across the UK. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia affecting up to 70% of people living with dementia. Short term memory loss is one of the most well-known symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Dementia is not a ‘normal part of ageing’ and is a progressive condition, this means that it gets worse over time. Currently there is no cure but… ... There is hope. Recently, we’ve seen real progress in dementia research.

In 2024, two Alzheimer’s drugs were licensed for use in the UK called lecanemab and donanemab. This was only possible thanks to years and years of research.

The new drugs are the first in the world to be ‘disease modifying’ this means they work by changing the course of Alzheimer’s.

Only people in the very early stages of Alzheimer’s are eligible for the drugs and research has shown that it slows down the disease by 4 to 6 months.

Slowing down means it reduces the symptoms, allowing people with dementia to live with a greater quality of life for several months.

Sadly, the drugs have not been approved for use by the NHS after two reviews by the NICE, the body who approve medicines for the NHS.

Chris Williams, CEO of BRACE Dementia Research, says; “The decision by NICE to not fund the early Alzheimer’s drugs, for NHS use, is very disappointing. As a charity, our research strives towards earlier diagnosis and better treatments for all affected by dementia. While the news is not what we had hoped for, there are more than one hundred drugs currently being developed and researched around the world. Research is taking us closer and closer to a cure that we so desperately need.”

Learn more about the latest dementia research at www.alzheimers-brace.org

The quiet backbone of healthcare: why community nurses matter

It is no secret that the NHS is under immense pressure. People are living longer, increasingly with complex and long-term conditions, and are discharged from hospital more quickly. Community nurses provide care to millions of people at all stages of life, at or close to home, helping patients make a better recovery and avoid unnecessary re-admissions to hospital.

These nurses, who are often unseen and undervalued, are key to delivering the government’s healthcare plan, centring on: hospital to community, sickness to prevention, and analogue to digital. Community nurses include district nurses, GP nurses, care home nurses, and many other specialists.

Despite the difficult landscape, charities like the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) help ensure that quality nursing care is there for people when they need it most.

The QICN is the oldest nursing charity in the world, founded in 1887 by William Rathbone and Florence Nightingale. Today, the QICN supports community nurses through its national networks including the Queen’s Nurses network, nurse leadership programmes and nurse-led innovation

projects. Recent projects have focused on using gardens and gardening to enhance the care of patients including new mothers and babies, those with learning disabilities, and men struggling with their mental health.

The charity undertakes research to influence policy and advocate for more investment in nursing, and sets standards of advanced education and practice. They also support nurses in times of need, providing financial assistance, and connecting with retired nurses

Find out more about the QICN at www.qicn.org.uk

The QICN relies on vital donations to support its work. If you want to support the QICN, please consider leaving a legacy gift.

Visit www.farewill.com/qicn-web or call 020 8050 2686 and quote

‘The QICN’ to create a free will.

Caring for British Wildlife, Together

Across the UK, our much-loved native wildlife is facing growing challenges. Climate change, habitat loss, pollution, road traffic and increasing human impact are placing enormous pressure on species that once thrived in our countryside and gardens.

At Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital, they care for all wildlife species, from hedgehogs, owls and songbirds to badgers, deer, swans and even tiny harvest mice. As the UK’s busiest wildlife hospital, they treat over 13,000 patients every year, working around the clock to rescue, rehabilitate and return animals to the wild where they belong.

From tiny baby birds needing hand feeding every hour, to foxes caught in litter or deer injured on roads, every animal in their care receives expert veterinary treatment and compassion. They also provide a lifelong sanctuary for those that can’t be released, and share their knowledge through public education and outreach to inspire the next generation of wildlife protectors.

They believe that every life matters, and with wildlife populations in steep decline, their work is more vital than ever.

As a charity, they rely entirely on the kindness of the public. Whether you donate, visit their centre, or leave a gift in your Will, your support helps them continue to give wild animals the care they urgently need.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.tiggywinkles.com or call 01844 292292. Together, we can give British wildlife a fighting chance.

The gold price doesn’t just fluctuate –it whispers warnings

TThe

truth?

There’s no one lever pulling it up or down… but there are four forces that I look at.

I call them MIDI

And once you know them – you’ll never look at the headlines the same way again.

Let me walk you through them.

M = Market Uncertainty

Geopolitics. Tariffs. Wars. Recessions. When the world gets shaky, gold gets shiny.

People want a safe haven.

I = Inflation

Your cash buys less every year.

But gold?

hose warnings could be very relevant for your retirement. You don’t want to run out of money, so it might make sense to have some gold in your portfolio.

Even though we use it in our everyday language:

“They’ve been as good as Gold.”

“I’m looking forward to my Golden years.”

“I don’t want them to marry that Gold digger.”

… very few seem to have any.

All I would say is you “can’t print it”… and you seem to be able to print an awful lot today!

Before I get into what drives the price itself, I’d first like to touch on how you can get some into your portfolio.

First up, you can buy physical gold. You often don’t need to take delivery of this and can store and insure it with the dealer you buy it from. I’m happy to share where I get mine if that could be helpful.

Secondly you can buy funds. Either mining companies or ETF’s, whatever works for you.

Personally, as far as I’m concerned, the bigger the fund the better. I tend to use them as a lower risk investment and so if it’s already large, with lots of investments, that’s something I look for.

Finally, you can buy individual companies. This is far more specialist. I’ve been in the industry for many years, so am very comfortable doing this. Again, it’s something you should discuss with your financial adviser.

Surprise, surprise, larger companies tend to be lower risk, so that may be something you want to look for.

Before I touch on the gold price itself, let me briefly explain why you might want it.

1) Liquid – it’s easy to sell if you ever want/need the money.

by Simon Popple

global demand.The same cannot be said for a lot of investments.

3) Try and fight inflation – the gold price has increased by 10.9% on average (in GBP) since 2000 – that’s significantly higher than inflation.

4) Track record – as I’ve just mentioned, it’s been around for thousands of years, we’re not talking about a “new kid on the block” here – such as Crypto.

5) Returns – that 10.9% return is pretty good.

Anyway, let’s have a look at the gold price itself.

It’s a lot higher than it was fairly recently, which is making some people reluctant to get involved.

I think that’s a mistake.

We all know what happened to property. People thought it was expensive and the price kept going up and up.

The same could happen with gold. You don’t want to find yourself sitting on the sidelines – watching the price shoot up and never doing anything. If you’re concerned about the price then why don’t you put a little in now, so you’ve at least got some “skin in the game” if the price surges. And if it falls then you can invest some more if you want to.

It’s often used as a way of trying to combat inflation.

When inflation outpaces bank interest – you’ve got to do something to hold on to your purchasing power.

D = Debt

Rising debt isn’t just a stat – it’s a signal.

History shows a clear pattern: As US debt climbs, over the longerterm gold tends to follow (gold prices go up and down – debt only seems to go up!)

And guess what? That debt isn’t slowing down.

I = Interest Rates

Gold doesn’t pay interest. So when rates drop, the opportunity cost of holding gold diminishes. Suddenly – it looks a lot more attractive.

Remember MIDI...

Because when those 4 align… the gold price often moves with force.

Appreciate that this is a simplistic way of looking at a complex matter, but if you keep MIDI in the back of your mind, then hopefully it will serve you well.

2) Diversification – not only does it not correlate with many other asset classes, but it’s also international, there’s ABOUT THE

Anyway, let’s talk about the gold price. If you’ve ever wondered what actually drives gold prices – you’re not alone.

Simon Popple is a recognised expert in the Gold sector and has worked with numerous organisations such as Moneyweek, Euronews and IG Index, helping their clients in the Gold sector. For further information

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