Retirement Today Spring/Summer 2020 by Amra Media Solutions

today

R E T I R E M E N T

www.retirement-today.co.uk

The magazine for pre and post retirement

FINANCE•LIFESTYLE•TRAVEL•CULTURE•GARDENING•HEALTH•RECIPES

Issue 102 Spring/Summer 2020 £2.90

YOUR IDEAL

NEW HOME 75 YEARS

100% market value* for your current home If you’ve reached a time when you want to get more out of life, now is the perfect time to exchange your old bricks and mortar home for a brand new, fully furnished bungalow on a stunning RoyaleLife development. RoyaleLife are the UK’s largest bungalow provider with a heritage dating back to 1945 and are recognised for reliably redefining bungalow living at a choice of stunning locations across the UK. Our luxury bungalows, exclusively for the over 45s, all have their own garden and parking within a secure, gated community where you can enjoy a relaxed, carefree lifestyle with like-minded neighbours.

Home Part Exchange Service* We pay 100% market value for your current home. • • • •

We will pay your agent fees We will pay your solicitors’ fees We will pay your moving costs** Plus there’s NO Stamp Duty to pay!

Home Part Exchange example: Your home:...................................... £300,000 RoyaleLife bungalow: ......... £225,000 Cash for you to enjoy:.............£75,000

Plus, with our Home Part Exchange Service we pay 100% market value for your current home, so you could be living the RoyaleLife sooner than you think!

Call 01945 223 857 or visit www.royalelife.com *Terms & Conditions: RoyaleLife Home Part Exchange Scheme offers 100% market value based on two independent agent valuations. Offers subject to survey and clear legal title. All properties are considered on an individual basis for suitability. Figures correct at time of print. **RoyaleLife will pay your removal costs up to a maximum of £750. E&OE.

The UK’s largest bungalow provider

CONTENTS

4 Some encounters with ageing

Arthur Kaufman writes about some of the encounters you may experience as you advance in years

6 Update

WELCOME TO RETIREMENT TODAY MAGAZINE

All aboard Railtrail’s Platinum Award!; Boomerang parents-families come together to ease care cost worry; Retirement in the wake of Covid-19: 8 steps to help give you the best chance of your desired retirement.

8 Healthy and Nutritious Salads

Delicious salad recipes, courtesy of The Vegetarian Society.

11 How to Repair – how to troubleshoot a computer

In a world where things don’t always work quite as they once did, we tend to throw it away or just buy another. Maybe some solutions do require expert assistance but it’s always good to see if it can be fixed first.

14 Footloose in the Chilterns

Society egetarian The V

Top left © Chris Lacey (Cottage Gardens by Claire Masset published by National Trust Books) Middle Right © The Vegetarian Society

Debra Rixon shares her experience of walking in the Chilterns, discovering some beautiful countryside in this part of the country.

18 Plants with Benefits

Read about some of the best indoor houseplants and their health benefits, uses and ease of caring for them.

20 Cottage Gardens Pots and Troughs

Colourful displays of flowers are of course a key part of the cottage garden look , and perhaps no more so than when it comes to containers, adding colour and interest in a variety of pots and troughs.

Amra Media Solutions Ltd 2nd Floor Tring House 77-81 High Street Tring Herts HP23 4AB

26 Let charitable work live on - leave a legacy

Read how leaving just a small legacy to a charity of your choice in your will, means you will be making a significant contribution to its vital work for future generations.

29 Charity News

• Tel: 01442 891608

Will you remember the horses at Redwings Horse Sanctuary?; Making surgery their legacy; Help to protect primates worldwide; Covid 19-impact on research.

• Email: info@amramedia.co.uk

30 Charity News

• www.retirement-today.co.uk • Designed by: Tom Evans Design 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.

Bransby Horses honour a very special lady; Horseworld: Enzo’s happy ending; Let’s celebrate nature’s song;

Heath er E d

14 wa rds

23 Providing for pets in your will – what are the legal aspects?

Drafting a Will is the single most important step in ensuring family, friends and other loved ones are provided for following your passing – but how does this extend to our beloved pets?

• Published by:-

20 If you would like to receive free digital copies of Retirement Today magazine, please email info@amramedia.co.uk with code ‘Free RT’

Retirement Today posted direct SUBSCRIBE Have to your door so you never miss an issue 33

Special Offer

TODAY

9 9s.9 £1 s e u is 8

Name Address

inc p&p)

Send you name and address together with a cheque for £19.99 to: Subscriptions Department, Amra Media Solutions Ltd 2nd Floor, Tring House 77-81 High Street, Tring, Herts HP23 4AB

Post code email

RETIREMENT today today RETIREMENT

Some encounters with AGEING

Never underestimate the power of hearing “there is a new type of treatment available”

Some encounters with ageing

Louise Milne, PCRC supporter

LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL GIVE MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES A FUTURE We believe in creating a better future for men with prostate cancer. Help us fund outstanding research and make this future a reality. By including a gift to the Prostate Cancer Research Centre in your will you will be funding world-class research that will help us find effective therapies for men with advanced prostate cancer. If you would like to speak to someone about leaving a gift in your will please email Gordon at info@pcr.org.uk or call 0203 735 5445. Suite 2, Prostate Cancer Research Centre, 23-26 Great James Street, London, WC1 3ES; Registered charity number 1156027

RETIREMENT

today

By Arthur Kaufman A former Clinical Psychologist Now a sometimes Writer & Speaker

suppose the impact of growing old differs from person to person. For some, it will be the start of their state pension, while for others a selection of subliminal aches and pains will begin to emerge. There is also the mixed benefit of qualifying for a bus pass, but with a reminder that middle age has long since gone, especially when first offered a seat by a kind-hearted soul looking about the same age as one's self Another token of ageing is engaging in conversation with an elderly stranger who, without hesitation, asks “how old are you” This is can be disconcerting, since you may not want to to disclose how you voted or how much money you have (or owe), or how many of your children aren't speaking to you any more? Interestingly enough, your geriatric inquisitor is likely to be noticeably older than you, with an obvious air of superiority because of having lived longer (and healthier) than most of a similar vintage, as though the matter of age takes priority before anything else is discussed. Perhaps it should be regarded as a variant of ageism, but practised in old age itself? If your questioner persists in knowing just how long you've been around, a polite but effective defence is to insist on a guess and then avoid saying if it's too high, too low, or right on target.

beginning to lose what's left of my remaining marbles? Worse still, why is there all this information about Power of Attorney on the surgery's notice board? On one of these memorable occasions, when trying to convince my over-rushed GP that despite my bulging belly and multiplicity of pills, I was in excellent shape for my age, the reply I got was my allotted 10 minutes were up and other patients were waiting to be seen. When I persisted, I received a rather funny look and a firm professional opinion that I was definitely in the “Prime of my Decline,” just before being told there was nothing

rapidly advancing in the opposite direction. Surprisingly, my well above average age listeners don't seem to mind hearing about serious problems connected with ageing and the end of life, including that of euthanasia. In fact, during a recent discourse, I broached this highly contentious issue by noting that the original motto of our beloved National Health Service was to look after us “from cradle to grave” (albeit now more likely the crematorium, in view of the extortionate cost of burials!). In finishing my oration, I proposed there should be a new NHS post of Consultant Euthanasiologist, since it seemed absurd that anyone should have to travel abroad in order to end unbearable pain and misery - and then have to be brought back at considerable expense for a UK funeral – when it would be far better to be humanly deleted where life had been lived, and with decidedly less stress for those left behind. From how this group reacted, there were many more heads nodding than shaking from side to side, followed by a most gracious vote of thanks. Of course, they were all brought up when good manners were the order of the day and when listening politely to whatever others had to say were much more in fashion. They also presented me with a well-aged bottle of Scotch, still very much at its best, just like its most grateful recipient n RETIREMENT

today

Some encounters with ageing

Chances are the interrogation may cease, although the next time to worry about, which left me feeling anxious about what was round your cross examiner may adopt a less direct approach, e.g. left unsaid, like I might be permanently scrapped before next by asking how many grandchildren you have and what ages they year's MOT was due. are. In such instances, subtlety can take With increasing age, I've noticed many forms. that a 'favourite' or most talked about Another token of ageing is The real shock comes when entering subject amongst some well past their engaging in conversation a social gathering or meeting place, prime is the state of their health or that with an elderly stranger who, and suddenly realising - “I'm the oldest of their age peers. From overhearing without hesitation, asks person in the room” when there are such conversations it seems their main “how old are you” already lots of white hairs and blue interest in life is discussing other rinses in sight, with more than a few people's illnesses, especially those glancing your way, and very pleased to see someone more senior requiring major treatments with less than favourable outcomes in appearance. After a few of such encounters, you may wish to conveyed in the most ominous of overtones. Indeed, if there was stay at home or frequent only discreetly dim lit pubs. However, a total ban on even mentioning disease and demise, perhaps the with a surge of effort and gritting your teeth (no matter if threat of mass extinction by climate change would have to suffice they're your own or not), this can minimise the traumatic effects despite its worst effects not happening in their remaining years. of venturing away from the reassuring comfort zone of your However, as a hopefully enlightened no longer-youngie, favourite chair. and knowing the importance of staying active and positive, I Matters are not helped any by having to attend a yearly MOT enjoy giving light-hearted talks with some 'food for thought' at your GP's surgery and, after providing blood and urine samples, to retirement clubs with age spans ranging from around 55 to then wondering what the doctor is going to do about the results. 90. While these are usually well received, they pose another Will more tests be needed? Is this the beginning of my demise? problem, namely, as with police officers, those in the audiences Why are there so many questions about my memory? Am I keep looking younger and younger when it's yours truly who's

UPDATE

Retirement in the wake of Covid-19: 8 steps to help give you the best chance of your desired retirement Covid-19 is impacting millions of people around the world in different ways. Many are now faced with the harsh reality that their retirement dates may have to be pushed back as the world recovers from the economic consequences brought about by the pandemic. To help give you the best chance of the retirement you desire, Neil Torney, Director of Financial Planning, shares the steps you could be taking. 1. Plan your retirement. For example, the use of cash flow modelling can dramatically alter the way we see our financial future. In real-time, they can demonstrate our realistic retirement goals, investment return rates required to meet these goals and any shortfall we need to make up.

them and their underlying investment to ensure they remain suitable. 4. Make use of tax efficient savings. ISA allowances and pension contributions are simple, tax-efficient ways to boost your savings. In the years approaching retirement, choose the best investments for your circumstances. 5. Take advice on how to structure your finances. This should be in line with your objectives using cashflow modelling. This will highlight whether your plans are on track or if any changes need to be made. 6. Consider what to do with the family home. Will you be downsizing? Consider the choices you have and build them into your financial plan.

2. Consolidate your wealth. Assessing all of your wealth across different pots and accounts can give you a greater understanding of your financial status and a better idea of the retirement you can achieve.

7. Calculate whether your estate is going to be taxed on your death. Estate planning involves structuring your wealth in the best way possible to reduce any potential Inheritance Tax costs.

3. Ensure you know where all your pensions are. You may have accumulated a few over your working life, so make sure you know where they are and how much they are worth. Consider getting a qualified financial adviser to review

8. If you own your own business, consider your succession plans. Are you selling it or passing it on to remaining shareholders or other members of your family? Will it provide you with an income or capital lump sum?

All aboard Railtrail’s Platinum Award! Railtrail Tours are full steam ahead as they celebrate a Trusted Service award. The Feefo Award is given for consistently excellent customer service and to companies that have achieved three consecutive years of Gold-Level customer ratings. Speaking about the win, founder and MD of Railtrail Tours, Dave Felstead said; I am delighted to receive this award as it is a deserving recognition for the whole team at Railtrail and reflects their commitment to providing the very best escorted rail holidays for our loyal clients. Railtrail is a family sized company and it is very re-assuring that it is excellent and consistent feedback from our clients over a number of years to Feefo that has led to this award being made. ‘Big on Quality, Small enough to care’ is our motto and it’s wonderful to know that clients travelling on our tours appreciate that.” Railtrail Tours 2020 programme of escorted rail holidays can be viewed online at www.railtrail.co.uk or call 01538 382323 to request a brochure.

BOOMERANG PARENTS: Families come together to ease care cost worry As the cost of living in retirement soars, almost a quarter (22%) of UK adults say they will go back to living under one roof with their parents – or have already done so, according to new research from wealth manager, Charles Stanley. These decisions are driven by a desire to avoid retirement/care home costs, as well as to ensure that their parents are not on their own. The options being planned include:

Update

• Parents moving in with children to avoid being alone

• Parents moving in with children to avoid care/ retirement home costs • Children moving in with their parents, so they are not alone RETIREMENT

today

• Children moving in with parents to avoid care/ retirement home costs • Parents signing their houses over to children and all living together in it • Parents and children purchasing a joint property and living in it as a family Charles Stanley has launched a ‘Conversation Starters’ initiative to help families talk about money and start planning for the future. The cost of funding residential care in retirement is a significant worry for UK adults, and more than a fifth (21%) say that their parents either will or are already having to fund the cost of a retirement or care home later in life. To access the ‘Conversation Starters’ hub, visit https://www.charles-stanley.co.uk/conversations

JJ C

JJC

J JC

JJ C

J J COOPER & SONS

EXCLUSIVE RESIDENTIAL & HOLIDAY PARK HOME ESTATES

HERE QUALITY & W LIFESTYLE COME FIRST Please contact our Head Ofﬁce on 0118 942 8782 to discuss your residential park home or holiday lodge requirements. We can supply park homes and leisure lodge homes from any manufacturer. We have an inventory of stock homes from any of the leading manufacturers available immediately, alternatively you can place a forward order for a home of your choice with a lead time of 12 weeks delivery. Our parks are located in Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Essex with our address details listed below. We have in excess of 1200 residents living on our estates and have more than 40 years experience in the industry, with our ﬁrst park ownership in 1976.

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our parks.

Exclusive Park Home Estates at: Garstons Park Home Village, Tilehurst, Berkshire RG31 4TS (Head Ofﬁce) California Country Park, Finchampstead, Berkshire RG40 4HT • Kingsleigh Park, Thundersley, Essex SS7 3QJ • Cambridge Lodge Park, Horley, Surrey RH6 8PR • Oxford Park Homes, Sandford-on-Thames, Oxford OX4 4YT • Bungalow Park, Amesbury, Wiltshire SP4 7PJ • Robann Park, Fareham, Hamsphire • Lincoln Farm Park, Standlake, Witney OX29 7RH

T: 0118 942 8782

E: garstonspark@outlook.com

JJ Cooper.indd 1

23/03/2018 15:04 Phil Jones

Phillip Winstanley

Bob Green

Ian Weaver

Bob Green

UK Holidays and Day Trips by rail with The Railway Touring Company Now you have time for yourself – fill your life with wonderful trips and holidays! Exciting destinations, spectacular itineraries and amazing experiences abound, with our wide range of rail holidays and steam day trips to many iconic destinations all over the UK and around the world. To find out more and to order your free brochures visit our website, railwaytouring.net or call us on 01553 661 500. The Railway Touring Company

The Railway Touring Company

2020 1st Edition

Worldwide Rail Holidays

UK Steam Rail Day Trips and Tours

23 EST. 1997

The Railway Touring Company, 14a Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JN RETIREMENT

today

Healthy and Nutritious Delicious salads courtesy of The Vegetarian Society For more recipes check out their on-line collection at www.vegsoc.org/recipes

Quinoa, Lentil, Kale and Smoky Almond Salad Serves 4 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes INGREDIENTS • 60g dried puy lentils, rinsed and drained • 120g dried quinoa, rinsed and drained • 120g hickory smoked almonds • 60g kale, finely chopped • 60g carrot, finely chopped • 60g courgette, finely chopped • 1 tsp garlic, minced • 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce • 1 lemon, juiced • 1 tbsp rapeseed oil • Ground pepper, to taste

Greek Salad with Avocado

1. Place the dried quinoa in a pan of boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and allow to cool.

Cooking time: 5 minutes

2. Chop half the almonds and leave half the almonds whole.

INGREDIENTS

3. Combine the almonds, quinoa, lentils and finely chopped vegetables in a bowl.

• 100g cucumber, seeds removed and chopped into small chunks • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped • 50g spinach, sliced • 1 small red onion, sliced • 10g fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped • 1 avocado, halved, stoned and cut into cubes • 6 olives black olives, pitted and halved • 1 lemon, juiced • Pinch of salt • Pinch of ground black pepper • 120g feta cheese

Healthy and Nutritious Salads

Place dried lentils in a pan of boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and allow to cool.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Serves 2

METHOD

METHOD 1. Place all the vegetables in a large bowl and combine with the lemon juice and olive oil. 2. Season the salad with salt and pepper then divide the salad between two bowls and sprinkle each with feta cheese.

RETIREMENT

today

4. Add the juice of one lemon, tamari, minced garlic and rapeseed oil and ground pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and serve with the remaining whole almonds

Salads Aubergine, Chickpea, Pomegranate and Feta Cheese Salad Serves 2 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes INGREDIENTS • 2 large aubergines, cut lengthways into thick slices • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar • 1 x 210g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed • Pinch of salt • Pinch of ground black pepper • 80g pomegranate seeds • 15g fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped • 10g fresh mint, chopped • 100g vegetarian feta cheese METHOD

Nutty Tabbouleh Salad Serves 2 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes INGREDIENTS • 120g couscous • 180ml low-sodium vegetable stock • 1 tbsp unsalted pistachio nuts, shelled • 1 tbsp pine nuts • 1 tbsp sunflower seeds

1. Heat a griddle pan or large non-stick frying pan over a high heat. 2. Place the slices of aubergine on the pan and cook each side for 3 minutes until lightly charred and tender. Once each slice is cooked, place them all in a large bowl and cover with clingfilm. Leave for 15 minutes. 3. Make the dressing by combining the oil and vinegar in a small bowl and whisking. 4. Transfer the chickpeas to a large bowl. 5. Take each aubergine slice and roughly tear into strips (you can also use kitchen scissors for this) then add to the bowl with the chickpeas. 6. Add the dressing to the bowl and combine, adding in salt and pepper. Next, throw in the pomegranate seeds, parsley and mint leaves then lightly toss. 7. Divide the aubergine mixture between 2 plates and sprinkle with feta before serving.

• 1 red pepper, chopped • 1 large courgette, chopped • 2 spring onions, finely chopped • 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped • 1 tbsp fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped • 4 medium dried apricots, chopped • 6 medium cherry tomatoes, cut in half • 1 tbsp olive oil

Healthy and Nutritious Salads

• 2 tbsp ground cumin • 2 tbsp lemon juice • Pinch of salt • Pinch of ground black pepper METHOD Place the couscous in a small shallow bowl or saucepan. Pour over the hot stock, stir and then cover. Leave to sit for 5 minutes then separate with a fork. 1. Heat a small saucepan over a medium heat. Add the pistachio nuts and pine nuts and toast for 2 minutes until they start to colour. Don’t leave the pan and keep the nuts moving as they can burn easily. Once toasted, transfer to a plate and leave to cool. 2. Place the cooked couscous in a medium-sized mixing bowl, add all of the other ingredients and combine well before serving. RETIREMENT

today

Celebrate a Golfing Great These stunning collectables from Jersey Post have been issued to mark the 150 th birthday of Jersey born golfing legend, Harry Vardon.

A set of six commemorative stamps feature portraits of world-renowned golfer, Harry Vardon, throughout his career. A special Miniature Sheet features a photograph of Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, a protégé of Vardon and a fellow Jersey native, who won the United States Open Championship 100 years ago, in 1920. The stamps and Miniature Sheet are available in specially designed Presentation Packs or affixed to First Day Cover Envelopes.

View the full range and order online www.jerseystamps.com Email: stamps@jerseypost.com or call us on +44 (0) 1534 616717

www.facebook.com/jerseystamps

@JerseyStamps

Do you have Diabetes? Do you know someone with Diabetes? As a small charity with a big mission

Residential Courses Summer Schools Workshops Concerts

WE NEED YOUR HELP... We offer free support and information to people with diabetes, their families and health care professionals on the issues that are important to them. Our Helpline offers a friendly, understanding ear when the going gets tough. Your help will enable us to continue to support people with diabetes and provide much needed aid to children in developing countries.

Classical Early Folk/Gospel Jazz/Light

We rely entirely on voluntary donations. So, if you are thinking about making a donation to charity, or updating your Will, please consider a gift to help us continue our work. Please make donations to “Diabetes Trust Research and Care Fund.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US: EMAIL:

martin@iddtinternational.org or TELEPHONE:

01604 622837 10

RETIREMENT

today

www.benslowmusic.org InDependent Diabetes Trust P O Box 294, Northampton NN1 4XS

+44 (0)1462 459446 • info@benslowmusic.org

www.iddtinternational.org Charity Number: 1058284 Registered Number: 3148360

Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB A Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No 408404. Reg Charity No 313663

How to Repair

t won’t turn on. It’s a common problem. So, imagine the following questions being fired at you by a patronizing and uninterested I.T. operative on the other end of a customer service line.

1. Yeah, computer’s dead? You turned it on? YES o NO o 2. Is that big power cable round the back plugged in properly? Yeah, both ends, one into the back of the computer, the other into a power source.Yeah, by power source I obviously mean a plug socket but am trying to complicate matters. YES o NO o 3. But is that power source even working? Try another electrical item in the socket to check that it’s fully functional. YES o NO o 4. Have you checked that all the cables – keyboard, monitor and mouse – are plugged in properly? YES o NO o If yes, check them again, but unplug them all and re-plug securely again. And check the fuse in the plug while you’re at it and replace it if necessary.

7. Also, tap the Ctrl or Enter key on the keyboard to see if the computer is just sleeping and has shut down the monitor. Or press the Power/Sleep button if you have one. Does that help? YES o NO o 8. Have you disconnected any peripheral devices you have plugged in to your computer, be it a printer or an external flash drive, and then re-started the computer? YES o NO o 9. If it's a laptop, remove the battery. Dust in and around the space it’s left with a clean cloth and replace it, then try turning on again. That work? YES o NO o

10. If no, then the computer’s power switch may be faulty and need replacing. Or the power supply inside the computer is dead and also need replacing. Either way, it’s too big a job for a novice like you. I’ll be round within the hour to fix it for a big pile of your money, chump. AH, ERM, OK THEN. SIGH o

How to … Replace a Laptop Battery

When – rather than If – your laptop battery fails or can no longer charge as it once did, it may be time to look at replacing it with a new, fresh, fully functioning battery. While the idea of taking the laptop apart may fill you with dread, worry not as you’re not going to need to fiddle about in its complicated innards. This is a relatively pain-free fix too simple to trouble an expert with. And it should unfold like so … Step 1. Purchase the exact same replacement battery either online or in-store, but most likely online as their prices are so much more competitive. Step 2. Turn off your laptop and disconnect the AC adapter, making sure it’s shut down completely.

5. Does your computer have a surge protector with a reset button? YES o NO o If so, press it now. If it doesn’t have a reset, plug

another electrical device into one of the surge protector’s outlets to ensure it’s still working. If the surge protector fails you, replace it, preferably with one with a reset button. 6. If applicable to your computer, have you checked that the monitor brightness knob hasn’t been turned right down? You’d be surprised. YES o NO o

RETIREMENT

today

How to Repair How to… Troubleshoot a Computer

How to… Troubleshoot a Computer

Step 3. Access the battery by flicking the latch that should hold your battery in place on the underside of your laptop. If this requires the removal of screws, make sure you keep each and every one of them safe for later. Step 4. Models vary, but simply flicking the latch should free the battery and allow you to remove it from its compartment. Often, one side of the battery will form the underside of your laptop. Remove and place it to one side. Step 5.Take your replacement battery and insert that into the now empty compartment, pushing it until it clicks gently into place. Slide the fastening(s) back into place to secure. Step 6. Give the new battery a full charge before using – and remind yourself that paying an extortionate ‘pro fixer’ a princely sum would have been money down the drain on this one. However, if the battery in question is not easily accessed and you fear you may do more harm than good by unscrewing the casing, take it to a professional and accept defeat.

made of cheap plastic and pieced into place by a bored chap or a machine in a factory. Luckily, most keys malfunction in the same way – either becoming annoyingly wobbly or coming loose completely. As a result, they can usually be pieced back together in the same way. Like so… Step 1. Under the key in question you’ll find a fiddly little retainer bit – essentially a square plastic piece slightly smaller than the key, onto which the key clicks into place in each corner. If the key has come free but it remains in one piece, just push it back onto the retainer and click back into place at each corner. Couldn’t be simpler. Step 2. However, if the key is cracked or damaged in any way, or just missing completely, you’ll need to buy a replacement key (available individually from any of those big shops that sell laptops and the like), then follow the same outline.

How to… Fix a Broken Key on a Computer

How to… Clean a Mouse*

How to Repair How to… Troubleshoot a Computer

All that tap-tap-tappity-tapping away takes its toll on your computer keyboard, what with the keys being

RETIREMENT

today

SPACE? BAH!

Withoutafullyfunctioningspacebaritwouldlooklikethis... bloody annoying. So clearly you can’t do without it and must fix it as a matter of urgency. Like a normal key, the space bar also requires a simple click, but there’s a small difference you need to bear in mind. Instead of a square retainer, it should be held in place by a longer metal piece that runs the length of the spacebar. If the retainer comes loose or off with the spacebar, use a screwdriver to gently prise it from the underside and insert it back onto the keyboard first – it should secure at either end, usually via a hook. Then snap the spacebar back into place and you should be free to insert spaces into your text again.

Often it’s not the computer that breaks down on you, but the mouse. It’s rarely a serious problem – dust and worn rubber will collect and bung up the mouse’s internal wheel and make even the simplest manoeuvre a right pain

in the backside. Cleaning the mouse is almost too easy for words, but here are some anyway. Step 1. Shut down your computer, disconnect the little mouse and turn it over, then push the centre to unlock the ball bit – the direction arrows on the base should instruct you which way to push here. Once open, remove the ring and the ball. *A computer mouse, not a real one. Step 2. Rinse the ball with warm water and use a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the dust inside the mouse. Step 3. Scrape away any build-up of rubber on the three wheels inside the mouse with a paper clip, then clean the rollers with your alcohol-dipped cotton bud. Step 4. Leave the parts to dry before re-assembling the mouse. Re-connect it to the keyboard and you’re done n How to Repair Everything: A Green Guide to Fixing Stuff by Nick Harper is published by Michael O'Mara Books (paperback, £8.99)

Have you thought of including Blood Pressure UK in your Will? A lasting way to help others with high blood pressure Finding out that you have high blood pressure can be traumatic, particularly if you are young. Most people don’t know anything about the condition and worry about how it will affect them and those around them.

Helping you to lower your blood pressure

LegacyAd.indd 1

Blood Pressure UK is here to help. With our information packs, range of leaflets and our helpline, we provide reassurance and support to those who need it. All of this work is expensive, and while membership subscriptions and donations help enormously, leaving a gift in your Will can help us make a bigger difference. Leaving a gift isn’t as complicated as you might think. It doesn’t have to be a large amount, and it will give you the assurance that our work will continue long into the future. Obviously, providing for your family and friends comes first, but once that is done please consider leaving a gift to Blood Pressure UK in your Will.

We have put together a simple leaflet to guide you through the process. You can get a copy by telephoning (020) 7882 6255, visiting our website at www.bloodpressureuk.org or by writing to Blood Pressure UK, Wolfson Institute, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ.

16/06/2020 18:34

RETIREMENT

today

Footloose in the Chiltern Hills By Debra Rixon

Towards Loosley Row

RETIREMENT

today

The Chiltern Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but are perhaps not that well known, compared to the Lake District, the Brecons and the Malverns

Bluebell Woods near Princes Risborough

come through a wood carpeted with bluebells to a stile that offered a view of a hidden valley of gently rolling green hills, the wind rippling across an incredible meadow of daisies and buttercups, red kites wheeling in the sky above, keening to each other was unbelievably uplifting. I never tire of watching them. The Chiltern Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but are perhaps not that well known.

Compared to the Lake District, the Brecons, the Malverns, they are perhaps not as dramatic at first glance; but so much worth taking a second look. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an ancient landscape, littered with Iron Age forts and Bronze Age barrows and medieval churches. In 1992, Red Kites were re-introduced to the area, and the breeding programme has been so successful, chicks are being taken to other areas to re-stock the wild.

Footloose in the Chiltern Hills

s a couple that make travel films, lock down rather cramped our style. We were used to researching, planning and travelling to foreign locations, and then exploring as many nooks and crannies as we could with the camera. In our leisure time, we walked our surrounding Chiltern Hills for relaxation, because it was always there and an easy choice. Now it became our only choice, our one opportunity for exercise, for escape, and we began to look around us with new eyes. Walking has kept me sane; sitting on a rustic bench, overlooking this amazing rural scene, was the only time I could really speak about The Virus, what it meant and how it affected me and my family. The anxious words just disappeared on the breeze; they left me and dissipated into the air. It was such a relief to be able to express the fears and negativity into the atmosphere, because somehow, in the house, it felt as if those words stayed with me inside the four walls. Outside, they were robbed of their importance by the sheer expanse of the countryside. We are so blessed in this country with an incredible network of footpaths, bridleways, and ancient rights of way that I think we certainly take for granted. My husband Dave was born in our little town of Princes Risborough, and knew the immediate paths intimately and introduced me to them; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve walked them often. But now, in lock down, the same paths were not enough, they were too familiar now. So we started to go further afield, literally, and discovered new vistas we had just missed, walking our favourite paths. We began to take something to eat and drink, because that favourite pub was now closed, and the time we spent roaming just stretched to almost all day. To

Discover the freedom of renting… Exclusively for over 55’s our properties include independent living spaces alongside welcoming communal lounges with maintained gardens for socialising & relaxing. On-site managers and 24 hour emergency care line for additional peace of mind. All these services and more are included in the rent!

Why RENT?: • Flexibility to choose to live and move - where and when you want • No property ownership responsibilities • Added security with our assured ‘lifetime’ tenancy • Rent your home for as long as you wish • No service charges or event fees • Landlord is responsible for maintenance

Start living your retirement to the full!

0800 525 184 www.girlings.co.uk Legacy quarter page ad.pdf

20/04/2012

15:22

Last year we helped over 80,000 wild birds and animals like Rudolph

Your legacy is our future C

CMY

The Animal Health Trust is the leading veterinary and scientiﬁc research charity dedicated to the health and welfare of your animal.

Please help me get better Not only do we treat more hedgehogs than any other wildlife hospital, but our caring teams save lives every day. Our aim is simple, to treat injured British wildlife, then return them to the wild. Like Rudolph, who arrived badly injured at just five days old. Our specialist care saved this little deer and he is now facing a brighter future. But it is only with your support we can help casualties like Rudolph; please remember Tiggywinkles in your Will.

Our late friend Dame Thora Hird actively encouraged others to help us secure funding for our lifesaving work. In her words "All the little wild creatures and I thank you so very much". For more information please contact: Jenny Babb, Tiggywinkles, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 8AF

01844 292 292 mail@sttiggywinkles.org.uk www.tiggywinkles.com Registered Charity No. 286447

Come and have a look around our Visitor Centre. Opening times can be found on our website www.tiggywinkles.com. Registered charity no. 209642

is the busiest wildlife hospital in the world. RETIREMENT

today

MASTER YOUR CREATIVE WRITING CRAFT

The Manchester Writing School Join our MFA/MA Creative Writing programme and one of the UK’s largest and most successful literary centres. • Study on campus or from anywhere in the world via online distance learning (September or January entry). • Follow a specialist route in Novel, Poetry, Writing for Children & Young Adults, Scriptwriting or Creative Non-fiction. • Complete your own full-length manuscript with editorial input from one of our internationally renowned writers. • MA English Studies, MA Publishing, short writing courses and two-day summer school also available. • Scholarships worth £2000 available (terms and conditions apply). Find out more: mmu.ac.uk/english/creativewriting

RETIREMENT

today

£10k Poetry and Fiction Prizes The Manchester Writing Competition is now accepting entries for the 2020 Poetry Prize and Fiction Prize. Both prizes are open internationally and offer the chance to win £10,000. Find out more:

manchesterwritingcompetition.co.uk

Parslow's Hillock

Walking along a narrow path to a kissing-gate, people coming the other way have halted, stood to one side, to maintain that 2metre distance that has become the norm.

side, to maintain that 2metre distance that has become the norm. Stepping off the path to let someone else pass has become the new etiquette, and always with a smile, a greeting or a raised hand; the odd mountain biker giving a cheery wave or ‘thank you’ as they pedalled past. On the streets, people were crossing the road to avoid passing too close to someone else, but always with that smile or nod of acknowledgement. We found we were talking more about our childhoods and our parents and grandparents; how Dave’s father used to walk along one of the lanes, scattering poppy seeds into the verges as he went, also born and bred in the area. My stepfather never left home without a blanket and a flask of tea – a Londoner from Fulham, he adored the countryside he never knew as a child. My grandparents, taking us for endless walks on the moors above Saddleworth, to reservoirs and hill streams, Grandma weaving rattles from the bullrushes, and Grandad producing the folded sheets of cigarette paper from the mill he worked at, from his inner jacket pocket where he always kept a supply. The freedom to roam, gathering bilberries or blackberries, depending on the season, was so much part of our childhood. We tried to keep that tradition with our children, but technology was advancing so rapidly that perhaps we allowed other things

West Wycombe

The Chilterns are within easy reach of London, just 40 minutes by car – and 90 minutes from Birmingham – so middle England at its best. But what of wet days, of which there have been mercifully few? Tramping along footpaths through muddy fields isn’t quite so carefree. So we turned to walking the streets in our little town, ones we would usually drive along, and some we never traversed at all. I took to studying the houses – not from a cat burglar point of view – but to think about what people had done to individualise their homes. I became nosy; I wanted to look at their curtains, their paintwork, their front doors, front gardens and paths and drives. I played at being a designer, wondering if I would have done what they had done, had that house been mine.

Now and again, there would be a little pasting-table out the front with a few little plants on it, for free or a donation. Sometimes there was someone in their front garden whom you could exchange a few words with over the hedge or fence, perhaps there for that very reason – to speak to someone else, and for some, anyone. On a rural walk we found a little makeshift table with children’s books on it with a wonderful notice in a childish hand offering them for free, or a donation.We chose a Roald Dahl joke book for our eldest grandson, and left a donation for the child who had thoughtfully put them there. Somehow it seems people have become nicer on the footpaths. Walking along a narrow path to a kissing-gate, people coming the other way have halted, stood to one

to take precedence, and those family walks became fewer. It seems to me, with the enforced isolation, that suddenly this option was occurring to people who had previously perhaps had such busy lives that this slower pace had not featured highly. We were passing young couples, deep in conversation, awkwardly stepping aside, unsure of the easy etiquette of country walking. Families with both parents striding out in newly pressed shorts and tee-shirts, their phones firmly tucked into the back pockets, children in high spirits that didn’t need to be shushed, their shouts and laughs carried away in the vastness of the great outdoors. Walking a National Long Distance Path, the Ridgeway, was our first ‘travel’ film, 22 years ago, inspired mostly by Dave’s father, and a wish to make a ‘virtual’ walk for armchair travellers, so those who could no longer manage the actual walk could come with us as we walked. A week ago, we journeyed to a stretch of that 85 mile trail, and walked in our own footsteps again. We didn’t have quite the same spring in our step as we did 22 years ago, but it brought back some lovely memories n Debra and Dave Rixon have been making travel films for over 20 years, once Dave took early retirement from the BBC. They have produced over 30 films, which are available on DVD on Amazon, and are also streamed on Amazon Prime in both the UK and the USA. RETIREMENT

today

Footloose in the Chiltern Hills

Debra at Green Hailey

Plants with Benefits

e’re all on an emotional rollercoaster in lockdown but houseplants can help to improve our mental health and wellbeing. A research for #houseplants on Instagram returns a staggering 3.5 million posts. And whilst cheese plants and cacti will be abundance, it’s St John’s Wort that will relieve your anxiety and Rosemary that can improve your memory. But don’t fear, the popular aloe vera and snake plant have associated benefits too. Here are some of the best indoor houseplants and their health benefits, uses and ease of caring for them n

RETIREMENT

today

Q U A L I T Y E S C O RT E D H O L I D AY S B Y T R A I N WONDERFUL WALES DEPARTS: Monday 18 May, 6 July & 7 September 2020

Fares From

£845

From

GRAND TOURS BY RAIL – SCANDINAVIAN CAPTIALS

£2749

DEPARTS: Friday 10 July 2020

★ Glorious Bodnant Gardens for tea ★ Conwy Valley scenic train journey

DAYS

Fares

★ Magnificent Portmeirion with its Italian style feel

12 DAYS

★ Great Orme Mountain tram ride ★ Relax at the renowned Empire Hotel, amidst friendly ambience and elegant comfort ★ Stunning scenery, amazing history, nostalgic journeys - and much more…

★ Visit Denmark’s Kronborg Castle ★ Steam on the worlds oldest, publically working Steamship – The Skibladner – in Norway ★ Cruise on Sweden’s Lake Mälaren on board historic steamship SS Mariefred ★ Steam on the Östra Södermansland railway in Sweden

★ Enjoy time sightseeing in Denmark’s capital - Copenhagen

★ Steam through Snowdonia - the Welsh Highland Railway, world famous Ffestiniog Railway and picturesque Llanberis Lake Railway

★ Enjoy a stay and free time in Norway’s capital - Oslo

★ Spectacular Snowdon Mountain Railway

★ Steam on the Hedelandsbanen in Denmark

★ Stay in and explore Sweden’s capital – Stockholm

Fares From

Fares

Ex London By Air From

£2289 GRAND TOURS BY RAIL – LAND’S END TO JOHN O’GROATS

GRAND TOURS BY RAIL – £4299 USA FALL COLOURS STEAM

DEPARTS: Tuesday 15 September 2020

DEPARTS: Wednesday 30 September 2020

★ Unwind in the heart of the Scottish Highlands at Bridge of Orchy

DAYS

★ Steam across Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train

★ Visit Land’s End & Cape Cornwall

£3749

★ Visit the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum that houses a world-class collection of locomotives ★ Visit some of the earliest locomotives in America at the Mount Clare Roundhouse

★ Stay at the original Railtrail hotel, the Palace in Inverness

★ Spot American bald eagles from the Potomac Eagle vintage diesel train

★ Touch the top of the country at John O’Groats

★ Marvel at the Welsh Highland Railway & the Ffestiniog Railway

Ground On ly From

★ Take in the lovely scenery through the Great Glen alongside Loch Ness

★ Enjoy Dave’s original ‘Great Railway Journey’ on the Kyle Line

★ Relax in Falmouth, Cornwall

Fares

★ Enjoy the Llangollen Steam Railway & a Canal Cruise

★ Steam through quintessential New England towns in first class 1920’s vintage coaches

★ Enjoy free time in the fabulous cities of Boston, New York and Washington

★ Enjoy a scenic steam ride alongside the Delaware River behind a Chinese steam locomotive

★ Discover Boston’s many micro brewed beers

★ Ride on double headed Shay locomotives on the Cass Scenic Railroad

★ Stay at the Steamboat Inn, a unique paddle steamer themed hotel!

★ Take a steam hauled ride through Amish Country on the Strasburg Railroad ★ Ride on the steeply graded Western Maryland Railroad behind the huge C&O 2-6-6-2 ★ Experience the open carriages of the Durbin Rocket!

RAILTRAIL... Big on quality, small enough to care 1

Save £10 per person on any tour! Quote code RT010

www.railtrail.co.uk

•

01538 382323

CLASS

RAI LTRAI

40 YEARS L

RETIREMENT

today

Pots and troughs

olourful displays of flowers are of course a key part of the cottage garden, and perhaps no more so than when it comes to containers. Way back in the sixteenth century, Thomas Tusser was instructing housewives to plant ‘Herbs, Branches, and Flowers, for Windows and Pots’ partly, one assumes, to each embellish their little domain. Pots on window-sills, by porches and doorways, or grouped together against a wall or by a bench, were a simple way of adding a bit of show to a small area. Lilies, lavender, sweet Williams and marigolds amongst others were grown in pots. Some plants, such as lilies, would have been brought indoors for protection during the winter months. Some 350 years later, Gertrude Jekyll describes how pots formed part of an abundant front garden in Old West Surrey (1904): ‘There were hydrangeas, fuchsias, show and zonal geraniums, lilies, and begonias, for the main show; a pot or two of the graceful francoa, and half-hardy annuals cleverly grown in pots; a clematis in bloom, over the door, and for the protection of all, a framework, to which a light shelter could be fixed in case of very bad weather. It must have given pleasure to thousands of passers-by; to say nothing of the pride and delight that it must have been to its owner.’ Some of the Victorian florists were so obsessed with their precious blooms that they built special staged ‘theatres’ in which to show them off. This was especially the case with auriculas, which need fresh air, but don’t like getting wet or being exposed to hot sun. They look particularly attractive planted in single pots, where you can really appreciate each

RETIREMENT

today

individual flower, proudly perched on thick stems tucked in a whorl of thick green leaves.You may of course prefer more varied displays – and the choice is wide, ranging from traditional beauties such as pansies, tulips, geraniums and fuchsias, to more subdued yet useful arrangements of herbs and salad plants. The great thing about pots is that you can move them around at will, which allows for endless associations. Pots tightly grouped together can simulate the effects of the most beautiful border. And as Christopher Lloyd once wrote: ‘Pots are great for experimenting with plants.’ If you want to see just how thrilling pot displays can look, a visit to his garden at Great Dixter will not disappoint. Here you will see pots of bulbs, annuals, hardy and tender perennials combined to striking effect. Since Christo’s death in 2006, his talented successor Fergus Garrett has been developing the garden, including its container displays, with great skill and panache. Like Hidcote, Great Dixter is a cottage garden on the grandest scale. There are intimate garden rooms, dense plantings of flowers, lots of self-seeders and, famously, topiary. It is far too artistic and adventurous to classify as a real cottage garden, but it is nonetheless inspired by many traditional cottage garden elements. Even if you don’t have any soil in your garden, you can create a mini cottage garden with containers, and you definitely don’t have to aim for a ‘Great Dixter’ effect. A simply planted wooden crate or an old half-barrel – or just few terracotta pots grouped together – are enough to produce the desired effect. After all, the cottage garden is about simple beauty, not grand statements n

Pots & troughs

This auricula theatre has been made from salvaged timber and tiles. Amongst the varieties on display are ‘Bradford City;, ‘Connaught Court’, ‘Lord Seye and Sele’, ‘Sirius’, ‘Brownie’, ‘Shaun’ and ‘Merlin Stripe’. ©Graham Strong

Pots and troughs

An extract from Cottage Gardens by Claire Masset, published by National Trust Books. RRP £14.99

today

Will you remember the horses at Redwings Horse Sanctuary?

LEAVE A LEGACY

Remember Redwings in your Will and save the lives of hundreds of horses in desperate need for years to come.

It’s been 52 years since our founder, Peter Hunt, rescued his first horse, Sally.

Call 01508 481030 or email legacies@redwings.co.uk to find out how to leave a legacy today.

Thank you

---------------------------

Half a century on, we’re just as committed to rescuing horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules from abandonment and abuse. We now care for almost 1,000 equines.

---------

Monopoly arrived at Bransby Horses in 2019

Thank you!

--------------------------------------------------------------

Project2:Layout 1 17/4/13 12:51 Page 1 Project2:Layout 1 17/4/13 12:51 Page 1 bransbyhorses.co.uk I Charity No: 1075601

Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales No: 3711676

CATASTROPHES CAT atastrophes Cat Rescue CATASTROPHES CAT RESCUE RESCUE

home environment with es Cat RescueOver was set through our helped an theup years we have increasing number of the catsfreedom of the country Over the years we have helped an increasing number of cats garden sanctuary. nt in animal welfare campaigning in the and kittens in distress, by taking them intothat oursurrounds care andthe finding kittens in distress, by taking them into our care and finding s we becameand established and our “no-kill” good homes for dramatically. them. The cats we inwith have often been Ourtake work cats involves spaying and neutering ame known ourgood workhomes increased for them. The cats we take in haveferal often been rquay Torquay abandoned or badly treated, somecomplete are simply straysand whogiving have any necessary veterinary colonies e cats have been abandoned or are simply abandoned or badly treated, some are simply strays who have Feralhome. cats are returned to their site of capture a new home because never of a change in people’s had the chance of a treatment. proper caring never had the chance of a proper caring home. if long-term food shelter can be provided. If not, ces. Some have been ill treated. They arecat that is in need and weand Our aim is to help any believe in need and we to believe they are relocated a suitable farm or country home of love and care.Our aim is to help any cat that is that every cat deserves the chance ofa home a goodforhome. or have life with us with complete freedom that every cat deserves the chance of a good home. once they have settled in. s always been to help any cat regardless of We do not believe in putting animals to sleep unnecessarily rament or behaviour be in they wild animals We doproblems, not believe putting to sleep unnecessarily We believe cat deserves encourage sterilisation as aevery vital part of pet a chance to have a safe, onsequently weand tendwe to actively get desperate calls for and we actively encourage sterilisation as a vital part of pet peaceful place to live and enjoy the rest of erly, feral and ‘difficult’ to re-home cats. In ownership. Please remember uscaring in yourand will. Your donation Please remember ustheir in your will. donation lives. Its Your surprising how often the most seemingly eet these needs ownership. we have had to become a or legacy will help our work for the animals and save lives. unfriendly called ‘spiteful’ cat that arrives hissing, or legacy help our work for the animalsand andsosave lives. s well as a cat rescue andwill re-homing Visitors welcome by appointment spitting and lashing out, or has the most difficult and n. The cats in our care are given a high Contact Liz Varney Contact Liz Varney anti-social habits and behaviour, can change with love, veterinary care and we strongly believe care and lots of patience. Catastrophes believe that and neutering as a responsible part of pet life saved is worth the effort it takes and with your The catschoice that are difficult•toGreat re-home facilities areGreatevery Great oice • facilities Half Moon Cottage, Bakers Lane, support cats in need will have a bright future. Moon Cottage, Bakers more Lane, hance to live out their days inHalf a peaceful

el hotel smallwith hotelawith big heart a big and heart and big w...view... in the in heart the of heart Torquay of Torquay Catastrophes Cat Rescue Rescue Catastrophes Catastrophes Cat Cat Rescue

HalfHeathfield, Moon Lane, Great ertainment entertainment • Great value • Cottage, Great value Dallington, EastBakers Sussex TN21 9JS

Dallington, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9JS Catastrophes Cat Rescue Dallington, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9JS Tel: 01435 830212 Mobile: 07912 113392 Tel: 01435 830212 Fax: 01825 768012 mes...guaranteed eat times...guaranteed For further information: Contact Liz Varney Tel: 01435 830212 Fax: 01825 768012 Email: lizzie@catastrophescats.org Email:Bakers lizzie@internationalanimalrescue.org Half Moon Cottage, Lane, Dallington, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 9JS Email: lizzie@internationalanimalrescue.org Registered Charity Number: 1017304 00500 803 400500 Tel. 01435 830212, FaxWe’re 01825 768012, Email: lizzie@catastrophescats.org Registered Charity Number: 1017304 social, join usWe’re on social, join us on Registered Charity Number: 1017304 uk w.tlh.co.uk sales@tlh.co.uk sales@tlh.co.uk

eisure elgrave Resort, Rd, Torquay, Belgrave TQ2 Rd,5HS Torquay, TQ2 5HS 22

RETIREMENT

today

Visit us on

Legacy Yearbook#TLHhotels 2018 page 22#TLHhotels

---------

To speak to our Legacy Team: Call: 01427 788464 Email: legacy@bransbyhorses.co.uk

If you love horses, remember them!

---------

--------------------------------------------------------------

Generous gifts left to our charity in Wills are our lifeline.

your pet or any other aspect of your wishes, Wills that leave room for interpretation or uncertainty will often increase the likelihood of an inheritance dispute emerging. Luckily, outcomes such as these can be prevented by formally documenting your wishes regarding your pet's care as part of your estate planning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so how exactly do you do it?

How to provide for pets in your Will

There are several ways in which

you can plan the future care of your pet, whether it be as part of your Will or through estate planning more broadly. Below are some of the most effective methods of doing so.

Name your pet's carer

Naming a trusted relative or friend to care for your pet after your death is a crucial first step in ensuring your pet is looked after in the long term. It is equally important to consult with your chosen carer to ensure they are willing and able to provide for your pet in the way

rafting a Will is the single most important step in ensuring family, friends and other loved ones are provided for following your passing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but how does this extend to our beloved pets? As a nation of pet owners, the UK is home to more than 50 million pets, with a survey by veterinary charity PDSA estimating that pet owners represent around half of the adult population. Perhaps unsurprisingly, UK law makes a clear distinction between the rights of humans and animals, and this, in turn, has significant implications for the way in which pet owners should plan their estate. In this article, Lisa Franklin, Legal Executive and Wills and Probate specialist at UK law firm Smith Partnership, discusses some of the ways in which Wills and estate planning can be used to ensure pets are cared for in your absence.

Why does it matter?

The difficult time ushered in by the death of a loved one can often lead the care of their pet to fade into the background. From the payment of Inheritance Tax to the distribution of assets, the handling of the person's estate is often stressful enough as it is. There are many reasons why a person may forego making adequate preparations for their pets in their Will, for example, due to an outdated Will or unexpected death. Whatever the cause, the absence of these preparations can lead pets to fall through the cracks. In some cases, this may see them end up with an unwilling owner or find their way into a shelter. Making preparations for your pet can also have significant advantages for Beneficiaries themselves. Regardless of whether they relate to the care of RETIREMENT

today

Providing for pets in your Will: What are the legal aspects?

Providing for pets in your Will: What are the legal aspects? 24

that you'd want them to. Once the agreement has been made, you will need to legally document your wishes in your Will to ensure they are carried out accordingly. As the carer will assume full responsibility and ownership of your pet following your passing – including the financial burden that comes with it – it is advisable to leave a reasonable amount of funds to the carer in question, especially since gifts cannot legally be given to pets themselves. Clearly documenting the purposes of these funds in your Will can help to ensure your pet reaps the intended benefits.

Set up a trust for your pet

Trusts are one of the most common methods of managing assets, offering a way for Settlors to transfer assets to their chosen Beneficiaries. Although pets cannot be directly named as a Beneficiary, it is possible to use a Trust to designate funds specifically for the care of your pet – a practice which is becoming increasingly common in the United States. Although the creation of so-called 'Pet Trusts' is relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom, it may still be a viable option with the right legal expertise behind you.

Leave a legacy gift to charity

Charitable gifts – often referred to as 'legacy gifts' – are a common occurrence in the Wills of many people. In fact, a report by Smee & Ford suggests that UK charities received in excess of £3 billion in legacy income in 2019. The reasons for doing so can be both altruistic

and practical in nature, as making a charitable gift in this way offers a variety of benefits as far as taxation is concerned. Legacy gifts aren't just limited to cold, hard cash, however. Animal charities make up a significant portion of the UK charity sector, and many of them play an important role in caring for pets following the passing of their owners. Numerous charities – including the RSPCA, the Dogs Trust, Cats Protection and the Blue Cross – offer dedicated programmes aimed at taking care of pets in these circumstances. With this in mind, many pet owners decide to leave their pets in the care of one of these charities, often accompanied by a cash gift aimed at covering their financial upkeep.

Enlist the right legal expertise

The way in which your wishes are documented can often be just as important as the provisions themselves. Whether it relates to the care of your pet or anything else, ambiguity of any kind is likely to throw obstacles in the

way of your wishes being carried out, with the recent increase in inheritance disputes standing testament to this notion. Cases involving a disputed estate – often referred to as 'contentious probate' – are often difficult enough for the relevant parties, but their ramifications can be even more damaging when pets are involved. For this reason, calling upon the expertise of a specialist solicitor can help to ensure your Will is entirely reflective of your needs, helping you safeguard the wellbeing of your pet in every circumstance.

Estate planning for pets

Pets are considered by many as being part of the family. Making provision for the care of your pets in your Will helps to protect them and ensure they continue to be loved and well cared for when you are gone. It will also provide certainty to the family members you have left behind by giving clear direction and insight as to your wishes for your pets after your death n

For more information on Will planning and your pets, visit https://www.smithpartnership.co.uk/ RETIREMENT

today

2020: International Year of the Nurse and Midwife

Registered charity 213128

The Queen’s Nursing Institute is the world’s oldest nursing charity* that champions and supports the work of community nurses. •

•

We help community nurses in financial trouble due to adverse life events, such as serious illness. This help changes lives, enabling many nurses to return to the workforce. We encourage social interaction between current and retired nurses (who are often housebound) through our telephone project, ‘Keep in Touch’. We provide educational grants to support community nurses’ continued training. Donations in the form of gifts in Wills or legacies are crucial in enabling the QNI to continue supporting these nurses who look after us all in our time of need.

To find out more: www.qni.org.uk 020 7549 1400 mail@qni.org.uk

Retirement Today 2019.indd 1

*as certified by the Guinness World Records

09/12/2019 11:35:00

RETIREMENT

today

Let charitable work live on leave a legacy

Let charitable work live on - leave a legacy

eaving just a small legacy to a charity of your choice in your will, means you will be making a significant contribution to its vital work for future generations – not to mention the fantastic footprint you will leave. Over the years, gifts in wills have helped charities in many areas, such as helping vulnerable people, protecting domestic animals and wildlife, funding of medical research, and much more. Legacies remain the most effective way to support your favourite charity and their significance is growing. Charities rely heavily on support from legacies and it is very often an important income stream for many. After you’ve looked after your family and friends, why not think about leaving a gift to a charitable cause that is close to your heart, the donation can be as small or as large as you like, even a little amount of money left in your will to a charity can make a big difference. Many people believe that only the wealthy and famous leave money to charity when they die, but this is not the case. The reality is that without gifts left in wills, many of the charities we know and support today would struggle to survive and many

wouldn’t even exist. Remember, no matter how small the legacy it can make a huge difference to a charity in the long term. The legacy you write into your will today will not be available to the charity for many years, but you will be providing your chosen charity with a vital source of income in future years. Many people in the UK 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. Of course, family and friends should always come first, but donations to

charity in wills can sometimes mean your family avoids paying inheritance tax on your estate. Many people decide not to leave a legacy to charity in case their children feel cheated of inheritance. However, one of the first steps you can take to giving yourself permission to donate to charity in your will 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 their loved ones had been looked after. Leaving money to a charity is crucial for their good work to continue and if you have certain feelings about how the money should be spent, you can specify that it is for a particular use. However, it doesn’t have to be money – charities have been left everything from houses to antique ornaments! Contributing to the support of charities in your lifetime and as a legacy when you passed on all helps to play your part in helping the good work live on n Information Source: Remember a Charity

RETIREMENT

today

If we don’t, who will? You and I know what it’s like to try and navigate the healthcare system to get the help we need. We’ve lived through the anger and frustration. And we don’t want other families to have to face it alone. Rethink Mental Illness help stop people with mental illness falling through the gaps in the system, but they rely on gifts in wills to fund their Advice and Information Service, peer support groups and campaigning work.

We know that mental illness isn’t necessarily a popular cause. So because of those we’ve lost. And because of those we’ve saved, it’s down to us. We can change how mental illness is treated, by leaving a legacy to Rethink Mental Illness. If you’d like a little more information first, visit rethink.org/wewill to request a free guide or call Dan Walshe on 020 7840 3032.

Leave a legacy to change how mental illness is treated Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for the millions of people affected by mental Illness. For 40 years they have brought people together to support each other through their services, groups and campaign. Rethink Mental Illness Registered Office 89 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TP United Kingdom email: info@rethink.org Registered in England Number 1227970. Registered Charity Number 271028 RETIREMENT

today

Small charities value your donation more!

SMALL CHARITIES VALUE YOUR DONATION MORE!

he Isle of Wight Donkey sanctuary is the scenic home to over 94 abandoned and rescued British Donkeys. The charity needs to find £500,000 every year just to survive and provide the accommodation and welfare for its resident donkeys; many of the animals are on lifelong medicines and they simply wouldn’t be alive today without the sterling work of the staff and volunteers who look after them. In return the donkeys play an amazing community role by taking part in therapy schemes in dementia centres, with stroke patients, and by visiting patients in the local Mountbatten Hospice. In addition, the sanctuary is proud of its education scheme, with over 60 primary schools a year learning about the working of the farm and the heritage of the donkeys. However it is getting harder for charities such as this to survive. Charity Manager Derek Needham explained ‘The big charities with their large fundraising teams, their blanket adverts and TV exposure, obtain lots of the available donations. This means that charities such as ours have a real struggle to survive. People who donate to us RETIREMENT

today

know that every pound makes a massive difference and their donation will never be forgotten. Perhaps there is a swing away from the big charities and towards those small charities such as ours with a caring ethos, lots of volunteers and a genuine cause. People’s donations stay in Britain, their families can see the animals who are being supported and there is a direct relevance and impact of every pound that is gifted to us. Their gift is personal and individual and is not a faceless part of millions of pounds worth of other donations. The sanctuary survives by donations, by selling adoptions, by people making direct contributions to pay for a donkey’s individual medical treatment or by the purchase of bales of hay. The charity hopes to receive more gifts from wills, as people realise the real difference that their gift can make to an animal’s lifeand how that animal can in turn help the fortunes of people with illnesses who are visited by the donkeys. More information on the work of the sanctuary and how to donate to its donkeys can be found at www. iowdonkeysanctuary.org or e mail info@iowdonkeysanctuary.org n

Charity N E W S Will you remember the horses at Redwings Horse Sanctuary?

Help protect primates worldwide Wild Futures rescues and offers sanctuary to monkeys who have suffered abuse and neglect. They are dedicated to protecting primates and their habitats worldwide – primates are endangered due to climate change, habitat destruction and the bush-meat and pet trades. For some species, it is too late. The future of all that remains lies in our hands, so leaving a legacy to Wild Futures is the gift of life and a future for primates and our wonderful planet. Wild Futures’ holistic approach makes them unique – providing sanctuary to rescued monkeys, supporting projects overseas, campaigning for primate welfare, educating to protect primates worldwide and promoting a sustainability and ethical ethos. They receive no government funding, so the generosity of those that remember Wild Futures is essential to enable them to continue their work. A legacy can be the gift of a life worth living and a wild and safe future for all. For more information call 01503 262532, email giving@wildfutures.org or visit the website at www.wildfutures.org.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary believes that every horse, pony, donkey and mule has the right to a happy and healthy life, free of fear and neglect. The charity rescues neglected and abandoned equines from all over the country, giving them a safe place to live and providing essential veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and care for the rest of their lives. Indeed, the charity currently provides daily care for over 1,500 rescued residents, making Redwings the UK’s largest horse sanctuary. Redwings is 100% funded by public donations and every donation helps the charity help horses in need. In addition to giving every equine the opportunity for lifelong sanctuary care, Redwings also has visitor centres around the UK, where visitors have the chance to meet some of its rescued horses and donkeys, hear their stories and find out more about the importance of equine welfare. Gifts in Wills make up the largest proportion of Redwings’ income and the charity simply wouldn’t be able to function without them. Remembering Redwings in your Will is a wonderful way to support the charity’s work and leave a lasting legacy that will help them to help horses, ponies, donkeys and mules for generations to come. Whether your gift is large or small, every donation makes a real difference to the future of Redwings’ residents. To remember Redwings in your Will, call 01508 481030 or email legacies@redwings.co.uk.

Covid 19 – Impact on research

The world’s attention may be on COVID-19, but we know we still need better ways to treat cancer. Prostate Cancer Research Centre have had to work differently, but they have not allowed their research to come to a standstill. They’ve been flexible so that clinical researchers could return to the NHS to bolster its crisis response; so that a scientist who temporarily can’t access his or her own lab can lend their skills to COVID-19 research; and they’ve supported their researchers so that they can achieve as much as possible from home. At the time of writing, almost all of their projects are ongoing. They would like to thank the universities who have worked to ensure that, if they have to pause a project, the researcher’s income will be protected so they do not lose them. Once they get through this crisis, they will be offering extensions where they are needed to allow scientists to make up for lost lab time, delays in recruitment and any other challenges that COVID-19 has brought. They look forward to working with their scientists to support their return to the lab as soon as it’s safe to do so. www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk

MAKING SURGERY THEIR LEGACY

One of their legacies has allowed them to fund multiple one-year research fellowships all costing in the region of £65,000. The most recent fellowship awarded with this generous bequest was to a trauma & orthopaedic surgeon whose project is looking at using augmented-reality gaming to optimise surgical performance. Delivering expert levels of surgery is a team skill, combining knowledge, technical and non-technical

surgical instruments. Using AR gamification, the project investigates how surgical teams learn, and if enhancing their abilities during simulated and real surgery can accelerate learning, deliver expert-level skill, and thus improve patient care.

ability. Yet better understanding is needed about how, together, the surgeon, their assistant and the scrub nurse acquire and integrate these skills. The developed Augmented Reality (AR) headsets allow multiple wearers to overlap 3D digital information onto the real world, tracking hands and

The excellent fellowship applications they receive has doubled since the scheme was introduced in 1993 and they are unable to support 80% of applicants. They are always in need of more funding to enable projects that address the health challenges of modern society, supporting the development of pioneering ideas across the NHS. With each small success they take another step towards the next big breakthrough. www.rcseng.ac.uk RETIREMENT

today

Charity News

Choosing to leave the Royal College of Surgeons a legacy in your will can have direct impact on the future of surgery and the patients it saves. Past legacies have enabled them to purchase essential equipment and support a range of projects in surgical education and research.

Charity N E W S HORSEWORLD: Enzo’s happy ending

From this photograph it’s hard to believe that Enzo, pictured here with re-homer Judy Lancaster, was rescued from one of the worst cruelty cases charity HorseWorld has ever seen. He was amongst sixty horses living in states of extreme neglect; most were starving and living amongst the dead bodies of others who hadn’t survived. When he arrived at HorseWorld Enzo was petrified. But thanks to expert veterinary care and the dedication of their welfare and rehabilitation team, he was successfully re-homed. He has developed into a real character with a repertoire of tricks including stealing goodies when no one is looking! At HorseWorld they care for over 100 rescued horses, donkeys and ponies every year. When they rescue them, some are so weak they can hardly stand. Others are so thin their ribs are easily seen through their unkempt coats. Those like Enzo who have been abused are terrified; it can take months for them to trust even the lightest touch from a human. Their work is funded entirely by support from people like you. Thanks to gifts in wills and legacies they can rescue the horses who need us most, help them heal and recover, before hopefully finding their forever homes, or care for them as they live out their days in the HorseWorld herd. Please help them to help even more. Learn more about the charity and make a donation at www.horseworld.org.uk or call 01275 893020.

Bransby Horses honour a very special lady! An incredibly generous lady in Mabletherpe named Doreen left Bransby Horses a very special gift in her Will. Along with gifts to two other charities, her wish for Bransby Horses, was to use her legacy to continue with their equine welfare work. Like many of the people who decide to leave a gift in their Will, unfortunately they never had the chance to say thank you to Doreen in person. They are sharing this today to honour her and the other special people who support their charity. They spoke to Doreen’s neighbour, Tracey, who told them that she was very privileged to have known her and to be able to call her a friend. "Doreen was a very private

lady but she was funny and we trusted each other a great deal. Doreen used to talk fondly about Bransby Horses as she loved animals and felt so sorry for horses, ponies, donkeys and mules that were treated badly. She liked to read the success stories of them finding a new hope at your charity." Doreen was 96 when she died and she left Bransby Horses a third of her estate. Thank you to Doreen and the many other generous people who plan to leave a gift in their Will, to help them support the growing number of equines in need. Bransbyhorses.co.uk 01427 788 464

LET’S CELEBRATE NATURE’S SONG!

Charity News

Recent research shows that four out of five Brits say listening to the sound of birds singing makes them happier, while another 72% explained it made them feel less stressed. Yet, as Tom Streeter, Chairman of SongBird Survival notes, “What few people in the UK know is that over the last 50 years, the numbers of these reassuring-sounding birds have fallen by more than 50%*.”

looking into the issue of cat predation in order to explore how to minimise the adverse impact cats have on native wildlife. The first 3 immediate tips for cat owners, especially at this time of year when songbirds are breeding, and have fledglings in the nest: 1. Fit your cat with a colourful collar cover. These are more effective than bells and function as a colourful warning to small birds that a predator is approaching.

This decline may help explain emerging research showing 62% of adults have only infrequently heard birdsong or haven’t heard it at all in the last 12 months.

2. Keep your cat indoors at night during bird breeding season. Young, naive out-of-the-nest fledglings are very vulnerable during their first few days away from the nest.

SongBird Survival is the only UK charity dedicated to reversing the alarming population decline of song and other small birds through independent scientific research; including a study by the University of Exeter which is

3. Another option, if you have an outdoor space, is enclosing a section with a ‘Catio’ or a cat fence.

RETIREMENT

today

www.songbird-survival.org.uk

Lower Winstone Farm Wroxall Isle of Wight PO38 3AA

01983 852693 www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org

HELP OUR DONKEYS Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

There will always be old, unwanted, neglected and sometimes abused donkeys in need of a home. Here at the sanctuary we have over 90 such donkeys in our care. Their lives really do depend on us. Large or small a legacy, donation or 'in memoriam' gift will make a big difference and help us to continue our work. Thank you. A Charity registered with the Charity Commission for England & Wales. Charity Number 1159886

RETIREMENT

today