The 50+ Show Magazine - Glasgow 2011

Show Guide Magazine Glasgow SECC 11-12 November 2011

Programme, Show plan Exhibitors, Gardening Hobbies, Finance Puzzles , Health Travel, Food

and more!

Name that flower and you could win a prize! see page 3

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Where so

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Beinn an Oir, looking north to Sron Bheithe and Loch Tarbert, Jura

The average retirement is getting longer.

But who wants an average retirement?

There may be more ways to boost your retirement income than you thought – even if you’ve left it a bit late. To find out more, visit our stand or come to one of our seminars today.

Alternatively, ask your financial adviser about our retirement income and savings options or visit our website, www.pru.co.uk

Show Guide Magazine Glasgow SECC 11-12 November 2011

Programme, Show plan

Contents

Exhibitors, Gardening Hobbies, Finance Puzzles , Health Travel, Food

and more!

Name that flower and you could win a prize! see page 3

£2

Where sol

d

Beinn an Oir, looking north to Sron Bheithe and Loch Tarbert, Jura

Robert McCaffrey Editor rob@propubs.com Claire Humphries Deputy editor claire.humphries@proglobalmedia.co.uk Reina Villanueva Associate editor reina@proglobalmedia.co.uk

David Thomson Sales executives Dave Edmondson Frank Archer

Advertising contact david.thomson@proglobalmedia.co.uk Margaret Masson Administration admin@propubs.com Paul Brown Commercial director paul.brown@propubs.com Sonal Patel

Administration

The 50+ Show

Show Guide Magazine is published by PRo Publications International Ltd First Floor Adelphi Court 1 East Street Epsom, Surrey, KT17 1BB Tel 01372 743837 Fax 01372 743838

The 50+ Show Magazine

W

elcome to The 50+ Show Magazine and Show Guide for The 50+ Show in Glasgow 2011. We’ve made a lot of changes to the show (which was formerly The Retirement Show) and you should have an even more positive, re-energising and inspirational day out at The 50+ Show this year.

The 50+ Show takes place three times each year, in Manchester in March, in London in July and here in Glasgow in November.

In this magazine you’ll find the winner of our true life story competition as well as features on finance, fashion and more. If you’d like to try to identify our cover flower and be in with a chance to win £25 in M&S vouchers (and our spoon competition), please see take our quick online questionnaire before 21 November. We hope that you’ll tell us what you thought of the show - we really do read every single questionnaire that we receive back: We’d love to read your feedback to help us make the show better next time!

On behalf of the whole organising team, we hope that Robert McCaffrey Editor you enjoy both this 50+ Magazine and The 50+ Show We have hidden itself. ‘Life is for living:’ that’s our motto!

On-line questionnaire address: http://propubs.polldaddy.com/s/50-plus-show-glasgow2011

a number of spoons throughout the 50+ Magazine - like this: There are more than 10 but less than 20, including at least one in the adverts. Find them ALL and have a chance of winning £25 in gift vouchers. Include your answer in the on-line questionnaire Happy spoon hunting!

4,5 50+ Show floor plan and A-Z

Where to find the exhibitors you are after!

6 Show programme and information

Full details on what’s happening at the show.

6 - Prudential Seminar Theatre

8 - Cookery Demonstrations

10 - Performance Stage & Fashion Show

12 - Dance and Activities

14 - Craft Zone and Health Zone 18 Featured exhibitor profiles

The 50+ Show in Glasgow features over 70 exhibitors.

20 Don’t let your money retire when you do! by Sarah Pennells

How to make the most of your money in retirement 21 Competitions 22 Mackintosh: The Visionary 24 A story of survival by Jen Sheare 26 7 Fashion ‘dos’ and 2 fashion ‘don’ts’ by Lesley Ebbetts 28 November Gardening

Iain Milligan offers his advice on how to look after your garden.

30 50 things to do once you turn 50+ 32 Is the iPad 2 the tablet computer for you?

34 The Puzzle Page

Sudoku, courtesy of Woman’s Weekly.

Visitors are advised to satisfy themselves as to the bona fides of the exhibitors prior to finalising significant transactions.

3

November 2011

The 50+ Show Floor Plan B31

The 50+ Show Magazine

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November 2011

The 50+ Show Exhibitor A-Z Organisation Stand Absolute Solar and Wind E10 Action on Hearing Loss Scotland C5 Age Scotland Enterprises Ltd D16 Alzheimer Scotland A5 Aristo Developers E6 Auchlochan Garden Village E1 Bield Housing C10 Bowel Cancer UK F35 Breaks2Go C11 British Telecom D9 Casada B19 City Girl Perfume D2 Cyclossage B33 Eastons Private Client Solicitors B26 Electricity for free E17 Emporia Phones B18 Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre F26 Erskine F27 Fitzcharles Coaches B12 Fortina Spa Resort B15 Gillespie Macandrew F28 Glasgow Hearing Services E8 Glasgow Memory Clinic F5 Glenton Holidays B9 Go Cruise B10 GOPWA E17A Hanover (Scotland) Housing association B22 HB Alternative Investments E15 Healthy Working Lives D7 Highland Heritage Coach Tours Ltd C18 Independent Advisers Scotland B20 Invisible Hearing Clinic D0 Jet2Holidays C3 King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal Glasgow A3 Link Housing D6 MacMillan Cancer Support E12 McCarthy & Stone E7 MS Society Scotland E16A National Federation of Occupational Pensioners F25 North America Travel Service B1 Nu Rest C15 Oakdale Beds D11 Oakhouse Foods B21 Oasis Land Developments A4 Prostate Scotland C13

The 50+ Show Magazine

Organisation Stand Prudential D8 Ramblers Scotland A2 Real Solar Quotes E2 Renewable Resources Ltd D5 Retirement Homesearch D19 Retirement Today C9 RIAS B28 RSPB A1 SavvyWoman C21 Scotlands People E11 Scotlands Personal Hotels C4 Scottish Field Magazine E14 Slaters C14 Solar Electricity Systems F23 Solar Power Scotland B25 Stately Albion F1 Sub-4 Health D1 Sunstation Scotland C16 Tennent’s Training Academy D18 The 50+ Show B31 The Herald A6 The Pension Service E5 The Scottish Pre Retirement Council C6 The Stroke Association C12 Townswomans Guild’s F34 U3A C20 Will Services Scotland C22 Wiltshire Farm Foods E9 W W & J McClure Solicitors E18 Wyldecrest Parks F22 Zero Waste Scotland E16

Advertiser Index 55 Life Edinburgh Aga Rangemaster Choice Magazine Fortina Spa Resort Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association McCarthy and Stone Mint Hotel

5

17 9 33 13 17 19 7

National Federation of Pensioners 19 Prudential 2, 34 Slaters 11 Strathmore Hotels & Travel 19 The Ginger Baker Scotland 17

November 2011

Prudential Seminar Theatre The 50+ Show 2011 in Glasgow offers a varied selection of informative talks and lively panel sessions - with many chances for visitors to ask questions of the experts.

Back in her regular spot, chairing the ‘Your Money Matters’ panel is Sarah Pennells (seen right). Sarah has covered money and consumer issues every Saturday on BBC1′s Breakfast programme for several years. Her reports also appeared on BBC News Channel’s weekly personal finance slot, ‘Your Money.’ These sessions are always busy, so make sure you arrive in good time to be sure of a seat.

FRIDAY 11th November

SATURDAY 12th November

10.45 - 11.45 GARDENING Q & A TIME Wayne Roberts, Community Growing Solutions Ann Burns, Oatridge College John Smith, Botanica Iain Milligan, Erkine Garden Centre

10.45 - 11.45 GARDENING Q & A TIME Wayne Roberts, Community Growing Solutions Ann Burns, Oatridge College John Smith, Botanica Signed by a Iain Milligan, Erkine Garden Centre

11.50 - 12.20 PLANNING FOR YOUR RETIREMENT: How to take control of your financial future.

Prudential

12.30 - 13.30 YOUR MONEY MATTERS PANEL

11.50 - 12.20 PLANNING FOR YOUR RETIREMENT: How to take control of your financial future.

Prudential

BSL Interpreter

12.30 - 13.30 YOUR MONEY MATTERS PANEL

Chaired by: Sarah Pennells, SavvyWoman; Chris Friel, Prudential; Alistair Creevy, Independent Advisers (Scotland) Ltd; Lynn Campbell, Glasgow’s Older People’s Welfare Association

Chaired by: Sarah Pennells, SavvyWoman; Chris Friel, Prudential; Alistair Creevy, Independent Advisers (Scotland) Ltd; Lynn Campbell, Glasgow’s Older People’s Welfare Association

13.45 - 14.15 HOW TO FIND YOUR SCOTTISH ANCESTORS Davina Williams, Scotland’s People

13.45 - 14.15 HOW TO FIND YOUR SCOTTISH ANCESTORS Davina Williams, Scotland’s People

14.20 - 14.50 THE EARLY DETECTION OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Dr. Fraser Inglis, Glasgow Memory Clinic

15.00 - 15.30 ENJOYING YOUR RETIREMENT: Tips for making the most of your money once you’ve stopped working, Prudential

14.20 - 14.50 THE EARLY DETECTION OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Dr. Fraser Inglis, Glasgow Memory Clinic

15.40 - 16.10 THINKING AHEAD...WHY POWERS OF ATTORNEY SHOULD BE ON YOUR 50+ LIST OF ESSENTIALS TO DO’S. Donald Winskill, Gillespie Macandrew

15.40 - 16.10 EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES: Discover the unusual, the little known, the extraordinary and bring them to life, Tauck and North AmericaTravel Service

16.15 - 16.45 HOW TO AVOID ROGUE SOLAR TRADERS Terry Doherty, Absolute Solar The 50+ Show Magazine

15.00 - 15.30 ENJOYING YOUR RETIREMENT: Tips for making the most of your money once you’ve stopped working, Prudential

16.15 - 16.45 GET PAID FOR GENERATING YOUR OWN ENERGY The feed-in-tariff scheme explained.

Nick Farrell, Renewable Resources Ltd. 6

November 2011

Enjoy 20% off at City Café. Perfect for a relaxing meal or refreshment. £9.95 £14.95

2 Course Lunch 2 Course Dinner

www.citycafe.co.uk City Café Glasgow | Finnieston Quay | G3 8HN T +44 (0)141 240 1002 | E glasgow.citycafe@minthotel.com *

AWARDED 1 AA ROSETTE

Terms and conditions.

Discount only valid when dining on the terrace. Please quote ‘Mint Fifty ’ and surrender this advert when claiming your discount. This offer is subject to availability and not available in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. Offer only available between 11th - 12th November 2011, both days inclusive.

AGA Rangemaster Cookery Theatre FRIDAY 11th November

SATURDAY 12th November

11.15 - 12.00 Gary Baker, Head Chef

11.15 - 12.00 John Quinn, Academy Head Chef

12.30 - 13.15 John Quinn, Academy Head Chef

12.30 - 13.15 Gary Baker, Head Chef

13.45 - 14.30 Maureen Morrison

13.45 - 14.30 John Quinn, Academy Head Chef

Michael Caines ABode Glasgow

The Tennent’s Training Academy

The Tennent’s Training Academy

Michael Caines ABode Glasgow

The Ginger Baker Scotland The Tennent’s Training Academy

15.30 - 16.15 John Quinn, Academy Head Chef The Tennent’s Training Academy

15.30 - 16.15 Maureen Morrison

General Knowledge PRIZE QUIZ at The AGA Rangemaster Cookery Theatre!

Fri and Sat, 16.20 - 17.00 (Please see page 14 for more information)

The Ginger Baker Scotland

John Quinn – Academy Head Chef After winning both British and Scottish Chef of the Year and working in a variety of high profile venues throughout Scotland, John joined the Cook School within the Training Academy to share his knowledge & passion for cooking fresh food and also developing young talent. John works from our state of the art kitchen, 14 individual workstations, and individual utensils for everyone including aprons and of course they all get to take the recipes home with them. We offer a variety of hands-on courses from 1/2 day chocolate & baking classes to full day easy Italian cooking and our professional cooking courses. John has designed all of the courses himself, they are all easy to follow even for the amateur chef among us. For more information: www.tennentstrainingacademy.co.uk Gary Baker, Head Chef, Michael Caines ABode Glasgow Gary started his career in the Michelin star Shanks Restaurant in 1996, and then left to work in restaurant at Grace Neills, which is Ireland’s oldest pub. Gary moved to Glasgow and worked at Lang’s Hotel, before joining the award winning ABode Glasgow as the Head Chef in the BarMC and Grill in 2008. Gary will be showing you how to create some dishes from his new winter a la carte menu – showcasing the very best seasonal produce.

BarMC and Grill combines a Modern Grill restaurant and a lively late night bar.

Offering foods cooked on the chargrill, from burgers, steaks and market fish of the day, to delicious fresh pasta dishes & salads using only the very best locallysourced ingredients. For reservations contact Michael Caines ABode Glasgow on 0141 221 6789 or visit www.abodehotels.co.uk/glasgow Maureen Morrison, Ginger Baker Scotland There seems to be a seductive love affair with delicious cakes and candy, enchanting those mouth-watering taste buds.

Captivating your imagination: Make it yours, make it unforgettable. Maureen Morrison, The Ginger Baker Scotland, is based in Glasgow. Using the best Scottish ingredients in her kitchen, she has a passion for baking and creating a masterpiece designed especially for you.

With delicious favourites including chocolate, vanilla, cherry & white chocolate cake amongst many more with creamiest buttercream. Yummy! You just won’t be able to resist. Putting together some christmas-themed decorated cupcakes using quick and easy demostrations.

Let her help you make your Christmas table sparkle. Pop along and see The Ginger Baker Scotland and try it out for yourself.

The 50+ Show Magazine

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November 2011

The 50+ Show Performance Stage FRIDAY 11th November

Live fashion shows at The 50+ Show! We are delighted to pre-

11.05 Julia Somerville, Harpist sent an exciting fashion show featuring clothes and accessories

by Vanity Fair Scotland. Tina Kingsman of Fashion Events has

choreographed and produced the fashion shows. Vanity Fair is 11.45 Fashion Show located at 42 New Kirk Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 3SL,

by Tina Kingsman of Fashion Events Telephone 0141 942 6346

12.30 One Dance Studio

13.00 Westerton Male Choir

14.00 The secrets of successful story-telling: An insight into fiction-writing, The People’s Friend 14.45 Fashion Show

by Tina Kingsman of Fashion Events

16.00 Westerton Male Choir

SATURDAY 12th November 10.30 Julia Somerville, Harpist 11.00 Rock Choir

11.45 Fashion Show

by Tina Kingsman of Fashion Events 12.30 One Dance Studio 13.00 The secrets of successful story-telling: An insight into fiction-writing, The People’s Friend

Julia Somerville began her studies in pedal harp in 2002 at the Junior Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama after winning one of four Associated Board Scholarships awarded that year in the UK. In 2005, she was awarded a Donald Dewar Arts Award.

Julia teaches both adults and children privately, at all levels.

Westerton Male Voice Choir was founded in 1957 and is a 40+ strong male choir based just outside Glasgow and performing all over Scotland. Members come from various backgrounds, some with little previous singing experience, others who have been members of choirs or musical groups over many years. No entry audition is required and the choir has wide repertoire ranging from traditional male voice to contemporary new music. Email: info@ westertonmalechoir.co.uk or visit: www.westertonmalechoir.co.uk

14.00 Westerton Male Choir 14.45 Fashion Show

by Tina Kingsman of Fashion Events 16.00 Rock Choir

Established in 2005, Rock Choir™ offers the general public an opportunity to sing pop, gospel and Motown songs, without the need for previous singing experience and no auditions. It provides up-beat and feelgood weekly singing sessions across the UK for teenagers and adults. Many of the members have never sung in public before and are given the opportunity to perform at local events and venues, as part of the Rock Choir experience. It can offer fun, laughter, companionship and most of all the enjoyment of singing with friends. For more information or to book a free taster session go to www.rockchoir.com

be led by on s Choir will The Rock ctor Elaine William ire Musical D

The 50+ Show Magazine

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November 2011

MENSWEAR

FORMAL HIRE

NOWHERE ELSE MEASURES UP. WITH OVER 100 BRAND NAMES ACROSS 22 STORES, SLATERS HAS BECOME THE UK’S NO.1 CHOICE FOR MENSWEAR, WOMENSWEAR AND FORMAL HIRE CLOTHING. OUR SERVICE IS UNRIVALLED AND OUR FREE ALTERATIONS SERVICE IS LEGENDARY. WE’RE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK SO WHEN IT COMES TO BUYING THE CLOTHES YOU WANT, WHEN YOU WANT - NOWHERE ELSE MEASURES UP LIKE SLATERS. 165 Howard Street, GlaSGow G1 4HF tel: 0141 552 7171 • www.SlaterS.Co.UK

The 50+ Show Dance Floor Stop by the dance floor during your visit. No need to pre-book, just join in with whatever is going on at the time. The Dance Floor will be featuring different types of dancing and demonstrations throughout each day of the show. Why not put on your dancing shoes, step up and have a go!

Friday 11th November 10.30 - 11.15 T’ai Chi

Tai Chi Union for Great Britain

11.25 - 12.05 Line Dancing

MG Dance Clubs

12.15 - 12.50 Zumba

Lesley Miller, The Lesley Miller School of Dance 13.00 - 13.45 Belly Dancing Diane Davis-Bailey

14.00 - 15.00 Music & Dance for All

Dance with Attitude Studios 15.10 - 16.00 Yoga Yoga Scotland 16.10 - close Dance House Disco!

Saturday 12th November 10.30 - 11.15 T’ai Chi

Tai Chi Union for Great Britain

11.25 - 12.05 Line Dancing

MG Dance Clubs

12.15 - 12.50 Zumba

Lesley Miller, The Lesley Miller School of Dance 13.00 - 13.45 Belly Dancing Diane Davis-Bailey

14.00 - 15.00 Music & Dance for All

Dance with Attitude Studios 15.10 - 16.00 Yoga Yoga Scotland

The 50+ Show Magazine

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November 2011

Craft Zone with Craft Scotland - making connections, Meet the makers... creating opportunities.

Lauracet Cowan is a jeweller whose work explores the Craft Scotland are delighted to present the Craft Scotland Craft Zone at the 2011 50+ Show in Glasgow. We have invited makers from across Scotland to take over the Zone and introduce you to craft. At the Craft Zone you’ll be able to watch makers demonstrate craft techniques, see their work and have a go at some craft yourself. At the drop-in workshops you’ll be able to try hand working with glass or making jewellery or paper. You’ll also be able to pick up information about workshop opportunities available in your area.

Craft Scotland is a Scottish charity, made up of a team of creative thinkers and marketers, working to unite, inspire and champion Scottish craft. We run exhibitions and events which connect the public with the Scottish craft community, often working with partner organisations such as National Museums Scotland, Timespan, the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, and the Collins Gallery. We also present collections of Scottish craft to the public in UK and International craft, design and art shows. At our website you’ll find a community of craft makers and places across Scotland, as well as articles, news and information about craft and what’s on listings of exhibitions, events and workshops.

Our core funding is provided by Creative Scotland, the national leader for Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries. For more information visit www.craftscotland.org

sentimental. Lauracet invites you to come by and leave your romantic memories and sentiments to combine with non-precious materials found in the home. Throughout the day she’ll be uniting the pieces created in the workshops to form a piece of jewellery which will encapsulate individuals’ precious moments. For more information visit www.Lauracet.co.uk Stephen Richard is the owner of the company Verrier, which specialises in custom-made architectural glass for home, business and industry. He’ll be demonstrating a range of glass making techniques including traditional leaded glass and glass painting. You’ll be able to try out some of the skills in drop-in workshops which will begin on the half hour, lasting for 30 mins, throughout each day. For more information visit www.verrier-glass.blogspot.com or call 01415565700 Alison Newman runs PULP a hand papermaking arts workshop, based in Glasgow, which provides a range of services for experienced artists and makers as well as those just beginning to explore this versatile medium. Alison will be demonstrating techniques in papermaking including fibre blending. You’ll also be able to try making a sheet of paper yourself to take away with you. For more information call 0141 337 2842 or visit www.paperartsworkshop.co.uk

Health Zone

50+ Show Quiz

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!

Participate in our Prize Quiz at 4.20pm each day at the AGA Rangemaster Cookery Theatre.

Are you a brainiac or perhaps Britain’s next mastermind?

The lucky winner will be rewarded with 4 tickets to the King’s Theatre pantomime Sleeping Beauty on Thursday 8 December at 7pm. (* Terms and Conditions apply)

The Health Zone is located at the centre of the 50+ Show.

The Roadshow Team from Cancer Research UK will be there as well as The Stroke Association and Diabetes UK Scotland. They will be running Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure and Breathalyser checks.

The tickets have kindly been donated by the King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal, Glasgow.

Please note that quiz places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and only a limited number of places are available.

The 50+ Show Magazine

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November 2011

ASK

FIRST

to prevent a stroke later

A

wareness of stroke, its symptoms and the major risk factors has increased dramatically over the last few years meaning that more stroke patients are being admitted to hospital and receiving appropriate treatment.

However, awareness of atrial fibrillation (AF, a common form of irregular heartbeat) as a major risk factor for stroke remains comparatively low amongst both the public and health professionals. In a bid to increase the number of people being screened for atrial fibrillation, The Stroke Association has recently launched its Ask First, ‘to help prevent a stroke later’ awareness campaign. As part of this, the charity commissioned some research to establish what GPs believe to be the underlying issues surrounding how patients with atrial fibrillation are screened and treated. Findings revealed a number of serious concerns and in the survey of over 1000 GPs, over three quarters (83%) felt that problems existed with the diagnosis, treatment and management of the condition, putting a considerable number of people at risk of stroke.

A distinct lack of public awareness of AF was considered to be a significant contributor to the problems by over a third of GPs (39%). This was supported by a poll of 1000 members of the public which found that over two thirds (66%) were unaware that they would be at risk of developing a stroke if they experienced the symptoms of AF. 56 year old Phillip Richards had a stroke in April last year as a result of atrial fibrillation. He was diagnosed with AF in 2004. He had been experiencing heavy chest pains and noticed that his pulse was racing. He

The 50+ Show Magazine

by The Stroke Association

comments; “I hadn’t been feeling right for a while; however I’d been very stressed with work and so I put it down to that. It wasn’t until I went to watch my son-in-law play in his band that I felt something was seriously wrong. My heart was pounding

people in the UK are currently living with the condition.

Steve Benveniste, campaigns officer at The Stroke Association, comments; “Public recognition of atrial fibrillation and in particular its link

Felt his pulse Phillip Richards: t n-in-law’s gig, bu racing at his so ’roll that did it. it wasn’t rock’n

and I thought I was having a heart attack. I was taken to A&E, but no one told me what the problem was. I was sent home and then a few days later I went on holiday to Florida as if nothing had happened.”

Phillip went on to have another similar experience a few months later when he was at work. He went back to hospital and this time he was told that he had atrial fibrillation. Phillip says; “I’d never heard of the condition and so was obviously very concerned. However, I was put on medication and thought that it was under control. I had no idea that I was at risk of having a stroke until I had one last year.”

Atrial fibrillation accounts for around 12,500 strokes every year and it is believed that about 750,000

15

to stroke is incredibly low. Many people, like Phillip, may not recognise the symptoms of AF, such as shortness of breath, as a serious health problem, resulting in them not being diagnosed and leaving them at risk of stroke.”

“Through our ‘Ask First’ campaign,” says Steve, “we hope to see an increase in the number of people in at-risk groups being screened for the condition through regular pulse checks and being treated accordingly in order to reduce the number of AFrelated strokes in the UK.”

November 2011

Home Manchester North Home Start Start Manchester North Home-Start Manchester Recruiting and training local people with parenting experience to We need retired people with parenting provide emotional and practical home visiting support to families with experience! young children in North Manchester…

Many parents need friendship, advice or support during those early years when children are young. They often lack a parent or Grandparent figure, and that’s where you come in!

Weekly emotional and practical home visiting support to families in Manchester…

We need you! ~ Do you have a couple of hours a week to spare? ~ Do you have experience you could put to good use?

• 10% Discount on all Annual Multi-trip policies • Promotional Code: 50+Manch

Do you have 2/3 hours a week to spare? Do you understand the challenges as well as the ~ Did you expect Grandchildren by now?! pleasures of having children? Would you like to give something back and help families who are Are you support familiesto in Manchester? the Cheetham/Crumpsall and North East areas of ~struggling?

Do you drive ORable aretoable to travel Manchester?

Next induction courses will be held in: Wythenshawe (South Mcr) every Thursday 10am-2pm OR training, support and out-of-pocket for 10 wks commencing 10th May Volunteers are rewarded with2012; on-going Newton Heath (North Mcr) every Tuesday 9am-1pm expenses. The next induction courses (1 evening, 1 daytime) start beginning of July. for 8 wks commencing 29th March 2012.

MORE information INFORMATION CONTACT SHELLEYus: OR MARIE ON 0161 203 4229 ForFOR more contact info@homestartmcrnorth.org.uk South Mcr: 0161 946 1420 Successful applications on 2 satisfactory references and an Enhanced CRB disclosure North Mcr: 0161 721depend 4493

Simply the 50+ best?

Volunteers are rewarded with on-going training, support and out-of-pocket expenses. The next induction courses (1 evening, 1 daytime) start beginning of July.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT SHELLEY OR MARIE ON 0161 203 4229 info@homestartmcrnorth.org.uk Successful applications depend on 2 satisfactory references and an Enhanced CRB disclosure

You decide!

Vote now at

www.50plus-Awards.com Particpants are included in a free draw for one of three £50 vouchers on completion of the survey.

Voting closes on 30 June.

The 50+ Show Featured exhibitors...

AGE SCOTLAND PRISES LTD

ENTER-

Stand D16 Age Scotland Enterprises sells products and services which include: Home, Travel, Car and Motor Breakdown Insurance, Funeral Plans, and Energy.

They are based in Edinburgh and Glasgow and offer an internet, face to face or telephone service. There is no upper age limit and Travel insurance can cover some pre-existing medical conditions, (subject to medical screening ).

Home, Car and Travel Insurance are provided by Ageas Insurance Limited.

Motor Breakdown is provided by Europ Assistance Holdings Limited.

Telephone: 0845 833 0758 Web: www.agescotland.org.uk Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh, EH9 1PR --------------------------

EMPORIA

Stand B18 emporia is the leading manufacturer of mobile phones for the over 50s. emporia’s RL1 mobile phone comes with large, clear buttons and a bright, easy to read screen. Rather than adding unnecessary features, emporia phones offer talk and text as well as practical functions like a built in torch, alarm clock and birthday reminders. Perfect for anyone who wants a mobile phone to be just that! emporia RL1 is available exclusively on the Vodafone network, from Vodafone shops, Tesco and Asda.

PO Box 3762, Marlborough, SN8 9DA Telephone: 01672 890606 Web: www.emporia.co.uk --------------------------

HANOVER (SCOTLAND) HOUSING ASSOCIATION FORTINA SPA RESORT

BIELD HOUSING

Stand C10 Bield is a leading provider of high quality housing and care services for older people across Scotland. For more than 40 years we have been supporting and enriching the lives of older people, helping them to maintain their independence and celebrate their later life.

Our services include: • Housing • Care Housing • Home and Day Care Services • Community Alarm • Management of Private Retirement Housing Telephone: 0131 273 4000 Web: www.bield.co.uk 79 Hopetoun Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4QF --------------------------

Stand B15 The 4 star Hotel Fortina and the 5 star Fortina Spa Resort in Malta are offering 2 for 1 holidays for 14 night durations and over. Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean with fabulous views overlooking the capital city of Valletta, packages are comprised of all-inclusive accommodation including all drinks, return flights from London Gatwick, inresort hotel transfers and a cruise of Malta’s Grand Harbour. Please visit us on Stand B15 for full details.

Telephone: 0800 917 3001 Web: www.hotelfortina.com Tigne Seafront, Sliema, SLM 15 MALTA --------------------------

Stand B22 Hanover is one of Scotland’s largest providers of housing and services for older people. We build and manage retirement housing for both tenants and owners, offer a factoring service to other retirement housing developments, provide a Care at Home service and also run Hanover Telecare; a range of services to enable you to feel safe and independent in your own home. For more information, come and see us on stand B22.

Telephone: 0141 553 6300 Web: www.hsha.org.uk Pavilion 5 (Ground floor), Watermark Business Park, 345 Govan Road, Glasgow, G51 2SE ---------------------------

MCCARTHY & STONE GLASGOW MEMORY CLINIC

Stand F5 Founded in 1999 Glasgow Memory The 50+ Show Magazine

Clinic is an independent Medical Research Facility. The Clinic is at the forefront of developments for new treatments for Memory Impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.

We are one of the leading centres in Europe engaged in evaluating potential new medicines for these conditions.

We aim to help and support those who have a wide range of memory difficulties and to ensure the highest standards of care and attention for those participating in our research programmes.

Telephone: 0141 948 0206 Web: www.glasgowmemoryclinic.com The Altum Building, Todd Campus, West of Scotland Science Park, Glasgow, G20 0XA ---------------------------

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Stand E7 To make the most of your retirement years you want peace of mind, comfort and independence. A McCarthy & Stone retirement apartment will give November 2011

Quality independent living

Are you looking for housing in Glasgow or surrounding areas?

We are one of Scotland’s largest not-for-profit providers of housing for older people and have properties in the Glasgow and surrounding area waiting to be filled now. Our purpose-built properties are located in the middle of wellestablished communities and feature a wealth of benefits.

To find out more, visit us at stand B22, call 0141 553 6300 or email westinfo@hsha.org.uk.

Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association Ltd—A Scottish Charity SC014738

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Cakes are tailored to your requirements and made with a touch of individuality to ensure your cakes are truly unique and made just for you.

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Birthdays, get well soon or just want to cheer someone up why don’t you take advantage of my cakes for delivery. Cakes in a lovely presentation box which will be designed to meet your needs with your special message.

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The 50+ Show Magazine

email: james@55life.co.uk for more information

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November 2011

you all of this and more. We have been building award winning retirement apartments for over 30 years and have developments throughout Scotland, England and Wales. Over 45,000 buyers have opted for the McCarthy & Stone quality of life…because it’s simply the best. Life is for living…and we’ll help you live it to the full.

Telephone: 0141 420 8300 Web: www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk 11,000 Academy Park, Gower Street Glasgow, G51 1PR ---------------------------

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF OCCUPATIONAL PENSIONERS Stand F25 The National Federation of Occupational Pensioners (N.F.O.P) is the oldest and the largest occupational pensioner organisation in the UK, with over 90,000 members and 180 Branches.

We provide a voice for our members through active political campaigning, aiming to protect and improve pensioners’ rights. Benefits for members include: FREE Legal and Tax Hotlines, FREE technology helpline, FREE pension advice, FREE membership of motoring accident aftercare service, FREE magazine and a series of exclusive discounts and offers.

Telephone: 01582 721652 Web: www.nfop.org.uk Unit 6, Imperial Court, Laporte Way, Luton, LU4 8FE ---------------------------

PRUDENTIAL

Stand D8 Your retirement deserves a good income, and you may have more options than you think to boost your finances.

Visit our stand - we can’t offer advice - but can offer free, no-obligation information on pensions, annuities, additional voluntary contributions, savings & investments and general insurance.

We’re also running seminars that cover a variety of important topics. Seminar times are posted on our stand, plus you can enter our prize draw!

Telephone: 0800 000 000 Web: www.pru.co.uk --------------------------The 50+ Show Magazine

RETIREMENT TODAY MAGAZINE

Stand C9 Visit our stand and receive a complimentary copy. Subscribe today (only £14.99 for 12 issues) and receive a free book worth up to £19.99 from a range of titles including Cakes, Bakes and Slices, Football Fan’s Guide to Europe and many more. Enter our competition – just leave your email address and you could win one of our fantastic prizes.

Telephone: 01296 632700 Web: www.retirement-today.co.uk Amra Media Solutions, The Old Lavender Mill, 46a Brook Street, Ashton Clinton, Bucks, HP22 5ES ---------------------------

SLATERS

Stand C14 At Slaters we pride ourselves on service, value, quality and free alterations.

With a vast choice of suits and casual wear to choose from, we offer a one stop shop for men from shoes to hats, we‚ve got it all. In our newly refurbished ladieswear department, we have a variety of suits, shoes and accessories available; alongside our new ladies classic collection.

Our hire wear service offers beautifully tailored formalwear, highland wear and new to our range Asian wear.

Telephone: 0141 552 7171 Web: www.slaters.co.uk 165 Howard Street, Glasgow, G1 4HF ---------------------------

STRATHMORE HOTELS

Stand C2 Strathmore Hotels is an established group of 7 hotels, each full of character with excellent standards of accommodation and service, and in great locations around the UK; Fort William, Oban, Speyside, Perth, Harrogate and the Lake District. Sister 18

company, Strathmore Travel, provides great value coach inclusive breaks to Strathmore Hotels properties as well as fun day trips and excursions. As our own hotels are used, you can be assured of a quality service and valuefor-money coach holidays.

Telephone: 01355 598490 Web: www.strathmoretravel.com 16 Strathmore House, East Kilbride G74 1LF ---------------------------

THE STROKE ASSOCIATION

Stand C12 Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke. A stroke doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone at any time of their life. Strokes are sudden and their consequences can be devastating. The Stroke Association is the only UK charity solely concerned with helping everyone affected by stroke.

Our mission is to prevent strokes, and reduce their affect through providing services, campaigning, education and research.Stroke shatters lives: your legacy could help rebuild them.

Telephone: 0845 3033 100 Web: www.stroke.org.uk Stroke House, 240 City House, London EC1V 2PR ---------------------------

WW & J MCCLURE SOLICITORS Stand E18 A Power of Attorney should be the only thing you sort out today and we at W W & J McClure Solicitors, Stand E18, will make the process easy for you. Also with our participation in the Buy1Give1 scheme you can make a difference to someone else’s life as well as your own. Take 5 minutes to visit us and give youself some piece of mind whilst helping someone else change their life.

Telephone: 0141 221 0045 Web: www.mccluresolicitors.com 90 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5UB ---------------------------

November 2011

retIrement LIvIng Security and independence

Visit us at stand E7 Locations nationwide or call 0800 919 132 BRAEHEAD Kingsferry Court

FoRFAR Strathmore Court Tel: 01307 465 357

Tel: 0141 886 4057

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piTloCHRY Fishersview Court

Tel: 01355 265 255

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House Manager • 24-hour Emergency Call System • Security Entry System

If you’d like to find out more, visit our website www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk For more news & information from the McCarthy & Stone Group send to: Freepost SCO2891, McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd., GLASGOW G51 1PR.

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50+ShowProgramme24.10.11

You may be contacted via the methods of communication for which you have provided details.

Where a mobile number has been provided, you may be contacted by SMS or other electronic means.

Enquiring on behalf of? Yourself

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Over 30 years experience i of welcoming travellers and groups.

Alexandra Hotel, Fort William

Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club, Fort William

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Did you pay into a pension during your working life? If so, join the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners (N.F.O.P). With close to 90,000 members and 180 Branches, N.F.O.P provides members with services designed to make you feel protected and supported while enjoying your retirement.

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Nethybridge Hotel, Speyside

Salutation Hotel, Perth AA

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Benefits for members include: FREE legal, tax and benefits helplines FREE computer and technology advice FREE advice on pension-related issues FREE Magazine – published eight times a year Exclusive offers and a series of discounts

Royal Hotel, Oban

1 FREE place for groups 20+ • All bedrooms en-suite • Entertainment • Dancing, Tribute, and Murder Mystery holidays • All hotels in great tourist locations Call Rhonda Wood to discuss your requirements on

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N.F.O.P campaigns both in Parliament and at a local and constituency level, aiming to protect and improve pensioners’ rights. Your voice - through us - is listened to by businesses and the Government. Join us to improve the lives of all pensioners.

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19

November 2011

Don’t let your money retire when you do!

by Sarah Pennells

Y

ou’ve worked hard, saved in your pension, paid off your mortgage and now you can take it easy. Or perhaps you feel that retirement is when your life will really begin. Whether you have a little money or a lot, you need it to be working as hard as you have. Retirement means there are important decisions to make about your money. Get them right and you could end up with more money every year for the rest of your life. Get them wrong or fail to plan and you could have to make cutbacks at a time when you should be enjoying a well-deserved break.

Pay off your mortgage!

Figures from the insurer Aviva show that 20% of those aged 55 and over have a mortgage on their property.

Whilst it’s great news that most over 55s are mortgage free, those who do still have a mortgage owe an average of £65,000.

• Overpay on your mortgage if you can. Use an offset mortgage if you have some savings that you won’t need immediately but don’t want to use to pay down your loan. An offset mortgage lets you link your savings and mortgage account with the same mortgage company. You don’t earn any inter-

50+ SHOW TIP

Offset mortgages can be more expensive than traditional mortgages but the premium you’ll pay varies widely from mortgage lender to mortgage lender. Some only charge 0.1% more than their equivalent ‘non offset’ mortgage deal. The bigger the premium, the more you need in your savings account to make it worthwhile.

50+ SHOW TIP

Look at the interest rate you’ll have to pay once your deal has come to an end. There’s quite a variation between mortgage lenders’ standard variable rates.

If you pick the ‘wrong’ mortgage lender you could find that you pay a lot more in interest as you’ll be tied to them after your mortgage has fallen below £25,000. est on your savings but you only pay interest on the outstanding debt (i.e. the mortgage minus your savings).

• Think carefully about remortgaging when your loan is relatively small.

Many mortgage lenders have a minimum loan amount of around £25,000 so once your mortgage is less than that you won’t be able to switch to a different lender. If you’re close to the £25,000 threshold it’s probably not a good idea to go for a short term deal as you won’t be able to switch again once it runs out.

How much tax free lump sum?

One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is to work out how much of your pension to take as a tax free lump sum. Many people go for the maximum amount but it’s not always the best approach.

• If you have debts. If you owe money, especially if it’s on something like a credit card or personal loan, it’s definitely worth trying to pay that off with your tax free lump sum.

• Find out what you’d give up by taking the maximum lump sum. You may receive £12 or £15 in cash for every £1 of income that you give up but you may receive twice that in benefits (i.e. the equivalent of £30) once you factor in a spouse’s pension.

The 50+ Show Magazine

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November 2011

Competitions • If you need income. Many people don’t like the idea of buying an annuity (which converts a pension fund into a retirement income for the rest of your life) but it does provide a regular and predictable income.

Age Scotland D16 Visit the AGE Scotland stand to enter into a prize draw for the chance to win £1000.

Breaks2Go C11 Visit Blackpool Breaks & Breaks2Go on Stand C11 to enter a free prize draw for the chance to win a fantastic break in some of Blackpool’s finest hotels, plus a luxury Warners weekend break for adults only, a Mini Cruise to the Venice of the North, Bruges, and holiday vouchers towards your next break with them.

50+ SHOW TIP:

Taking a higher income and maximizing your tax free lump sum don’t have to be mutually exclusive. You can use your tax free cash lump sum to buy an annuity (it’s called a ‘purchased life’ annuity).

Reduce your risk

What’s risky for one person may be positively tame for the next, but whatever your attitude to risk, it’s definitely worth reviewing as you approach retirement.

Energy Saving Scotland F26 Enter a prize draw to win an Energy Hamper by completing a questionnaire and handing it in to the Energy Saving Scotland team.

Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association B22 Fill in a card at Hanover’s stand to enter a free prize draw to win a hamper.

50+ SHOW TIP:

This is where advice is invaluable. A good independent financial adviser can take an overview of your savings, pensions and investments and put into context the amount of risk you’re currently taking and which investments would be the best to sell if you’re thinking of reducing your risk (both from a tax and investment performance perspective). However, be aware that some advisers see people who are approaching retirement and who want an income from their lump sum as easy money and will try and persuade you to take on riskier investments than you’re comfortable with. Don’t invest in anything that you don’t understand or feel happy about and only rely on information that’s been written down and given to you, because that’s what it would come down to if you had to make a complaint.

King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal Glasgow A3 Your chance to win tickets to the Sleeping Beauty pantomime on Thursday 8 December at 7pm.

McCarthy & Stone E7 Enter into a prize draw to win £250 M & S vouchers.

National Federation Occupational Pensioners F25 Enter into a prize draw to win membership of the NFOP: 1st Prize Life membership, 2nd prize 5 year membership, 3rd prize 1 year membership, for the first year of membership.

• Look at what you’re invested in. As you’re approaching retirement you shouldn’t be too heavily invested in shares or other volatile investments. The ideal plan is to start moving your money across from shares or sharebased funds to lower-risk investments, such as bonds (whether they are UK government bonds, called ‘gilts’ or corporate bonds) and cash. However, depending on your age and your attitude to risk, you should not necessarily move all your investments away from shares, even if this is done gradually.

SAVVYWOMAN.CO.UK: If you found this article interesting, come and see me at my stand or sign up for email newsletters on SavvyWoman.co.uk, which have advice and tips on how to get more from your money.

The 50+ Show Magazine

Visit the Stands below for your chance to win some fabulous prizes Terms and Conditions apply.

21

Oakhouse Foods B21 Simply guess the number of pasta shapes in the jar to be one of 3 lucky winners! You can win a bottle of champagne or a box of luxury chocolates Prudential D8 Visit the Prudential stand to enter into a prize draw to win a Magnum of Champagne.

Retirement Homesearch D19 Visit the Retirement Homesearch stand to enter into a prize draw to win a fabulous Fortnum and Mason Hamper.

Townswomen’s Guilds F34 Enter into a free prize draw each day in order to win a £10 voucher. Ladies will be required to complete their details on a prize draw entry form and winners will be picked after the show.

November 2011

Mackintosh: The Visionary

Barcelona may have Gaudi,

Chicago has Frank Lloyd Wright,

but Glasgow has Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

G

lasgow is Scotland’s largest city and it has a personality all of its own. It has been described as ‘Manhattan with a Scottish accent.’ Time Magazine said Glasgow was ‘brimming with style and culture. Scotland’s biggest city is a revelation.’ And Travel & Leisure Magazine said ‘Glasgow is the UK’s hippest and most happening city.’

This tells a little of the vibrancy and character of the city.

Glasgow is certainly unique; it was Charles Rennie Mackintosh who pioneered the idea of a holistic environment. Places for people to live, to study and to work. His grasp of the effect that a building has on the human psyche was extraordinary.

In an age obsessed with brands, you have to agree that Mackintosh was way ahead of his time and his style is certainly the ultimate designer label. For 20 years he worked as an architect, artist and designer in Glasgow where all his best-known work was created and where much of it still remains.

Anyone making the pilgrimage to Glasgow in search of the real Mackintosh would be well advised to start at The Mackintosh Church at Queen’s Cross. The building, completed between 1897 and 1899, is the only church designed by Mackintosh to be built and is now the international headquarters of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society. The exceptional relief carving on wood and stonework are highlights of the interior where light and space are used to dramatic effect.

The Glasgow Herald Building was originally designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh between 1893 and 1895 as the headquarters for the Glasgow Herald newspaper. In 1999 during the city’s reign as UK City of Architecture and Design, the Lighthouse opened as Scotland’s first,

The 50+ Show Magazine

dedicated, national centre for architecture and design.

In 1895, having just completed his apprenticeship, he designed Martyrs’ Public School. The Martyrs’ project shows the embryo of Mackintosh. It was probably the first time he was allowed some freedom of expression.

The Glasgow School of Art is regarded as Mackintosh’s architectural

ed tours of the building take place throughout the year, where you can view the stunning original interiors and stunningly iconic furniture.

On 22 August 1900, Charles Rennie Mackintosh married Margaret Macdonald. The speed of his ascent continued and by 1901 Mackintosh had become a partner of Honeyman and Keppie architecture practice.

masterpiece – where he gives full expression to his architectural ideals. It is a free-style building, rooted in tradition, which combines his love of nature with his travels to Italy and Europe. The school was built in two phases - the East Wing in 18971899 and the West Wing from 19071909. Mackintosh was greatly concerned with creating an harmonious environment for both students and teachers. Mackintosh’s breathtaking ‘Masterwork’ was recently voted the best British-designed building of the past 175 years in a RIBA poll. Guid-

That same year Charles and Margaret entered a competition to design a ‘House for an Art Lover’, set by a German design magazine. Whilst their entry was disqualified from the competition on the grounds of late submission, the designs were awarded a special prize for “their pronounced personal quality, their novel and austere form and the uniform configuration of interior and exterior.” For almost one hundred years the portfolio of designs for the House remained just that until, in 1988, a Glasgow civil engineer, Graham Roxburgh, had the

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November 2011

idea of constructing the Art Lover’s House within the city’s Bellahouston Park. This was completed in 1996.

In 1902 Mackintosh received another significant commission when he was asked to design The Hill House for Walter Blackie, director of the well-known Glasgow publishers.

The Hill House is set in a beautiful location, sitting above the town of Helensburgh overlooking the River Clyde. It is Mackintosh’s design-theme throughout the house that makes it so visually remarkable. There are touches of a children’s fantasy where light and shade are used to maximum effect. The overall effect is daring, but restrained in its elegance: the result, timeless rooms, as modern today as they must have been in 1904 when the Blackie family moved in. Today The Hill House is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland and a visit is a must for anyone who wishes to see Mackintosh’s domestic masterpiece.

Miss Catherine Cranston, a local Glasgow businesswoman, came up with the idea for a series of ‘art tearooms.’ She approached Mackintosh to assist the architect and designer George Walton on her new premises in Buchanan Street. The success of the tearoom forged a relationship between Cranston and Mackintosh, which was to last twenty years. Her constant support allowed him to create some of his most memorable interiors. Between 1897 and 1917 he designed or restyled rooms in all four of her Glasgow tearoom establishments. Today tea and light meals are still served in The Willow Tea Rooms in Sauchiehall Street.

Within Kelvingrove, the Mackintosh and Glasgow Style Gallery The 50+ Show Magazine

boasts the city’s largest display of the Glasgow Style’s wide range of media and techniques such as: stained glass, works on paper, textiles and embroidery, jewellery, repoussé metalwork, silver, enamelwork, glass, gesso, furniture and interiors. The gallery also features early Glasgow Tea Room designs, furniture and fittings by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and fellow Glasgow designer George Walton for Mackintosh’s greatest patron - Kate Cranston.

Scotland Street School was designed in 1903, was built during 1904 to 1907, and was one of Mackintosh’s last commissions in Glasgow. It has ample evidence of the mature architect, with the unexpected decoration, especially around the entrances and the stair-towers, with their extraordinary daring precision of masonry and glass as they fly up towards their conical slate hats. The principal interiors of 6 Florentine Terrace (The Mackintosh House), home of the Mackintoshes from 1906 to 1914, have been meticulously reconstructed within the Hunterian Art Gallery. You can stroll through the hall, dining room, studiodrawing room and main bedroom and marvel at Mackintosh’s distinctive and yet still contemporary style while enjoying virtually the same experience as when Margaret and Charles lived in the house. The Gallery on the second floor houses an ever-changing selection of the University’s extensive Mackintosh Collection.

Mackintosh has played a major part in the transformation of Glasgow into one of Europe’s liveliest cities and exploring his iconic designs is a crucial part of any visit.

23

DISCOUNT VOUCHER

£4.00 off MACKINTOSH TRAIL TICKET

Find your voucher on Page 25!

This Voucher can only be redeemed at the Mackintosh Church, Queen’s Cross, 870 Garscube Road, Glasgow.

This offer expires on 30 November 2011 T: 0141 946 6600

www.crmsociety.cm

You can discover the unique world of Charles Rennie Mackintosh in his home city of Glasgow. An exclusive weekend organised by the Mackintosh Society is the only tour that takes you behind the scenes to gain an insight from some of the world-renowned Mackintosh experts. Places are limited.

This luxury weekend includes accommodation at the much-loved city icon, the Grand Central Hotel.

For further information on all the Mackintosh venues and our tours, please contact us.

CRM Society The Mackintosh Church Queen’s Cross 870 Garscube Road Glasgow G20 7EL Tel: 0141 946 6600 E: info@crmsociety.com www.crmsociety.com www.mackintoshchurch.com

© Article Copyright Annan

November 2011

A story of survival a true story by Jen Shearer

J

une 1940 and the train puffs clouds of sooty smoke which disperse upwards to stain the blue summer sky, where they dissolve in the heat of the sun. As the heavy train hisses to a halt with a screeching of iron on iron, dragging its reluctant chain of carriages into the station, the waiting passengers move forward on the platform. There are lots of soldiers in uniform, all gung-ho and bravado as they hoist heavy kitbags on their shoulders and clatter their boots on the asphalt; and trim Wrens in pencilslim uniform skirts, khaki caps balanced precariously, odd wisps of hair escaping in the breeze. And there are lots of others, in ‘civvies’, waiting to welcome, or to wave goodbye to, their loved ones. The arriving train disgorges more of the same, rushing headlong into the arms of their waiting families and sweethearts. It is a scene of emotional farewells and homecomings, a scene repeated in stations the length and breadth of the country. This is wartime Britain.

Amid the cacophony of noise and bustle, one handsome young couple stand quietly, side by side, waiting to board the train. My eye is drawn to them because they alone are standing still, an island in the sea of people which swirls around them.

Their expressions are earnest – apprehensive perhaps? He wears the uniform of Major in the Royal Engineers, a dapper, handsome man with a ready smile when he turns to look at his new bride and takes her hand, in a gesture of reassurance.

She looks very young and rather nervous, and seems uncomfortable in the hat of brown swathed net which sits atop her swept-up hair. Beneath the hat, her skin is flawless, her face young and innocent. She wears a slim brown dress with matching shoes, and despite the summer heat, a fur

The 50+ Show Magazine

cape draped over her shoulders. She does not meet her husband’s gaze, but stares determinedly forward, at the train which will take her off to start her new life. She seems almost unaware of her surroundings, lost in private thought.

“What have I done? What do I know of this man who is now my husband?

What will he expect from me, and can I be the wife he hopes I will be?” Uncertainties cloud her mind, now that the ceremony is behind them and they head off for one single night together – a permission granted by his company commander, with grim warning of the consequences, should the Major fail to return to lead his troops back to Europe, to continue the bloody battle in which the country’s young men are inextricably engaged.

the backdrop of war. She had seemed reluctant, hesitant, in the early days of their relationship, but he had learned to respect her silences and had come to love her intellect and her quiet nature. He remembered the first time he saw her playing her beloved piano, long fingers moving smoothly over the keys, her body swaying gently to the rhythm of the music, her expression rapt, as she played on, oblivious to his gaze, engrossed in her music. That was the moment when he realised he loved her and wanted to spend the rest of his life with this lovely, talented woman.

He had known from the outset, of course, that her background was very different from his, but he believed instinctively that deep within this timid, self-effacing woman was a strong

Tom’s thoughts were on the last 24 hours of his freedom, released from the mud, noise and terror of the warzone. He hoped he could make her happy. Their courtship had been one of ups and downs, played out against

spirit and a lively intellect which would prove to be a match for his own. He wanted to understand the complex emotions which lay behind the quiet demeanour, and above all, he wanted to make her happy.

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November 2011

He had had a privileged childhood, by any standards. Second son in a family of 3 boys and two girls, they grew up in a substantial stone house with an expansive garden, in an affluent south Glasgow suburb. It was a well-regulated household, in which the ample figure of their mother was the fulcrum round which their daily lives revolved. His memory of his father was of a serious, rather distant figure who departed for the office each day looking smartly professional, generally returning home after they were in bed. At weekends, Father played golf on Saturdays, but joined the family on Sunday for the morning visit to church, followed by a ritual walk in the nearby park, or a visit to relatives. Mother had help in the house – a doughty cleaner, Mrs Gorman, and Nanny Patrick, a widow in her fifties, who continued to be part of the household long after the family had outgrown their need for her.

There was also a cook, who appeared on those weekends when the family entertained relatives. He had loved the smells which emanated from the large kitchen range, when Cook (for she had never had any other name) was in charge, bustling around, redfaced, amidst clouds of steam, as she stirred huge pots and beat up puddings in large china bowls, wielding her wooden spoon with determination and expertise.

His bride’s home life had been in stark contrast to his own. As the eldest of a family of five, living in an overcrowded, modest suburban house, Agnes had been expected to play an active daily role in caring for her four younger brothers, returning from school each day to change nappies, supervise homework and mediate in the boys’ squabbles. Her mother, also Agnes, a gentle woman, wore an anxious expression and appeared to shrink visibly, when her irascible husband arrived home tired from work, hungry, impatient and quicktempered. His reddened cheeks bore witness to the whisky which he was wont to consume in liberal quantities.

His attitude to his wife and daughter was both dismissive and demanding. His attentions were focused on his four sons, for whom he harboured high hopes and ambitions, which they each, in turn, ultimately failed to realise. In face of her father’s opposiThe 50+ Show Magazine

tion, however, his daughter had applied herself and won a scholarship to university, emerging with a first class honours degree in botany. A talented woman, her gentle nature expressed itself in sensitive water-colour representations of plants and flowers, and in her music, the family piano being the instrument through which she could give free voice to her emotions.

And now this couple stood together on the platform, embarking on a lifetime together, at a time when life itself felt tenuous and the chances of both surviving seemed remote.

The following morning found them back on that same platform, standing slightly apart, awkwardly making conversation like the strangers they had discovered they were, during the first night of their married life. They could not know that their marriage would survive not just the war, but a total of 57 years, with their fair share of joys and heartaches, but an enduring mutual respect and a shared love of their family. I was privileged to know them – Tom and Agnes were my parents.

Article image by Robert Barton

DISCOUNT VOUCHER

£4.00 off MACKINTOSH TRAIL TICKET This Voucher can only be redeemed at the Mackintosh Church, Queen’s Cross, 870 Garscube Road, Glasgow.

This offer expires on 30 November 2011 T: 0141 946 6600

25

www.crmsociety.cm

November 2011

Shopping for fashion when you’re 50+:

7 fashion ‘Dos’ (and 2 fashion ‘Don’ts’!)

A

t a certain age a single visit to clothes shops in search of fashion can be completely confusing.

Icons - like Helen Mirren, Debbie Harry, Cher, Charlotte Rampling, Kirsten Scott Thomas, Francesca Annis - while making us aware of how wonderful sophistication can look at a certain age, can also leave us feeling worse, as their standard feels unattainable and intimidating.

Watching our body shape, our hair colour and our complexion change is bad enough, but trying to fit a fashionable catwalk look into our wardrobes can seem impossible.

So it was interesting that a glance at a book, ‘The WellDressed Woman’s Dos and Don’ts,’ first published in 1925 by Elise Vallee, has a piece of advice that is still, in my opinion, where you start.

She says: “Don’t think that once you have bought smart clothes that you have done everything necessary. Because at a certain age you have to find your own style.”

Every one of the gorgeous women above has done just that.

So here are my shopping ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ for you, their contemporaries!

• Do allow yourself proper shopping time. We have the best high streets in the world but you must edit slowly as you shop and be prepared to be disappointed either because they seem too old or too young.

• Do check all the stores that have worked for you in the past and look at their new collections.

Remember that what they offer changes each season, sometimes more frequently, and some seasons will be better than others. This summer Reiss, French Connection, Wallis, John Lewis and Warehouse

by Lesley Ebbetts

• Don’t worry if some of these brands seem young. You have to get used to looking through the rails. Well over 50, I still find clothes that will suit me. It may have been the only item in the whole shop, but it was worth finding it!

• Do keep your body limitations in mind as you shop. It is important

“Don’t think that once you have bought smart clothes that you have done everything necessary. Because at a certain age you have to find your own style.” all ‘pulled their socks up’ and had a great season. L.K.Bennett, Cos, Fenwick, Zara, Top Shop. The White Company and New Look are always great.

for your own personal style that you keep in mind your own rules, such as whether you like to cover your upper arms, (and there are some wonderful three-quarter length sleeves around). Or… you may

M&S

M&S

The 50+ Show Magazine

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November 2011

have decided to wear your hem just over the knees that you hate. Your cleavage might need a new, slightly higher, scoop neckline to make it more flattering. Your waistline might need a disguise, achieved by the silhouette of the dress, the design, the cut and shape of the waist. All these factors add up to the edit as you tour the fashion floors, whatever age they are aimed at.

• Do check out all the fashion houses above online before you go shopping, if you can. Remember that there are some award winning fashion brands that are only online, if high street shopping is never going to work for you. More and more of us are going on-line shopping and find it very rewarding. Do take a look at the successful ASOS. Very, Simply Be, BooHoo and Oli@ Freemans. And do check out QVC’s fashion designers from all over the world.

• Do remember that none of the above can be successful if your underwear is out of date or, worse, not doing the job. Alongside new clothes, lingerie today allows you to have a

M&S

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whole new wardrobe of underpinnings. And underpinnings they often have to be!

Our delightful bodies will get a new hormonal structure telling our metabolism that we need more fat to protect our abdominal feminine parts after menopause!

Have a long hard look at what is on offer these days.

For example, there is ‘shape wear’ - the new name for corsetry. Advanced and efficient, it will now hold you in where you need holding in, say front and back, and let your sides breathe. Resist anything that holds you firmly all the way around, especially if you are wearing it to go out to eat. It will give you a very nasty side effect!

“Resist anything that holds you firmly all the way around, especially if you are wearing it to go out to eat. It will give you a very nasty side effect!”

• Do buy one size up with ‘shapewear’ and if you hate the size label, cut it out. You will be surprised how quickly you forget and it just becomes the one garment you feel comfortable in! (This applies to clothes as well!) And all those bulges that go up and over, or down and out of your new shape wear garment will be contained!

• Do get measured for a bra. Experts tell us we change size every seven years and, although bras wear out every year, some of us have fairly ancient ones in our underwear drawers. A new size does give you a chance to pick out something a little more flirtatious than white pants and a t-shirt bra….leave that look to the young.

This is the time of your life to get lacy, colourful and desirable. The French female has always known that this is a wonderful way to feel sexy.

Even if you live alone it makes you 27

feel alive and young at heart. One French journalist once told me that a French woman will always match her underwear to her outerwear each day.

I asked if that was in case she had an accident and she said, “Non! It is in case she meets a man!”

• Don’t struggle with any new fashion and lingerie. We all get things home after a shopping trip and wonder what on earth we were thinking in the shop. Unless it really is a terrible colour for you, the wrong size or length, live with it a little. A good tip is to hang it on the outside of your wardrobe door and look at it everyday. You will be surprised how quickly you get to know it and, who knows, the reasons why you bought it in the first place, however daring. You might discover a whole new strikingly stylish you.

Lesley Ebbetts has a website, lesleyloves.com and a fashion blog lefashion.co.uk and is an expert TV presenter for QVC. November 2011

November Gardening

by Iain Milligan

W

inter is just around the corner, perhaps an appropriate time to reflect on the winter we had last year. Spring 2011 was a very depressing time for most gardeners when we began to realise the amount of plants that were lost to frost. No-one could have predicted weather so severe with temperatures not rising above freezing for days on end. Huge amounts of plants died as a result and we are regularly asked what can be done to avoid a repeat. The first thing is to accept that not all plants are hardy to the same extent, some are hardy to -10°C, others may be heard to -20°C. There are also other factors which will affect their ability to withstand cold. For example, those planted in the ground will often have a better chance of survival than those in containers; in a container the frost can more easily damage the roots. If planted in a windy area there can be problems with wind-chill effectively doubling the cold intensity. To increase the chances of your plants surviving a severe winter there are a few things that can be done: 1. Offer protection from cold winds where possible. Cordylines for example should have their leaves tied up with soft string, and then wrap up with frost protection fleece and ensure any bare stem is also covered. It may not look aesthetically appealing but will prove quite effective. If possible, move planters into a sheltered location.

2. Planters should be wrapped up with frost fleece, or a hessian sack or piece of old carpet.

3. Plants which are susceptible to very hard frost, should be wrapped in fleece or could have a plant jacket placed over them when the weather is very severe. Do not be tempted to use polythene or any other non porous material to protect plants, that will cause condensation which will lead to other problems.

4. Apply a thick mulch, at least 4 inches, around the base of plants in the border, I find shredded paper under garden compost very good, this will offer significant root protection.

If your garden is lacking winter interest don’t worry, there are a great many types of plant available to rectify this. We are often asked if there is much demand for plants in the winter, and, should they be planted at this time of year? The answer to both questions is yes. It is often at this time of year when summer bedding has died back that access can be gained to that area that was lacking in colour the previous year and needs a shrub of some sort to brighten it up for the future. Also with container-grown plants, the only times one would not plant is when the ground is either frozen or waterlogged. There is also still time to plant bulbs for spring colour now that the space taken up by summer bedding is vacant.

This list is by no means exhaustive but as can be seen, varieties are available covering all forms, from ground cover, through small shrub to stately specimens. They all share one attribute in that they offer a variety of ways of introducing vital winter colour as well as interest for the whole of the rest of the year.

Plants, of course are not the only things that provide winter colour. If we get the winter weather that we have had in recent years birds will appreciate our help in seeing them through this difficult time. Hang a feeder or place a bird table near the kitchen window to enjoy our feathered friends.

Here at the garden centre we have a wide range of feeders and feeds to cater for all bird types. The birds will repay your kindness in the summer months when they attack the usual summer plague of insects and caterpillars that normally affect our plants.

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ERSKINE GARDEN CENTRE AND VANISHING WILLOWS Erskine first opened its doors in 1916 to care for the wounded of the First World War. Since then the charity has built an unrivalled reputation due to its provision of first class care to veterans and serving military personnel across Scotland. Erskine’s proud history extends beyond its provision of medical and nursing care by employing veterans and disabled workers within its Social Firms framework. This encompasses Erskine Furniture, Erskine Print, the Reid Macewen Training and Conference Centre, Erskine Garden Centre and The Vanishing Willows cafe. All money raised through these Social Firms directly benefits those in Erskine’s care and is gratefully received.

In May 2010 Erskine Garden Centre moved to a new larger centre adjacent to the Erskine Bridge. This has enabled the charity to offer a more diverse range of products to customers and employment to 9 ex-Service and disabled employees. Manager of the Garden Centre, Iain Milligan, has seen the Garden Centre thrive since he took on the role in 1997. Iain not only is an authority within the Garden Centre itself but is renowned for his monthly gardening columns.

Here Iain offers his advice for how to look after your garden this Autumn.

November 2011

1 EVERGREEN SHRUBS.

Aucuba. This shrub will grow where little else does, and has attractive gold and green foliage.

Conifers. The best known evergreen. Available in many forms and colours. There is a type for every requirement.

Eleagnus. Well loved by flower arrangers because of their particularly attractive variegated foliage which has an almost metallic sheen.

Euonymus. The evergreen form of this small shrub is available in many different forms with white, gold or silver variegation.

Ilex. Holly, many forms are available other than the plain green. Many have the advantage that as well as having attractive foliage they also produce berries.

Lonicera. Shrub honeysuckle which has small attractive variegated foliage.

Osmanthus. Easily (and often) mistaken for a variegated holly, however this shrub is more dense and is kinder to the hands.

Photinia. Mature leaves are green but new foliage produced in early spring is fiery red.

Pieris. The most popular shrub of all. There are several variegated silver and green leaved varieties but most are grown for the bright red new spring foliage.

Vinca. Popular ground cover plant available with green, gold & green or silver & green foliage. Attractive early spring flowers are blue or white.

2 WINTER FLOWERING.

Coloured foliage is not the only way to provide winter colour. There are several varieties of plants which naturally flower at the darkest time of the year.

Erica. (Heather) There are several types of heather which are winter flowering. Others are grown for their colourful winter foliage.

Garrya eliptica. The silk tassel bush best known for the long and slender catkins which drape the evergreen foliage in January and February.

Jasminium nudiflorum. Winter jasmine is a popular plant for growing against a fence or wall. Producing masses of yellow flowers from November to February.

Mahonia. Evergreen, attractive foliage with holly like leaflets producing ‘lily of the valley’ scented yellow flowers from Christmas until early spring, followed by black berries.

Skimmia rubella. This male form of the popular evergreen is grown for the masses of red flower buds followed by white flowers in early spring. If you wish for berries plant a female variety.

Viburnum bodnantense Dawn.

Large clusters of fragrant pink blooms are borne in profusion before the foliage appears in the spring.

And finally, a warm welcome awaits you at Erskine Garden Centre - please come and visit us. Do remember, our garden centre is different to others that you may encounter in that we are a charity and are here to provide training and rehabilitation for ex-Service and disabled persons. Erskine Garden Centre and the associated Vanishing Willows Cafe are two of the social firms that are part of the ‘Erskine’ Charity (formerly Erskine Hospital) which cares for veterans of all ages throughout Scotland. Every time someone makes a purchase in the Garden Centre or Vanishing Willows Cafe, they are in effect making a charitable donation. All profits raised directly help those in our care and we thank you for your support.

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3 BERRY PRODUCING.

As well as providing colour, many provide a great benefit to wildlife.

Callicarpa. A stunning garden shrub producing polished purple berries in clusters around the stem.

Cotoneaster. Available in many shapes and sizes but all produce masses of red berries.

Pernettya. One of the finest of all berrying shrubs. Large porcelain-like berries are held throughout the winter.

Various colours available including white, pink and purple.

Pyracantha. Evergreen firethorn produces white flowers in the summer but the real reason for its popularity is the mass of berries later in the year which can be yellow, orange or red depending on variety.

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COLOURED STEMS.

Deciduous plants do not have to be boring when they have shed their leaves. Coloured stems add great interest to the winter garden.

Cornus. The coloured-bark dogwoods are easy to grow and have vibrant winter stems which can be yellow or red depending on variety.

Salix. Shrubby willows again are easily grown and have stems available in red or yellow.

Images by Erskine Garden Centre http://www.erskinegardencentre.co.uk/

November 2011

50

things to do once you turn 50+

by Gillespie Macandrew

I O

t pays to get ahead - literally! If you haven’t already done one, you could make a list of things you should do to ensure you enjoy your 50+ years. We asked the lawyers and tax advisers at Gillespie Macandrew to suggest the 50 things they would advise you to have on your list. f course, being lawyers, the legal, tax and financial aspects do dominate their thinking, but at Gillespie Macandrew they try to remember that, even though they live and breathe their work, their enthusiasm isn’t shared by all. So we encouraged the experts to think outside their comfort zone! See what you think!

1. Grant a continuing and welfare power of attorney - you never know what life is going to throw at you, so be prepared.

2. Write a will - you are likely to be worth more dead than alive. Sad but true!

3. Remember to review your will at least every five years.

4. Inheritance - where do you want to start? Tax? Who? When? How much?

That’s a good starter for 10.

5. Persuade your elderly relatives to put their legal and financial affairs in order (e.g. Wills and Powers of Attorney), so you don’t end up having to

sort out their mess, paying more inheritance tax than you have to, or losing everything to nursing home fees.

6. Check your tax on pension contributions.

7. Establish your retirement budget mortgage aside, most of your expenses are likely to remain the same.

8. Chose a qualified financial adviser.

9. Have a financial health check - do you have sufficient provision for retirement? Be sure to quantify your provision early (and remember it).

10. Continue having regular financial health checks every year (at least).

11. Familiarise yourself with (total) care home costs.

12. Get children settled emotionally & financially.

13. Retirement planning - and you thought that life would be unplanned when you finished work!

14. Do you understand your investments and insurance policies? The objective, value, any penalties/guarantees, the charges and whether you can access them early?

15. Do you have a mortgage and significant cash in the bank? If so you should investigate an offset mortgage account.

16. If you are a high earner, are you maximising your pensions allowance? Did you know you can still put up to £200,000 into pensions in this tax year (depending on your contributions over the last few years) and 50% tax relief won’t last forever!

17. Complete a BR19 form to establish what state pension you will receive (and at what age) - you may be pleasantly surprised!

18. When choosing a financial adviser, there are a few keys questions to ask; their experience, qualifications, fees and what services they offer.

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November 2011

Donald Winskill is hosting a session on the importance of having a Power of Attorney at 3.40pm on Friday 11th and he will explain why

this should be the number one item on your list. We’ll also be on stand F28 throughout the show if you want to discuss any of the items on the list - or indeed any legal, tax or financial issues. Alternatively you can visit us online - www.gillespiemacandrew.co.uk

19. Always opt for financial advice on a fee basis. This guarantees completely impartial advice, and remember, you get nothing free nowadays!

30. Dig out your old vinyl records and convert them to mp3s.

20. Pay off all debts before you retire (or as much as you can).

32. Rediscover your wild side visit St Kilda and the other wild parts of Scotland.

21. School fees - have you looked into paying these in advance? Many schools offer lucrative incentives to do this.

22. Are your life assurance plans in trust? If not, your beneficiaries could end up paying 40% inheritance tax on the benefits. A simple form can avoid this!

23. Enjoy the active period of one’s life and spend your money whilst you can enjoy it.

24. Holiday insurance - probably beyond that which most current accounts now give away free.

31. Start exercising - again!!

33. Party! Plan a big party to celebrate whichever birthday you want and invite all your friends.

34. Enjoy sun, sea and sand by some palm trees at least once after you retire.

35. Travel to those desired places you used to dream about.

36. Record your family history for the next generation - ask your parents, aunts and uncles for information before it is too late.

25. Car sharing - it could open up a whole new part of society. Maybe not a big one, but it’ll be a start.

28. Take a ‘practice retirement’ - test the water. Take an extended holiday or a month’s unpaid leave to find out if you enjoy your new freedom.

29. Move to the Algarve only to find that living there isn’t quite the same as spending time there on holiday.

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42. Spend Christmas in a non-Christian country - you will find that it will reinvigorate your Christmas spirit.

43. Learn a new skill by taking a class in something you’ve always wanted to learn.

44. Use the good china - it’ll have been kept in the cupboard for too many years.

45. Don’t get too upset about the younger generations as you’ll have forgotten more than they have still to learn.

26. Whether or not to move house and if so, when to do it. You know the arguments. Balance actual accommodation needs and financial aspects against social aspects.

27. Be sure to co-ordinate with your spouse - one may want to retire and the other may want to continue working now that the default retirement age has been removed.

41. Become computer literate - and store passwords in a safe place!

46. Skydive.

47. If you’re not coping with all of your free time, then consider volunteering some of your time to a local charity.

37. Be yourself - instead of who you think you should be.

48. Set aside an emergency fund. On top of your rainy day fund.

38. Go sledging with your kids, grandkids or others your own age!

49. Laugh often.

39. Smile a lot - you get lots of smiles back.

50. Plant a tree - it will outlive you and will provide an environmentally friendly legacy for your life.

40. Avoid lawyers, doctors and dentists if you can, unless there is a problem.

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November 2011

Is the iPad 2 the tablet computer for you?

Robert McCaffrey, 50+ Show director

T

here’s a lot to like about the iPad 2, but there are a few things that you should also know before you join the queues to buy this extraordinary device.

There’s no getting around it: the iPad 2 is an amazing machine. It does things that were just about on the cusp of science fiction when I was a boy in short trousers. First of all, it is amazingly small – about the size of a sheet of A4 paper - with a comfortably smooth aluminium back and pleasant-to-hold rounded sides. The weight is barely noticeable at first but you will probably want to prop it up on something after a while. The touch-screen is quite sensitive and takes a little bit of getting used to – those with fat fingers will certainly be at a disadvantage for some of the fiddlier things you can do with the iPad. The speaker is oddly situated on the back of the iPad, so that if you try listening to music, it is rather muffled, even though the sound reproduction quality is high – akin to any MP3 player.

The iPad 2 comes equipped with location detection technology as well as motion and attitude sensors: this means that it can tell where it is, which direction it is pointing at, and what is the attitude of the ipad (so that, for example, it knows if it is being tipped one way or another). These technologies give the iPad 2 quite amazing possibilities – telling you where you are, being used as a sensitive games console or being able to tell you which star you are looking at, for example.

One of the main visible differences between the iPad 2 and the original iPad is the addition of front- and rear-

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facing cameras. Both are of adequate quality to take quick snaps or even video. The carpers who complain that the cameras are a bit ‘low-res’ should get themselves a decent camera instead! No doubt the camera quality will improve in the iPad 3, but these cameras are, as I say, adequate.

The main difference between the original and the iPad 2 though, is ‘beneath the bonnet.’ The iPad 2 has a powerful new chip which powers the device at amazing speed through its tasks. There is no need to go and make a cup of tea while this device does its thing. In addition, the machine starts up in less than 10 seconds (or immediately if it has just been put to sleep). Battery life is 10 hours: either a full day’s continuous use or once every few days with light use. Apple says you can recharge the battery at

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least 1000 times before you have to send it back for a replacement battery (that’s likely to be between three and ten year’s worth of use). It’s an amazing bit of kit, but the best bit is perhaps the software that runs on it, and makes it do what it does.

Software – the final frontier I’ve been using Apple products for over 20 years. They allow you to get on with doing what you want to do, without having to know anything about drives, code, worms, trojans or viruses. I have almost certainly saved a year of my life not having to worry over the things that PC-users have to worry about. I am an Apple fan.

The iPad has taken the Apple ethos to its logical conclusion. Now it is not possible for anything to go wrong with this machine (at least in terms of software). The operating system – the code that makes the machine go – is like a ‘sealed box’ – it is not possible to corrupt it or break it. Likewise, it is practically impossible to break any additional software that you can buy for the iPad, since Apple has rigorously tested the software, and you can only download these ‘apps’ (short for applications, or useful programmes), from Apple’s own web site. The operating system and the apps are truly extraordinary – you can really fall in love with them. From solitaire (my wife’s favourite), to games (the kids’) to a virtual planetarium or tide calculation app, via watching TV on the BBC iPlayer, reading newspapers, and amazing web surfing, the software on the iPad is really as close to magic as you can get. Critically, my 77-year old mother Valerie loved the iPad 2 when

November 2011

she finally prised it from my hands, complimenting it on its bright screen, ease of use and ‘unbreakability.’

And yet and yet….

The dark side...

The iPad has a darker side. Apple’s philosophy of making sure that the consumer has a perfect experience on the iPad also limits it a little. Apple is determined not to allow Flash content (which can be games or movies) to play on the iPad, claiming that it makes it more likely to crash. It’s a great shame, since there is a huge amount of content out there that the iPad is therefore unable to play (videos on the BBC website, for example).

Really, it should be up to us to decide whether to run Flash on the iPad or not, but Apple has a history of belligerency towards the developers of Flash, so Apple is not likely to enable it on the iPad any time soon.

It’s not possible to buy software for the iPad anywhere other than through Apple’s iStore, and publishers who want you to read their newspaper or magazine on an iPad app have to sell it through Apple… and Apple takes a hefty 30% cut of their revenue.

Does this matter? Possibly not a great deal at the moment, while digital publishing is still relatively young and open, but it will in the future. The Tel-

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egraph has just launched a paid-for app even though the paper’s content is still accessible via the internet: so if you want to read the paper, just look at it on the internet. But if, as The Times has done, the Telegraph introduces a paywall, then unless you are willing to pay for it, no more Telegraph. Fair enough, perhaps… quality journalism should not be free. The process has started to draw together a digital curtain in front of free content on the web.

Apple is strongly supporting content creators to do this, coralling content consumers through its iTunes and AppStores. If you want to buy content for a tablet computer from a variety of sources, then you will need to buy a different computer (for example a Xoom, Galaxy Tab or Eee).

When I saw how much the iPad 2 was going to cost, I immediately thought ‘Aha! It’s the printer business model!’ You can buy a computer printer very cheaply, but the manufacturers recoup their costs by selling their specialised and expensive printer cartridges to you. The iPad is similar in some ways, in that it really is quite cheap for what you are getting: Apple will make sure though, that it takes a cut of all the content purchases that you make from your iPad. You need to factor this cost into your calculations when buying an iPad.

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Content creation So much for being coralled into Apple’s ‘walled garden’ of content purchasing: what about the possibility of actually using the iPad to work?

The Office suite of products does not currently exist on the iPad (so there’s no Word, Excel, Powerpoint etc) and that’s a shame, since if it was launched it would immediately sell millions of copies to anyone who wanted to work ‘on the road’ and use industry standards. However, there are any number of word processors, spreadsheets and presentation packages (some made by Apple... what a coincidence) that are available (some on the ‘Cloud’) and that do a decent enough job.

The iPad 2 can be used to make movies (try iMovie), to create music (try GarageBand), to paint (David Hockney does), you can write on it, you can take (low res) photos on it and manipulate them. The bounds of your imagination might be the only limiting factor to what you can create. With Apple’s recent launch of the iCloud, it will not even be necessary to own a computer with which to ‘sync’ (update or back-up) the iPad: everything will be held on the ‘Cloud.’

To conclude, the iPad 2 is a ‘niceto-have’ device, rather than ‘have-tohave,’ but, to be honest, I love it!

November 2011

“I want my retirement income.

But who said anything about retiring?”

Time was when you worked, saved up for a few years, and finally retired to live happily-ever-after on your pension.

Well, like it or not, life’s not like that anymore. We’re living longer, which has made retirement a lot more complicated.

Which is why so many people are considering working past retirement age. Some because they want to. Some because they have to.

Which begs a very common question: ‘Do I have to retire to receive my retirement income?’ To which the answer is: It's not always necessary.

At Prudential, our expertise is in pensions and retirement income plans. Which is why we can offer options about when and how much income you can take from your pension, even if you’re not fully retired.

For example, you may want a tax-free lump sum and delay the taking of any income.

Or you may want to take less income while you’re still working, and more later on.

To get a better understanding of the different ways we can help, please speak to your Financial Adviser. (If you don’t have one, use ‘Find an adviser’ at www.pru.co.uk.)

And if you’d like more specific details about what Prudential can offer, they are on our website too.