Voice Bedford autumn 2014

Au t u m n

2014

Keeping Warm in Winter Winter isn’t everyone’s favourite season and can be a worry for those of us in later life

World War One Centenary

What You Didn’t Know About…

Julie Ogley

Remembering World War One

Attendance Allowance A claim could be available if you are affected by physical or mental illness or disability

dates for your diary + Winter Recipes + Greenfingered grandma + much more

Home Fire Safety Message Chimney Safety: Stay safe and warm this winter. It is important to make sure that you keep your chimney clean. ‘Clean Chimneys are safer Chimneys’. Make sure you use a fully insured chimney sweep that is trained and qualified, to ensure your chimney is maintained and safe for use. Stay safe Are your old Christmas lights still safe?

Old electrical decorations that have been poorly stored and overloaded sockets can create unnecessary hazards at this time of year. Switch Christmas lights off before you go to bed or go out – even Christmas lights need a break! Stay safe Candles mark special occasions and create a special atmosphere. They also bring fire into your home so treat them carefully. Always extinguish candles before you leave a room.

Don’t leave them burning and double check they are out properly.

Stay safe For information about Home Fire Safety and Electric Blankets please refer to: www.ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care/home-safety-and-security/home-fire-safety/ www.ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care/home-safety-and-security/electric-blankets/

12

u l d ou r o w We hear yiews. v : to like ies andritedstho ire, r for edford o d w t e s a se ge UK B Rd, B @ PlThee Edit8o-r8, 2A BroomrhEammail: v.ooricge.uk

10

H hire e, 7 Voic K40 2Q edfords M uk b age

19 6

16

8 Contents List Autumn 2014 WWI Centenary .........6 You could not fail to have heard this summer about the centenary of WWI.

Dates for Your Diary ............... 7 Selection of events taking place.

4 | Autumn 2014

Lunch Club ................. 13

Attendance Allowance..................8

Greenfingered Grandma ...................11

Examples of our Help ..... 10

Keeping Warm In Winter .................... 12

You may be able to make a claim if you are affected by physical or mental illness or disability.

3 examples of how we at Age UK Bedfordshire have helped.

Offering her top tips for getting your garden ready for the autumn and winter.

Not everyone’s favourite season.

Age UK Bedfordshire’s Lunch Club has now been running for over 15 years.

My Hero ....................... 13 A touching story from the local community about a Home Help Worker’s daughter.

What You Didn’t Know About… .............. 16

This issue we ask Julie Ogley.

www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

Cover Image © Age UK Bedford

Meet the team…

Editor

Amanda Jones Tel: 01234 360 510 Email: amanda.jones@ ageukbedfordshire.org.uk

Sub-Editor

Klaudia Len Tel: 01234 360 510 Email: klaudia.len@ ageukbedfordshire.org.uk

Age UK Bedfordshire

Head Office 78 - 82 Bromham Road Bedford MK40 2QH Tel: 01234 360 510 Email: voice@ ageukbedfordshire.org.uk

Designer

Chris Keller Email: chris@ lancepublishing.co.uk

Sales

Laurence Rowe Tel: 01536 526662 Email: laurence@ lancepublishing.co.uk

Publisher

Lance Publishing Ltd 1st Floor Tailby House Bath Road Kettering NN16 8NL Tel: 01536 512624 www.lancepublishing.co.uk

Winter Recipes ........... 19 Two recipes are featured in this issue for you to try out.

Puzzle Page ................ 20 The usual trio are back, Sudoku, Wordsearch and a Quick Quiz.

Charlie Chuckles ......... 22 Will he be able to make you laugh?

Printer

Lance Print Ltd Tel: (01480) 492183 www.lanceprint.co.uk

This magazine is produced on behalf of Age UK Bedfordshire by Lance Publishing Ltd. All rights are reserved by the charity and no part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the charity. Age UK Bedfordshire will accept no responsibility for, or necessarily agree with, any claims made or views expressed in this publication, nor does the mention of any product, service or advertisement imply a recommendation by Age UK Bedfordshire.

Reg. Charity No. 1090535

working hard to improve life for older people

Foreword from the CEO I hope you have all enjoyed the long summer days that we had this year. Too hot for some of us but enjoyed by many I am sure.

A

s we journey into autumn and winter we can look back on the events of the summer which many of us will have enjoyed.

The normal cricket, tennis and golf, plus the brilliant Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow where all the home nations did so well.

As Winter draws towards us you will find in this edition helpful hints and tips about keeping warm and also some lovely recipes to try for good warming foods.

There is also included in this edition our regular Q and A section which features Julie Ogley Director of Social Care, Health and Housing in Central Bedfordshire. I am sure you will find this interesting.

Thanks to Julie for agreeing to answer our questions.

We have a section this time on Attendance Allowance benefit for people aged 60 and over.

This is a benefit that many

people do not know about or if they do, think they do not fit the criteria. Have a read of the information and see if this would help you or someone you know.

We are also featuring some lesser known facts about World War One. As we all know the centenary of this terrible war was this summer.

Grandma’s Gardening Tips should help keep everything in order through the long days and Charlie’s Chuckles may make you laugh on the cold rainy days.

We here at Age UK Bedfordshire start planning for the Christmas period and beyond now and wish you all well during the cold weather. You will hear from me again in the Spring Edition. Take care all..

Karen Karen Perry CEO, Age UK Bedfordshire

Autumn 2014 | 5

Image: © John Gomez, www.shutterstock.com

World War One Ce You could not fail to have heard this summer about the centenary of World War One. There was coverage about all aspects of this terrible war on TV, radio and other events marked the 100 years passing of the start of this terrible time.

T

here were events to honour all of the people that fought and died across both the UK and Europe.

We give thanks to all of those who fought in not just WWI but all wars to help people in all countries and we remember all those that laid down their lives for us. We also remember the families and loved ones of those who died.

Below we have discovered some facts that perhaps are lesser known which might be of interest. World War One often conjures up images

6 | Autumn 2014

of a horrific bloodbath fought in the trenches of the Western Front. While this certainly captures some of the reality, did you know that the war spread as far as China? Or that it was fought by servicemen from Asia, North America, the Caribbean, Australasia and Africa?

Here are 12 surprising facts about World War One that you probably didn’t know.

One… An explosion on the battlefield in France was heard in London

While the war raged on in the mud and trenches, a very

different war was taking place beneath the soldiers’ feet. A group of miners, operating in total secrecy, dug tunnels up to 100ft underground, to plant and detonate mines beneath the enemy’s trenches. Their biggest success was at Messines Ridge in Belgium where over 900,000lbs of explosives were simultaneously detonated in 19 underground tunnels.

Much of the German front line was destroyed, and the explosions were heard 140 miles away by the British Prime Minister in Downing St.

Two… Journalists faced execution

A handful of journalists risked their lives to report on the realities of war. As the Government sought to control

the flow of information from the frontline at the start of the war, journalists were banned.

Reporting on the conflict was, in the opinion of the War Office, helping the enemy. If caught, they faced the death penalty.

Three…

12 million letters were delivered to the front every week

Astonishingly, it only took two days for a letter from Britain to reach the front in France. The journey began at a purpose-built sorting depot in Regent’s Park before being shipped to the trenches. By the end of the war, two billion letters and 114 million parcels had had been delivered.

Four…

War work turned some women’s skin yellow When a generation of men

www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

Five…

WWI sparked the invention of plastic surgery

Shrapnel was the cause of many facial injuries in WWI and unlike the straight-line wounds inflicted by bullets, the twisted metal shards produced from a shrapnel blast could easily rip a face off. Horrified by the injuries he saw, surgeon Harold Gillies, took on the task of

SEVEN… The youngest British soldier was 12 years old

Sidney Lewis was just 12 years old when he lied about his age and joined the army during World War One. He was one of thousands of eager underage boys who enlisted and ended up fighting alongside their adult counterparts on the front. Some were motivated by patriotism, but for others it was an escape from their dreary lives.

Eight…

WWI nearly caused a financial meltdown in Britain

At the turn of the 20th century, Britain was an economic superpower, but the world’s first global war

entenary helping victims and pioneered early techniques of facial reconstruction in the process.

SIX… Wilfred Owen was unknown at the end of the war

Wilfred Owen is one of the best know poets of the WWI, but when he died on the frontline, just a week before the end of the war, he was relatively unknown. At the time, his view of the war as one of pity and horror was in the minority. It wasn’t until the 1960s that a literary elite decided this was the most authentic view of the conflict because it chimed with their own anti-war feelings. This resulted in the publication of two key war poetry anthologies which heavily featured Owen.

would cost more than any that had gone before. For example, the cost of bullets fired in one 24 hour period in September 1918 was nearly four million pounds.

NINE… Blood banks were developed during WWI

The British Army began the routine use of blood transfusion in treating wounded soldiers. Blood was transferred directly from one person to another. A US Army doctor, Captain Oswald Robertson, established the first blood bank on the Western Front in 1917, using sodium citrate to prevent the blood from coagulating and becoming unusable. Blood was kept on ice for up to 28 days and then transported to casualty clearing stations for

working hard to improve life for older people

use in life-saving surgery where it was needed most.

TEN… Colourful makeovers meant WWI ships hid in plain sight

It was crucial to protect the merchant ships carrying the food and military supplies to the front from enemy torpedoes. Norman Wilkinson, an artist and Royal Navy volunteer came up with the idea of covering ships in bold shapes and violent contrasts of colour.

The complete opposite of normal camouflage, dazzle camouflage was supposed to confuse the enemy rather than conceal the ships.

ELEVEN… 9 out of 10 soldiers survived the trenches

Being in the firing line was rare for a British soldier.

They constantly moved around the trench system - meaning more often than not they were kept from the dangers of enemy fire. The more typical experience for the British Tommy would have been a life of boredom and regular routine.

TWELVE… Generals were banned from going over the top

The stereotype is that the ordinary soldiers of WWI were lions led by donkeys - the donkeys being incompetent generals who sat out the war in comfort while thousands died unnecessary deaths.

In fact, so many of the generals wanted to be closer to the fighting they had to be banned from going over the top because they kept getting killed.

The experience required to be a general was too significant to lose.

Dates for Your Diary October

• Sunday 26th, clocks go back in the UK (2am) • Friday 31st, Halloween

November

• Saturday 1st, All Saints Day • Wednesday 5th, Guy Fawkes Night (Bonfire/Fireworks Night) don’t forget to keep your pets in!

• Sunday 9th, Remembrance Sunday - very poignant this year with the one hundred year marking of WWI.

December

• Wednesday 24th, Christmas Eve • Thursday 25th, Christmas Day • Friday 26th, Boxing Day • Wednesday 31st, New Years Eve

January, 2015 Thursday 1st, New Years Day

February

Saturday 14th, St Valentine’s Day

April

• Friday 3rd, Good Friday • Sunday 5th, Easter Sunday • Monday 6th, Easter Monday

Autumn 2014 | 7

Image: © Shahril KHMD, www.shutterstock.com

went to fight the war, more than a million women took their place in the workforce.

They worked long hours, often in poor conditions and with dangerous chemicals. The socalled ‘canaries’ were women who worked with TNT, which gave them toxic jaundice and turned their skin yellow.

Allowance A t t e n d a n c e

What is Attendance Allowance? You may be able to claim Attendance Allowance if your ability to keep safe or look after your own personal care is affected by physical or mental illness or disability.

A

ttendance Allowance has two weekly rates, and the rate you get depends on the help you need. You’ll get: • £54.45 if you need help in the day or at night • £81.30 if you need help both in the day and at night These rates apply from April 2014 to April 2015.

Attendance Allowance Won’t Reduce Other Income

Claiming Attendance Allowance won’t reduce any other income you receive, and it’s tax-free. If you’re awarded it, you may become entitled to other benefits, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, or an increase in these benefits.

As we get older, many of us need a little extra help to look after ourselves, especially if we have a long-term illness or disability.

We’ll show you how to increase your chance of making a successful claim for Attendance Allowance.

Who can claim Attendance Allowance?

You could be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you:

8 | Autumn 2014

• are 65 or over (if you’re under 65, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment instead) • could benefit from help with personal care, such as getting washed or dressed, or supervision to keep you safe during the day or night • have any type of disability or illness, including sight or hearing impairments, or mental health issues such as dementia • have needed help for at least six months. (If you’re terminally ill you can make a claim straight away.)

Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested, so your income and savings aren’t taken into account. You don’t actually have to receive help from a carer, as Attendance Allowance is based on the help you need, not the help you actually get.

And you don’t have to spend your Attendance Allowance on care – it’s up to you how you use it. Attendance Allowance can help you to stay independent in your own home. So don’t delay in making a claim if you think you could be eligible.

How to claim Attendance Allowance Attendance Allowance is awarded based on your needs, not just on your medical condition.

Many applications are turned down because people don’t mention or aren’t clear about how their illness or disability affects their lives.

Don’t underestimate your needs when filling in the form.

Think about all the things you can’t do, or have trouble with, because of your condition. Don’t leave things out, even if you feel you can manage well enough.

• Describe any accidents or falls you’ve had.

• Explain the effects of all your disabilities and health conditions, and how they interact with each other.

•L ist things that you struggle to do unaided, even if you’ve developed ways to cope. If an activity takes you much longer than it would

www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

Image: © Ollyy, www.shutterstock.com

you have to show you need help ‘frequently’ during the day or at night.

For example, if you need help looking after your appearance, this could add up to six or seven times a day, if you include help to check your clothes are clean after a meal, help to find a coat and matching shoes, and so on.

• Give plenty of information in your own words about your personal circumstances. Don’t worry if you need to repeat yourself.

You can get a claim form by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0845 605 6055 or 0345 605 6055 (textphone: 0845 604 5312).

You can also download a claim form or claim online.

Bear in mind that Attendance Allowance doesn’t usually take into account problems with housework, cooking, shopping and gardening. If you mention problems with carrying out these activities, make sure you also include other problems as you’re unlikely to receive support if this is the focus of your application.

Ask us here at Age UK Bedfordshire to see if we can help you fill in the form to increase your chances of being awarded Attendance Allowance.

for somebody without a disability, or if it’s difficult to do safely, this can be taken into account. Say if you need reminding or encouraging to do things, as this also counts as help.

• Focus on how frequently you need help. To qualify for the lower rate of Attendance Allowance,

What if your application is turned down

If your application is turned down, ask us at Age UK Bedfordshire about whether you should challenge the decision or not.

Many applications are turned down because people don’t mention or aren’t clear about how their illness or disability affects their lives.

Don’t underestimate your needs when filling in the form.

working hard to improve life for older people

Do any of these apply to you?

in and out of bed, or moving safely from room to room?

ashing, bathing and looking W after your appearance Do you need help getting in and out of the bath or shower, adjusting shower controls, shaving, putting on skin creams, or washing or drying your hair?

Attendance Allowance myths

Going to the toilet Do you need help adjusting your clothes after using the toilet, using the toilet at night, or changing clothes or bedding if you have an accident?

Help with medical treatment Do you need help identifying your tablets, reading and understanding instructions about taking medication, managing a condition such as diabetes, recognising if your condition deteriorates, or adjusting your hearing aid?

Supervision Do you need someone to watch over you in case you have a fall or seizure or pass out, in case you lack awareness of danger or could be a danger to yourself or others, or in case you get confused, forgetful or disorientated? Do you need someone to give you medication for angina or asthma attacks, or to help calm you down during a panic attack?

Getting dressed or undressed Do you need help with fastenings, buttons and shoelaces, or recognising when your clothes are on inside out?

Mealtimes Do you need any help eating and drinking? ommunicating Do you need C help understanding or hearing people, or being understood by them; answering the phone, or dealing with correspondence?

Getting around indoors Do you need help navigating stairs, getting up from a chair, getting

Some people miss out on Attendance Allowance because they mistakenly believe they don’t qualify or are put off by the claims’ process. Do any of these apply to you?

‘My claim was turned down’ Your circumstances may have changed since the last time you applied, especially if it was a while ago. If your care needs have increased, you may find you’re now eligible.

‘My income’s too high’ It is assessed purely on your disability or health condition and your care or supervision needs. It isn’t means-tested so it doesn’t matter what you earn or how much you have in savings.

‘I can get by without it’ You’ve paid into the tax system all your life. Now it’s time to get something back.

Think about what support or equipment might help you to carry on living independently at home for longer.

‘I don’t want a carer coming in’ You don’t have to spend Attendance Allowance on a carer. Many older people spend it on other types of help in the home, or equipment to help them stay independent.

‘I don’t have a carer’ You don’t need to have a carer or someone looking after you. You qualify based on the help you need, not the help you actually get.

‘The claim form’s too long’ Ask us here at Age UK Bedfordshire to see if we can help you fill it in.

Autumn 2014 | 9

Image: © Rustle, www.shutterstock.com

M

How We Have Made a Difference…

M

r A came to us in 2013 for help with applying for Attendance Allowance and a Social Fund Loan. He lives with his daughter, who has alcohol abuse problems and he suffers with several health issues including arthritis.

In September 2013 we successfully applied for a £100 Social Fund Loan on Mr A’s behalf and with our support he was awarded the higher rate of Attendance Allowance. We were also able to advise Mr A on his housing options. Subsequently he decided to stay in his current sheltered accommodation but have some aids fitted.

In May 2014 we again supported Mr A to apply for a Social Fund loan (£250) and also worked with the Royal British Legion to get him some new white goods. We were also able to save Mr A around £40 a month by transferring him on to the Age UK Eon energy tariff.

M

rs B, aged 85, was referred to our support service by her home help, (this is provided through the Welfare Services Department of our Organisation). After caring for her husband

1 0 | Autumn 2014

for many years, he had to suddenly go into residential care and Mrs B was struggling to deal with this transition. In addition to the many forms that needed completing, she had also received a very high Council Tax bill which was causing her a great deal of distress. Mrs B also struggles

as she has poor health herself and very poor mobility.

Through several home visits we assisted with the completion of council tax benefit forms, pension credit applications and set up telephone banking so that it would be easier for Mrs B to deal with finances.

By relieving unnecessary stress caused by her financial

rs C is 90 years old and was widowed a few years ago and now lives alone. She has a long term health condition. She also has medication which tires her, and has to rest in the afternoon. She has severe arthritis in her joints and walks with a frame.

Mrs C had a conversation with a friend about the amount of pension they each got, she couldn’t understand why her friend got so much more than her.

They were both in receipt of State Pension, Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance, however, Mrs C had worked until retirement age and paid full national insurance contributions.

When Mrs C received a letter from the pension service office saying that she should be receiving £200+ a week, she decided she would try to find out whether a mistake had been made. She phoned them but found she was passed from one department to another without success and made to feel that she didn’t know what she was talking about. Mrs C felt she had been fobbed off, she felt she had not been

situation and also by making it easier for Mrs B to deal with her finances through setting up telephone banking, Mrs B is now able to spend quality time with her husband.

Without our intervention, her own health would certainly have worsened and she would have required further medical intervention herself.

www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

listened to or given an opportunity to fully explain her situation. She was left breathless, frustrated and upset.

Mrs C said, ‘I felt it had been long enough and thought I would have one last go to get the information I wanted. I had always known that Age UK Bedfordshire were in the town so that’s when I contacted them. When you’re on your own no-one does anything for you.’

An advisor worked with Mrs C and found she was entitled to lower rate Attendance Allowance but for some reason it had not been paid since April 2008. Consequently this meant that Mrs C would receive a backdated payment of £10,039.85 including interest.

Mrs C said, “I can’t believe it that’s amazing I have just had to pay out £4,000 to have some urgent housing repairs done which was a struggle. To have £10,000 is just amazing, I can’t believe it I am so pleased, thank you for all you have done.”

I enjoyed the summer in the garden where I gradually planted a border where I had removed a Leylandii hedge last winter.

T

he space it has given me has been wonderful for new planting and a lot more light comes into the garden and nextdoor’s too! I have a mixture of evergreen and deciduous shrubs, perennials and ground cover. I’ve avoided planting too close to the fence so I can access it to preserve it in a couple of years.

In autumn I shall plant some bulbs in this border.

Autumn is the ideal time to plant bulbs such as daffodil, tulip and allium. Spring flowers like wallflowers

working hard to improve life for older people

and polyanthus can also be planted ready to over-winter into the new spring season.

Keep on top of the falling leaves and put them on the compost pile so they can rot down to enrich your soil and perennials can be trimmed and tidied.

It is also good to tidy up generally, so strong winds don’t blow loose pots and items around. As winter approaches use the time to sharpen your tools, repair sheds, greenhouses and any features.

Bare-rooted trees and shrubs can be planted in winter but avoid compacting the soggy soil by treading on it if it can

be helped; this will make it easier to dig in the spring and keep the air circulating.

Lastly, I feed the birds all year, but in winter I look forward to seeing many more on the feeders as they come to rely on this food. I am lucky to see woodpecker, dunnock, blue tit, great tit, goldfinch and many more.

By encouraging birds in the garden I also see them remove slugs and aphids in the warmer months.

I shall also be planning ahead to grow vegetables next year and use the winter-time to purchase seeds and seed potatoes to chit, ready for planting.

As the last cut of the lawn (until spring) nears and the bright winter stems of dogwood and silver birch are revealed to brighten a winter’s day; I wish you all the best until next time.

Autumn 2014 | 11

Images: © images72 and Peter Zvonar, www.shutterstock.com

Mrs B also now has peace of mind in the knowledge that she can contact us again in the future, should she need to do so.

Mrs B said, “You have helped me so much, I couldn’t have done this by myself. Thank you very much.”

Grandma G re e nf inge re d

Winter isn’t everyone’s favourite season and there’s no doubt that the cold weather can be a worry for those of us in later life.

A

s we get older, our bodies respond differently to the cold and this can leave us more vulnerable in cold weather. But with a little preparation, and by following some simple suggestions, we can help ourselves to stay healthy, safe and as comfortable as possible this winter.

Keeping warm both inside and outside your home can help reduce your risk of serious health

1 2 | Autumn 2014

problems that are more common in the colder months, such as chest infections, heart attacks and stroke.

Preparing for Winter

Getting ready for the cold weather – which can start as early as October – means that you’re more likely to keep warm and well. Keep batteries handy in case severe weather causes a temporary power cut. Keep your mobile phone, laptop or tablet fully charged, so you can use the battery power if there’s no electricity.

• Have your heating system serviced and your chimney swept, or ask your landlord to do this if it’s their responsibility.

• If you have wood-burning, coal or gas heaters, make sure there’s adequate ventilation. Never block air vents, and get your boiler serviced every 12 months by a gas engineer.

• Check with your energy supplier for further advice to help you prepare for winter.

• If water pipes freeze they can burst, so you need to be able to turn off the water at the main stopcock.

Make sure you know where your main stopcock is and check that it’s easy to turn.

If it’s jammed, you may need to get it replaced.

• Have your electric blanket serviced – this should be done at least every three years.

• Make sure that your smoke alarm is working. You can ask your local fire service to check your home for fire safety. It’s free and you may be eligible to get free smoke alarms fitted.

• Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm in each room that has a gas appliance.

• Make sure you claim all the financial support you can to help with heating bills.

We can advise you here at Age UK Bedfordshire.

• Dress in plenty of layers and make sure that you have some warm shoes or boots with non-slip soles.

• Keep a mixture of salt and sand handy to put on steps or paths in icy weather.

Some councils provide free bags of the mix, if you or someone else can pick them up. Otherwise you

could try a local DIY store.

• Consider fitting a grab rail if you have steps at your front or back door.

Contact us here at Age UK Bedfordshire and ask about our Handyperson Service so we can help you with these.

• Keep simple cold, flu and sore throat remedies in the house. Your pharmacist can make suggestions and also advise you on how to manage minor illnesses.

• Follow up your GP’s invitation to have a flu jab.

• Order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time, particularly if bad weather is forecast.

•A sk your local pharmacy if they offer a prescription pick-up and delivery service – this could be helpful if you can’t leave your home.

We can also help collect prescriptions through our Home Help service at Age UK Bedfordshire.

• Keep basic food items in the cupboard or freezer in case it’s too cold to go shopping. You could also do your food shopping online and get it delivered to your door. Or contact us at Age UK Bedfordshire and ask for our Assisted Shopping service.

• Eat healthily and keep as active as possible.

• Ask your family, neighbours or friends if they could call or visit you more often if a period of cold weather stops you getting out and about.

• Keep a battery-operated radio, torch and spare batteries handy.

• Keep a list of emergency numbers, such as your utility companies, by your phone. You could add our number (Age UK Bedfordshire) 01234 360510 if you need to contact us Monday-Friday 9.30am to 4pm.

www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

Image: © Szasz-Fabian Ilka Erika, www.shutterstock.com

Keeping Warm in Winter

Here are some things you can do to stay safe and ward off the winter chills

Image: © Garsya, www.shutterstock.com

Age UK Bedfordshire’s

Lunch Club Our Lunch Club has been running for over 15 years and provides a delicious three-course meal on a Friday lunch time at 12noon.

T

he club is held in Quince Court in Sandy and our cook has been serving our meals for many years.

It costs just £6 for three courses and is open to everyone over 50 who is resident in Bedfordshire.

If you would like to join email amanda.jones@ ageukbedfordshire.org. uk for a membership form.

We are unable to provide our own transport to the venue but we may be able to suggest local transport options through our Information and Advice service. Call us on 01234 360510 for more information.

My Hero One of our Home Help workers rang and asked if she could borrow one of our uniforms so that her daughter could dress up at school.

W

hen she came in to collect the uniform she said that her daughter had been asked by the school to dress up as someone who is her hero. She chose to dress up as her Mum because she said ‘my Mum is my hero because she goes out there and looks after old people’ When her Mum went into the playground to pick her up the headmistress pulled her to one side and said that was amazing that’s what today was all about. Bless her, Millie is only six years old.

working hard to improve life for older people

Autumn 2014 | 13

l Half-price trave re hi ds for Bedfor concessionar y travel pass holders!

Discover the Marston Vale Line! (Bedford - Bletchley) Some great ideas for days out by train!

Bedford - Take a walk along the River Great Ouse or discover its wide range of shops & markets and the Higgins Bedford telling the story of the town & its famous residents! Highlanders: Billeted in Bedford exhibition until May 2015 exploring the story of the soldiers of the Highland Division billeted in Bedford before joining the fight on the Western Front in France Free entry!

Millbrook - Gateway to the spectacular Millennium Country Park at the heart of the Forest of Marston Vale.

Pleasant walk or cycle ride on surfaced paths to the Forest Centre.

MILTON KEYNES Central

Bletchley Bletchley Park is BLETCHLEY just a few minutes walk from the station.

2 for 1 entry for rail passengers!

BEDFORD BEDFORD St Johns

Kempston Hardwick Stewartby Millbrook

Lidington

GroupSave Rail Tickets:

off for grou ps of 3-9 adults , children 1/ pr ice, 2 under 5s free !

1/ 3

Ridgmont

Ridgmont Home of Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre.

Enjoy afternoon tea in the original Ladies Waiting Room, a guided visit of the Victorian Booking Office & stock up on Christmas presents in the Gift Shop!

Circular & linear walks available. Free entry!

Aspley Woburn Guise Sands Bow Fenny Brickhill Stratford LEIGHTON BUZZARD

Open Tues to Sat 10.00 - 4.00 until 1st November, 11.00 - 3.00 from 4th - 29th November & Saturdays in December. Groups welcome all year by prior arrangement. Tea Room open daily except Mondays & Bank Holidays. Call 01525 287120 stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk

01234 832645 www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk

Find us! on Facebook 1 4 | Autumn 2014

marstonvalecrp

Follow us! on Twitter

marstonvalecrp

www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

working hard to improve life for older people

Autumn 2014 | 15

What You Didn’t Know About…

Julie Ogley Director of Social Care, Health and Housing in Central Bedfordshire

Q. What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life?

To be determined and you can then succeed.

This is where we ask a prominent local person a series of questions that aim get behind their public persona. This issue we have invited Julie Ogley.

Q. W ho has been the biggest influence on your life?

My parents as they sent me to a normal school and the Education Authority

1 6 | Autumn 2014

wanted me to go to a private school. I was able to learn the values of equality and what everyone can achieve with the right support.

Q. If you could hold on to just one memory from your life forever, what would that be?

The birth of my son and his success living with motor skill problems.

Q. What are your hopes and dreams for future generations?

I feel the economic downturn puts more worries on the younger generation and there are fewer opportunities for them. We need to be respectful of everyone and

to value them all in their part in society. We need to cherish older people.

Q. How would you like to be remembered?

As making a positive difference to vulnerable people’s expectations and their quality of life. Enabling the wider council to play a proper part in supporting people.

www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

Q. What was your childhood like?

Very happy with my two sisters.

My mother ran the local shop and I had the opportunity to work there. This brought my business sense to my position now in social care.

Q. If you could take only one book and one record onto a desert island what would they be?

Gone with the Wind, Pride and Prejudice and the Spanish CD in my car or the Joshua Tree from U2.

Q. How has being a parent changed you?

Once a parent you are forever a parent. You see the world from new eyes and you have a different experience to living; including baking cakes and dressing up.

Q. What was the worst thing you did as a child/teenager?

Last minute homework.

Q. Did you have a nickname and how’d you get it?

Ugly Ogley and Kermit as I played Kermit the frog in a school play.

Q. Can you remember your first kiss?

Yes when I was about 15.

Q. If you could be anyone for a week (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Elizabeth I as it would be a wonderful opportunity to work with some fabulous statesmen and be a strong woman in a dominant male society.

Q. Where did you grow up?

Barnsley – I am the daughter of a coal miner and my

Q. What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

I knew I didn’t want to be a teacher and knew I wanted to go to university.

Q. If you could wave a wand and make one significant change on the planet what would it be?

To manage the weather across the world.

working hard to improve life for older people

Q. Do you plan on retiring ever?

Yes but I have no plans.

I love my work so there would have to be a very significant alternative to work for me to retire.

Q. Have you ever experienced any miracles?

Not beyond making success out of my career and the fact that I can walk, as my ankles needed to be manipulated as a child so I could walk.

Q. What advice would you give the next Prime Minister?

Think very carefully before acting and about the consequences of decisions.

Protect more vulnerable people in our society and give more money to social care.

Q. Can you talk about the biggest obstacle(s) you have had to overcome in your life so far?

Overcoming the problems with my feet when I was a child and my parents help with my schooling. I was very shy when I was young and went on a public speaking course which helped me to become more confident.

Q. What radio station do you listen to more than any other?

Radio 4 and Three Counties Radio.

Q. Do you get nervous before making a speech?

It depends, but mostly not.

When I am with customers and carers I am nervous and I worry whether people will understand if I use jargon etc.

Q. Are you a cat or dog person?

A dog person. I used to own a Wire Haired Fox Terrier and a Standard Black Poodle.

Q. What’s your current “can’t miss” TV programme?

I am more of a reader. I watch the rolling BBC news and I watch Football Focus and the football results.

Q. If you owned a sweet/ florist/hairdressers/ grocers what would you call it?

A cafe/bookshop called Ogley’s Rest.

Q. Do you have any favourite joke you can share?

When is a door not a door? When it’s ajar.

Q. If the sky wasn’t blue, hat colour do you think it could be?

Emerald green.

Q. Who was the last person you hugged?

I kissed my partner this morning and hugged my daughter, son-in-law and grand-daughter yesterday.

Q. If you won the Euromillions, what’s the one big thing you would splash out on?

I would buy my son a property in London.

Q. How much is a pint of milk?

49p from Sainsbury’s.

Q. Which book are you currently reading?

J K Rowling, The Casual Vacancy and I like books about serial killers.

Q. Regrets, do you have a few?

Yes, I wanted to learn Spanish and more languages. I stopped learning Latin just before my O-Levels and should have taken the exam. I would like my son to learn more languages.

Q. Do you have a sporting hero?

Geoffrey Boycott as I enjoy listening to him on the cricket.

Autumn 2014 | 17

Image: © Africa Studio, www.shutterstock.com

father gave me a great opportunity to attend a Girls’ High School and set me on the course of my career as opportunities were presented.

AAA Foot Care Clinic Mobile and Visiting Foot Health Professional Service for ALL-from private clients to domiciliary users or residents of Bedfordshire and surrounding Shires...

Routine and Essential Foot Care Services:

•Toenail trim and burr (smoothening nail edges) • Ingrown toenail reduction • Corn removal • Callus reduction • Diabetic foot monitoring • Treatment 0f or relief from other foot health issues (cracked heels, bunions, fungal infections, foot or heel pain and verrucas) J A Reyes, DipCFHP MPSPract, Foot Health Practitioner* 7 Ledwell Road, Caddington, Bedfordshire LU1 4JH Tel. 01582-732888 or 075800-75493 www.myfootprofessional.com *Insured Member of the Alliance of Private Sector Practitioners; and is registered with the Professional Standards Authority’s (PSA’s) Accredited Register (AR).

The PSA is an independent, government-formed body that oversees ALL recognised state and private sector healthcare professional associations (and their members) to promote and uphold high professional standards; and to ensure public safety.

To advertise in the next issue of this publication please contact

Laurence

Tel:

01536 526662 Email:

laurence@lancepublishing.co.uk

1 8 | Autumn 2014

www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

Recipes Winter Warmer This is a low-calorie, healthy vegetarian dish that can be thick like a stew or thinner like a soup. It contains beans, which provide a lowfat source of protein, pasta for energy-giving carbohydrates, and vegetables for vitamins and minerals, giving you a balanced meal in a dish!

Preparation: 10 mins Cooking: 30 mins Serves: 2 1 tbsp olive oil 1 to 2 garlic cloves 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 handfuls of diced vegetables (e.g. carrots, swede, peas, cabbage) 1 small tin of either cannellini beans, borlotti beans, butter beans or chickpeas (drained) 2 chopped tomatoes or a small tin of tomatoes ½ to 1½ litres/1–3 pints of vegetable stock (depending on how thick you would like it) 1 handful of dried pasta of your choice 2 pinches of dried or fresh herbs Bl ack pepper and chillies or pepper sauce to taste

One In a frying pan heat the olive oil and add the onion, garlic and chillies and cook until softened. Add herbs and cook for 30 seconds.

Two In a saucepan, boil the diced vegetables in a small amount of water until nearly soft.

Three Add the contents of the frying pan to the saucepan, and then add the dried pasta and beans.

Four Gradually add the stock while the pasta cooks. Cook until the pasta goes soft.

Five Allow to cool slightly then serve for lunch or tea.

working hard to improve life for older people

Gladys

Gladys’ Beef Stew

’ Tip For best results, u se stewing be leftover m ef, but any eat If the me will be fine. at is alre ady cooked, this will c ut down how long the recip e takes by half.

This recipe is a traditional stew, in which the meat juices flavour the dish. It contains protein from the meat, and lots of vegetables that add vitamins and minerals, while the potatoes provide energy. A whole balanced meal is in one pot, so eat some today and save some for tomorrow, or freeze portions (once cool) for a later date.

Preparation: 5/10 mins Cooking: 95 mins Serves: 2 34 0g/12oz cubed stewing beef 1 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, sliced 85 g /3oz pearl barley (You will need to boil the pearl barley in a saucepan of water, according to the package’s cooking instructions. It usually takes about one hour).

1 heaped tbsp plain flour 90 0ml/1½ pints stock 22 5g/8oz carrots, peeled and sliced 22 5g/8oz potatoes, sliced in medium-sized chunks 1 finely shredded small cabbage Ground pepper to taste

One Using a large pan, fry the meat in the oil to seal in most of the juices, and then add the onion for a few minutes until soft.

Two Sprinkle the flour over the meat and then add the stock and stir well until boiling.

Three Add the carrots and potatoes and leave to simmer on a low heat for 1½ hours, adding more stock if necessary so that there is always a gravy in the stew.

Four Cook the pearl barley according to the instructions, so that it will be ready to add at the end.

Five Add the cabbage in the last 20 minutes. The meat will become more tender the longer it is cooked.

Six Just before serving, gently mix in the pearl barley.

Autumn 2014 | 19

Images: © Olga Nayashkova & Robyn Mackenzie, www.shutterstock.com

Winter

9

Puzzle Page Solutions to all three puzzles can be found on page 22

2

4

3 4 9

2

5

3 2

7 6

7 9

5

1

Sudoku The Game of Logic Place each of the digits 1 to 9 in each row, column and 3x3 box. There is only one solution.

8

6 2

8

9

7

9 1

1

5

1

7

8

4

3

1

5

A

P

F

E

L

U

A

F

E

U

A

M

A

T

N

B

R

O

Which One is Missing?

Can you find which seasonal word is missing from the list below?

O

C

P

B

E

O

G

O

K

E

A

P

P

N

L

E

R

R

N

K

B

F

L

R

B

A

O

Apple Autumn Bonfire Brown Leaf October Orange Rake

W N

I

S

T

E

K

N W

B

R

O W N

E

C

G

D

E

X

K

A

B

L

R

E

O

G

N M U

T

U

A

F

A

Wordsearch

2

Quick Quiz Test your knowledge in our seasonal themed Quick Quiz.

1. In which year did The Battle of Waterloo take place?

2. Emmeline Pankhurst was the leader of which movement in the early 20th century?

3. Who was the author of Brideshead Revisited?

4. The Fighting Temeraire is a painting by which 19th century English artist?

5. What is the name for an SI unit of energy?

6. On the human body, what is the patella more commonly known as?

7. Who originally sang Mack the Knife in 1956?

8. The character of Arthur Seaton in Saturday Night and Sunday Morning was played by which actor?

9. Which British woman won the women’s singles title at Wimbledon in 1977?

10. Which Premiership football team play at St .James’ Park?

Share Your Voice With Us…

W

e are looking to publish a selection of articles where readers write into the magazine

2 0 | Autumn 2014

with their thoughts, views on topics raised in the magazine or support they have received from Age UK Bedfordshire.

Please write to: The Editor, Age UK Bedfordshire,

Voice, 78-82 Bromham Rd, Bedford MK40 2QH or Email: voice@ ageukbedfordshire.org.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you next time…

Remember the next edition will be available from early Spring 2015 so if you have any stories, events going on or photographs please send them in.

www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

working hard to improve life for older people

Autumn 2014 | 21

Charlie Chuckles Every issue Charlie Chuckles will do his best to make you smile!

ast night in bed, my wife woke me up as she heard a knock on our front door. I went down and answered the door. A man stood there and asked if I could give him a push! I told him to clear off as it was half past two in the morning!

On returning to bed I explained to my wife what happened. She told me off and reminded me of a recent incident where we had run out of petrol and a passerby helped us push the car to a petrol station. Feeling guilty I ran down and opened the door. “Are you still there” I shouted, “Yes” came a loud reply. “Do you still need a push” I asked, “Yes” he said, “Where are you?” I asked peering into the darkness, “On your garden swing” he replied.

X

E

R

B

N

W

K

N

A

E

C

O

A

U

P

A

K O I B P P M F

A W S F P B A E

B N T L N E T L

L E E R L O N U

F E

R

G

C

N

K

A

B

R

E

O

G

R

B

F

A

A O D W O R K O E

4

8

1

6

5

7

3

4

8

5

2

9

7

3

6

2

9

1

3 9 2 6 1 7 4 8 5

1 2 3 8 9 4 5 7 6

5 7 4 2 6 1 9 3 8

6 8 9 7 3 5 1 4 2

7 3 1 9 2 6 8 5 4

2 5 8 1 4 3 6 9 7

9 4 6 5 7

1. 1815, 2. The suffragette movement, 3. Evelyn Waugh, 4. J.M.W. Turner, 5. A joule, 6. The kneecap, 7. Louis Armstrong, 8. Albert Finney, 9. Virginia Wade and 10. Newcastle United

8 2 1 3 2 2 | Autumn 2014

A

from Page 20

U

Answers&Solutions

T

A

We’re not really sure what to do with you. Can you tell us anything you did that can help us make a decision?” The newly arrived soul thought for a moment and replied, “Yeah, once I was driving along and came upon a person who was being harassed by a group of thugs. So I pulled over, got out

a bat, and went up to the leader of the thugs. He was a big, muscular guy with a ring pierced through his lip.

Well, I tore the ring out of his lip, and told him he and his gang had better stop bothering this guy or they would have to deal with me!”

“Wow that’s impressive, “When did this happen?”

“About three minutes ago,” came the reply.

U

The Judgement man died and went to The Judgment, they told him, “Before you meet with God, I should tell you - we’ve looked over your life, and to be honest you really didn’t do anything particularly good or bad.

D

ad decided to write to Father Christmas again this. He wrote… Dear Santa, for this year I’m requesting, a fat bank account, and a small body. P.S. This year, please don’t mix them up, like you did last year!

M

L

Dear Santa

N

A

man walked in to a bar in Dunstable after a long drive down the High Street! As he began to drink his beer, he heard a voice say seductively “You’ve got great hair!” The man looked around but couldn’t see where the voice was coming from, so he went back to his beer. A minute later, he heard the same soft voice say “You’re a handsome man!” The man looked around, but still couldn’t see where the voice was coming from. When he went back to his beer, the voice said again “I love your suit, it looks great.”

The man was so baffled by this that he asked the bartender what was going on. The bartender said “Oh, it’s the nuts - they’re complimentary.”

Knock at the Door

G

Great Hair!

How do you know if there’s a snowman in your bed?

You wake up wet!

www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire

working hard to improve life for older people

Autumn 2014 | 23

Call our professional team on:-

Bedford Central Bedfordshire

01234 211481 01525 713389