Durham & Tees Valley 15

BernieNolanBOUNCES BACK IN TRUE CHICAGO STYLE

Rick SteinSHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

DURHAM & TEES VALLEY

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AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012 | EDITION 15

InsideWELSH WONDERSAN AREA OF OUTSTANDINGNATURAL BEAUTY

DIG - DURHAM INFORMATION GUIDEINFORMATION YOU NEED TO HELP YOU STAY INDEPENDENT

LOOKING FOR LUXURY?RETIREMENT HOMES FOR THE OVER 45s

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CONTENTS

Inside this issue ...

TRAVEL & LEISURE18-20 Welsh Wonders Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

FOOD & DRINK14-15 Rick Steins' Recipe Pages Rick's favourite recipes

HOME8 Scaling New Heights Bringing you the finest in Granite

9-11 Is it time to Downsize? Tips on furnishing something smaller

26-27 Greyhounds Make Great Pets

HEALTH22-23 Looking Good and Feeling Fine With Spire Washington Hospital

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Graham Smith has a Twitter

Life is just a tweet!Do you tweet? Twitter seems to have become all the rage but don’t some people make themselves look twits by what they say?

Even David Cameron is tweeting, and for once it’s not about Nick Clegg. As I write he’s just popped up to announce that Prime Minister’s Question Time is about to start. A sure cue for everyone to switch off their computers and phones and hide in a darkened corner before this adult version of Children’s Playtime starts.

Does the Queen tweet? Well not officially but someone assuming her name, @Queen_UK, and claiming to be Elizabeth Windsor, gives me many a chuckle with irreverent comments and quips at various member of the Royal Family and the government.

Her catchphrase is “gin o’clock” and he or she has an astonishing 646,553 followers and counting. The latest tweet,“ Camilla on the phone, worried that “the interweb has gone”. The DoE (Prince Philip) thinks she’s trying to find Ceefax”. Then there was this little gem, “Alvin and the Chipmunks (Mr Cameron and Co) are back from their Burma holiday. The poor Burmese still have no idea who they are”.

Or “Bungle (Boris Johnson) on the phone. Not really sure what he’s saying, partly due to one having hung up”. She creases me!

The “gin o’clock” bit comes in when our supposed monarch announces at 5pm each day that it’s home time and “gin o’clock”. And one of my favourites, “Just been out with the dogs. The DoE is trying to dry Linnet the corgi off with a hairdryer”.

To me this is great humour and I am an avid follower. Others make me laugh for other reasons. They tweet before they’re out of bed and I even know the flavour of one southern lady’s toothpaste thanks to her being retweeted by one of my followers.

Then there are the dodgy ones. I sat at my machine one morning and discovered I was being followed by three brothels in San Diego and a dispensing chemist for some very suspect stuff in India, duly deleted. Be very careful if you click any links to these kind of people or you will find your computer or mobile phone infected with something which spreads like mumps and ruins any social standing you ever had.

Last word with the Queen after the budget, “Text from Nick Clegg: “I didn’t agree with the tax on fruit machines. People shouldn’t pay tax on their apples and bananas”.

Waiting for a Princess!Joining a small crowd waiting to see the Princess Royal in Keighley I had to laugh at some of the comments as time ticked by and she did not emerge from the Civic Centre she was opening.

“I suppose she’s had her dinner, I’m on the wrong side of mine,” growled one elderly lady.

“Who does she think she is being so late, royalty?”, from one man.

I was curious to see this much travelled, often criticised member of the Royal Family whose dog has a penchant for eating geese and who can be a bit nippy behind a steering wheel.

Security was tight for the only royal to have been close to being kidnapped some years ago. On the centre door were two local security people who collectively must have weighed 50 stone but when Anne’s exit was signalled they were dwarfed by her own security men, and women, one of whom could have been seven feet tall with a tell-tale bulge under his immaculately tailored suit jacket.

Then there she was, initially wearing that so serious look she is known for but she kindly broke into a half grin and her eyes lit up as a lady beside me made a light hearted comment about how long she had been inside before leaping nimbly into the back of a Range Rover.

She certainly has the “royal” look and for a woman slightly older than me, in her early 60s, she is still youthful.

“I’ve immensely enjoyed my trip to Yorkshire,” she said to us all.

We enjoyed having you Ma’am, but next time could you save us a sandwich if we have to wait so long?


‘My new Overdentures have changed my life!’When Jane Blackett, of County Durham, saw an advert in the local newspaper for implant retained dentures, she knew it was time she finally did something about her smile.

Losing all her teeth at a young age due to an accident, Jane had struggled with numerous sets of dentures over the years. When she read about a technique involving implants which secures the dentures firmly in the mouth.

Jane promptly booked a free consultation at The Smile Spa in Stockton, where she was advised she was a suitable candidate for overdentures. “Dr Doswell explained that I would need a couple of appointments to have the implants fitted and the dentures created by Chris, the dental technician.”

Implant retained dentures or overdentures, as they are known, act as press studs for the dentures, securing them in place for improved functionality and confidence.

“I was a little bit anxious about the whole procedure but the team were amazing, from the receptionist, to the dentists. I can’t praise them enough.” beamed Jane.

“And the difference it has made is incredible! I used to be a shrinking violet, smiling behind my hand, I also struggled to eat some foods. Now I’ll talk to anyone, just so I can smile at them, I’ve also eaten my first steak in 20 years! “

Jane is delighted with her new overdentures from The Smile Spa. ”I feel like a new person, I’ve got so much more confidence.”

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Invisalign invisible bracesWith our discreet, clear aligners, no-one knows you are wearing braces but you! The aligners are designed to gently move your teeth into place. For a limited time we are also offering Free teeth whitening at the end of treatment, for a stunning straight, white smile.

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Dave Myers and Simon King alias The Hairy Bikers were in the middle of a regime of diet and exercise when we chatted.

Yes, sorry, I know you’ll probably have to read that sentence again. Those two well-covered foodies? Diet? Exercise?

Fear not. It’s all in the cause of a new cookery book about dieting and Dave and Simon had thrown themselves into both food and exercise regimes with the kind of enthusiasm they normally reserve for a piece of garlic-dripping Italian foccaccia bread or a couple of their favourite beers.

“Yes, I know,” explains Simon, the blonde Geordie member of the famous chef duo. “It doesn’t sound like us, but obesity is a real problem in this country at the moment, hen, and we’re just trying to help.”

As a result, Simon, aged 45, had been hitting the gym regularly – “and it’s working. I’m not sure how much weight I’ve lost because I’ve got some dodgy scales that say 20 stone 5lb one minute and 14 stone 8lb the next, but I know I can get into some jeans I couldn’t before. Mind you, I’m still a fat lad!” he roars familiarly.

Dave, at 55, sounds like he’s taken a more scientific approach to the subject. He’s lost a stone and a half, has taken up boxing but still manages to sound incredulous when he says :”Do y’know, I’m actually enjoying the sessions.”

You might be forgiven for not putting “weight-loss” and “The Hairy Bikers” in the same sentence because the likeable lads have spent the past eight years showing us what fun food can be – both making it and eating it.They’ve travelled around the UK and across the globe gathering culinary experiences and footage for their TV series, astride some seriously large motorbikes. Their trademark has been making new friends via food, cooking in people’s homes and generally acting as brilliant ambassadors for the best dishes that people can make for themselves.

“The new cookery book will still be about food, though,” states Dave, the darker, bespectacled one. “It’s just that we’ll be showing good food that you can easily make with fewer calories in it so it won’t put too much weight on.”

The two are speaking ahead of their new country-wide tour that starts in September and takes in 41 venues over the next three months, from Barrow in Furness to Bolton and Lowestoft to Liverpool. It’s their first live tour since their last sell-out tour two years ago, and it sounds like their usual eclectic mix of fun, socialising and, er, some cooking.

THE HAIRY

BIKERS


“It’s definitely not going to be two blokes on a sofa talking about food,” laughs Dave. “There’s loads going on. We’re having strip tombola and an escapologist – oh, and we’ll be doing the tango. We’ll also have a couple of people from the audience having a meal with wine and beer on the stage with us. We love that, and so do they!”

In fact, Dave and Simon love most things about their lives currently, although it wasn’t always as easy or straightforward. Both grew up with ailing parents: Dave’s mum had Multiple Sclerosis and Simon’s Dad was on kidney dialysis.

For Dave, who was born when his father was 55, his earliest memory of cooking is when he was around eight helping his mum bake bread, simple fruit scones and a Victoria sponge.

As an older dad, his father was able to spend plenty of time with Dave, although from around the age of 13 it was Dave who did the bulk of the cooking at home. He later went to art school “but I was a better cook than an artist,” he recalls.

It was when he became a make-up artist specialising in prosthetics and was working on the set of a Catherine Cookson TV drama that he met Simon, then a first assistant director and locations’ manager. The two shared a love of bikes and food, began cooking together – and a legend was born.

Simon’s first foodie memory is of making sandwiches, strangely enough “with the crusts taken off and cut into little triangles”, when he was about six and helping in the kitchen. “But most of the time I was just off out scrambling about, no time to cook!” he says, with that gentle rumbling roar of laughter bubbling up.

Their first programmes for the BBC eight years ago were more travelogue than cookery show, but the emphasis gradually changed to the enjoyable format that has attracted so many viewers today.

They’ve also sold millions of cookery books linked to the series, and now earned themselves a BAFTA nomination for their Meals on Wheels programmes. These highlighted the vital visiting service to the elderly, and they also tried – successfully - to put the emphasis back on regular freshly-cooked meals for them.

They’re both delighted about the nomination and, Simon insists, they hope the subject will continue to catch the public imagination because it’s an important one. “In the series, it wasn’t Dave and I who were the stars of the show but all these marvellous older people,” he insists.

“They’ve got the most wonderful cookery knowledge themselves. It’s so important for older people to keep on cooking good food like they always did, and share their skills with their grandchildren to keep these going and become a real legacy.”

The two Northerners and their easygoing style has already been credited with tickling taste-buds at home and abroad, whether that’s sampling breads in Poland or guzzling nougat in the French town of Montelimar.

But it’s plain they are genuinely passionate about all that’s best in food and sharing the enthusiasm to create it. Although the new cookery book has a dietary theme, food enjoyment as always comes first. “We’ll be doing dishes like a really tasty cassoulet and a great Masala Spatchcock Chicken,” states Dave.

As for the problematic weight-loss, they’re both confident they can lead this new campaign trimly from the front. “Well,” adds Simon, “If God is good and he keeps me off the brown ale!”

INTERV IEW

For details of tour dates and venues go to www.hairybikers.com


THE children have all left home for lives of their own or you suddenly realise one day that the house you’re in is simply too big for your needs. Whatever the reason, it’s time to DOWNSIZE!Once, downsizing carried a bit of a stigma, almost as if you couldn’t afford the home you had so you had to go for something less. But, in today’s cost-conscious, energy-efficient and finance-orientated world, many more people are downsizing for all the right reasons.

Along with finding a smaller property to live in, however, comes some unusual dilemmas – along with the usual dilemmas of how to furnish the new home and what is surplus to requirements.

Interior designer Chrissy Halton from Innerspace offers some simple advice: “When downsizing, don’t try and replicate the house you had – go for a new look.

“And only take with you items that really mean something to you. Off-white walls look great with more antique furniture items, for example. Less is more!”

The advantages of moving to a smaller property can be that your bills are likely to be smaller and there will be less housework needed. The first big minus, though, is that you’ve probably got far too many possessions to fit into your new home.

“You can’t take everything with you,” says Chrissy, “so start by having a really good de-clutter so that you can really see what you have that you love. That way you can more easily make the decision about what to take – and you don’t have to pay the removal company too much!”

Ask your relatives and friends if they would like to have particular items that you don’t want to take with you. There’s a growing trend for mixing old and new furniture currently so they may be glad to be offered a piece they’ve coveted or that may fit in their home. Or look to sell items on ebay and start afresh in your new home with some new furniture.

The National Association of Estate Agents says that downsizing offers a chance to have “a thorough springclean and focus on exactly what you want in your new home, and what you don’t.”

“You may have furniture which isn’t suitable for your new home, or that could do with replacing. So think ahead and make sure you have taken proper measurements of your new property so you don’t struggle on moving day with items that you probably shouldn’t have brought with you.”

For many of us, the pull of our old home is all about the memories that we’ve shared as a family within those bricks and mortar. Our children may have grown up here, and every room can be associated with personal milestones or events that matter to our own family history.

“If you’re worried about losing all the history behind your old home, think about using photos to show your life,” adds Chrissy. “It’s easy to make them into beautiful collages, and that way you can ‘take’ the items with you without having the real thing.”

When it actually comes to chucking out much-loved – and possibly worn – furniture or other items, contact a local charity which might be glad of household goods and especially furniture in good condition. The national homeless charity Emmaus, for example, may have a local collection service for unwanted furniture, or

IS IT TIME TO DOWNSIZE?

Interior Designer Chrissy Halton


another charitable organisation may be willing to pick up your item to sell for funds or to give it a good home with someone else who really needs it.

It’s important to plan ahead with your new space. “Think about how you’re going to use the space you are moving to,” says Chrissy. “What is the purpose of each room? How many people will you need to fit in to sit? Will you really need a dining room specifically?”

“Situations change and what you once needed you may no longer require. If you actually look at how

much time you spend in each room of your current home now, you may be very surprised at how little space you actually use on a regular basis. Take this – and what items you use – as a gauge for what you need to take with you.”

For example, she points out, if your new bathroom is smaller than you’ve been used to, is it worth removing the bath and having a larger shower? This may not only make more sense for your daily living but can help with any current or future mobility issues.

LOVELY LOUNGE – Relaxing toning, muted shades, a lack of clutter and plenty of light can be the hallmark of your new lounge when you downsize.

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Whatever style of décor you choose for your new home, it’s worth trying to avoid clutter and opt for today’s cleaner lines and minimalist approach – if only to cut down on housework!

Take a look at current interior styles and how these can be easily achieved. Open up a dark room or small bathroom with a roof window or skylight, for example.

Take advantage of the wealth of modern flooring including natural woods that can make a room warm and homely in Winter and cool and calming in Summer. You might like to team this type of flooring with a handsome rug in a shade or pattern that tones with your room’s chosen colour scheme.

Plain walls matched with attractive fabrics in curtains or blinds give a room a modern look and allow smart furniture and impressive pictures or photographs to really come into their own.

If the downsizing also applies to your pocket, then you don’t have to spend a fortune on your new place. In fact, there’s often an enjoyable challenge in keeping within a tight budget yet coming up with something fresh, new and comfortable even if the items are cut-price or second-hand. Again, ebay can be a boon here.

The key to successfully moving at this crucial stage is to take a fresh look at your lifestyle, and decide to make a new start. That way you can downsize the costs – but upsize your enjoyment of your new home!

BATHROOM BRIGHT – Ensure your new bathroom has plenty of light with the help of a clever skylight window

For more information on Innerspace Interior Design go to www.innerspaceinteriordesign.co.uk

Looking For Luxury?Retirement homes for the over 45sArguably the ‘The jewel in the crown’ Seaview Park is in a rural location on the outskirts of Hartlepool. Only a short walk to the sea front and minutes drive to the centre of town and marina. These luxurious residential bungalows are set in a private estate with spectacular sea views, woodland walkways and meadows where you can take gentle strolls listening to the birds sing or watch the rabbits and pheasants go about their daily business.

Osprey Country Park in Hartlepool and Castledene Country Park in Castle Eden

Two scenic parks 15 minutes apart and completely different. Open all year round for you and your family, these quality caravan holiday parks are a must visit. Osprey is a quiet, peaceful, scenic park, easy walk to the beach and short drive to Hartlepool Marina.Castledene is set in 18 acres of woodland and national walkways, also close to riding stables and golf courses and of course Castle Eden itself off A19.

Friendly maintenance and management teams to ensure that all you do is enjoy!

For Castle Eden ring Brian on 07742 921 492

For information pack on all 3 parks ring 01429 862111 or visit our website at www.seaviewparkhomes.com

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Bernie Nolan has taken on the pivotal role of Mama Morton in multi award-

winning musical ‘Chicago’ this year.

In 2009, the singer and actress played the fairy godmother at Manchester Opera House, following on The Nolans’ reunion tour which proved a spectacular success and filled arenas around the UK. But between then and now, Bernie, aged 51, has fought a dramatic battle against breast cancer which saw her having to have a mastectomy and six months of chemotherapy.

In true showbiz style, Bernie has bounced back from this traumatic time to entertain us once more. All of which is no surprise when you consider her strong family background, and the way she has lived much of her life in the spotlight.

Bernadette Therese Nolan came from an Irish family, the second youngest of eight children, and was brought up in Blackpool. Showbiz was in her blood and her sisters, brothers and parents would often perform in clubs and pubs around the resort.

It was when Bernie teamed up with four of her sisters, however, as The Nolans that fame and success finally came their way. The pretty, harmonious pop group sold millions of records worldwide in the ‘80s and ‘90s including more than nine million albums.

They had chart hits like ‘I’m in the Mood for Dancing’ and were regular guests on some of the top TV shows of the time. Their appeal – apart from singable, danceable hits – was their wholesome niceness and visual charm, which proved a pleasant antidote to the extreme vagaries of the pop scene.

Bernie had one of the strongest voices in the group, but when she first tried her hand at acting she showed that she also had talent in this direction. She became a presenter on BBC Saturday morning children’s show ‘On The Waterfront’ , and pleasantly surprised critics by her gift for comedy and the ability to laugh at herself.

In 1993, she appeared in the stage play ‘The Devil Rides Out’, and left The Nolans in 1994 to pursue a solo career, scoring solo hits and an album ‘All By Myself.’ She also had noteable success in the Willy Russell musical ‘Blood Brothers’ which brought her to the attention of TV bosses, and in 2000 she joined the cast of popular Liverpool soap ‘Brookside’ as Diane Murray.

Bernie played this role successfully for two years before leaving to play Sheelagh Murphy in ITV’s iconic police drama series ‘The Bill’ where she was given several strong storylines. Her character proved popular and, although she left in 2005, the door was left open for her character’s return.

In 2006, she took part in the Channel 4 series ‘The Games, raising funds for Alzheimer’s and children’s charities, and the following year starred in the play ‘Mum’s The Word’. During the summer, she appeared at Blackpool’s North Pier Theatre in ‘Soap Queens’ , enhancing her reputation as a reliable stage star when she went on to play Hannah Owens in ‘Flashdance The Musical.’

The Nolan family had already been affected by cancer previously:

sister Anne had breast cancer in 2000 and Linda suffered from the disease in 2006. However, little could really have prepared Bernie for her own breast cancer diagnosis in April, 2010.

As she recalls: “The day I found out, I cried my eyes out for about two or three minutes with my husband, Steve. After that, I didn’t cry again the whole way through my treatment.

Bernie bounces back intrue Chicago style

I N T E RV I E W


“ At the very beginning, though, it’s important to let out every feeling you’ve got. Cry, scream, shout, do whatever you want because it’s one of the biggest things that will ever happen to you.”

As a strong woman, however, Bernie very quickly adopted a positive attitude. “I thought ‘ there’s no way I’m going to die from this’. Once you make that decision, you can get on with beating it. From the start, it’s a case of taking things one day at a time.

Don’t worry about what’s coming up in two weeks’ time. Deal with today, you’ve got enough on your plate.”

Inevitably, though, there were terrible times. One of the worst for Bernie was telling her children. “I was diagnosed a week before my daughter Erin’s 11th birthday and we didn’t want to tell her until that was over. But kids aren’t daft – she knew something wasn’t quite right,” she recalls.

‘So we just sat her down and told her the truth. She knew about cancer because of Anne’s and Linda’s experience and she knew they were OK, which helped. Erin asked if I was going to die. I told her no and then she asked me if the lump was big. Again, I said no, and explained they’d found it early. One little tear ran down her cheek and she accepted it.’

Bernie had great support from her large family, and especially from her husband Steve in spite of the understandable initial shock and fears for the future. Much of the optimism surrounding Bernie, however, emanated from herself. When her hair fell out from the treatment, she didn’t hide but spoke out publicly about the problem and campaigned for early diagnosis and better understanding of the disease.

She believes in check-ups and self-awareness in the battle against cancer, and has a practical approach to the disease itself. “You’ve got to take every bit of support you’re offered, whether that’s from the doctors, your family or friends,” she insists. “And, take it from me, none of it is as scary as it sounds. I wouldn’t lie.”

Given that strength and determination, it’s logical that she has now returned to the stage and performing, and is reportedly “excited” about her role in one of the most enduringly successful hit musicals of recent times.

In fact, Bernie has followed the advice of one of The Nolans’ biggest hits “Gotta Pull Myself Together”. And in 2012 she is certainly one together lady!

Angela Kelly



WHOOPI GOLDBERG &


©

TUE22MAY-SAT2JUN

STARRING


MON25&TUE26JUN


THE TIMES

MON2-SAT7JUL


SUNDAY EXPRESS

TUE30OCT-SAT3NOV

STARRING



The Sleeping Beauty


STEFANBOOTH

BERNIENOLAN



WHOOPI GOLDBERG &


©

TUE22MAY-SAT2JUN

STARRING


MON25&TUE26JUN


THE TIMES

MON2-SAT7JUL


SUNDAY EXPRESS

TUE30OCT-SAT3NOV

STARRING



The Sleeping Beauty


STEFANBOOTH

BERNIENOLAN

10-15th SeptemberMilton Keynes Theatre

Book Tickets0844 871 7627

Check the website for other dates and venues

www.chicagothemusical.co.uk

F O O D & D R I N K

Rick Stein's French Odyssey

Rick Stein’s passion for fresh well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer. Rick remarks “My greatest enthusiasm in life has been finding dishes that change my perception of cooking, that reveal a whole new vista of flavour combination. I think we all enjoy that. I’m just someone with an enthusiasm for food and a curiosity that’s sent me sniffing around all over the place looking for lovely dishes in all corners of the globe”

Taken from his book ‘French Odyssey’ (BBC Books, £25) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by flavours from France.

Heat the butter in a large, heavy-based pan. Add the onions, garlic and sugar and cook over a medium heat, stirring regularly, for 25-30 minutes until the onions are really soft and well caramelized.

Add the wine and leave to simmer rapidly until it has reduced by half.

Add the beef stock and bouquet garni, cover and leave the soup to simmer for at least another 30 minutes. Then remove and discard the bouquet garni, and season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, preheat the over to 150oC/Gas Mark 2. Place the slices of bread onto a baking tray and leave them for 30 minutes to dry out but not get at all brown. Then remove the tray and increase the oven temperature to 220oC/Gas Mark 7.

To serve, place a slice of bread into the bottom of each of 4 deep ovenproof soup bowls and ladle the soup on top, making sure the onions and stock are distributed evenly. Cover the top of the soup thickly with the grated cheese, place the bowls onto a sturdy baking tray and bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling. You can also place them under a hot grill for 5 minutes if you prefer or are short of time. This soup should be served scalding hot.

60 g butter

1 kg onions, halved and thinly sliced

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 teaspoons caster sugar

300 ml dry white wine

1.5 litres Beef stock, browned

Bouquest garni of bay leaves, thyme

and parsley stalks

4 x 2.5-cm-thick slices French bread

225 g Gruyére or Comté cheese,

coarsely grated

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

SERVES 4 French Onion Soup

14


First you need to remove the bones from the fish. To do this, remove the head of each one, and then, working with one fish at a time, start to cut the top fillet away from the bones until you can get the whole blade underneath the fillet. Then rest a hand on top of the fish and cut the rest of the fillet away from the bones until you are about 2.5cm away from the tail. Turn the fish over and repeat on the other side. Then pull back the top fillet and snip out the backbone, close to the tail, with scissors. The fillets will still be attached at the tail. Repeat with the remaining fish.

Melt the butter in a large frying pan and as soon as it is foaming, add the bacon and fry briefly until lightly coloured. Add the sliced ceps and the garlic and toss over a medium-high heat for 1 minute until lightly cooked. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.

Lay the prepared trout on a chopping board and pull back the top fillet of each one.

Season the outside of each fish with a little more salt and pepper, then dredge with the flour and pat off the excess. Heat the sunflower oil in one very large or 2 slightly smaller frying pans over a moderate heat. Add the fish and fry for 21/2 minutes without moving them until nicely golden. Carefully turn the fish over and cook for another 21/2 minutes, until golden brown on the second side and cooked through. Lift the fish onto warmed plates.

Discard the frying oil (from one of the pans if using two) and wipe the pan clean. Add the butter for the beurre noisette and allow it to melt over a moderate heat. As soon as the butter starts to smell nutty and turns light brown, add the lemon juice, parsley and some seasoning. Pour some of the butter over each fish and serve.

Fried trout stuffed with sliced ceps, garlic and diced bacon

4 trout, each weighing about 300g 40g butter60g rindless streaky bacon, chopped175g fresh ceps, trimmed and cut into 4-mm-thick slices2 garlic cloves, finely chopped1 tablespoon roughly chopped parsley25g plain flour2 tablespoons sunflower oilSalt and freshly ground black pepper

FOR THE BEURRE NOISETTE:75g unsalted butter2 teaspoons lemon juice1 heaped tablespoon chopped parsley

SERVES 4


Taking The GrandchildrenOut In The Car?

Type of Child Restraint Weight Range Approx Age Range

Rear facing baby seat For children up to 13kgs approx birth (Not to be used where passenger air bag is fitted). 9-12 months

Forward-facing baby seat For children 9-18kgs 9 months - 4 years

Booster Seats For children 15kgs and up approx 4 - 6 years

Booster Cushions For children over 22kgs approx 6+ years

Adult Seat Belt For children 135cm tall or 12 years (whichever is reached first).

With lighter nights, warmer weather and school holidays here it is a great time to get out and about, and include the grandchildren in your trips. Here are some tips to keep them safe and happy.

Children are still killed in car accidents because they are not properly restrained. You can best protect them by putting them in a properly fitted child car seat which is appropriate for their weight and size.

As an older driver you are considerably more experienced and are likely to be more tolerant and confident. However we are all only too aware that as we get older we are unable to do as much as we used to, that doesn’t necessarily mean that we cannot continue to drive safely. Driving is more complex and demanding than it used to be.

Here are some helpful reminders to assist you to remain a safer driver:

● Have your eyesight checked regularly● Medication - Always read the instructions carefully and ask your GP or pharmacist of any side effects that could effect your ability● Refresh your skills● Avoid stress – plan ahead.

Carrying Children SafelyTo be effective, child restraints must be fitted and used correctly. Surveys have consistently shown that a high proportion of child restraints are incorrectly fitted, usually for one or more of the following reasons:

● Seat belt too loose● Seat belt not routed through child seat correctly● Buckle crunch (buckle resting against part of the child seat’s frame, which means that in a crash it might break or snap open)● Handle on baby seat not positioned properly● Child seat not compatible with car● Child seat old and in bad condition● Child too large or too small for the seat they are using.

CHECK YOU HAVE THE CORRECT RESTRAINT IN YOUR CAR FOR YOUR GRANDCHILD AND THAT IT IS FITTED PROPERLY.

It is not safe to hold a child on your lap because in a crash, even if you are using a seat belt you would not be able to hold onto them, no matter how hard you try.

IF in extreme circumstances you have to travel with a small child on your lap, sit in the back of the car behind either the driver or passenger seat and put the seat belt round yourself and hold the child on your lap because it is also dangerous to put a seat belt around yourself and a child (or around two children).

The safest way for children to travel in cars is in a child seat that is suitable for their weight and size.

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Remember your grandchildren are precious so:Care for them; Care for where they play; Protect them; Use reins; Hold their hands;Protect them in the car;Set a good example

For further information, advice and guidance on all Road Safety related matters, please contact

your Local Authority Road Safety section.


RhossiliVisitors to the area should head straight for Rhossili, which has been described on numerous occasions as one of the best beaches in the UK, and even the world! Rhossili is located at the most Western part of the Gower Peninsula. The most photographed part of Gower, The Worms Head, stretches out to sea and becomes an island when the tide comes in. History buffs can investigate the wreck of the Helvetica, which ran aground in 1887. For the best panoramic views, walkers should head for the top of the Downs where they will be able to see for miles in each direction.The breathtaking view is completed by the long sandy beach and the towering cliffs and this makes it a popular destination throughout the year with surfers, paragliders and ramblers. However, Rhossili still manages to maintain its tranquillity and unspoilt beauty.

Back To NatureFor those wanting to get back to nature, there are a number of companies that can get you on the right track. Dryad Bushcraft offers a range of courses in the art of bushcraft (learning to live in a wilderness environment). Courses include Wilderness Gourmet,

Prehistoric Gower, Introduction to Bushcraft and Family Bushcraft. www.dryadbushcraft.co.uk

Village LifeAmongst the Gower’s many other charms are its tiny fishing villages, from Llangennith to Horton. Perhaps the most well-known is The Mumbles, a delightful Victorian village with lovely views over Swansea Bay, boasting little boutique shops and a plethora of pubs and restaurants. Up on a hill overlooking the town is Oystermouth Castle, a picturesque and atmospheric 12th century castle that used to be the chief residence of the Lords of Gower and merges perfectly with the dramatic landscape. In fact, the area is so picturesque that Catherine Zeta Jones chose to build a house there not so long ago.

Bright LightsNearby Swansea offers a vibrant nightlife, with the Wind Street area turning from a modern café quarter during the day to a party zone at night. The city is also home to Wales’s must see largest indoor market which is a huge and buzzing expanse selling cockles, lava bread and fresh Welsh cakes. Swansea city is also the birthplace of poet Dylan Thomas, (for information about his house then visit www.5cwmdonkindrive.com).

WELSH WONDERSThe GowerIn 1956 The Gower (a peninsula in south Wales jutting from the coast into the Bristol Channel) was named the very first ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ in the UK by the Countryside Agency and it’s not hard to see why.

Its rugged coastline boasts some of the cleanest water in Europe and with the Gulf Stream keeping the water warm the Gower is a tempting place to take a dip. The

spectacular landscape also makes the Gower perfect for rambling walks, country cycling or even horse riding along the golden sands. Despite all this, the Gower has remained one of Wales’ best-kept secrets and is all the better for it.

GORGEOUS GOWER



Eating and DrinkingThe Gower is spoilt for choice for quality when it comes to eating out locally but the Gower itself is limited to the number of establishments that it could viably sustain; however, Swansea certainly offers everything that you could hope for and all within driving distance.

SleepingThe rugged nature of the landscape is offset by The Gower’s many attractive places to stay ranging from one or two rooms in a family home to self-contained en-suite rooms with dining and sitting room facilities reserved especially for guests.

The Gower may only be 70 square miles but it seems vast. With its huge deserted beaches, isolated landscapes and tiny, pretty villages, the peninsula will envelop you – and you won’t want it to let go.

SnowdoniaLakes, castles and waterfalls create a surreal experience which could be right out of Lord of the Rings as you enter Snowdonia National Park. Located in north-western Wales, the national park was established in 1951, which made it the first national park in Wales - it covers 840 square miles! www.snowdonia.org.uk

Local signs are often both English and Welsh and many aspects of traditional Welsh life, including food, clothing, and crafts are still to be found. The region is very popular for hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, amongst other outdoor pursuits. It also features the magnificent Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 m (3,560 ft).

Talyllyn RailwayThe Talyllyn Railway is one of The Great Little Trains of Wales, a group of Welsh narrow gauge railways which offers bargain travel through its Discount Card scheme.The Talyllyn operates over 7 miles of 2ft 3in gauge track along the Fathew Valley from Tywyn Wharf near the coast of Cardigan Bay, to Nant Gwernol, three miles from the lake which gives the railway its name. Much of the route is within the Snowdonia National Park, and leaflets are available detailing scenic walks from many of the stations.

The line opened in 1865 and still uses two of the original locomotives and coaching stock, in fact three of the locomotives are over a century old! The Victorian train runs on Saturdays and offers the unique experience of travelling in the original coaches behind a Victorian locomotive. The line was the first

narrow gauge railway designed for use with steam locomotives. It was built to serve the slate industry but also carried passengers almost from the outset. The quarry closed in 1946, but the railway’s owner pledged to keep the line open for as long as he lived. He died in 1950, but the line was saved from closure by a group of enthusiasts who formed a preservation society (the world’s first) dedicated to safeguarding its future.

Riding The FootplateWhilst on the Talyllyn Railway and if you are very lucky, you can ride part of the way on the locomotive footplate - a sensational experience! Not wanting to disappoint, the Railway also offers members of the public the opportunity to drive one of its historic steam locomotives. For information see either:www.talyllyn.co.uk or www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk

Picture PerfectThe picturesque town of Barmouth rests just within the south west corner of Snowdonia National Park. Barmouth’s location lying between a mountain range and the sea on the mouth of the river Mawddach is arguably one of the most beautiful locations in Wales. The old town is well worth a visit with its steep steps and slate-roofed cottages set on the side of a mountain. The harbour is beautiful and you can walk across the spectacular Barmouth Bridge spanning the river which can be an ideal spot for an evening stroll.The beach is large and perfect for sunbathing; surfers can often be seen here depending on the swells and time of year. It also has a large range of shops, pubs, hotels and other accommodations including caravan parks. A funfair and amusement arcades are open from March to October.

BEAUTIFUL BARMOUTH

T R A V E L

Eating and DrinkingThe foodie scene in this area has come a long way in the last 20 years or so. The Snowdonia mountains and coast are bursting with quality local produce, from Welsh lamb and black beef to farmhouse cheeses and Dyfi salmon, not to mention the sensational seafood from the rich waters of Cardigan Bay. This freshly sourced and home-grown produce has helped transform bistros and fine dining restaurants, cafésand country inns throughout the region.

DON’T LEAVE WALES WITHOUT ...Hanging Ten On The Gower!The Gower lends itself to a large range of water sports, such as surfing, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. Most of the beaches do NOT have a lifeguard, so don’t forget to stay safe and check the tides. Surfing is very popular in this area so whether you’re a novice or more advanced, try ‘hanging ten’ on the Gower - Hanging Ten is a difficult surfing maneuver when the surfer walks to the front of the board and

GETTING AROUND...

By RailAs previously mentioned, there are a large number of local steam railways, rescued by railway enthusiasts during the Beeching era, known collectively as The Great Little Trains of Wales. Passport tickets are available, giving access to all the railways for the whole season (email addresses supplied above).

By RoadMany of the smaller roads are slow, and in upland areas may become impassable during bad weather. The latest traffic information is available from Traffic Wales www.traffic-wales.com

ClimateWales has a temperate climate, which means, like the rest of the UK, it never really gets very hot and never gets really cold. The best times to visit is during the summer months. May, June, July and August are generally the sunniest and driest months. During the winter it can rain frequently, but temperatures rarely drop below zero. They’re normally between five and seven degrees. A raincoat and a thick jumper will usually cope with the worst that the Welsh weather has to offer!

SleepingSnowdonia has a wide-range of hotels, B&B’s - traditional or fashionable boutique, country houses or even campsites to satisfy even the most discriminating visitor, whether you choose to stay in Llanberis, Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert, Abersoch, Harlech, or any of the other pretty towns and villages.

hangs all ten toes over the nose of the board – easier said than done! For people fortunate enough to have their own equipment popular surfing spots include: Sumpters near Overton, Boilers Reef near Port Eynon or Pete’s Reef not far from Pilton, but for those who don’t or would like a ‘taster’ session, there are a number of companies who can hire boards and wetsuits, or provide you with more information

Try these websites: www.samssurfshack.com or gowersurfing.com

WHY NOT TRY SOME SURFING?


LOOKINGGOOD ANDFEELING FINEBy Silvie Adams, director of Spire Washington Hospital

Looking older than you feel is common to many people and it’s certainly one of the most regular anecdotes that the team at Spire Washington Hospital hear from cosmetic patients - ‘the face I saw in the mirror just wasn’t me!’

There’s nothing wrong with growing old gracefully but who’s to argue with those who would like a little help along the way - and there is actually a lot of help available for those that know where to look.

A significant proportion of enquires to the cosmetic surgery department are from the over 50s keen to

investigate what could work for them and the team is always happy to offer free mini consultations. Let’s face it, no matter what it is for, no surgery should be taken lightly so we welcome questions and the opportunity to discuss the potential risks.

Here one of our leading cosmetic consultants, Mr Erdmann, looks at the most frequent questions posed about anti-ageing treatments and talks through the most popular options.

‘Many people are concerned with making the most of their appearance so it’s no surprise that interest in cosmetic surgery continues to rise, particularly among the more affluent older generation. It’s a fact of life that there comes a point in the ageing process when there is only so much you can do and this is when a specialist opinion can be useful to guide people around the type of procedures available.

‘Where facelifts are concerned, we see a lot of patients with increased shadowing on either side of their cheeks because gravity has pulled the mid part of the face downwards - something known as “mid-faced droop”.’

‘When patients first call the hospital we encourage them to come in for an appointment - this allows us to go through everything and look very closely at the requirements. How an individual feels about their appearance is a very subjective thing and we have to appreciate that each person is their own guide in terms of the ageing process. Often patients have an idea of what they want to have done which is fine but it is good to have a wider discussion as sometimes we can suggest alternatives that are less invasive.

‘The appointment is useful for talking through details like the risks, recovery time, pain relief and the length of time you can expect bruising (the latter is always around ten days), as it gives each person a clear picture of what to expect. Sometimes we don’t even get that far - certain groups are unfortunately not good candidates for surgery, for example heavy smokers and those with certain medical conditions such as a thyroid disorder. It can be disappointing to be turned away but the risks involved would be too great.

‘Of the people we see, around 90% are women but there are growing numbers of men attending clinic.


Of the procedures carried out, facelifts and eyelid reductions are the most frequently performed and result in a much more youthful and alert appearance for a number of years to come. A facelift generally requires two or three nights in hospital, whereas an eyelift may require an overnight stay but can be performed as a day case.

‘Those requesting eye surgery usually have large bags under their eyes or heavy lids - people often say their eyes don’t look open in pictures because of hooding. Where facelifts are concerned, we see a lot of patients with increased shadowing on either side of their cheeks because gravity has pulled the mid part of the face downwards - something known as “mid-faced droop”. Some may have developed jowls underneath their chin and want their jaw line back.

‘We do brow lifts and anti-wrinkle treatments by injection but these tend to be more common among a younger demographic. Those over 50 recognise that the results will be longer-lasting and more impactful with the treatments outlined above or with a chemical peel, which can be done as a day treatment under general anaesthetic. Neck surgery is a very effective way of getting rid of the crepey skin that can be a real giveaway to someone’s age. It really does depend on what the issue in hand is - basically we are here to advise on what is best for each person.

‘How an individual feels about their appearance is a very subjective thing and we have to appreciate that each person is their own guide in terms of the ageing process.’

‘Cosmetic surgery can provide wonderful results and here at Spire Washington Hospital you can book in very quickly but we are always at pains to reinforce the message that this is not a trivial decision to make. It is extremely important for patients to research both their surgeon and proposed hospital very carefully before taking the plunge.’

Mr Erdmann’s advice is excellent - and he is right that patients need to carefully select their surgeon and hospital. We always suggest:

● Checking that your surgeon is on the specialist register of the General Medical Council (GMC) and is therefore appropriately qualified to carry out the type

of surgery you want undertaken. This can be done very easily by visiting the GMC website,www.gmc-uk.org.

● Checking whether the surgeon is a member of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) and / or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).

● Ensuring you have a ‘cooling off’ period before a date is given for your surgery. Ideally you should be given the opportunity of another consultation before any surgery goes ahead (and the option of a second opinion if you think you need one).

● Obtaining written quotations and terms and conditions - check these include any costs that could be incurred from the management of any complications from surgery, or the costs involved in managing any revisional surgery. This is where many people get caught out due to a lack of transparency.

● Having written information about the proposed procedure, as well as information on pre-operative preparation and post-operative care. Don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon for the number of times he or she has done a particular procedure or their complication / revisional surgery rate, which can be useful information in the decision-making process.

Finally, make sure that the hospital you choose is registered with the Care Quality Commission and you have seen their hospital infection rates and patient satisfaction rates.

Here at Spire Washington Hospital we are proud of our exceptionally low surgical infection rate and have one of the highest patient satisfaction rates across the Spire Hospital Group in the UK.

If you would like more information, please just call 0191 418 8627 or visitwww.spirewashington.com


Richard says he feels “humble” to have access to this modern technology and is concerned that hundreds of people are denied insulin sensors and pumps and strongly believes that they should be available for all people if they are suitable.

Richard is very conscious that insulin keeps him alive and without it he wouldn’t be able to live the active life that he does: “Insulin is a wonderful thing and those of us who use it must respect it. We have to be aware of how to use it and how things could go wrong if we don’t treat our condition properly.”

In addition to self-managing diabetes, it is important that people with the condition are provided with the right care from their healthcare professionals. Diabetes UK has launched the 15 healthcare essentials initiative to identify the 15 care checks which all people with diabetes should have access to.

For more information, visit their website: www.diabetes.org.uk

Read Richard Lane’s blog to see who he’s been sharing his experiences with across the world recently: http://blogs.diabetes.org.uk/?cat=241

23 January 2012 marked the 90th anniversary of the first successful use of insulin, arguably one of the greatest medical advances of the twentieth century. Since then, millions of people worldwide have used insulin, usually in the form of injections, to regulate their blood glucose levels and stay alive.

Not long after the first insulin treatment began on a 14-year-old boy, in 1934 novelist HG Wells and his practitioner Dr RD Lawrence, both of whom had diabetes, set up the Diabetic Association aiming to make sure that everyone in the UK could gain access to insulin. This charity later became Diabetes UK.

Today Diabetes UK is the leading charity for over 3.7 million people in the UK with diabetes – 2.9 million diagnosed and an estimated 850,000 who have diabetes but do not know it - their families, friends and healthcare professionals. The charity cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of all people affected by and at risk of diabetes.

Richard Lane 68, President of Diabetes UK, has been taking insulin for more than 35 years and has seen the technology in administering insulin advance in leaps and bounds: “I used to use glass syringes which would have to be boiled and their needles sharpened. A lot has changed since then and I now use a state-of-the-art insulin pump and sensor. It provides me with a remarkable amount of information about my blood glucose levels, which is transmitted wirelessly from a sensor to the actual pump which feeds me insulin. Data can be downloaded onto a computer and a detailed profile of my condition is put together. This life-changing technology means I can now keep a closer eye on my diabetes and manage it well.”

90 years of Insulin

“Insulin is a wonderful thing and those who use it must respect it”

Do you live with:

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It's free to join. Visit www.leadopinion.com and start helping today.

SWINDON ISSUE 18.indd 48 27/03/2012 14:30

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk26

You may have heard the latest news that greyhounds make great pets, but what is all the fuss about? Can the fastest dog breed alive fit in with the lifestyle of Britain’s families? We’ve answered a few of the most common questions from those thinking about adopting a retired greyhound.

Q. Are greyhounds highly strung?A. No. They are naturally calm and rather self-possessed. As a breed they have been around for a very long time and they are genuine thoroughbreds.

Q. Are greyhounds good with children? A. They are as good as any dog and better than most, because of their characteristic gentleness. Most greyhounds never get their fill of fuss and are happy to be hugged and loved by children.

Q. Are there character differences between males and females?A. The differences between greyhound genders tends to be less pronounced than in many other breeds. Spaying or castrating can normally relieve most behavioural problems and is recommended.

Q. How much exercise do they need?A. Surprisingly, they need very little. Twenty minutes, twice a day is usually more than enough. While greyhounds are sprinters, they use up their energy in short bursts so short, slower walks are preferred.

Q. Will I need a special bed for the dog?A. No. An old quilt folded in two is perfect. But they are used to sleeping off the ground and will need no encouragement to take over your bed as well as your settee. They do like to stretch out and get into all sorts of unique sleeping positions.

Q. How do greyhounds get on with other dogs?A. They are normally ok. There will be an initial wariness, but familiarity and common sense is the order of the day.

Q. I have a cat, so can I have a greyhound?A. Just like any breed of dogs, some greyhounds get along great with small animals and cats. When enquiring about a greyhound, make sure you mention that your house has a cat, so you can be matched up with the ideal greyhound.

Q. Are greyhounds easy to train and do they come back when you call?A. Yes, but it needs patience and understanding. Like any dog, a greyhound loves to please and tasty rewards are highly appreciated after the racing regime.

The Word is Out:Greyhounds make great pets

Find Your Perfect PetThe Retired Greyhound Trust has just made is easier to

search their 72 branch network for your closestgreyhound contact. Simply visit

www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/Branch-Locations/to use the interactive mapping service.

Do you want to find out more? Visit www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk.


OUT & ABOUT

Enjoy the lifestyle you’ve worked for...

With 20 superb rural and coastal locations to choose from Tingdene Park home living is all about quality of life with a traditional village feel.

For more information call 0845 337 0328 or visit www.tingdene-parks.net

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How healthy isyour shopping basket? Are you aged 50+ and live in or around Chester-Le-Street? Age UK County Durham are keen to hear from people from Grange Villa and Sacriston to Great Lumley and Urpeth about out how healthy your shopping basket is and how far you have to go to fill it? Do you like to cook and eat at home or do you prefer to eat out? What could be done to improve your opportunity to have a healthier diet?

Age UK County Durham would really like to hear your views. Please contact Clare or Danielle on 0191 383 9750.

THE LOCAL MAGAZINEFOR THE OVER 50s

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Subscription FormTo receive the next two issues of 50 Plus Magazine hot off the press, either for yourself or to treat a friend, please fill in the form below and post with a cheque for £3.40 made payable to

McGrath Regional Media: Unit 6, Moses Gate Workshops, Gladys Street, Bolton BL3 2QG.

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For the Grand ChildrenJunior Summer Reading Challenge - Story LabChilton Library Durham Road Chilton FerryhillCo. Durham DL17 0EX 01388 720251

23.07.2012 to 11.09.2012Daily 10.00am to 7.00pm

To complete this reading challenge, children must read six books over the summer and collect the stickers. Once all three stages have been completed the children will be awarded a medal.

Junior Craft Session - Olympic FlagsChilton Library Durham Road Chilton Ferryhill Co. Durham DL17 0EX 01388 720251

16.08.2012Time: 10.30am to 11.30amPrice: 50p per child which is non-refundable

Come along to the library and make your own flag for an olympic display. Choose from a known country or design your very own flag. Please contact the library as places are limited. This session is not suitable for under five’s.


Be sure not to miss the UK’s biggest cruise showcase - perfect for those new to cruising and needing help to plan their first voyage, or seasoned cruisers looking for inspiration for their next holiday at sea. This is the only place where you will find all the major and specialist cruise lines under one roof, hear directly from the cruise experts about what’s new for 2013 and save thousands of pounds with the exclusive show only offers! We are giving 5 lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show!Just answer this simple question below: Where is the Birmingham Telegraph CRUISE Show taking place?● ExCel ● NEC ● The local village hall READER’S TICKET OFFER:We are also offering 50 plus magazine readers reduced price advance tickets to the show! Get your tickets for only £5 (that’s saving £5 off the door price!!) by quoting ‘50PLUS’ when booking tickets online at www.cruisingshow.com or when calling 0871 620 4024. (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).

WIN Tickets to The Telegraph CRUISE Show! SECC, Glasgow: 6-7 October 2012NEC, Birmingham: 20-21 October 2012The UK’s biggest event for discovering a world of voyages

Win TicketsFor a chance to win a pair of tickets to The Telegraph Cruise Show at either Birmingham or Glasgow simply answer the question above and send slip to:McGrath Regional Media: Unit 6, Moses Gate Workshops, Gladys Street, Bolton BL3 2QG.

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Closing date for entries 24.9.12 and winners will be notified by telephone or email.

Charlie the Magician - Story Lab Magic ShowChilton Library Durham Road Chilton FerryhillCo. Durham DL17 0EX 01388 720251

23.08.2012Time: 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Price: 50p per child which is non-refundable

Charlie the Magician is back at Chilton Library. To avoid disappointment please contact the library as places are limited and booking is essential. This session is not suitable for under five’s.

Summer Holiday family fun with the Learning team!Until 30th Aug 2012FREE Art & Craft activities for all the Family.All sessions are drop in! Thurs 16th Aug, 1pm to 3.30pm – Hartlepool Art Gallery

Create your own Olympic medalsTues 21st Aug, 1pm to 3.30pm – Museum of Hartlepool

Teddy bear earsWed 22nd Aug, 10.30am to 11.30am – Museum of Hartlepool

Teddy bear welly pegs for the under 5sThurs 23rd Aug, 1pm to 3.30pm – Hartlepool Art Gallery

Olympic swimming pools Tues 28th Aug, 1pm to 3.30pm – Museum of Hartlepool

Teddy bear theatres and finger puppetsWed 29th Aug, 10.30am to 11.30am – Hartlepool Art Gallery

Story and craft for the under 5sThurs 30th Aug, 1pm to 3.30pm – Hartlepool Art Gallery

Groups and Childminders:Organised groups and childminders welcome to book for free half hour sessions between 10am and 12pm.

Important visitor information for all family workshops:During drop in sessions there may be a wait for activities if the sessions are busy. Children must be accompanied by an adult during workshops.

All information correct at time of going to press, however we reserve the right to change workshop times and content.

Museum of Hartlepool, Maritime Avenue, Hartlepool. TS24 0XZ Tel. (01429) 860077

Hartlepool Art Gallery, Church Square, Hartlepool. TS24 7EQ. Tel. (01429) 869706

Stockton Summer ShowThe Stockton Summer Show attracts visitors from across the north-east with the brilliant range of displays, exhibitions and fun for all the family.The event is held on Sunday, 26 and Monday, 27 August from 11am to 5pm at Preston Park Museum & Grounds.

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Why make a Will?Making a Will is the only way to ensure that your assets go to your family and loved ones in the way that you would like, in the event of your death. If you have not made a Will the law decides how your estate is distributed and in some cases it may even go to the Crown.

It is estimated that in the UK alone, 7 out of 10 adults have not made a Will, yet they can be very simple and straightforward to make.We appreciate that the thought of going to see a professional to discuss making a Will can be a daunting prospect, which is why our team of professional Will writers come and visit you at your home. We are very experienced in all matters surrounding making a Will, trusts, estate and inheritance planning. Our consultants take the time to understand your needs and wishes and explain the Will writing process to you thoroughly, every step of the way. Our attention to detail and service with a personal touch ensures that the Will you ultimately make accurately reflects your wishes.

There are many good reasons why almost all adults in the UK should make a Will and we cover the most common ones within our website. Protect your home and assets from care costs

Most of us work very hard over the years to buy our own homes and build up our savings for our retirement and would like to leave a “little something” for our children and grandchildren after we are gone. Unfortunately, the costs involved in moving into a Care

Home can literally wipe out your entire savings and your home may have to be sold to pay for care fees. This could mean that your loved ones could receive very little, or even nothing at all of what you originally intended them to have.

When someone enters care they are automatically “means tested” and ALL of your assets, including your home are taken into account. Only those who have very few assets will escape the costs of care. So what can be done?

Firstly, it is important to safeguard your home and the first step is to look at the way you currently own your home.

The majority of people own their homes jointly which means that on first death, the survivor would then own 100% of the full property value and this is when your home becomes vulnerable to attack from Care.

By simply changing the way you own your home to what is known as Tenants In Common, combined with the appropriate Trust planning, will effectively ensure that your property is fully protected should either of you enter care.

Making a Will brings security, reassurance and peace of mind, not just to you but those who depend on you.

We are open:8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Thursday8.30am - 4.30pm Friday

An out of hours EMERGENCY serviceis also available on this number

Telephone: 0845 8 50 50 10Textphone: 01429 884124Text message: 07786 027280E-mail: [email protected]

Call us for information, advice and guidanceabout adult social care services in County Durham

0845 8 50 50 10Social Care Direct

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