Retired & Living in Birmingham magazine issue 30

& living in Birmingham, Black Country & Solihull

INSIDEHOMECHANGING ROOMSSIMPLE TIPS TO TRANSFORM ANY ROOM£10 MARKS & SPENCER VOUCHERFROM CHURCHILL RETIREMENT LIVING

TRAVELMADRIDCHARMING, CULTURAL & THRILLING

HOME TO HOTEL PICK UP SERVICEFROM ROBINSONS HOLIDAYSPLUS MONEY OFF VOUCHER

HEALTHHEART MATTERSA FREE SERVICE TO HELP YOU LIVE WITH A HEALTHY HEART

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 55s WWW.RETIREDMAGAZINES.CO.UK

FREEPlease take one

ED

ITIO

N 3

0RetiredLYNDABELLINGHAMWHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET WITH THIS CALENDAR GIRL

RICK STEINSHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011

2 RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011

“The whole idea of moving is a daunting thought at any age,” Mary Allen says. She and her husband Derek, who is 86, have lived in a Churchill Retirement Living apartment since June 2010 and they are extremely happy. However, when they first thought about downsizing from their four bedroom detached house, one of the aspects that didn’t appeal was the upheaval of the move. “My husband wasn’t keen on moving at all.” Mary recalls. “However, we went to have a look and he just fell in love with the feel of the development– Safe, Secure, private, and a communal garden where he could see himself sunbathing.”

Sales Consultant Jill Smith explains how straight forward moving could be with Churchill’s Selling Made Easy Scheme. She says, “Churchill is unique in that customers can reserve the apartment they want while we help to sell their old home.” Basically Churchill Retirement Living obtain valuations from three estate agents, agrees a selling price with

the vendors, and then arranges all the viewings and the chasing-up down the chain, making it as hassle free as possible for our Customers. Churchill also pays £2000 towards the agent’s fees. The Allens were astounded at how well Selling Made Easy worked for them. “The amazing thing was, we put the house on the market on Tuesday and we had a firm offer by Saturday,” says Mary. “We went from thinking about moving to actually moving in a couple of months. It was

marvellous!”

As part of the Selling Made Easy package, the Allens also used a Churchill-approved solicitor to deal with their conveyancing, to which Churchill contributed £500. “That’s another stage you have to deal with,” says Mary, “the solicitor Churchill appointed was marvellous and really helpful.” Now they

Churchill Retirement LivingMr and Mrs Allen were amazed at how fast they could move,

thanks to Churchill’s Selling Made Easy Scheme

are safely settled in their brand new apartment, and agree that it’s one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. Derek feels it’s like being on holiday all the time, and Mary says, “It’s such a nice place, and very spacious, we’ve not regretted it for one moment!.”

Mary is extremely positive about the Churchill Retirement Living lifestyle. “It’s hard to put into words, it’s wonderful not having to worry about anything. We absolutely love it.”

Most Churchill Retirement Living developments, offer one and two bedroom self-contained apartments set in managed landscaped grounds, with the services of a Lodge Manager and a 24-hour Careline facility. There is an Owners’ Lounge, guest suite and laundry room in all developments with the exception of The Spires in Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield whereby this is an exclusive development of just 15 large two bedroom apartments with fitted washer dryers. All Lodge’s are conveniently close to shops, services and public transport.

Show Complexes at all developments in the Midlands are open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. For more information on Churchill Retirement Living and the Selling made Easy

Scheme, please call 0800 458 1852 or visit www.churchillretirement.co.uk

RETIREMENT APARTMENTS FOR SALE

churchillretirement.co.uk

Proud to be managed by…

For a FREE colour brochure call today

0800 458 1852

Currently selling at:

Tudor Lodge, Warwick Road, Solihull Last 2 remaining

New Hall Lodge, Reddicapp Heath Road, Sutton Coldfi eld

Spicer Lodge, Enville Street, Stourbridge

The Spires, Church Road, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfi eld

St Francis Lodge, Cornyx Lane, Solihull

Lodge Manager Lift 24hr support & help Video entry

Guest Suite Owners’ Lounge Landscaped Gardens Parking

Development Features

Make the most of Summer!Sit back and relax with Churchill Retirement Living’s Selling Made Easy Scheme, and let us remove all the stress of moving house. To find out how we can help you, visit us at one of the Show Complexes listed below before 5th August 2011 and we’ll treat you to a £10 Marks & Spencer Voucher*. We want you to experience the best in Retirement Living, so arrange your visit today.

* Only one voucher can be claimed per party / Customer throughout this promotion. To qualify forthe offer, you must take a tour of the Show Complex at The Spires with our Sales Consultantbefore 05/08/2011. As this is a retirement development those qualifying for the visitor incentiveof a £10 Marks and Spencer voucher must be aged 60 years or over.


20-21

8-9

42-44

19-20

Dear Reader

Welcome to the latest local Retired magazine which we hope you will sit back and enjoy at your leisure. Our journalists Angela Kelly, Graham Smith and Sheila Alcock are continuing to keep you well informed with their celebrity interviews and up to date household tips.

We know you will also be left with a smile on your face after reading Graham’s observations on life!

If you know of an event which would benefit from free publicity please feel free to let us know and we can consider including it in our next issue.

Welcome toRetired Magazine

TRAVEL & LEISURE8-9 Madrid Charming, cultural & thrilling.

10-11 Affordable peace of mind ... Holidays Plus money off voucher from Robinsons.

REGULARS7 Graham Smith Twittering on.

20-21 Interview Lynda Bellingham talks to Retired.

HOME28 Changing Rooms Simple Tips to Transform any Room.

32 From Replacement Doors to complete Kitchens From Dream Doors

FOOD & DRINK42-44 Rick Stein's Coast to Coast Recipes

McGrath Media.Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG.T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594e: [email protected]

Live with a healthy heart We all know that we should enjoy healthy eating, be more active and avoid tobacco if we want to live with a healthy heart.

Try these top tips and live a heart healthy lifestyle:

l Cut down on saturated fat by using semi- skimmed or skimmed milk rather than full fat.

l For healthier fats, try cooking with olive, sunflower, corn or rapeseed oil instead of butter or ghee. But remember to use it sparingly!

l Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on five days or more a week.

l Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day; in curries, salad or as a snack.

If you’d like some help sticking to a heart healthy lifestyle why not join Heart Matters? This FREE service from the British Heart Foundation offers a package of support and information for people with a heart condition or who are simply looking to improve their heart health.

You will receive a welcome pack including a quick guide to heart health, a ‘heart risk’ tape measure and a 5 a day food diary when you register. You can then choose to sign up for further supportive materials, including free copies of heart health, their free lifestyle magazine. You’ll also have access to a helpline staffed by friendly heart health advisers and cardiac nurses.

Sign up to receive access to this free service Visit: www.bhf.org.uk/retiredheartsOr call: 0300 330 3300(Local rate. Lines open

5RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011

For Sales Enquiries Call: 01789 293438

Our Residential Park have the attraction of beingperfect for those wanting a quiet and idyllic lifestyle.

email: [email protected] www.stratfordcaravans.co.ukFamily owned and run parks, for that personal touch.

Rural residential park homes for theretired or semi-retired in the heartof the Midlands.

Redlands Residential Park,Lighthorne, Warwick CV35 0AQ.

St.Mary’s Residential Park,Chapel Lane, Wythall B47 6JU

Heathcote Residential Park,Heathcote, Warwick CV34 6SE.

THE NEWDEVELOPMENT

at

REDLANDS PARKHas Started!

PRESTIGE SPECIALEDITION 2011

40ft x 12ft

£110,000

NEW & USEDHOMES AVAILABLE

Prices starting from only

£110,000

All Plots Have Amazing Views!

This residential park home must be seen!

Looks out over stunning rural views!The Prestige Special Edition is a unique home.From the moment you enter the front door youwill appreciate the colours and stylish touches.This home offers excellent value for moneywith the most amazing rural views bringing

the countryside right into your home.

Our Designers have paid particular attention to creatingstorage space by incorporating ample cupboards.

OMAR OULTONEXCEL 201144ft x 20ft X 2 BED

£165,000

The Oulton Excel is in a class of its own. With it'sexceptional Omar build quality and interior design.

Two large bay windows to the lounge add depth to therooms to create extra space to an already spacious home,

and allow the wonderful views to be enjoyed.

The stylish designed kitchen is fitted with every majorappliance as standard with a breakfast bar leading through

to the spacious dining area. The rear door leads into aspacious utility room with space for washing machine,tumble dryer and plenty of room to clean off the dog!

Two spacious double bedrooms with an en-suite and luxuryshower further enhances this highly individual home.

Image for illustrationpurposes only

Image for illustrationpurposes only

New Development Plots available for you to plan and design your own home.Choose your own room layouts, light fittings, wallpaper schemes, bathroom fittings and much more.

Peaceful Park Home LivingRedlands Park, St. Mary’s Park & Heathcote Park

A4 Retired Magazine Adverts_AW:Layout 1 15/6/11 22:45 Page 2


When I was young I kept a diary, now I’m told I have to Twitter and tweet.

I’ve cracked Facebook, where two third of the world puts its life in the public domain, so I thought I’d have a Twitter. Why not? Stephen Fry is a mega hero on there, politicians do it, celebrities do it, footballers do it, often while on the pitch, and world shattering news, once the province of the BBC is regularly posted on there….if you can read it.

You see you have to get your message across in 140 letters. That’s 140 characters, not three pads of your granny’s best notepaper and a fi rst class stamp, and it’s not easy. I’ve barely begun to impart my pearls of wisdom to the world when I’ve run out of space so I invariably leave a half fi nished tweet or delete the whole thing in disgust. Daft isn’t it? I’ve just written about 1,000 characters and barely begun this piece and a tweet is a tenth of that!

When you tweet you attract followers. I have 19 including a newspaper group in Utah, Texas. I have no idea why Utah Newspapers wants to follow my tweets and I have no intention of following theirs. A large, muscular looking lady from Holland started following me but her tweets were in Dutch so I daren’t follow her in case I’m arrested for something unspeakable.

If I’m honest I don’t really get it. I’m a closet tweeter, can I say that? If something in the news gets up my nose, and it invariably does, I’ll tweet and put a link on to the offending piece. That’s fun, but why do I want to read the tweets of John from Halifax who twitters on about everything including what his wife has put in that day’s sandwiches which he’s eating on the train travelling to London?

Actor and comedian Stephen Fry is a Twitter celebrity. He has more followers than the lead pigeon on Nelson’s column and tweets incessantly. Riots were threatened when he said he was leaving the site, but who are all these followers?

I’m perplexed in the morning when I see Rhondda from the Valleys peeking at me before I’ve had my second coffee. Maeser Morgan the washing machine repair man could be very useful but it will be a heck of a call out charge from Washington, and

how Mary Beth Bass, romantic author, Keats idolater, butter vegetarian, wife and mother came my way I don’t know, but she twitters incessantly. I’m also very worried about Erskine Howcroft, whose symbol is a large white egg and has yet to utter a tweet. Does this mean he/she has not hatched yet?

I recall those minute diaries which you got at Christmas with a pencil stuck down the spine. I used to set off with good intentions of chronicling my life on a daily basis to leave for posterity, but invariably the pencil had broken by January 5th and you’d lost interest anyway. How times have changed. I’ve just written the equivalent of 16.26 tweets. I need to go to my blog.

It’s enough to give you a phobia

In this mad politically correct world of ours there are many phobias but pogonophobia was a new one to me.

Fear of pogo sticks I thought, but no I was educated by a former seafaring man with whom I worked recently. He has a full beard which is long enough to keep his knees warm in winter and he told me the story of how he lost his job as a trawler coxon because his boss had a bad case of pogonophobia.

I questioned him and he explained how he had been summoned to the offi ce and ordered to shave and eventually sacked because he refused.

Apparently the boss had a bad case of pogonophobia…..fear of beards!

Do you have a language issue?

What is BBC radio doing to the English language?

Why are half the travel and news presenters now over enunciating and simpering as though they have blocked adenoids?

The buzz words getting up my nose at the moment are “issues”, “awesome”, “iconic” and my most hated, “absolutely”, but it’s the pronunciation which is worst. There is only one “a” in way, it is not waay, as in over emphasising the middle syllable. The word is road not rowd, and there is no “y” in station!

Do I have an issue with this? I do, absolutely, it’s an awesome insult to the English language.

I feel a Twitter coming on.

Twittering. Everybody’s doing itsays Graham Smith


Madrid possesses a wealth of cultural attractions and is a thrilling city with theatre shows, opera, dancing and countless other forms of nightlife. You will also find other exciting places to go for a night to remember. Madrid has long laid claim to the title of “European Capital of Art”. It has a number of museums and galleries housing some of the finest classics from Goya, Velásquez, El Greco and many more.

Museo del Prado is a fine museum of paintings set in a stunning 18th century neoclassical building. Worth visiting even if you have only a passing interest in art and must see works include Velásquez’s Las Meninas, widely considered to be the finest painting in the world and Goyas Majas and Pinturas Negras (dark paintings). There are usually a number of local artists outside selling interesting pieces.

Centro Nacional de Arte Reina Sofía is second in size only to the Pompidou in Europe, this modern art museum showcases 20th century Spanish creations, including Picasso’s famous anti-war masterpiece – Guernica. I started on the top floor which has pencil drawings and sketches for Guernica before going downstairs to appreciate the magnificence of it for real.

Casa de Campo, known as the “lungs of Madrid”, has plenty of space to get lost in its 4,000 acre park, which was only opened to the public in 1931 after previously serving as a royal hunting estate. As well as countless walks, it boasts a boating lake, an open air pool (mid June - September, 10.30am-8pm), a zoo and a theme park.

Plaza de Santa Ana, a small central square has strong literary connections and is the recommended spot for sundowners and tapas at the end of a day’s sightseeing.

Madrid has a rich football history and the Madrileños live and breathe it. It is home to two 1st division sides, Real Madrid and Athlético Madrid. The main draw is Real who play at the 75,000 capacity Santiago Bernabeau stadium. A tour is available on non-match days between Tue-Sun, 10.30am-8.30pm. Getting to see matches is difficult if they are playing their great rivals Barcelona or one of the Madrid teams but otherwise tickets are generally available, although be prepared to queue!

Madrid is not without its romantic side. As the new home of Flamenco, Madrid is alive with music and passion. The many stunning parks and gardens provide tranquil spots to stroll and the numerous quaint little tapas bars offer a warming ambience all year round.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT…...visiting the Parque del Oeste, one of the city’s lesser known spaces, this park offers the perfect spot for a tranquil shady walk beneath mature trees. Overlooked in the summer by the lively terrazas on Paseo del Pintor Rosales, it is also an ideal way of connecting to Casa de Campo by cable car which runs high over the river and offers stunning views of the city.

Madrid airport is 9km from the centre and Exprés Aeropuerto (Airport Express) is a 24-hour service which has only 3 stops after the airport: O’Donell, Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha. The buses run every 15 minutes during the day and every 35 minutes at night, and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Tickets can be bought on board.

There are taxi ranks in front of the arrivals lounges of all three terminals at Madrid airport. A taxi to/from the airport to/from central Madrid should cost around e20 though taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging recent arrivals! Check that the meter is set at zero when you get in and that it begins the journey at the official minimum fare - currently €2.05.

Climate: The climate of Madrid is dry, warm and pleasant. It’s high altitude and proximity to mountains causes some wide variations in winter and summer temperatures. In summer the heat at midday can be intense, with pleasantly cool evenings. Winters, by contrast, bring temperatures dropping to just below freezing. Rain in Madrid is a rarity, with a short rainy season in late October and some showers in spring.

Language: Spanish and although English is spoken widely, the locals always appreciate your small efforts to communicate in their language.

Currency: Euro (EUR) €

MadridThe European Capital Of Art

JUST MADRID TRAVEL FEATURE.indd 2-3 26/05/2011 10:54

9

Madrid possesses a wealth of cultural attractions and is a thrilling city with theatre shows, opera, dancing and countless other forms of nightlife. You will also find other exciting places to go for a night to remember. Madrid has long laid claim to the title of “European Capital of Art”. It has a number of museums and galleries housing some of the finest classics from Goya, Velásquez, El Greco and many more.

Museo del Prado is a fine museum of paintings set in a stunning 18th century neoclassical building. Worth visiting even if you have only a passing interest in art and must see works include Velásquez’s Las Meninas, widely considered to be the finest painting in the world and Goyas Majas and Pinturas Negras (dark paintings). There are usually a number of local artists outside selling interesting pieces.

Centro Nacional de Arte Reina Sofía is second in size only to the Pompidou in Europe, this modern art museum showcases 20th century Spanish creations, including Picasso’s famous anti-war masterpiece – Guernica. I started on the top floor which has pencil drawings and sketches for Guernica before going downstairs to appreciate the magnificence of it for real.

Casa de Campo, known as the “lungs of Madrid”, has plenty of space to get lost in its 4,000 acre park, which was only opened to the public in 1931 after previously serving as a royal hunting estate. As well as countless walks, it boasts a boating lake, an open air pool (mid June - September, 10.30am-8pm), a zoo and a theme park.

Plaza de Santa Ana, a small central square has strong literary connections and is the recommended spot for sundowners and tapas at the end of a day’s sightseeing.

Madrid has a rich football history and the Madrileños live and breathe it. It is home to two 1st division sides, Real Madrid and Athlético Madrid. The main draw is Real who play at the 75,000 capacity Santiago Bernabeau stadium. A tour is available on non-match days between Tue-Sun, 10.30am-8.30pm. Getting to see matches is difficult if they are playing their great rivals Barcelona or one of the Madrid teams but otherwise tickets are generally available, although be prepared to queue!

Madrid is not without its romantic side. As the new home of Flamenco, Madrid is alive with music and passion. The many stunning parks and gardens provide tranquil spots to stroll and the numerous quaint little tapas bars offer a warming ambience all year round.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT…...visiting the Parque del Oeste, one of the city’s lesser known spaces, this park offers the perfect spot for a tranquil shady walk beneath mature trees. Overlooked in the summer by the lively terrazas on Paseo del Pintor Rosales, it is also an ideal way of connecting to Casa de Campo by cable car which runs high over the river and offers stunning views of the city.

Madrid airport is 9km from the centre and Exprés Aeropuerto (Airport Express) is a 24-hour service which has only 3 stops after the airport: O’Donell, Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha. The buses run every 15 minutes during the day and every 35 minutes at night, and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Tickets can be bought on board.

There are taxi ranks in front of the arrivals lounges of all three terminals at Madrid airport. A taxi to/from the airport to/from central Madrid should cost around e20 though taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging recent arrivals! Check that the meter is set at zero when you get in and that it begins the journey at the official minimum fare - currently €2.05.

Climate: The climate of Madrid is dry, warm and pleasant. It’s high altitude and proximity to mountains causes some wide variations in winter and summer temperatures. In summer the heat at midday can be intense, with pleasantly cool evenings. Winters, by contrast, bring temperatures dropping to just below freezing. Rain in Madrid is a rarity, with a short rainy season in late October and some showers in spring.

Language: Spanish and although English is spoken widely, the locals always appreciate your small efforts to communicate in their language.

Currency: Euro (EUR) €

MadridThe European Capital Of Art

JUST MADRID TRAVEL FEATURE.indd 2-3 26/05/2011 10:54

TRAVEL

Est.1923

Affordable peace of mind ..... Holidays

COACH HOLIDAYS

2011

For a full colour brochure FREEPHONE 0800 0839900 for details

Simply attach to your Robinsons Holidays booking request to claim your £20 discount. Only one voucher per holiday booking.

Discount is only valid on new bookings. Discount voucher can not be redeemed against any existing bookings.

Name: ........................................................................................................................................................

Address: .....................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................Poscode: ............................................................................

Tel: ..............................................................................................................................................................

Reader Offer Save £20 per booking with Robinsons Holidays

Abbey Lawn HotelTorquay is most certainly one of the UK’s Finest resorts and the heart of the English Riviera.

If you are looking to unwind in style, this elegant Georgian hotel is the place to stay. Located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey, overlooking Torbay, there are superb facilities. These include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym, steam room, sauna and a spacious conservatory. As with all our own hotels a night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Imperial HotelEastbourne is an ideal holiday destination, it has one of the top sunshine records in the UK and has been awarded the Seaside Award for its clean safe beaches for the past eight years.

An impressive Victorian hotel, situated at the seaward end of Devonshire place, less than a hundred yards from the seafront, on a delightful tree-lined boulevard less than fi ve minutes walk from the main facilities and town centre amenities. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Ocean View HotelTake a short boat ride across the Solent and discover the Isle of Wight, an island of great natural beauty and superb weather, with a wealth of attractions for visitors of all ages. Shanklin, on the south coast of the island, is home to a variety of safe, golden beaches and a quaint collection of shops housed in traditional thatched cottages.

An elegant hotel commanding magnifi cent views across Sandown Bay, the balconies provide the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on summer evenings. Guests can unwind in the piano lounge before enjoying an evning meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Mystery Tours

5 Day Tours4 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Turkey & Tinsel

*Unlimited Single Rooms

Mystery Tours7 Nights Half Board

Departure Code A

Tour 12A Saturday Departures

Tour 12B Sunday Departures

13 Dec17 Dec23 Dec29 Dec

£135*£135*£335£325

Christmas and New Yearincludes 3 resort lunchesand 1 mystery excursion

Departures 8 days

28 Feb/01 Mar £20907/08 Mar £21514/15 Mar £21921/22 Mar £22528/29 Mar £22904/05 Apr £23511/12 Apr £23918/19 Apr £24525/26 Apr £26502/03 May £29509/10 May £30516/17 May £31523/24 May £32530/31 May £32906/07 Jun £33513/14 Jun £34520/21 Jun £34927/28 Jun £34904/05 Jul £34911/12 Jul £34918/19 Jul £34925/26 Jul £34901/02 Aug £34908/09 Aug £34915/16 Aug £34922/23 Aug £34929/30 Aug £34905/06 Sep £34912/13 Sep £33519/20 Sep £32526/27 Sep £30503/04 Oct £29010/11 Oct £28017/18 Oct £27024/25 Oct £24531 Oct/01 Nov £25007/08 Nov £24014/15 Nov £23021/22 Nov £22028/29 Nov £21005/06 Dec £200

Why not take a holiday to one of Robinsons own hotelsand at the same time benefit from a lower price? This ispossible if you travel on one of our Mystery Tours.Decide on which date you wish to travel and contact our reservations department to

make your booking. All the dates and prices are shown in the adjacent price panel.

You will be notified of your destination approximately four weeks before

departure.

Holidays subject to availability

FREEPHONE 0800 0839900 or contact your local Travel Agent12

T3304_Robinsons_09_pp12-13.qxd:Layout 1 26/9/08 14:11 Page 12

Mystery Tours


Turkey & Tinsel



Departure Code A




£135*£135*£335£325


Departures 8 days





departure.




Mystery Tours


Turkey & Tinsel



Departure Code A




£135*£135*£335£325


Departures 8 days





departure.




Date Tour & No Duration Price Single Room

Supplement

09 July AUSTRIAN LAKES, EBENSEE, SALZBURG & ST. WOLFGANG (81) 9 Days £601 £102

03 Sept ITALIAN LAKES, MAGGIORE, ORTA AND COMO (72) 9 Days £689 £240

11 Sept SWITZERLAND LAKES AND MOUNTAINS (84) 9 Days £675 £106

25 Sept AUSTRIAN LAKES, EBENSEE, SALZBURG & ST. WOLFGANG (81) 9 Days £601 £102 08 Oct ITALY, THE ITALIAN AND FRENCH RIVIERAS (73) 9 Days £651 £240

Supplements Sea View Room, (pp) : 8 days £15.00

Abbey Lawn Hotel

ImperialHotel

Ocean View HotelDepartures

25/26 June £429 £429 £42902/03 July £439 £439 £43909/10 July £439 £439 £43916/17 July £439 £439 £43923/24 July £439 £439 £43930/31 July £439 £439 £43906/07 Aug £439 £439 £43913/14 Aug £439 £439 £43920/21 Aug £439 £439 £43927/28 Aug £429 £429 £42903/04 Sep £429 £429 £42910/11 Sep £419 £419 £41917/18 Sep £409 £409 £40924/25 Sep £389 £389 £38901/02 Oct £349 £349 £34908/09 Oct £339 £339 £33915/16 Oct £329 £329 £32922/23 Oct £309 £309 £30930 Oct £309 £309 £3096 Nov £299 £299 £29913 Nov £289 £289 £28920 Nov £279 £279 £27927 Nov £269 £269 £26904 Dec £259 £259 £259

Turkey and Tinsel

8 Day Tours - 7 Nights Half Board

All holidays on this page are inclusive of a pick up from your home, provided you live within the area shown on the map. You will be taken to an appropriate point to join your main tour coach. Tour coaches will depart late morning and you will be advised of the pick up time one week prior to the date of travel.

On the homeward journey, you will arrive back in the West Midlands early afternoon with transport provided to your home.

ALL TOURS INCLUDE FREE INSURANCE

OUR EUROPEAN TOURS

Saturday/Sunday Departures


They rejuvenate us and re-charge the “body batteries” that create the spark that keeps us going for the rest of the year. But making the right choices for your holiday – and following some simple rules beforehand - becomes far more important when we get older and are less prepared to go on largely unplanned trips which seemed so exciting when we were younger.

Today, the holiday market, at home or further afield, offers a mass of choices and plenty of potential value. So the best way to start your planning is to decide whether you want to stay in the UK or not. Holidays in the UK can vary from popular seaside resorts to sleepy villages, and from hotels bristling with activities to remote country cottages with only the wildlife for company.

And if you want to go outside the UK, well, as Arthur Daley graphically put it “the world is your lobster!”

Decide first of all exactly what you want from your holiday because that will influence both the destination and the type of accommodation you choose. Carol Allenby-Carr from Travel Counsellors advises being careful about when you travel, too. “For example, if you want to go to a Mediterranean country and you don’t like it too hot, then don’t go in July and August,” she states

“And if you want a bit of peace and quiet on your holiday, don’t choose a hotel that’s geared up for families. Fortunately, there are plenty of adult-only properties now on offer throughout the world.”

Selecting exactly the right destination and accommodation becomes even more important if you have health and/or mobility problems. “Is the resort flat or is it going to be hilly?” adds Carol. “Some hotels may not have easy access for someone with walking difficulties and you need to know about this beforehand.”

Blackpool &The Lake District• Explore vibrant Blackpool• Discover the Lake District• Visit bustling Fleetwood5 DAYSDep: Jun 21 • Jul 5, 19

WAS £259 NOW £189NostalgicNorth Devon• Explore Castle Hill Gardens• Ride on the Woody Bay Railway• Visit bustling Barnstaple5 DAYSDep: Jun 28 • Jul 26 • Aug 16

WAS £319 NOW £249

Scarborough &Medieval York• Enjoy the resort of Scarborough• Discover historic York• Explore the Yorkshire coast5 DAYSDep: Jun 14, 28 • Jul 19 • Aug 9

WAS £269 NOW £219

Torquay Plus Cream Tea & Cruise• Take a trip around Torbay• Enjoy a cruise along River Dart• Indulge in a cream tea in Totnes5 DAYSDep: Jun 28 • Jul 12, 26 • Aug 9

WAS £299 NOW £249

Weston-super-Mare &Longleat• Visit majestic Longleat House• Explore the awe-inspiring Cheddar Gorge5 DAYSDep: Jul 19 • Aug 9

WAS £329 NOW £279 Best OfThe Lake District• Cruise on Lake Derwentwater• Historic Muncaster Castle• Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway5 DAYSDep: Jun 28 • Jul 26

WAS £359 NOW £349

A Taste OfScotland• Explore the Spey Valley• Visit the Glenlivet Distillery• Discover stunning Balmoral Castle5 DAYSDep: Jul 5, 19 • Aug 16

WAS £314 NOW £244

Beautiful Isle Of Bute & Argyll• Explore white walled Inveraray• Visit Mount Stuart House• Scenic drive along Loch Fyne5 DAYSDep: Jun 28• Jul 26 • Aug 16

WAS £299 NOW £229

Loch Lomond &The Highland Line• Journey on the West Highland Line• Take in the views of Loch Lomond • Visit bustling Glasgow5 DAYSDep: Jul 12, 26 • Aug 2

WAS £299 NOW £249Llandudno &North Wales Coast• Explore breathtaking Snowdonia• Visit Plas Newydd with superb views of the Menai Straits5 DAYSDep: Jul 5, 19 • Aug 30

WAS £299 NOW £249

Eastbourne &The Bluebell Railway• Visit the seaside town of Brighton • Ride on the Bluebell Railway• Explore charming Alfriston8 DAYSDep: Jun 26 • Jul 10, 24 • Aug 7

WAS £419 NOW £339

Ryde– Isle Of Wight• Marvel at opulent Osborne House• Visit picturesque Godshill• Scenic island drive8 DAYSDep: Jul 10, 31 • Aug 7

WAS £429 NOW £329

Great Yarmouth &Norfolk Broads• Enjoy the Norfolk Broads• East Anglia’s transport museum• Explore historic Norwich8 DAYSDep: Jul 3 • Aug 7, 21 • Sep 4

WAS £439 NOW £359

Bournemouth &Medieval Christchurch• Enjoy seaside Bournemouth• Marvel at Medieval Christchurch• Explore maritime Portsmouth5 DAYSDep: Jun 14, 28

WAS £289 NOW £219

Eastbourne &Sussex Coast• Admire the Sussex Coast• Explore the wonderful South Downs• Visit charming Arundel5 DAYSDep: Jun 14 • Jul 19 • Aug 16

WAS £299 NOW £229

UK Late Deals5 Days from just

£189

3 easy waysto book or requesta brochure:

Holidays are operated by Shearings Holidays Ltd and are subject to availability, amendment charges and terms and conditions of Shearings Holidays Trading Charter. 2.5% handling fee applies to credit card transactions. Prices are per person, per stay based on two people sharing a standard room. Insurance is not included. Additional supplements may apply. All prices are valid on new bookings only made between 24/05/2010 – 30/06/2010 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Details are correct at time of going to press. Prices will be confi rmed at the time of booking. Shearings Holidays reserve the right to withdraw any offers and prices at any time and without prior notice.

Online at www.shearings.com quoting NRL022call us on 0844 209 7152 quoting NRL022or see your local travel agent

Award-WinningHolidays from Shearings…

Take a look at our full range of 2010/2011

brochures…

Order your copiestoday!

WINa Weekend Break for 2!

For your chance to WIN a Weekend Break for 2,staying in a Shearings hotel, simply answer thequestion below and fi ll in the entry form below:

There are so many good reasons for choosing a Shearings Holiday. We’re well known for our great coach holidays to fantastic destinations across the UK and Europe, but did you know we also offer holidays by air, river cruise and sea cruise too?

Within 49 of our own hotels throughout England, Scotland and Wales, we offer the friendly service, warm welcome and great entertainment our thousands of regular customers have come to expect.

We’re a proud local fi rm whose holidays are renowned nationwide – we’ve won many awards for our escorted tours, river cruise and coach holidays – proof that we really are the best in the business!

Send

you

r co

mp

lete

d fo

rm b

ack

to:

Retir

ed a

nd L

ivin

g in

… C

ompe

titio

n, M

arke

ting

Dep

artm

ent,

Shea

rings

Hol

iday

s, M

iry L

ane,

Wig

an, W

N3

4AG

Clo

sing

Da

te: F

rida

y 30

th J

uly

N

RL02

2We may occasionally pass your details onto selected 3rdparties, if you do not want this to happen please tick here

If you do not want to receive any future brochures or specialoffers from Shearings Holidays please tick here

Name:

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:If you would like to receive emails about future special offers and news from Shearings - please supply your email address below:

Email:

All holidays include luxury return coach travel, 4 or 7 nights half board accommodation, superb entertainment programme and sightseeing excursions. Additional supplements may apply.

How many hotels do Shearings own?

A: 48 B: 49 C: 50

Getting the mostfrom your holiday ...HOLIDAYS provide that get-away-from-it-all feeling that we all need at some time of the year simply as a change from normal routine.


Escorted coach tours are popular with older people who prefer everything arranged for them. “There are plenty available,” says Carol, “from a tour around the Scottish Highlands to going through the Canadian Rockies. Cruises have also become very popular with older travellers, with adult-only ships if that’s what you prefer.”

“Plan your holiday right from leaving home to reaching your destination at the other end of your journey,“ advises Carol. “There are lots of services on offer that are aimed at making your travelling experience more comfortable, but one basic is to check luggage allowances beforehand as these vary with airlines.”

“If you’re flying and are worried about struggling with bags at the airport, most UK airports now offer a Fast Track service for a small cost where you will be met on arrival at the airport, escorted to the check-in desk and fast-tracked through the queuing process and security.”

All airlines also offer airport assistance, like use of a wheelchair or help boarding the aircraft, and if you dislike crowded places you could check in at the executive lounge where for a small fee you can relax with refreshments in a quieter area before boarding your plane.

Age UK, formerly Age Concern, which runs its own comprehensive holiday service in the UK and Europe offers plenty of useful advice about early planning to make the most from your break, especially if it’s abroad.

•Checkiftherearecultural,languageorlocallaws about alcohol or drugs and keep the local dress code in mind.

•Thecostoflivingmaybehigherinsomeplaces than the UK so allow for this, especially if you’re self-catering.

• Iftheholidayinvolvesadifferenttypeofactivity, prepare ahead. For example, for a sporting holiday you may need to build up your physical fitness.

•Decidewhetheryouwanttoarrangeitallyourself or use a travel agent. An independent holiday may be time-consuming to arrange but it may provide exactly what you want.

•Onehelpfulwaytofindholidayinformation about accessible accommodation and other tourism services for older people and those with disabilities is to contact Tourism For All, a national registered charity. Go to www. tourismforall.org.uk write to: Tourism For All (UK) Holiday Care, c/o Vitalise, Shap Road Industrial Estate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 6NZ or tel 0845 124 9971.

•Tofindoutaboutthepoliticalstability,health risks etc of a particular country (although not for visa-related inquiries), try the Foreign and

Commonwealth Office’s travel advice helpline tel 0845 850 2829 or go to www.fco.gov.uk

•Whicheverorganisationyoubookyourholiday with, ensure they’re members of ABTA The Travel Association or the Association of Independent Travel Operators (AITO).

•AnyUKcompanysellingpackageholidaysmust comply with the Package Travel Regulations 1992 which cover areas like the brochure description and what the contract must contain.

• Ifyou’rebuyingovertheinternet,orflightand accommodation separately elsewhere, ensure that each is covered otherwise you could lose your money. Credit card payment offers some protection. Holiday insurance is vital. •Makesureyourpassportisuptodate–some countries insist on there being at least six months remaining. If you’re a British citizen and were born on or before September 2, 1929, you are now entitled to a free 10-year passport. Contact the Passport Agency tel 0300 222 0000 or go to www.ips.gov.uk

If mobility problems prevent you from actually getting to a travel agent, incidentally, there are some – like Travel Counsellors – who come to your home.

If you’ve got a medical condition and need medication, it’s worth sorting this out at least six weeks before you go. Your GP may also have advice on managing your condition while you’re away, and don’t forget to have any vaccinations you need in good time before you go.

A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) means you’ll be able to receive necessary healthcare during a visit to a European Economic Area country or Switzerland. And these are individual so you and your partner – or all members of a travelling group – need one each. Get application forms from main post offices, apply online at www.ehic.org.uk or call 0845 606 2030.

Leave travel, destination and contact details with someone at home, and ensure you’ve got enough money for your trip. If you have a mobile phone, check with your network provider that it’s enabled for international roaming. Check that your handset will work in the country you’re travelling to, and look at the costs to use it abroad for phone and text messages.

Make sure your home is safe and secure by cancelling any milk or newspaper deliveries, that your building and contents’ insurance are up to date and that valuable items like computers and TVs are out of sight.

Ask a neighbour to collect your mail, mow your lawn, open and close your curtains and switch lights on and off. If the latter isn’t possible, invest in time switches on your lights.

Lock and secure your windows, doors and garden sheds; don’t leave spare keys near the house. Check that the house is free of hazards and blockages in case of bad weather – and have a great holiday!

The Dovehouse TheatreKineton Green Road, Olton, Solihull B92 7ER.

15th Oct 2011The Swinging Blues Jeans

28th Oct 2011The Beached Boys

25th Nov 2011Is your mind safe?Mind Reader

4th March 2012Jess Conrad - Matinee Concert

.... plus lots more

For more details call 0121 706 7139Visit: www.dovehousetheatre.co.uk

9th Oct 2011Legends of Rock n Soul

Box O�ce 0121 704 6962Library Sq, Homer Rd,Touchwood, B91 3RG

Solihull Arts Complex Autumn HighlightsThurs 8th & Fri 9th Sept Tickets £11-£13A Timeless Collection - Musical Nostalgia

Sat 10th Sept Tickets £17.50Malcolm Stent - Its not a proper job!

Weds 14th Sept Tickets £17.50Queen Rocks Gospel - Live in Concert!

Thurs 15th Sept Tickets £16 (£14)Johnny Cash Roadshow with Clive John

Weds 26th Oct Tickets £17.50 (£16, £12.50 ch.)The Snow Queen by Ballet Theatre UK

Mon 10th Oct Tickets £12 (£11)Magical Extravaganza on Ice

27th, 29th 30th Sept & 1st Oct Tickets £10-£12The Panto Girls - Comedy drama in Studio

Weds 21st Sept Tickets £17.50Barb Jungr - Sings Bob Dylan’s best work

Mon 28th Sept Tickets £12 + £10 lunchMidday Variety Show with The Bachelors

Tue 18th Oct Tickets £12The Humour of Bob Newhart & Tom Lehrer

Sat 12th Nov Tickets £15.50 (£14.50)A Night of Musicals with Michael Courtney

Thurs 24th Nov Tickets £20Peter Alliss - Evening with ‘The Voice of Golf’

Solihull’s much-loved traditional family pantomime

ROBIN HOOD Starring Malcolm Stent

ON SALE NOW!Sponsored by Touchwood

T H E AT R E

with a healthy heartto help you livea FREE service

• A Quick Guide to Heart Health and the facts you need

• A FREE online lifestyle check to help you improve your health

• Regular issues of heart matters magazine

• A Heart Matters ‘risk’ tape measure

• Email alerts to help you towards a healthier lifestyle

• A 5-A-Day Food Diary so you can check you’re eating well

• A HelpLine dedicated to heart matters

Join today!bhf.org.uk/retiredhearts0300 330 3300Local rate call. Lines open: 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

Are you, or is someone you know, worried about heart health? If so, help is at hand.

Heart Matters is a pioneering service from the British Heart Foundation, for peoplewho live with, or are at risk from, a heart condition and for those who care for them.

This free service provides invaluable information to help you live a healthier lifestyleand gives you access to a HelpLine staffed by cardiac nurses.

It costs absolutely nothing to join and you and your family will benefit from:

British Heart Foundation 2010, is a registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426).

BHF4752_HM Mag Ad_redo_aw3:BHF Mag Ad 5/5/10 16:23 Page 1

17

For anyone wanting to lose weight, an exercise routine linked to a sensible diet is more likely to get results. These will not just be visible in pounds and inches either; posture will improve and you’ll walk taller which is an added feelgood factor.

While many forms of exercise are good for us as we get older – including gardening, walking, cycling, DIY and swimming – going to the gym has the added bonus of a new and challenging experience.

“At the Village Hotel in Solihull we offer a wide range of facilities from the relaxing spa pool, steam room, sauna, 20m swimming pool, there are over a 100 pieces of gym equipment on our spacious & friendly gym floor. In addition to this we offer over 90 classes per week on our popular class timetable which includes, Zumba, Aqua aerobics, yoga, Pilates, body balance and many others to choose from. We have a fantastic highly trained team on hand throughout the day to cater to your exercise needs.”

Of course, fitness levels as we get older vary dramatically. Where one 65 year-old might be running marathons, another might find it difficult to walk any distance without help.

It is getting started, however, that is the most important thing – something to focus on which has healthy benefits for you and a new routine.

The “bull at a gate” approach to exercise is not recommended here, especially if you’ve not exercised for some time and/or have particular health problems. Your GP should be your first port of call to check out your overall health and get practical advice on what you are, and are not, able to do.

If your GP is happy about you starting exercise, consider a local gym as one good way forward. Most areas have a gym within reasonable reach, and some have several, so weigh up which might be the best for you. Go along and have a look around if you’re not sure, and ask questions.

Exercise - the benefits are endless...

NOT very long ago visits to the gym were deemed to be the exclusive domain of the young

- but all that has changed dramatically in the Noughties.These days, go into the average gym, especially during the day when attractive cheap off-peak rates may apply, and you’ll see plenty of older people intent on keeping as fit as they can. And they will probably be using a comprehensive range of equipment with surprising proficiency.

So, at a time of your life usually associated with relaxing and getting away from the daily hurly-burly, why exercise at all?

Well, research proves that we can slow down many aspects of the ageing process by staying physically active for as long as possible. Physiotherapist Keith Johnstone – based at David Roberts Physiotherapy and helping sports stars like cricketer Andrew Flintoff back to fitness – points out that there have been huge surgical advances in the last few decades that help keep us mobile.

“Today,” he adds, “people in their 50s and 60s also have very different health and fitness expectations than their parents.”

This makes them not only more likely to exercise regularly, but to expect their retirement years to be more active. The fact that friends and former work colleagues of a similar age-group may well be doing the same - and that the gym has also now become a social place for the over-50s - means that you are quite likely to make new friends there and recognise familiar faces.

The benefits of regular exercise have long been acknowledged by experts across the medical world. They know it can reduce the risk of developing heart disease and stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and back pain, high blood pressure, even some cancers like bowel cancer.

It can also improve muscle strength and tone, which may mean that you’re less likely to have an accident or a fall that could lead to an injury. And when you consider that falls put a million people a year into hospital in the UK, exercise can make a major difference.

Then there is an increase in flexibility – definitely something many of us lose as our bodies age – mobility, speed and stamina.

LEISURE

Village Hotel Pool

Personal trainer Alan Russell – a retired fi reman in his 60s who has had a lifelong passion for fi tness – recognises that the perceived image of the gym does not always appeal to older people.

“They think the place is full of young men lifting weights and they just won’t fi t in,” he says. “But there are actually plenty of older people like them exercising in the gym these days, and plenty of good advice and guidance on offer to help them get the most out of it.

“Personal trainers should check everyone’s fi tness levels and their medical background and look to challenge what they can comfortably do,” he adds. “To someone who can only walk 50 metres, walking 60 metres is progress – it’s all very subjective. We work to people’s capabilities, and then encourage them to go a bit further.”

Don’t be daunted by the wealth of machines and their complexity, either. There is usually an explanation on the piece of equipment as to what it does and how to use it, but it’s always best to get advice on suitability and use from gym staff before you embark on anything new.

Exercise can play an important part in managing health conditions, like heart problems, and is certainly essential in recovery from hip and knee replacements and other surgery.

Muscles and other tissues that hold joints together weaken when they aren’t moved enough, so joints lose their shape and function. Exercise helps lessen the symptoms and can help you feel better overall.

Moderate stretching exercises will help relieve any pain and keep the muscles and tendons around any affected joint more fl exible and strong. Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, water aerobics and stationary cycling can all reduce pain while maintaining strength and fl exibility.

To someone who can only walk 50 metres, walking 60 metres is progress – it’s all

very subjective. We work to people’s capabilities, and then encourage them to

go a bit further.

Strength training, properly performed, can provide signifi cant functional benefi ts and improvement in overall health and well-being, including increased bone, muscle, tendon and ligament strength and

toughness. It improves joint function, reduces the potential for injury, increases bone density, elevates HDL (good) cholesterol and it also improves the function of the heart.

You don’t need to invest in large amounts of equipment or even costly sportswear to get the best from the gym. Loose clothing like tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt and suitable trainers,are fi ne for fi tness sessions.

Teaming up with someone else, a gym buddy, can add to the

experience and make it more of a social occasion, but there is usually the kind of atmosphere in which you can casually chat to others anyway.

Don’t rest on your laurels for too long with your fi tness routine, however, talk to one of the personal trainers in the gym about re-assessing your personal goals. It’s surprising the amount of progress you could easily make, and how easily the gym can slot into your weekly routine.

Nor is it just our bodies that benefi t: cognitive abilities like memory and reasoning skills benefi t from regular exercise. There are also other pluses.

FREE 3 DAY VILLAGE LIFE MEMBERSHIPOffer to all Retired Magazine readers – Come and fi nd out for yourself how the Village Life membership can help you achieve your health and fi tness goals as well as improve your health and well-being with a complimentary 3 day membership. Offer on for limited time, so get in touch today.

Name ............................................................................................. Tel No ..........................................................

Address ...............................................................................................................................................................

Send your details to the address oppostite, or alternatively call and reserve your placeon 0844 980 0118, or just simply come in and see us today.

Retired Magazine Reader Offer✁

Village Hotel Fitness Suite

Getting Fit &So Much MORE!!!

Are you over 55 and looking to get some of that old sparkle back. We can help!!!

At The VILLAGE LEISURE CLUB, SOLIHULL

● Full air-conditioned GYMNASIUM ● ● Extensive Group Fitness Timetable - Plus Aqua Aerobics Every Day ● ● Heated indoor leisure pool with spa facilities● ● 55+ group exercise classes● ● Spacious changing facilities● ● Free Parking● ● Reciprocal use of all other Village Leisure

Clubs● ● Discount in all Hotel facilities.

If it's just building on your own activities or taking a fresh look at getting healthier we can offer you the perfect environment.

Village Leisure Club, SolihullVillage Hotel, Dog Kennel Lane,Solihull B19 4GW.

t: 0844 980 0118

All this is yours for just £24.99 a MonthCome Try Our Exclusive VILLAGE LIFE Membership

THREE DAY FREE TRIAL

Birmingham issue 30.indd 16 27/06/2011 08:50

20 RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011

Lynda Bellingham was trying to sort out her home “after a hell of a week” rehearsing someone new on the latest tour of Calendar Girls and spending rare time in domestic bliss.“Because my life tends to be all over the place outside the home, I like relative order in it,” she explains in those immediately identifiable sexy tones that have ensured a fascinatingly varied career including a wealth of radio and TV voice-overs.

She is now 62, still glamorous but with the kind of accessible personality that makes women like her and men fancy her. The fact that she has spent the past two years taking her clothes off on stage – twice on Saturdays – has, surprisingly, endeared her to both.

“We’re not actually nude, of course,” she laughs, “but that’s how it looks. Calendar Girls is a marvellous play – Tim Firth (who wrote the film and the play) has done a fantastic job with it and wherever you go you can feel the audience’s sense of excitement and anticipation because of the ‘nude’ scenes.”

If you’ve been hiding in a cave in the Himalayas for the past couple of years you might not have heard of the true story of the ladies of a Yorkshire Women’s Institute who decided to raise money for charity after the husband of one of them died from leukaemia. Their idea of a nude calendar made them iconic figures worldwide, and spawned both a hit film and the highly successful play.

Chris Harper is the main driver of this campaign (mostly played on stage by Lynda although casts have varied) and the actress is still a great admirer of the original role model. “It took someone like her to make it happen, I think. Having met her several times, I can see why.”

So could Lynda herself have been that driving force in the same situation? “Yes, I think I could,” she states. “I think I’m a bit determined like that.”

A glance back at Lynda’s own life reveals the truth of that statement. She was born in Montreal, Canada, but adopted by an English couple at the age of four months and brought up in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

“I had a wonderful childhood, very happy,” she recalls. “I think my generation got used to accepting things – the Pill, sexual freedom among them – and that has stood us in good stead for today’s changing world.”

She got her big break as a nurse in ITV’s ‘70s afternoon soap opera General Hospital and appeared in films including Confessions of a Driving Instructor and Sweeney! During the ‘80s, though, she became famous as the head of the family in the Oxo TV adverts.

“Of course they wanted me to be warm and motherly, while what I really wanted as an actress was to be edgy and different!” she says with a husky laugh. “It was fine doing the adverts but it can be a double-edged sword - my profile among agents and casting directors for a long time was this type of person.”

This worked in her favour, though, when she played vet James Herriot’s wife (replacing Carol Drinkwater) in telly favourite All Creatures Great and Small, and her comic timing was also recognised in situation comedies Second Thoughts and its sequel Faith in the Future.

What you see is what you get withLYNDA BELLINGHAM

21RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011RETIRED MAGAZINE | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2011

She starred in the 14-part Doctor Who serial The Trial of a Time Lord playing against type as the Inquisitor, reprising this character for an audio series.

And from 2000 for three years, she played compassionate accountant Pauline Farnell in the hit TV series At Home With The Braithwaites alongside Amanda Redman and Peter Davison.

For several months in 2004, however, she enjoyed a recurring role in The Bill as villainess Irene Radford, offering fans a chance to see a different side of Lynda’s acting skills. “I really loved doing that!” she exclaims.

“Unfortunately, there really aren’t that many good roles for women of a certain age, and there are quite a few of us after the few that there are.”

Lynda, has, however, had an interesting range of roles in the theatre, and has also raised her own profile on TV as a quick-witted regular on the award-winning Loose Women programme where she is just herself. In her private life, she has been married three times, her last – “and final” – marriage to Michael Pattemore (a Spanish-based mortgage broker known on Loose Women as “Mr Spain”) on her 60th birthday. She has two sons and a stepson, all in their 20s, two of whom live with the couple in London.

“Michael has always come touring with me, which is lovely because you can be away from home for a while,” she states.

Her autobiography Lost and Found proved a literary hit, and the paperback version was out in March. More appearances in Loose Women and more theatre performances are also on the cards for this year, although Lynda says that Calendar Girls will be “rested” after a three-year run and she’s fine with that.

She has also become an active campaigner and spokeswoman for the Alzheimer’s Research Trust and Age UK after both her adoptive mother and her birth mother suffered from this debilitating dementia.

“It’s funny because you can get quite nervous talking about yourself, as I’ve been doing promoting my book at literary festivals and the like,“ she says. “But I don’t find it difficult to talk about the charity and the importance of getting more people to understand about Alzheimer’s.”

As for having her own “role models”, Lynda reckons that she would really like to have the kind of serious roles that comedian and presenter Matthew Kelly has moved into latterly.

“Now get me some female Matthew Kelly-type roles and I’ll be happy”, she insists.

And that warm voice breaks into the kind of laughter that makes you realise that the likeable image you see is actually what you get with this talented actress whose career is set to continue delighting fans for a long time to come.

OF COURSE THEY WANTED ME TO BE WARM AND MOTHERLY, WHILE WHAT

I REALLY WANTED AS AN ACTRESS WAS TO BE EDGY AND DIFFERENT!

OF COURSE THEY WANTED ME TO BE

TO BE EDGY AND DIFFERENT!

I N T E RV I E W

News & Events

Formerly The Retirement ShowSponsored by

The

Show50 ShowShowShow+The 50+ Show

Olympia Grand Hall, London 10am-5pm, Fri-Sat 15-16 July 2011

Britain’s biggest show for the active over 50s!

Register online for free

£10 tickets!

www.50plusShow.com

The

Showwww.HealthTourismShow.com

HealthShowShowShow

Tourism

(Formerly The Retirement Show)

Includes three extra new co-located shows:

Cookery demonstrations Seminars & information Financial tips & advice Park & holiday homes Have-a-go dancing Climbing wall Holidays and travel Health checks Gardening Arts and crafts Fashion shows T’ai chi and yogaHealth & fitness zones Prize quizFree show guide magazine & visitor bag

Register for free tickets online or call (0)1372 8409 63 before 30 June 2011 (Admission on the door is £10)

30th of June sees the end of the Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme and the Payments Council is encouraging people aged 65 and over that, although they can still use a cheque after this date, they may want to try out alternative ways to pay.

After 30 June, customers will still be able to pay for goods and services by cheque and businesses will still be able to accept them, just not guaranteed by card.

First introduced in 1969, use of the Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme has rapidly decreased over the past 20 years and was in terminal decline as alternatives such as debit and credit cards, electronic transfers and online payment facilities have become more popular. The closure is being coordinated centrally by the banks and building societies who are members of the Scheme, to ensure that older people, who generally use more cheques than the rest of the population, are not left without options as more businesses refuse to accept them.

By contrast, the central processing system for cheques will not close until 2018. It will only close if, by 2016, alternatives are in place and acceptable to all who need them.

UK shoppers reminded thatguaranteeing a cheque by card willno longer be possible after 30 June

Gary Hocking, Acting Chief Executive of the Payments Council, said:

“Since the Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme was fi rst introduced in 1969, the way we pay has changed beyond recognition. The decision to close the guarantee card scheme was taken so that people don’t get caught out as fewer businesses choose to accept them. This is separate from our work to set a target date for closing the central processing system for cheques in 2018. We have lots of work to do to ensure that convenient, safe and effi cient alternatives – including existing options such as online and telephone banking – are in place. If the alternatives are not ready, or not acceptable, we won’t go ahead.

“In the meantime older customers don’t have to make any changes, they can still use cheques, just not with the guarantee. Banks and building societies have all committed to continue providing cheque books for anyone who needs one. If and when a decision is taken about the future of cheques we will make sure customers are helped through any change.”

Find out more about different payment methods by visiting the Payments Council’s website www.payyourway.org.uk or contact your bank to fi nd out how to get

started with telephone and internet banking.

RETIREMENT LIMITED

A brand new apartment at Grange Court offers the perfect solution. Grange Court is a small and friendly retirement development with 21 one, two and three bedroom apartments, and delightful hotel-style communal areas to enjoy. Apartments are ideally located opposite the popular Dovehouse shopping parade on Warwick Road which offers a wealth of interesting shops plus easy access to public transport; and Solihull town centre is only a few minutes ride away.

Grange Court provides a range of facilities for owners to enjoy either on their own or in the

company of others. The residents’ lounge provides a charming and relaxed informal meeting place for planning daily activities and social events, or simply for a coffee and chat with new found friends and neighbours. There is a library area where you can relax with a book, or, there are the beautiful landscaped gardens to enjoy – without all the hard work!

The lounge is ideal for private parties and social gatherings so it is easy for residents to get together with loved ones. Friends and family are always welcome and there is a guest suite available for overnight stays.

Apartments

Classic elegance and practicality have been incorporated into every aspect of design and most apartments have either a patio or Juliet balcony. Apartments are spacious and stylish with delightful décor and are fully carpeted throughout. Kitchens are fully fitted with washer/dryer and integrated fridge freezer, oven and hob. There are fitted wardrobes in the main bedroom, and bathrooms are fully tiled with bath and separate shower. Add to all of this your own personal touches for your comfort and easy living.

Peace of mind

At Grange Court, your security and peace of mind is a priority and all ground floor apartments have an alarm system installed. The Court manager is on site Monday to Friday to ensure the smooth running of the Court and, in the event of an emergency, there is a call system located in every apartment which connects to a 24 hour helpline.

Family owned company

Aspen Retirement Ltd. is part of the Stepnell Group, a family owned building company which was started 140 years ago by the current directors’ great great grandfather. Their pride in their work and caring approach ensures that customers are well looked after and that properties are finished to a high standard.

The fully furnished show apartment is available for viewing Tuesday to Saturday, 10am until 4pm. To experience the Aspen way of living for yourself, contact Carol on 0121 708 0586 to arrange a personal viewing.

Brand New Retirement Apartments

The Perfect Retirement SolutionAspen’s new retirement development at Grange Court on Warwick Road in Solihull has been created to appeal to today’s active retired generation, and tailored to meet the needs of both individuals and couples who want more time to fulfil their lifelong dreams, or, who wish to downsize to something more manageable for a stress free life without all the worries and expense of property maintenance.

Mrs Murch was the first resident to move into Grange Court. She says “The location is great and whilst I’m in good health, I don’t want the burden of looking after an older property or having to do my own gardening. This brand new apartment means that all that is taken care of, but I still have my independence and a worry free life.”


Need a Recommended Local Company for your New Kitchen or Bedroom?

FOR YOUR FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONTEL: 0121 773 6868

FFC BIRMINGHAM LTD, 64 Redhill Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B25 8EX.Email: [email protected]

www.ffcinteriors.co.uk

We at RETIRED MAGAZINE realise how important it is to find the right business to provide improvements to your home, especially for larger projects like a new bedroom or kitchen.

When asked by The Fitted Furniture Company of Tyseley if we would be prepared to contact some of their customers to ask their opinions of work carried out with our readers in mind we agreed to their challenge.

Mr & Mrs James of Solihull have used The Fitted Furniture Company company on numerous occasions and after three successful bedroom installations their next project was a new kitchen.

Mr James comments " from the initial ideas to the quality of materials used and everything going without a hitch including the tidiness of the fitters, I would definitely use this company again and recommend them to anyone."

A second Solihull resident had his kitchen refurbished by FFC, he remarked "friends have commented on the tremendous difference it has made, everything happened just as promised from the delivery time to the quality of finish, together with the fact that this looks like a brand new kitchen at a fraction of the price".

The Fitted Furniture Company is a leading furniture manufacturing company with a shopfitting background based in Tyseley Birmingham and have been established for over 25 years.

Their product range extends to:

l Designed and fitted bedroomsl Designed and fitted home studiesl Designed and fitted robes for loft conversionsl Designed and fitted kitchens including worktops in laminate, corian, mistral, smartstone, granitel Kitchen refurbishments

Appliances and sinks can also be supplied at competitive prices.

They have a choice of doors PVC edged, framed, vinyl wrapped, painted.

All their melamine board is ABS PVC edged unlike some suppliers, who use paper edging which can peel off over a period of time.

All installations are guaranteed for 5 years as they pride themselves in the quality of their products and workmanship.


Using Colour That is Best for your Room SizePaint is the easiest way to make a dramatic change in the way a room looks. You can even change the perception of the size of the room with the right wall colour. By using the right combinations of colours; dark or light, warm or cool, you can create the illusion of expanding or reducing the size a space.

Painting a room white can create a bright and airy impression, but white can also feel uninspired or sterile. Adding colour to a room can give the space personality. Sticking with lighter colours will still make the space feel larger, but a darker colour can make a room feel cozy and welcoming. When thinking of paint colours, in addition to considering light and dark, think of warm or cool tones. Warm colours are reds, yellows, browns and oranges. Cool colours are blues and greens. Whites and greys can be cool or warm depending on the tint.

If you want your room to look larger, use cool shades in lighter tones. Cool colours give the impression of the walls being further away and opening up your space. Painting the trim and moldings around a room can also have an effect on the room’s apparent size. Painting the trim a lighter colour than the wall can also push the wall out visually. Simply doing the opposite, darker colours in warm tones with dark trim, visually pulls the walls in closer to create a more intimate feeling space. This works well in very large rooms giving them a more intimate atmosphere and less like a cathedral.

The shape of a room can be visually altered with a simple wall colour change by using accent colours. Just as painting a whole room in a light, cool colour can enlarge the feel of the room; the same idea can be applied to seemingly move the walls. If you have a long narrow room, painting the furthest walls in a dark colour and the long walls and ceiling in a light colour, the room will feel more square than narrow. This technique works great in hallways that can sometimes feel like a tunnel.

With a little paint and creativity you can change the look and even size of any room in your house. Keeping in mind how the space will be used and the overall feel you want to create there is almost no limit to what can be achieved.

Make a Small Room Appear LargerKeep in mind that cool colours, such as blues and green, recede, which make a room look bigger. Warm colours, such as red and orange, make a room appear smaller. Opt for a cool or pastel colour or white paint when attempting to visually expand a room. Light colours reflect light and make a room appear more expansive than it actually is. Use a light colour on your ceiling, perhaps even lighter than the wall colour, to make thea ceiling appear higher. The room will appear larger as a result.

Consider using light coloured carpeting. A dark floor covering will make the room appear smaller.

Mix pale colours with cool colours to enlarge a room. The less differentiation in colours (the walls versus the window frames, molding and baseboard) the bigger the room will seem. A chopped up room will feel and appear smaller.

Widen a narrow room by using white or pale colours on the walls.

Make a Large Room Appear SmallerUse warm colours, reds orange, yellow, to make a large room appear quaint and cozy.

Lower the ceiling (albeit not literally) by painting it a darker shade than the walls. If that still doesn’t do the trick, use the ceiling colour and apply the paint to the top 12 inches or so of your walls and then add molding underneath. The molding breaks up space, which you want to do when you’re trying to make a room appear smaller. Bringing the darker ceiling colour down the top of the wall will make the room look less vast. Think of the ceiling as a hat and the top of the walls, also painted in the ceiling colour, as the brim of the hat.

Use a dark coloured carpet, which will make the room appear smaller.

Shorten the length of a room by painting the farthest wall a darker colour than the other walls.

Changing RoomsSimple tips to transform any room

Opt for a cool or pastel colour or white paint when attempting to visually expand a room. Light colours reflect light and make a room appear more expansive than it actually is.


Get your tin of paint, which should preferably be a darker contrasting colour to your other walls, and paint one of the walls with this darker paint. Find a colourful and lively large painting and hang it on the wall you have just painted - colourful flower pictures are ideal for this.

On the wall adjacent to your picture, hang a decorative large mirror. What has happened here is that the mirror reflects on the large picture, and the additional darker colour on the wall has immediately given the room some much-needed depth. This combination will then make the room appear wider.

By adding these simple additions to your narrow room, you have instantly created a balance in the room’s dimensions giving the sensation of additional space.

How to Heighten a Low CeilingRooms with low ceilings give an oppressive feeling, whereas rooms with a high ceiling give a light and airy feel with a large amount of space. To overcome the problem of a low ceiling, there are a couple of interior design strategies to use.

The Basic Role of PicturesWall art plays an important role in interior design as it helps create the ambience of a room. By cleverly placing wall pictures in certain ways, you can change and create a new look and feel in a room.

The role wall pictures play in interior design are:-

• pictures, mirrors or other ornamental accessories on walls help make the room look ‘lived in’ and they also inject your personality into the room

• colour pictures and prints help connect with the rooms accent

• pictures help absorb noise in a room, otherwise a room with totally bare walls will sound empty and will have an echo

• pictures and prints can help enhance or change a room’s ‘look and feel’.

How to Lengthen a RoomIf you have a small room in your house, you can easily achieve the illusion of length. This can be done in two ways. If you like bold statements then simply paint a couple of horizontal lines in a bold colour across the middle of the wall in which you want to lengthen. These lines then naturally create the illusion of increased length in the room. An alternative way to do this, and a more subtle way, is to use pictures.

By strategically placing art pictures or photographs with any kind of strong horizontal line in the print, can accomplish the illusion of length. For example, if you chose two or three long rectangular pictures with horizontal panoramic prints such as ocean & beach pictures, fields, or scenic mountain pictures, then this will help extend the length of the room naturally.

Two, three or more of these horizontal landscape pictures will give the maximum impact you are looking for to help lengthen a small room. Also bear in mind not to overdo the room with furniture. Too much clutter makes a room appear smaller.

How to Broaden a Narrow RoomIf you have a room which is a bit on the narrow side, there is a simple strategy to make the room appear broader. All you need is a tin of paint, a wall mirror and a large colourful wall picture.


How to Create a Monochromatic Colour Scheme in a RoomIn a monochromatic colour scheme, one colour completely dominates a room. Here are some ways to carry it off with high style.

Go with a neutral such as white, off-white, taupe, grey or beige for a sophisticated, versatile, serene scheme. Add contrast by varying the colour values - for instance, use toast, wheat and buff in a beige scheme.

Vary the textures and sheens in the room to add subtle shifts in shading. A beige room could include a matte

bleached-oak floor, a sisal rug, orange-peel-texture semigloss walls, a chenille sofa, a suede recliner and unstained maple tables.

Use ultra-strong textures - a springy shag rug, wide-wale corduroy or a chenille throw - to add a cozy counterpoint where the colour might seem overly cold, as in a grey or blue-white room.

Put tiny sparks of colour in multiple places in the room to add vitality. For example, use a painting with a bold splash of red paint, a bowl of red apples, a vase of red tulips, a red telephone and/or a red velvet pillow in a white living room. Never use the accent colour just once; multiple uses ensure unity and cohesiveness in your scheme.

Link your monochromatic-scheme room to adjoining spaces by continuing the main colour and accent colour, although you can introduce another colour or two. For example, a white living room with forest-green accents could segue into an entryway with pale sage-green walls, evergreen and buttercream-yellow accents, and a white floor and white moldings.

When it comes to windows, it is now possible to have interior and exterior UPVC frames in virtually any colour to match the mood of the room. Local company Oasis Windows a member of Solihull's Council Approved Trader Scheme are one of a small amount of window and conservatory companies who specialise in this. Sales Manager Steve Ward commented. “More and more people are choosing colours rather than going for the standard white or woodgrain effects. Speciality spray paints are used that are very robust and will endure over and above the full guarantee period. There are many different colours and shades to choose from and although it attracts a premium it is not as costly as you would think. It also adds individuality to your doors and windows.”

First of all put down a darker floor covering, whether it be a wooden floor, carpet or lino. Paint the walls with a lighter colour than the floor, or use light coloured wallpaper. If you can, use white paint for the ceiling as this always gives the room maximum light and instantly draws the eyes upwards.

Hang up wall pictures with strong vertical lines as this then gives the impression of height. Use portrait prints such as vertical landscapes, i.e. lighthouses, trees, cityscapes, or floral prints such as flowers in a vertical vase or tall long stem roses. Therefore, by combining the dark floor, light walls and ceiling and portraits prints, all adds to the sense of height in a room.

Art pictures and prints play an important role in home decorating for several reasons. They do not only reflect and put your own personality into the room, but they can also help as a solution to change the look and feel of a room by giving the illusion of height, width and length. This can easily be achieved by combining wall pictures, contrasting colours and decorative mirrors.


Don’t miss out on yourFREE Quote from your localpremier window company.

Call NOW: 0121 733 7557We are a local, Solihullbased, family businessdedicated to providingthe very best servicefor you! Its our aim tomake buying windowsa pleasurable experiencefrom beginning to end.

� Installers employed NOT contracted.

� A-Rated Windows - energy efficient calibrated

windows, will help to minimise YOUR heating.

� Highest quality materials for each bespoke project.

� No pressure sales techniques.

� FENSA accredited company.

Call us now on 0121 733 7557

If you are considering having windows or doors, get a FREE QUOTATION from OASIS now!

Oasis Windows Limited, Unit 2, Thornhill Rd, Solihull, B91 2HB

www.oasis-windows.co.uk Call 0121 733 7557

OASIS 264x340mm FINAL:Layout 1 8/9/10 16:25 Page 2

We are a local, Solihull based, family business dedicated to providing the very best service for you! Its our aim to make buying windows a pleasureable experience from beginning to end.

n Installers employed NOT contractedn A- Rated Windows - energy efficient calibrated windows, will help to minimise YOUR heating.n Highest quality materials for each bespoke project.n No pressure sales techniques.n FENSA accredited companyn Member of Solihull's Council approved trader scheme 'SHIPSHAPE'.


breakfast in your old kitchen, dinner in your new

l Senior Citizens discount

l Made to measure custom-built doors and units

l Trusted reputation

l Worktops, Appliances, Sinks & Taps

Visit our showroom: 1502 Stratford Road,Hall Green, Solihull B28 9ET.

Call today for a FREE estimate: 0121 733 3304www.dreamdoors.co.uk

View our credentials at

A national network of local showrooms

From replacementdoors to complete kitchens

AFTER

BEFORE

Tony Smyth owner and manager of Dream Doors Kitchens Solihull says “why buy a whole new kitchen when you can get that new look you want by just changing the doors, work tops etc.”

With Dream Doors Kitchens you can choose from their massive range of doors and work tops, their skilled craftsmen will do the rest. New cabinets, work tops, appliances and sinks can also be incorporated and it is this total flexibility that makes a Dream Doors facelift compelling when watching the pennies. Whatever you need for a stunning kitchen make-over. Complete kitchens are also available.

A Dream Doors facelift involves transforming a kitchen or bedroom by swapping the doors with made to measure replacements. All doors are made to a high quality in the UK and can be made to any size.

Dream Doors Kitchens owner and manager Tony Smyth states, “I visit prospective customers in their own home and provide a free, no-obligation quotation, this means they can view samples of doors in the comfort of their own home to see which colour, style etc. will look stunning in their own kitchen, customers are also welcome to visit our stunning new showroom”. Customers are also given a free brochure and DVD (featuring June Whitfield) to help them decide their requirements. Tony points out that it is important that customers understand there is absolutely no obligation or high pressure sales techniques, “ I provide a free quotation so the customer knows there and then what the quotation is, and as one of our previous customers stated, “Tony was very professional, but not pushy which is what made up my mind to use this company.”

As a member of “Checkatrade.com”. Tony says, “It is important that potential customers have the opportunity to view previous customer comments so they can trust that they are dealing with an honest, reliable locally run company who invites all customers to comment on work carried out after each job is finished.”

All Dream Doors Kitchen customers have the re-assurance of knowing that they are dealing with the owner of the business and that Dream Doors have their own team of quality craftsmen and do not employ casual sub-contractor fitters. A full planning and design service is available.

Why not ring today for a free no-obligation quotation or visit the showroom for inspiration!

A Dream Doors Kitchens make-over – “up to half the hassle, half the cost, half the time.”

Dream Doors Kitchens new stunning showroom at Robin Hood Island, Hall Green.

There are many embelishments on our jewellery including semi-precious stones, Austrian crystals, Swarovski crystals, Cubic Zirconium and Pearls. The bespoke range lets you be as individual as you want to be. From the simplest designs to the most extravagant, you make the decisions. There is a wide variety of different stone colours to choose from as well as several finishes that are available such as Bronze plating, Rhodium and Gold plating. All the bespoke range is crystallised with Swarovski crystals. Superior craftsmanship provides high quality, individual pieces.

• The men’s range includes rings, cufflinks and bracelets.

• All our products are nickel free for your comfort.

• The Sterling Silver range is guaranteed not to tarnish.

• All our items are gift boxed.

• Friendly service and advice.

Phone Kami on 07817 003858 for more details.

C O N T A C T U S . . .Unit 2, Thomas Street, Wolverhampton WV2 4JSwww.hotcoutureuk.com | [email protected] | [email protected]

Be as individual as you want to be...

HOT COUTURE.indd 1 24/06/2011 13:47


New Scams and Old Tricks

Last week I got a knock at the door. I put the chain on and opened the door, a man was standing there.

“Your fence is about to fall down,” he said, “support posts rotten. You’re lucky I was passing, I can sort that out for you”

“Thank you,” I said, “I’ll get some one in to look at that” and I closed the door.

“You’ll be sorry” he said. He waited a few moments and when he realised I wasn’t going to open the door he pushed a card though my letter box and stomped off. The card just had a name and mobile phone number on it.

Of course, I didn’t get my fence fixed by that caller. Next time my son was over I asked him to have a look at it and it was fine. Even if it had needed some work I certainly wouldn’t use someone who just turned up out of the blue.

It is a sad fact that there are many rogue traders around who will offer to do fencing, roofing, driveways, home maintenance and so on for what seems to be a reasonable amount. However the quality of the work, if any is done at all, will be extremely poor and it will end up costing a great deal more than you were first told.

These people appear trustworthy and genuine but they do their homework and target elderly people, often living alone. Often the householder is panicked into having the work done immediately, or are persuaded that having the work done will reduce heating costs or help with global warming.

The truth is once they have your money you may not see them again and they could well be impossible to trace. Any trader who gives just a mobile number should be regarded with caution because a mobile number can easily be discarded, and then there’s no way of getting in touch if the repairs are faulty, or badly done.

Trading standards has dealt with cases where residents have lost thousands of pounds because they have agreed to have work done by someone who turned up on the doorstep.

The advice from trading standards, supported by the police, is that you should never agree to have work done by a stranger who turns up at your doorstep no matter how good a deal it looks. Only use traders that you know or who have been recommended to you.

Reputable, professional traders do not go door to door.

Another scam to watch out for is known as distraction burglary. This is when you get a knock at the door and a complete stranger distracts you whilst an accomplice gets into your house to look for money or valuable.

The caller could be a couple saying that they have seen some loose tiles on your roof, and while one of them keeps you occupied by showing you the problem the other one gets into your house.

It could be someone claiming to be from the council or a legitimate company doing some routine checks. Once they have your attention someone else might be getting into your home.

Every one of us is vulnerable to scams. We need to take note of warnings from the police and trading standards and refuse to deal with doorstep callers. Use your chain on your front door, don’t deal with strangers, don’t let them into your home and remember, it’s okay to say “no”.

Living In Solihull

Solihull Council runs its own approved trader scheme SHIPSHAPE.

Shipshape is a Trading Standards Scheme for Home Improvement Professionals to demonstrate their commitment to fair, professional and honest trade.

Solihull Council’s Trading Standards Service operates the register. The aim of the register is to give consumers a list of traders they can rely on. It also gives legitimate businesses the opportunity to show they are committed to providing a good service to their customers.

To join the scheme, businesses must agree to meet minimum standards, these are assessed by Trading Standards. Please note that inclusion on the register does not mean the business is ‘approved’ by the Council, neither is the Council responsible for work carried out by scheme members.

Remember, reputable traders don’t need to go cold calling. Doorstep trading is the hunting ground for opportunists and scammers.

Don’t even give them the time of day.

Shipshape is the register of Solihull Home Improvement Professionals. It is operated by

Solihull Council Trading Standards. The aim of the register is to give consumers a list of traders they

can rely on. It also gives reliable and legitimate businesses the opportunity to show they are

committed to providing a goodservice to their customers.

So if you need a plumber, a roofer, a builderor an electrician give Solihull Council

Trading Standards a call and ask for the “Shipshape” list on:

Are you looking for a reliable

trader?

Don’t use rogue traders;use “Shipshape” from

Solihull TradingStandards.

08454 04 05 06

The Shipshape register now has over 100 members.

BIRMINGHAM ISSUE 29.indd 50 24/1/11 13:48:05


CBSO Film Music FestivalFrom 19 - 23 July 2011, the CBSO gives you the Soundtrack to your Summer and is bringing Hollywood to the Midlands. As the UK’s only major film music festival, Soundtrack to your Summer incorporates live music from blockbuster soundtracks to John William themes. A special highlight is the concert on 23 July featuring Oscar winner Sir Anthony Hopkins.

JOHN WILLIAMS BLOCKBUSTERSFriday 22 July 2011 at 7.30pmSymphony Hall, Birmingham (0)121-780 3333Book Now: Tickets £12.50, £19, £25, £32, £39.50Michael Seal - conductor

Including music from: Indiana Jones and the Raiders oftheLostArk•CloseEncountersoftheThirdKind•HarryPotterandthePrisonerofAzkaban•Schindler’sList•Munich•StarWars•TheWitchesofEastwick•JFK•Jaws•SavingPrivateRyan•E.T.:TheExtraTerrestrial•TheLostWorld:JurassicPark•SupermanNo-one writes a big film theme like John Williams – no wonder he’s today’s most popular living composer. And if you think his music is thrilling on the big screen, just wait until you hear it live at Symphony Hall – as the CBSO plays a blockbuster concert of John Williams’ very greatest themes.

SIR ANTHONY HOPKINS - IN CONCERTSaturday 23 July 2011 at 7.30pmSymphony Hall, Birmingham (0)121-780 3333Book Now: Tickets £12.50, £19, £25, £32, £39.50Sir Anthony Hopkins CBE Michael Seal conductor.

Spend an evening with one of the world’s greatest living screen actors as Sir Anthony Hopkins joins the CBSO on stage for a very special performance of music and conversation.

In recent years, the Oscar-winning actor has returned to his first love – music – and regularly composes at the

piano. This concert will feature some of his beautiful original music for orchestra, including his scores for his own films Slipstream and August, and music written especially for this evening. You’ll also be treated to music from some of Hopkins’s best known films, such as Shadowlands, Silence of the Lambs and Remains of the Day. Throughout the concert Hopkins will talk about his music and his film roles, in conversation with concert producer Tommy Pearson. Don’t miss this unique experience going beyond the screen to find out more about the man and his music.

Warwick Folk Festival28-31st July 2011Warwick School, Myton Road, Warwick CV34 6PP

A weekend folk festival of the very best in traditional and contemporary folk arts featuring:

Show of Hands Peatbog FaeriesSalsa CelticaSpooky Men’s Chorale Spiers & Boden and many more!

Concerts – Ceilidhs – Dance – Song – Workshops – Sessions – Theatre – Street Festival - CraftsTHREE Action-Packed Days For The Whole Family!

Warwick Folk Festival: Tradition in the heart of England...

BLACK COUNTRY BOATING FESTIVAL9th, 10th, 11th September

The Black Country Boating Festival is a boat gathering and community festival held during September each year in the Bumble Hole Nature Reserve, Windmill End, Netherton.

The event, which is now in its 26th year, is organised and run totally by volunteers. Last year we had over 18,000 visitors from all around the country and over the years the festival has helped raise over £100,000 for local and national charities. With more than 200 boat, trade and charity stalls to browse, canal side entertainment, boaters’ competitions, a funfair, real ale bar and regular boat trips along the Dudley No 2 canal, there is always something for everyone in the family.

The festival is open to the public from 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday, admission to the site is free and there is ample onsite car parking available.Contact: BCBF 0844 800 5076 [email protected]

The East Midlands Food & Drink Festival 2011,held in the heart of Melton Mowbray, the Rural Capital of Food

Saturday 1st October 10am to 5pmSunday 2nd October 10am to 4pmThe Cattle Market, Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1JY

Events


IF there’s one thing that has helped keep us fit and on our feet in the last 50 years it’s the increase in the technology and availability of hip and knee replacements.

Hip replacements were first performed in this country in the 1960s, with knee and ankle replacements since the 1970s. In England and Wales each year, around 160,000 of us are able to enjoy a new lease of life and mobility thanks to our new hip and knee joints and, if you’ll forgive the pun, ankles are quickly catching up.

For many people, hip or knee surgery not only signals a return to mobility but usually leaves behind grinding daily pain.

If hip pain is so severe it interferes with quality of life including sleep, medication is not working and everyday tasks are difficult, it might well be the right time for a hip replacement. Most adults having them are over 65, and women tend to need them more than men.

The most common reasons for hip replacement are: osteoarthritis (when the connecting tissue between the joint is damaged, causing the bones to run together painfully), rheumatoid arthritis (when the immune system attacks the lining of the joint resulting in pain and stiffness), septic arthritis (when the joint becomes infected), Paget’s disease (affecting bone growth), bone tumours and other joint injuries.

Osteoporosis can sometimes cause hip joint fractures which need a replacement, as can late developmental dysplasia (which prevents the ball and socket hip joint from developing properly).

Always speak to your GP about hip problems because they will know your history and examine you, and may want to have an x-ray to confirm their diagnosis. Your overall health is important before any major surgery, so your GP will want you to be as fit as possible beforehand.

Breathing exercises will help to prevent chest complications, foot and ankle exercises maintain circulation and leg exercises aid maintenance of muscle strength. Before surgery, a physiotherapist will also discuss your rehabilitation programme and how to use walking aids like crutches and sticks.

After surgery, you’ll need some help at home for up to six weeks and you won’t be allowed to bend down to your feet so you’ll need some assistance with washing. You’ll also need help with the shopping for a while.

You’ll need a suitable armchair to sit in, a high stool for use in the kitchen and a raised toilet seat (the latter two can be loaned by your occupational therapist). Equipment to help you

get dressed safely and without bending too much is also available.

Before your surgery, you’ll visit the hospital’s Pre-operative Assessment Clinic to ensure you’re fit for surgery and that you understand the nature of the operation. There will be medical checks like blood and urine tests and you’ll be screened for MRSA as well as possibly having further x-rays.

This is also an opportunity to discuss your surgery and what happens afterwards and talk about the aids you’ll need to help recovery. At some stage, your written consent for the surgery will also be taken.

Patients are usually admitted either on the day of surgery or the day before. Your leg will be prepared for surgery with the correct side marked, and you’ll be seen by the anaesthetist who will discuss the different types of anaesthesia.

The most common are: a general anaesthetic when you are unconscious, a spinal anaesthetic where you go numb from the waist downwards, or an epidural

Need a New Hip or Knee?A return to mobility ....

H E A L T H


anaesthetic which reduces all feeling in the lower body.

The surgery replaces both the natural socket and the rounded ball at the top of the thigh bone with artificial parts. The surgeon will remove the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) and the natural socket for the head of the femur is hollowed out.

A plastic or ceramic socket is fitted into the hollow in the pelvis and a short, angled metal shaft with a smooth ball on its upper end is placed in to the hollow of the thigh bone. The plastic cup and the artificial bone head may be pressed into place or fixed with acrylic cement.

Hip resurfacing is an alternative to replacement and involves replacing the diseased or damaged surfaces in the joint with metal parts. It involves less bone being removed, so less implant is needed.

The day after the hip operation, you’ll be given a pair of surgical stockings to be worn day and night, to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis. You return to the ward, or recovery room, lying on your back probably with a triangular pillow between your legs to keep your legs apart and protect the new joint.

For both hip and knee replacement surgery, you may have a catheter inserted into your bladder to help drain urine You may have an intravenous line in your arm, and probably be given oxygen – all of which are normal for major operations like these.

You’ll be started on an anti-coagulant; some consultants also use mechanical devices called calf compressors which wrap around the legs and blow up with air intermittently to encourage blood circulation in the leg.

Expect to begin mobilising the first day after your operation once the wound drains have been removed. The physiotherapist will help with mobility and teach you how to get in and out of bed correctly to prevent any damage to your new hip.

You’ll be prescribed medication to control the pain and it’s important to take it regularly initially as progress is better if your pain is under control.

As your confidence and leg control improve, you’ll progress to walking with crutches or sticks – all with physio help – and probably be in hospital around five days. You may need to use your walking aids for up to six weeks but this varies from person to person.

Hip replacements currently last 20 to 30 years.

A damaged, worn or diseased knee – arthritis is again the chief culprit - is an ideal candidate for knee replacement surgery. There are two major types of surgery involved – total knee replacement and partial (half) knee replacement depending on the amount of damage.

And, as for hip surgery, candidates need to be well enough for both a major operation and rehabilitation afterwards. Most candidates are over 65, and just over half are women.

The process is very like hip surgery - starting with your GP and his assessment of you, and continuing through x-rays, the Pre-operative Assessment Clinic, admission to the hospital and anaesthesia.

Surgery involves removing the worn ends of the bones in your knee joint and replacing them with metal and plastic parts. In total knee replacement, both sides of the knee joint are replaced in a procedure lasting one to three hours.

You’ll begin moving about the next day, once the wound drains have been removed, and the physio will help with mobility. Like hip surgery, you’ll be discharged once you are able to get up and down the stairs safely and have regular physio afterwards.

With proper care, the replacement knee should last 15 to 20 years.

Unlike hip or knee arthritis, most ankle arthritis is post traumatic. The commonest causes for ankle replacement is following severe ankle fractures or recurrent severe ankle sprains.

The worn out joint surfaces of the ankle are replaced with shaped metal and plastic components to allow continued movement of the ankle. There are several different types of ankle replacement available.

Awaiting Orthopaedic treatment?

Are you suffering with joint pain, fed up with being on a waiting list or concerned about the standards of care and cleanliness in hospital?Spire Parkway Hospital, Solihull, has a regionally acclaimed orthopaedic service which features a team of specialist orthopaedic consultant surgeons, highly trained nursing staff, first class physiotherapists and consultant radiologists.

The hospital can provide rapid access to state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, so whether your clinician believes MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), X-ray or ultrasound would be most appropriate to support diagnosis; you will be able to take advantage of highly sophisticated technology within a comprehensive hospital setting.

Treatment at Spire Parkway Hospital is available to all, whether you have private medical insurance or are looking to pay for your own treatment.

The hospital offers all its patients:• Rapid-accessappointments• Consultant-ledclinics• State-of-the-artdiagnostic imaging• Specialistphysiotherapists• Excellentnursingcare• Safeandcleansurroundingswith very low infection rates

Spire Parkway Hospital is a full service facility with 4 main theatres, a dedicated Critical Care Unit, on-site MRI and CT scanning.

If you would like to discuss the options available to you at Spire Parkway Hospital, please call 0845 850 1451 or visit www.spireparkway.com

At the heart of your community

It is good to know that Spire Parkway Hospital has been providing the highest quality private medical care to the residents of Solihull for almost 30 years.Clean, private rooms, specialist consultants and first rate technical facilities go without saying. What sets Spire Parkway Hospital apart is our team. Local people who genuinely care about you and work hard to ensure your stay is warm, comfortable and friendly. Whether you’re insured or want to pay for your own treatment, we’re open to everyone. After all, we are at the heart of your community.

1 Damson Parkway, Solihull, West Midlands B91 2PP

Physiotherapy • Critical Care • Cardiology • Cancer Care • Cosmetic Surgery • Varicose Veins Weight Loss Surgery • Eye Clinic • Orthopaedic Services• Diagnostic Imaging

For further information, please call

0845 850 1451 www.spireparkway.com

Spire ad hearts A4.indd 1 13/04/2011 09:58


A new Shopmobility service for Chelmsley Wood

Chelmsley Wood now has its own Shopmobility service, based at the Connect Office.

People with mobility problems can hire electric scooters, powerchairs and manualwheelchairs to get round the shops and businesses they want to visit.

Annual membership costs £10 and then it is £1 a day to use our equipment. Rates are also available for one-off hire to non members.

To book a scooter, powerchair or wheelchair you can just come to the Shopmobilitydesk next to the Connect Office entrance or give us a ring.

The Shopmobility service is available Monday to Friday between 10.00am and 4.00pm.

Ring us on (0121) 704 6017 and talk to one of the staff, or leave a message.

Shopmobility staff will come out to you with the equipment if you are unable to get fromthe car or bus stop to the Connect Office.

The service has been funded with support from the Fair Share Trust (administered by the Birmingham Community Foundation) and Solihull Council.

Solihull Shopmobility Charity Number 1064688.

Mobility & Less Able BathingBathing is often a problem for older, less able or disabled people but there are numerous aids available to assist. From shower stools to walk in baths, you should be able to find something that makes life easier. Again, take advice on what is best for you, and don’t forget that you may be eligible for grants to help with purchase and installation.

There is an alternative to putting your loved ones in a retirement home, with costs of over £600 per week and many cannot afford and don't want to risk having their home sold and pay care fees.

A simple cost effective adaptation, can make more independence and continued home comforts for the less able, elderly or disabled.

No need to transform your home into a “clinic or hospital”.

Simple jobs like removing a bath and fitting a walk-in shower with non slip base, support rails and a seat - or even a level floor entry wet room area will make life easier for all, and also add to the appearance of the bathroom.

Adaptation to toilet with a higher pan, fitting a much lower bath, widening of doorways for wheel chair access, stair lift or a downstairs toilet. Most of this work can be undertaken free of VAT.

Bathing Care, a local company in Kings Heath will take the hassle out of modifications, prepare detailed estimates and drawings. Managing Director John Petford has over 30 years experience, his dedicated team of tradesmen take care of everything.

For further details call: FREEPHONE: 0800 088 4163 or visit their website at: www.bathingcare.co.uk

Make bathing a pleasure again

We provide easy access showers, walk in baths, wet rooms and grabrails for the less able ...

FREE Home VISITSOur installation Manager can:l Visit Daytime/Eveningsl Offer a Choice of walk-in-baths or showersl Offer VAT free installation in qualifying casesl Offer a down to earth price in most cases at least 50% less than Dolphin, Aquability or any other nationally advertised company.

WHERE QUALITY & SERVICE COSTS LESS44 Warstock Road, Kings Heath B14 4SN.Open: Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm.

FREEPHONE0800 088 4163

or 07850 833 400

Visit our website at www.bathingcare.co.uk

INSTALLATION

& SERVICE

THROUGHOUT THE

MIDLANDS -

6 DAYSA WEEK

A bathingCare walk-in bath or showerfor complete independence

With our NEW LOW LOW BATHOnly just over 12" High

EASY TO GET IN - EASY TO GET OUTBIG ENOUGH FOR A GOOD SOAK!

42

For the base, sift the flour, yeast and salt into a bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the warm water and olive oil and mix together into a soft dough. Tip the dough out on to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Then return it to the bowl, cover with cling film and leave in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Meanwhile, for the topping, heat the oil and garlic in a large, shallow pan. As soon as the garlic starts to sizzle, add the tomatoes and some salt and pepper and simmer quite vigorously for 7-10 minutes, until reduced to a thickish sauce. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Put 2 large baking sheets or quarry tiles into the oven and heat it to its highest setting. Knock the air out of the dough and knead it briefly once more on a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 pieces and keep the spare ones covered with cling film while you shape the first pizza.

Sprinkle a spare baking sheet or a pizza peel with some of the polenta or semolina. Roll the dough out into a disc approximately 25cm (10 inches) in diameter, lift it on to the baking sheet and reshape it with your fingers into a round. Spread over one quarter of the tomato sauce to within about 2½ cm (1 inch) of the edge. Sprinkle with some of the oregano and then cover with a quarter of the mozzarella cheese slices. Drizzle with a little olive oil, then open the oven door and quickly slide the pizza off the tray on to the hot baking sheet on the top shelf. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the crust is crisp and golden. Meanwhile, prepare another pizza and slide it on to the second hot baking sheet.

Take the first pizza out of the oven and move the second one on to the top shelf to continue cooking. Slide the cooked pizza directly on to wooden chopping boards placed in the centre of the table, scatter with the torn basil leaves and cut into wedges with a pizza wheel. Make sure everybody starts while you make and cook the other 2 pizzas.

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 ‘Coast to Coast’ (BBC Books, £20) here are four of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by travels across the world. Pizza Margherita

M A K E S 4

4 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped,

1½ kg (3½ lb) vine-ripened tomatoes, skinned, seeded and roughly chopped

1 tablespoon chopped oregano

350g (12oz) buffalo mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

A large handful of basil leaves, torn into pieces

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

FOR THE BASE:

550g (1¼ lb) strong white flour

4 teaspoons easy-blend yeast

2 teaspoons salt

325-350ml (11-12 fl oz) hand-hot water

4 teaspoons olive oil

4 tablespoons polenta or semolina

Rick Stein's Coast to Coast Recipes

F O O D & D R I N K

43

Cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling, well-salted water (1 teaspoon per 600ml/1 pint) for 7-8 minutes or until al dente.

Meanwhile, put the tomatoes, crab meat, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, chilli flakes and garlic into another pan and warm through over a gentle heat. Drain the pasta, return to the pan with the sauce and briefly toss together. Season to taste. Divide between 4 warmed plates and serve immediately.

Peel the papaya and finely shred it on a mandolin into long, thin shreds. Work your way around the fruit until you get to the core and seeds, which you discard.

Moisten the palm sugar (which is always very hard) with a little cold water. Put the garlic, red chilli and green beans into a mortar or mixing bowl and lightly bruise with the pestle or the end of a rolling pin. Add the sugar, peanuts, dried shrimps, fish sauce, water, tomatoes and lime juice and bruise everything once more, turning the mixture over with a fork as you do so. Add a good handful of the shredded papaya (about 50g/ 2 oz) and turn over and bruise one last time. Serve straight away.

Crab Linguine with parsley & chilli

Green Papaya Salad

S E R V E S 4

S E R V E S 1

450g (1 lb) dried linguine or spaghetti

3 vine-ripened tomatoes, skinned, seeded and chopped

300g (10 oz) fresh white crab meat

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

1½ tablespoons lemon juice

50ml (2 fl oz) extra virgin olive oil

A pinch of dried chilli flakes

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 small green (under-ripe) papaya

1 teaspoon palm sugar or light muscovado sugar

A pinch of chopped garlic

A pinch of chopped red bird’s eye chilli

5 x 10cm (4-inch) pieces of snake bean or 5 french beans, halved lengthways

A few roasted, unsalted peanuts

A pinch of chopped dried shrimps

1 tablespoon Thai fish sauce (nam pla)

1 tablespoon water

4 cherry plum tomatoes, halved

Juice of 1 lime


For the ice cream, put the milk and clotted cream into a pan. Scrape out the seeds from the vanilla pod, add the pod and seeds to the milk and cream and almost bring to the boil. Set aside for 20 minutes.

Cream the egg yolks and sugar together in a bowl. Bring the milk and cream back to the boil, strain on to the egg yolks and whisk in. Strain the mixture once more back into a clean pan and cook over a gentle heat, stirring consistently, until the mixture has thickened and lightly coats the back of a spoon. Pour into a bowl and leave to cool; then chill in the fridge until quite cold (overnight if possible).Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker until smooth. Transfer to a plastic box, cover and freeze for 6 hours or until needed.

For the pastry, sift the flour and salt into a food processor or a mixing bowl. Add the pieces of butter and lard and work together, either in the food processor or with your fingertips, until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the water with a round-bladed knife (or process very briefly) until it comes together into a ball, then turn out on to a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth. Roll out and use to line a loose-bottomed flan tin that measures 23cm (9 inches) across the base and is 4cm (1¾ inches) deep. Chill for 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/ Gas Mark 6. Line the pastry case with a crumpled sheet of greaseproof paper and a thin layer of baking beans and bake blind for 15 minutes. Remove the paper and beans and return to the oven for 5-6 minutes or until the edges are biscuit-coloured.Remove and lower the oven temperature to 180°C/350°F/ Gas Mark 4.

Stand the tin of golden syrup in a pan of hot water until it has gone liquid and then measure out your required amount into the dried-out pan.Stir in the lemon juice. Tip the breadcrumbs into the pastry case and spread them out evenly. Carefully spoon over the warm syrup and allow it to sink in and saturate the bread. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until set and golden brown. Leave to cool in the tin for 15 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and serve, cut into wedges, with scoops of the clotted cream ice cream.

Treacle tart with clotted cream ice cream

S E R V E S 8 - 1 0

725g (1½ lb) golden syrup

Juice of ½ lemon

175g (6 oz) coarse fresh white breadcumbs

FOR THE PASTRY CASE:

225g (8oz) plain flour

½ teaspoon salt

65g (2½ oz) chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces

65g (2½ oz) chilled lard, cut into pieces

1½ - 2 tablespoons cold water

FOR THE CLOTTED CREAM ICE CREAM:

600ml (1 pint) full-cream milk

225g (8 oz) clotted cream

1 vanilla pod, split open lengthways

6 egg yolks

75g (3 oz) caster sugar

Run by Sandwell Homes, the service isoperational 24hours a day, providingpeace of mind for carers and familymembers and enabling you to feel saferand to continue to live independently inyour own home.

Calling for help couldn’t be easier. You are given a push button pendant to wear around your neck or wristwhich you can press whenever you need help. This automatically links you to a 24hour control centre.

An operator will speak to you throughyour telephone to find out what type of help you need. And if you are unableto speak, the team at the control centrewill have your details on their screenand get help for you.

No matter what your difficulty, someonewill always help. This could be getting intouch with family, friends, your doctoror contacting the emergency servicesfor you, or simply listening to you andputting your mind at rest.

Barbara Maye had a Community Alarminstalled after she suffered a stroke. She says she finds having the alarmvery reassuring. She’s been able tomaintain her independence knowingthat if anything was to happen to her,she can access help at any time of theday or night.

“I would urge others in my position to get in touch to see if they can have an alarm fitted too,” she says.

If you would like to find out more,including the cost of the service,contact Community Alarms using the details below. We will visit you at home to carry out an assessmentand arrange for the necessaryequipment to be fitted by a fullytrained team member.

No wiring work is needed and you will still be able to use your own telephone. Smoke detector and bogus caller buttons are alsoavailable – ask for details.

Sandwell Community Alarms – help at the touch of a button

Stay independentand be safe with aCommunity Alarm

To find out more:-Call us: 24-hours a day on: 0121 500 5500Write to us at: Sandwell Community Alarms,Flat 1, Greenford House, Maria Street, West Bromwich, B70 6DX Or email:[email protected]

You can also call in to any Sandwell Homesoffice and pick up a leaflet.

Are you elderly, disabled or feeling vulnerable and living in Sandwell?

Is it difficult to get help in an emergency?

Do you know anyone this applies to?

If so, we're at the touch of a button… get a community alarm, be independent and be safe.

The Community Alarm Service is available 24-hours a dayto anyone who lives in Sandwell regardless of tenure.

The Community Alarm Service is for anyone living in Sandwell who feels vulnerable at home. Thismay be due to a fear of domestic violence or harassment, for medical reasons, because of your ageor a disability, or for many other reasons.

Sandwell community alarms ad/ed_Layout 1 25/01/2011 10:52 Page 1

Whilst growing up, I had a happy childhood, youngest of fi ve children and the smallest of

three boys, we lived in the family home in Croydon, South London and everything was really quite wonderful. I absolutely adored my parents. In fact they really were a little like Superheroes to me, I don’t actually mean the ones that can jump a building in a single bound, see through steel and fl y faster than a speeding bullet, wearing a brightly coloured outfi t and having a fl uttering red cape, but pretty damn close.

They looked after me, put me fi rst in everything, I knew that I was loved and when my father put his arm around me and gave me a hug, I felt that nothing on this planet could harm us, he wouldn’t let it. He was always there to protect us from any kind of upset and would

move heaven and earth to keep us out of harm’s way.

I never thought of the possibility of either of them dying, in fact - I refused to even contemplate those kinds of thoughts, I convinced myself that they would live forever and always be with me, I assured myself that they would always be at the end of the phone if I had a problem or be bouncing around

Are superheroes invincible?

my garden playing with their grand children.

I never considered it was possible for my “Superheroes” to leave me ... but they both did, in time.

I remember the day I lost my father William, like it was yesterday and it will remain with me for the rest of my life.

At 2am in the morning, I was woken from a deep sleep by my brother (I had forgotten that he had a key to my fl at) who told me that our father had died. He was only 54 years of age.

The devastation that followed is impossible to explain fully and even more diffi cult to put into words. The whole family walked around in something resembling a dream like state over the coming days and weeks. I had my eyes open and yet couldn’t

Love is a mystical, magical and powerful emotion. It can infl uence people’s thoughts to such a degree that they feel as light as a feather, actually delirious they are so happy; It can also affect their decision making, to the point where common sense and logical thought have no place at all, especially when dealing with a love lost or a broken heart!

Even more powerful than this form of romantic love, is the love that exists between a parent and their child. This special bond has absolutely no equal.

Making your own plan couldn’t be easier

✓ Plans tailored to your needs✓ Guaranteed acceptance✓ No fi nancial burden on your loved ones✓ No health checks✓ Independent trust✓ Security of all funds✓ Easy pay instalments

Pre-planning your funeral saves you money and saves your family extra worry and distress. It gives you the freedom to plan things exactly how you would want them and spares your loved ones the considerable expense of a funeral.

Funeral costs have risen dramatically in recent years and look set to continue rocketing. There’s no guarantee that a savings plan or insurance policy will pay out what you need when the time comes. Bought now at today’s prices, the Funeral Director’s costs are guaranteed no matter when they are needed or how much the costs of a funeral have risen in the future, regardless how long you live.

It makes perfect sense to buy now and not wait until it’s too late.

Please contact one of our branches listed opposite

Your exclusive READER discountBuy before 30th September 2011

& claim your discount.Call one of our brances and quote RLM01

£100

24 hour service

www.jenningsfunerals.co.uk■ Professional qualified funeral directors■ Serving all sections of the community■ Private chapels of rest ■ Prestige fleet■ Floral tributes and mourning stationery■ Pre-paid funeral plans ■ Memorial masonry service■ Horse-drawn hearse and other specialist vehicles available

HEAD OFFICE:St. James’ House, Horseley Fields, Wolverhampton, WV1 3DN

Tel: 01902 352251

OXLEY484 Stafford Road,

Wolverhampton WV10 6AN

Tel: 01902 786795

WILLENHALL12 The Woodlands Centre,

Willenhall WV12 5ND

Tel: 01922 712153

WEDNESFIELD11 High Street,

Wednesfield, WV11 1SU

Tel: 01902 723237

CODSALL6/7 The Square,

Wolverhampton WV8 1PT

Tel: 01902 845770

BILSTON55-57 Church Street,Bilston WV14 0AX

Tel: 01902 497101

WOMBOURNEChurch Road, Wombourne,Wolverhampton, WV5 9EZ

Tel: 01902 898103

SEDGLEY3 High Street, Sedgley,

Dudley, DY3 1RP

Tel: 01902 661137

Funeral Directorsand Memorial Masons

Over 160 years of service to the community

YARDLEY398 Yardley Road,

South Yardley, Birmingham B25 8LT

Tel: 0121 706 1291

SOLIHULLDovehouse Parade343 Warwick Road,Solihull B91 1BQ

Tel: 0121 707 9900

KNOWLE1592 High Street,

Knowle, Solihull B93 OLF

Tel: 01564 778177

CASTLE BROMWICH150 Green Lane, Castle Bromwich,

Birmingham B36 OBXTel: 0121 747 0700

CHELMSLEY WOODSt. Andrew’s Church Centre,

Pike Drive, Birmingham B37 7US

Tel: 0121 788 1123

KINGS HEATH55 The Parade, High Street,

Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7BHTel: 0121 444 7999

www.williamhpainter.co.uk

see anything, people spoke to me and yet I didn’t hear anything and I ate but certainly didn’t taste anything - it was like a grey and completely numb existence. I was totally devastated and couldn’t quite understand or believe that this had happened.

My mother was a complete wreck as were my sisters, so the three boys decided that we would attempt to arrange all the essential steps and also pay for it.

As my father was a secretive type of man, although everyone knew he had insurances and investments, no one could actually fi nd them. So we stumbled through the next two weeks, in a state of numbed confusion and when it fi nally came to paying for the funeral, it cleared all of my savings and hit my brothers fi nancially hard too.

Twenty years on, I look at my children and see that same kind of love in their eyes. They both look at me as though I am some kind of Superhero (not one

that can fl y at the speed of a bullet, but pretty damn close) and there is no way that they would entertain any form of conversation or idea intimating that I am not immortal, that my time will come one day, no matter how much they persuade themselves it will never happen.

They think as I did about my parents all those years ago, when I believed that they would always be there to look after and love me.

I know that it will devastate them too, when my day comes - so I am going to do all I can to try to make it as easy as possible for them to deal with. I’ll protect them from as much of the arrangement making process as I can and certainly will not leave them to panic over how to pay for it either.

I do have a secret weapon though, whilst my father was alive, most people had no idea what a “funeral plan” was, even though the product existed - it wasn’t widely known about at all. Had he been

aware that this type of product existed, he would have defi nitely bought one, that’s for certain. In this day and age though the clear benefi ts are widely publicised and having a plan would protect my family from a huge amount of emotional stress and would clear up the payment issue.

So if owning a funeral plan means that I can live out the remainder of my days, happily knowing that my family and children will be protected from as much of this as possible, shielded from a large part of the emotional stress and fi nancial worry, I will buy a funeral plan and feel that I have done my best to protect them.

And as some Superheroes are not invincible, I will fi nally fold up my cloak for the very last time ... contented.This article is a true story written by Barry Floyd, Croydon.

For further details about funeral planning speak to one of our branches listed below ...

HOLIDAY HOMES TOHIRE ALONG THE BANKS

OF THE RIVER AVON

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

www.stratfordcaravans.co.ukRiverside Park, Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7AB.Tel: 01789 292312 Email: [email protected]

Family owned and run parks, for that personal touch.

To reserve your holiday for

2011 at Riverside Park

Call: 01789 292312

AND BOOK NOW!Bookings now being taken for 2012!

Have youever thought ofbuying your veryown holiday home?OUR SALESOFFICE ISOPEN 7 DAYSA WEEK

Three Great Caravan Parks, One Great Location.

CARAVANHOLIDAY

HIREFrom only

£355.00per week

For Exclusive Holiday Hire, Why Stay

in One of Our Wooden Lodges

Millennium Bridge

linking our three parks

Luxury Caravans toHire at Riverside Park

A4 Retired Magazine Adverts_AW:Layout 1 15/6/11 22:44 Page 1

Retired & Living in Birmingham magazine issue 30

Documents

Transcript of Retired & Living in Birmingham magazine issue 30