Retired & Living in Wycombe issue 29

INSIDELEISUREMADRID - THE EUROPEANCAPITAL OF ART

EXERCISE - THE BENEFITSARE ENDLESS

HEALTHLEAD A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLEWITH MOVERS & SHAKERS

THE DILNOT REPORTTHE MOST AMBITIOUS REPORT INTO LONG TERM CARE SINCE 1999

HOMETHE FINEST SELECTION OF WOOD BURNING STOVES & FIREPLACES

CHANGING ROOMS - SIMPLE TIPS TO TRANSFORM ANY ROOM

& living in Wycombe, Chiltern, Windsor, Maidenhead & Slough

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

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9RetiredSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011

LYNDABELLINGHAMWHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET WITH THIS CALENDAR GIRL

RICK STEINSHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

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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 benefi t from free publicity please feel free to let us know and we can consider including it in our next issue.

Welcome toRetired Magazine

TRAVEL & LEISURE6-7 Madrid Charming, cultural & thrilling.

8-9 Exercise - the benefi ts are endless Enjoy the outdoors.

REGULARS5 Graham Smith Twittering on.

16-17 Interview Lynda Bellingham talks to Retired.

HEALTH12-13 Looking forward to better vision Take the fi rst step to getting things in focus.37 A comprehensive care at home Service from Bluebird Care.

Retired Magazine

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Health and Safety and Hot Air!Reading the entire collection of Health and Safety rules which dictate our lives today would be a suitable prison sentence for murder. New ones are added daily by some overpaid barmpot in Whitehall and two I came across recently are worthy of mention.

In the beautiful Bronte village of Haworth there is an annual event in June to celebrate the 1940s. Everyone and their granny descends on the village, some villagers have been known to move out for the weekend to avoid the crush, and many dress in period costume singing “We’ll Meet Again” increasingly loudly as the local brew takes effect.

Until three years ago part of the spectacle was a fl y past by retired World War Two aeroplanes, usually a Spitfi re, a Hurricane or a Lancaster Bomber. Now these planes are still air worthy after seventy years but some clown in Bradford Council’s Health and Safety asylum decided there was a problem.

The Spitfi re won the Battle of Britain. Hitler and his army eventually chucked the towel in because they couldn’t down enough of the planes to win. It’s a good job Bradford Council wasn’t on his side or he’d have won.

The organisers of the Forties Weekend had to conduct a Health and Safety and feasibility study and here was one of the questions:-

“What was the likelihood of one of the planes crashing onto the village during the fl ypast?”

Now we don’t see many Fokkers or Messerschmitts over Haworth these days and the Home Guard was disbanded some years ago. The only aerial threat we have is from rooks and the occasional duck with a dicky tummy, which might necessitate wearing a tin helmet on windy days.

I think we had the greatest confi dence that the pilots would have successfully cleared the village without a mass slaughter of the population, but, no, we couldn’t have a fl y past.

10,000 people squeezed onto our tiny cobbled streets that weekend. Traffi c management had a pink fi t as the hordes parked their cars anywhere and everywhere. Hermann Goerring was spotted having a pint in The Fleece but we couldn’t have aeroplanes using the only empty space in the valley…the sky.

Were all fl ights from Leeds-Bradford airport suspended for the day in case the lunch time Ireland plane crashed in Central Park? They were not.

There was a famous wartime phrase which said, “Your country needs you”. I suggest the same does not apply to the Health and Safety nitwits of today.

There’s a hole in your bench

Amazingly the same village got a double dose of daftness when the local council decided to recobble and landscape the bottom of Main Street.

A lovely 12-month old wrought iron bench was removed to facilitate the work and it hasn’t come back.For years locals and visitors have enjoyed relaxing on the bench and no injuries have ever been reported apart from the odd drunk slipping off the edge and nearly falling under the Oakworth bus.

The locals of yesteryear would have sat there and watched horses and carts go up and down the steep cobbled street posing some hazard if one set off at the gallop going downhill.

But we can’t have the bench back because a health and safety executive decision said a child might get their fi nger stuck in the wrought iron!

Oh, do me a favour. There are still stocks at the top of the street, what if someone gets trapped in them while having their picture taken? I’ve seen women in stiletto heels pirouetting like Margot Fonteyn trying to walk down the street and not get trapped in the cobbled setts. But we cannot have our bench back. In fact some half wit has now decided it is so dangerous that it is to be repainted and auctioned off.

I suppose we can’t have a wooden on either in case a splinter develops and punctures some old dear’s derriere.

Graham Smith has a TwitterBut is he right or wrong?

6

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

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


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.

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.

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

Exercise - the benefits are endless...

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.

“They think the place is full of young men lifting weights and they just won’t fit 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 fitness 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 flexible and strong. Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, water aerobics and stationary cycling can all reduce pain while maintaining strength and flexibility.

Strength training, properly performed, can provide significant functional benefits 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 fine for fitness sessions.

Do you enjoy the great outdoors? Do you love the environment and wildlife?Are you looking for fun, easy ways to stay healthy? Wycombe District Council Woodland Service may have the answer you’re looking for.

Our Green Thursday Conservation Volunteer Group meets at 10am in the Rye Car park, High Wycombe each week. We take you to one of our fantastic local woodlands for a morning of conservation work, chit-chat and tea!

Tasks vary with the seasons and we cater for a range of abilities. Summer work includes path work, step building, installing benches and way-marker posts. In the autumn and winter we really get into our cutting whether its coppice or scrub - all the work benefits wildlife, especially wildflowers and the insect life that they support. Come along and have a go, sessions finish at 1pm.

We also run a series of popular events throughout the year including guided walks. These explore the Chilterns landscape and often take in one of our nature reserves and its wildlife. A leaflet is available to download for free with all the details.

There is a small fee for these (£4 adults, £2 concessions, £10 family ticket) and you are asked to book in advance.For more information go to www.wycombe.gov.uk/woodland service or call us 01494 421825 or email [email protected]

On the first Tuesday morning of each month we lead a guided walk of approx 4-5 miles exploring the local area. These circular walks start & finish at a local pub where you can take suitable refreshment!

These are held in conjunction with the Wycombe 50 Plus group from who more details can be obtained onwww.wycombe.gov.uk/woodlandservice or 01494 688 100.

For more information go towww.wycombe.gov.uk/woodlandserviceand click on Events and Nature Walks

LEISURE


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.

Movers & Shakers

Movers & Shakers (M&S) is an award-winning programme that engages older adults, and encourages them to lead healthier lifestyles. The project is innovative and inclusive, supporting healthy ageing and wellbeing for older adults, enabling them to live longer, independent lives.

This is what our members say:

“attending the sessions makes me feel younger and rejuvenated”.

“ I have diffi culty in walking so was interested in the sitting position to do exercise”.

“I suffer with arthritis so I need to keep my joints moving as much as possible”.

M&S members are volunteers who establish and run weekly sessions, supported by a community development team of NHS Buckinghamshire. Members choose from an array of physical, mental and creative activities followed by a healthy lunch.

In recognition for its good practice and innovation, Movers & Shakers won fi rst prize in the Mental Health and Wellbeing category at the 2010 NHS South Central Health and Social Care Awards. The project also won the runner up prize at the Bucks Sport Award in its Community Challenge category. Currently, there are four Movers & Shakers projects established in High Wycombe.

For further information contact Olga on 01494 555579.

Caribbean style - Trinity United Reform Church (opposite The Rye) on London Road every Friday from 9.30am – 1.30pm

Chinese style - Trinity United Reform Church (opposite The Rye) on London Road every Tuesday from 9.30am – 1.30pm

Dosti Asian (women’s) style - Reggie Goves Centre, in the Town centre every Tuesdays at 9:30am till noon.

Castlefi eld style - The Avenue Methodist Church, Rutland Avenue, Castlefi eld. every Thursdays 9:30am – 1:30pm.

Look out for the Movers & Shakers Project coming this Autumn to Community rooms in:

Parsonage Close, Chichester Ct and Barrow Croft

Accommodation for Older People

Residents and local people over 55 are all welcome If you have lost your Get up and Go, Come along, Join in and Get it back. Try it; believe it and Feel Good again.

Stronger arms give better hugs!

Move More Often

Supported by Wycombe District Council - Health Promotion, Bucks Sport Reactivate Programme and NHS Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Cluster - Community Development Team. For further info contact: Sheila on 01494 421714 or Olga on 10494 555579.

Supported by Wycombe District Council - Health Promotion, Bucks Sport Reactivate Programme and NHS Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Cluster - Community Development Team.

For further info contact: Sheila on 01494 421714 or Olga on 01494 555579.

Look out for theMovers & Shakers Project thisAutumn at Community rooms in:

Parsonage Close, Chichester Ct and BarrowCroft Accommodation for Older People

Residents and local people over 55 are all welcomeIf you have lost your Get up and Go,Come along, Join in and Get it back. Try it; believe it and Feel Good again.

Stronger arms give better hugs! Move More Often






Move More Often







Move More Often



We all like to be made to feel special, which is whywe treat all of our patients as VIPs.

Independent of the NHS, we offer the followingbenefits:- Low patient:doctor ratios- Standard 30 minute consultations- Extended surgery opening hours- Referrals to the best private specialists- Optional 24/7 direct access to our own GPs- The ability to request home visits- Wide range of vaccinations and health checks

You can come and see us on a ‘pay as you go’basis, or join one of our very affordable Membership Schemes.

Many of our patients have been with us for over 8years.

01494 410888www.doctornow.org

Surgeries in Beaconsfield& Maidenhead

Peace of Mind... Because you Deserve it... . . . is what we desire if our loved ones need care.

We deserve the ability to choose to remain in our ownhomes. Yet we all know the burden we can place on ourloved ones, which deters us from this choice. There isanother way.

Our carefully selected and dedicated carers offer tailoreddaily and occasional help, live-in care and respite care, forall ages and situations. You can rest, assured that you oryour loved one is in safe hands, allowing you to spend qualitytime with them. Moreover, we have 24/7 back up, plus theoption of out of hours calls direct to a private trusted GP.

We have been providing carers throughout Bucks and Berksfor 25 years. The quality of our care has earned us a deeplevel of trust.

01494 678811www.universal-care.co.uk

Offices in Beaconsfield & Windsor

The population of the UK is ageing. Over the last 25 years the percentage of the population aged 65 and over increased from 15% in 1985 to 17% in 2010. This trend is projected to continue. By 2035, 23% of the population is projected to be aged 65 and over.

This is inevitably going to put extra pressure on NHS and Social services, especially on those related to care of the elderly. For this reason, the role of private healthcare providers is undoubtedly going to become more important.

Two local companies, both based in Beaconsfield, are very aware of this, and are working together to provide an affordable and personal alternative.

Universal Care is a leading provider of home care with 25 years’ experience. They offer live-in care throughout the South East as well as daily care throughout Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. Their service enables people, who may otherwise have to move to a residential institution, to live independently in their own home, in the safe hands of their reliable, trained

carers, with 24 hour back up, 365 days of the year, giving complete peace of mind.

Their care options include daily and occasional help, live-in carers for continual care and respite care for existing carers who need a break.

DOCTORnow is a private general medical practice with 8 years’ experience. They are independent of the NHS, and offer a wide range of primary medical services, including 24 hour cover. They provide exceptional service and the highest levels of medical care and attention to their patients, with low patient:doctor ratios, 30 minute consultations and extended surgery opening hours.

DOCTORnow’s VIP Membership Schemes entitle patients to rapid access to free GP and Nurse surgery consultations, and the option of home visits and 24 hour direct access to their GPs. They also offer a wide range of vaccinations, health checks, mole screening and laser treatments.

Universal Care and DOCTORnow have partnered together to offer HomeCare+. This pioneering initiative

THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCAREoffers a package of medical support at home provided by a team of highly experienced GPs, combined with a home care service tailored to meet individual needs. The new service gives people, who may otherwise require residential care, the ability to remain in their own homes. In addition, individuals who are returning home to recuperate after an operation, or an illness, can do so with confidence in the knowledge that medical advice and support is promptly on hand, when needed.

Universal Care clients are offered out- of-hours’ access to a DOCTORnow GP through a dedicated helpline. Should an individual require medical attention, or would like a Doctor to visit them at home, this can be arranged immediately for a preferential rate.

If you would like to find out more about Universal Care and DOCTORnow please visit their websites: www.universal-care.co.uk and www.doctornow.org, or call them: Universal Care’s telephone number is 01494 678811 and DOCTORnow’s telephone number is 01494 410888.


days. The operation involves removing the natural lens in the eye (that has become a cataract) and replacing it with a clear plastic lens that stays within the eye. The most commonly used lens is the ‘monofocal’ lens which is often referred to as the gold standard. The drawback is that it has a single point of focus, so that glasses are still required to see other distances.

As the technology of lens design advances, there are now options to counteract problems like astigmatism. This is where the shape of the cornea can lead to distortion of vision. There are also specially designed lenses that may reduce or eliminate the need for

glasses at all distances. These are called ‘multifocal’ lenses which can focus on multiple areas. Additionally, ‘accommodating’ lenses mimic the natural ability of our lens to see at different distances by moving within the eye. Not everyone is suited for these types of lenses and ultimately the decision about which lens would benefi t you most should be discussed carefully with your surgeon.

Cataracts – Nothing to fearThe development of cataracts is no longer something to dread. Their removal can not only lead to better vision but also the possibility of reduced dependence on glasses.

Spire Thames Valley is part of Spire Healthcare, the second largest private hospital provider in the UK with 36 hospitals and a total of 1,983 beds Spire Healtcare treats 930,000 patienst a year, employs 7,600 staff and works with over 3,000 medical consultants.

Looking forward to better vision

Natural ChangesSome alterations in the way we see come inevitably with age, such as ‘presbyopia’. This is when we lose the ability to focus clearly at distance and near, which occurs as the natural human lens becomes fi rmer and less elastic, so we can no longer change our focus. At this point we need glasses for different distances, most typically for reading. However, what options are available when we develop a problem like cataracts?

Cataracts – The FactsA cataract is a natural clouding of the lens within the eye. This change makes it diffi cult to see clearly. They can develop at any point in life, most typically starting after the age of 65. The symptoms are usually a gradual reduction in vision, but can be more sudden and severe, often including glare, haloes and sometimes double vision.

Once a cataract starts to develop, some symptoms can be temporarily controlled by changing your glasses. The only option to improve your vision is to surgically remove the cataract. Neither changes to your lifestyle nor treatments like drops, tablets or laser can reverse the cataract progression. The timing of surgery is based upon a careful discussion with your surgeon, where the possible benefi ts to your vision are balanced against the potential risks of having an operation. Fortunately, modern eye surgery is increasingly safer. Although the emphasis is on improving the quality of vision, there are now options to also reduce glasses dependence. This is achieved by customising the new lens implanted during the surgery.

Cataracts – The ResolutionCataract surgery is usually done under a local anaesthetic as day surgery. The rehabilitation after the operation is normally short, with improvements in the level of eyesight appreciated within hours to

Siobhan Wren FRCOphth Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon can not stress how important the maintenance of good eye sight is and should be one of the highest priorities in life. Regular eye checks optimise vision and screen for serious eye conditions. These checks can detect problems early and lead to treatment that can reduce the loss of sight.

Siobhan Wren FRCOphth Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon practices at Spire Thames Valley Hospital. For more information please call 01753 665404 or go to www.spirehealthcare.com/thamesvalley

13www.retiredmagazines.co.uk Wexham Street, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6NH

You can see a consultant quickly and

arrange treatment at a time to suit you.

And you don’t have to be insured to be

treated in the comfort of our private

hospital. Our services are available to

everyone, and if you are paying for your

own treatment we will give you a fixed

price agreed in advance*.

For more information about

our ophthalmology services call

01753 665 404

or email

[email protected]

www.spirethamesvalley.com

* Terms and conditions apply

Looking for a clearer picture?

Take the first step towards getting things in focus by talking to our experts about cataract surgery at Spire Thames Valley Hospital and Spire Windsor Clinic.

14 www.retiredmagazines.co.ukwww.retiredmagazines.co.uk

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

15www.retiredmagazines.co.ukwww.retiredmagazines.co.uk

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

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.

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.

H O M EChanging RoomsSimple tips to transform any room


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 andwhite moldings.

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.

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Thousands of homeowners living in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey can now benefit from a Flexible Home Improvement Loan scheme, which is available to residents over the age of 60 years, to improve the warmth, comfort, safety or security of their homes.

The innovative new scheme has been created by a group of local authorities to help residents remain in well-maintained homes during their retirement – and have peace of mind – while paying off as little or as much of the loan as they like each month. It was of paramount importance that the loan would be equal or superior to products available from other lenders in terms of interest rates, charges, efficiency and especially flexibility.

Borrowers are able to make regular repayments, occasional repayments or no payments at all. Furthermore, they are free to vary the arrangement at any time and, if they wish, pay off the loan at any time without penalty. However, the loan plus any outstanding interest must be repaid if the property is sold, or if the owners cease to occupy it.

The interest rate tracks Bank of England base rate, subject to a minimum rate of 3.5% and a maximum rate of 7.0%. As loans are repaid, the money will be recycled as further loans.

The scheme has proved to be very popular and the participating local authorities have received many favourable comments from borrowers and the families of borrowers. The total of loans made through the scheme has now passed £5,000,000.

Additionally, at a time when conventional lenders seem reluctant to provide assistance, the scheme has been enhanced by the introduction of loans to bring empty homes back into habitable use and loans to landlords to

Flexibility is the keyword

l Essential repairs and maintenancel Renewable energy generation technology such as solar panels and heat pumps etcl Central heating or improvements to heating and hot water systemsl Insulation and energy saving measuresl Replacement doors and windowsl Roof and structural repairsl Replacement bathroom suitesl Installation of level-access showers

l Plumbing and drainage repairsl Rewiringl Replacement kitchensl Burglar alarms and home securityl Replacement guttering, soffits and claddingl Work associated with eradicating dampness, wet rot, dry rot and woodworml Installation of stairlifts or other adaptations.

Among the improvements and repairs that have been funded by Flexible Home Improvement Loans are:

A property recently revonated using FHIL funds

enable them to improve the quality of accommodation in their rented properties.

The Empty Homes Loans are for five years and can be likened to a very flexible overdraft which must be re-paid at the end of the period by either selling the property or by refinancing. The Rented Property Loans are repayable over a term of 5 – 15 years by monthly repayments of capital and interest. With both of these loans the interest rate is 2% above the Bank of England rate, subject to a minimum rate of 5.0% and a maximum of 7.5%.

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Chiltern District Council& Wycombe District Council

can now offer you the ultimate

Flexible HomeImprovement Loan

Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead 01628 683820Chiltern DC 01494 732013

Wycombe DC 01494 421728

Call us to find out more


The Trading Standards Service is part of RBWM’s Public Protection Unit, we are committed to achieving a fair and safe trading environment to benefit local residents, businesses and visitors to the area.

Rogue Doorstep Caller

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”.

Any Doubt? Keep them out!How to Beat the Rogue Step Caller• Keepfrontandbackdoorslocked• Useadoorviewerorwindowtosee

whoyourcalleris• Putyourchainorbaronbeforeyou

openthedoor• Neveragreetohaveworkdoneby

astrangerwhoturnsuponyourdoorstep

• Don’ttrustIDofferedbythecaller,itcaneasilybefaked.

• Neverletuninvitedcallersintoyourhome

• Neveragreetobetakentothebanktowithdrawcash

Rogue doorstep callers appear trustworthy and genuine; if you let them in they’ll expect a sale and won’t give up easily.

If you require any further information or advice about doorstep callers contact trading standards.

REMEMBER, reputable traders don’t need to go cold calling.

Doorstep trading is the hunting ground for opportunists and scammers.

[email protected]/web/trading_standards.htm01628 683802

If you see any suspicious characters going door to door phone the police non-emergency number 08458 505 505. For advice on any other consumer issues you can contact Consumer Direct on

08454 04 05 06 or by e-mail via their website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Beat the Scammers Advice PackOlder people in the Royal Borough now have access to a handy new self-help guide on how to spot and deal with domestic scams and cowboys.

The free pack - brought together by the council’s adult services and trading standards teams, with help from the Older Persons’ Advisory Forum - aims to give older and more vulnerable residents the information they need to enjoy better security in their own homes.

Delivered to more than 8,000 older residents, it provides advice on how to deal with both doorstep conmen and postal scams such as bogus lottery win notifications. There is also advice from the police on burglary prevention and information on how to access a wide range of adult care services.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for adult and community services, said: “Unfortunately it is the older and more vulnerable members of our community who are the biggest targets for rogues and conmen. We want people to feel safe in their own homes and to be able to live full and independent lives, free from the fear of crime. We hope this new pack will help to achieve that.”

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for public protection, said: “Many postal scams look completely genuine but

Help stamp out scams - that’s the message from the Royal Borough’s trading standards officers.

Staying safe on-line -that’s the ticket!Royal Borough trading standards officers are warning residents to beware of scam websites when buying tickets for concerts, shows and sporting events.

Recent news that scammers were offering tickets for the 2012 London Olympics, when genuine tickets hadn’t even gone on sale yet, highlights the hazards that internet users face when looking for tickets for that ‘must see’ event.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “If the concert or match that you want to go

to has sold out then it’s highly likely that any website offering tickets for it is a scam.

“Always check out new websites by entering their details into a search engine or social network site and only use your debit or credit card on sites which have a padlock symbol or make sure the website address begins with an https prefix.

“Research shows that one person in 12 is scammed when trying to buy tickets on-line so it is vital to take precautions before using your debit or credit card on a website you haven’t used before.”

Trading standards have the following tips:

• use your credit card for tickets costing over £100 each as your credit card company is

responsible if there’s a problem with the website.

• only use websites which have the geographical address of the business behind it, not just a PO box number, along with a UK landline telephone number. UK businesses should also show their VAT number somewhere on the site.

if you haven’t entered a lottery or prize draw then you won’t have won it. Any notification, scheme or offer that asks you to send an administration fee up front will definitely be a fraud and people should never respond.

“This pack sets out clear, commonsense advice and I would like to thank the trading standards and adult services teams for bringing together such a useful source of information.”

The pack also contains advice on dealing with people who turn up on the doorstep and offer to do roofing work, gardening or other types of home maintenance. Agreeing to have work done by such people can often lead to problems. Work is likely to be of a very poor standard and over priced - commonly by thousands of pounds - and the people responsible are usually impossible to track down once they have gone.

Residents aged 60 or more or who have a disability and need to have jobs done around the home can contact Repair with Care (details in the pack) who can help identify the work that needs doing and find a trusted trader to do it.

The pack is being distributed to everyone aged 70 and over in the Royal Borough and will be available at local community and council offices. Alternatively, to receive a pack in the post call 01628 683672 or email [email protected]

(

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 three 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

24

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


The Retired Greyhound Trust has launched a huge fundraising drive to raise thousands of pounds to help them find loving homes for dogs in its kennels.

The Trust, which finds homes for greyhounds at the end of their racing careers, aims to raise and extra £10,000 of much-need funds in the next few months – that is the equivalent of 2,500 kennel days.

Ivor Stocker, Director of the Retired Greyhound Trust, said: “Without funds, the charity cannot care for homeless dogs in our kennels. With funds, we can find homes for the dogs and carry out checks to ensure new homes are safe and secure for the dogs. These vital finances also ensure that the greyhounds are fit and healthy before they arrive at their new home – the dogs are neutered, vaccinated, wormed and flea treated.”

There are lots of ways to a make a donation to the Retired Greyhound Trust. You can donate online through Just Giving - http://www.justgiving.com/greyhounds/donate/, you can send a cheque to The Retired Greyhound Trust, 2nd Floor, Park House, Park Terrace, Worcester Park, Surrey, KT4 7JZ or call our office on 0844 826 8424. The Trust has also launched a new texting donation service - just text RGTD04 £10 (or other amount) to 70070.

Greyhound Celebration Returns to Nottingham

The Retired Greyhound Trust’s Great Greyhound Gathering is back for its fifth year.

Hundreds of greyhounds will descend on Nottingham for the family fun doggy extravaganza on Saturday 17th September.

The Great Greyhound Gathering – the national dog show to celebrate greyhounds and the work of the Retired Greyhound Trust (www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk) – will take place at Nottingham Race Course.

The Retired Greyhound Trust hopes this national show will help to find loving new homes for the hundreds of dogs around the country who are living in its kennels and raise much needed funds.

Ivor Stocker, from the Retired Greyhound Trust, said: “This is a celebration of all of the work that is undertaken by Retired Greyhound Trust branches across the country.

“We would like the Great Greyhound Gathering to raise awareness of the number of greyhounds we currently have in kennels and what great pets and companions they make.

“The show is a great opportunity for anyone thinking of getting a dog to come along and meet a greyhound and talk to lots of owners Greyhounds do make fantastic pets. They are extremely placid and adaptable dogs and can live happily with children and other pets. They also make excellent companions for the elderly because they are loving animals who do not require large amounts of exercise.”

The show will see hundreds of greyhounds and dogs of all breeds showcased in front of Crufts judge Keith Thornton, Ann Raymond and Belinda Race.

The event will start at 9am with a host of activities, including stalls with dog goodies and face painting. The winning design of the Retired Greyhound Trust’s national competition the Ultimate Dog Coat will also be unveiled for the very first time.

Ivor Stocker added: “This is our big event of the year. There will be something for everyone, so come along and support the Retired Greyhound Trust.

Charity Fundraising Push

“The dog show has classes for greyhounds and other breeds, so get your entries in or just turn up on the day. All money raised at the event will help branches of the Retired Greyhound Trust across the country to care for greyhounds when they have finished their racing careers until we can find them new homes.”

If you would like more information on the event, fundraising opportunities or adopting a retired greyhound, please contact the Retired Greyhound Trust, tel: 0844 8268424 or log on to www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk.

On The Up

The Trust is this month celebrating a boost in the number of greyhounds that have found loving new homes.

Homing figures for January to March are up by more than 30 on last year’s figures. In 2011 969 dogs were homed in the first quarter, compared to 931 in 2010.

Ivor Stocker said: “This is really encouraging news for our charity, but there are still many dogs that still need loving new homes and we would appeal to anyone who is looking for a dog as a pet to consider a greyhound.

“They make particularly good pets for the older generation as they are loyal and loving companions and only require two short walks a day,” he added.

Give an old athletethe will to live.

There’s a hopeful, trusting look in the eyes ofmost retired greyhounds. They’re hoping for acomfortable retirement home, and they trust us toprovide it for them!How can you help? With the best will in the world,

you may not be able to either adopt or sponsor agreyhound right now.

But a legacy could be the answer; remember the

RGT in your Will and you’ll be sure of a place indoggy heaven!

For more information on how to leave a legacyto The Retired Greyhound Trust, simply fill in thecoupon or phone us on:

0844 826 8424You’ll be doing us all a big favour.

Retired Greyhound Trust2nd Floor, Park House,1-4 Park Terrace, Worcester ParkSurrey KT4 7JZwww.retiredgreyhounds.co.ukemail:[email protected]

I’d like more information on leaving a legacy to RGT.

I enclose a donation £

Name:

Address:

Postcode:

Tel: RT/June/2011

Charity no. 269668

�

GT936_Retirement_Mag_2011_Layout 1 22/06/2011 17:03 Page 1


In Germany and Austria it can get as low as -20, even -30ºC and a single snowfall can be as much as 3ft or more overnight. To deal with this severe cold they need powerful heating able to cope with sub zero temperatures and sudden climate change. They need excellent control and above all - low running costs without the need for constant servicing and replacement parts. The solution, incredibly... is electric!

This incredible heating could be the answer to help beat ever increasing energy costs and amazingly, it is not gas or oil, or solid fuel - but clean electric! All you need is standard supply and NO

special tariff like economy 7. All over Europe more people are choosing to heat their homes and offices with this very special form of electric heating in preference to oil gas or E7. In our area, more and more of our customers are making that same decision and when you see this incredible heating for yourself you could be next! The heating looks just like conventional radiators, but STOP! it is very different! Put simply, that clunky central heating boiler needing constant servicing and replacement parts isn’t the only choice anymore! Now you can heat your homes, offices, extensions or conservatories with these incredible heaters providing individual control over every room without the need for a central control or wasted boiler space. This incredible German heating simply plugs in! Job Done! You can do just one room or the whole house! This heating, whilst quite NEW in the UK has been mainstream for a very long time in

Germany and Austria. Sunflow Ltd. offer a complete solution which can include disposing of your old central heating system, even oil tanks!Discover for yourself this incredible German heating.

Get your FREE brochure by calling our 24hr Brochure Line on: 0800 158 8270 or email: [email protected] ServiceSunflow can take the worry out of disposing of old central heating systems. We have a package price that includes the safe and certificated removal of oil, lpg and gas systems, even old oil tanks!Questions? Call Suzanne on 0800 158 8272

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Bus to town this winter!

Slough Canal Festival 2011Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September 2011

11am to 5pmBloom Park, Middlegreen Road, Langley, Slough.

Entry: Free. Parking: Free.Family fun for free at the Slough Canal Festival 2011 brought to you by us with the Inland Waterways Association.

You can enjoy:• boattrips• canalwares• artsandcrafts• canalfishing• healthywalks• kids’activities• Ridgesidefalconry• refreshments• mobilefarm• andlotsmore!

On Sunday you can come and meet the Dulux dog on Sunday.

For more information call 01753 875194.

There will be wheelchair access.

Live Crafts“Meet the Makers, See them Working & Purchase or Commission some of the finest examples of British Art, Craft, Fashion & Design”

The Live Crafts Series has now become the strongest and largest circuit of events dedicated to the showing and selling of work from the country’s leading Artists/Craftmakers. Our team draws on a wealth of experience to select some of the UK’s finest craft workers to create a unique show that will keep you returning year after year. We also have a strict vetting procedure to ensure genuine handmade crafts and a quality experience for our visitors.

Live Crafts & Food Fair2/3/4 SeptemberGreat Missenden, Buckinghamshire HP16 9AEOpening Times & Information:10am - 5pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a lead at all times.

Admission Prices: The event will be held in marqueesOn the Day: Adults £5.50, Seniors £5.00, Children (8-16 years) £1.50.

Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children) £12.50.Advance Tickets: Adults £4.50, Seniors £4.00, Children (8-16 years) £1.00

Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children) £10.00.

NEWS & EVENTS


Don’t lose your vote...

Tel: 01494 421223 | email:[email protected] | Website:www.wycombe.gov.ukElectoral Services, Wycombe District Council, Queen Victoria Rd, High Wycombe HP11 1BB

Are you on the Register of Electors? Ifnot,youwon’tbeabletovoteinanyelections.Were-publishtheRegisterannuallyon1stDecemberaftertheAutumncanvassbutwecanaddyournameatanytimeofyearsoifyouaren’tregistered,justringoremailusandaskforaregistrationform.

Got your hands full on polling day?Apply for a postal vote in advance!Anyonewhowantstocannowvotebypostatanyelection.It’seasytodo–justcompleteasimpleapplicationform.Ringoremailusandwe’llpostoneouttoyou,oryoucandownloadonefromourwebsite.

Turweston Airshow - 18 September 2011 - Turweston Aerodrome10:00Turweston AerodromeBiddlesden Road Westbury Nr. BrackleyNorthants,NN13 5YD

Turweston Airshow / Wings & Wheels Join us to see vintage aircraft, cars, motorbikes, tractors, military vehicles and more! The airshow will feature 6 acts and we hope to have a surprise fly-past during the day. Kids’ activities, stalls, food court and licensed bar. We are supporting the Royal British Legion who this year celebrate their 90th anniversary. £1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Legion.

Marlow Carnival17 September 2011

Marlow Carnival is a well established annual tradition. It is organised by the Marlow Community Association, a prominent local charity, which has been part of the local community for over 40 years.

For more information about the Carnival please contactMarlow Community Association, Liston Hall Chapel Street, Marlow SL7 1DD Tele: 01628 472558 or call Peter Donegan: 07801 057 510 [email protected]

Sue Ryder Fireworks & Halloween Night Saturday 17 September5.00 Gates Open

As well as a huge bonfire and professional fireworks display we provide numerous stalls selling baked potatoes, a pig roast, burgers, soup and drinks. The event attracts the support of almost four thousand parents, young people and children and the children’s’ fancy dress competition is always a delightful part of the occasion.

Heating as an Investment IssueWhen the boiler breaks down, we automatically call a plumber and hope for the best. However, if a new gas or oil boiler is needed then you are making an investment decision. As modern boilers last approximately ten years (some a lot less) you are deciding that you want to purchase gas or oil for the next ten years.

Over that ten years you could pay out £20 per month insurance or £2,400. Also, in five to ten years you may require a second boiler, maybe new radiators, pumps or valves.

In Germany they have developed a special type of chamotte based electric heater which is a real alternative to gas or oil. They have the added advantage of no more servicing, ever (www.germanelectricheaters.com). So with British gas and oil running out and less pollution around the home, electric may be a better investment.

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Home Group retirement developments in your area

Fegans Courtisanother60plusdevelopmentlocatedwithineasyaccess to the range of shops inStonyStratfordandMilton Keynes. There is a regular bus service into townandamainlinetrainstationinMiltonKeynesitselfofferinglinks to London and the North. Fegans Court comprisesof 41 two bedroom properties and contains a resident’sloungewhichservesasameetingplaceforthecommunityat thedevelopment.Thesiteboastsabeautifulcommunalgardenareaandaputtinggreenwhichsurroundsthesite.Allpropertiesarefittedwithanemergencypullcordalarmsystem.

Churchill Court, Aylesbury – Tel: 01296 487 887

Churchill Court has been designed with the active,independent over 60’s in mind where we aim to producea satisfying blend of carefree living with security, privacyandindependenceinafriendlycommunity.ChurchillCourtcontains a variety of superb, self contained one and twobedroomretirementflatsconnectedbyaneasilyoperatedlift.ThemainshoppingcentreisjustafewminuteswalkfromChurchill Court, where you will find all major retailers andamarket four timesaweekplusperiodic farmersmarketsandcontinentalmarkets.TherearealsoanumberofleisureactivitiesandamenitiesclosebythatresidentsofChurchillCourtenjoy.

Fegans Court, Stony Stratford – Tel: 01908 568 809

Holmer Place is located one mile from Hazlemere and iswithineasyaccesstothelocalvillagecentreasitisattheendoftheroad200yardsaway.Ithaslocalshopsincludingaconveniencestore,chemist,greengrocer,newsagentanda hairdresser. There is a bus stop at the end of the roadas well as a free bus service to the supermarket. HolmerPlacecomprisesof23twobedroombungalowsfortheover55’s. There is a communal garden area at the front of theproperties with private gardens at the rear. All bungalowshavegascentralheatingandarefittedwithanemergencypullcordalarmsystem.

Holmer Place, High Wycombe – Tel: 01494 712 860

Take a slice out of your Rent and Council Tax

Up to 4 out of 10 people entitled to Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit miss out.

Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit is help towards paying your Rent/Council Tax Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefitare national welfare benefits

These benefits help those people on lowincomes to meet the cost of their rent and/ or Council Tax

If you pay rent and /or Council Tax for yourhome, then you can apply for help if you are:-

l On a low income, earnings or pensionl A student with children or a partnerl Disabledl On Benefits

For pensioners with savings (who are not in receipt of pension credit guarantee) the first £10,000 is ignored. There is a maximum of £16,000 above which there is no entitlement to Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit. Those in receipt of guarantee credit are automatically entitled to maximum benefit.

Don’t miss out. What should you do next?

Apply now. You can get a claim form by contacting us on01494 421 324 or visit our website at www.wycombe.gov.uk where you can use the on line calculator to see if you qualify or email us at: [email protected]

If you are in any doubt - apply! It won’t cost you anything and it could save you money


With effect from 1st October 2007 there are now two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney available. The first type of power gives your authority to your attorneys to deal with your property and financial affairs, which includes managing your domestic accounts, paying bills on your behalf and ensuring that your investments are properly looked after. Your attorneys are also able to pay your mortgage payments (if any) and keep your property properly insured and repaired including selling your property and buying another smaller property should you so require.

The second type of power deals with your personal welfare and can only be used once you lose your mental capacity. It can deal with decisions as to where you live, and what medical treatment you should or should not receive, and indeed who should have contact with you at any time.

Your AttorneysAs with any Power of Attorney it is important that you appoint someone that you trust and who has the time and the skills to make the correct decisions on your behalf.

It is advisable to appoint at least two attorneys since in the event that you only appoint one, and that person becomes unable to continue, for whatever reason, the power will fail and the Court of Protection will, at the time, have to intervene.

Assuming you do appoint more than one Attorney, a further decision has to be made as to whether or not your Attorneys are to act on your behalf "jointly" which means that both must sign everything, or "jointly and severally" which allows either of your Attorneys to sign at any time without the other's counter signature. This may of course be helpful when one of your attorneys is either away on holiday or unwell.

Many attorneys prefer it to be joint, for their own protection as they may not wish to make any unilateral decisions. The downside of an appointment of joint attorneys occurs when one of the joint signatories is unable to sign for whatever reason, in which event the Lasting Power of Attorney will again fail, as if only one attorney has been appointed in the first place. It is therefore prudent, should you wish your attorneys to be appointed on a joint basis to appoint a substitute Attorney, and in the words of the Act a Replacement Attorney who can take over from either one of the attorneys at any time in the event

Types of Lasting Powers of Attorney


of that Attorney is unable to continue. A replacement attorney has no power until such time as his or her appointment is recorded at the Office of the Public Guardian as Attorney. This ensures that a joint Attorney appointment will not fail, whilst there is a Replacement Attorney registered available to take over.

When does a Power of Attorney become effective?The appointment by you of your Attorneys can only become effective when it has been registered at the Office of the Public Guardian. This DOES NOT mean however that once the application has been approved by the Office of the Public Guardian that your Attorneys can take over your affairs immediately. The choice is yours. Once the power has been registered you can either retain the same power in your possession and continue to manage your own affairs until such time as you require help or alternatively if you have already decided that you would like your attorneys to take over, then they can as soon as you authorise them so to do.

In other words the Power can be retained by you and not activated until you so require. It is for this reason that more and more middle aged persons rather than, just, the "elderly or retired" are applying for registration and keeping their powers in the "old oak chest" to await the event which hopefully will never be required

What happens if I do not make arrangements?You may make a Lasting Power of Attorney at any time providing you have the mental capacity to do so. Delay may however mean that you are faced with making

a decision when you are seriously ill and if you do not have the mental capacity at that time of making a Power of Attorney procedure will not be available to you. Your family will at that time, have to apply to the Court of Protection for the Court to appoint a person, known as a Deputy, to make the decisions on your behalf, and if effect become your Trustee.

Then there could be serious disadvantages, not having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, when the same is required.

Primarily, there will be an inevitable delay whilst the Court of Protection completes the application for the appointment of a Deputy and this could of course delay decisions as to management of your accounts, and paying bills and all necessary requirements including, if applicable, the selling of your property and indeed your daily financial management will be frozen, regardless of the circumstances.

Secondly, from a financial point of view, the cost of a Court of Protection application is much more expensive than the making of a Lasting Power of Attorney and with forethought this could be avoided.

As with any Power of Attorney it is important that you appoint someone that you trust and who has the time and the skills to make the correct decisions on your behalf.

Or there can be. Whether you leave £1m or just £1, squabbles over who should get what, or who should have got what, are all too frequent.

One of the most common challenges to the Will of elderly testators is lack of testamentary capacity. If you are making a Will you need to be of sound mind. But since few people give instructions and sign their Will on the same day, what happens if you lose your testamentary capacity before you sign?

The Court of Appeal recently decided that a deceased’s Will was valid because he had testamentary capacity (was of sound mind) when he gave instructions for the Will to be drawn up, even though he had lost it by the time he signed it many months later.

The case concerned an elderly man who left his entire estate to his carer. His son, who was the sole benefi ciary in an earlier Will, challenged the validity of his last Will claiming his father had executed it without knowledge and approval because at the time of execution he lacked testamentary capacity.

In its decision the Court of Appeal re-affi rmed a very old case from 1883. Applying the principles from that case the Court said it is necessary to ask whether (1) at the time the testator gave the instructions he had testamentary capacity; (2) the document gives effect to his instructions; (3) those instructions continued to refl ect his intention; and (4) at the time he executed the will he knew what he was doing and thus had suffi cient mental capacity to carry out the juristic act which that involves. The Court then found that when the testator signed his last Will, he did believe the Will gave effect to his intentions and therefore it was valid. There is a clear distinction to be drawn between testamentary capacity and knowledge and approval. The purpose of the enquiry into knowledge and approval is to ascertain whether the Will represents the testator’s true intention.

Every case will turn on its facts. To be sure your Will is not subject to a like challenge, please make sure you sign your approved Will promptly. You want to be sure your Will, your specifi c wishes and your true intention are actually carried out. And so do we.

Where’s there’s a Will, there’s a war

Married CouplesIf you and your husband/wife currently have ‘Mirror Wills’ or ‘Joint Wills’ you risk leaving your share of your home to your husband/wife for it simply to be swallowed up in care home fees. A legal trust arrangement within your Will could save your family tens of thousands of pounds and ensure your hard earned wealth passes to those you choose.

Widowed/Single The options available to you to protect your home are fewer and it is vital you act now.

“I’m protected, I’ve signed my house over to my children”Have you considered what will happen if your child/children experience marital difficulties and your home forms part of a divorce settlement? What will happen if your child/children experience financial difficulties and enter bankruptcy? Did you know that Capital Gains Tax is payable on second homes, meaning a potentially huge tax bill when your home is eventually sold by your children?

It’s not too late to put it right – contact us today for advice.

Retired Homeowners: your home could be sold to fund care home fees

“We have worked hard all our lives to leave something for our children and grandchildren. Why should the Local Authority get it all?”

FREE Home Visits • Specialist Legal Expertise

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If you have to go into care and you have assets that total more than £23,250 (including the value of your home), you will have to fund your care in full. A care home could cost £500-£800 a week or more. The reality is that your children could end up with very little. Although care might seem only a distant possibility right now, there are important steps you should take now to protect your home.

Quote ref RMHW10

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Collective Legal Solutions are experts at helping you protect your hard earned wealth. Contact us today for your free information pack.

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Andrew Dilnot’s report takes the view that the existing funding system for long term care is confusing, unfair, and unsustainable. His proposals for change would cost an initial £1.7bn a year, but he claims this is a price well worth paying.

At present, anyone with savings and assets of more than £23,250 has no help from the state for care costs. The Dilnot report recommends that this limit should rise to £100,000. No individual should have to pay more that £35,000 towards their care costs, regardless of savings, although they would still be liable for costs of accommodation and food in a care home, but this would be capped at £10,000 a year. If these proposals were implemented, no individual would have to spend more than 30% of their assets on care.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has described this report as an “immensely valuable contribution” but the government would need to consider this against other funding priorities. Ministers considered the plans ambitious and costly, but were impressed with proposals for a simplifi ed means testing system, better national standards, and the cap, which could enable a viable private insurance market to work. Government response will be published next spring, and proposals for the reform of adult social care will be published in a white paper.

So we wait, and hope, that government acts promptly on this report. Twenty three leading charity organisations issued a joint statement, in which they urged that the government “sets out a clear timetable for change and does so quickly.”

At present, we cannot insure against future care costs, for the simple reason that we have no idea how much we may need. Once the cap on costs is implemented, insurance companies can become involved, or savings can be considered, so that the worry over where money will come from for long term care can be alleviated.

In the meantime, the rules for long term care are complex and confusing. Various factors, such as restrictions on mobility, behaviour changes brought on by the illness, and speed of deterioration, all count in the assessment process, and a patient may not automatically qualify for NHS funding. Over the past ten years there have been many cases where people have been forced to sell their homes to pay healthcare fees, and in some cases, later discovered they were entitled to state support. At present, levels of care and criteria vary from borough to borough and Age UK says that councils are rationing services. The outlook for the elderly looks bleak. We’ve all been appalled

over cases where vulnerable older people have been neglected and mistreated, and hopefully, the Dilnot report will help to ensure that this can never happen again However, this will take time. In the meantime, how can elderly people, and their families, ensure that they’re given dedicated care and kindness in their most vulnerable years.

1. It is essential that the correct level of funding is established. Relatives of the elderly should make sure that they are aware of the rules, and that these are correctly interpreted when funding for care is established.

2. Funding can be provided through the Direct Payment Scheme, allowing the individual to make his/her own arrangements for care. Use this tailored to your own requirements. In order to qualify for this, the amount of care you need is assessed, and for more information on this you can obtain a leafl et: Guide to Direct Payments From Local Council, free from the Department of Health. Tel: 0870 1555455. A fact sheet has also been produced – Paying for Care and Support at Home by Age UK.

3. Be realistic. The number of people over 85 has risen by two thirds since 2004, but local authority budgets for social care are being cut. It is becoming more and more apparent that help in an individual’s later years is, in part, down to their own efforts in preparation and funding. Good sources for information on this is Age UK.

4. Check out private care agencies. If you need help in the home, but are still mobile, this is the perfect stage in your life to establish a relationship with a care agency. Using your Direct Funding, you can assess

The Dilnot Report - The Most Ambitious Report into Long Term Care since 1999

C A R E


if this particular agency is effi cient, caring and responsible. You can also assess the capability of the agency to provide more long term care, should that become necessary. A reputable Care Agency will have your best interests at heart. You can build up your trust in your Carers, and relax.

Anne Inglis, director of nationwide home care provider Bluebird Care in the S.Bucks & Slough area welcomes the Dilnot Report ‘The current social care system is widely regarded as inadequate, unfair and unsustainable. Where they have failed in the past, politicians from all parties must now seize the best opportunity in a generation to ensure that people can access the care and support they need in later life.‘

You’ve worked hard all your life, and need to be sure that your later life will be happy and free from worry. A little forward planning now, can help to ensure that this is the way it will be.

Call our professional team

Our staffOur staff are caring, trained to give medication andpolice checked.

What we offerWe offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits. In fact everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home.

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Bluebird Care(Aylesbury & Wycombe) 01296 399000 (Hemel Hempstead & Chiltern) 01923 775300

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Tushar Shah, who operates the Windsor & Maidenhead offi ce for Bluebird Care agrees ‘With the number of over 85s set to double over the next 20 years, the question is not whether we can afford the Dilnot proposals but how can we afford not to.’

With high quality care providers such as Bluebird Care supporting and embracing the recommendations of the Dilnot Report, then there is perhaps cause for optimism as we work towards the elimination of the catastrophic care costs faced by some people by capping the maximum amount individuals contribute over their lifetime, beyond which the state will meet all future funding.

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Retired & Living in Wycombe issue 29

Documents

Transcript of Retired & Living in Wycombe issue 29