R E T I R E M E N T

• Genealogy • Livestyle • Travel • Culture • Competitions • Health • Recipes •

The magazine for pre and post retirement www.retirement-today.co.uk Fe

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If you notice blood in your pee, even if it’s ‘just the once’, tell your doctor.

nhs.uk/bloodinpee

Dr Anant Sachdev

Blood in your pee could be an early sign of kidney or bladder cancer, even if it only happens once. Chances are it’s nothing serious, but finding it early makes it more treatable. So if it happens, tell your doctor straight away.

©Ryland Peters &

Small

5 Genealogy – Breaking through brick wallsThe brick walls presented by genealogy problems are challenges which can often be solved and however intractable a genealogy problem may appear, there is always something else that can be tried.

7 Update80% of jobseekers aged over 50 are victims of age discrimination; Number of UK citizens leaving the country on the rise; Retirement boosts physical and mental well-being; UK’s over-65 ‘Volunteer Army’ working 104m hours a week but living costs hit savings.

8 Fireside RecipesWhat better way to spend a chilly afternoon than preparing a delicious, healthy and satisfying meal for friends and family.

10 World’s Worst Travel DestinationGoing off the beaten track isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. Here are some examples of travel experiences you will want to miss.

12 Footloose in ItalyIn their Footloose series, Debra Rixon and her husband visit the

Italian Lakes. Read about Debra’s experiences in this beautiful part of the world. Plus, your chance to

win a copy of their DVD.

17 Out and AboutRead about events taking place nationally.

18 Best Cakes & DessertsSome cake and dessert recipes to inspire and delight you from French born chef Gabriel Gaté.

21 CompetitionsYour chance to win some great prizes, including

theatre tickets.

22 NewsdeskProduct review for Hoover Generation Future Ironspeed SRD 4110/2; Immulina -must have winter natural supplement; Exclusive Train Offer on ScotRail for over 55s.

23 A Will is the WayMike Francis writes about the importance of making a will to ensure beneficiaries, loved ones and charities receive exactly what the will maker intends.

27 Charity NewsRead about what’s happening within the world of charity.

30 Book ReviewAnn Hann reviews Peter Hervé’s Charity -A History of The National Benevolent Charity by Paul N.Rossi

32 Women Improve with AgeWomen improve with age by becoming even better at relationships

of all kinds, clearer communicators and have even greater emotional intelligence according to Cognitive Neuroscientist and Business Improvement Strategist, Dr Lynda Shaw.

34 SubscriptionSubscribe and have Retirement Today delivered direct to your door.

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Although every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information and the advertisements contained within the magazine, the publishers cannot accept any liability. Retirement Today would be pleased to receive your articles and photographs for possible publication. Although all reasonable care will be taken the magazine can assume no responsibility and contributors are advised to retain a copy.

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RETIREMENT TODAY

MAGAZINE

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If you notice blood in your pee, even if it’s ‘just the once’, tell your doctor.

nhs.uk/bloodinpee

Dr Anant Sachdev

Blood in your pee could be an early sign of kidney or bladder cancer, even if it only happens once. Chances are it’s nothing serious, but finding it early makes it more treatable. So if it happens, tell your doctor straight away.

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Cover images:Top right:Image taken from Footloose in Italyby kind permission of Debra Rixon

Bottom left:Image taken from Fireside Feasts & Snow Day Treats, Ryland Peters & Small

Image bottom right:by kind permission of David Mountain

©Hardie Grant Books

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Problems and SolutionsThere are of course problems which will remain with a solution outstanding. Sooner or later every line reaches a point beyond which it simply cannot be traced because there are not records. Or you may find ancestors did a very good job in hiding their family background. Common names frequently cause problems for the researcher. Yet with all these restrictions noted, a great deal can none the less be done.

There is a very good chance of being able to take almost any British Isles line back to the early nineteenth century, and a reasonable expectation of being able to take many lines back another couple of centuries. The utmost reach of most British Isles genealogy is the late Middle Ages – unless of course you link to the royal line or the pedigree of a handful of

noble families. You may travel back half a millennium or even further before sooner or later all lines come to a point where they can be taken no further – they hit the unbreakable brick wall of a lack of records. Perhaps one day genetics will break down even this barrier, but for the moment genealogy ends with the earliest records. Before you hit that ultimate brick wall there are the sort of problems that may be solved.

Presented here is a way of thinking to tackle brick walls along with a selection of ideas most likely to be of use to solve problems of this nature. The focus is on the nineteenth and eighteenth centuries, the centuries of most genealogical research, but there is consideration of both earlier and later sources. A selection of deals and sources are presented, those which are believed to be the most likely to break down brick walls.

Genealogy

BREAKING THROUGH BRICK WALLS

T he brick walls presented by genealogy problems are challenges which can often be solved. However intractable a genealogy problem may appear, there is always something else that can be tried. There is also the expectation that with ever more records coming available and the development of new techniques (including genetic genealogy), problems which now seem beyond any possible solution will one day be solved.

Coming to dead ends in researchGeneologists have come to use the term brick wall to mean a research dead end, the situation where family tree research does not respond to the usual tools for advancing a line and all further progress is stopped. There are two primary types of brick wall. When:

• Abirthorchristeningcannotbefound,withtheresultthatinformationaboutparentageisnotavailable;and

• Awoman’smaidennamecannotbefound,andthereforethewoman’sfamilycannotbetraced.

In addition to the problems of locating marriage and birth, evidence

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of movements within the British Isles or migration to or from the British Isles may not be available – moving or migration may therefore be regarded as a particular type of brick wall. There are additional types of brick wall in the tracing of collateral lines, where you are seeking to find the descendants of brothers and sisters to your direct line. There are even more problems when the research turns into a search for a living person, or is in the genealogical no man’s land of the mid-twentieth century –neither a living person search nor a search for an ancestor in the period well covered by accessible records.

There is a whole cluster of brick walls relating to common names. John Smith – the most common first name and most common surname – is not going to be an easy person to trace, even if all his documentation is in order. Even names which are much less commonplace can still have far too many representatives for easy tracing.

There are also brick walls around finding the document that bring an individual to life. Too many members of family trees are known by date of birth, marriage and death and almost nothing else, and while this may be a tidy result it is hardly an exciting one. The challenge here is to establish something of the life of the person, in effect to find some interesting documentation, or photos, or perhaps to gain an understanding of their occupation and the place where they lived.

Thinking about your ancestors can make you smarter!This is the finding of research by Peter Fischer, Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Graz in Austria, who suggests that thinking about your ancestors can make you smarter. The ‘ancestor effect’ seems to work because thinking about your ancestors gives a stronger sense of identity and therefore of self-esteem. Thinking about the challenges that ancestors have faced apparently acts as a spur to our own achievement.

Even more than ordinary family-tree research, breaking through genealogy brick walls offers:

• Theexcitementofthechase

• Demandinginvestigativeskills,and

• Enhancedawarenessofpersonalandculturalidentity.

As well as its claimed personal benefits, working on a family tree is an entry point for more academic research. The more advanced genealogical research moves out of sphere of the independent researcher on a personal quest and enters the domain of the historian of the social sciences.

The three ways to break through brick wallsIn outline there are three (and only three) ways to break through genealogy brick walls.

1.Reanalysematerialyoualreadyhaveandfindsomethingyouhavemissed.

2.Findalternativewaystosearchrecordsyouhavealreadysearchedwithoutsuccess.

3.Findnewrecordstosearch.

Practical examples of the three ways might include the following:

1.Lookatthenamesofwitnessesonmarriagecertificateswhichyouhave–theyareveryoftenrelativesandmayprovideamissingsurnamewhichyoucanthencheck

2.Useadifferentsearchenginetosearchthesamecensusrecordsorsamecollectionofbirth,marriageanddeath(BMD)records.Resultscanbesurprisinglydifferentfromwhatisessentiallythesamesearchonthesamedata.

3.Ifyoucan’tfindwhatyouarelookingforinacensusthentryadirectory.Ifyoucan’tfindabirthregistrationtryforachristening.Ifyoucan’tfindamarriagefindawillinwhichthebride’sfathernameshisson-in-law.

The key idea is that there is (almost) always some way you can try to break down a brick wall. Only rarely will you reach a point where all avenues have been explored – almost always there is something else that might be tried.

Being a detectiveBreaking down a brick wall is often very like playing detective and seeking to unravel a past mystery. For example, very often a research problem is hit because an ancestor

did something strange in the answers they gave to bureaucracy.

Many of our ancestors wished to keep a low profile. Bureaucracy was often not trusted and individuals avoided giving information, gave the least they could, or even gave wrong information. Many felt vulnerable, perhaps because they were members of a dissenting religious group, or had a criminal record, or were a migrant, or perhaps were a member of a group that felt threatened, such as Romany Gypsies. Many were seeking to hid events in their life – an illegitimate birth, a falsified age for enlistment with the army, bigamy, separation.

For a hundred and one reasons our ancestors may not have given a full and accurate accounts of themselves to bureaucracy.

Many in every age wished to disassociate themselves from their family. This circumstance is so commonplace that it appears to be almost a staple of family life. A high-brow literary statement of this comes from William Blake: ‘A man’s worst enemies are those of his own house and family’ (Jerusalem); very many families can offer their own personal example of a family squabble or feud.

When ancestors sought to keep their trail hidden we have to accept that they may have done a very good job. The brother of one of my ancestors, Robert Jones, emigrated from England to America and wrote a letter to his sister signing his name Robert Taylor. I have no idea what prompted this change and am amazed that his real name of Robert Jones wasn’t an adequate incognito – but whatever the reason an American genealogist descended from him and trying to find the English roots of Robert Taylor is going to hit a blank. Some brick walls are real challenges to break down.

The enormous development of our age is Internet databases do, even if an ancestor had covered their tracks so well that people in their age could not trace them, it is still possible for the genealogist today to track them down n

AnextractfromSolvinggenealogyproblemsbyDrGraemeDavispublishedbyHowtoBooksLtd

Other recommended books:Which? Tracing your family History Made EasyA complete guide to tracing

your family tree £12.99

Research Your Surname by Dr Graeme Davis, published byHow to Books Ltd£9.99

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Open to All - Non-members Welcome. For further information, please visit our website.www.sog.org.uk | Tel: 020 7553 3290 | email: events@sog.org.uk

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80% of jobseekers aged over 50 are victims of age discriminationOver 80% of people aged over 50 say they have suffered age discrimination when job seeking, according to a study conducted by a service that helps older jobseekers find employment and stay economically active. Just 4% had not experienced discrimination first hand and 14% were uncertain.

The negative attitude to age shown by employers in the UK could hold back economic growth and slow down the recovery as the country fails to draw on all the skills and experience that are available, say the authors, SkilledPeople.com.

The latest government unemployment figures gave little comfort for older jobseekers. They show that 48.4% of unemployed people aged 50 to 64 have been jobless for more than 12 months. This is a higher proportion than for any other age group. Moreover, the number of economically inactive people aged 50 to 64 now stands at 3.46 million or 30.4% of that age group.

The research by SkilledPeople.com also found that 65% of jobseekers with at least 25 years of experience are willing to work for only expenses to secure a new position and 75% would accept a lower salary compared to what they have earned previously.

RETIREMENT BOOSTS PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING More men retire in December than any other month and many people are reporting that retirement has improved their physical and mental well-being leaving them more fulfilled. Research by Saga Health Insurance shows that half of people (49%) take up a sport after retiring, a third (32%) say they feel more fulfilled and another third (31%) say they are more physically active than when they were working.

Perhaps the most positive change is people's mental well-being - over a quarter (27%) say they feel more mentally active since leaving work, compared to just 16% who say they are less so. This could be due to the number of people who take up new hobbies or embark on learning new skills in retirement.

Stress levels also drop dramatically upon retirement. Over half (52%) say they feel less stressed than when they were at work,

with men more likely to say this (58%) than women (42%).

NUMBER OF UK CITIZENS LEAVING THE COUNTRY ON THE RISE. “Recent figures from the Home Office show that the number of UK citizens leaving the country for a minimum of a year has begun rising again.

In 2010, this figure was 136,000, while in 2011 it increased to 149,000. More than half of those leaving in 2011 were moving for work reasons and either have a job lined up (more than 50,000) or will be looking for employment.

Countries with the highest number of expats include Australia (which has the most), the USA and Canada, so a hike in migration is a sign of how buoyant economies in these countries are compared with the UK and Eurozone.

Also interesting were figures for the number of retired expats living overseas, based on the number of people who receive their pension abroad from the Department of Work and Pensions.

Unsurprisingly, Australia has the most, with Canada in second place, followed by the USA, then Ireland and Spain – highlighting the preference for retiring to an English-speaking country. These figures perhaps don’t tell the whole story, as there are many retired people who split their time between the UK and a short-haul destination, such as Spain, France, Portugal or even Cyprus, who remain resident in the UK and continue to have their pension paid into a UK account, so will not be deemed as resident abroad.”

Richard Way, Editor, Overseas Guides Company (OGC)

UPDATE

UK’S OVER-65 ‘VOLUNTEER ARMY’ WORKING

104M HOURS A WEEK BUT

LIVING COSTS HIT SAVINGSFigures are revealed in Aviva’s Winter Real Retirement Report, which contains findings from almost 15,000 over-55s. The report highlights the financial pressures faced by the UK’s three ages of retirement (55-64 – pre retirees, 65-74 – the retiring, and over-75 – the long-term retired).

Other key statistics include:

•Almostaquarterof65-74yearoldsarestillearningawage

•Averagemonthlyincomeamongover-55shasrisenbyjust£109intwoyears

•Thetypicalover-55savesamere£28.67or1.99%oftheirincomeeachmonth

•30%ofover-75shavelessthan£2,000insavings

•Thetypicalover-65gives10hoursaweektovolunteerandsupporttheirfamilies

•Workinginacharityshopisthemostpopularformofunpaidwork

A chowder normally contains fish but corn replaced the fish in this recipe. The principle is still the same however – a creamy stock thickened with potatoes and spiked with the rich flavour of smoky bacon.

40 g butter

150 g pancetta, cubed

1 onion, sliced

2 carrots, finely chopped

300 g new potatoes (unpeeled),

thinly sliced

2 tablespoons plain flour

600 ml whole milk

400 ml chicken or vegetable stock

3 dried bay leaves

300 g sweetcorn kernals (thawed if frozen)

3 tablespoons double cream

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Serves 4

Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and fry the pancetta until crisp. Add the onion, carrots and potatoes, cover and cook gently for 15–20 minutes until soft. Stir occasionally.

Sprinkle the flour into the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring it into the vegetables. Pour in the milk gradually, blending it with the flour, then add the stock and bay leaves; bring to a gentle simmer. Add the (sweet) corn and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the cream and season with salt. Divide the soup between 4 bowls and serve immediately with a fresh grinding of black pepper.

1.5 kg centre loin of pork

200 ml Madeira wine

100 ml freshly squeezed orange juice

2 sprigs of rosemary, bruised

2 oranges, peeled and sliced into 4 slices each

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

thick kitchen foil

an instant-read thermometer

Serves 4

Score the fat with a criss cross pattern and season the meat with plenty of salt and pepper, rubbing it in well. Put a double thickness of kitchen foil in a large roasting pan and turn up the edges. Put in the

meat fat side down and pour in the Madeira and juice. Add the rosemary. Leave for about 2 hours if possible, then put in the middle of a preheated oven at 170°C (325°F) Gas 3 and slow-roast for 1 hour.

Carefully turn the meat over, then add the orange slices and about 125 ml/1⁄2 cup water if it is starting to dry out. Cook for a further 30 minutes. Then raise the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) Gas 7 for a final 10 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 80°C (175°F).

Lift the meat onto a serving dish and arrange the orange slices around it. Pour the juices into a gravy boat and serve.

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Fireside feastsCorn and pancetta chowder

Slow-roasted pork loin with rosemary, madeira and orange

Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this is truly a one-pot meal. It can be served as soon as the sausage and pasta are cooked, which doesn’t take long at all, but the taste improves if made in advance. If using spicy sausage, you may not need to add the dried chilli/hot pepper flakes. Serve with a basket of crusty bread and offer extra finely grated Parmesan for sprinkling.

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

12 Italian- or Toulouse-style sausages (about 800 g) cut into bite-sized pieces

4 garlic cloves, sliced

1⁄4–1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes, to taste

400-g can chopped tomatoes

250 ml red wine

1 bay leaf

100 g small pasta shapes, such as macaroni

about 175 g greens, such as curly kale, chard or cavolo nero

1 x 400-g can cannellini beans, drained

a large handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

freshly grated Parmesan, to serve

Serves 4–6

Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and cook for 3–5 minutes, until soft. Add the sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, until browned. Stir in the garlic and dried chilli/hot pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute.

Add the tomatoes, wine and bay leaf and enough water to cover. Don’t worry if it’s soupy at this stage. Bring to the boil, then add the pasta and cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.

Meanwhile bring a separate large saucepan of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the greens and cook briefly just to blanch. Drain and set aside. Add the blanched greens and beans to the sausage mixture and stir well. Simmer, uncovered, for a further 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Stir in the basil and serve sprinkled with finely grated Parmesan

This is a great way to make a meal out of simple mashed potato. Bacon, leeks and cheese make a particularly perfect trio, but you can add just about anything to this versatile dish. You should have onion at the very least, and cheese of some sort, and something green for a bit of colour, after that anything goes!

1 kg floury potatoes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 small leeks, thinly sliced

80 g bacon or pancetta, diced

30 g butter

250 ml milk or single cream (or a bit of both)

1 egg, beaten

a large handful of fresh parsley leaves, chopped

a pinch of paprika

90 g firm cheese, such as Gruyère, grated

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

a 24-cm round baking dish, greased

Serves 4–6

Halve or quarter the potatoes depending on their size; they should be about the same to cook evenly. Put them in a large saucepan, add sufficient cold water to cover, salt well and bring to the boil. Simmer for 20 minutes, until tender.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan over low heat. Add the onion and leeks and cook gently for about 10 minutes, until soft. Add the bacon and cook for 3–5 minutes, until just browned. Season with salt and – set aside.

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) Gas 5.

Drain the potatoes and mash coarsely, mixing in the butter and milk. Season well and add the egg. Stir to combine.

Stir in the leek mixture, parsley, paprika and half the cheese. Transfer to the prepared dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, until well browned. Serve immediately.

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Fireside feastsSausage, pasta and bean stew with greens Mashed potato pie with bacon,

leeks and cheese

What better way to spend a chilly afternoon than preparing a delicious, healthy and satisfying meal for friends and family.

Recipes and images from Fireside Feasts and Snow Day Treats published by Ryland Peters & Small.

FiresideFeastsandSnowDayTreatsisavailabletoreadersforthespecialpriceof£17.99includingpostage&packaging(rrp£19.99)bytelephoningMacmillanDirecton01256302699andquotingthereferenceGLR7GJ.

Enerhodar, UkraineLocated on the banks of theDnieperRiver, the city of Enerhodar wasoriginally built to house the workersof the nearby Zaporizhzhia NuclearPowerPlant.ItisherethatafifthofallUkraine’spowerisproduced.ItalsoholdstheunenviabletitleofbeingthelargestnuclearpowerstationinEurope.

Today Enerhodar is home to almost 55,000 people, and not all of them are power plant employees. The city wasfoundedintheearly1970s,andits name roughly translates as “power gift”. It depicts itself as a fantastic place, with local tourist agencies proudly declaring that ‘walking in such close proximity to one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world is a rare opportunity!”.

But what is there to see other than a mass of thick concrete? How about the plant’s 1,050-foot-high flue gas stack, which is Ukraine’s highest freestanding structure. See it belch thick white clouds into the sky! See electricity pylons of 6,500 feet in height protrude from the river, dispatching clean nuclear energy to homes across the land!

The city sees itself as a cradle of culture. Every two years it hosts the international Good Theatre Festival, which is always highly anticipated by the locals. It also boasts a well-stocked library – definitely one attraction not to miss.

And if you’re a power plant fanatic looking for a comfortable night’s sleep, you can even check yourself in to the city’s Nuclear Power Station Hotel.

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World’s Worst Travel Destinations

Travel experiences you will want to missFrom the dirty to the depraved, the barren to the

downright boring, going off the beaten track isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. Packed with bizarre facts, this humerous guide turns the travel genre on its head and

uncovers some of the most unusual – and ghastly – places the world has to offer. Here are some examples.

AnextractfromWorld’sWorstTravelDestinationsbyKaraSimsekpublishedbyDog‘n’Bone.

World’sWorstTravelDestinationsispublishedbyDog‘n’Boneat£9.99,paperback,andavailablefromallgoodbookshopsor call 01256-302699 quoting GLR 8FQ to purchase a copy at the special price of £6.99 including free p&p.Visitwww.cicobooks.co.uk

Festac Town, NigeriaIfyouhaveanemailaddress,chancesareyou’vereceivedanemailfromsomeoneinNigeriawhohasahugeamountofmoneythatheneedsstoredsomewheresafe,suchasinyourbankaccount.Butfirst,won’tyouhelphimbribegovernmentofficialssohecanfulfilhisdiplomatfather’swishesandtakeaholdallofgoldtoHamburg?

Every year, thousands of foolish people lose huge amounts of money to advance fee fraud, or “419scams” as they’re commonly known. But where do these badly written pleas come from? The answer is more often than not Festac Town, a suburb of the Nigeria capital Lagos.

Festac was originally built to house the participants in the Second World Festival of Black Arts and Culture in1977.Five thousandhomeswerebuilt ina neighbourhood that was meant to represent a bright new age of prosperity for the country as it rode the crest of its first oil boom.

Until the late 1980s, Festac was a smartneighbourhood, but as time went on it fell into disrepair and a new generation, educated but unemployed, moved in. They took advantage of the area’s internet cafes and began using e-scams to trick greedy Westerners.

Nigeria is ranked third in the fraudulent email crime statistics of the UK Federal Agency’s Internet Crime Complaint Centre – pretty impressive for a country with less than 20 per cent Internet coverage.

Cybercrime is now a part of Nigerian culture, and home grown rapper Olu Maintain even had a hit record with “Yahooze”, a track all about the high jinks of an email scammer, or “Yahoo Boys” as they call themselves.

While it could appear that an email asking you to send money to bribe someone or pay some sort of government levy is the behaviour of a chancer. Yahoo Boys are usually part of a finely tuned organised crime syndicate – so the next time you’re in Festac, keep an eye out of any new cars with an FST number plate. Chances are it’s being driven by one of these unscrupulous online con-artists n

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Evansville, IndianaIfyou’re frettingaboutnotbeing trimenoughforatripabroad,thenperhapsconsiderEvansvilleasyourdestination.ArecentpolldeclaredittobeAmerica’sfattest city, so you’ll fit right in – orperhaps feel supermodel thin as youwrestleforspaceonthesidewalkwitharotundlocal.

The City is situated on the beautiful Ohio River where the states of Illinois and Kentucky meet, and was once known as the River City. But these days it’s more likely you’ll see a stream of wheezing fatties crossing your field of vision as they laboriously clomp through the streets.

A 2011 poll revealed that almost 40 per cent of people in the Evansville regionboastedaBMIof30ormore,a figure that rates them as morbidly obese. Locals were incensed, and took a break from eating onion rings and huge burgers to declare that they’re “happy!”.

If you’re able to stomach the sight of chubby arms oozing out of vest tops like molten wax, or the

constant peril of almost being mown down by a hungry-looking blimp on a mobility scooter, there is much to do here. Like visit one of the city’s many fast food restaurants. Or drive through burger joints. Or call for a pizza.

Failing that you could take a trip to the annual Fall Festival, which takes

place in the first week of October. Described by organizers as “the largest street fair outside of Mardi Gras”, it’s a celebration of everything edible – as long as it’s battered. You thought Scotland’s deep-friend Mars Bars were bad for you? Wait until you’ve tried chicken-fried bacon, fried cheesecake on a stick, or deep-fried hotdogs.

One aspect of Evansville living that the locals are keen to remind everyone of is the fact that they enjoy some of the lowest energy rates in America.

Modern Toilet Restaurant, TaiwanDogs drink out of toilets, so why can’twe?Well, unless you’re doing it at theTaiwaneserestaurantchainModernToilet,it’sbecauseyou’llprobablycatchahorribledisease.

One of Taipei’s best-loved restaurant chains, Modern Toilet, allows diners to fulfil their fantasies of eating chicken curry out of a porcelain throne and drinking the contents of a urinal through a straw.

The proprietors, or “muckrakers” as they call themselves, proclaim they live by the motto “In an age where creative marketing is king, even feces can be turned into gold!”.

The first restaurant served chocolate ice cream which was piped into a small, toilet-shaped dish to look like a fresh turd. Such was the positive reaction that they expanded their menu, and now offer a selection of hot meals as well.

The chicken curry is a popular option, but as it is served bubbling in its porcelain-throne vessel it may test the nerves of even the most ravenous customer.

The chain’s flagship store is spread across 2,800 square feet and located over three storeys. An enormous toilet is fixed to the outside wall, and at the entrance a giant fibreglass poo awaits diners, ready to greet them with an anime grin. Patrons sit on Western-style toilets with glittery lids, and the tables are sinks or bathtubs with a glass top. The walls are tiled like a real bathroom, and the lights are shaped like luminescent piles of doo-doo.

The meals are served in mini-toilet bowls, mini-bathtubs, or mini-sinks. Giant desserts designed for sharing come in mini squat toilets, overflowing with nuts and chocolate sauce. Drinks are served in mini-urinals complete with a fun bendy straw.

Modern Toilet is a popular destination for hipsters, tourists and children. There’s even a gift shop where you can invest in your very own toilet-shaped dish, or a keyring shaped like – you’ve guessed it – a poo.

When we decided to make a Footloose in the Italian Lakes region, we had intended to

only visit one – but we couldn’t agree on which one, so in the end we went to the major four, plus a smaller, lesser known one. This required careful planning, so we flew to Milan-Malpensa airport, and started at the farthest distance, Lake Garda. This meant belting along the autostrada in the dark and pouring rain to find our b&b on the outskirts of Desenzano in a seriously underpowered Fiat Cinquecento. It was quite an eerie feeling, Dave and I in the front with our suitcases strapped into the back for all the world like silent escorts.

We already had permission to film at the fortress of Sirmione, and as the forecast had foretold clouds and showers, we didn’t take the boat as originally intended, but drove the little car we’d christened ‘the lambo’ instead. The skies cleared and we had a wonderful day filming in the castle and then exploring the town before walking to the headland to film the spectacular Roman ruins on the promontory – where it did rain on us. But who cares? How often could you say you were sheltering from a shower under a 2,000 year old roof?

Further up the western side of the lake from Desenzano is Salo, a really pretty little town infamous for being hapless enough to be the birthplace of Mussolini – there is a museum dedicated to the dictator – and for having the nominal capital of Fascist Italy foisted upon it during the last years of WW2. Along the shoreline at Gardone is a bizarre monument that we had gained permission to film at; the Villa Vittoriale, home of national hero and poet Gabriele D’Annuncio. This decidedly odd chap, although a fervent supporter of Mussolini and his

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Fascist cause, had the good sense to die just before WW2 and so remains untainted, and his life and home are now part of the national educational curriculum. If I just mention that he had a full size prow of a battleship embedded in the hillside of the garden, it may give you an idea of the oddities to be found here.

Garda is so huge we could not possibly film it all – well, not in this film, with three others to go – so we drove up to the very top, to Riva to meet a delightful Director of Tourism who was wonderfully enthusiastic about ‘her’ lake. With all the provinces, there are a lot of tourism offices that don’t talk to each other, and Roberta is keen to get them all connected in a common goal to bring more tourists to the area. The lakeside roads were narrow and the pace furious, so I navigated, surreptitiously gripped anything solid, kept quiet and let Dave drive like an Italian.

There aren’t enough adjectives or superlatives to describe this region of Italy; I will fall miserably short, so perhaps I should confine myself to the atmosphere. There are four different flavours here, each quite distinct from the others. Garda felt frenetic, busy, gloriously chaotic and it seemed that we were working at a faster pace too. I’m not sure I was actually drinking in the beauty of this vast body of water, although I was drinking! The weather in September was frankly gorgeous, perfect for walking and not too hot in the car.

At Malcesine, we walked from the top, down the slopes of Monte Baldo, which began well enough but the walking guide had lied on the ‘time taken’ – loose scree hidden by drifts of leaves were treacherous and the rougher tracks between stone walls slowed us considerably. I found myself a sturdy stick – well, more like a log really, much to the amusement of some German walkers – which helped, but by the time we were nearing the last cable car station, San Michele, my knees were seriously unhappy – we had descended around 800 metres. So we took the cable car back down to the bottom feeling slightly unfulfilled.

Our next stop was Lake Como, where the roads seemed more tortuous, diving in and out of tunnels with breathtaking vistas of the lake and opposite shore each time we emerged. It was definitely more romantic, and although the pace was not slow, because you can see the other shore, it was somehow prettier. We stayed

at a guesthouse at Laglio, roughly halfway up, and whilst on the main road which gave us easy access each day, didn’t have anywhere to eat, so it was a precarious roadside walk in one direction, or a short car journey the other. Como city was a necessary visit as we had permission to film

in the Silk Museum, situated in the University complex just outside the city centre. I loved the walk into the city along the shoreline, not because it was picturesque (it was not the most attractive waterfront, it has to be said) but because it has a base for what is claimed to be the oldest aero club in

the world, the home of flying boats. Watching them take off and land was fascinating, and I must admit I dragged my feet a bit and could have spent a lot longer on a bench spectating.

Como is a forked lake, and dozens of delightful little towns ring both arms; we chose to take a boat cruise that visited amongst others, Bellagio because its name is synonymous with glamour. Unfortunately, for me it looked far better from the water. The reality was over-commercialised, absolutely crammed with tourists, noisy with cars and motorbikes coming on and off the car ferry and the cobbles were murderous on the ankles. I much

Footloose in Italyby Debra Rixon

There aren’t enough

adjectives or superlatives to describe this region of Italy

sFo

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preferred Varenna, the next town up, traffic free and less touristy and we found the most perfect terrace to have a glass of wine and watch the sun set over the lake.

We decided to walk from one lake to another, and set off from Menaggio on quite a warm day, to trek the 15 kms to Porlezza on the Italian side of Lake Lugano. The trail passes through pretty villages and includes a chance to see the ancient oak tree Il Rogolone.

The following day we drove to Lugano, and if there had been a better way, we should have taken it. The lambo was as confused as its navigator and performed u-turns – legal or otherwise – with frightening regularity. It was the only other rainy morning we had, so we went to visit a chocolate factory, and exited through the gift shop, as you do.

The scenic lake is smaller then the others and rather less populated with heavily wooded slopes, but nevertheless, beautiful. It has a different feel to it – less developed, more secretive. We drove along the shore to the road border with Italy at Gandria to be picked up by the Swiss Customs motor launch and taken across the lake to film in the intriguing Customs Museum on the far side. The Customs Museum gave a fascinating insight into human failings, with an equal emphasis on stupidity and ingenuity, and well worth a visit.

Next up was Maggiore, and by this time I was feeling just a little weary of the pace, so its relaxed atmosphere was a welcome relief. As we drove towards Angera we had the fabulous view of the snow capped Alps coming ever nearer. We drove up to the Rocca as we had permission to film there, and spent a really relaxing afternoon strolling through its perfectly preserved medieval rooms and climbing up to the battlements with spectacular views. The fortress has belonged to the same family for over 800 years, a family that is regarded as royalty on this lake – the Borromeos. Our

base this time was Stresa, and it couldn’t have been a more

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perfect choice with excellent road and rail connections to the airport. The town is lovely, just big enough to spend evenings wandering through the back streets, plenty of restaurants and café’s and our hotel was above one of these.

We took the Maggiore Express package trip – you take the train to Domodossola and then pick up the narrow gauge train that tracks up through the mountain slopes to Locarno, spend an hour or so looking for the ballroom and then you catch the boat back. It was one of the most relaxing and splendid afternoons on a boat I have ever spent. A real must-do. We also had permission to film on the two Borromeo islands that sit in

the bay known as the Borromeo Gulf – Isola Madre and Isola Bella. The latter is more a baroque confection of sculpture than a garden with a plain looking mansion that has a stunning interior. I preferred Madre, with its relaxed English-style botanical gardens and the curious modern art sculptures are a definite talking point.

Back at our base in Stresa, we took the cable car to Monte Mottarone with the intention of walking down the other side of the mountain to the hidden lake that

is not so well known, Orta. The trail starts from a rather scruffy car park and would be well way-marked if the post hadn’t been knocked over at an angle that made its signposting ambiguous. The result was a short detour into sheep country before discovering our error, and retracing our steps to take up the correct path that gave us tantalising glimpses of the dark body of water far below with its solitary religious island. It was another hot day, and a bit of a scramble at times with

a welcome waterfall along the way that provided a much-

needed cooling off point.On the way into Orta San Giulio

town, at the Villa Crespi, there

is a car park that is the starting point for a trail up the ‘sacred mount’ to the religious sanctuary complex at the top, consisting of 21 separate chapels set in a leafy expanse of land. The whole area is dedicated to St Francis,

and the chapels depict his life and works, some with disturbingly life-size statues.

From the Villa Crespi below, it is a short walk into Orta San Giulio town, which is small and almost traffic free. It is fabulously unspoiled and

preserved with superb medieval frescoes on its tiny market house. From the charming square a flotilla of boats will take you the short trip across to the small holy island of San Giulio. A Benedictine convent is the principal building with a splendid church attached, and there is only one narrow circular street on the island. It is a street of silence, with inspirational messages hanging overhead to remind the visitor of the virtues of not speaking.

It was a fittingly peaceful ending to a trip that at times had been a little fraught. My favourite lake? I think it has to be Maggiore, although they all have their own particular charm.

Debra and David flew to Milan-Malpensaairportandhiredacar.TheystayedatDesenzanoonGarda,LaglioonComoandStresa onMaggiore atb&b’sandsmallhotelsbecauseoftheroadandrailconnections.Theyfilmedtheir visit in September when thetemperature was suitable for walkingandroadtravel.DetailsoftheirwalkscanbefoundontheItalianLakespageoftheirwebsite.AfterDavidtookearlyretirement from the BBC, they havefocussedontheirownproductions,andforovereightyearshavebeenrenownedfor their walking films in Europe.For information on all the Footloosefilms, take a look at www.footloose.tvorwatchpreviewsof thewalksonYouTube n

WINWe have 5 copies of the

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Rokeby: (Poetry and Landscape)Walter Scott & Turner in TeesdaleThe Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County DurhamUntil 28 April 2013Stunning landscapes, inspired by an epic poem, form the basis of this major exhibition which marks the bicentenary of the publication of Scott’s epic poem, Rokeby, a thrilling tale of star crossed lovers, ghosts and treasure, set against the backdrop of the English Civil War.Exploring the relationship between literature

and art, the exhibition examines the poem’s role in attracting artists such as Turner, Atkinson Grimshaw, and the Pre-Raphaelite Alfred William Hunt to the region, highlighting the importance of Teesdale in the development of landscape painting in Britain. It includes loans from the British Museum, Tate, and regional galleries as well as paintings from the Museum’s own collection.www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Out&About...Becoming Picasso: Paris 1901The Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, London14 Feb- 26 May 2013 An exhibition telling the remarkable story of Pablo Picasso’s breakthrough year as an artist – 1901. It was the year that the highly ambitious nineteen-year-old first launched his career in Paris at a debut summer exhibition with the influential dealer Ambroise Vollard. This exhibition gives a unique opportunity to experience works, now considered to be Picasso’s first masterpieces, which established his early reputation. They are also among the earliest paintings to bear the famously assertive and singular Picasso signature, which he adopted in 1901.www.courtauld.ac.uk

LUCKNOW TO LAHORE: FRED BREMNER’S VISION OF INDIA Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh Until 7 April 2013 A collection of beautiful and rarely seen photographs, which offers a fascinating insight into the role played by Scots in the British Raj, features in an exhibition at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.Lucknow to Lahore: Fred Bremner’s Vision of India charts the remarkable career of Bremner – a commercial photographer who left Scotland for India in 1882 and spent the next 40 years working there. This selection of 24 outstanding images, beautifully printed by renowned photographer Pradip Malde from the original glass negatives, offers a rich, personal perspective on the people and places that Bremner encountered. Admission free.www.nationalgalleries.org

Gangsters & GunslingersThe Good, the Bad & theMemorabiliaAmerican Museum, Bath23 March – 3 November 2013This exhibition brings together two defining chapters in the history of the United States that shaped America’s national identity: the Wild West (mid 1860s to the late 1880s) and the wild years of the Prohibition/Depression era (1920s and early 1930s). Showcasing treasures from the comprehensive Americana collection and Hollywood archive of David Gainsborough Roberts. Historical artefacts and memorabilia from Hollywood’s Golden Age include native American weapons confiscated in reprisal for the Battle of Little Big Horn, Custer’s Land Stand in1876, including a European trade rifle decorated with traditional beadwork and Chief Gall’s war club.www.americanmuseum.org

The Queen: 60 Photographs for 60 YearsPalace of HolyroodhouseUntil 24 February 2013 Sixty photographs of Her Majesty The Queen are currently on display at The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. The exhibition includes the work of leading press photographers of the past six decades and presents a portrait of The Queen’s reign as captured in fleeting moments on both official occasions and at relaxed family gatherings. Important milestones in The Queen’s personal life have been caught on camera by photographers, both officially and unofficially. Also on display is the official Diamond Jubilee portrait of the Queen, taken in the Centre Room at Buckingham Palace in December 2011.www.royalcollection.org.uk

The Queen attends the Braemar Gathering with The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, 2006© Press and Journal, Photographer Jim Irvine

Fred Bremner River crossing, River Jhelum, Kashmir, c.1896Platinum print made by Pradip Malde from collodion glass negative 22.7 x 27.6 cmScottish National Portrait Gallery

© Leeds Museums and Galleries (City Art Gallery)/ The Bridgeman Art Library.

Rita Hayworth’s Cigarette Case

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Absinthe Drinker, 1901

Oil on canvas, 73 x 54 cmThe State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg

Serves 8–10

This is one of our family favourites and it’s easy to make. I make it in a round cake tin.

You can, of course, use a different-shaped tin. The cake keeps well for two to three days.

150 g (5 oz) butter, softened

145 g (5 oz/2⁄3 cup) caster (superfine) sugar, plus 1 tablespoon extra, for dusting

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

3 eggs

150 g (5 oz/1 cup) white or wholemeal

(whole-wheat) self-raising flour, sifted

30 g (1 oz/1⁄4 cup) sultanas (golden raisins)

2 green apples

1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

70 g (2 1⁄2 oz) smooth apricot jam, warmed

Serves 6

This has become perhaps the most popular French dessert in the world.

250 ml (81⁄2 fl oz/1 cup) cream (40% fat)

200 ml (7 fl oz) milk

1 vanilla pod, split lengthwise

4 egg yolks

120 g (4 oz/1⁄2 cup) caster (superfine) sugar

30 g (1 oz) brown sugar

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Butter and flour a 20 cm (8 in) round cake tin.

Using electric beaters, beat the butter, sugar and lemon zest for a few minutes until light and creamy. Beat in the eggs, then fold in the sifted flour.

Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared tin. Tap the tin to evenly distribute the mixture and, if necessary, smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the sultanas over the top.

Peel, core and halve the apples, then cut into 5 mm (1/4 in) slices. Arrange the apple slices over the cake mixture in an overlapping pattern, starting from the edge of the tin.

Sprinkle the cinnamon and extra sugar over the top and bake for about 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Turn out onto a wire rack, turn the cake over and set aside to cool. Just before serving, brush the top of the cake with the warm apricot jam.

Preheat the oven to 140°C (275°F).

Combine the cream, milk and vanilla pod in a saucepan.

Bring to a simmer, then turn off the heat and set aside for 30 minutes.

Combine the egg yolks with 80 g (3 oz) of the caster sugar in a bowl. Stir in the milk mixture. Strain into a jug, then pour the mixture into six 185 ml (6 floz/3/4 cup) ramekins.

Place the ramekins in a roasting tin and two-thirds fill the tin with hot water. Carefully place the tin in the oven and cook for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool in the liquid. Refrigerate when cold.

Mix the remaining caster sugar with the brown sugar, then sprinkle evenly over the crèmes. Place the crèmes under a hot grill (broiler) until the sugar has caramelised, then serve immediately.

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Best Cakes Desserts

Apple Cake Crème Brûlée

&

Serves 6

This is one of the first classic French desserts I learned to make during my chef’s apprenticeship in the Anjou region of France.

The region is famous for its pears, and our back garden was ringed with at least ten pear trees. You can use canned pear halves as a short-cut.

200 g (7 oz) sugar

1⁄2 vanilla pod, split lengthwise

6 pears

1⁄2 lemon (optional)

150 ml (5 fl oz) cream

200 g (7 oz/11⁄3 cups) dark chocolate, chopped

1 litre (34 fl oz/4 cups) Vanilla Ice Cream

(page 128 or store-bought)

100 g (31⁄2 oz) flaked almonds, toasted, to serve

icing (confectioners’) sugar, for dusting

Serves 4

We had a nectarine tree in our small vineyard in France, and I adore nectarines. Buy them regularly during the summer and you’ll learn how to recognise when they are ripe.

6 white or yellow nectarines, halved and stoned

2 tablespoons orange juice

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon caster (superfine) sugar

2 egg yolks

1 tablespoon brandy

1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

250 ml (9 fl oz/1 cup) cream, whipped until firm

Combine 1.5 litres (51 fl oz) water, the sugar and vanilla pod in a saucepan. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Peel the pears. If they begin to discolour, rub them with the lemon half and place them in a bowl of cold water.

Add the peeled pears to the simmering syrup and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside for the pears to cool in the liquid.

Bring the cream to the boil in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate until smooth. Set aside to cool a little.

Drain the pears and place in a bowl with one or two scoops of ice cream. Spoon a little chocolate sauce over the top, sprinkle with the toasted almonds and dust with icing sugar. Serve immediately.

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Butter a gratin dish large enough to hold twelve nectarine halves.

Place the nectarines, cut-side up, in the gratin dish. Pour the orange juice into the dish and sprinkle the brown sugar and caster sugar over the nectarines. Bake for 20 minutes or until the nectarines are soft but not mushy. (This step can be done in advance.)

Place the egg yolks in a small glass bowl and whisk in the brandy and lemon zest. Place the bowl over a saucepan of hot water over low heat. Whisk the yolks for 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. They must stay creamy but not scramble. Remove the bowl from the heat and fold in the whipped cream.

Pour the cream mixture over the cooked nectarines. Cook under a medium grill (broiler) for 2–3 minutes or until slightly browned. Serve immediately.

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F rench born chef Gabriel Gaté is a chef, author and cookery teacher, best known for his simple take on classic French cooking. He is passionate about food and is known for his simple, easy to follow recipes.

Recipestakenfrom100BestCakesandDessertsbyGabrielGatépublishedbyHardieGrantBooks

Nectarine Gratin Pears Belle Hélène

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Confi rmation / amendments by email, tel or fax should be addressed to:

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For a chance to win any of the prizes, send your name and address (quoting reference code) to:Amra Media Solutions, The Old Lavender Mill, 46a Brook Street, Aston Clinton, Bucks, HP22 5ES or email: info@amramedia.co.uk

COMPETITIONSWIN a pair of tickets to see CARMEN at the Royal Albert HallThe highly acclaimed in the round production of CARMEN returns to the Royal Albert Hall for a strictly limited season, with a company of over 100 and Bizet’s timeless score performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.From the very first note of the famous overture to the final tragic chords, the very essence of Spain is brought to life in this acclaimed in-the-round production of Carmen, the world’s most popular opera. Bizet’s rich and timeless score contains some of opera’s finest arias and best-loved music that never fails to captivate, seducing you with the sensual music and sultry rhythms of Spain. For more information and to book tickets visit www.royalalberthall.com or call 020 7838 3100For a chance to win send in your details quoting ref. CAR.Closing Date: 20 February 2013Terms and Conditions: Tickets valid for performances from 21 February – 2 March, exclusions may apply. Subject to availability. Additional expenses are the responsibility of prize winner.

Win tickets to see OLD TIMES at the Harold Pinter TheatreKristin Scott Thomas, Rufus Sewell and Lia Williams star in Harold Pinter’s seductive and compelling drama Old Times, directed by Ian Rickson. Locked away in a secluded farmhouse, Kate, Deeley and Anna reminisce about their early days together in London, but with conflicting memories and underlying

sexual tensions, the past suddenly feels vividly present.Old Times plays at the Harold Pinter Theatre until 6 April 2013. To book tickets or for more information, call the box office on 0844 871 7622 or visit oldtimestheplay.com.Prize valid for Monday-Thursday performances until March 28 2013 (excluding February 14 and 18-21) and is subject to availability. There is no cash alternative to the prizes, they are non-refundable and non-transferable and not for resale.We have two pairs of top price tickets to giveaway. For a chance to win send in your details quoting ref. OT.

Closing date: 3 March 2013

Win a DVDHOPE SPRINGS

Keep the chemistry alive with the perfect gift for Mother’s Day as this heart-warming and

romantic comedy shows that as relationships settle down, the romance needn’t do the same as HOPE SPRINGS comes to Blu-ray, DVD and download on 25 February 2013, courtesy of

Momentum Pictures.This hilarious and touching comedy features an exceptional all-star cast including actors Meryl

Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Steve Carell and Jean Smart.

For your chance to win one of 5 copies, send in your details quoting ref. HS.

Closing Date: 11 March 2013

BRITAIN’S LOST BREWERIES AND BEERS Thirty famous homes of beer that have brewed their last pint(Arum Press) What is more inseparable than beer and Britannia?For centuries, classic beers such as Bass were synonymous with the towns and cities of their creation. Chris Arnot has travelled to thirty cities, towns and villages that have lost their historic breweries. From Campbells in Scotland to Tamplin’s on the South Coast, he has gone in search of those who used to brew the beers and those who drank themWe have 5 copies of this book to give away, fully illustrated with stunning photographs of dray horses, coopers and grand Victorian architecture.For your chance to win, send in your name and address quoting ref. BLBB.Closing Date: 10 March 2013

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND live in cinema from the Royal Opera HouseWin one of 5 pairs of tickets to see the Royal Opera House’s production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and enjoy the best seats in the house at a cinema near you. Throughout the season, nine productions are broadcast by satellite from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden to over 200 participating cinemas around the country.Highlights from the season include Plácido Domingo in Nabucco, and Christopher Wheeldon’s brilliantly imaginative new ballet Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. For full details, and to find your nearest cinema visit: www.roh.org.uk/cinemaTickets are valid for performances of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at participating cinemas on Thursday 28 March 2013. Subject to Availability. Winning tickets must be claimed a minimum of 5 working days prior to the performance.Send in your name and address, quoting ref. AAW. Closing date: 11 March 2013

Win tickets to see TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRDat the Royal Exchange, ManchesterHarper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-

winning novel is one of the most enduring and best-loved stories of our time. Written as an urgent plea for tolerance and compassion at the height of the Civil Rights movement, it tells the story of Scout Finch as she grows up during the 1930s depression in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. Her childhood innocence is shattered when her father, Atticus Finch, defends a young black man accused of rape.

To Kill A Mockingbird plays at the Royal Exchange, Manchester. Prize valid for Wednesday 6-Friday 8 March 2013 (evening performance), subject to availability. No cash alternative, non-refundable, non-transferable and not for resale.

We have two pairs of tickets to giveaway. For a chance to win a pair of tickets send in your details quoting ref. TKMB.

Closing date: 5 March 2013

Residents and the family owners of a long-established retirement park in Torksey are celebrating the

news that their environmental work has scooped a top green accolade.

The Elms, which has more than 300 park homesset in over 60 acres of countryside, was named recently as a winner of the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award.

The honour is given to parks where the business owners and residents have made outstanding efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment.

Theparkwas established just over 30years ago by former farmer John Kinch, now aged 83, who still plays an activepart in its day-to-day management.

John’s enthusiasm for the natural environment has also been taken up by his children - Stuart, Tracey, Ann and Johnny - who now help to run the business.

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Recent wildlife initiatives have included the planting of high nectar producing shrubs which attract a wide range of butterfly species, and which are irrigated by harvested rainwater.

The park also carefully maintains its three lakes which act as a magnet for many different types of birds and aquatic life, from ducks to dragonflies.

Owls and other bird species are additionally encouraged by the siting of nesting boxes in the grounds, and The Elms has also created wildflower areas where many different varieties flourish.

Recently, The Elms in Torksey completed the development of a woodland walk which takes residents on a fully interpreted nature tour and is designed for easy

accessibility.Ann Kinch, from the

team at The Elms, said that everyone at the park was thrilled with the news that it had scooped the David Bellamy Conservation Award:

“The park has been a haven for wildlife for over half a century, and it’s this sense of being surrounded by nature which gives The Elms its very special character,” said Ann.

“Everybody plays a part in our conservation work, and it’s wonderful to be able to help preserve its very special character with the support and inspiration of David Bellamy,” she added n

ScotRailExclusive Train Offer for Over 55’sIf you’re over 55, the good news is that you can travel anywhere in Scotland for only £19 return with Club 55, for outward travel until 28 March 2013.

Anyone over 55 years of age can buy Club 55 tickets, you don’t need to join anything and there’s no membership fee. To get this great deal, you just need to provide proof that you’re 55 or over and carry it with you when you travel.

For further information www.scotrail.co.uk/club55

Torksey park celebrates David Bellamy green accolade

newsDESKHoover Generation Future IRONSPEED SRD 4110/2www.hoover.co.uk

A good iron is crucial if you want to ensure a crisp smart appearance. Recently we were given the latest model developed by Hoover, the Generation Future Ironspeed, to put to the test. We handed the iron over to Tring based company, The Ironing Company, to see if it met their exacting standards? Consumer

editor Justine Cummings finds out.

BUILD **** Sturdy build with a smart modern look

FEATURES ***** Ample water capacity for domestic use. Vented metal plate allows steam to eliminate creases at the touch of a button. Option to change steam

direction – useful for curtains or hanging garments. Additional handheld steamer a

very useful gadget, particularly with brush attachment for refreshing upholstery

PERFORMANCE **** Good results achieved on a variety of garments during the trial. No flex wind in, so storage a little clumsy

VALUE *** Priced at £329.99, it is certainly expensive. However if ironing is a major chore and you want a quick efficient job with great results then worth the investment

Further details of The Ironing Company Tring can be found on their website, www.theironingco.biz

Stock up with Immulina® now, your must have

winter essential!With the cold winter months finally

upon us, the changes of catching a cold, stomach bug or flu is a risk most of us face. There are various reasons why

the immune system may not perform at its best but now there is a natural food

supplement which, when taken daily, has been scientifically proven to support the

body’s immune system by maintaining the function of the immune system cells.

RRP£18.95

Stockists: www.vital-life.org.uk

http://chelseahealthstore.com www.natural-alternative-products.co.uk

www.elmsretirementpark.co.uk

RETIREMENT today 23

LUXURY B&B FOR SALECork Republic of IrelandPrice £525,000

Luxury house set up as a B&B with four ‘letting rooms’ in the main house, all ensuite.Large private ‘owners’ apartment with bedroom, bathroom, office/lounge areaPlusA self contained one-bedroom annex suitable for additional rental or idealfor ‘granny/older child’ accommodation, with plenty of storage.• BeautifultranquilareajustafewmileseastofBantryBay• Wonderfulruralviews• Ampleparking• ¾’sofanacreAn ideal ‘retirement property’ and the majority of furniture in all the letting rooms could be includedPrinted brochures and website would be passed on to potential buyer.

View www.ardaravanhouse.comForenquirestel.003532832740oremailardaravanhouse@iol.ie

• Solarpanels• Privatewell• Doubleelectricgates

BRAND NEW DEVELOPMENT

CASTLE DEAN COUNTRY PARK

All new holiday homes and new caravans – site fees paid until 2015All park homes new or used free electrical pack i.e. TV. Pots, pans, duvets extra.

For all enquires tel. 01429 835686www.hill-brothers.com

Purchase a new holiday home in 2013 – no site fees to pay until 2016!

Seaview Residental Park Osprey Country Park

W hen William Shakespeare died he left to his wife Anne Hathaway his second best-bed and furniture.

Quite what Mrs Shakespeare thought of this bequest history does notrecordbut importantlydespiteabusy lifeofwriting37playsWilliam had also taken the time to write his will as well,. something that over half the UK population old enough to make a will have yet to do. Why do we consign one of the most important things we should do in our life to another day? Why do we have this lack of willpower? Is it an irrational fear of tempting providence? A wish to avoid commitment of pen to paper? or quite simply brushing the need to do the deed under the carpet until a later time. The sad fact is that continual postponement could mean we never get round to leaving a will at all and die intestate. This brings quite a few headaches for members of the family we leave behind and could very easily result in the sole beneficiary being HM Government. Do we really want to risk leaving all our money to the taxman. After all he takes enough while we’re alive.

Pitfalls of not leaving a willIf a person dies without making a will searches have to be made for all surviving relatives. I have personal experience of this. A few years ago I suddenly received out of the blue a letter from a company called traceline who were trying to find a person with my name who was a beneficiary in a will and to get in touch with the solicitors handling it. Naturally enough and with great speed I did and discovered that an aunt of mine had died intestate. According to the solicitors they had been trying to find me for 6 months and were on the point of giving up the search. If they had failed I would have lost my share of the inheritance which was considerable. A properly drawn up will written clearly and precisely avoids all this trouble because it ensures the named beneficiaries, the loved ones, the charities, receive exactly what the will maker intends. Every year despite searches there are about 1,000 estates where no relatives are found and around £18 million goes straight to the Treasury. Not making a will can also attract the attention of heir hunters who legitimately surf through public records, censuses and registries to delve into people’s lives for clues about their family tree and possible wealth. Such firms finding a distant relative often claim 40% finders fees of the discovered relatives’ share of the estate which can amount to tens of thousands of pounds.

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A WILL IS THE WAYBy Mike Francis

The Law Society (England and Wales)113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PLTel: 0207 242 1222 www.lawsociety.org.uk

Useful contacts

The Law Society of Scotland26 Drumsheugh GardensEdinburgh EH3 7YRTel: 0131 226 7411 www.lawsot.org.uk

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Get Expert AdviceAlthough there are online and other cheaper packages for making a will there is no substitute for getting reliable expert advice because a badly drawn up will is a potential minefield and could result in the will being made invalid. The obvious choice is to get a solicitor. You may have one already but if you haven’t get in touch with the Law Society for England and Wales or the Law Society of Scotland who will give you a list of the approved solicitors in your area. An alternative source is the Institute of Professional Will writers based in the Midlands. You should bear in mind that there are considerable differences in law, practice and procedure between the Scots law of wills and succession and the law that applies in England and Wales. The Scottish Law Society can give you details. about this.

Giving to charitiesApart from leaving bequests to your nearest and dearest you may consider leaving a legacy to your favourite charity. In the bleak economic weather we’re enduring at the moment charities are under great pressure to ensure they continue getting sufficient support for the good work they do while competing in an increasingly difficult market place. Take the Pain Relief Foundation for example who carry out and fund research into the causes of chronic pain. They get no government funding at all so legacies are an essential 50% of their income. The Scottish Veterans Residences which supports former members of the armed forces who become homeless or are in difficulties say ‘a small legacy can really help people who are struggling, a small gift in a will can make life better for someone in desperate need.’ You may decide to choose a favourite charity which you have been concerned with in your life. Whichever you choose it is important in the will to get the name, address and charity number correct otherwise the donation could be invalidated. This may seem obvious but there are charities with similar names. As a safeguard just in case the charity you have earmarked is not in existence when the will is read have an alternative mentioned as well. And remember, gifts to charities are free from inheritance and capital gains taxes.

Once you have made your will you can put the worry of making one behind you, get on with enjoying your life and sleep easy in your second-best, or even best, bed n

Nothing prepares you for

your child dying before you do.

Not even two previous

suicide attempts.

T: 0141 530 1000, E: legacy@samh.org.uk www.samh.org.uk

SAMH is Scotland’s mental health charity. We help prevent suicide and we’re here for those who have lost someone they love to suicide.Please consider leaving SAMH a gift in your will.

SAMH is the Scottish Association for Mental Health. Scottish Charity No: SC008897. Registered Office: Brunswick House, 51 Wilson Street, Glasgow, G1 1UZ.

Suicidedevastates

For 200 years , The National Benevolent Charity has been a lifeline to people who have fallen into poverty and distress and who have nowhere else to turn.

Despite state benefits, sickness, disability and old age can still

mean a life of awful hardship. For Leah and David and hundreds

like them, The National Benevolent Charity can help.

Please support the 1812-2012 Bi-Centenary Appeal

Donations should be sent to: The National Benevolent Charity Peter Hervé House, Eccles Court, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8EHFor more info visit www.thenbc.org.uk or telephone 01666 505500

Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales Registered Charity Number 212450

People like nurse Leah, 58, and her

artist husband David, 63. They

wanted a happy retirement together

but Leah became crippled with

arthritis and cannot walk. David is

dedicated to his wife and cares for

her full time. But, the loss of earned

income has been devastating, and

they are poverty-stricken.

Institute of Professional WillwritersTrinity Point, New RoadHalesowen, West Midlands B63 3HYTel: 0345 257 2570 www.ipw.org.uk

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Make the end a new beginning.A gift in your Will of any size can mean life to those suffering from chest, heart and stroke illness in Scotland.

Meet Mairi.She’s decided to fight chest, heart and stroke illness to the very end.

Gifts in Wills are crucial to our future. Please contact us on: 0131 225 4800 | fundraising@chss.org.uk | www.chss.org.uk

Age Scotland is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. Reg no: 153343 Charity No: SC010100. Registered Office: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh, EH9 1PR.

Age Scotland (Dept RT) Causewayside House 160 Causewayside Edinburgh EH9 1PR Charity No: SC010100

Most of us would. We are offering you the opportunity to be remembered as a Champion of Older People.

A legacy gift from you will support initiatives that improve the lives of older people across Scotland. It’s a worthy tribute that will both honour your memory and empower older people.

When you visit your solicitor please remember Age Scotland in your will.

Would you like to be remembered as a Champion?

A Champion(A person who defends a person or cause)

Legacy Ad (Half Page Horizontal) RT.indd 1 22/10/2012 09:55:21

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Charity N E W STWO TOO MANY

Every day, two people die by suicide in Scotland. In November 2012 the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), launched its Two Too Many campaign to raise awareness of suicide in Scotland. The campaign started with a series of short television adverts aimed at highlighting the scale of the issue and the work of SAMH in preventing suicide. Following the television advertising, the campaign ran in the press and online. Phase two of the campaign begins in February 2013. As the campaign progresses, SAMH are assessing the difference it is making to ensure it is as effective as possible.

The campaign is challenging the stigma associated with suicide. It’s helping people to feel confident about offering support if they are worried that someone might be thinking about taking their life.

The team at SAMH have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have got involved: either by volunteering, telling their friends about the campaign or donating to SAMH to support its suicide prevention work.

You can find out more about the campaign at www.samh.org.uk/suicide

This is also a good place to start if you looking for support or are worried about someone who may be at risk of taking their life.

An alternative birthday present for friends and family

Mountains Animal Sanctuary is Scotland’s largest equine rescue centre, caring for over 100 horses, ponies and donkeys. They provide food, shelter and medical care as well as unconditional love and patience to help the recovery and rehabilitation of many abused and neglected equines.

Adoption can be a popular solution for horse lovers generally, who don’t have the facilities themselves to create a home for the horse. Adoption is a unique way of giving a present to a friend or a loved one for birthdays, anniversaries or just to say a big ‘thank you’ and they will know that your donation has gone to a worthwhile cause. The recipient will receive an adoption pack for the horse or donkey you have selected for them. Dayzee, an Argentinean Miniature Horse (pictured here) is just one of the horses available for adoption at the sanctuary.

For further information visit www.mountainsanimalsanctuary.org.uk

Our ageing population is perhaps one of the greatest indicators of an equal and healthy society but getting older can also increase the prevalence of isolation and loneliness; with women in particular more likely to survive their partner for longer periods of time.

Research also shows that one of the key causes of isolation amongst older people is the lack of available transport, and infrequent or inappropriate bus services can leave many older people prisoners in their own home.

However community transport does provide a solution for those isolated from friends and family. From supporting access to services such as GP

Progress of New Royal Star & Garter HomeThe Royal Star & Garter Homes continue to make great progress with the building of their new Home in Surbiton, which is due to be completed in summer 2013. Indeed, towards the end of 2012 Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra was invited to the ‘topping out’ ceremony - traditionally held when the highest point of a new building has been constructed and therefore represents a significant milestone in the Home’s construction.

HRH Princess Alexandra is the President of the Charity and was invited by Vice Admiral Sir John Dunt, Chairman of Governors, to carry out the traditional Saxon ritual of anointing a Yew tree branch attached to the building’s ‘last roof beam’ with wine, oil, corn and salt symbolising wisdom, liberty, prosperity and hospitality.

The Home will provide specialist nursing care for 37 residents and specialist dementia care for a further 26 residents.

www.starandgarter.org

surgeries to helping older and disabled households with their weekly shopping, community transport is a powerful example of where local voluntary groups and social enterprises are able to plug the gap.

That’s why Age Scotland’s ‘Still Waiting’ campaigning is calling for the Scottish Government to extend the existing Concessionary Transport Pass scheme to community transport providers. This would deliver important additional funding for operators and gives the certainty for older people

that they will be able to live independently within their own homes and communities. For more information visit www.agescotland.org.uk Ch

arity

New

s

Community transport – a life line for many

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“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

Anatole France

Your legacy is our future

For your FREE Legacy Guide please fill out and return the form below

For further information please call: 01638 555648or email us: legacies@aht.org.uk

or visit us online: www.aht.org.uk

Title

Surname

Initials

TelPostcode

Email

Address

Please return to: Fundraising Dept., AHT, Lanwades Park, Kentford,Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU. Registered charity no. 209642 RT13

If you have ever loved an animal you will know howimportant their health is. Everything the AnimalHealth Trust does has the health and welfare of

companion animals at its heart.

Thanks to previous legacy gifts, the AHT isconstantly finding new ways to prevent and reduce

the suffering of present and future generations.

Send today for your FREE Legacy Guide

RETIREMENT today 29

Charity N E W S

A brand new state-of-the-art cancer treatment and research facility for animals has been opened by HRH The Princess Royal.

The facility at the Animal Health Trust (AHT) has been purpose-built to treat horses, dogs and cats with cancer. It will also assist in furthering understanding of the disease in animals.

Peter Webbon, Chief Executive of the AHT, said: “2012 marks 70 years of the AHT fighting disease and injury in animals, and the addition of the Cancer Centre is a landmark achievement in our history. We believe this is the first facility of its kind in Europe, purpose-built to treat horses, dogs and cats with cancer.”

The Kennel Club Cancer Centre at the AHT houses

a linear accelerator and brachytherapy machine used in radiotherapy treatment, along with a 16-slice CT scanner to aid radiotherapy planning.

The new facility complements the AHT’s existing cancer treatment options of surgery and chemotherapy meaning the Suffolk-based charity will be able to offer each and every patient the very best options for their specific case, whatever the diagnosis. With one in four dogs and one in six cats developing cancer at some time in their life the new centre will help many more animals fight cancer.

If you would like to find out more about the AHT’s work to fight cancer, and numerous other diseases, please visit www.aht.org.uk

It is not uncommon for SWEP to be asked to assist some of the larger animal charities; this was the case with Connie, a 16.2hh ex-event horse, who was destined to be destroyed if she could not be moved from her temporary abode.

On arrival at the scene it emerged that people had battled to load her for two days resulting in her going over backwards twice—needless to say by the time SWEP arrived the mare was very distressed. With time and patience SWEP staff worked tirelessly with her for several hours, getting her part way on to the lorry. In usual circumstances they would have left her to settle and return daily to gain her complete trust, however with the end of the day

Moving Connierestriction they knew leaving her there was not an option.

They were informed after some time that in her eventing days Connie used to load on to a large horse lorry, so this was swiftly organised by

the welfare officer, along with a farrier in the hope that some pressure would be taken off her hooves. Despite every effort to get Connie on the large lorry she would not go. SWEP staff would not give up on her and instead of leaving her to a tragic fate, it was decided that they would walk her eight miles to her new home. Connie's life was saved by the dedication of SWEP staff. www.swep.org.uk

Join canine partners for a walk in the bluebells, and help disabled people

Do you feel sluggish after all the Christmas and New Year festivities? Well, national charity Canine Partners has just the answer. How about a lovely walk with your human – and canine – friends through bluebells and other spring flowers, while raising money to help train dogs for people with physical disabilities?

Canine Partners has been running their annual Bluebell Walks Campaign for ten years, and has several walks organised during April where you can enjoy the scenery and meet some working canine partner assistance dogs. There is a small registration fee, and any sponsorship money will go towards training more of these wonderful dogs that make such a difference to the lives of disabled people. The dogs are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and shutting doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and getting help in an emergency.

Alternatively you can find a suitable local wood or park, get a few of your friends together with each contributing a small amount of money to donate to Canine Partners, and enjoy the fresh air, knowing your support will change someone’s life.

For further information on where Canine Partners’ organised walks are being held, or for advice on arranging your own walk, please visit www.caninepartners.org.uk or call Libby Rome on 01730 716013.

HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL OPENS THE KENNEL CLUB CANCER CENTRE AT THE ANIMAL HEALTH TRUST

Char

ity N

ews

BOOKreview

The UK currently has over 170,000 charities, somefairly recent formations others with a much older history. However very few of us know how

any of these charities came into being. Author Paul N. Rossi, CEO of The National Benevolent Charity (formally The National Benevolent Institution) one of the oldest Benevolent Charities in the UK, takes us on a journey from the NBI’s foundation through to the present day providing a fascinating insight showing how the National Benevolent Institution has developed over the last two hundred years.

Peter Hervé, a London Huguenot miniature portrait painter campaigned to start a benevolent charity to help those who through economic decline or old age were at risk from destitution and the work house. In doing so he had to overcome adversity before founding the charity in 1812. A grim picture of that era in what was for many daily grinding poverty is avidly portrayed by the author, where a sudden change in fortunes or the onset of old age left many faced with ruin and destitution. The reader will at times feel uncomfortable with some of the restrictions applied to would be applicants for benevolence ‘to give relief to persons, who have lived respectably, either in independence, or in professions, or in the more reputable departments of trade and are reduced to want’ however this must be seen in context of the very different era that was the early 19th century withthe strict class structures of that time. The National Benevolent Institution’s success was partly due to the patronage of some hugely influential figures including members of the aristocracy and members of parliament not forgetting Peter Hervé’s selfless devotion. He kept his pledge never to gain financially from the charity despite a sharp decline in fortune and his huge personal input. Some of the earliest pension beneficiaries provide a fascinating insight (The following book extract perfectly illustrates the desperate circumstances people applying to receive The NBI’s benevolence found themselves in.)

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Mrs H Hall, aged 62 6,420 Votes £20 per AnnumWidowofMrBurnhamHall,whoformerlylivedingreatrespectability;butinconsequenceofseverecalamites,leftherunprovidedfor.Owingtoherownlongandsevereillness,whichrenderedherincapableofobtainingherownliving,shebecameentirelydependentontheexertionsofherdaughter(whoconductsasmalldayschool)andtheassistanceoffriends.

Mrs A S Wheeler, aged 655,010 Votes £20 per AnnumTheWidowofanArtistofunblemishedcharacter,whoforthirtyyearsexhibitedhispaintingsintheRoyalAcademy,andaftersevenyearsofpainfulsuffering,died,leavingherentirelydestitute.

Mrs J Simmonds, aged 698,735 Votes £25 per AnnumFormerlyaGoverness,andaResidentforforty-nineyearsintheParishofFulham,duringwhichperiod,undergreatdifficulty,shesupportedhermother,andthechildrenofadeceasedSister,entirelybyherownexertions.Herhealth,eye-sightandhearinghavingbecomemuchimpaired,shecouldnolongermakesufficienteffortinherownbehalf.©PaulN.Rossi2012

In 2012 The National Benevolent Institution celebrated its 200th anniversary since the charities formation and changed it name to The National Benevolent Charity. Despite a welfare state, the author shows how today and in the future there is still very much a need for benevolence charities. The final word should be left to some of those seeking help from the charity, surnames have been omitted for obvious reasons, showing those who feel that through hardship they are able to turn to The National Benevolent Charity when there is nowhere else to go.

Sharon, aged 58Divorced,hasseverescoliosisofthespinewhichininoperableandwhichconstrictsherlungsandhascausedchronicobstructivepulmonarydisease.Aformernurseandsocialworker,shenowneedsacarertohelpherdressinthemorningandhaslittlemorethan£100perweektoliveon.

Maureen, aged 74Sufferedterribletragedy.Husbandandgrandsondiedwithinashorttimeofeachother,andnowsonmurderedinastabbing.Roofoverbedroomleaksandrepaircostestimatedatmorethan£2,000.Maureenhasnosavingsandnorelativeswhocanhelpher.Karen, aged 59Livedinanabusiverelationshipformorethan20years,beforefleeingtotheotherendofthecountrywithjusttheclothesshestoodupin.Suffersfromlupuserythematosus,makingworkdifficult.Re-housedbuthasnofurnitureorclothes.©PaulN.Rossi2012

Peter Hervé’s CharityA History of The National Benevolent Charity by Paul N.Rossi

Bookavailablefrom:TheNationalBenevolentCharityPeterHervéHouse,EcclesCourt,Tetbury,GloucestershireGL88EHPrice£7.99(incp&p)www.thenbc.org.ukTel.01666505500

The alternative - dinnertime for

the women of the St Pancras Workhouse

(Cassell 1899)

RETIREMENT today 31

Making a Will is not just essential for the sake of your loved ones

it is also a wonderful opportunity to make the world a better place.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the UK.

By leaving a gift to our charity in your Will, you can help us give

the support and information people need to stop this insidious

condition from stealing their sight; and fund essential clinical research

that would free future generations from glaucoma.

For more information on how to leave a gift in your Will to the IGA,

please contact our Legacy Officer on 01233 64 81 64

Thank you for such a precious gift.

Help us continue the fight against

Glaucoma

INTERNATIONAL GLAUCOMA ASSOCIATIONWoodcote House, 15 Highpoint Business Village Henwood, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DHSightline 01233 64 81 70Administration 01233 64 81 64Email info@iga.org.uk Website: www.glaucoma-association.comCharity registered in England & Wales No. 274681, in Scotland No. SC041550

Registered Charity No 210119

When his country needed him, Martin was there.The Royal Star & Garter Homes is a charity that provides brilliant care to disabled ex-Service men and women, and their partners, with high care needs.

We are there for people like Martin, who served in the Border Regiment and the Special Forces. Following an accident, Martin is now almost completely paralysed from the waist down.

We enable him to be as independent as possible and live life to the full.

A gift in your Will to The Royal Star & Garter Homes will ensure we can continue providing outstanding care to the nation’s military family for generations to come.

To find out more about leaving a legacy please call John Ingram on 020 8439 8125 or email john.ingram@starandgarter.org

www.starandgarter.org

Women improve with age by b e c o m i n g even better at relationships of all kinds, clearer

communicators and have even greater emotional intelligence according to Cognitive Neuroscientist and Business Improvement Strategist, Dr Lynda Shaw.

With much talk in the media about the drawbacks of ageing, Dr Shaw says women naturally reinvent themselves as they mature.

Dr Shaw explains: “Both genders can relish that experience brings confidence and we learn to enjoy the here and now more as we age. We have realistic expectations and have probably invested heavily in great relationships with friends and family. Most of us care about our appearance, but have also learnt to place importance on other things. That said, women are quite extraordinary as they get older.”

“As our oestrogen supply runs down around the time of the menopause and we have been around the block a few times and picked up a few bruises along the way, women

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are more able to observe, read a situation, evaluate and communicate. They are more likely to have strong relationships and as children grow up, the female needs to find other investments to satisfy her needs. This is when her attention moves further outside the home and at this stage women are stronger than ever, and can contribute enormously to the economy, community and society as a whole.”

Women tend to talk more in order to feel bonded to her female friends. A female is hard-wired to seek out her network in readiness for times of trouble but is also able to ‘read’ situations with greater clarity. Shaw continues: “It is quite typical for men to think women are almost spooky in the way they intuitively understand things. The female will ‘see’ problems that males are oblivious to. Take the scenario of a party A woman will notice if a couple have fallen out, or if there is an attraction between two people who have spent the evening avoiding one another. Men rarely notice such things. There is nothing spooky going on, females are just wired differently to males and they get even better at it with age.”

SO WHY ARE WOMEN DIFFERENT TO MEN?THE FACTS

• At 6 - 12 weeks gestation a foetus is exposed to a flood of hormone secretion. This is either a surge of testosterone, oestrogen or progesterone depending on the genetic code of whether we’re male or female. Therefore, this hormonal output results in our sexual differences both physically and in the brain which leads to different patterns of behaviour.

• Scientific research has repeatedly found that the hypothalamus is different in a male and female brain. This region controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep as well as affecting the endocrine system that also controls sexual activity.

• Studies have also found that men have larger brains, but we now know that size doesn’t matter as there is no difference in intelligence!

• The male brain has more grey matter and the female brain has more white matter so we think differently. Grey matter is rich in active nerve cell bodies and white matter consists more of bundles of nerve fibres which are the connections between neurons.

• The female brain has a larger limbic system, which means that females tend to be more in touch with their emotions. In addition, the language centres are larger in women and females tend to respond better to auditory stimulation.

Dr Shaw continues: “Both typical male and female brains have their own strengths, but we are products of our biological genetic code, chemical make-up including hormones, environment and social upbringing. Discussing typical gender characteristics must not inflict unnecessary limitations on any of us. That said, the world is beckoning for the mature women who have improved with age to embrace and enjoy the wonderful resources and experiences they have.”

www.drlyndashaw.com

WOMEN IMPROVE WITH AGE

1. Register online via www.50plusShow.com 2. Call the free ticket hotline on 01372 8409 63 / 68

3. On-site Registration* (*On-the-door is £10 without on-site registration)

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Features:• Cookery demonstrations

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“FLIRTING WITH THE IDEA of the UK leaving the European Union (EU) won’t be gaining Cameron’s government any new friends amongst two groups of Britons – expats and those with second homes in an EU country. Being in the EU makes moving, working or retiring to Spain or France, for example, a relatively easy process for British people – there are no visas needed, UK pensions remain index-linked and can be transferred, and certain social and welfare benefits are transferrable from the UK.

Meanwhile, second homeowners currently can split their time between properties in the UK and a property in another EU country painlessly.

“Some of the other benefits often forgotten include the absence of customs or excise duties on purchases made for personal use within member states and the deregulation of air travel within the EU, which has led to a huge choice of flights between the UK and popular EU countries.

Let’s hope Cameron, or any other government, gives people who benefit from all of the above some thought when it comes to the UK’s future in the EU.”

www.OverseasGuidesCompany.com

OGCGuidescoverallaspectsofthebuyingprocess,taxliabilitiesandbenefits,localcustoms,rentalpotential,retirement,lawsandlandownership.

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Scotland is such a romantic place, full of myths and legends; so deciding to walk the West Highland Way and film it was, for me, an

opportunity to connect with those

fables not by getting out of a car

and taking a picture, but by actually

walking the landscape.T h e

W e s t Highland W a y starts in a suburb of Scotland’s

largest city, follows one side of

Scotland’s largest loch, and skirts

the bottom of Scotland’s largest

mountain, and provides stunning

contrasts of scenery the whole of its

96 mile length.We had to make a separate trip

before we began the walk to be

able to interview the Rangers at

the southern end, and it was in leafy

Mugdock Park that I managed to

punch a hole into the exhaust of

my car. Which in turn meant that

when we chugged into the RSPB

Elizabeth forest you are walking

on ancient drove roads. At the top

of the loch as you pass a couple of

bothies and reach the narrowest part

of the water at Ardlui, wild tales of

the ruffian drovers abound, and It

didn’t take more than a dram at the

atmospheric Drovers’ Inn to imagine

these warrior bands, armed to the

teeth, driving their black cattle across

the countryside and demanding

the payment of mail from local

landowners; the Gaelic equivalent of

‘protection’ racketeering!We were now passing through

the Highlands, walking on the old

military roads in the footsteps of

those hapless soldiers sent to quell the

untamed clans that inhabited these

untamed lands. After Crianlarich,

we passed St Fillan’s Pool, beside

the ruined chapel at Kirkton Farm.

Further up the trail, beyond Tyndrum

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reserve at Inversnaid, there were no

actual birds to admire as the racket

from the exhaust had disbursed any

unsuspecting fowl for probably miles

around. This ‘preview’ trip gave me

a chance to see some of the terrain

we were going to cross, and my

anticipation really began to mount

that the walk would be everything I

hoped for. As it turned out, it was so

much more.Starting from Milngavie in

Glasgow, we were soon out of the

suburb and walking through pleasant

parkland and part of Mugdock Wood

and in May, the park was ablaze with

flowering gorse, which to me, smells

like suntan lotion. There is a particular

stonewall to scale at the end of the

park, which affords an unexpected

glimpse of what is to come – the

stubby peak of Conic Hill and Loch

Lomond in the distance. The change

in landscape is as dramatic as it is

sudden – this is volcanic terrain. We

made a stop at Glengoyne Distillery,

which isn’t strictly speaking on

the trail, but it was too good an

opportunity to miss and I can say

with total conviction that it made a

whisky drinker out of me.

where Robert the Bruce was

ambushed, and beside a lone lochan,

a simple commemorative stone sits.

The history rises up from the ground

in the Highlands.The spectacular scenery draws the

eye and we stumbled more than once

through not looking where we were

going. Vestiges of ancient Caledonian

forest rise majestically and sparsely

from the shores of Loch Tulla on the

Black Mount, as we trod ever closer

to that mystical moor of Rannoch

whose reputation for bleakness is

legend. For me, the gentle walk

down from the moor to Kingshouse

was magical, for set out below you is

a barren plain, bisected by just one

road, with the magnificent bulk of

Buchaille Etive Mor towering at

the entrance to Glen Coe – truly

the Shepherd of the Glen and

breathtaking to behold.Who could not be moved by the

tragic story of the massacre at Glen

Coe, and as we shivered in a gust

of suddenly cold air, were we being

fanciful in imagining an echo from

that awful, snowy night?Leaving the mournful wraiths

behind us, the snow capped glory

of Ben Nevis beckons, and we

began the last part of our journey,

climbing the Devil’s Staircase with its

magnificent view of Ben Nevis, then

down to Kinlochleven, struggling to

come to terms with its own decline.

The walk out of the town is steep

but heralds the approach of the last 14 miles of the Way, with the Ben brooding in the distance. On Lairigmor, we met the two Rangers based in Fort William, out surveying the military roads under

their care, and they explained that as

national monuments, whenever they

undertook any repairs an archaeologist

was required to be present to ensure

nothing was changed. It reinforced

the connection to the land and

its former inhabitants for me; the

harshness of the countryside and

climate forcing even the hardiest

of crofters to abandon their claims,

leaving behind only the ruins of

their lifestyle.The Way is a very popular, busy

trail and it struck me as we stopped

and chatted or raised a greeting to

fellow travellers, that the tales were

still being told. Modern tales of the

journey and experiences along the

Way to be sure, but still the stuff of

future myths and legends maybe?The last couple of miles of the

West Highland Way are a road

walk, which we hardly noticed, so

completely mesmerised were we by

As we neared the approach to

Conic Hill, there were gentle fields

and straight paths following an old

railway line to pass along, but then

we were plunged into the great

woods that block the skyline until

we emerged onto the windswept

summit to survey Loch Lomond in

all its glory. It’s a fabulous view, and

we could see clearly the boundary

fault line that runs roughly through

the middle of the loch that separates

the lowlands from the highlands. On

the island of Inchcailloch, I began to

feel those myths and legends starting

to swirl – buried here are the ancient

clansmen and women ancestors of

Rob Roy McGregor, beside the

remains of a church, and the fable of

St Kentigerna, the Irish mother of St

Fillan, is told by one of the Rangers

in the film.Scrambling along the sides of the

loch was the most difficult part of the

whole trip for me and also the slowest,

shooing the pungent wild goats out

of my path, but legend wafted up

here too: Robert the Bruce sheltered

in a cave at the waterline with the

ancestors of these smelly goats for

warmth. Once through the Queen

the scenery we had passed through. This had surpassed any

other trail that we had walked with its dramatic history

and beauty. We would reflect for days on the sheer majesty

of it all, and in putting the film of our walk together,

we would relive the achievement again and again. What

had begun as a journey had finished an odyssey n

Debra and David walked the West Highland Way in May

2005 in unprecedented good weather. Fit people and charity

challengers usually do the trail in 4 days, Debra and David

took 9 walking days as filming is slow work, and what’s the

hurry, anyway? They used a ‘sherpa’ service that ferried their

luggage to and from each accommodation, and where provided,

took packed lunches for convenience. Accommodation is not

cheap, although there are tents, wigwams and bunkhouses

available close to the trail. They returned to Glasgow from

Fort William on the West Highland Line. You can learn

more about the film, made in conjunction with the Scottish

National Parks, from Debra and David’s website: www.

grindelwald.co.uk. After David took early retirement from the

BBC, they have focussed on their own productions, and for

over eight years have been renowned for their walking films in

Europe. For information on all the Footloose films, take a look

at www.footloose.tv or watch previews of the walks on Youtube.

Along the west highland wayby Debra Rixon

...and It didn’t take more than a dram at the

atmospheric Drovers’ Inn to imagine these warrior bands,

armed to the teeth...

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For me, the gentle walk down from the moor to Kingshouse was magical,

for set out below you is a barren plain, bisected by just one road, with the

magnificent bulk of Buc

London is so well known to the British that we all feel as though we know it well, but I suspect it would take many lifetimes to truly come to feel familiar with all its nuances and complexities. So planning a walking trail through our capital was a daunting but not

impossible task. My husband and I have been making walking films for over ten years, both in the UK and abroad, and living outside the capital, we tackled London just as we would a foreign city. I have adored London since I was a child, and for me, no walking trail would be complete without involving the Thames, so plotting the most popular sights and tourist spots had to include our world famous river.

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We also wanted to include an air of celebration too; with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, it made sense to take another look at the existing Silver Jubilee Walkway for inspiration. To our delight, it came very close to what we had envisaged, and where possible we have kept true to it. There have been detours because for the section from Trafalgar Square to St Paul’s, we missed glimpses of the river, so we wandered off the Walkway to stroll onto Waterloo Bridge to get the fantastic views back to Westminster, and forward to Tower Bridge.

We talked to Eileen Geibig of VisitLondon for some suggestions on how to visit our capital on a budget, and then started our trail at Oxford Street and the Marble Arch, walking into lovely Hyde Park. All of the Royal Parks are vital green spaces in London, with histories almost as long as the city, and featured heavily in my childhood. The Serpentine is still a draw, and it’s funny that the urge to break off little chunks

of your sandwich to throw to any attendant bird doesn’t seem to dim with the passing of years. We met the Director of London Walks at Hyde Park Corner to talk about their amazing array of guided walking trails throughout London. We both agreed that walking is by far the best way to see this and any other capital, and she had little tips to pass on, such as the view of the Queen’s private gardens at Buckingham Palace from the top of the Wellington Arch. The Duke of Wellington is a personal hero of mine, so actually going up the Arch and looking at the splendid tile paintings in the underpass was a ‘first’ for me.

The Commonwealth war memorials are mostly situated here, which seems fitting somehow, and the walk down Constitution Hill towards the Palace affords you a chance to see the relatively new memorial to the Commonwealth war dead from India, Africa and

Footloose in London

By Debra Rixon

the Caribbean, and the ornate and gilded ironwork of Canada Gate signals the exit into the bottom of the Mall and Buckingham Palace itself. Walking this film gave me the chance to see the Changing of the Guard in all it’s splendour – how many decades has it been since I came up to London specifically for that purpose?

We strolled through St James’ Park, perhaps the loveliest of the Royal Parks, to Horseguards, which hosts a mini display of changing the guards and then there you are in Whitehall. Not perhaps a pretty street, but full of important and grand buildings from another age and time, although No 10 behind the barriers in Downing

Street is terribly unassuming, despite the armed but friendly police.

As a general rule, I’ve found that trips up to London have been for a specific purpose; to a particular place or venue, so walking this trail took me to parts of the city I have never been to or spent much time in. It’s a short distance to Trafalgar Square – should one be nostalgic for the hordes of pigeons that are no longer there? A simply wonderful square, packed with interesting things to see, including the old Imperial weights and measures, almost hidden on some steps below the National Gallery. From here, only a short step to Piccadilly and then we plunge into Theatreland and reach Leicester Square, which is a great deal tidier than I remember from years ago!

Walking gives you an appetite, and if like me, you love the old London character pubs, then resting the feet inside (or outside) one is a welcome stop. We chose the Lamb and Flag, close to Covent Garden and had a

friendly chat with the landlord about the bare-knuckle fights that took place in the back room – the Bucket of Blood! – and the infamous attack on author John Dryden that took place in the adjacent alleyway.

I love the Thames, and strolling along the Embankment is a particular pleasure, but I had never walked into the City of London that way, and never having had the need, I’ve never gone into the intriguing Temple and Inns of Court before. There is so much to see in London that is not obvious; I would never have wandered to the corner of Giltspur Street to look for the golden chubby cherub that marks the end of the Fire of London’s path had we not been walking a trail through London. Walking is always a joy, but this was even more so because I was re-learning and re-discovering a city that I thought I knew.

Strolling along to Ludgate Hill – not much of one, it must be said – and stunning St. Paul’s is a pleasure I don’t take very often – I mean, I’ve seen St. Paul’s, so what else is there? Well, Paternoster Square for one, with the original Temple Bar and the memorial to the Great Fire for two more. Would I have been looking for them, had I not been researching this film? Visiting the Museum of London

in the Barbican meant walking through streets I have never known, their names retaining their medieval origin just as their foundations are built on the old city.

The sense of history was strongest for me here and as I wandered down to the Tower and the river.

Gazing on that amazing fortress never fails to stir the imagination, and walking across Tower Bridge on the Jubilee Walkway, you can’t help gazing up at the gantries above and wondering if the bascules (not a word I’d learned before!) will suddenly start to rise. Once across, it’s all the non-stop alternative entertainment of the South Bank – the Golden Hind replica ship, and Southwark’s tiny cathedral is a little undiscovered jewel and Borough Market is a real treat for all the senses – try some of the mixes bubbling aromatically in the huge frying pans! So much to see: beachcombers and sand sculptures whilst the tide is out, people moved to

dance to the music of a performing band. This walking trail wasn’t about striding out, it was about strolling, meandering and savouring the richness of our nation’s capital – and the breathtaking views from a capsule on the London Eye can put it all into perspective.

Reaching Westminster Bridge and leaning on the parapet just to drink in the magnificent sight of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben is a satisfying finish to our trail, which is unashamedly celebratory. Our capital is world famous and rightly so – London is one of the greatest cities of all time, and has been so for a large part of its chequered history, so why not be proud?

Walking this trail through London had made me see it as never before: almost like a foreign city, London

had recognisable landmarks, but now also with some marvellous terrain in between that, by shunning public transport, I was coming to look upon with fresh eyes. My twelve-mile trail over several days through the best known areas had left me with the exciting prospect that ahead of me lay years of discovering the uniqueness of London.

Debra and David met in their forties, both widowed, with two teenaged daughters and a son between them. Second families are always a challenge, but as they excitedly welcome the birth of their first grandchild, it seems to have worked. After 36 years, David took early retirement from the BBC to focus on their filmmaking exploits, and two years later Debra also left her job. Walking provided a low cost and spontaneous past time that provided much needed privacy for a middle-aged newly married couple with teenagers at home. Turning it into a new career was another challenge, but with the help of local Oxford SIXTV and a broadcast agency contract, it evolved into just that. They have a 22-part Footloose television series that is broadcast in Europe and beyond, and all their films are available on amazon.co.uk – find out more about their travels on www.footloose.tv. You can also watch previews

of their films on Youtube n

The Footloose in London DVD is a glorious walking trail through the heart of the capital and a perfect souvenir of all the best sights in summer.

The DVD normally retails at £11.99 and we have five to give away to readers. For your chance to win a copy, just send in your name and address, quoting FL to:

Amra Media Solutions, 46a Brook Street, Aston Clinton, Bucks, HP22 5ES – or email info@amramedia.co.uk

Walking is always a joy, but this was even more so because I was re-learning and re-discovering a

city that I thought I knew.

Special Offer £14.99

12 issuesolive-infused chicken with charred lemons

This delicious concoction of olives, lemons, fresh marjoram and succulent chicken makes an ideal main course for a barbecue party. Serve with a selection of salads, such as tomato and basil. 1.5 kgchicken75 g pitted black olives4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil1 teaspoon sea salt2 tablespoons chopped fresh marjoramfreshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon plus 2 halved lemonsfreshly ground black pepper

Serves 4To prepare the chicken, put it onto a board with the back facing upwards and, using kitchen scissors, cut along each side of the backbone and remove it completely. Using your fingers, gently ease the skin away from the flesh, then put the chicken into a large, shallow dish. Put the olives, olive oil, salt, marjoram and lemon juice into a separate bowl and mix well, then pour over the chicken and push as many of the olives as possible up between the skin and flesh of the chicken. Let marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.Preheat the barbecue, then cook cut-side down over medium-hot coals for 15 minutes. Using tongs, turn the chicken over and cook for a further 10 minutes or until the skin is golden, the flesh is cooked through and the juices run clear when the thickest part of the meat is pierced with a skewer. If any bloody juices appear, cook for a little longer. While the chicken is cooking, add the halved lemons to the grill and cook for about 10–15 minutes until charred and tender on all sides.

Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving with the charred lemons.

barbecued fish bathed in oregano and lemon

Greece is known for its simple and delicious cuisine made from fresh ingredients with seafood often being the highlight of any menu. This is a typical Greek dish of char-grilled bream with oil, oregano and garlic, but you could use other small fish such as red mullet, snapper or even trout.grated zest of 1 and freshly squeezed juice of 2 lemons250 ml extra virgin olive oil1 tablespoon dried oregano2 garlic cloves, finely chopped2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley6 snapper or bream, about 350 g. each, well cleaned and scaledsea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Serves 6Put the zest and juice of 1 lemon in a small bowl. Add the olive oil, reserving 4 tablespoons, the oregano, garlic, parsley, and some salt and pepper. Leave to infuse for at least 1 hour.Wash and dry the fish inside and out. Using a sharp knife, cut several slashes into each side. Squeeze the juice from the remaining lemon into a bowl, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of oil, some salt and pepper and rub the mixture all over the fish.Heat a stove-top griddle pan or barbecue, add the fish and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until charred and cooked through. Put the fish on a large, warmed serving platter, pour over the dressing and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

summer vegetable skewers with home-made pesto

Full of sunshine flavours, these kebabs/kabobs can be served with pasta tossed in some of the pesto sauce. Home-made pesto is very personal – some people like it very garlicky, others prefer lots of basil or Parmesan – so simply adjust the quantities to suit your taste.2 aubergines, cut into chunks2 courgettes, cut into chunks2–3peppers, cut into chunks12–16 cherry tomatoes4 red onions, quartered

Serves 4–6To make the pesto, use a mortar and pestle to pound the garlic with the basil leaves and salt. Add the pine nuts and pound them to a paste. Slowly drizzle in some olive oil and bind with the grated Parmesan. Continue to pound and grind with the pestle, adding in enough oil to make a smooth sauce. Set aside.

Put all the prepared vegetables in a bowl. Mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and salt and pour it over the vegetables. Using your hands, toss the vegetables gently in the marinade, then thread them onto skewers. Preheat the barbecue to medium-hot. Cook the kebabs for 2–3 minutes on each side, until the vegetables are nicely browned. Serve the kebabs with the pesto on the side for drizzling.

souvlaki with bulgur wheat salad

Souvlaki is the classic Greek kebab, a delicious combination of cubed lamb marinated in red wine with herbs and lemon juice. The meat is tenderized by the wine, resulting in a juicy and succulent dish.1 kg lamb neck fillets1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary1 tablespoon dried oregano1 onion, chopped4 garlic cloves, chopped300 ml red winefreshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon75 ml olive oilsea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Serves 6Trim the excess fat off the lamb and then cut the meat into 2.5-cm cubes. Put into a shallow, non-metal dish. Add the rosemary, oregano, onion, garlic, wine, lemon juice, olive oil, and some salt and pepper. Toss well, cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours. Return to room temperature for 1 hour before cooking.To make the salad, soak the bulgur wheat in warm water for 30 minutes until the water has been absorbed and the grains have softened. Strain well to extract any excess water and transfer to a bowl. Add the remaining ingredients, season to taste and set aside for 30 minutes to develop the flavours.

Thread the lamb onto large rosemary stalks or metal skewers. Preheat the barbecue to hot and cook over hot coals for 10 minutes, turning and basting from time to time. Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with the salad.

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Summer Days & Balmy Nights is available to our readers for the special price of £17.99 including postage &

packaging (rrp£19.99) by telephoning Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quoting the reference GLR.6LO

A selection of recipes taken from Summer Days & Balmy Nights, published by Ryland Peters & Small.

Summer Balmy

Days & Nights Bulgur wheat salad

350 g bulgur wheat25 g chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley15 g fresh mint leaves, chopped2 garlic cloves, crushed150 ml extra virgin olive oilfreshly squeezed juice of 2 lemonsa pinch of caster sugar

For the marinade4 tablespoons olive oilfreshly squeezed juice of 1⁄2 a lemon2 garlic cloves, crushed1 teaspoon sea saltFor the pesto3–4 garlic cloves, roughly choppedleaves from a large bunch of fresh basil (at least 30–40 leaves)1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt2–3 tablespoons pine nutsextra virgin olive oil, as required60 g/2⁄3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

All images taken from the book ©Ryland Peters & Small Sum

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BRITAIN AND THE EURichard Way, Editor, Overseas Guides Company (OGC) comments on David Cameron, UK’s Future in EU and the effect on expats and those with 2nd homes abroad

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