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Tom Jones

The King and I:When Tom

Met Elvis

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Cook with the Stars!John Torode &

Paul Hollywood share their

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CONTENTS

6-7I N S I D E . . .6-7 Northern Greece... City Breaks in Thessaloniki.

8-9 Acklams... Elite traveller coach holidays.

12-13 Tom Jones... The King and I: When Tom met Elvis.

14-15 Home & Garden... Bringing the outside, in.

20-21 Cook with the Stars! Recipes from your favourite celebrity chefs: John Torode & Paul Hollywood.

22-25 Out & About... What's happening in your area and beyond.

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Bear hug from a lion!Just every so often along comes a story to warm your heart, this is such a story.

In 2012 Valentin Gruener rescued a young lion cub and raised it himself at a wildlife park in Botswana. It was the start of an extraordinary relationship. Now an astonishing scene is repeated each time they meet - the young lion leaps on Gruener and holds him in an affectionate embrace.

“Since the lion arrived, which is three years now, I haven’t really left the camp,” says Gruener.

“Sometimes for one night I go into the town here to organise something for the business, but other than that I’ve been here with the lion.”

The lion he has devoted himself to is Sirga - a female cub he rescued from a holding pen established by a farmer who was fed up with shooting animals that preyed on his cattle.

“The lions had killed the other two or three cubs inside the cage, and the mother abandoned the remaining cub. She was very tiny, maybe 10 days old,” Gruener says.

The farmer, Willy de Graaf, asked Gruener to try to save her and so he took her to a wildlife park financed by de Graaf and became her adoptive mother, “feeding her and taking care of her”.

“You have this tiny cute animal sitting there and it’s already quite feisty,” he says. “It will become about 10 times that size and you will have to deal with it.”

She’s much bigger now, but when Gruener opens her cage she still rushes to greet him - ecstatically throwing her paws around his neck.

“That happens every time I open the door. It is an amazing thing every time it happens, and it’s such a passionate thing to do for this animal to jump and give me a hug,” says Gruener.

“But I guess it makes sense. At the moment she has no other lions with her in the cage and I guess for her I’m like her species. So I’m the only friend she’s got. Lions are social cats so she’s always happy to see me.”

The companions spend their time hanging out in the Botswana bush, doing the kind of things that cats enjoy, such as lying around under trees, play-fighting, and hunting.

“I don’t believe we have to teach the lion to hunt. They have this instinct like a domestic cat or even a dog that will try to hunt. Any cat will catch a bird or a mouse. The lion will catch an antelope when it gets big enough,” Gruener says.

“I’m definitely giving her that opportunity to hunt, about three times a week at the moment. Each walk takes five hours - sometimes up to nine. We sort of hunt together and I’m helping her sometimes, trying to show her how to kill something rather than catch it.”

After Sirga’s first kill Gruener wasn’t sure if it would still be safe for him to get close to the lion. But “she let me come in”, he says. Now he despatches animals the lioness fails to kill quickly enough.

“It’s a bit cruel because she will catch an antelope and hold it down, and when it gets tired she could simply go and bite it in the throat and kill it. But because it’s so exciting she’s like a cat that keeps on playing with the mouse.“It’s not so lovely to watch when a lion has an antelope in front of her and she’s having fun playing with this antelope.”

Willy de Graaf has handed Gruener 500 hectares (two square miles) to create a “miniature park” in which Sirga can roam freely, but she will not be released into the wild. Not because she could not survive, Gruener says, but because she has lost her fear of humans.

Under those circumstances she is likely to get too close to humans, and if there is an accident she will end up getting shot. “And that’s not really the whole point of raising a lion,” Gruener says.

In the park Sirga can live like a wild lion, but remain safe, he says. “That’s the plan for her future.”

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And what of his own future? Gruener has put aside work on a PhD while he has been raising Sirga, and has hardly ever left her alone.

“If she gets into a bigger enclosure and gets more space, and maybe another lion to give her companionship, I’m sure I would be able to leave for longer periods of time - which is required for me to finish my studies.

“But as long as she needs me, and as long as I feel I want to be there to make her life better, I will have that as my priority.

“I doubt anything will change much between me and her.”

Fuming over changes!We all know about the perils of smoking but those who haven’t yet kicked the habit are fuming about the

smokescreen which clouded a neat little piece of trickery which has nipped under the radar. Since when did a packet of twenty gaspers become 19?

It happened overnight and was covered by a hefty price hike so smokers were so involved complaining about the increase that they didn’t notice the decrease in fags in the packet! Consequently every supermarket and shop in the land is now breaking the Trades Description Act umpteen times a day by selling a packet of 19 cigarettes to everyone who asks for 20. They’re crafty these manufacturers, they even decreased the size of the number 19 so you didn’t notice it and slide it discreetly on the side of the packet and make it the size of a microdot.

Anyway, enough of that, what about Mars bars? Have you seen one recently? Size of a matchstick they are. Gone are the great chunks of chocolate which used to give you lockjaw, you can eat one in two bites now. Wafer thin chocolate, a smearing of filling but the

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wrapper has enough ingredient listing and health warnings to choke a donkey. And what about nuts? Large nuts, small nuts, monkey nuts and Brazil nuts, and every packet carries the stern warning, “For those with an allergy beware this product contains nuts”. Well of course it does, that’s why I’m buying the blasted thing. Stating the obvious seems to be the norm now as we disappear in a plethora of political correctness which could frighten you into never eating or drinking again. Who dreams up some of this stuff? I’ve actually seen packaging which contains more reading matter than the British Library and by the time you’ve read it the product has probably gone past its sell by date anyway. Failing that of course everything except washing powder now carries the instruction to refrigerate after opening and consume within three days or you’re in danger of self combusting.

Anyone know where I can get 20 fags?

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Despite a cool evening breeze, though still very warm to us, the bars and cafés along the promenade are packed with locals enjoying the balmy evening, chatting and drinking with friends. There is a lively buzz, a friendly, vibrant atmosphere and definitely a feeling of being relaxed and safe in the city. It is the same every evening of the week as the newly-finished 7 km-long promenade is the focal point for people to walk, jog, cycle or simply stroll along by the sea, a live band is playing as a stage is set up for a concert next to the White Tower. This is the emblem of the city, its name referring to a prisoner there painting it white in exchange for his freedom, covering up the walls blood-stained from executions. On a brighter note, there are some impressive public sculptures and gardens along this seafront, especially the metal umbrellas in the late sunshine. There are boat trips around the port and across the bay to Agia Triada (more of

that later), and a little boat regularly goes along the edges clearing any debris. Thessaloniki in northern Greece is a city not always associated with art, food and wine, or as a cultural centre yet it is steeped in history as a geographically strategic point for this region. It is an ideal base to explore the area, particularly for those interested in the culture of Ancient Greece, as well as the superb fine dining. We visited in the first week of September, with temperatures around 25° and bright sunshine. Flight time is just over 3 hours from Manchester airport and it takes around half an hour to get to the city from Macedonia Airport. The first impressions as you drive into the city are of old buildings, not architecturally beautiful as many are 20th century structures and everywhere covered in graffiti, which relates to social comment on the severe financial

troubles Greece suffered a few years ago. Since then, a new Mayor has allocated large surfaces at the sides of specific buildings for graffiti artists to work on so eventually much of this will be removed. However, this first impression should be ignored! Walk around narrow, cobbled streets down to the sea, the old port having been revived with new museums, a photography gallery, cinema and various cultural centres for different exhibitions, events and celebrations throughout the year. This is also the favourite spot for dreamy-eyed young (and old?) lovers to stretch out and talk into the night. Sounds good to me.

We had the privilege of being shown a room at the 5* Excelsior Hotel – what a beautiful, stylish place. It is a splendid old building where original, ornate architectural features have been retained during its recent renovation. If you have an opportunity to stay there, you must.

50 Plus Travel sponsored by

City Breaks to ThessalonikiBy Jacqueline Jeynes from Silver Travel Advisor


Take a half-day city tour and you will really get a feel for the history of Thessaloniki and Greece from ancient times. Located in a strategic position in the Aegian sea, there were three distinct ages of occupation from Romans, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Given this history, there are fantastic churches, synagogues and mosques that contain preserved sections of frescoes and finely-detailed mosaics. A lot has changed over the centuries due to fires and earthquakes, exposing many new archaeological sites. A real must is the history related to the Jewish communities in this city, particularly the devastating impact of their treatment by the Nazi troops during WWII. It is well worth having a guided tour – our guide Konstantinos was so knowledgeable – although you can explore on your own using the hop on-hop off bus number 50 that costs 2 Euros for the day. Their leaflet also suggests short walks you can do from the bus stops, seewww.expertguides.gr.

TRAVEL

Remember to visit the daily market selling all kinds of fresh fruit and vegetables plus an array of olives, of course. There is also fresh meat and fish, though I declined the invitation to take a sheep’s head home with me. And the three famous pastry/sweet shops are truly divine! We tried a small sample shot of luscious, rich chocolate and a silver-wrapped chocolate cigar. For lunch, try the fish and chips at Bakaliarakia (a small restaurant in the Ladadika area), large flat slices of fried potato and crispy batter around tasty white cod, served with thick creamy garlic sauce. An afternoon nap is then recommended. This is a big, bustling city full of life and with plenty to see. The traffic is a bit hectic so you have to have your wits about you, but it is fine if you keep to the proper crossing places. It is not ideal for anyone with mobility issues or wheelchair-users, although across the Bay it is quieter and easier to get around. However, if you love to explore during city breaks, this is a great place to visit.

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For city breaks to Thessaloniki Silver Travel Advisor recommends Kirker Holidays who offer a range of short breaks and tailor-made holidays throughout Greece and the rest of Europe. Prices start from £598 per person for a three night holiday to Thessaloniki, including return flights, private car transfers and accommodation with breakfast sharing a double room. Kirker clients also receive the exclusive Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge to arrange private guides, book excursions or museum tickets and to reserve a table at a recommended restaurant.

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Tom couldn’t believe it when he was told Elvis and his wife Priscilla had been seen in the foyer of the Flamingo. He thought it was a wind-up but it was true – The King and his entourage, the ‘Memphis Mafia’, had driven from Los Angeles just to see the show. They had been invited by Chris Hutchins, who knew both Colonel Tom Parker and Joe Esposito, Elvis’s road manager, and suggested they come over.

Elvis was curious to see how a performer like Tom would be received in Las Vegas, because he was seriously thinking of making a live comeback there himself. His recording career was in the middle of a slump and he needed something to reinvigorate his career – a problem Tom would also face at a later date.

The lighting in the audience was quite dark, so Tom had to peer into the gloom to see if Elvis was really there. He had been primed by Chris, so he knew what to say if he caught sight of the man.

Eventually, he realised The King was in the very front row. Halfway through the show, he introduced Elvis, who stood up to take a bow, and the place erupted. It went on for ages and ages, until Tom managed to calm everyone down. Elvis eventually sat back down and Tom said, ‘Don’t forget I’m the star here tonight.’ It was a tongue-in-cheek comment, but took some nerve: Tom was just starting his Vegas adventure, whereas Elvis was the biggest star in the world.

After the concert, Elvis and his gang went backstage to congratulate Tom in his dressing room. The ‘Mafia’ usually numbered about half a dozen or so of Elvis’s oldest friends and yes-men. If Elvis told them at breakfast that scarlet was the new colour, they would all have their cars resprayed by lunch.

Linda was at the Flamingo that evening and she sat and chatted with Priscilla. Tom remembers Elvis saying he wanted to watch him in concert to see how he put together his act. Tom and Elvis talked about music, something they both never tired of doing.

Priscilla Presley believes that Elvis took to Tom because he was a real person – ‘someone who was down to earth that

you could talk to, that was not on an ego trip’. Tom’s show also reminded Elvis how it used to be for him: the adulation of the girls, the applause and the fantastic music. He missed it. He also liked the way Tom didn’t take it too seriously. For his part,Tom thought the Presleys were ‘a great couple’. He gave Priscilla an autographed photograph for their daughter Lisa-Marie, who was six months old.

The first meeting went so well that Elvis invited Tom to stay at his holiday villa in Hawaii.When he arrived, Priscilla told him that her husband had popped out to buy a couple of guitars so the two of them would have something to goof around with later.After dinner, the two men enjoyed a sing-song, like a couple of enthusiastic schoolboys, belting out ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, ‘Hound Dog’ and ‘Jailhouse Rock’, as well as ‘It’s Not Unusual’ and Elvis’s favourite, ‘Green, Green Grass of Home’. They jammed together through the night. Tom said simply, ‘I’ll never forget it as long as I live.’

The two men became genuine friends. . Tom spoke graciously of Elvis to the Daily Express: ‘I never sat at his feet looking up to him, because we regarded each other as equals. He was much too modest to be comfortable with someone who fawned around him and was never afraid to admit his own vulnerability – always the mark of the truly great.’

They were rivals, as well as friends, when Elvis began a season at the newly opened International Hotel in July 1969, which two years later was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton. Both shows were ruthlessly

The King and IAn extract from Tom Jones’ biography by Sean Smith - Tom Jones: The LifeCourtesy of HarperCollins. Available through all good book stores and online at Amazon.co.uk.

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advertised. On one side of the strip the huge billboards read, ‘Elvis Presley is at the International’. On the other side, the hoardings declared,‘Tom Jones is in Town!’

Tom moved briefly to the International too, because its showroom was three times the size of the Flamingo’s. In 1971, he finally settled at Caesars Palace. Elvis, meanwhile, stayed loyal to the Hilton, where he lived in the impressive penthouse, which became known as ‘Party Central’. The two friends would take it in turns to visit each other’s suites.Elvis was a reality check for Tom – a stark example of a road he would go down if he didn’t look after himself. Tom tried to keep in shape. At home in the UK, it was relatively easy, thanks to his fitness complex. On the road or in Vegas, it was more difficult, but he swam and took up squash. In the eighteen months before he opened at the Flamingo, he slimmed down from fifteen to eleven and a half stone. He said goodbye to chips for ever. He never stuffed himself with burgers or other junk food and avoided puddings, preferring a chateaubriand steak for dinner with the finest wines.

Tom didn’t drink before a concert, which was particularly important where the desert air was so dry and put a strain on his voice. His shows were a workout in themselves, because Tom finished dripping with sweat and as much as six pounds lighter. After a show, he took a long, thirty-minute shower and then enjoyed a vodka martini or opened a bottle or two of Dom Pérignon while he socialised. His friend and backing singer Darlene Love became so sick of the constant supply of vintage champagne that she loathes bubbly to this day and only has a glass if it is mixed with orange juice.

Elvis, however, struggled with his weight yo-yoing up and down. Early on, he told Tom that he took pills to stop the pounds piling on. The two men would have many discussions about the merits of drink and drugs.

During one conversation, Elvis told him that he had taken every kind of drug imaginable just to keep his ‘head together’. Elvis asked him what he took to keep sane and Tom replied simply,

‘Nothing, that’s why I feel I am sane.’ Tom’s aversion to drugs is very well known. He told Sylvie Simmons of MOJO magazine a funny story of the evening he went to a party in London thrown by Lulu. A rock star sidled up to him and said, ‘You want to see what’s going on in the kitchen!’ Tom, being Tom, immediately thought it might be something involving one or hopefully two women. He was disappointed to see that the great excitement was a pile of white powder on the kitchen table.‘See you later,’ he said.Elvis never took any drugs in front of Tom – he had too much respect for him. Instead, they would be sitting down, listening to records, when Elvis would suddenly disappear into the bedroom and come out a new man. They would listen to a few more records and then the same thing would happen again.

They may have had differing opinions on drugs, but both Elvis and Tom had similar views on gambling. Although they were the bait to draw thousands of punters into the hotel casinos, they never indulged themselves. That example was not followed by their respective managers, who lost fortunes at the gaming tables. Gordon incurred heavy losses playing blackjack. He was rumoured, in one disastrous night, to have lost the whole of Engelbert’s fee for a year.

Tom just didn’t get the attraction. Why give away so easily what you had worked so hard to earn? One evening at Caesars Palace, Linda came bounding up to him and asked for some money so she and a friend could spend some time at the tables. Tom reached in his pocket and gave her $5. He advised her, ‘Don’t lose it all at once.’

Tom was intrinsically more sociable than Elvis, who preferred quiet evenings in his suite. He loved gospel music and was prepared to stay up even later than Tom, just singing. Tom would say goodnight and be halfway out the door, when Elvis would start something else and Tom would be obliged to go back in and sing another song.

For the most part, they kept their friendship low-key. Elvis would slip into Caesars Palace with a baseball cap over his distinctive black hair and sit at

the back of the room. Disappointingly, Elvis and Tom never sang together in public. Elvis might walk on stage when Tom was performing, but he was under strict contract to another hotel, so he would never join in with a quick chorus of ‘Delilah’. Their duets were private moments and Elvis made it clear that they must never be recorded. His manager, Colonel Parker, had told him that he must ensure there were no bootleg recordings, an instruction he followed religiously. Tom was the same where Gordon was concerned: he never forgot what Gordon said.

When they weren’t singing, they would talk about music. Elvis once suggested they could do a concert together, with The Beatles as their backing group. They could do their own songs, followed by a few duets and the Fab Four could play all the instruments. Elvis asked, ‘Do you think there is a chance we could get them to do it?’ Tom, who still laughs about that conversation, responded:‘It would be fantastic.’

The pair were such good friends, they exchanged rings. Elvis gave Tom a splendid black sapphire ring, which annoyingly disappeared from his hotel bathroom one night on tour – along with the young lady who was using it. Tom, in turn, presented Elvis with a tiger’s eye ring that he knew he liked.

Elvis, for whom death threats were a way of life, was obsessed with firearms and would make sure he was armed even when he used the toilet. He gave Tom a gun with ‘Tom Jones’ engraved on the barrel. Tom has never had to fire his gun, although he made sure he knew how to use it. Perversely, Elvis also gave him a book that he’d enjoyed, entitled The Impersonal Life, a famous text about self-discovery and leading a spiritual life.

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Tom Jones: The Life by Sean Smith (HarperCollins)

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When we investigate new apartments or houses with a view to moving, a feeling of space with plenty of natural light in evidence is what we are searching for. It not only makes us feel better but it’s a great way to help reduce energy costs.

Architects and developers know that these elements sell their homes to the public and plan accordingly. But, it may not be quite so easy to harness plenty of natural light and create more space in less modern properties.

Most of the homes built in the UK after World War II favoured smaller, more intimate rooms which were relatively cheap to heat, and this legacy has

continued to a lesser extent into the early Noughties.

However, in the last 10 years or so in particular, more of us are demanding open plan living areas with as much natural light as we can get. In fact, through solar panels in the roof more and more of us even turn natural sunlight to domestic energy to cut household bills.

Getting more fresh air into your home along with that vital light and creating more space for growing families - or simply giving yourself more room to breathe - can be costly if you have to think about remodelling homes or building on large extensions or wings.

So, more and more people are going for a range of other options that still help to bring the outside inside.

CONSERVATORIES are particularly popular for this, not only because they come in such a variety of sizes and styles to suit all kinds of properties but because they are now cheaper and more efficient than ever.

Conservatories enlarge homes and can genuinely enhance the look of a property. They offer a private, bright space for hobbies, for family time or just for reading alone.

They also bring people closer to their gardens, both physically and emotionally, and allow a new

Bringing the outside in...NATURAL light and space are among the popular hallmarks of modern homes in 2015 whatever size your property.

HOME


HOME

perspective on greenery without having to suffer from the vagaries of the British climate.

ORANGERIES are another popular addition to homes, generating extra living space and creating a special place to live – and work if you prefer – in a private but bright room. They tend to contain more brickwork than glass, can be a bigger project to create, but always add elegance to homes.

You can add a bold and unique visual element to your property with a GLASS ROOF EXTENSION. The glass naturally creates a light living space and the beauty of these extensions is that they can be tailor-made into even the most testing of spaces, letting in an unrivalled amount of daylight.

TILED ROOF EXTENSIONS are also designed to look and function like a permanent part of the property. This additional space makes your house a more desirable place to live and, should you come to sell your property,

it immediately allows would-be buyers to envisage using that extra room for their lifestyle needs.

To open up kitchen and living areas, how about installing BIFOLDING DOORS? These clever additions not only look stylish but offer a large area bringing in light, and they can easily fold back to allow in fresh air and the beauty of your garden.

These doors come into their own for families and open up the whole house. Socialising in the kitchen – which often predominates at parties - is then less cramped and more easygoing. Cooking smells vanish and individuals can spill out onto the patio to enjoy the best of the outside in convivial company.

Another clever way to enjoy the outside and still protect yourself from the less attractive parts of the British weather is to install an AWNING. These handsome, often brightly coloured additions to your home allow you to dine or just sit outside, away

from the sun or even drizzle, as an easy extension of your lifestyle.

You can get awnings custom-made to look just right on your home. And the beauty of them is that when you don’t need them they simply fold away until the next time.

Many of us enjoy our gardens and it’s lovely, not only to see close up the fruits of your labours when it comes to admiring the plants, flowers and other greenery, but also because of the health benefits.

Fresh air is good for the digestion, improves your blood pressure and heart-rate, strengthens your immune system and cleans your lungs. It also gives you more energy and sharpens the mind – and, probably the most important thing, it makes you happier!

So it’s worth crafting a lifestyle that takes advantage of Nature’s free gifts, and open up your home to all the best possibilities of living.

BEAUTIFUL BATHROOMS FROM

At Kiel Bathrooms we offer a free planning and advisory service to meet your personal requirements and you receive our famous high standard quality workmanship as standard. Why not visit our beautiful Bathroom Showroom in Hull or visit our exciting new online store. You could grab yourself a huge saving on a massive selection of discounted bathroom products. Order online or in our Hull Bathroom Showroom.

A full bathroom package is built up and available which includes a top to bottom makeover to include a bathroom suite or shower enclosure, ceramic tiling, lighting, ceiling, flooring, blinds, mirrors and bathroom accessories.

Kiel Bathrooms also caters for the physically challenged with walk in baths and walk in showers. These can also be supplied and fitted VAT free.

With over 30 years of experience in installing bathrooms and making people fall in love with their bathrooms again Kiel Bathrooms really is the premier Bathroom Showroom in Hull and East Yorkshire.

620 Holderness Road, Hull, East Yorkshire HU9 3EZ

Tel: 01482 795 165 | Fax: 01482 310 426

Email:[email protected]

Over 1000 bathrooms fitted in Hull & East Yorks!

BEAUTIFUL BATHROOMS FROM

www.kielbathroomshull.co.uk

Over 30 years experience.

We have been working in Hull since 2001, helping residents to access a total of £21.4 million in grant funding. The total estimated savings made by Hull residents who have received grant funded improvements is almost £100 million, a small contribution towards improving finances, health and wellbeing for our residents.

In 2013 an independent survey was published by We Are Homely which analysed the amount of energy efficiency measures installed by 380 local authorities across the country. Hull placed first in this survey and remains in first place in 2015; which demonstrates how serious our partnership is about helping Hull residents and ensuring that our city gets the best offers available. A huge amount of energy efficiency work has taken place in Hull, but we are very aware that there is still lot to do and still many people out there who need our help.

So, how can we help you?Accessing information about grants, help and support can be difficult and confusing. Major changes have taken place within the industry over the last 2 years. With so many schemes and offers available, it can be hard to decide which the best option for you to take. We are here to help all residents; regardless of your age, income or health. Because of the changes which have taken place; it is no longer the case that only the elderly or those in receipt of benefits will qualify. We have something to offer everyone.

We are currently offering: • Loft & Cavity Wall Insulation Grants

• Central Heating Funds

• Energy Efficiency Advice

• Benefit Eligibility Checks

• Sign-posting to partners – We have 45 partners around the city which all provide varying types of help, support or advice.

Why Hull Warm Zone?Why not take advantage of the experience and knowledge which Hull Warm Zone can offer you? Our advice is not only impartial (we’re not trying to sell you anything), it’s free (we’re not trying to sell you anything) and you are under no obligation to sign up to anything when you contact us… because we are not trying to sell you anything! We are simply here to help you make the right choice for you and your home and your bank balance.

Hull Warm Zone is a not-for-profit fuel poverty partnership with Hull City Council. We provide an impartial advisory service for residents who want to save money, keep warm and reduce their energy consumption.

Our friendly, local Customer Service Team can be contacted by:

Phone: 01482-612908Email: [email protected]


Supported by Local Authorities


FOOD & DRINK

Cook with the stars!John Torode and Paul Hollywood...

JERK CHICKENSERVES 6To get a more authentic jerk experience, add some wood chips to your barbecue and cook your chicken thighs or legs over slow indirect heat for the bestflavour. Alternatively enjoy a beautiful jerk chicken breast cooked over a high heat – it should be ready in 10 minutes or less.

12 chicken thighs, bone in,or 8 large chicken breasts

MARINADE1 large bunch spring onions, or 2 smaller bunches2 tbsp soy sauce2 tbsp vegetable oil1 tbsp saltjuice of 1 lime1 /2 tsp dried thyme, or 1 tbspfresh thyme1 tbsp allspice berries1-10 scotch bonnets (start witha small amount and addmore later if you think itneeds it)1 thumb-sized piece ginger3 garlic cloves1 /2 small onion2-3 tbsp of brown sugar

To make the marinade, put all the ingredients in a blender and process until you have a purée. Don’t add more water if you’re having trouble getting it all blended, just keep turning off theblender, stirring it up with a spatula, and trying again. Eventually it will start to blend up nicely. Now taste it. It should taste pretty salty, but not unpleasantly puckeringly salty. You can also nowthrow in more chillies if it’s not spicy enough for you. If you think it tastes too salty and sour, try adding a bit more brown sugar until things seem good and balanced.

Put the chicken pieces in a bowl, cover with the marinade and leave overnight. Next day, cook the chicken over a smoky fire for 15 to 20 minutes, turning about six times during cooking.

CHICKEN WITHCOCONUT DRESSINGSERVES 6

50g palm sugar50ml fish sauce400g can coconut milk6 chicken thigh fillets

2 red Thai shallots1 /2 red pepper, cut into julienne2 small red chillies, cut intojulienne50g cucumber, cut intojulienne10g roasted peanuts4 lime leaves, cut into very finejulienne30 coriander leaves6 squares banana leaf, to serve

Bring the palm sugar, fish sauce and coconut milk to the boil in alarge saucepan, add the chicken and poach until the chicken iscooked through. Leave to cool.

Mix the other ingredients (except the banana leaves) together in abowl. When the chicken is cool, cut it into 1cm thick strips andtoss into the salad.

Lay a banana leaf at the centre of each plate and pile on thesalad. Drizzle with some of the poaching liquid and serve.

John Torode

FOOD & DRINK

SERVES 5This is the original portable meal, eaten by Cornish tin miners and farm labourers. The pastry had to be robust to make it portable, and it was quite common to have a savoury filling at one end, sweet at the other. It now has protected status and must be made in Cornwall. The vegetables need to be cut thinly so they almost melt into the meat on cooking, and the crimping is all-important. I was told that you need 21 crimps to make a proper pasty.

Pastry450g plain flour½ tsp salt115g cold lard, diced75g cold unsalted butter, dicedAbout 90ml ice-cold water1 egg, lightly beaten, to glaze

Paul Hollywood

Filling1 large onion120g swede1 large floury potato, such as King Edward or Maris Piper400g beef skirt50g butterSalt and pepper

EQUIPMENTA 24cm plate (to use as a guide)

1. To make the pastry, mix the flour and salt in a large bowl, add the lard and butter and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in enough water to make a fairly firm dough, then knead briefly until smooth. Shape into a ball, wrap in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes.

CORNISH PASTIES2. For the filling, slice the onion finely; cut the swede and potato into small, thin strips; keep each separate. Cut the beef into small, thin pieces and divide into 5 portions.

3. Heat the oven to 200°C/Gas 6. Divide the pastry into 5 equal pieces. Roll each out on a lightly floured surface to a 3mm thickness and cut out a 24cm circle, using a plate as a guide.

4. Scatter a scant layer of swede on the pastry semi-circle, leaving a 1cm border. Add a similar layer of potato, season lightly and top with some onion. Repeat the swede and potato layers, seasoning as you go. Check the pasty will close, then add the beef. Add a final layer of onion, season and dot with butter.

5. Brush the pastry border with a little beaten egg, then close the lid of the pasty, making sure that the edges meet. Press together firmly and then crimp the edges together by pinching all the way round between your thumb and forefinger.

6. Fill and seal the remaining circles of pastry in the same way. Place the pasties on 2 baking trays and cut 2 small slits in the middle of each one. Brush the pastry with beaten egg. Bake for 20 minutes, then lower the oven setting to 160°C/Gas 3 and bake for 30 minutes longer. Best eaten hot from the oven.

FOR MORE ARTICLES ON HEALTHY EATING VISIT WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK


OUT & ABOUT

GET IN TOUCHCALL 01204 860 194

[email protected] www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Withernsea CarnivalJuly 18, 2015 - July 26, 201512pm - 6pm

A sample of some of last year's events: Punch & Judy, Crowning of the Royal Family, Magic Show, Kids Disco's, Displays by local groups, Carnival Quiz, Crazy Golf, History Walk, Family Fun Day, Treasure Hunts, Dig for Treasure, Kids Races, Fossil Hunt, Fancy Dress and all time favourite Window Spotting.

Nine days of entertainment for all. Various events will be held in a number of locations around Withernsea. Get your CARNIVAL brochure from local stockist nearer the time for a jam packed list of free events and entertainment. Times and locations will vary and yet to be confirmed on the website.

For more information visit www.withernseatowncouncil.co.uk

Early Years Explorers: Extinct Thu 9 Jul 2015Yorkshire Museum, Museum GardensYork, North Yorkshire YO1 7FR

Look at dinosaur fossils, listen to the Dodo story, and play the extinct or not game.

Activities for children aged two to five years old which include songs, stories, games, and craft activities. Sessions are based on familiar preschool play areas, which are enhanced to help children learn about the museums’ collections and exhibitions through play. Sessions are a mixture of free flow and adult led activities which all relate to the Early Years Curriculum.

Please note that regular non-attendees may be asked to cancel their bookings to allow others to participate.

To book please visitwww.tinyurl.com/MuseumMonkeys

The Railway Children 31 July - 5 Sept 2015NRM York, Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ0844 815 3139

The mesmerising return of the National Railway Museum and York Theatre Royal's award winning production of The Railway Children. Join Bobby, Peter and Phyllis as they tell the story of how they became The Railway Children.

Mike Kenny's adaptation of E. Nesbit's well loved novel and Damien Cruden's direction tells a fantastic story which comes to life using a unique theatre setting that allows the audience to sit on station platforms either side of a real rail track.

Featuring the steam locomotive which was in the original film of The Railway Children this production will make you laugh, cry, sigh, gasp and your heart ache in one of the most breath taking theatrical events York has ever seen. Performances will take place in the Signal Box Theatre - the new purpose built auditorium.

For more information please visit www.nrm.org.uk

Yum Festival7-8 August 2015 - Hull City Centre

Two days of tasty street food, culinary talent, fresh local produce, and a bustling market of world flavours. Come and see what’s on the menu at Hull city centre’s celebration of food and drink. From traditional dishes, to a touch of spice – stay local and taste the world!

Taste the World – around the world street foodVegetable Patch – for your little onesThe Main Dish – live cooking demos, dailyYum Emporium – local market stalls and fresh produceAles, wines, cocktails and spiritsSpecial Yum discount offers

For more info visit www.yumfestival.co.uk

Cottingham Folk Festival4-6 Sept - East Yorkshire, HU16 4AU

The Shires/Oysterband/Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band, Toyah Willcox, Ward THomas, Thea Gilmore, John Smith, 3 Daft Monkeys, Tony Wright (Terrorvision), Mark Morriss (The Bluetones), Emma Stevens, Rita Payne & Maz O'Connor

For more information please visitwww.cottinghamfolkfestival.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Kiel Bathrooms attains Which? Trusted Trader status...Kiel Bathrooms is the premier Bathroom Showroom in Hull and East Yorkshire, with over 30 years experience of installing bathrooms of all shapes and sizes.

To give their customers extra peace of mind, Kiel Bathrooms have recently attained the Which? Trusted Trader status which is only awarded to the very best businesses, who maintain the highest professional standards.

For more information, give them a call or drop into their showroom.

620 Holderness Road, Hull, East Yorkshire HU9 3EZTel: 01482 795 165 | Fax: 01482 310 426www.kielbathroomshull.co.uk

FINANCIAL FREEDOM FOR THE OVER 55’s

If you’re a homeowner aged 55 or over then you could use an Equity Release plan to unlock some of the value tied up in your property. This guide will explain all the facts.

Request your FREE GUIDE to unlocking cash from your home

Repay your existing mortgageSettle debtsNo monthly paymentsMove home in the futureLump sum of cashMaintain 100% ownership

Nationwide Retirement SpecialistsRetirement Experience

Call now for a FREE copy of our Guide to Equity Release or to arrange a no obligation appointment on:

0800 037 5902www.retirement-experience.co.uk

This is an equity release plan. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personal illustration.


OUT & ABOUT

Cornucopia FestivalBurton Constable Hall ~ 25th - 27th September 2015

Now in its fourth year, Cornucopia is a relaxed weekend of music, Arts & Culture. Something for everyone in a family atmosphere with a stately home backdrop.

Many live acts, arts & crafts, fringe performances, world music and much more over the 3 days.

The festival village is a safe environment for children to explore and children’s activities can be found in and around the festival village.

To buy tickets please visitwww.cornucopiafestival.co.uk

25-27 Sept 2015

Hull Folk Festival14-16 August 2015Hull Marina • Victoria Pier • Humber Street • Old Town

Hull Folk Festival is about celebration – a celebration of music, culture, arts, crafts, dancing, real ales, good food and anything else you can give folk to celebrate. You don’t really need an excuse but it’s always nice to have one in mind.

Over 50 live shows at Minerva, Fruit, Green Bricks

Plus - Outdoor Stages, Free Gigs, Workshops, Folk Wagon, Jackanory Corner, Traditional Folk Dancing, Folk Den, Real Ale, Singarounds, Open Mic Busking, Arts & Craft, with something for all ages.

To find out more go to www.hull-folk.co.uk

The Last Train to Elvet 9 Aug 2015NRM York, Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ0844 815 3139

Roll up, roll up! The Circus arrives on the train from Pittington. It's 1953 in Durham and the town can't wait to get a glimpse of the acrobats & jugglers, the clowns & marching band, the strong man & all manner of wonderful backstage folk.

Poet Ian McMillan, Olympic composer Luke Carver Goss and Cartoonist of the Year Tony Husband combine with Tredegar Town Band ensemble to re-tell the tale in words, music & live cartooning. Tredegar Town Band stars in the award-winning film Pride and in spring this year, performed with Ballet Rambert.

Last Train to Elvet is full of fun & trickery, a mashup of serious brass music with circus themes, a web of words & music and the extraordinary dimension of live cartooning to give the story wings. At its heart is a shared excitement about Brass & Railways and adventures in words & drawings & music."We're honoured to be a part of this and really looking forward to catching the Last Train to Elvet!" - Iwan Fox, Tredegar Town Band

Part of Durham International Festival 2015, with an award from BRASS: Pitch and in collaboration with York Theatre Royal. Produced by UK Touring.

To find out more go to www.nrm.org.uk

Dracula29 August 2015, Whitby Abbey

Think you know the story of Dracula? Think again. To truly understand Bram Stoker's gothic icon, you need to hear his tale in the setting of the writer's inspiration, Whitby Abbey. Take in the gothic splendour of one of the most atmospheric abbeys in England, as three actors bring the famous story of Dracula to life before your eyes. Promenade performances suitable for children aged 8 and above.

For more information call 01947 603568

Freedom Festival Hull City Centre4-6 Sept 2015

Freedom Festival celebrates Hull's unique contribution to the cause of freedom as the birthplace of anti-slavery pioneer William Wilberforce MP. Now entering its eighth year, Freedom Festival grew out of the bicentenary celebrations in Hull of the abolition of the slave trade in The British Empire, which was lead by Wilberforce.

For more information call 01482 223423


Scam WatchWhat’s your favourite prank to play? Whether it’s with unsuspecting friends or the grand-kids, we’ve probably all pulled – and been on the receiving end of – a trick or two in our time. But what about those tricks that aren’t quite as innocent – the ones that are designed to part you with your cash. Well, you’ll be glad we “made you look” as we go through some of the more common pranks you should be on the look-out for.

Shoulder surfers: one of the most common ways for fraudsters to acquire your PIN is not through sophisticated techniques of card cloning, but simply by watching over your shoulder as you enter it. Always be wary of people standing behind you at cash points and when entering your PIN in a shop.

Phishing: have you won a lottery you didn’t enter? Had a request from “your bank” to confirm your details? These are all phishing scams and you will end up losing money. Look out for the email originating from an unusual address, or failing to address you by name. Some can be more convincing and even look like they have been sent to you by friends. If in doubt, don’t give your details out.

Hang-up, no you hang-up: imagine it – you receive a call from your bank telling you your account had been compromised and you need to act fast to save your cash! You’d do exactly as you were told right? But stop, this is a scam. Your bank would take its own steps to prevent fraud on your account, it would never require you to give out your full account number, password, PIN or hand over your card to a courier – ever. Even if you’re convinced you’re on the phone to your bank – never give out this information.

Payment protection insurance (PPI) refunds: you receive a text or call from someone claiming to be your bank, the Ministry of Justice, or a PPI company telling you that you’re owed money from mis-sold PPI. But, you must pay an administration fee before the refund can be processed. Don’t give away any money! If you have a PPI complaint, you can come to the ombudsman for free and save yourself giving your cash to claims managers unnecessarily.

Online shopping scams: many of us are beating the queues by shopping online these days – and the good news is that the majority of transactions are completed with no problem. But always be wary of a seller (or buyer) who asks you to complete transactions outside of the official payment channels like PayPal – as you may find you’re not protected if the item you’re buying, or the money for the goods you’ve sold, doesn’t show up.

We hope these tips help you get ahead of the game. But if you’ve lost out to a fraudster, don’t panic. Tell your bank what’s gone wrong but if you’re still not able to get things sorted out, the ombudsman may be able to help on 0300 123 9 123 or www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk.

Greyhounds make great pets

retiredgreyhounds.co.uk

Driffield Country FairDriffield Country Fair on Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th September 2015 will be following on from the continued success of the Game & Country Fair in 2014. They have got an action packed Weekend lined up full of things to see and do...

Art Gallery, Food & Craft Demonstrations, American Classic Cars, Laser Quest, Climbing Wall, Fun Fair, Birds of Prey, Pony Rides, Trade Stands and much more!

They can't guarantee the weather, but they can guarantee an action packed weekend out for the whole family! Advanced tickets are on sale now and will be on sale until Friday 18th September.

They are also now accepting trade stand applications for the event, please download the application pack on their website at www.driffieldshow.co.uk or call us on 01377 257 494

To book tickets also visit www.driffieldshow.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT


At no time is this truer than when we’re older, perhaps looking around at the family home or large house and considering what our next living move must be.

Most of us want to live independently but in a smaller, easier to manage home, possibly with support. If this is the case, then it is to some form of sheltered housing that we would be looking.

There are many kinds of sheltered housing schemes. Some will have a manager or warden, living on-site or off-site, and all should provide 24-hour emergency assistance through an alarm system.

The accommodation involved is usually self-contained but possibly with communal areas like a lounge, laundry room and garden. Many schemes also run social events for residents.

For those of us needing more support, there are extra-care sheltered housing schemes which allow more independence than living in a care home. Here, you would live in a self-contained flat but have your meals provided and you might also receive personal care.

Most sheltered housing for rent is provided by local councils or housing associations, each with its own allocation policy and there may be a waiting list. It’s worth, though, asking how long you might have to wait and what constitutes a priority application. A small amount of sheltered housing is also available to rent privately.

Increasingly popular these days is retirement housing that’s available to buy, usually built by private developers. Age UK suggests you only buy from a builder who is registered with an accredited body like the National House-Building Council (NHBC).

But before you buy any retirement housing, it’s important to ensure you find out about running costs like a service charge, ground rent, Council tax and utility bills.

Before you select where you would like to spend the next stage of your life – especially if you are buying a property - it’s worth having a check-list of requirements that you need to ensure your personal quality of life.

For example, is your chosen spot close to friends and family or would it require a journey? If so, is there a good bus service or are there other easy transport links nearby?

If you have a car of your own, is there secure parking on-site or close by and do you have to pay extra for this? Such additional costs can become really important when you’re on a fixed income.

Are you near local amenities like shops, a doctor or clinic and other facilities you might need? Is there an emergency alarm system installed and is a warden available daily or living on-site? Are there useful communal areas where you can mingle with other residents if you want to?

•Formoreinformationgoto:AgeUKat www.ageuk.org.uk The Elderly Accommodation Counsel at www.eac.org.uk

THERE comes a time in life for most of us when we realise that the property we’re in may not be suitable to our needs any more.

Retirement accommodation designed for comfort, security, privacy and independence

High on style and low on maintenance, Golden Living retirement apartments are built to a top specification, packed full of stylish fittings and safety features to create an independent home, with support available when you need it.

While aiming to have both local amenities and the countryside nearby, the developments are also thoughtfully developed to mirror the surrounding buildings to enable them to integrate perfectly into their villages and towns.

The Ancholme Mews development in Brigg, Lincolnshire offers a tranquil market town location with excellent transport links.

Famous for its farmers’ markets and produce auction, the town is home to many gentle riverside walks and colourful summer events.

Set in beautiful landscaped gardens, Ancholme Mews offers 39 one bedroom and 14 two bedroom apartments and a comfortable guest suite for family and friends. Security is a top priority at Golden Living and safety features include CCTV, 24 hour Careline and a resident estate manager.

The development also offers a bright, open residents’ lounge – perfect for entertaining or just relaxing and watching the world go by.

When you’re ready to make your move, Golden Living have a team of people ready to give you a helping hand with all parts of the sale of your current home and the move into your brand new apartment.

A Golden Living sales consultant will be with you every step of the way to help ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible. With a smaller and more manageable apartment, you can throw off the old way and start living the way you’ve always wanted to.

For more information see back page and visit: www.goldenliving.co.uk or call 01652 658 949


A guide to help you plan for your needs in later life.

If you’re concerned about the care of a loved one, it can be difficult to know where to turn. It’s not always easy to talk about elderly care and you may go through a range of emotions, or feel that you’re on your own.

Aside from the emotional strain, families also have to get to grips with the implications of paying for care, which can be complex. There’s also the decision about which care to choose, which will depend on a number of factors, including the level of care required.

There are several types of care that homes can provide, such as short-stay, residential, nursing and dementia, each of which offers a specific kind of support to meet individual needs.

It’s common for someone needing a care home to feel a burden and for relatives to feel guilty about not being able to provide the care themselves. However, life in a care home can bring great benefits; helping people to stay independent for longer in a safe and homely environment, while ensuring help is at hand when needed.

Care homes can also offer a real community spirit, where people can interact with their fellow residents, families and friends and enjoy a more active social life based on their interests and hobbies.

Many care homes provide a range of care types at one location giving the home the ability to meet individuals’ changing care needs within a single setting. This means that residents may not need to relocate to another care home should their care needs change in the future.

Choosing the right care home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. For this reason, it is important that you research and fully understand all the different options available to you, including the likely costs, to ensure you make the right choice.

If you would like advice based on your personal circumstances, or you are just not sure where to start, whether it’s queries about funding, getting help to look after someone at home, or just starting the conversation with a loved one about care, Bupa offers a free advice service run by experts.

They are there to listen to your circumstances and, by explaining your options, help you to make choices that are right for you and your loved one.

To discover what care could mean for you, talk to an expert today. Call 0333 331 5797†

Advertorial feature

READER OFFER

For your free ‘A Guide to Making Choices for the Years Ahead’, send this coupon to: Care Journey Experts, Bupa Care Services, Bridge House, Outwood Lane, Leeds, LS18 4UP

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Getting to know your elderly care options

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Your chosen home care provider is there to look after you. They should help you to make your own decisions and support you in maintaining your own independence. That also means treating you with respect, valuing you as a person and respecting your privacy. If you need assistance with tasks such as dressing, bathing and toileting, you have the right to choose your carer, whenever possible. Remember, it’s your care and you have the right to be involved in every aspect of your care. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for a family member or friend to be kept informed about your home care too.

Home care company standardsAll companies have a ‘Statement of Purpose’ that sets out their aims and objectives and the type of the services they offer. If you’re employing a company, they should give you a contract explaining all terms and conditions. This will include things such as their confidentiality policy – for example, how they will hold and use personal data. All home care company employees should also have clear written guidelines and follow robust procedures on how to administer and assist with any medication needs.

How to choose the right Home CareWhether you’re choosing a home care company for a family member or starting to plan for your own future, there are several important things that you should consider. Here are a few useful pointers to help you along the way.

Before your home care startsIt’s important to always make sure that the home care company you choose visits you at home, before care starts. This will give you the chance to discuss your requirements in detail to ensure that you’re happy with your choice of provider. A good home care company will answer any questions you may have during this visit. The visit will also give the company the opportunity to see the environment in which they will be working. If possible, arrange for a family member or friend to be there when the home care company visits.

So you’re thinking about using a company to provide home care? But how can you make sure that the home care provider you choose treats and cares for you in the right way?

Initial home visit by a home care companyDuring the initial home visit by the home care company, they will carry out a detailed risk assessment of your home, as well as a manual handling assessment. This is important, as it will identify how the company staff will move you safely around your home, if assistance is required.

All staff should be fully trained on using equipment such as a hoist, to help bear your weight safely, if needed.

Keeping you safe and secure in your own homeIt’s the job of the home care company staff to make sure that you are safe and secure in your own home when they are working with you. Every home care company must have procedures in place to protect those using home care services, to reduce the risk of accidents, and protect people from any form of abuse including physical, emotional and financial abuse. This will also include an agreement about gaining access to your home. Care workers should have ID cards to show their photograph, their name, the company’s name and contact details. Home care companies must also have a policy in place that sets out how staff should handle money, if you ask them to buy things, or to pay a bill for you.

Paying for home care It’s important to know the cost of home care and you should always be provided with a clear idea of costs for home care services. In most cases, companies will charge different rates for home care on weekday, evenings and weekends. There is also often a higher rate on Bank Holidays. Remember to ask if there will be any additional costs that you need to know about.

If you have been assessed by Social Services as being eligible for care and support at home, and Social Services have agreed to, fully or part fund your care (dependant on your financial assessment), you can choose to have the Care Company Social Services appoint, or you can choose to have Social Services provide the money to buy, some or all of, the support you need using something called a “Direct Payment”. The Direct Payment option allows you greater flexibility and freedom in how your care is provided. You can choose to employ your own ‘personal assistant’ or decide to work with the care provider of your choice. Your local Social Services team will be able to advise you further.

Check what you are being chargedAll costs should be written into the contract between you and the company and you should be invoiced at regular intervals for the previous months’ service. In most cases, the home care company will keep timesheets that you

CARE



Top 10 key questions to ask when choosing a Home Care company

• Can the company provide the care needed, and have they provided care before for someone with similar needs?

• How will the company and staff respect your privacy and dignity?

• Have they taken the time to understand your personal likes and dislikes?

• How do they match the most suitable care worker to your needs? Will they arrive at the time you have requested. Will you always have the same person caring for you. What happens if they are sick or go on holiday?

• What charges will you be expected to pay (Is there a minimum charge)? And how you will be invoiced?

• Is the company insured to protect your safety and interests?

• Do all care workers undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check before being employed? And what ongoing training do they receive?

• Does the company have a copy of its latest inspection report available for you to look at?

• Can the company be contacted outside office hours or in an emergency?

• Will the company give you a copy of their standard contract to read before signing?

will need to sign. Always check that they have logged the correct length of visits. It may seem easier to sign only once a week but if you do this you may be charged the incorrect amount and it will prove difficult to prove otherwise.

Automated care worker monitoringSome home care companies have electronic monitoring so care workers can ‘check in’ using their mobile phone or put a pin number into your landline phone.

There is no cost to you when they use this system and it records the exact length of time that your care provider has been with you. This system also helps the home care company to highlight any missed calls by the care worker, reducing the risk of you not getting a call.

How can Bluebird Care Help? Bluebird Care is a national provider of care in the home. We specialise in working with customers and their families that require care in their own homes. We offer a unique service of tailored care visits from 30 minutes to full live-in support.

The ethos of Bluebird Care in Hull and surrounding rural areas, is to put our customers at the centre of everything we do and to adopt a "can do" approach which has been built around a passion to deliver high quality care and an excellent level of service. Our aim is to allow our customers to maintain their independence and dignity by putting together a bespoke care package which allows them to remain in their own homes safely and holistically.

For those customers not wishing to approach Social Services regarding their own care of that of a loved one, our Care Manager will visit the person in their own home (or hospital) to better understand the person’s requirements, answer any questions (including the 10 mentioned), discuss funding options and put in place a care plan to ensure the person remains safe and as independent as possible in their own home.

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/hull

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Bluebird Care Hull and BeverleyVictoria House, 36 Derringham Street, Hull

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

AlternativeBluebird Care offers a realistic cost - effective alternative to residential care. With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around, Bluebird Care ‘just happens’.

Our staffOur staff are ‘natural’ carers, trained and undergo robust recruitment procedures..

Call our professional team on 01482 332267

CARE


Plan aheadThere comes a stage in all our lives when it’s natural to think about when we won’t be here. We wonder about loved ones and what to leave them.

There are some things, however, that we wouldn’t wish to leave them. These include the burden of high funeral costs and the worry of deciding on the funeral arrangements.

If you have concerns about such matters, a Golden Charter funeral plan will bring you peace of mind.

So many reasons to choose Golden Charter: Consideration for loved ones is the most frequent reason for purchasing a Golden Charter Plan.

A Golden Charter plan covers all the costs within our independent funeral directors’ control.

Financial securityYour payment will be held by an independent Trust Fund on behalf of your selected funeral director.

Proven valueOn past evidence a Golden Charter plan is better value than a high-interest building society account.

Freedom of choiceThere are no restrictions on your choice of funeral director.

Woodland TrustA free feature of every plan, unique to Golden Charter - when you purchase a plan, a tree will be planted on your behalf by the Woodland Trust.

A thoughtful decisionA Golden Charter plan will bring you peace of mind

Consideration for others is the most frequent reason for buying a Golden Charter funeral plan. With Golden Charter you know that your loved ones will be spared some of the burden of bereavement. You’ll have specified every detail of the funeral in advance, selected the funeral director and made provision for the costs.

More than 160,000 people in Great Britain have planned their funerals with Golden Charter, an independent company that is British-owned and run. They know that their money is secure and their funeral director’s services are fully guaranteed

A guaranteeA Golden Charter plan covers all your independent funeral director’s services

Once you’ve paid for your Golden Charter plan, you can be sure that neither your loved ones nor your estate will be asked for a penny more for the services within the control of your funeral director - no matter how much these costs may rise in years to come.

An allowance for disbursementsSome costs are paid on your behalf by the funeral director but are not within his control. Known as disbursements, they include the fees of cemeteries, crematoria, doctors, clergy, newspaper notices and memorials. Only if the increase in these costs were to exceed the disbursements amount allowed for in the plan might there be a balance to pay at the time of need.

Financial securityYour payment will be held in an independent trust fund.

Your payment will go directly to the Golden Charter Trust, which will hold the money for your funeral on


behalf of participating funeral directors. This is why your funeral director is able to provide a legally binding contract, guaranteeing that your selected arrangement will be carried out when required.

The Trust Fund is a legally separate entity from Golden Charter. In the unlikely event of something untoward affecting the company, the Fund would continue until every plan has been carried out.

When someone has purchased a Golden Charter funeral plan they know that the family they have left behind need not worry about the cost of the funeral and making difficult decisions in order to keep their loved ones wishes at an emotionally stressful time.

If you require any further information please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Still going strongWhen a loved one dies, arranging the necessary arrangements can be difficult.

Placing your trust in a company to organise the funeral arrangements is not the easiest decision to make.

H. Kemp and Son Funeral Directors, in Hallgate, Cottingham, is a family-run business with a history spanning 116 years and has built a reputation as one of the oldest and best personal services in the region.

The business, which was founded in 1893 by Herbert Kemp, who was 23-years-old, was originally based in Waterloo Street, Hull. It was a joinery company which then developed into an undertaking business.

In 1926, Herbert expanded the company by purchasing a property in Hallgate, Cottingham. The house which was fronted by a shop, originally housed his father and later passed through the generations to Herbert’s son, Eardley.

By 1932, the Cottingham-based property became a workshop and then, once extended, a chapel of repose.

The Kemp family later decided to move all of its business to the Cottingham area purchasing several more properties in Hallgate.

Today, owner, Geoffrey Kemp, Eardley’s second son, runs the business along with his own son, David, and offers a complete funeral service for the whole of east Yorkshire.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN: H. Kemp and Son Funeral Directors in

Waterloo Street, Hull.

Genuine Family Business for a Hundred Years

H. KEMP & SON LTD

l FUNERALS RESPECTFULLY CONDUCTEDl DAY OR NIGHTl PERSONAL ATTENTION AT ALL TIMES HOME OR ABROADl COMPLETE FUNERAL SERVICE

259-261 Hallgate, Cottingham, Yorks. HU16 4BG

Fax: 01482 843898

t: 01482 844695

FUNERAL DIRECTORS - Established 1893

l PRIVATE REST ROOMS AVAILABLEl LIMOUSINESl GOLDEN CHARTER PRE-PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE

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