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02 | December 2012

Sales Team 01782 204 392 [email protected]

CONGLETO

N ROAD

GREEN ST

THE COMMONSAlso at: 4 London Road North, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1QZ. 01625 850 888

Make a Will with confidenceTrust Manners Pimblett

Manners Pimblett have been providing high qualitylegal services to the local community for many yearsnow. We approach wills and probate with the samededication and attention to detail as all our otherlegal services, offering a bespoke, personal service.We provide a range services, including;

• Making a Will• Probate and Estate Administration• Lasting Powers of Attorney and

Court of Protection Applications• Trusts and Tax Planning• Nursing Home Costs

For peace of mind simply call us on 0845 077 0772 or email us via our

website www.mannerspimblett.co.uk

Trust us at Manners Pimblett with all your wills and probate requirements.

Now Open in Sandbach:10 Congleton Road, Sandbach CW11 1HJ01270 527 450 (opposite The Commons)

Are you a Wise Owl or a Head-Burying Ostrich when it comes to that d-word?

IF you're an Ostrich, you prefer not to think about the inevitable. Being an Ostrich means trusting the fortunes of your loved ones to chance, once you've gone, and having no control over what happens to your possessions and who should benefit from them.

TO an ostrich, death is a five-letter word and a load of stigma.

IF, however, you're a wise owl, you take the time to think, question, and act in order to write a will, and take steps to protect your loved ones, when you're gone.

WHY BOTHER MAKING A WILL? MY FAMILY WILL GET EVERYTHING WHEN I DIE! WON'T THEY?

WRITING a Will may be something you've been thinking about for many years. The reasons for having a Will are many, but, if for no other reason, a Will makes life a lot easier for those you leave behind at a time of sorrow. If you die without a Will (Intestate), your family has to sort out many administrative items and are obliged to the decisions made

by law as to who inherits what, decisions you should have really made by writing a Will.

AS to when you should write a Will, the answer is NOW. There may be plenty of life in you yet, but accidents and illness have absolutely no respect for age. Also, bear in mind that a modern Will is written in such a way that it shouldn't need much changing, so it's not something you have to think about often, but only in the event of a major change in circumstances, such as marriage, birth of a first child or divorce.

SO, why do many people put off the task of writing a Will?

EXCUSES: there are many excuses for putting off writing a Will. Here are the most common ones:

1. "WRITING A WILL IS TEMPTING FATE": One in three adults in Britain have already written a Will - so, if writing one has fatal results, the population would soon be reduced by 18 million people! In fact, the British annual death-rate is surprisingly stable and definitely bears no relation to the number of people who write Wills.

2. "I'VE GOT NOTHING TO LEAVE": Everybody leaves something. It may not be much, but, surely, that's even more reason to make sure it goes to those you care about? Also, it is not just making sure your worldly goods go to the right people. As mentioned, a Will can mean a lot less inconvenience for those left to sort things out.

3. "I JUST HAVEN'T GOT ROUND TO IT": This is normally because the job doesn't rate high enough on your list of priorities. If

the roof leaks, no matter what you're doing or how tight your finances, you get it fixed fast! We can honestly say that the vast majority of clients feel great after we have written their Wills.

We often receive comments, such as "What a relief" or "I've put it off for years, but, at last, I can rest easy."

THE ALTERNATIVE

IF you die without a Will, all your money and possessions (your Estate) will be distributed, according to strict legal rules and regulations. These rules are called the Laws of Intestacy. In many cases, the Intestacy Laws distribute an Estate in a way the deceased would not have wanted, sometimes with disastrous results.

Your circumstances will fall into one of the following categories: Married, Cohabiting and Single.

Many complexities can arise, and we shall cover these in full detail (as well as dispelling many unfounded, but popular, beliefs about them) in the next issue of SENIORS TODAY.

December 2012 | 03


Professionally Written Wills

includes individual bound Will,Advice on executors, guardians, etc

HOME VISITS TO SUIT

DAYTIME-EVENING-WEEKENDS

FIXED FEE PROMOTIONAL PRICE

It’s never too soon but often too late

AnthonyHeathProfessionalWill Writer

01782 361 97107780 009 245

[email protected]

www.willsforu.co.uk

valid only with this advertuntil 31st December 2012

£45 each (NO VAT)

04 | December 2012

Sales Team 01782 204 392 [email protected]/February 2012 | 03 SeniorsToday

Set in two acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Lawton Manor, like all Majesticare’s luxury care homes, has always offered the best possible quality of life, and now with our Garden Rooms extension, we can offer our residents, their friends and families even more.

We have a number of rooms available, all featuring the highest possible standards of luxury and the latest technology, including full en-suite with shower, electric profiling beds, flat screen TV and extensive views of the countryside or gardens.

Our residents benefit from experienced staff who provide professional personalised care and a whole range of services to enhance their lives. There is no better way to get a feel for the luxury and attention to detail we offer at Lawton Manor than to come for a visit.

At Lawton Manor we offer:

Lawton Manor Care HomeProud to be Recognised as an Excellent Rated Home

• 24 Hour Nursing Care• Respite & Convalescent Care

• Day Care• Palliative Care

• Long & Short Term Care• Specialist Care

Address: Lawton Manor, Church Lane, Church Lawton, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 3DDEmail: [email protected] Website: www.majesticare. co.uk

If you would like more information or have any questions about Lawton Manor and theMajesticare way of life, please call our House Manager, Ann Ball, on 01270 844200

The Majesticare way of life at Lawton Manor

January/February 2012 | 03 SeniorsToday










If you would like more information or have any questions about Lawton Manor and theMajesticare way of life, please call our House Manager, Ann Ball, on 01270 844200

December 2012 | 05











If you would like more information or have any questions about Lawton Manor and theMajesticare way of life, please call our Business Manager, Ann Ball, on 01270 844200

06 | December 2012


Christmas IdeasDECEMBER

Sat 1st Memory LaneSun 2nd Chain Reaction

Sat 8th LimozineSun 9th Velvet SoulSat 15th The RubysSun 16th Terry Jay

Sat 22nd The AngelzSun 23rd Robbie BensonXmas Eve Harlem Nights

Boxing Day Tony GoldSat 29th Jamie AstonSun 30th Rob Black

New Years Eve ..... Randy**MeMbers Children Only**

TOADVERTISE TEL:01782204392

December 2012 | 07


Create a home with that unique, French style!!

WELCOME to The French Emporium, where our aim is not only to sell all that is French, but also to offer something a little different and somewhat special. A service where our passion can be used to source the items you desire; those gems you may only have seen in films or magazines, or heard others talk about; the type of furnishings, curios and collectables that could turn your house into a dream home with a Continental flair - a home with that unique, French style. We have been regular visitors to France over the past few years, and had many requests to bring back items which are typically French but not readily available here in the UK, not just furniture (in many styles: rustic, Henri II, Louis XV/XVI, Art Deco, Napoleon, Empire and so on), but also collectables, memorabilia, stoves, in fact, anything that is uniquely French. It was due to this demand that 'The French Emporium' was born.

We have items to complement every room:

For the bedroom, we will have wardrobes/armoires with wood/mirrored doors, solid

oak and wrought-iron beds, marble- and wood-topped washstands and pot cupboards, mirrors with painted or gilt frames,

dressing tables in various styles, bedroom chairs of numerous styles and materials, dressing screens, monogrammed sheets and bedding.

For the kitchen and dining room, we can provide buffets/dressers with glazed or carved doors, farmhouse tables, extending tables, side-tables, rustic or classical round, square, oblong and oval tables. Enamelware, cutlery, utensils, copper pans and cauldrons, champagne riddling racks (these make fantastic wine-racks, holding up to 120 bottles!), waffle irons, fish steamers and a whole host of other kitchenalia.

For the living/sitting room, we can source sofas, 1930s leather club chairs, bookcases, display cabinets, coffee tables (wood/marble-topped), rugs, chaise longues, paintings, chandeliers and candelabras, enamel and cast-iron wood/coal-burning stoves, table and standard lamps, fireside items, such as coal scuttles and fire dogs.

Antiques and collectables: the list is endless, from early-1900s pot cupboards, via 1950s mopeds, to a modern-day wine-rack. First and Second World War militaria, taxidermy, vintage tins, children's toys, religious icons, bird cages, oil lamps (including whale grease lamps), photographs and postcards, glass, china,

scent bottles, railwayana, brass and copper, street signs, various coat and hat hangars (wood/metal). We even have a beautiful clock face from a decommissioned church.

For the garden, in time for spring, we shall have bistro tables and chairs, benches, garden ornaments, wrought-iron planters, vintage ploughs and fountains.

We are so French that we even accept Euros, offering a very favourable exchange rate so you can save money by spending any left-over holiday Euros.

We have many unusual and unique items on display, making The French Emporium the ideal place to find a gift for the tricky person who has everything.

We feel the businesses already on site will complement The French Emporium and vice versa. These include Country Gallery (artist, Derek Shapiro's, studio gallery), The Little White Cottage (ladies' fashions), Masquerade Hair & Beauty Salon, Nicholas Carroll Interiors (interior design), Oriental Interiors, Pretty Old Things (vintage, antiques & collectables), Through the Looking Glass (giftware), The Village Tea Room and Slater's Country Inn (pub, hotel and wedding venue).

The French Emporium is located on the A51 only ten minutes from Bridgemere Garden Centre and Trentham Gardens at Slater's Village, Stone Road, Hill Chorlton, Staffordshire ST5 5ED.

08 | December 2012


Roy & Jonathan's popular show reprises on Christmas Eve

AS you would expect, Roy and Sharon Potter have a veritable feast of live entertainment and culinary delights lined up to celebrate 2012's festive season at their famous Cheshire venue!

Yes, The Wilbraham Arms at Alsager is the place to visit on Christmas Eve, which sees the duo of Jonathan Kent and Roy Manhattan (AKA pub landlord, Roy) presenting - once again

(and by popular demand) - their Yuletide show, featuring a whole host of favourite

festive songs and music, stretching over 60 years.

Accompanying himself on his own keyboard instrument, multi-talented Jonathan has performed in Miami, Bermuda and Marbella.

His wealth of experience within showbusiness includes not only television and radio appearances, but also many years as an entertainer, playing on larger, more sophisticated cruise ships (NCL, Costa and QE2).

Tickets cost just £16.50 (including a two-course, Christmas hot carvery buffet).

Moreover, you can still book for a spectacular night's entertainment on New Year's Eve, starring Hamilton Browne ('The UK's Number One Tribute to Lionel Richie')!

Hamilton will be performing many of the greatest hits of Motown legend, Richie, including 'Dancing On The Ceiling', 'All Night Long', 'Easy', 'Hello' and 'Love Will Find A Way'.

The ticket-price of £38.50 includes one of the Alsager venue's fabulous

Gala Buffets (featuring such feasting favourites as suckling pig, hot 'roasts' and king prawns).

BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!

Needless to say, Roy and Sharon offer discerning diners offer terrific festive menus, comprising superb culinary fare, home-cooked and served within a warm, welcoming atmosphere, complemented by great-value pricing.

The Lunchtime Christmas Fayre Menu (priced at £11.95 [2-course] and £14.95 (3-course], including complimentary coffee & mince pie) offers five starters, followed by a quintet of main courses, after which you can plump for a trio of desserts.

Their Evening Christmas Fayre menu (2 courses for £16.95 & 3 courses for £20.95) features a quartet of starters.

Afterwards, there's a choice of five main courses: Traditional Roast Turkey, Fillet of Sea Bream, Pork Dijonnaise, Tenderloin of Prime Cut Beef and Vegetarian Gateau, followed by three desserts (Mars Bar Cheesecake, with Mango Coullis; Tiramisu, topped with Italian Chocolate Shavings; and Traditional Christmas Pudding, with Brandy Sauce) or the Cheeseboard.

ROY Manhattan (AKA landlord Roy Potter, above) and Jonathan Kent will be entertaining again

on Christmas Eve.

ChristmasIdeas

ENTERTAINER, Jonathan Kent, sings and plays classics from

the ‘40s to contemporary songs.

December 2012 | 09


Cheswardine hall

residential & nursing home

Family-owned-and-run care home offers a warm welcome

CHESWARDINE Hall is a family-owned-and-run nursing and residential home on the Shropshire and Staffordshire border.

Established in 1985 by Stephen and Anne Poole RN, Cheswardine Hall specialises in the provision of residential, nursing, convalescent and respite care, within comfortable and luxurious surroundings.

Dating back to 1875, the Hall has been sympathetically restored to provide the opulent surroundings that one would expect of such a grand building, whilst also providing the

modern equipment necessary for residents to enjoy their surroundings to the full.

A complement of Registered Nurses and Healthcare professionals ensures that all residents benefit from the security of 24/7 care, whilst also enjoying a level of independence and social interaction which is often unavailable in their own home.

The activities schedule caters for all tastes, whilst the latest addition of a cinema screen has been welcomed by all, as they enjoy cinematic classics in full Dolby Surround Sound!

Not to be outdone by modern technology, the kitchen team (comprising two, fully-trained Chèfs) ensures that residents benefit from nutritional and healthy diets, including

a choice of breakfast, lunch, evening meal and supper, all of which are prepared to an exceptionally high standard.

The Laundry, Cleaning, Maintenance and Gardening teams all work together in ensuring that domestic standards are consistently high, whilst, with 60 acres of gardens, featuring stunning views, scenery and wildlife, Cheswardine Hall offers a location to match its service provision.

We are extremely proud of our heritage and welcome the opportunity to invite you into our home.

For further information, or to arrange a visit, please telephone Anne or Dominic on (01630) 661316 or visit our website at www.cheswardinehall.co.uk

So much to enjoy!! THERE'S no lack of aural and visual stimulation in these neighbouring

towns in South Cheshire and North Staffordshire during the build-up to 2012's festive season.For instance, Congleton Choral Society is staging its ever-popular Annual Christmas Concert, featuring carols for choir and audience, at Congleton Town Hall on Saturday, December 22nd, starting at 7.30pm.

Conducted by Christopher Cromar, this musical event's lively programme includes a selection of Christmas carols (some well-known and some which may be new to you).

With organ-accompaniment (courtesy of Andrew Green), a selection of atmospheric readings and plenty of carols for the audience to join, this promises to be a most joyful way to begin your Yuletide celebrations!

Tickets (priced at £12 [standard], £10 [concessions] & £2 [under-16s]) are available from Congleton Choral Society's Ticket Secretary on (01260) 276975, Congleton Tourist Information, Tel: (01260) 271095, or online via its ticket agency, Oxboffice.

The Venetian Gothic architecture of the Town Hall dominates the skyline: the building was erected (at a cost of £8,000)

10 | December 2012


ChristmasIdeas

December 2012 | 11


to a design Mr. E.W. Godwin in 1864, and opened to the public on July 11th, 1866.

Nearby Little Moreton Hall is a timber-framed Tudor manor house, curled around a scenic moat, which dates back 500 years.

This month, why not explore an atmospheric taste of a Tudor Christmas through decoration, entertainment and storytelling by a paying a visit to the Hall during the weekends of December 8/9th and 15th/16th, between 11am and 4pm?

For further details, telephone 01260 272018 or visit the website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall/

Over the border at Biddulph, sponsorship is required to fund permanent premises to house the collection of the town's museum.

"In return, all sponsors will get advertising-space on the museum website, within its premises and on all brochures and leaflets," said local historian, Robert Worrall.

Interested readers should contact Robert on (01782) 523855 or 07984-002953.

Alternatively, you can obtain the address and email by viewing the website: http:/www.biddulphmuseum.com

Located off Congleton Road (A527), Biddulph Grange Garden is one of Britain's most exciting and unusual venues, comprising a series of

connected 'compartments', designed by creator, James Bateman, to display

specimens from his worldwide plant-collection.

During Winter (once the trees have shed their leaves), you can still enjoy the feel of Spring, with the ever-green walk through the pinetum.

In December, Biddulph Grange is open from 11am to 3.30pm, and, in addition, you can enjoy 'Breakfast with Santa' on Saturdays 15th & 22nd and Sundays 16th & 23rd at 10am, with booking (on 01782 517999) essential.

POPULAR vEnUE, COngLEtOn tOwn HALL.

12 | December 2012


SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL

OUR CUSTOMERS

T O A D V E R T I S E T E L : 0 1 7 8 2 2 0 4 3 9 2

December 2012 | 13


I SUPPOSE that the decorative style known as Art Deco is rather like 'Marmite', people either love it or loathe it. Personally, I'm with the former!

Quite different from its predecessor, Art Nouveau, which so glorified the naturalistic motif and sensual organic curve, it became, possibly, the most sexually-charged design-style in the history of art. At the dawn of the 20th century, Art Nouveau was simply the 'hottest property' around, and, as it was perceived to emanate from France (actually, its origins can be traced to Britain in the 1870s), Edwardian Britain found the movement irresistibly 'racy'!

By contrast, Art Deco, although exhilarating, bold and the very definition of glamorous sophistication, was far more 'hard-edged' and somehow 'cooly' smart.

The cataclysm of the 1914-18 War separated the styles - defined the difference - and left a more cynical generation longing for change.

Art Deco seemed to be the visual interpretation of a post-war 'brave new world', freed from the 'old sentimentalities'. An optimistic era of equality, peace and prosperity, a world of 'thrusting' white buildings with 'sharp', uncluttered interiors.

Unfortunately, reality had different ideas. The 1920s and '30s, rather than 'brave' were a nervous and apprehensive 'new world'. National power-shifts; global economic chaos; social unrest; strengthening communism; Nazism in Germany; civil war in Spain and the rise of fascism in Europe didn't exactly inspire confidence. By 1939, with just twenty summers gone since the conclusion of the 'war to end all wars', the world was at war again and, by then, most of the certainties had crumbled.

Art, however, exists to make us look at the world anew, and Art Deco certainly did that!

Building styled like the bridges of those glamorous ocean liners; cinemas and dance halls (experiencing their golden age) copied Eygptian temples; bronze figures of naked 'leggy ladies'; René Lalique's glassware; the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright; furniture from Paul Follot; Edgar Brandt's metalwork; ceramics by Susie Cooper and Clarice Cliff; the 'timeless shock' of Picasso.

Motorcars, planes and locomotives, streamlined to 'distraction'; that Duchess of Windsor 'look'; New York's burgeoning skyline, echoing to the music of George Gershwin, jazz and the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Closer to home, 'warning' from

George Orwell and 'wit' from Noel Coward.

Such a celebration of original art, touching every area of life, would not be seen again until the 1960s.

When a style falls out of fashion, as Art Deco, inevitably, did, its buildings generally suffer most. Demolition and neglect have taken their toll, but in America, Europe (particularly the South of France) and the Far East, many celebrated examples still exist.

In and around London, the Hoover Building in Perivale; the interior of Eltham Palace, Greenwich, and the BBC's Broadcasting House, Langham Place, are 'icons' of the movement. 'Seaside sophistication' of the period doesn't come better than the De La Warr Pavilion at Bexhill-on-Sea and a building which I visited recently, The Midland Hotel, Morecambe.

Opened in 1933, it was designed by fervent 'Deco' promoter, architect, Oliver Hill, and occupies a prime position, with views across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District fells. A hotel of the same name, demolished to make way for the 'new Midland', was quite a pleasant, but totally conventional Victorian structure, similar to many in Morecambe. All credit, then, to the town's planning committee for having the foresight to pass such a radical building.

Their confidence was rewarded, some of the '30s' leading artists became involved with the project. Marion Dorn's mosaics and floor-coverings and murals by Eric and Tirzah Ravilious were as outstanding as they were daringly different.

Renowned sculptor, Eric Gill (controversial examples of his work grace the previously-mentioned BBC building), created the seahorses above the main entrance and a superb bas-relief of Odysseus and Nausicaa inside.

Rather extraordinary stuff from a north-west seaside resort in 1933, but would the public take to it? Well, yes, because, like all artistic movements over the centuries, individual countries tend to give them their own 'twist'. This was not the exotic Art Deco conjured up by exiled Russian countesses being chauffeured through the Côte d'Azur in the back of Hispano-Suizas!

The Midland certainly had glamour, and played host to many stars of stage and screen appearing as part

of nearby Blackpool's entertainment heyday. However, post cards and photos of the period show a very English world of middle-class professionals and their 'marcel-waved' wives (straight out of Agatha Christie central casting) arriving in Daimlers and Rovers to take the sea-air.

Inevitably, an episode of Christie's 'Poirot', played by David Suchet, was filmed at the hotel in 1990, but, by then, it was in decline. It was a decline which would continue, both in visitor-numbers and structurally, but rescue was on the way!

As the 21st century got underway, Morecambe decided that it needed a rejuvenation and The Midland was to be the 'kick-start'. In 2005, the hotel closed, received a massive £7 million restoration and reopened in 2008!

The building came to be known as 'Morecambe's White Hope' and, today, is a unique 4-Star, 44-room accommodation. You can enjoy afternoon tea or lunch in the Rotunda Bar and admire the sea-views from The Conservatory Restaurant. Special evening events are regularly organised and it's a venue with a difference for conferences and wedding receptions.

A line from The Midland's publicity material reads: "Choose this gem of the North-West coastline for the ultimate in elegance and escapism". As the country's current economic situation is something similar to the year the hotel was built, a bit of escapism wouldn't go amiss! If you agree, telephone 01524 424000 or for information about Morecambe in general, contact 01524 582808 and visit www.visitmorecambe.co.uk

Art Deco & The Midland Hotel(by Richard Slater)

14 | December 2012


door & window locks/door chains

MerryChristmas

SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL

OUR CUSTOMERS

December 2012 | 15


Christmas Ideas

16 | December 2012


TOADVERTISE

TEL:01782

204392

A guided tour of British Yuletide

LAUDED by The Guardian as "the perfect antidote to the corporate Christmas", the Albion Band returns for its third New Vic visit on Thursday, December 16th.

This will be an ideal way in which to start 2010's festivities, as the folk band's member take the audience on a guided tour through the Yuletide customs of Britain.

This seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word, humorous readings and dance features the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band), Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guv'nor himself, Ashley

Hutchings.

Tickets for the show (which starts at 7.30pm) are priced at £13.50, £15.50 and £17 (with concessions and under-16s Go Free), and are available from the New Vic ox Office on (01782) 717962 or online at www.newvictheatre.org.uk

December 2012 | 17


Age UK North Staffordshire celebrates New Initiatives & Volunteer AchievementsTHE charity's recent AGM proudly celebrated its volunteers' achievements, with eight receiving long service awards (5-15 years).

Two staff members were amongst the ten more receiving Open College Network accreditation (Level 1), after completing various, one-day Health Awareness courses.

Charity Chief Executive, Peter Bullock, said: "By sharing their learning, our 24 newly-trained Health Information Mentors have already encouraged over 700 older people in small lifestyle-changes towards maximising their health and well-being."

Funded by Coalfields Regeneration Trust, this Ageing Well + age-group through befriending, well-being, leisure/social activities, faith-based residential or day-care settings.

With course-places still available to April, 2013, tutor, Jeanette Rogers, welcomes enquiries from those keen to make a real difference to older people's lives within their community (Details available on 01782 200739).

The AGM also celebrated the start-up of a lively Over 60's Men's Group in Biddulph, meeting weekly at the Fire Station for socials and themed discussions (e.g. gardening, photography, health etc.).

The kettle's always on - a warm welcome waits! (Details from Pam on 01782 511726).

The charity has launched a Newcastle Day Care Service for local older people with physical disabilities/dementia.

With refreshments included and transport available, stimulating activity sessions take place weekly. Some limited places remain available (Details: 01782 286209).

STAFF and volunteers receiving their OCN certificates, with Chief Executive, Peter Bullock (far left) and Course Tutor, Jeanette Rogers

(far right).

WillowVeterinary ClinicThe Willow Veterinary Clinic is a fully equipped, recently extended practice with all of the facilities and equipment needed to provide a very high level of care for dogs, cats and small pets.Non corporate practice and extensive surgical facilites.

www.willowveterinaryclinic.co.uk

385 Leek Road, Endon01782 503166

(next to the Black Horse pub)

24-HOUR ON-SITE VETERINARY PROVISIONFor registered clients

We now offer a collection and delivery servicefor your pets - contact the surgery for details

SURGERY TIMESMonday-Friday 9.15-10.15 and 1.00-2.00 Open Surgery

5.00-7.30 Appointments onlyIf you are unable to make these times, other

appointments can be made by prior arrangement.Saturday 9.00-12.00 Open SurgerySunday: Emergencies only

We offer 24-hour on-site care for registered clients. This means that if your pet requires emergency

treatment outside normal working hours, they will be seen at the practice, by our usual staff. Similarly, if your animal needs hospitalisation overnight, it will be cared

for at the practice.

C.D. Curry BVSc GPCert(Ophthal) MRCVSV. Poole MA VetMB GPCert(EM&S) MRCVS

also available at tunstall01782 826738

Let's talk about anal glands!!IT'S a common request and problem: repeated emptying of those two, annoying scent glands, placed at twenty-to-four (if you imagine your pet's anus is a clock-face).The normal secretion from a blocked gland is a transparent, dark-brown fluid, with a few coffee-grounds present, and has a characteristic, pungent, musky odour. This changes when the sac becomes contaminated with coliforms and anaerobic bacteria, WRITES CLIVE CURRY.

The odour also changes, becoming stronger and more noticeable. The volume of purulent material increases, and it may be yellow-green and reddish-brown, with blood-staining (it's thicker and opaque). The sac itself also changes, becoming thicker-walled and less elastic. both in the neck of the gland and its main body. The thickening and loss of elasticity means that the normal passage of a stool no longer causes the gland to empty.

Medical management, consisting of draining and flushing out, plus antibiotics, will, usually, only provide temporary relief; sooner or later the problem recurs. After several painful, embarrassing, expensive and smelly visits to the vet, the client often asks, what else can be done? I recommend that both glands are removed at the same time. This is a surgical solution to what has become a surgical problem.

The only complications which are likely to occur are with longstanding cases, where chronic irritation has progressed to anal sac carcinoma or there have been multiple episodes of ruptured anal sac fistulas developing in the skin over the glands, because the ducts were completely blocked. These patients also need surgery; it's unfair to expect them to spend the next ten years of their lives having their rear-end assaulted and abscesses squeezed and lanced because no one is brave enough to do what needs to be done.

So, there you have it: 'if thine eye offends thee, pluck it out'! And stop mincing about, trying to apply medical solutions to surgical problems; if your vet cannot, or will not, do it, find one with some skill who can.

18 | December 2012


F U N E R A L S E R V I C E SAdvice and comfort during your time of grievingIT is an indubitable truth that the healing process is something which each and every person in the country must experience at least once in their life.

For, bereavement is, quite simply, one of the great immutables in quotidian life.

However, it is equally true that, when it impinges on our consciousness, the overwhelming majority of us are completely unprepared for the demands which it makes upon us.

But, it is, of course, essential that we are able to cope with the practical and emotional demands encountered at this

potentially-harrowing time.

Accordingly, when we lose a loved one (be it a partner, relative or a very close friend), it is imperative that we acquire the support, help and care of a reputable, well-established firm of funeral directors, which possesses the requisite experience of dealing with all the arrangements and, at the same time, providing optimum advice at your time of personal grief.

The company's professional standards ensure that kindness, sympathy and understanding combine to lift the inexorable burden imposed upon the bereaved as is humanly possible, providing help, comfort and support,

when it is

most required.

Grieving is, in truth, a healing process, and, whilst our sense of loss will never disappear entirely, it will diminish, as a return to normalcy (in terms of working and social life) reasserts itself.

December 2012 | 19


Stoke Rep Theatre

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