Organised by volunteers – usually property owners or managers – for local people, Heritage Open Days is England’s biggest and most popular voluntary cultural event. Last year the event attracted around 1 million visitors. English Heritage gives central co-ordination and a national voice to the event.

Heritage Open Days provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy these sometimes hidden, often curious and always interesting places in English cities, towns and villages – and completely free of charge.

Civic society members, property owners, estate managers, visitors, conservation officers, company directors, parishioners, tourism managers, education officers – people from all walks of life who care about and take pride in the environment they live in make Heritage Open Days happen. We would like to bring people and places together, encourage you and thousands of others to explore the buildings on your doorstep and to become an active member of the community.

Follies, contemporary buildings, churches, factories, tunnels, temples, offices, private homes, industrial sites, castles, windmills, town halls – guided walks, concerts, re-enactment, trails, role-plays, children’s activities – the variety of places and ways to discover them are endless.

Heritage Open Days was established in 1994 as England’s contribution to European Heritage Days, in which 49 countries now participate. In the UK, four other schemes open up places in September: Open House London, Doors Open Days in Scotland, Open Doors Days in Wales and European Heritage Days in Northern Ireland.

Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive, English Heritage, says: “Heritage Open Days this year is set to be even bigger than last year, so even if you are a regular Heritage Open Days-goer there will be something new for you to see and do. This is a chance to explore not just country houses but the history and culture of everything from Buddhist temples and Masonic lodges to mines, farms, pubs and factories.

“Heritage Open Days is about people and places; it celebrates community and reflects the importance of the built environment in our lives and to our quality of life. It is organised by local people who dedicate their spare time to opening properties and staging activities, and it is their knowledge and enthusiasm that makes Heritage Open Days happen.”

To find out more, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

Editor, Third Age.

About Hotter Shoes
Hotter Shoes have been designing and manufacturing comfortable footwear for more than 50 years. That tells me my feet are in safe hands, so to speak. The fact that their shoes are manufactured here in the UK – yes, here in the UK - and that they also make more shoes than any other UK shoe maker is even more comforting. Hotter Shoes clearly have to be doing something right!

Hotter Shoes are obviously not only passionate about making comfortable shoes, they’re good at it too. So good in fact, they made no less than 1.3 million pairs in their Lancashire factory last year, every pair of which was hand-polished before being meticulously wrapped for delivery to customers – like me – who appreciate having Happy Feet.

Knowing I love walking, Hotter Shoes were kind enough to send me a pair of GORE-TEX Men’s Boots to try out. ‘Victor’, they told me, is the quintessential, all-weather, multi-purpose leisure boot, light enough to wear in town yet rugged and water repellent for the worst the outdoors can throw at you.

I decided to take them for their maiden outing to our local farm shop to see how happy my feet would be at the end of my usual Saturday morning 4-mile hike across the Wiltshire countryside. Four miles might not be far in walking terms, but far enough I thought to give my Victors a real test to see how comfortable my feet would be in a pair of walking boots being given their first taste of freedom. Would I still have Happy Feet when I returned home with my backpack laden with my usual 7 litres of skimmed milk, 6 eggs, a loaf of fresh bread and sufficient fruit and vegetables to last the week?

First Impressions
My first impressions were good. My Victors not only looked stylish and exceptionally well made, they were also surprisingly comfortable. In fact I’d go so far as to say I’ve worn less comfortable slippers. They have a generous width fitting that comfortably accommodated the bony protrusion on the first joint of the big toe of my right foot that I believe to be a bunion, a wonderfully cushioned and removable insole, and an inner membrane that is not only breathable but gives the impression that the entire foot is encased in velvet. They also have a padded ankle support that does exactly what it says on the box, and a rugged tread that is lightweight and flexible at the same time as looking extremely durable.

All in all, I’m impressed. In fact, I’m pacing up and down my home office waiting for my wife to get ready, trying to fault them and I can’t. My Hotter Shoes (or boots in this particular case) are actually a pleasure to wear. Now when did you last hear that from someone wearing brand new footwear for the first time!

So how did they do on their first road test?
If the proof of the pudding is in the eating, then the proof of comfort in terms of shoes is in the wearing. Our Saturday morning walk to our local farm shop is largely on narrow country lanes and partly cross country through open fields. A pretty thorough road test for a new pair of boots.

I’m delighted to say that my Victors stood up extremely well both on and off road. My last pair of walking boots needed breaking in over numerous short and blisteringly painful walks before they were ready for the open road. These were so tame it was as if they had been personally tailored for my specific 60-year-old feet, bunion, knobbly toes, corns and all. It was like bringing home a house trained puppy – all the excitement and anticipation of the years of fun ahead, without the initial agonies of toilet training.

Summary
Hotter Shoes certainly do what they say on the box – deliver Happy Feet. They’re stylish, practical and comfortable. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending them!

Editor, Third Age.

We would love to help these enquirers, but we need your help in doing so. The fact that these individuals have contacted us at Third Age tells us that they have tried the various search engines, local directories and newspapers but are still unable to find a suitable club. That is a real shame, both for the individuals concerned and for any Over 50s Clubs in their area. Those individuals are missing out on the opportunity to interact with other like-minded people, and the various clubs that cater for the Over 50s are failing to attract new members which, after all, are the lifebood of any organisation.

To advertise your Over 50s Club or to have your club featured in our Over 50s Club directory is absolutely free. All you have to do is to tell us about it and we’ll do the rest.

Imagine you are new to your area and you’re looking to join an Over 50s Club. Where do you start? A search engine perhaps? Try it. Try finding your own club via a Google search. See how easy it is to find specific information relating to your club whereby with a single click a potential new member can find exactly what they’re looking for. Most of the time, if you find anything meaningful at all, you will end up at a government site which will contain generic information relating to all of its local services. Not only that, we bet you can’t find, with a single click, specific contact information; who you are, what facilities you provide, how you can be contacted and how new members can join.

New members are the lifeblood of any club, yet potential new members in your area will have to jump through hoops in order to find you, and the chances are they’ll give up long before they do. The answer? A FREE entry in the Third Age Over 50s Club directory.

Contact us for further information.

Editor, Third Age.

In the second part of this article aimed at men aged 60 and over (Part 1 can be seen here), we will look at some of the less commonly talked about problems that can affect this age group and how natural health care can help to prevent and possibly improve these problems.

Prostate Problems
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system and is found beneath the bladder. It resembles a walnut in shape and size and produces secretions that help nourish the sperm and aid fertility. From about the age of 40, the prostate gland naturally enlarges (benign prostatic hypertrophy), due to testosterone changes in the body. Almost 90% of men will experience an enlarged prostate by the time they reach their 80s, but will experience little or no problems. However, some will experience problems with urination (frequency and difficulty passing urine), due to narrowing of the urethra (the tube which carries urine from the bladder).

Although these symptoms are usually harmless, they could indicate the possibility of more serious problems and should be referred to your doctor immediately, especially if blood is present in the urine. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with most diagnosed cases being in their 70s or older. The outlook and treatment is generally good for this form of cancer, but early detection improves the chances of recovery.

Helping to maintain good prostate health
It’s not clear what causes prostate problems, but research shows that eating a low fat diet is beneficial. Reduce your intake of red meat, animal fats, full fat milk and dairy produce. Increase your intake of salmon, herrings and sardines (high in Omega 3), fruit, vegetables, strawberries and tomatoes. These foods are high in vitamins A, C, E and lycopene and contain protective cancer fighting antioxidants. Research has shown that eating a lot of tomatoes can lower the risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer. It appears that the effects are increased if they are processed or cooked, because heating helps to release the lycopene from the skins and makes it easier to absorb.

The minerals zinc and selenium are reputedly useful for prostate health. Selenium is found naturally in grains, nuts and oily fish and zinc in peas, beans, legumes, fish and meat.

Research shows that drinking 1-2 glasses of cranberry juice (or blueberry juice) a day can be beneficial for urinary tract infections, which can occur as the result of an enlarged prostate gland. You should seek medical advice before consuming cranberry juice if you are taking warfarin.

Stop smoking. Although smoking doesn’t cause prostate cancer, it may cause it to spread more quickly, so quitting is essential!

Erectile Dysfunction
At some point in their lives, most men experience the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. This can occur at any age and despite occurring more in older men (70s), it is not a natural consequence of ageing. For most men the problem is temporary and is often caused by tiredness or stress. For many older men (50-70) the problem may become more serious or long term and can affect relationships, cause depression and feelings of inadequacy. The problem may be exacerbated if it is not discussed and managed appropriately. If the problem becomes persistent or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should see your GP for advice. There are many treatments available for erectile dysfunction.

There are numerous causes of erectile dysfunction in older men. The majority of problems are usually caused by certain medication, a medical or physical origin, injury or disability. Certain anti-depressants may cause erectile dysfunction. If you take them, do not stop taking your medication, but discuss the problem and natural alternatives for depression with your GP.

It is important to understand that erectile dysfunction is not a symptom of loss of libido (sex drive), sterility or virility. It can be the result of drinking excess alcohol, tiredness, stress, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. Some cases can be attributed to emotional and psychological causes, especially if an erection can be experienced during sleep. If the cause is psychological or stress related, then the following may be beneficial.

Self help
Try and improve communication with your partner and spend quality time together. Talk and discuss the problem. Fear of intimacy and inadequacy can exacerbate the problem. Professional counselling, cognitive and psychosexual therapy can be beneficial for individuals and couples.

Massage with your partner is a wonderful way share intimacy and improve non verbal communication. Mix together 10ml of grapeseed oil with 3 drops each of sandalwood and rose otto essential oils. Apply warm oil with gentle massage strokes towards the heart, avoiding varicose veins. Do not apply this blend to the genital areas, or eyes.

Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables. Reduce your alcohol intake and stop smoking.

Reduce stress levels and get adequate sleep and rest. Walk, swim, meditate and exercise regularly. Take up a new hobby that you really enjoy, socialise and laugh… a lot!

Mid Life Crisis & Depression
The controversial male mid-life crisis, is a series of symptoms that some men claim to experience during the middle of their life and which last around 10 years. Although some people ridicule the idea of its existence, many experts believe that it does exist and originates from brain chemistry or hormonal changes. Symptoms may include depression and anxiety about personal and work life.

Self help
If your life is affected by depression and anxiety, then see you GP to discuss your options. Counselling can be helpful and St John’s Wort (herbal tablets) are reputedly good for depression. St John’s Wort is not suitable for certain people, so always check the cautions carefully before taking it and consult your GP first if you are being treated for a medical problem.

Ensure you eat a healthy diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, B vitamins and folic acid (cereals and green vegetables). Folic acid deficiency has recently been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and possibly depression. A healthy diet can help to improve the balance of brain chemicals and prevent depression.

Exercise initiates the release of endorphins (‘feel good’ chemicals) into the blood circulation, improving mood and self esteem.

Dementia
Dementia is a progressive illness that affects all areas of mental ability and is usually caused by a brain disease. It progresses steadily, until the later stages when the individual become unaware of themselves and their personality disintegrates. These symptoms can be particularly distressing for those caring for people with dementia.

There are several types of dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease), that affect over 750,000 people in the UK (Alzheimer’s Society). It is rare to develop dementia before the age of 65 but the risk increases as you grow older. However, dementia is not inevitable and there are a number of things you can do to help prevent developing it.

Preventative measures
Be aware of any unusual or abnormal behaviour in yourself or your partner, particularly if you have a family history of dementia.  Memory loss, confusion, poor concentration, the inability to perform simple tasks, mood swings, visual hallucinations, loss of libido, etc, could indicate a problem. However, there are many causes for these symptoms, so see your GP if you are concerned.

There is circumstantial evidence of a link between aluminium, mercury and Alzheimer’s disease, but research has not proved that they cause the disease. Mercury is known to have a toxic effect on the body’s central nervous system and is found in dental fillings, so until more research has been done, it may be prudent to choose porcelain fillings as an alternative.

Although there does not appear to be any significant connection between developing dementia and stress, improving and maintaining reasonable stress levels will improve overall health and wellbeing.

Research has shown that eating a healthy diet with lots of vitamins and minerals can influence your chances of developing dementia. Reduce salt and drink the occasional glass of wine. Stop smoking and take regular exercise.

Vitamins C and E may help with the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s. Eat plenty of citrus fruits such as oranges and blackcurrant and Vitamin E rich foods such as corn/olive oil, nuts, seeds, wheatgerm and cereals.

High levels of homocysteine (a product of the metabolism of proteins), can increase the risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid can help to lower homocysteine levels and can be found in the following foods: Liver, egg yolks, broccoli, bananas, oranges, nuts and whole grains, salmon, cod, tuna, chicken, bananas, chicken, eggs, pork, milk and yoghurt.

Vitamin D is vital for bone health and for boosting the immune system. But also, recent research suggests that Vitamin D may help to prevent mental decline associated with ageing, so ensure you are getting enough.

Vitamin D is formed in the skin after contact with the sun, but the skin is less able to do this as we age. To ensure you are getting enough, include foods such as herrings, mackerel, trout, salmon, anchovies, fresh tuna, low fat dairy, eggs and cereals regularly in your diet.

There are a number of organisations that offer advice, help or support on the problems covered in this article. You can find information on these below.

Article by Julie Burke for Third Age.
SPA.ITEC.CThA.Cert.Ed.   
www.merrymeetcottage.weebly.com

Help & Advice:

Male Health
www.malehealth.co.uk

NHS Stop smoking
www.smokefree.nhs.uk

Erectile Dysfunction
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Erectile-dysfunction

Samaritans
www.Samaritans.org

Alzheimer’s Society
www.alzheimers.org.uk

Turkish Home Office, licensed estate agents in Altinkum, Turkey, have recently begun to work alongside a UK based company which specialises in Turkish Mortgages. They offer fantastic interest rates and work with their customers to ensure they get just the right mortgage for them.

The beauty of dealing with a UK based advisor is that you can contact them more easily and of course there is no language barrier. You simply contact Turkish Home Office, tell them what type of property you want and how much your budget is, then arrange a viewing trip with them. They contact their advisors to give the necessary details.

With interest rates from just 4.1% to 6.9%, you can have a mortgage from as little as £43 a week spread over 186 months depending on your individual circumstances.

A mortgage of just £43 per week can buy you a range of beautiful 1 or 2 bedroom apartments in lovely Altinkum or Akbuk…..the choice is yours!

Further further details, visit www.turkishhomeoffice.com today, or contact them on 0090 256 811 5893.

Editor, Third Age.

I’m sitting in the conservatory writing this article shortly before leaving the tranquil setting of this delightful Cornish farmhouse bed & breakfast, and believe me, it’s going to be hard to leave.

As I sit here, only a few yards away there’s a lesser spotted woodpecker chiselling away at the nuts in one of the bird feeders. Between where I sit and the open fields that stretch all the way to distant Dartmoor I can see perfectly manicured lawns and blushing Azalia and Rhododendron bushes. To my right I’m looking at a hugely impressive pair of lime trees, and the other side of the stately drive, the most magnificent 200-year-old oak tree.

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the green fields are grinning back at me, is it any wonder I’m reluctant to leave the Cornish paradise known as Dorset Farm?

What else can I tell you? Semi-retired farmer Jon Bennett and his wife Vi have been the most superb hosts during our stay. They might be relatively new to running a B&B after a lifetime spent managing various successful farms, but they could have been born for the job of running the most impressive bed and breakfast my wife and I have ever stayed in.

Actually, to say that Jon is semi-retired is something of a misnomer. He works harder than any man I’ve ever known. He and his team have worked tirelessly to transform a traditional 33-acre working farm into a nature lover and walkers paradise, restoring hedges and fences, installing a drainage system on the land, and cleaning up the beautiful stretch of the River Tamar owned by the farm.

Offering both farmhouse bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation, Dorset Farm nestles in beautiful countryside near Launceston, the one-time capital of Cornwall. From the farm you can enjoy the best of both worlds – great access from the A30, Exeter, Newquay or Plymouth Airports coupled with the tranquillity of an old Cornish farm.

Dorset Farm has acres of space stretching right down to the River Tamar which you are free to wander at your leisure. In their woods you’ll discover signs of days gone by in the old Launceston to Bude canal along with a wide variety of wildlife (we saw an owl, foxes, rabbits, bats and evidence of deer). You can watch its wildlife from the comfort of their newly installed hide with its extensive views over woods and river.

Nearby there are numerous fascinating attractions to visit covering everything for garden lovers such as the Eden Project, to surf beaches at Bude and Newquay.

Dorset Farm offers three rooms, each with en-suite facilities and superb views across the lovely Cornish countryside. Their superior room (in which we stayed and which we can thoroughly recommend), has a Victorian feel to it with a sumptuous bath to soak away the cares of the day and a separate power shower housed in a cubicle large enough to hold a small party. There is also a freeview TV in each room.

After a great night’s sleep you can listen to the dawn chorus (with the window open), then go down to a traditional farmhouse breakfast made with organic local produce and finished off with Vi’s homemade marmalades and jams, guaranteed to set you up for the day ahead.

The farm’s conservatory is a real sun trap, and in addition there is a guests’ lounge with comfortable sofas in which to relax.

Dorset Farm is open all year round so why not think about out of season stays. They’re cheaper and for wildlife lovers there’s more chance to see that elusive deer or the kingfishers, partridges, rabbits and other flora and fauna. 

Prices are £60 for the double or twin rooms (per room NOT per person) and £70 for the superior room (again per room not per person).

There’s plenty of things you can do while enjoying your stay at Dorset Farm without having to get into the car and drive miles and miles. There are numerous farm walks, fishing, painting and sketching, photography, cycling, just sitting and dreaming, bird watching, reading and more. They even have their own hide which you are free to use to perhaps spot deer, squirrels, birds, foxes and lots more.

Have a painting day with an artist
If you are into photography, local photographer Peter Crumpler will meet you at Dorset Farm and guide you on a memorable day’s photographic shooting. This is particularly suitable for the beginner or those wishing to improve their skills. You can visit a wildlife sanctuary and meet otters, owls, deer and a wide variety of ducks and peacocks close up. You can also visit the coast, historical locations or the woodlands according to your preferences. Later in the day you can enhance the photographs taken on your expedition using their computer so you have a souvenir of everything you have done saved onto CD or DVD. The organisation of the day is very flexible and is tailor-made to your ideas and wishes. Prices start from as little as £125 per family for a full day. A camera can be provided or of course you can use your own.

Have a painting day with an artist
What better way to improve your painting skills – at whatever level – than with a local artist. Your artist will join you after breakfast and together you will plan the day – discussing what, where and how you are going to work. If the weather is inclement you can still use their indoor facilities to produce something to be proud of which you can take home and hang on the wall at the end of your stay.

Go fishing
Dorset Farm has a frontage of about a kilometre along the River Tamar which makes for a perfect day’s fishing. They can arrange licences for you if you wish and show you the best spots to enjoy your sport.

Play Golf
There are a number of good golf courses locally so don’t forget to bring your clubs with you!

All in all, we were delighted with our stay at Dorset Farm (www.dorset-farm.co.uk) and can’t wait to return. Perhaps we’ll see you there!!

Editor, Third Age.

While drinking water can make you feel full on zero calories, say researchers, too much water can also lead to serious health problems. The researchers presented their findings at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston. All adults who took part in the study were aged 55 to 75.

The first group followed a low-calorie diet but did not drink any extra water before meals. The second group followed the low-calorie diet but also drank two glasses of water before each meal. Over the course of 12 weeks, those drinking water lost about 15.5lbs while the others lost about 11lbs. A previous study found that middle-aged and older people who drank two glasses of water before eating a meal ate between 75 and 90 fewer calories during that meal.

Professor Brenda Davy, senior author of the study, from Virginia Tech, said it was the first randomised controlled trial looking at water consumption and dieting. She said the reason water may be so effective is because it fills up the stomach with a liquid that has no calories.

“People should drink more water and less sugary, high-calorie drinks. It’s a simple way to facilitate weight management,” Professor Davy said.

Diet drinks and other drinks with artificial sweeteners may also help people reduce their calorie intake and lose weight, researchers said. However, Professor Davy advised against drinks sweetened with sugar, because they are high in calories. A regular can of fizzy drink contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar, she explained.

The study was funded by the charity, The Institute for Public Health and Water Research.

Editor, Third Age.

Do you need to buy a wide range of expensive equipment? Is your own existing television capable of showing digital television? What do all the technical terms mean and do I actually need to know?

Ricability has been working with the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills to produce independent consumer test reports on digital TV products.

On their website, www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk, they offer simple, impartial advice to help consumers make considered decisions about what sort of equipment they should buy.

Ricability Project Manager Caroline Jacobs said: “Our experience is that consumers can be easily bewildered by digital TV jargon and choices.

“We’re here to serve the public and ensure that the digital switchover is a smooth process, not something which has to cost a lot of money or ends up with a blank screen. The digital switchover offers such a huge variety of enhanced services and can dramatically enhance the viewers’ experiences.”

1. It is possible to convert analogue TVs?
Analogue TVs will not receive the digital television signal without additional equipment. There is a wide variety of options from simple inexpensive top boxes to more expensive state-of-the-art digital televisions.

2. What is the cheapest option for upgrading?
Simple digital Freeview top boxes can cost as little as £20 and financial support is available for those over 75 or eligible for certain disability benefits/allowances.

3. Do we just plug the equipment in and it will all work perfectly?
Those who already have a Freeview digital TV, or box, Top up TV or BT Vision will need to re-tune to continue to receive television channels.

Satellite and cable users don’t have to do anything because their retuning will be done automatically.

4. What if we live in an area where Freeview digital reception is poor?
There are alternative ways of getting digital reception other than an aerial. There are satellite and cable subscription services, as well as the non-subscription Freesat from BBC & ITV.

5. What if we live in a flat with a shared aerial?
Four million UK homes share an aerial and many of these will need to be upgraded.

Whoever manages your building will be responsible for ensuring that it is ready to receive a digital TV and you may be required to contribute with other residents to the cost of any works to your aerial.

6. My building is listed or in a conservation area – does this make a difference to any aerial amendments I need to make?
Listed buildings and conservation areas can be subject to a wide range of additional restrictions which may restrict your options.

It is advisable to speak to the local planning officer to check the current situation.

7. What happens if I have all the channels but the wrong regional service?
If you live in an area with overlapping transmitter signals, your regional service may still be tuned into your television but lower down the channels.

You can use your ‘favourites’ button to save your preferred TV channels so that you can find them more easily or you can do a manual re-tune to put your preferred channels back at the top of the channel list.

8. What should we do if our signal freezes?
Ricability recommends trying your new digital TV or set top Freeview box with your existing aerial. If you get problems like freezing or no signal, you may well need to upgrade your aerial.

Make sure you use a registered aerial installer and avoid door to door salesmen or installers, who in our experience are unlikely to be registered.

Remember, an aerial alone will not provide digital television access. You will need a receiver such as a set top box or a digital television, for instance.

9. Can we use our VCR or DVD recorders?
You can use your VCR recorder to record digital television, but the new digital recorders offer a wider range of facilities such as simpler recording, pausing live TV and recording and watching different channels at the same time.

There are digital Freeview recorders available and satellite receivers for Sky and BBC Freesat with built in recorders.

10. Where can we go for more information?
Anyone who has any concerns about the digital switchover can visit the Ricability website which has free, independent information, explained in clear, simple language that cuts through the jargon.

For more information and to search for products with the features you want, please visit www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk.

For media inquiries please contact:
David Alexander, Calacus PR on 07802-412424.

Editor, Third Age.

Many Over 50s today are looking to establish what we at Third Age term a ‘Lifestyle Business”, a business which provides not only an income but importantly, a lifestyle of our choosing at a time when we owe it to ourselves to make the most of what could potentially be the best years of our life. High on the wish list of many Third Agers we speak to is moving nearer to the coast and running their own tea shop.

For anyone considering the purchase of such a Lifestyle Business in their Third Age, business transfer agent Wendy Jones of Adams & Co in Plymouth is currently offering for sale a superbly presented Leasehold Tea Room in Wadebridge in North Cornwall. This peach of a tea room, completely refurbished in 2008, features high quality fixtures and fittings with a tasteful themed decor. 

Situated in the main thoroughfare of this increasingly prestigious North Cornwall destination town, the tea room incorporates 28 internal covers with a licence for two tables and four chairs outside. The business has been the subject of considerable investment by the current owner and is offered for sale now purely for health reasons. Serving an all day breakfast and morning goods, a lunchtime menu and afternoon teas using only the finest ingredients and freshly made products from high quality local suppliers, the business has developed a good year-round trade and is particularly suited to a committed couple looking for a lifestyle change.

Wadebridge stands at the head of the Camel Estuary about 6 miles from the sea and is the gateway to the Camel trail, Cornwall’s largest free visitor attraction. A traditional market town famous for its 17-arch stone bridge dating from 1468, it has retained its colourful atmosphere whilst developing its offering to provide pedestrianised central areas and new exciting shopping facilities in an eclectic mix of local shops and galleries incorporating some of Cornwall’s finest surf and shoe shops alongside an array of ladies and teenage boutiques as well as a wide range of attractive catering facilities.

If you’re interested in this excellent business, speak to Wendy on 0808 202 4028, or visit Superb Tea Room, Wadebridge for her property details. Realistically priced for a quick sale at just £59,950 early viewing is highly recommended.

What a bargain for someone, especially at a time when we seem poised for the return of the traditional, Great British Holiday!

Editor, Third Age.

The researchers from Leicester University reviewed data from the studies of 220,000 adults in total. They found that eating more fruit and vegetables in general was not strongly linked with a smaller chance of developing type 2 diabetes but “there was a general trend in that direction”.

Yet when it came to green leafy vegetables, which the researchers said also includes broccoli and cauliflower, the risk reduction was significant. The team calculated that a daily dose of 106g reduced the risk of diabetes by 14% – a UK “portion” is classed as 80g.

It is not clear why green leafy vegetables may have a protective effect but one reason may be they are high in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and another theory is that they contain high levels of magnesium.

Study leader Professor Melanie Davies, professor of diabetic medicine at the University of Leicester, said the message to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day remains an important one. But she added: “People like very specific health messages.

“We know that intake of fruit and vegetables is important, but this study suggests that green leafy vegetables seem to be particularly important in terms of preventing diabetes.”

The team are now planning a study in people at high risk of developing the condition to see if increasing their intake of vegetables like spinach and kale can help to reduce their chances of being diagnosed with diabetes.
 
In 2008/09, the National Diet Nutrition Survey showed that, although fruit and vegetable intake has risen over the past decade, only a third of men and women eat the recommended five-a-day.

In an accompanying editorial in the BMJ, Professor Jim Mann from the University of Otago in New Zealand, stressed that the message of increasing overall fruit and vegetable intake must not be lost “in a plethora of magic bullets,” even though green leafy vegetables clearly can be included as one of the daily portions.

Dr Iain Frame, director of research at Diabetes UK said: “We already know that the health benefits of eating vegetables are far-reaching but this is the first time that there has been a suggested link specifically between green leafy vegetables and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”

But he warned the evidence was limited and it was too early to isolate green leafy vegetables and present them alone as a method to cut the chances of developing the condition.

“We would be concerned if focusing on certain foods detracted from the advice to eat five portions of fruits and vegetables a day, which has benefits in terms of reducing heart disease, stroke, some cancers and obesity as well as type 2 diabetes.”

Diabetes UK is currently funding research into whether fermentable carbohydrates found in foods such as asparagus, garlic, chicory and Jerusalem artichokes could help weight loss and prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Editor, Third Age.