Unlike dishes cooked by other methods, soups retain large amounts of vital vitamins and minerals and provide us with plenty of water to keep the body hydrated.

Soups as healing remedies have been used by people, including the Chinese, for centuries. Stock and broth were given routinely for most illnesses and beef tea was an ancient British remedy. These were nutritious and easy to digest, providing the invalid with essential fluids and minerals without adding strain on the digestive system.

Delicious soups can be made to treat many minor ailments. They are quick, easy to make and can be made in bulk and frozen. Below are some popular and tasty soup recipes that can also be used for specific problems.

Tomato, Garlic and Herb Soup
This soup contains lots of nutrient rich ingredients that are good for immunity, fighting infections and easing congestion. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an anti-oxidant, and Vitamin C, which boost immunity and contain natural sugars (glucose and fructose) which may help with fatigue and restoring vitality. Tomatoes also stimulate the liver, improving removal of toxins and the seeds provide a good source of protein.

The anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects of garlic make it a common ingredient in healing soups and remedies. Adding herbs such as warming basil and oregano are beneficial as they contain essential oils which also fight infection and ease congestion.

To make the soup:
2lbs of ripe tomatoes
1 large onion (chopped finely)
2 tins of plum tomatoes
½ pint of vegetable stock (approx)
1-2 cloves of garlic (chopped finely)
1 large carrot (sliced)
1 teaspoon of fresh or dried basil
1 teaspoon of fresh or dried oregano
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of cream/crème fraiche

Wash and quarter the tomatoes and add to a saucepan. Gently fry the onion, half the garlic and carrot until soft and add to the tomatoes. Add enough stock to just cover the ingredients, along with the herbs and remaining garlic.

Simmer very gently, stirring occasionally until tomatoes are soft. Liquidise with a hand blender and sieve to remove tomato peels.

Add cream, season well and reheat. A little parmesan cheese may be added to flavour.

Serve with hot, garlic bread.

The recipes for the soups can be modified by adding ingredients to suit particular ailments or your own personal tastes. Other ingredients which are beneficial and can be added to soups are:

• Parsley (rich in Vitamin C and boosts immunity).
• Parsnips (rich in many vitamins including Vitamin C and folic acid).
• Mushrooms (contain proteins, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, antibiotics and
  antioxidants). Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which appears to stimulate the immune system and help fight infection. They have been used by the Chinese and Japanese to treat colds and flu for centuries.

Warming ingredients can be added for conditions that are exacerbated by cold, such as osteoarthritis, poor circulation and muscular aches and pains. Try adding small amounts of ginger root, turmeric and chillies to your soups to bring relief.

Article by Julie Burke
SPA.ITEC.Cert.Ed for Third Age.

Member of the Complementary Therapists Association
www.merrymeetcottage.weebly.com

Other Healing Winter Soups:
Pumpkin & Carrot Soup
Chicken Soup
Onion Soup
Beetroot Soup

Susie McKay is the Waterfront Manager at Mark Warner’s Lakitira resort in Kos Greece and heads up the sailing courses. As specialists in family holidays, Mark Warner is devoted to safety in all of their activities and Susie has kindly shared her top ten tips for a sailing holiday. 

Top tips for a sailing holiday:

1.       Wherever you sail before heading out on the water for the first time, be sure to ask the locals for advice on the best spots before setting off.

2.       If you plan to sail quite far, be sure to phone ahead and check that the wind is going to be good for a day’s sailing. You don’t want to look forward to a day on the water, then turn up to the beach where there is no wind!

3.       Be sure to check whether or not you need to get a permit to launch from the beach you plan to visit, as you will find that some places require you to pay a fee.  The fee is to help with the upkeep of the area, especially if there is a car parking space, launching ramp and bins etc. The permitted areas not only make it easy for you to access the water but are also there to minimise the effect on the local wildlife.

4.       If you are transporting your kit to your destination my top tip is to get it all out and check you have it all first before starting to rig, the last thing you want to do is to rig up your sail and then realise that you left the equipment you need for connecting the board to the sail at home.

5.       Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. More importantly, give them a call as soon as you are back on dry land so they don’t send out the coast guard for you.

6.       Even on a hot summer’s day, it can be cold if you are in and out the water, so make sure you pack plenty of warm clothes and always carry a little snack and drink.

7.       If you are heading out to a hot climate and are learning to sail or windsurf for the first time, the most common injury from wearing shorts and scrambling around in boats and on boards, is grazed knees. I have spotted many guests on returning holidays arrive with some knee pads, which is highly recommended!

8.       Whether in a hot or cold climate, the reflection of the sun on the water means you burn more quickly so a hat is recommended. Hopefully you will have some nice wind, so get a hat with a draw string or go for a cap. Both can be fitted with a short leash that clips to your buoyancy aid meaning that even if it flips off your head, you won’t lose it.

9.       For those with really small kids or grandchildren, the all-in-one sun suits are great for summer sailing in hot climates. There are also some great kids’ poncho towels that have a hood, brilliant for when they come off the water.

10.   If you felt inspired by your sailing holiday and are looking for a place to sail in the UK, my best advice is to get onto the RYA website where they will tell you your nearest centre. This way you can get out on the water in the sound knowledge that you will be looked after by fully qualified instructors and safety boat drivers.

Mark Warner offers a range of sailing holidays with Royal Yachting Association (RYA) courses, including free group sailing clinics, at resorts in Greece, Corsica, Sardinia and Turkey. Families can also take advantage of their complimentary childcare facilities for kids from 4 months to 17 years. Visit www.markwarner.co.uk for more information.

Laura Wilkins for Third Age.

However, not all women can be blessed with a big bust, a tiny waist and silky smooth hips, and so M&S is offering quick lingerie fixes to help ladies transform their figure and give the illusion of a much sought-after hourglass silhouette.

Apple to hourglass

Apple shaped ladies are likely to have a good bust and legs, but with weight stored around the tummy – so all that’s needed is some crafty waist synching.

Essential lingerie piece: M&S Body Solutions Firm Control Waist Sculpt™ Cincher

This cincher creates a fashionable hourglass silhouette with its panel design, shaping the tummy and waist whilst still allowing women to wear their own lingerie.

Pear to hourglass

Pear-shaped ladies tend to have fairly bighips or thighs with a slimmer top half and a pretty flat tummy. So, it’s important to draw as much attention as possible to the waist and boost the cleavage.

Essential lingerie piece: M&S 2 Sizes Bigger Push-Up Bra

This lightweight push-up bra is designed for maximum impact and will doubtlessly draw the eye to the upper body. The clever padding gives the appearance of a cleavage 2 cup sizes larger and the bra can been worn with the straps at the back for an extra cleavage boost.

Strawberry to hourglass

Those with an inverted triangle, or strawberry, body shape will probably have big boobs and/or broad shoulders with a narrow waist and hips. When trying to achieve the perfect hourglass illusion there’s not too much work to do; it’s all about adding shape to those slim hips.

Essential lingerie piece: M&SBody Solutions Waist Sculpt™ Slip Firm Control

This waist slip is a practical essential that strawberries shouldn’t be without. It’s perfect for enhancing the look of dresses and skirts and adding volume to the lower body.

Rectangle to hourglass

Rectangle-shaped ladieswill be fairly straight up and down, and the stark opposite to an hourglass, making this the trickiest transformation of all! That’s not to say that it’s impossible though.

Essential lingerie piece: M&S Body Solutions Bonded Waist Sculpt™ Body Firm Control

This firm control body gently shapes a rectangle figure all over for a smoother, sleeker silhouette. Its padded cups will add curves to the top half, so that all that’s needed is a full-skirted to dress to bulk out the bottom half.

And for the natural hourglasses:

Real hourglasses will have a similarly sized bust and hips, with a much smaller, defined waist. This figure needs making the most of with vintage-style lingerie from the original hourglass era.

Essential lingerie piece: Autograph Rose Lace Padded Longline Bra

Elegant and feminine, this longline bra has a rose lace design which shows off an hourglass to its full potential. Gentle padding and underwiring give a flattering uplifted shape resulting in sophisticated, modern glamour.

Sophie Coley for Third Age.

Unlike dishes cooked by other methods, soups retain large amounts of vital vitamins and minerals and provide us with plenty of water to keep the body hydrated.

Soups as healing remedies have been used by people, including the Chinese, for centuries. Stock and broth were given routinely for most illnesses and beef tea was an ancient British remedy. These were nutritious and easy to digest, providing the invalid with essential fluids and minerals without adding strain on the digestive system.

Delicious soups can be made to treat many minor ailments. They are quick, easy to make and can be made in bulk and frozen. Below are some popular and tasty soup recipes that can also be used for specific problems.

Chicken Soup
Comforting and nourishing, there is nothing quite like hot chicken soup when you are feeling unwell. This nutritious soup will warm and fortify the body, soothe sore throats, clear congestion and ward off colds.

The healing properties of chicken soup have been researched by scientists who found that it has anti-inflammatory properties which helps stop the movement of neutrophils. Neutrophils are white blood cells that encourage the flow of mucus, which accumulates in the nasal passages and lungs. So eating chicken soup really is helpful for infections where congestion and mucus are present. 

To make the soup:
1 small organic chicken
1 large onion (chopped finely)
2 cloves of garlic (chopped finely)
1 large carrot (sliced)
1 potato (cubed)
1 small leek (sliced)
1 teaspoon of fresh or dried thyme
1 teaspoon of fresh or dried sage
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Make a stock by adding 1 litre of water to the chicken, half the garlic, bay leaf and a little salt and pepper. Simmer gently until the meat falls from the bones. Remove all skin and bones until you are left with the chicken meat in the stock. Cut the chicken into small pieces.

Gently fry the onion, carrot, potato and remaining garlic in the olive oil until soft. Add these to the chicken and stock, along with the herbs. Simmer gently for 20 minutes and then add the leek. Simmer until the vegetables are tender. Thicken with a little cornflour (if desired).

Season, stir well and serve hot.

The recipes for the soups can be modified by adding ingredients to suit particular ailments or your own personal tastes. Other ingredients which are beneficial and can be added to soups are:

• Parsley (rich in Vitamin C and boosts immunity).
• Parsnips (rich in many vitamins including Vitamin C and folic acid).
• Mushrooms (contain proteins, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, antibiotics and
  antioxidants). Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which appears to stimulate the immune system and help fight infection. They have been used by the Chinese and Japanese to treat colds and flu for centuries.

Warming ingredients can be added for conditions that are exacerbated by cold, such as osteoarthritis, poor circulation and muscular aches and pains. Try adding small amounts of ginger root, turmeric and chillies to your soups to bring relief.

Article by Julie Burke
SPA.ITEC.Cert.Ed for Third Age.

Member of the Complementary Therapists Association
www.merrymeetcottage.weebly.com

Other Healing Winter Soups:
Pumpkin & Carrot Soup
Tomato, Garlic & Herb Soup
Onion Soup
Beetroot Soup

OCTOBER

Sagra del Pistacchio
The “Sagra del Pistacchio“ (pistachio festival) takes place in Bronte, on the flanks of Mount Etna. The town is recognised worldwide for its signature “green gold” nut which grows particularly well on the fertile lava terrain. The festival showcases countless numbers of dishes using this fabulous ingredient: ice-cream, granita, pesto and even green nutella!

Where: Bronte, in the province of Catania (on Mount Etna)
When: 6th – 9th October

APRIL

Sagra della ricotta e del formaggio
One of Sicily’s oldest food festivals takes place the town of the great write Giovanni Verga. Freshly made ricotta is something that the whole of Sicily excels in and deserves to be celebrated! You will be able to try all manner of ricotta products, including cassata and cannoli as well as a host of other local cheeses. Blessed are the Cheesemakers!

Where: Vizzini (in the hills between Caltagirone and Syracuse)
When: 25th April

MAY

Cannoli & Friends
Ask a Sicilian what his favourite sweet is and he or she would give one of two answers: cassata or cannoli. This festival celebrates the latter (but doesn’t exclude lots of other tasty cakes!) and some of the best are made in Piano degli Albanesi in the hills above Palermo… Last year over 50,000 cannoli were sold in three days!

Where: Piano degli Albanesi
When: first weekend in May

JUNE

Salina, one of the seven Aeolian Islands, is known for its uncontaminated beauty, its wines and its capers! This Slow Food festival is a great opportunity for learning about capers and trying some of the island’s delicious caper-infused recipes!

Festa del Cappero in Fiore

Where: Salina (in the Piazza di Sant’Onofrio in Pollara)
When: Around the 1st Sunday of June

AUGUST

La Sagre del Mare
A fabulous fishy festival during which the townsfolk of Mazara del Vallo (whose fishing fleet is one of the biggest in the Mediterranean) celebrate the fruits of the sea. Enormous frying pans (3 metres in diametre and with 1-metre-long handles) are used to fry fish, prawns and squid. Boiled octopus is also served and lashings of local wine ensure that a good time is had by all!

Where: Mazaral del Vallo (on Sicily’s west coast just south of Marsala)
When: The third week of August

SEPTEMBER

From September 20th-25th 2011, San Vito Lo Capo will host its annual Cous Cous Festival, dedicating five days to savouring the delights of one of the Mediterranean’s tastiest dishes. The festival includes six evenings of free live music from Sicilian and international artists, a food village, open air markets and an international cous cous cook-off competition.

Where: San Vito Lo Capo (near Trapani on Sicily’s most north-westerly point)
When: 20th – 25th September

Where to stay
For an upmarket getaway, luxury villa specialist Think Sicily offers a range of villas in Sicily with options at various locations throughout the region. Visit www.thinksicily.com or call 020 7377 8518 to find the perfect property or to book.

Laura Wilkins for Third Age.

Former mechanic and multiple bike champion, Denis Gallagher, was shocked to discover he had bowel cancer six years ago when attending a routine medical for a bike licence.

However, the adrenaline-loving pensioner, given the all-clear in 2010, has now realised a dream he has had for over thirty years.

Just over a week ago, Gallagher from Girvan leapt 155ft at 50mph from Highland Fling Bungee’s state-of-the-art bungee pod at Garry Bridge near Killiecrankie in Perthshire.

Cheered on by family, friends and wife Phyllis, the evergreen OAP (complete with doctor’s line) officially became the oldest person to bungee jump in Scotland.

Now, as he gathers together the proceeds for Cancer Support Ayrshire, he is hoping to do it again – if he can rope in a few of his septuagenarian pals.

“I am definitely considering doing it again and I am trying to get a few of my friends this time,” said adventure-loving Gallagher, who has also tried para-gliding and diving.

“I first saw a film of people bungee jumping in New Zealand about thirty years ago. I was at the cinema in Glasgow with my brother and it was on a Pathe Newsreel.

“At the time, I remember thinking: ‘If I ever get the chance, I am going to do that.’

“Obviously, it was a massive shock when I was told I had cancer but when I got the all-clear last year, I decided to give it a go. I heard you could now bungee jump in Scotland, which is great because I don’t think I would have gone to New Zealand.

“It was fantastic and, when all the proceeds are gathered in, I reckon we will have over £900 for the charity.”

Since opening in May 2011, Highland Fling Bungee has counted over 3800 jumpers worldwide but yesterday confirmed Gallagher as officially the most senior.

For insurance and health reasons, the company requires all over 65s to present a valid doctor’s line, which Gallagher- and his GP happily supplied.

A company spokesman said yesterday: “We have now examined the data and Denis is definitely the eldest jumper we’ve had so far, although the age-range has surprised us, in a positive sense. We’ve had quite a few jumpers of a more mature vintage and it is really encouraging to see so many people still remaining active and challenging themselves to keep trying new things.”

As well as planning another bungee jump, Gallagher, who still competes in classic motorbikes, has been looking at the possibility of a fresh challenge.

“I’ve had a look at wing-walking but I am not sure yet,” he said.

“When I told my wife about the bungee jumping, she just shook her head but, after 54 years of marriage, she knows what I am like.

“I am not one of those people to wrap myself in cotton wool or to look back and wish I had done something but never did.

“I like a challenge and, although I felt a bit like an old fogey in a kindergarten when I did the bungee jump, I was made to feel really comfortable and loved it.”

Highland Fling Bungee’s partners, the National Trust for Scotland, are delighted people of all age ranges are heading to Killiecrankie.

“We are really encouraged to see that people spanning the age range are taking the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities such as this, especially at the Killiecrankie site. The area is rich in natural history and it is great that people, young and old, are enjoying all the area has to offer,” said Ben Notley, Property Manager for the National Trust for Scotland’s North Perthshire Properties.

Gallagher has written to Highland Fling Bungee to thank them for assisting his charity effort.

Editor, Third Age.

If you are looking for a holiday for your extended family, you may find that catering for the different generations can sometimes be tough, so CV Travel has found some great destinations and luxury villas  that the whole family will love.

Tuscany – for relaxed days and long lunches
While similar destinations which are only a short flight from the UK can feel a bit rugged and desolate, Tuscany’s thriving green rolling hills never fail to disappoint.

Tuscany’s year-round mild and sunny climate, mixed with glorious countryside makes for a region-sized children’s playground. In almost every town and village in Tuscany there is a children’s play area right in the middle with climbing frames swings and slides. Children will also love the numerous horse riding and cookery classes that are available.

For a perfect family get-together, Tuscany also has all the perfect ingredients to help catch up with loved ones over long meals. At local markets you can pick up some of the region’s finest ingredients; from truffles and olives to fresh vegetables, cheeses and bread, for a mouthwatering picnic which everyone will enjoy.  The perfect accompaniment is a good bottle of wine and the region is packed with vineyards that produce it. Some of the world’s most famous wine regions are located here, such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Carmignano, Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Tuscany is not short of villas either.  The Casa Simona , near Siena, are a perfect choice for families up to 12 who are looking for adjacent villas that share entertaining areas to eat, drink and relax together yet enjoy some private time in their own house. The villas are situated  in 60 hectares of land; with olive and walnut groves, vineyards and gardens, which adults can wander and kids can run through. There is also a magnificent pool to swim, play and relax by. A group of 12 guests can share Casa Simona from £2,920 per week, excluding flights. 

Mallorca – for sun, sea and sand mixed with old towns and mountains
Families who are looking for a sunshine filled beachside retreat will love the beautiful Mediterranean island of Mallorca which is a paradise of diverse dramatic scenery from mountain ranges to golden sandy beaches. The Bay of Pollensa is considered to be one of the most beautiful areas of Mallorca. Situated on a south-facing bay with sandy beaches and warm shallow water, it is a great choice for families as children can be entertained with activities including sailing, wind surfing, snorkeling or scuba diving.

As a contrast, behind the bay are the rocky cliffs of the Sierra de Tramuntana which can be explored by the more energetic members of the family.  Those who prefer meandering round old towns will love the nearby town of Pollensa which is an impressive maze of cobbled streets and ochre sandstone houses, In addition, the traditional village of Campanet and old town of Alcúdia, are both only 15km away.

Alternatively days can be spent wandering along the waterfront promenade, stopping at the colourful cafés and restaurants which offer some of the finest food on the island, including fresh seafood and local specialties. Later in the evening, teenagers and young adults can enjoy the vibrant nightlife on offer.

A good place to stay is the La Felucca which is situated in the stunning Bay of Pollensa and has striking views across the groves to the mountains and the monastery on Puig de Maria. Sleeping six in the three bedroom main house and four more in the adjacent cottage, it is great for families who have teenagers or grandparents who may prefer their own space. The villa has terraces which are perfect for communal dining and there are lots of activities to keep kids and adults entertained, such as a private pool, table tennis and a children’s play area.

A week’s stay can be booked from £2,025 based on 10 guests sharing, or £1,460 based on 6 guests sharing.

Wales – for somewhere a little closer to home
You don’t have to go abroad to have a luxury family retreat and with children and grandparents to organise, sometimes the flights are more hassle creating stress before you arrive.  The UK has a lot on offer for family holidays. For example, the Lleyn Peninsula in North Wales is spectacular with multicoloured beach huts providing a backdrop to the sandy beach of Llanbedrog.

Mynydd Mawr in Lleyn Pensu, boasts the best views in Wales. Parents, grandparents and children alike will enjoy pointing out dolphins swimming in the bay and seals basking in the sun. During the spring and summer, numerous birds, including the rare chough can be spotted nesting on the most inaccessible ledges of the high cliffs. The area also prides itself with having the best expanse of coastal heath in Europe, where heather and western gorse are dominant species and create spectacular colours in July and August. Members of the family who enjoy long walks, can take the coastal path which has recently been opened around the whole peninsula. 

If you are after a traditional summer holiday, you will enjoy the simple fishing village of Porthdinllaen, where children build sandcastles and adults enjoy a drink at the pub on the beach.

There isn’t any shortage of activities for children either; with many museums and railways, the opportunity to paint pottery at Mynytho Pottery, or if your kids are more of the outdoors type, Lleyn Adventure Activities centre offers outdoor activities such as rock climbing, coasteering and kayaking.

With no flights to fork out for, more money can be put towards finding the most luxurious villa. Beach Farm, situated on the Welsh Lleyn Peninsula, is in its own private nature reserve.  With a private beach and five acres of grounds, there is plenty of space for the kids to play. The greener members of the family will approve of the barn’s conversion which used only locally sourced materials and houses its own heat pumps which provides the hot water and energy for the household appliances.

The farm is made up of three individual buildings, a restored farm cottage, barn and dairy. This  gives the different generations their own retreats, yet the cottages are set up for families to easily get-together, with a large enough table for all in the main cottage to gather round and a stone circle and fire pit, which is great for sitting out during the long summer evenings.

A 4 night mid-week stay at Beach Farm costs from £1,050, and a week’s stay from £1,400, based on 14 guests sharing.
For more information on contact CV Travel on 020 7401 1086 or visit www.cvtravel.co.uk.

Laura Wilkins for Third Age.

Unlike dishes cooked by other methods, soups retain large amounts of vital vitamins and minerals and provide us with plenty of water to keep the body hydrated.

Soups as healing remedies have been used by people, including the Chinese, for centuries. Stock and broth were given routinely for most illnesses and beef tea was an ancient British remedy. These were nutritious and easy to digest, providing the invalid with essential fluids and minerals without adding strain on the digestive system.

Delicious soups can be made to treat many minor ailments. They are quick, easy to make and can be made in bulk and frozen. Below are some popular and tasty soup recipes that can also be used for specific problems.

Beetroot Soup
This soup is traditionally used in cold climates such as Russia and the Ukraine to help with circulation and is known as ‘Borscht’. Beetroot is a rich source of iron and folic acid, which plays an important part in the formation of blood cells and helps prevent anaemia. Garlic contains allicin which is believed to promote good blood health.

To make the soup:
1lb (approx) of fresh, raw beetroot (pickled ones are not suitable)
1 large carrot (sliced)
1 clove garlic (chopped)
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
¾  litre of vegetable stock
Juice of ½  lemon
200ml of plain yoghurt

Finely chop the beetroot, carrots, onion, and garlic. Gently fry until soft. Add the stock and simmer, covered, for forty minutes. Sieve into a clean saucepan and reheat. Add the lemon juice and yoghurt and serve.

The recipes for the soups can be modified by adding ingredients to suit particular ailments or your own personal tastes. Other ingredients which are beneficial and can be added to soups are:

• Parsley (rich in Vitamin C and boosts immunity).
• Parsnips (rich in many vitamins including Vitamin C and folic acid).
• Mushrooms (contain proteins, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, antibiotics and
  antioxidants). Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which appears to stimulate the immune system and help fight infection. They have been used by the Chinese and Japanese to treat colds and flu for centuries.

Warming ingredients can be added for conditions that are exacerbated by cold, such as osteoarthritis, poor circulation and muscular aches and pains. Try adding small amounts of ginger root, turmeric and chillies to your soups to bring relief.

Article by Julie Burke
SPA.ITEC.Cert.Ed for Third Age.

Member of the Complementary Therapists Association
www.merrymeetcottage.weebly.com

Other Healing Winter Soups:
Pumpkin & Carrot Soup
Chicken Soup
Tomato, Garlic & Herb Soup
Onion Soup

40s
If you hanker after the big band sounds of the 40s then keep an eye out for Dutch songstress Caro Emerald. She’s trained in jazz and her debut album, titled Deleted Scenes From the Cutting Room Floor is making waves in the charts. She claims her inspiration comes from films and music from the 40s and 50s and her sound will certainly take you back to your local dancehall! This December she’ll be playing a show at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London, so book some concert tickets and treat yourself to an early Christmas present!

50s
The Rock and Roll king of the 50s is without a doubt Mr Elvis Presley, and though he’s been dead for 32 years you can still see the man in concert! A selection of Elvis’ original musicians will take to the stage, fronted by live concert footage of Elvis, for a series of performances in March 2012. If you spent the 50s watching the likes of Love Me Tender and Jailhouse Rock and jitterbugging to Elvis’ hits, you’re bound to love it.

If that’s not your thing, you might be interested in German three-piece The Baseballs, who have proved to be very popular all over the continent, with their rockabilly takes on songs by modern artists including Robbie Williams, Leona Lewis and the Scissor Sisters. The Baseballs are currently touring in Europe but get your hands on their album and enjoy the tunes!

60s
The 60s; the era which undoubtedly saw the birth of pop music and Beatlemania! If you spent many a night dancing at the Cavern Club, there’s no better act to take you back than the Bootleg Beatles. This tribute band is the most long running and successful, with the four-piece having done more than 4000 performances worldwide! This December, they’ll be touring the UK, visiting cities from Brighton to Glasgow and, of course, Liverpool.

If Motown was more your thing, look out for tickets for the Four Tops who will be touring with the Temptations next March. Or, if you like a bit more variety, see the Magic of Motown show which will see a range of singers belting out tunes from the Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and much more!

70s
Rock lost its roll and guitars became iconic in the 70s! Some of the greats are still about and touring which is good news if you’re looking to take a trip down memory lane. Status Quo are Rockin’ All Over The UK this December, with shows from Plymouth to Newcastle and beyond. Rick and company have more UK chart hits than any other rock group in history so you’re bound to know the words to a good few songs.

You might have missed the Pink Floyd shows which saw another 70s favourite reunite earlier this year, however tribute act Brit Floyd are well reputed and certainly put on a show. They’re playing at venues including the Royal Albert Hall in May 2012 so grab some tickets while you can!

80s
Music during the 80s was certainly diverse and there are still plenty of opportunities to see your favourites! If your teenage bedroom walls were covered in pictures of Sir Cliff Richard, head to one of several venues around the country this month for his Soulicious tour- you’ll have the added treat of seeing a surprise soul legend duetting with Cliff on-stage too!

If flares were more your scene, get your hands on tickets for the Abba Show. This production has toured worldwide, entertaining scores of fans. It claims to be the most authentic ABBA show and it’s rumoured that original band members Ulf Andersson and Mats Ronander could make an appearance.

Alternatively, for fans of the new romantic scene, Adam Ant’s comeback tour kicks off in November and will see the Prince Charming of the 80s perform all over the UK.

Those preferring the moodier sounds of the 80s will be delighted to see The Cure revisiting their seminal first three albums with a special, one-off retrospective show at the Royal Albert Hall.

Tickets for all shows mentioned are available at www.GetMeIn.com.

Sophie Coley for Third Age.

Whether you are travelling alone or with others, once you have bought your ticket the thought of travelling can suddenly feel very daunting. Here are some top tips and advice to help fully prepare you, so that you can be confident you’ll have the trip of a lifetime.

Swot up
Read as much as you can about your destinations, this way you will know more about what to expect and how to prepare yourself. It will also mean that you are less likely to miss seeing what you want. Use trusted websites for accurate information. For instance, G Adventures has a travel guide section with information for all the popular travelling destinations, including cultural and historical information, places to see, and festivals and events. It also has practical information worth reviewing on topics such as health issues, weather information and pre departure practicalities.

Supplement information from trusted websites with advice from other travellers where you can directly ask about others’ experiences. Forums can be great for getting a feel for places, but it is best to double check factual information with additional sources.

Make it easy to keep in contact
Get yourself and your family Skype accounts. Skype is a cheap way to make calls abroad, and with a webcam you can also see each other (perfect for showing off the great tan you’ll have).

Bring hard copies of pictures of your family. These are more accessible and will feel more real than looking at digital versions online if you happen to miss those you’ve left behind.

If you enjoy writing, you may want to set yourself up with a blogging platform. Wordpress accounts are easy to set up, or there are travel specific ones such as Trip Journal, Travellers Point or TravelPod which allows you to map your journey. While you are at home with easy access to the internet, play with the design until you are happy and let people know the address, so as soon as you leave you can begin recording your experiences.

Choose a photo upload site, like Flickr, so you can upload pictures as you go – it will not only show everyone what you are up to, but it acts as a good backup should anything happen to your camera. You can also upload photos to Facebook, however, the quality is fairly low so Flickr may be a better option if you want to print them in the future.

If you have a planned itinerary, leave a copy at home so friends and relatives can feel safe knowing where you are. Mark times when you think contacting them may be difficult so they don’t worry if you don’t get in touch for a while. It is also a good idea to leave photocopies of your passport and plane tickets with an emergency contact. You should also consider providing your country’s embassy with a copy of your planned itinerary and contact information.

Get street wise
It may sound geeky, but buy a money pouch. They really come in handy when you don’t have a safe place to keep your money. If you can get one that is fairly big but you are still able to sleep with, it will be useful in keeping your valuables safe overnight if the hostel has no locker.

Make sure you have different ways of accessing money. With most banks you can withdraw funds no matter where you are in the world, but it is a good idea to have a back-up way of withdrawing money (for instance travellers’ cheques). Keep them in separate places, this way, if you lose one, you always have the other.

If you do get stranded without money, you can always have relatives transfer you some through Western Union, as long as you have ID with you, so remember to keep your emergency contact’s details handy just in case if you get stuck.

Get company
If you are still worried about travelling, surround yourself with like-minded people. Group travel and tours are a fantastic way to travel where the organisation of getting from A to B, arranging accommodation and visiting highlights is all sorted for you. Many people feel much safer travelling in groups and long-lasting friendships can often be made with like-minded travellers. Research adventure travel tour operators to find a company that suits you and your needs.

Laura Wilkins for Third Age.