NEW research released by a national charity shows that services which seniors believe are crucial to their well-being are suffering, as a result of Government cuts across the country.The ‘Shaping Our Age’ study – released by the WRVS (Women’s Royal Voluntary Service), the UK’s largest charity, delivering preventative care for older people – avers that these cuts are placing their health at risk and putting an overstretched NHS under even greater pressure.These findings are likely to spark immense concern throughout the country’s older community, as the evidence mounts up that the withdrawal of key services to prevent health-problems amongst older people is contributing to greater pressures on hospital-beds.Delays in people being discharged from hospital are now 12,433 above the level since the introduction of the public spending-cuts: cutting the number of older people admitted to hospital could save the NHS £2 billion a year.’Shaping Our Age’ is the most in-depth research project of its kind and investigates the current provision of services for seniors in this country.2011 marks the the first year of a three-year study (funded by the Big Lottery), and this year’s research is based on quantitive responses from 165 individuals from throughout the UK, representing older people from all walks of life.Against a back-drop of increasing concern about the delivery of public services to Britain’s ageing population, this study examines seniors’ views about the scope, quality, availability and importance of public services for older people.This study shows: * Social interaction is cited as being one of the most important factors to improved well-being and quality of life, but older people are feeling more isolated as services become increasingly remote; for instance, as move online or as local facilities close. * There is a tangible impact on seniors, the wider community and the UK economy as a result of cuts to public services designed to prevent older people from being isolated, such as day centres and befriending services (e.g. organised shopping-trips, exercise-classes or specialist one-to-one support during times of change or difficulty). * The level of practical support available to seniors to enable them to continue living in their own home is not sufficient, and there is a need for greater access to support at critical times, such as following bereavement. * There are significant failings in hospital care for older people – poor treatment from hospital staff, poor hospital-hygiene and low disability-awareness. * The lack of dignity and respect exposed in hospital care is now being seen in other public services, such as GP surgeries – there is evidence that unacceptable seniors’ care  is present throughout the public sector, which is sparking concern about the quality of public services more broadly.Commenting on the findings, David McCullough, WRVS Chief Executive, said: “The ‘Shaping Our Age’ study confirms what older people across the country have told WRVS’s 40,000 volunteers for some time: that overcoming loneliness and isolation is one of the most important aspects to maintaining or improving quality-of-life.”It adds to the weight of evidence which shows that loneliness is a genuine health-risk and, if undetected, can lead to expensive and avoidable stays in hospital.”Isolated older people are more vulnerable returning to accident and emergency departments after a spell in hospital, are more likely to suffer from depression which, in turn, can lead to physical health-problems.”This simply cannot continue: we are sharing our evidence with local authorities across the country demonstrating that preventative services are good-value for taxpayer and good for older people and their families.”WRVS urges ministers to hold decision-makers to account to protect vital public services from further spending-cuts and to invest in preventative support services that reduce and loneliness.”Added Professor Peter Beresford OBE, Professor of Social Policy and Director of the Centre for Citizen Participation at Brunel University, and one of the authors of the ‘Shaping Our Age’: “The older people involved in the ‘Shaping Our Age’ project highlight that the biggest thing that supports their well-being is having social contact and relationships.”Instead of closing down day-services and meals-on-wheels for older people, the Government must develop the 21st century versions of these crucial services to meet the growing number of older people’s needs and support their future well-being.”

AS we grow older, it’s natural for our attention to turn towards staying as fit and healthy as possible.An important part of this is, of course, diet, and a ‘buzz-word’ during the past, few years has been ‘superfoods’.With hundreds of companies now selling these ultra-healthy supplements, it can be confusing trying to decide what to go for, but a new, ethical superfood company hopes to make things a little easier…Organic Burst has developed a stand-out range of ethical, sourced organic superfoods, which caters for all areas of everyday life; whether you need to fire up your daily energy-levels, are looking to ‘detox’, nourish your body, want to try and ‘knock back the years’ or are simply seeking a daily vitality and well-being boost.The company has hand-picked five superfoods which it believes, between them, can help with all aspects of modern life.Here, we take a quick look at them:-ORGANIC BURST MACA: Known as the Peruvian ginseng, Maca has been used in South America for over 2,000 years to improve endurance and energy.It is packed-full of essential minerals, including phosphorus, manganese and iron.Organic Burst Maca is cultivated in the Andes Mountains (at levels in which no other plant can thrive) and grows organically, coming raw and pure to preserve as many of its nutrients as possible.ORGANIC BURST SPIRULINA: Spirulina is a microscopic plant which for centuries nourished the ancient Aztec civilisation.It is jammed-full of nutrients, including 18 different amino acids, Vitamins B1, 2 and 6, beta carotene and a high content of Chlorophyll, supplying exactly what your body needs to nourish and support your heart, circulatory system and nerves.Organic Burst Spirulina is grown in freshwater ponds, free of toxins and pesticides.ORGANIC BURST ACAI BERRIES: Acai is an Amazonian berry which works wonders for the skin and body.It is high in Vitamin E and polyphenols which help to slow down the effects of ageing and protect the body’s cells from free, radical change.Moreover, Acai berries are also a natural source of omega-3, essential fatty acids, vital nutrients that our bodies don’t produce and are only obtained through our diet.Organic Burst Acai Berries originate from Brazil and are 100% pure.ORGANIC BURST WHEATGRASS: Wheatgrass contains a wide array of nutrients, including chlorophyll, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, enzymes and minerals, which play an important role in ‘detoxing’ and cleansing you from the inside out.What’s more, Wheatgrass can also help build up your immune system and boost the metabolism.Organic Burst Wheatgrass is organically grown and carefully dried to preserve all its nutrients.ORGANIC BURST BAOBAB acts as a general health and vitality ‘booster’, and is packed with nutritional goodies!Being particularly rich in Vitamin C and calcium, it also contains B vitamins, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and antioxidants.More specifically, the fruit also acts as a powerful prebiotic and is used to help with numerous, digestive problems. It’s easy to see, therefore, why baobab is being hailed as the next superfood and could give your everyday health and well-being a real boost.Organic Burst Baobab works with the non-profit organisation, ‘PhytoTrade Africa’, which has recognised Baobab’s potential to help impoverished, African communities, and the non-profit trade association has developed an efficient, workable system, by which families are able to harvest the fruit and earn an income that can pay for healthcare, education and everyday necessities.Organic Burst products look after our planet, as well as our health, and are certified organic and sourced ethically, packaged in recyclable tubs and registered and approved by the Vegan Society.So, if readers are looking for a way to help boost your well-being and health, simply visit www.organicburst.com

CREWE’S ‘jewel-in-the-crown’, Queen’s Park, is certainly celebrating the Diamond Jubilee on Bank Holiday Monday, June 4th, in style!Activities are centred around the new Lakeside Pavilion, with (from 3pm until 6pm) Cheshire East Streetsports, Zorb Balls, Punch and Judy, Story Teller and Friends Crafting.At 4pm, there will also be a most fitting service with the Boer War Memorial Tribute, presented by the Crewe Branch of the Royal British Legion.And, at 7.30pm, California Blue will entertain with their ‘classic covers’ in the Pavilion, presenting an extensive and lively repertoire, which includes faithfully-produced hits of The Travelling Wilburys, The Eagles, Paul McCartney, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Roy Orbison and many more.Said Mike Worthington, MD of The Pickle Jar at the Lakeside Pavilion: “I am delighted that Crewe’s Mayor has assisted us in presenting a day in Queen’s Park, in partnership with ourselves and Cheshire East Council, and I look forward to an afternoon and evening of celebrations and fun for all.”This is just one of the many free events that we shall be staging throughout the summer,”The entertainment in Queen’s Park follows a veritable host of events taking place in Crewe town centre during the afternoon.For further information about activities in Queen’s Park, contact Elaine Dodd, QP Manager, on (01270) 686708 or visit the Queen’s Park Facebook pages or www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

RESEARCHERS at Keele University and the New Vic Theatre have been exploring the role that local people have played within the life of the New Vic over the last 50 years, and will be producing a new theatre documentary and free exhibition this summer.The ‘Ages and Stages’ project started in October, 2009, and will end this July.It is funded under a major nationwide research initiative, called the New Dynamics of Ageing (NDA).This programme aims to improve the quality of life of older people through research into all aspects of ageing.As part of our research project, we have interviewed over 90 older people who have been associated with the theatre in different ways: as former actors and employees, volunteers, audience-members, and sources for some of the Vic’s renowned social documentaries, which were staged in the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.We have also been delving into the Victoria Theatre archive at Staffordshire University to find out more about the production of documentaries, such as ‘The Knotty’, ‘Fight for Shelton Bar!’ and ‘Nice Girls’, all of which involved interviewing local people.Older people have talked about the important role the theatre has played as a life-long interest.As one audience-member said, “We got the bug and it’s carried us through our lives.”They also talked about the sense of excitement and joy they get from going to the theatre – “Theatre is in my blood, it still gives me a great deal of joy!”For some interviewees, the theatre has become even more important as they have aged.Often, people started volunteering at the New Vic, after becoming widowed or following retirement.They talk about the “camaraderie”, “security” and “homeliness” the Vic offers, as well as the enthusiasm they feel about being involved in a creative world.Audience-members and volunteers describe becoming increasingly “caught up” in the life of the theatre after retirement, attending more productions and joining educational groups and projects.The theatre is seen as a place for “broadening horizons” – as one volunteer said, “The New Vic has given me a new lease of life.”Becoming more involved with the theatre also gives people a greater sense of confidence, self-esteem and well-being – in the words of another volunteer, “it broadens my life, and it gives me a purpose”.The older people we have interviewed also value the “sense of occasion” offered by the theatre and feel that it is a “comfortable” place to visit on their own.They very much value the theatre-in-the-round staging, which is so central to the Vic’s work and heritage, and is felt to offer a sense of intimacy and a shared experience amongst audience-members and actors.People who have been associated with the Vic for a long time, particularly former employees, describe it as a “family”.As a former actor put it, “you were part of a family that stretched decades – you feel as though you’re (still) part of it.”The research team are now using these interviews and materials from the archive to create a new documentary production about theatre, ageing and creativity.This will be performed by a group of older people who have been interviewed for the project, alongside members of the New Vic Youth Theatre.Our production will bring together different generations to explore their involvement with the theatre through their lives and to demonstrate the creativity of people of all ages.Alongside this, an exhibition will be held at the New Vic Theatre from Monday, June 25th, to Friday, July 20th, 2012, exploring both the history of the theatre and the personal memories of people who have been associated with it through their lives.

THE argument concerning battery-powered, electric cars continues to rumble.
Do they represent the future for motoring, or are they an expensive folly currently, because the technology is in its infancy?
Their advocates point out they offer a ‘green’ form of transport and a chance to dispense with petrol stations.
The AA (Automobile Association) calculates that they can be run for about 2p. per mile, as opposed to the (approximate) cost of 14p. per mile needed for a similar-sized petrol- or diesel-powered motor (and are also exempt from road-tax).
In spite of the Government’s introduction of a generous, £5,000 purchase-grant to encourage motorists, sales of electrically-powered cars are yet to ‘take off’ in this country. 
Although the first, modern electric cars are still a relative rarity, enthusiasts claim that, from a technical and practical viewpoint, they will dominate the industry in the medium term.
They argue that electric engines are simply better at propelling cars than oil-powered ones, because they can provide much more torque to the wheels.
Also, they do not need a heavy gearbox and can be true 4×4 vehicles, with four, separate engines to power each wheel, allowing for far superior handling. 
Additionally, they have few moving-parts, with the promise of better durability.
Admittedly, electric cars are, at the moment, too expensive (typically costing £25,000, after the purchase-grant), and motorists complain that these high prices are compounded by a lack of models by leading manufacturers and a shortage of charging-points.
However, plans are underway to increase the number of charging-points across Britain, and it will soon be possible for home-owners to upgrade their garages to allow faster, safer home-charging (until recently, most owners plug-in-to-recharge electric cars have had to rely upon the traditional, three-point household plug and, then, wait about eight hours to recharge fully their vehicle at home).
On the negative side, detractors claim that, until a company can manufacture a cheap, compact, long-lasting battery which can power a car for 300-plus miles between charges, many motorists will be reluctant to make the change.
They also stress the issue of battery-life: car manufacturers will typically offer a five-year warranty, but, when that expires, the replacement-cost is currently in the region of £2,000.
They claim that this will deter drivers from purchasing a second-hand, out-of-warranty electric vehicle (EV), as all batteries have a limited life-span.
Energy company, npower, is averring that 33% of British drivers would think about buying an electric vehicle in the next, five years, rising to 41%, when the benefits were explained.
Potential purchasers now have a choice of seven models in this country (including the Tesla Roadster, Mitsubishi i-NiEV, Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe), with thirteen more on the way.

SUNDAY, August 7th, offers readers the opportunities to experience the ultimate air show!
As ever, key to Blackpool’s Air Show 2011 will be an incredible display of spectacular stunts, provided by the legendary ‘Red Arrows’ (officially known as the Royal Air Force Formation Aerobatic Display Team).
The best viewpoint for their performance will be on the Promenade, close to Central Pier.
The reputation of ‘The Red Arrows’ is built upon the nine-strong team’s commitment and professionalism, combined with RAF skills, training and equipment.
They fly the dual-control BAE Systems Hawk T1, the RAF’s advanced trainer, which has been used by ‘The Red Arrows’ since 1979, replacing the Folland Gnat. 
However, the annual FREE event will, this year, also feature the Breitling Wingwalkers; a fly-past by a Supermarine Spitfire, Avro Lancaster and Hawker Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight; the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team; and the Extra 260, flown by Aerobatic Champion, Steve Carver.
There will also be some assets on the grounds, including a full-scale Typhoon model, a Hercules fuselage, an RAF Regiment climbing-wall and a DCCT (Dismantled Close-Combat Trailer).
The commentator on the day will be Brendan O’Brien. 
For further details, telephone (01253) 478222.

THERE is no shortage of bowling action available to aficionados of the crown green this summer.
Clough Hall will take on Florence One in the first Senior Challenge Cup semi-final at Leek Bowling Club, on Tuesday, August 2nd, starting at 6.30pm.
Fegg Hayes will play Congleton Park in the other semi-final, at Alsager Institute, on Thursday, August 4th.
On Thursday, August 11th, the semi-final of the Gerald Harrison Trophy, pitting Birches Head Hotel against Meir Social, will take place at Goldenhill Bowling Club.
Meanwhile, Birches Head Gardeners will take on Bucknall Private at Florence (on Green 2) in the other semi-final on the same evening.
Entries are being sought for the £1,060 Bob Harper Open at Alsager Institute.
The event will be played in the week, beginning on Monday, September 19th, and entry costs £15 (no home-bowlers are allowed).
The final will take place on Sunday, September 25th, at 12 noon.
To book your place, telephone Tony Chesters on (01270) 587582 or 07891-306032.
Qualifying for 2011′s James Birks Memorial Trophy will take place in July, with the finals held during August.
The entrance-fee for the men’s and women’s singles knock-out tournament is £10 and prize-money of £1,000 (subject to the level of entries), with the winner earning £320.
Further information is available from John Large on (01782) 325510 or the club, after 8pm, on (01782) 319440.
Congleton Park player, Kevin Boon, booked his place at the prestigious Champion of Champions tournament by triumphing in the 78th Potteries and District County Individual Merits title on Monday, May 30th.
He defeated regular county bowler, Peter Hulse Junior, of Florence, 21-12 to secure the accolade at Milton Hayes.
In September, Kevin will, as a result, take on the country’s best bowlers at The Waterloo Hotel, Blackpool, and the Oceanic Bowls Festival, in Portugal.
Boon and runner-up, Hulse, also qualified for the All-British Merit Finals, which is being staged at Meole Brace, Shrewsbury, on Saturday, July 30th, when they will be joined by losing semi-finalists, Mark Ferris, of Middleport Park, and Matt Fellows, from Florence.

FOLLOWING a very successful event last year, 2011′s Leek Show is back – bigger and better than ever, with even more fun things for you and all the family to see and do!
Once again, the show – sponsored by Britannia Building Society – will take place at Birchall Playing Fields (off Junction Road), in Leek on Saturday, July 30th.
From dog-display teams to shire horses, a craft fair to  trade stands and, of course, a full schedule of traditional agricultural show prizes, there is just bound to be something to keep readers entertained! 
The Britannia Leek & District Show’s sections comprise Cattle; Crafts; Dogs; Floral Art; Goats; Horse and Pony; Horticultural; Ladies; Poultry, Caged Birds and Pets; Private Driving; Sheep; Shire Horses; Horse and Pony; and Women’s Institute Judging Classes, in addition to entertainment and trade stands.
Whether you have something to sell or just like to browse, the event’s Craft Marquee has something for everyone (previous stalls have included a chocolate fountain, children’s garden furniture, the RSPB [Royal Society for the Protection of Birds], an architect, glass jewellery and home-made cards).
Within the Horse and Pony section, new for 2011 is a farrier shoe-making competition, and this year’s show jumping, ridden and in-hand showing will feature qualifiers for 2011′s Veteran Horse Showing Olympia Area Qualifier, Veteran Horse Showing Olympia Direct Championship, Midland Re-training of Racehorses Championship, BSPS Bright Star Performance Supreme, North West Show Jumping Championship, Royal London Show and TARRA.
Refreshments will be served for all hungry and thirsty customers (both new and old), and there will be raffle-tickets and a colouring-competition for children, who will be able to win some great prizes!
On the day, tickets are priced at £6 (adults) and £4 (senior citizens and children); family tickets are not available on the day.
Advance tickets (priced at £4 [adults], £2 [senior citizens and children] and £10 [family ticket, admitting two adults and two children, aged 5-15], with children under 5 going free) are available from a number of sources.
They are Whittaker and Biggs Estate Agents, Derby Street, Leek; Leek Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, Leek; Britannia Building Society, Derby Street, Leek; Leek Post & Times Office, Smithfield Centre, Leek; and Stoke-on-Trent Tourist Information Centre, Victoria Hall, Bagnall Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.
The event takes place from 8am to 6pm on Saturday, July 30th, and, for further details, readers can visit the website: www.leekshow.org.uk