edition
2-3_Life_begins_Template 22/11/2013 16:21 Page 2
In this
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Showbiz - Tom Hanks talks about his latest role as Captain Phillips amongst other things
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Competition - Win tickets for Life Begins 50+ show featuring top chef James Martin
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Travel - It’s that time of the year again - we look at 3 of skiing’s best kept secrets
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Health - Memory - it’s an amazing human power but how can we help preserve it?
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Fashion - Harry Styles leads the clamour for all things hearty and romantic
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Gardening - How local gardeners can help turn around a dramatic decline in wildlife
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Property - Looking at the latest trend for all things shiny
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Food - The Food Bucket List - 50 foody things to do or taste before you die!
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Books - Our resident bookworm chomps through another must-read for Christmas
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Motoring - Can the Infiniti Hybrid really rival the luxury German brands?
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Money - The latest sophisticated scams and how to avoid becoming a victim
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Entertainment - Event Listings for Autumn & Winter in Dorset & Hampshire
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Entertainment - Snowman comes to the Mayflower & Strictly’s Anton comes to Bournemouth
UK: A lonely nation?
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Entertainment - Reviews from around the entertainment world
I was struck a few weeks ago by the announcement from Health Secretary Jeremy
Hunt, that as many as 800,000 people in the UK are ‘chronically lonely’. The figure
seemed startling at first but then on later reflection hardly surprising. I, like many
others I know, sadly only ever manage a quick wave to my neighbours. In fact recent
studies suggest that many of us don’t know the names of our immediate neighbours.
I must admit to feeling quite ashamed that so many people in our country feel so
alone. Our nation has always had a reputation for being a caring one, so how is it
that the majority of us fail to notice those around us who are desperately lonely?
I heard a heart-rending interview with a lady on Radio 5 Live who told the
interviewer that she would often go days without speaking to a single soul and that
she would look forward to her ‘helper’ coming once a week for half an hour so she
could speak to someone. Radio 5 were inundated with callers following the
interview who all expressed the same sentiment: one of collective shame.
Many of us will be spending this Christmas with family and friends, enjoying each
others company whilst we share gifts and food. But spare a thought for those who’ll
be spending it with no one. Perhaps instead of just popping a card through the door
of an elderly neighbour who lives alone, we could think about making some homemade mince pies or winter chutney which gives us the perfect excuse to knock on
the door and speak to them. Something tells me that most people would really
appreciate the gesture and for some it could really light up their Christmas - a simple
act that could make a big difference - it’s just a thought!
Until the next time, Jason Harris, Editor
Win tickets to see
James Martin live
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The pligh Ё