78 YEAR OLD CHEQUES IN WITH £20,000 PRIZE

Arthur Lett, 78, from Crewkerne in Somerset got the shock of his life the other day when he was surprised with a cheque for £20,000 after entering and winning a free prize draw.

In a scene reminiscent of the famous ‘Down Your Doorstep’ segment on The Big Breakfast, the PCH Prizes Team took to the streets of Crewkerne in a branded taxi to track him down and surprise him with the cheque at home.

Arthur said: “I can’t believe I’ve won £20,000, I’ve never won anything before and this is such a huge amount of money. I enter the free prize draws on pchprizes.co.uk every morning and my wife said I was wasting my time as I’d never win but this just proves that it can happen and you have to be in it to win it. I think we’ll spend some of the money on doing up the house, maybe go on a cruise holiday and we’ll be inviting all our neighbours round to celebrate with us.”

When 3,000 UK consumers were recently questioned about how they’d spend such a large sum of money, 67% of over 55s are a generous lot and said they would use it to treat family and friends, whilst an altruistic 41% would donate money to worthwhile charity and 31% would splash the cash on a luxury holiday to an exotic location.

Here at Oscar we always love to hear your exciting news stories, so if you or someone you know has anything you’d like to share why not e-mail us at info@oscaruk.co.uk

NATION’S FAVOURITE VIEWS REVEALED

· Lake Windermere voted nation’s favourite view

· 55% of over 50’s plan to go winter walking in the next few months

As we plan to brave the elements and walk off the excesses of the past month, a new poll has revealed the nation’s favourite winter wonderland views, and Lake Windermere has been chosen over Stonehenge and the Scottish lochs.

The survey, conducted by OscarUK.co.uk, revealed that more than two thirds (67%) of those surveyed voted Lake Windermere the best view they could imagine for a winter walk.

NATION’S FAVOURITES

1. Lake Windermere, Cumbria

2. St Ives Harbour, Cornwall

3. Bamburgh Castle and the Northumberland coastline

4. Malvern Hills, Worcestershire

5. Upper Swaledale, North Yorkshire

6. Stonehenge at sunset

7. Glastonbury Tor

8. The Seven Sisters Cliffs, East Sussex

9. Loch Coruisk, Skye

10. Hadrian’s Wall

Peter Simpson, Managing Director at OscarUK, commented: “We asked people to tell us their idea of a wonderful winter view when out walking and it’s not surprising that some of the most beautiful landscapes encompassing lakes, coast and hills, were among the top ten. The magical view over Lake Windermere is clearly every walkers dream.”

Keeping A Clear Vision

It’s natural for your eyesight to diminish as you get older and many people who may have benefited from 20/20 vision in their youth find they need a pair of glasses to read later in life.

Although a genetic decline can sometimes not be halted, there are plenty of things you can do to maintain your vision by caring for your eyes.

OscarUK’s Top Tips:

·         To protect your eyes when you’re reading, make sure the room is well lit with the light preferably overhead.

·         Lights that are too bright however may have the opposite effect, for example, computer monitors are often too bright and should be dimmed slightly.

·         It’s true that foods can improve your eyesight, reverse the signs of optical ageing and keep your eyes in good health.  Vegetables that are rich in vitamins A, B and C are rich in antioxidants and fish is rich in vitamin E which is known to prevent the muscular degeneration that causes poor eyesight.

·         Protect your eyes in sunlight to avoid permanent damage, it is recommended that you look for sunglasses with lenses with 100% UVA and UVB radiation.

·         Ensure you have check-ups every one to two years, serious eye problems like glaucoma can be treated if detected early.

Do not assume that because you are over 50, that losing your eyesight is inevitable, take proactive steps and improve your vision.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON THIS CHRISTMAS

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON THIS CHRISTMAS

Research into the state of the nation’s ‘Christmas spirit’ in the face of economic hardship has revealed that families are adopting the quintessentially British maxim, ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’.

According to the findings of a study by OscarUK.co.uk, the leading concessions website for over 50s, over half (55%) of families say they will go back to the traditional values of the festive season to help them emerge from this year’s celebrations with happy memories and finances intact.

Although two in five people (40%) said they would be cutting down on Christmas this year as there isn’t the cash for mountains of presents and all the trimmings, almost a third said they didn’t need money to have a great festive season.  Being with family and friends (44%) is what makes a happy Christmas.

Over half of those surveyed were looking to cut back on spending by making their own Christmas presents for loved ones and planning a Christmas they could genuinely afford. Over a quarter (27%) had wisely already budgeted for festive spending.

Peter Simpson, Managing Director at OscarUK commented: “The message of Christmas is the same underneath the tinsel and the TV ads. We found that people are facing up to Christmas by prioritising what’s important, and it seems that being with family and friends is at the top of the list when it comes to Christmas wishes.

“The festive season can bring a great deal of stress for some people as they struggle to deliver an even more special Christmas than the year before, but what’s clear from our research is that in these tough times, people are resisting the pressure to over-commit financially and focusing on keeping control.”

Indeed, shopping trends on the high street reflect the desire to re-capture the values and pleasures of Christmas past and the nostalgia it brings. Traditional toys are making a comeback according to legendary toy shop, Hamleys, with Pudding the teddy bear, retro editions of Monopoly, Cluedo and Risk, and traditional rocking horses tipped to be best-sellers.

Oscar UK, which brings together thousands of concessions, benefits, savings and offers on its website www.oscaruk.co.uk, has developed the following Keep Calm and Carry On Christmas tips for scaled down festivities but maximum fun.

Top Tips:

Make your own rules: Don’t be pressured into extravagant dining and expensive gifts to match previous year’s celebrations. Plan a Christmas to match your pocket.

Identify priorities: Think about the happy memories of past Christmas celebrations and what made them so special. Remind yourself of these special moments when you’re getting anxious about preparations.

Set Expectations: Everyone is feeling the pinch and so by scaling down expectations for no-one will be disappointed.

Invest time not money: Think about ways to make the season special without lavish spending and focus on time together. For example, get crafty and creative this Christmas and make gifts. Or, share a meal and each other’s company instead exchanging presents.

Involve Others: If you are hosting Christmas lunch, why not ask family and friends to each bring along a contribution. Suggest a Secret Santa for gifts for relatives or friends and set a small budget to make sure people don’t break the bank.

Says Simpson: “As a nation we are very resilient to tough and stressful times and what this research shows is that despite a lean economic year, people are looking forward to a Christmas doing what matters most, and that’s being with family and friends.”

Driving Home For Christmas

Driving Home For Christmas

With winter setting in, the temperature dropping and snow featuring on the weather forecast, the thought of driving can be a bit of a scary prospect.

If you do have to travel by car in the next few months, driving requires a little extra care and preparation to avoid breakdowns, keep your car in tip top condition and stay safe!

Our top tips:

1.       Electrics – if you know you’re not going to be using your car regularly, it’s useful to take it for a short drive every couple of days to ensure the engine keeps ticking over.

2.       Antifreeze – it only costs a few pounds and will keep your engine or radiator from cracking which could save you hundreds of pounds in the long run.

3.       Vision – the sun is so low in the winter months that it can be useful to invest in a sun visor. It’s also vital to keep the windscreen clean inside and out to try and combat the dazzle effect of the sun.

4.       Tyres – although it’s not essential to have winter tyres or snow chains unless you live in an isolated area prone to heavy snow, it is vital that your tyres are in good condition with at least 3mm of tread and the correct tyre pressure.

5.       Preparation – give yourself an extra 10 minutes to prepare your car before making a journey. Ensure all windows are clear and that you load the boot with an ice scraper, de-icer, torch, first aid kit, tow rope, blankets, boots, jump leads and a shovel – just in case you do get stuck!

For more top tips on how to get the most out of winter whilst keeping the costs down, our Winter Guide, with content such as places to visit, events, places to stay and relevant offers, will hopefully inspire you to go out and experience all that winter in the UK has to offer.

The free guide is now available for OscarUK members to download from the site – see our homepage for more information.

Christmas Recipes

These tasty recipes are perfect for the festive season, whether you’re planning for a party, seeking an alternative to turkey, or looking for an easy leftover dish, there is bound to be something for everyone.

Red Onion and Brie Tartlets

These vegetarian nibbles are wickedly addictive and just perfect as canapés at a drinks party.

Ingredients:

• 250g/8oz ready-made shortcrust pastry
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 medium red onions, peeled, sliced
• 1 garlic clove, peeled, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dark soft brown sugar
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 125g/4oz Brie, cut into 24 small pieces

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.

2. Roll the pastry out until 0.25cm/⅛in thickness and cut 24 circles from it, using a 5cm/2in pastry cutter.

3. Place the circles onto a baking tray and prick all over with a fork.

4. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through and golden-brown. Remove the pastry from the oven and set aside to cool.

5. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the onions over a low heat for 15 minutes, stirring regularly.

6. Increase the heat, add the garlic and thyme and cook for a further five minutes.

7. Add the vinegar and brown sugar and cook, stirring well, until the onions have caramelised. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

8. To assemble the tartlets, spoon some of the red onion mixture into each pastry circle and top with a piece of brie.

Stilton-stuffed mushrooms with cranberry relish

The oozing centres of these bite-sized stuffed mushrooms make it impossible to stop at just one.

Ingredients:

For the mushrooms

• 300ml/½ pint vegetable oil, for deep frying
• 40 mushrooms (approx 4-5 per person)
• 200g/7oz Stilton, crumbled
• 100g/3½ oz plain flour
• 3 free-rangeeggs, beaten
• 100g/3½oz fresh breadcrumbs

For the salad

• 80g/3½oz fresh basil
• 50g/2oz chopped freshchives
• 80g/3½oz  fresh parsley
• 200g/7oz spinach
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• salt and freshly groundblack pepper

For the cranberry relish

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 6 tbsp brown sugar
• 100g/3½oz cranberries

Method:

1. For the mushrooms, place the vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat until a small cube of bread sizzles and turns golden when dropped into it. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.)

1. Remove the stalks from the mushrooms and discard. Place a spoonful of crumbled Stilton onto each mushroom on the stalk side.

2. Place the flour, beaten egg and breadcrumbs into three separate bowls and dip each mushroom into each bowl in turn, shaking off any excess.

3. Carefully place the mushrooms into the hot oil and deep fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden-brown. Remove from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

4. For the salad, place the basil, chives, parsley and spinach into a large bowl. Drizzle with the balsamic vinegar and oil, season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper and mix well to coat the leaves.

5. For the cranberry relish, heat the oil in a saucepan, place the onion, vinegar, sugar and cranberries into the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes.

6. To serve, place the salad onto a plate with the mushrooms on top and the relish spooned over.

Salmon En Croûte

Light, flaky pastry, succulent salmon and a rich ricotta and spinach filling make this dish a real winner and a great alternative to turkey.

Ingredients:

• 280g plain flour, sifted
• 140g unsalted butter
• 1 medium egg
• 200g pack young-leaf spinach
• 250g ricotta
• 50g toasted pine nuts
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 500g skinless, boneless salmon fillet, about 25cm long, cut from the middle of the fish
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• Freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, gas 5. Put the flour and butter in a food processor and whiz until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

2. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add most of it to the food processor. Pulse until a soft dough forms - if it’s too dry add more of the egg mixture. Remove the dough from the processor, wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes. Keep any remaining egg mixture to glaze the pastry later.

3. Place the spinach in a pan with 1 tablespoon of water, cover with a lid and cook over a medium heat for 2 minutes until it’s wilted. Drain in a colander then press out as much water as possible using a wooden spoon. Chop the spinach finely and place in a bowl with the ricotta, pine nuts, lemon zest and a little grated nutmeg. Season well with black pepper and mix.

4. Cut the pastry dough in half, then roll out each piece on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle measuring about 35 x 22cm (or about 6cm longer and 6cm wider than your salmon) to the thickness of a one pound coin. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with baking parchment. Spread the ricotta mixture down the centre of the pastry, to the same size as the salmon, leaving a 3cm border all around.

5. Lay the salmon on top of the ricotta mixture, brush the border with some of the remaining egg and top with the remaining pastry sheet. Press the edges together with a fork to seal. Trim off the excess, leaving a 2cm edge around the salmon. Score a fish scale pattern with the edge of a spoon, brush all over with the remaining egg and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden.

Please note: The prep time includes the 30 minutes required to chill the pastry.

Baileys and Chocolate Cheesecake

The smooth, creamy liqueur gives this celebration cheesecake the wow factor. Top with grated chocolate and a dusting of cocoa.

Ingredients:

• 100g/3½oz butter
• 250g/8¾oz digestive biscuits, crushed
• 600g/1lb 5oz Philadelphia cream cheese
• 25ml/1fl oz Baileys
• 100ml/3½oz icing sugar
• 300ml/10½oz double cream, whipped
• 100g/3½oz grated chocolate

To garnish

• 200ml/7¼ oz double cream, whipped
• cocoa powder, to dust

Method:

1. Melt the butter in a pan and add the crushed digestive biscuits. Mix well until the biscuits have absorbed all the butter.

2. Remove from the heat and press into the bottom of a lined 18cm/7in springform tin. Place in the refrigerator and allow to set for one hour.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Lightly whip the cream cheese then beat in the Bailey’s and icing sugar. Fold in the whipped cream and grated chocolate. When smooth, spoon evenly onto the biscuits.

4. Refrigerate and allow to set for a further two hours. Once set, remove and decorate with whipped cream and cocoa powder dusted over the top. Serve.

Turkey & Tarragon Pot Pies

Turn leftover turkey into a hearty pie with this simple festive recipe

Ingredients:
400g cooked turkey or chicken, torn into chunks
100g chestnut mushrooms , quartered
100g frozen peas , defrosted
chicken stock , fresh, cube or concentrate made up to 300ml
1 onion, halved and sliced
2 sheets of fresh or frozen ready-rolled puff pastry , cut to fit 4 pie dishes
1 egg , beated for glazing
a small bunch tarragon, leaves chopped
142ml pot of double cream

Method:

Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Cook the onion and mushrooms in a little butter until soft, add the rest of the ingredients (except the pastry), bubble up and season. Divide between 4 small ovenproof pie dishes, cover with a circle of puff and glaze. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden.

If you’ve got any favourite Christmas recipes, why not share them in our forum?

Haunting Halloween Recipes!

The challenge: resist the temptations of those mega packs of snacks on special offer! Try our top 3 Halloween recipes instead which we’ve carefully selected from BBC Good Food . These will surely entertain the little ones, and the big kids too - because we know that at 50+ it is still very easy to feel like a big kid!

Freaky Fingers – makes 20
 
100g caster sugar
100g butter
1 egg yolk
200g plain flour
½ tsp vanilla extract
20 blanched almonds
red food colouring , paste is best (optional)

Place the sugar, butter, egg yolk, flour and vanilla extract in a food processor and whizz together until a ball of dough forms.
Tear off a golfball-size piece of dough and use your hands to roll into finger-size cylinders - you should get about 20.
Place on a baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper - a little apart as they will spread during baking.
Use a knife to make a few cuts, close together, for the knuckles. Place an almond at the end of each finger and trim away excess pastry around the edge to neaten.
Place in the fridge for 30 mins.
Preheat the oven to 180°c/160°f/Gas 4
Bake for 10-12 mins just until firm.
Leave to cool a little, then paint the almond with food colouring, if you like.

Brainballs – makes 10
 
85g popping corn
1 tbsp vegetable oil , plus extra for shaping
25g butter
85g marshmallows

Place the popping corn and vegetable oil in a large pan set over a medium heat.
Stir the kernels around the pan to coat in the oil. When the kernels starts to pop, place a lid firmly on top and turn the heat down to low.
Cook, shaking the pan often to stop the popcorn burning or sticking, until the corn has stopped popping, about 5 mins. Tip into a bowl, discarding any unopened kernels.
Heat butter and marshmallows over a low heat until melted. Pour over popcorn and mix well until coated.
Lightly rub oil over your hands and shape the popcorn into small balls.
Set aside on a tray lined with baking parchment and leave to set.

Bloodthirsty Squash – serves 10
1litre lemonade
1litre cranberry juice
Juice of 3-4 limes

Fill up a kitchen glove with water, secure the end with a freezer clip or rubber band and place in the freezer overnight.
When ready to serve, stir together 1 litre each of lemonade and cranberry juice with the juice 3-4 limes. Pour into a punch bowl.
Remove the hand from the freezer and use scissors to carefully take off the glove. Place in the punch bowl and serve.

Find more recipes at BBC Good Food

 
Enjoy and don’t forget to let us know how you get on!

Keeping Your Pearly Whites Healthy

The latest dental health information shows growing evidence connecting the condition of teeth and gums to general health. This means that a healthy diet and lifestyle goes hand in hand with healthy teeth.

Teeth and gums are vulnerable to wear so during your 50s and 60, this is often the time that problems start to be experienced.

As we start to age, our gums can recede and our teeth can become more of a grey or yellow colour, teeth are also more prone to breakage as they become thinner.

This is why cosmetic dentistry is becoming ever more popular with its techniques for teeth whitening, veneers, straightening and protective coatings.

As we advance in years, we also start to lose moisture throughout the body and in the mouth, this means less saliva production in the mouth to wash away bacteria which can make the over 50s more vulnerable to decay and infections.

Here are OscarUK’s top 10 tips for healthy teeth and gums:

· Brushing teeth and gums twice a day using a soft bristle brush and gentle strokes.
· Try using a rotation oscillation electric toothbrush as research has shown that these reduce plaque and gum inflammation better than manual types.
· Flossing daily
· Use a fluoride rinse to protect against decay and decrease sensitivity caused by receding gums
· Yearly dental check ups
· Have your teeth cleaned every six months by a dental hygienist
· Keep your mouth moist – for example, with sugarless gums and mints. This can also stop people who tend to grind their teeth.
· Brush your tongue reaching as far back as you can to remove bacteria that causes gum disease and bad breath
· Drink lots of water
· Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium. Calcium not only strengthens teeth, it also strengthens the bones that support teeth.

Oscar’s 7 wonders of the UK

We may all be watching the pennies this summer – but our recent survey suggests that despite the freeze on more costly European holidays – we are more than happy to spend our time on short breaks in the UK. 

You even helped us to compile a list of your most loved attractions – so here is a run down of the top sites (our very own 7 wonders) and the best deals we can find to help keep the costs down if you choose to visit them. . 

Stonehenge

The true meaning of this ancient, awe-inspiring creation has been lost in the mists of time. Was it a temple for sun worship, a healing centre, a burial site or perhaps a huge calendar? Surrounded by mystery, Stonehenge never fails to impress.   There are many tours available of the henge including this one with globetrips which is just £24.95 at the moment. But if you fancy mixing it up with a quick culture fix – you could combine a visit to Bath or Oxford.   

Cheddar Gorge

If you’ve never visited this part of the world before then you may well be surprised at how spectacular the views are from the Gorge.  It’s an area packed with beauty, natural history, heritage, wildlife & challenges.  So if you fancy an outside adventure – there is something to please everyone.  You can book online for just £16.45 per person to get access to the caves, gorge top walks, look out tower and much more. 

The White Cliffs Of Dover

The White Cliffs of Dover are an official icon of Britain as well as an extraordinary beauty. They have been a symbol of hope and freedom for centuries as embodied in the Vera Lyn song from WWII. You can enjoy their special appeal through the seasons by taking one of the dramatic clifftop walks an on a clear day you can see French Coast. Learn more about the fascinating military and penal history of the cliffs and savour the rare flora and fauna only found on this chalk grassland.  Find some fantastic ideas for great days out in the area for free – or under a fiver – or stay from as little as £45 prpn. 

The Giants Causeway

Northern Ireland’s iconic World Heritage Site is home to a wealth of local history and legend. Explore the basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago and search for distinctive stone formations fancifully named the Camel, Harp and Organ.  Stride out amongst the beauty and charms of the local area, take the rope bridge challenge at Carrick-a-Rede or get a taste of one of Irelands oldest distilliery’s at Bushmills.  Getting there isn’t cheap – with flights starting at £25 or ferries from £69 per person, you may need to take a couple of days to make the most of your visit.

Loch Lomond

If you fancy the great outdoors for a little luxury – try these holiday lodges for less than £500 per week.  For those with a little more adventure – rekindle your camping spirit this year.  You can have a 2 day taster break for £65 per stay.  Remember Grandparents and Kids stay free… 

Snowdon

Let Snowdon Mountain Railway take you on a journey of a lifetime to the rooftop of Wales. Snowdon, at 3,560ft dominates the landscape of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. Claim this mountain peak, the highest in Wales, as a lifetime’s achievement. With stunning scenery and awe-inspiring views it’s all part of a great day out for you and your family in North Wales. Prices start from just £12 for an early bird adult single fare. Operated by steam or diesel trains.

York Minster

A visit to York Minster is your moment in the long history of northern Europe’s greatest gothic cathedral. You’ll see traces of every age from the Roman occupation of York onwards to the future of this working and worshipping church.  If you come away hungry for more – then you won’t be disappointed with the rest of York. From it’s ancient walls and the shambles to street entertainment or historical re-enactments at the Dungeons or the Jorvik Centre.  You will be amazed at just how much history you can fit into a day. 

Transport

If you go by car – don’t forget to make the most of any fuel savings.  Trains are cheaper if you book in advance – you can save upto 70%, where you can also get a cheap Railcard to make the most of your savings.  National express have 2 for 1 offers and travel from as little as £9.

Win a Summer bird feed hamper

Summer is upon us and it’s the perfect time to head out in to the garden and see the wildlife right on our doorstep. We’ve teamed up with celebrity bird-watcher and TV personality Bill Oddie to give one lucky member a Bill Oddie Bird Food Hamper! 

Home Grown

If you have a small or balcony garden – you can still enjoy the pleasure of fresh produce with some innovative planting techniques and natural sunlight inside.  Check out these great ideas at Urban Allotments.  

The Perfect Great British Picnic

Picnics are an age old tradition of the Great British Summer; and whether our summer has been and gone or still yet to arrive, we remain unanimous that the most classic of all our summer month pastimes has to be the Great British Picnic.

Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer set out to find the perfect picnic locations in the UK, with a survey of 3,000 Brits revealing peaceful haunts in the South of the country are the most popular, closely followed by local and National parks in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Half of those over 55 said the perfect picnic location is somewhere quiet and peaceful that nobody else knows about and a quarter of us prefer a National Park or the grounds of an old English castle. We love a good old vintage themed picnic with a wicker basket, tartan blanket, strawberries and outdoor fun and games, so dig out the picnic hamper, grab your free summer guide (here) and head out for a jolly good picnic.

The picnic shop are having a summer sale with upto 30% off traditional or modern hampers. So if you need a hamper – or think it’s a great idea to buy as a present for a loved one – then visit them today.

Made from a top secret recipe, Crabbie’s Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer uses only the finest real ginger, citrus fruits and spices. It’s steeped for 6 whole weeks to produce that deliciously spicy, crisp, refreshing ginger taste. Perfect for a traditional British picnic, come rain or shine!

For those who have a penchants for brewing - you may have noticed that Hugh Fernley Whittingstall’s mates made up their own batch of this rather tasty drink recently – you can find the recipe here.   

If you don’t fancy the hassle – nip down to your local store and pick some up with the rest of your hamper goodies.. Better still the Shorters Club are selling Crabbies at wholesale prices. You can pick up a pack of 8 for £11.95.