Win a Digital Radio and Cerumol Olive Oil Ear Drops 

Just look at the pictures below and tell us who is
the Odd One Out!

Celebrity Odd One

Out Competition

Take a Look at These Famous People

Then tell us who is
the Odd One Out?

  a) Paul McCartney 
  b) Tina Turner
  c) Edwina Currie
  d) Tom Jones
 

The Prize for the Winner of our Celebrity Odd
One Out Competition

Win a Digital Radio
 and Cerumol Olive
Oil Ear Drops

Sixtyplusurfers has teamed up with Thornton & Ross to offer two lucky readers the chance to win a DAB Radio and Cerumol Olive Oil Ear Drops.

The radio revolution is here and new digital technology means improved listening, better sound quality and greater convenience. Exactly the same things could be said about new Cerumol Olive Oil Ear Drops – the natural way to gently soften and remove stubborn ear wax.

Made with medicinal grade olive oil, Cerumol Olive Oil Ear Drops provide a safe and convenient way to deal with stubborn ear wax.  The treatment pack comes complete with a dropper and usage instructions to remove both the hassle and uncertainty of trying to use food-grade olive oil from a large bottle which you may find in the kitchen cupboard.

Cerumol Olive Oil Ear Drops are available from all pharmacies and some supermarkets in the UK, priced at £3.42. 

For more information and stockist details for Cerumol Olive Oil Ear Drops contact Thornton  &  Ross on Tel: 01484 842217 or visit www.cerumol.co.uk

How to Enter the Competition

When you have decided which famous person is the odd one out in our Celebrity Odd One Out Competition just send in your answer, together with your full name, postal address and telephone number to the Sixtyplusurfers inbox at: sixtyplusurfers@hotmail.co.uk

Note: You do not have to be aged over 60 to enter our competitions!

You can also go in for more than one competition on this page (but do make sure they are clearly labelled).

*This competition is open to both our
UK and overseas readers
 

Readers' Letters

Sixtyplusurfers Star Letter 

Dear Sixtyplusurfers

Way out West in America’s
National Parks

It’s thought by many there is a bit of nostalgia somewhere in all of us and when a group of ‘cowboy country’ lovers got together recently, it was with the determination to visit the USA and see something of those great tracts of land seen so often in 101 great western movies of the past.  America has some 388 National Parks, many of them full of incredible natural scenery and world famous monuments.  It was a call to the wild one could not resist.

In two weeks we could barely scratch the surface of so many areas of outstanding natural beauty, but by journey’s end the party had explored some ten National Parks and covered over 2000 miles.  Quite a holiday and the certainly the experience of a lifetime.

Mount Rushmore

Beginning near Rapid City, the State of South Dakota sees the famous Black Hills rise out of the flatness of the prairies.  Relatively unpopulated, it is the home of Badlands National Park and the iconic Mount Rushmore.  Badlands was the location of ‘Dances with Wolves’ and is a beautiful mix of deep gorges and grassy topped buttes.  Mount Rushmore with its huge stone carved images of four USA Presidents is every bit impressive as the countless photo images seen before. 

From there it was on through the sleepy town of Deadwood, home of Wild Bill Hickok and into the cowboy state of Wyoming, where sheep still outnumber people four to one.  Beyond the plains, is America’s first and perhaps most well known National Park, Yellowstone.  This is a wonderland of spouting geysers, like ‘Old Faithful’ and numerous bubbling mud pots, a testimony to the volcanic and geothermal nature of the Park.  Add the herds of elk and wild buffalo which roam free and Yellowstone is not a place to miss. 

Old Faithful at Yellowstone

Beyond Yellowstone, the party swung south through the State of Idaho, on to Grand Teton National Park with its soaring peaks and glaciers and arrived at Salt Lake City in Utah.  This well established settlement is famous for Temple Square, the centre for contemporary Mormon worship and administration.  Beyond the city, is the Great Salt Lake itself one of America’s largest natural water attractions.

Arches National Park

The scenery alters dramatically as one drives through Utah’s multi-coloured Canyonlands and on to Arches National Park.  Another incredible experience awaits the  traveller as you move freely among giant windows and stunning arches carved out of red sandstone.  Next it was on to Colorado and Mesa Verde National Park, the site of some incredible and still intact cliff top dwellings where native Indians lived and farmed until the 14^th century. 

Continuing south, the party were able to gain permission to drive into the legendary Monument Valley, the backdrop of so many famous western films.  One can easily visualise John Wayne riding the trails between the famous red sandstone buttes that tower over the valley floor.  Now home to the Navajo Indians and their sheep, the Valley is a truly awesome place and worth the long journey over to the States alone.

Indian Plains of Wyoming

A relatively short journey to the west and the intrepid traveller soon reaches the southern rim of perhaps the world’s greatest natural wonder, the Grand Canyon.  The Colorado River took over 7 million years to carve out this awesome spectacle, which is over a mile across and almost the same distance in depth.  To see the Canyon at sunrise or sunset is an uplifting experience due to its ever changing colours and the green river snaking far below.  Some of the party flew over the Canyon in helicopters and judged it rightly as the experience of a lifetime. 

The Grand Canyon

Reluctant to leave Arizona, the party nevertheless had to return to Utah, but were well rewarded with the breathtaking sights and colours of Bryce Canyon National Park.  Here, the hand of nature has carved out an immense amphitheatre of pink coloured pinnacles and spires which turn deep red as the sun begins to set. There is a stirring of the soul with every fresh corner turned. 

Bryce Canyon

Our final National Park before flying home from the relative brashness of Las Vegas, was Zion, with its sheer cliffs and bizarre rock formations.  It is unique in that you can drive along the valley floor adjacent to the Virgin River and marvel at the awesome sculptures towering above you.

This memorable trip reached altitudes of over 12000 feet and demands a certain level of fitness, but as one eighty year old accompanying us indicated, it doesn’t get much better than this.
 

Heather and George Brown

Dear Heather and George

Thank you for telling us about your fabulous holiday and sharing your excellent photographs.

We are delighted to let you know that you are the winner of this month's Star Letter competition. Your prize is a Luxury Food Hamper from Unearthed.

Murray Jacobs, Editor
 

Doesn’t have to cost the earth

Our anniversary wasn’t long ago and with it being the credit crunch we decided not to buy each other a present.

So to my surprise my lovely husband came down with something wrapped and of course I felt guilt has I hadn’t got him anything.

I opened it and he had made a collage of photographs of me and him through our years spent together. It now stands neatly on our dresser.

But inside was a card in which he had written.

To my lovely wife.

May many more pictures of me and you appear and may they all be healthy and joyful ones.

Your loving husband xx

Such a simple uncostly thing made my day

Harline Parkin, Sheffield
 

Dear Harline
 

What a wonderful story. The best things in life are always free. We hope you had a very special anniversary.

Kitty Jacobs, Letters & Admin
 

Is there anyone like me?

Is there anyone like me? One day I am absolutely full of life, the next it almost feels as if I am lifeless. All I really want to do is sleep.

Maybe it’s my age, I do not know. It feels as if my get up and go, is all gone. Then as if it all never happened, I am back to doing whatever I can around the flat, looking for jobs to do.

I am retired and disabled at 66 years old. If I did not push myself to do things to raise money and have my computer to occupy my mind, I do not know where I would be.

But I was just wondering is all this just me? Or are there other retired people in the same boat.

I go walking, swimming. I am not unhappy, exactly the opposite. When the get up and go comes back to me, it literally feels like an injection in the arm and I feel 30 years or so younger.

I do love life. Is all this normal? If it is it's not so bad really. It's making the best out of life, such as it is I suppose.

John Fairfax

Dear John

As you get older, you will expect to feel more tired. And don't feel guilty if you need more sleep and perhaps a nap after lunch.

However, if you are more tired than usual or concerned, I would suggest you see your doctor for more advice.

Swimming, walking, charity work, and relaxing at the computer are all good forms of exercise and mental stimulation.

Do other readers suffer from tiredness and listlessness some days and then another day feel full of life and vigour? We'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

Jenny Itzcovitz, Features Editor

Every day we hear that someone has seen a UFO(unidentified flying object). Over the years there must have been hundreds, if not thousands, of reported extraterrestrial sightings as well as the unreported ones.

Most people believe there must be other life forms in outer space but could all these sightings be objects from the same planet? If so, why have they visited us 100's of times? What do they want from us? And why haven't they made themselves known to us in all that time?

But could these sightings be UFO's from 100's of different planets. If that is the case we should be afraid. Very afraid. To think that there could be 100's of planets out there with life forms capable of space travel and visiting earth is a frightening thought. And if these reported sightings are true, why haven't any aliens accidentally crashed or made contact or landed in my back garden or landed on a motorway or in Tesco's car park! And why are most seen at night. (Crafty these aliens. They only come out at night. When it's dark!).
 

The upside to this is that space is a big place so that if there are aliens out there, why do they have to be the same size as we are, as lots of reports tell us? There is no reason why they can't be smaller than us. Much smaller. (Look how intelligent ants are).

But then again they could be much bigger. And why do they have to be hostile just because mankind is hostile. If we are to believe that aliens make crop circles, maybe that's all that they do in their lives, creating beautiful designs. (Beside visiting earth).

Myself, I don't believe in aliens. But anybody can imagine a shape in the sky is a UFO, if they want to believe it's a UFO. (Star Wars, Star Trek and Stargate fans take note).

Let's worry about our big problems on earth instead of looking for bigger problems off earth.

Stuart Cooper, Staffordshire
 

Dear Stuart
 

You have certainly raised some interesting points. What do other readers believe about UFO's? Has anyone seen any aliens? Or do you think just it's a lot of nonsense?

Murray Jacobs, Editor
 

  The Bonfire

The evenings were slowly getting dark
Stars appeared, twinkling and bright
The pile of wood grew higher and higher
Soon it would be bonfire night
 
The day dawned bright and clear
The last of the wood collected
Fireworks were under lock and key
Safety had not been neglected
 
Evening approached, excitement rose
Quite a large crowd had gathered
Now, at last, a spark appeared
'It's lit, it's lit,' a shout was heard
 
Fireworks now lit up the sky
Colourful raindrops falling down
Crackerjacks went bang and sparklers fizzed
And catherine wheels went round and round.

Barry L J Winters
 

Dear Barry
 

Thank you for sending in your poem about Guy Fawkes Day. It's lovely to watch the fireworks and see the wonderful colours light up the sky.

Jenny Itzcovitz, Features Editor
 

I'm 62 and have recently retired - giving me more time to enjoy my favourite hobby - visiting Theme Parks and riding Rollercoasters. I belong to the European Coaster Club and have travelled all over Europe with them and independently meeting lots of interesting people and having great fun.

I have overcome my fear of heights and have slowly worked my way up so that I now take even the most extreme coasters in my stride (well almost).
 

I have visited the USA - a lifelong ambition - and ridden the tallest and fastest coasters in the world. Is it a hobby just for young people - NO - but like me you might get into it when you have to start taking your children to Theme Parks (I was over 50 when I rode my first rollercoaster). My children have now grown up and don't need Dad.

The history of the parks and rides are fascinating and often reflect the changes in social and economic history of the area. So, in the winter months, when parks are closed, there is plenty of reading and watching of DVDs to do. Plus, of course, chatting by email etc with the many friends across the world that I have made.

Well I must break off now to plan my trips for next year.

Bob Clark

Dear Bob
 

You certainly have a very exciting hobby! It sounds lots of fun too. And great that you have met so many interesting people.

We'd love to see some photos - if you have any of some of the rides. Especially the high ones! It would be lovely if you could post a few on our Chat & Socialise page.

Jenny Itzcovitz, Features Editor
 

I know I should be excited and believe me I am, but  part of me is having a problem letting go!!

In a few days we will take delivery of a new three piece suite. It is our retirement present to ourselves. The other one has serves us well for the last 15 years.

Today as I sit stroking the cushions on the settee I remember sitting there with my husband as we hugged each other trying to absorb the news that at last we were going to be grandparents. We had waited seven long years after our only daughter had married and just as we began to accept that careers would triumph over family we were blessed. I can see our daughter sitting there months later fondly stroking her large bump.

I can still feel the sadness when I sat on that same settee after learning that I was going to lose my Mum to cancer. The tears fell on the cushions the day I returned from the funeral. These were replaced by tears of joy four months later as our daughter laid our new granddaughter lovingly on the settee with the large cushions protectively laid around her.

The faithful settee has nursed our only Granddaughter  during visits as she slept through the last eleven years from preschool and now to Grammar school.

Visitors have enjoyed the settee  during family gatherings from our fiftieth birthday celebrations through to our retirement. We even put tinsel along the back at Christmas because our settee was part of the family

My husband and I sat there comforting each other when he had a serious illness three years back and hugging each tightly after being told his test results were alright.

The faithful settee has nursed us when we have been ill. It has tolerated  being moved around as we have changed the decor.

We have sat there and made plans, discussing the day and declaring our feelings like open books. Brochures were strewn all over it when we were choosing holidays and last of all our retirement cruise.

That settee has shared all our secrets. We are transparent in its company. It has shared all our emotions and watched us grow older, wiser and still very much in love.

I now feel guilty for sitting there and choosing the replacement.

I spoke quietly as I telephoned the charity shop and arranged collection. I practically begged the lady to make sure our  cherished friend goes to good home.

I stroke the cushions as I drink my coffee. 'Thank you for being here for us I will miss you'

Enid Jessop

Dear Enid
 

Thank you for telling us about your sofa and the many memories it brings. A few sad, but mainly happy. We wish you all the best with your new sofa and hope it brings you many more happy memories.

Kitty Jacobs, Letters & Admin
 

Sixtyplusurfers
Press Information

We are always happy to consider editorial and advertisements for Sixtyplusurfers.

Editorial should be sent at least one month in advance to ensure your article appears in the latest issue of Sixtyplusurfers.

All pictures should be sent in jpeg format and articles should be in a 'word' document if possible.

Advertorial rates are £399 + VAT. This includes an 800 word article, click-through logo and three colour pictures. We can also include offers and giveaways.

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For more details about Advertising, Editorial and Promotions please contact the Sixtyplusurfers Team

Murray Jacobs
Editor
murrayhj@live.co.uk
Tel: 0208 440 3340

Jenny Itzcovitz
Features Editor
jennyitz@hotmail.com  
Tel: 0208 866 3686

Melissa Braiden
Admin Assistant

Sixtyplusnewsletter@hotmail.co.uk
 

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Don't forget to send in your letters and photographs to the Sixtyplusurfers Competitions and Letters page at:
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