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As II write write this, this, we’re we’re flying flying towards towards the the end end of of Au Au As gust and and sadly sadly leaving leaving Summer Summer behind behind us. us. Many Many gust of you you will will have have been been and and returned returned from from your your holi holi of days and and kids kids and and parents parents are are psyching psyching them them days selves up up for for the the return return to to school. school. (note (note to to self: self: selves need to to buy buy daughter’s daughter’s school school uniform uniform in in next next few few need days). days). Whilst I’m I’m yet yet to to take take aa holiday holiday this this year, year, II have have Whilst recently discovered discovered the the joys joys of of camping. camping. Now Now recently don’t get get me me wrong, wrong, I’m I’m not not sure sure II could could do do aa don’t whole week week (although (although II may may surprise surprise myself), myself), but but aa whole couple of of nights nights most most definitely. definitely. Having Having recently recently couple set off off to to Gloucester Gloucester with with complete complete trepidation, trepidation, aa set new tent, tent, that that no no one one had had aa clue clue how how to to erect, erect, and and new car full full of of blankets, blankets, II had had the the calming calming back back up up aa car plan of of booking booking into into aa hotel hotel around around the the corner corner plan should itit all all go go wrong. wrong. Arriving Arriving with with about about an an hour hour should of daylight daylight left, left, we we not not only only managed managed to to erect erect two two of tents, grab grab aa takeaway takeaway and and spend spend the the evening evening tents, having aa drink drink under under the the stars, stars, but but we we were were even even having up and and cooking cooking aa full full English English breakfast breakfast on on our our up newly purchased purchased stoves stoves the the following following morning. morning. ItIt newly was fun, fun, in in fact fact II haven’t haven’t laughed laughed so so much much in in ages ages was and we’re we’re all all now now eagerly eagerly planning planning our our next next es es and cape. If, If, like like me, me, you you haven’t haven’t been been camping camping since since cape. you were were aa kid, kid, I’d I’d recommend recommend giving giving itit aa try. try. Just Just you make sure sure there’s there’s at at least least aa BB && BB around around the the make corner (just (just in in case) case) and and aa pub pub within within walking walking dis dis corner tance! tance! Well, I’m I’m off off to to buy buy school school shirts shirts and and maybe maybe aa few few Well, more camping camping accessories. accessories. more
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Technolgoy: Pick Pick aa side side Apple Apple or or Android Android Technolgoy: 66 DesignerPlanning Life 12 Interiors: for building work 12 Beauty: The The science science behind behind skincare skincare 14 Beauty: 14 Computer Helpdesk Helpdesk 16 Computer 16 Karen Munro Munro Careers Careers 18 Karen 18 Opinion: Car Car Insurance Insurance 20 Opinion: 20 Property Matters Matters 21 Property 21 Should my my child child have have aa mobile mobile phone? phone? 24 Should 24 Children’s Puzzle Puzzle Page Page 26 Children’s 26 Infant Matters Matters 28 Infant 28 What’s on on at at the the Compass Compass Theatre Theatre 30 What’s 30 Puzzle Solutions Solutions 32 Puzzle 32 Coffee Break Break Puzzles Puzzles 34 Coffee 34 Cake && Bake: Bake: Coffee Coffee Cream Cream Eclairs Eclairs 36 Cake 36 How to to make make money money from from Crafting Crafting 40 How 40 Travel: Cape Cape Verde Verde 42 Travel: 42 Our Financial Financial Times Times 46 Our 46 Citizens Advice Advice Bureau Bureau 48 Citizens 48 Useful Telephone Telephone Numbers Numbers 48 Useful 48 Your Guide Guide to to Heart Heart Health Health 50 Your 50 Reader Holidays Holidays 52 Reader 52 Local Events Events 54 Local 54 Road Test: Test: Volkswagen Volkswagen Polo Polo 1.2 1.2 TSI TSI 56 Road 56 RSPCA Rehoming Rehoming Appeal Appeal 58 RSPCA 58 Wildlife Zone Zone 60 Wildlife 60 What happened happened in in September September 2001 2001 62 What 62 Garden Feature Feature 64 Garden 64 The myths myths that that just just wont wont die die 66 The 66 Clubs, Groups Groups && Classes Classes 68, 70 70 && 72 72 Clubs, 68, Wordsearch 74 Wordsearch 74 Beer of of the the Month Month 74 Beer 74
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Pick A Side: Apple or Android? Is Apple where it’s at, or are Android gadgets better buys?
Apple is due to launch the latest, greatest iPhone this September along with iOS 8, the latest version of its smartphone and tablet software. The phone will have a bigger screen and a better camera, but one thing won’t change: like all Apple gadgets, it won’t be cheap. Apple isn’t the only game in town, though. Google’s Android system has been updated too, and Android phones and tablets from the likes of Samsung, HTC, LG and Sony are often just as pretty and just as powerful as anything Apple makes - and in many cases they’re a good bit cheaper too. Android isn’t quite as simple or as elegant as Apple’s iOS, but there’s not much in it - and where Apple only makes a handful of devices, with Android there are dozens of phones and tablets to choose from. Unless you’re a big Apple fan then, is Android the smarter choice? Unfortunately it’s a bit more complicated than that. Apple and Google don’t just want to be your friend when you buy a phone or a tablet. They want to be part of your entire life. They want to be the 6
companies you from whom you buy your music, movies, TV programmes and books, the companies who provide your in-car entertainment and navigation systems, the companies who handle all your messages, voice and video calls, the companies who connect all of the appliances in your home and who track your health and fitness. By the end of this year both firms will have smart watches or wristbands that monitor your vital signs, set-top boxes that stream music and video to your TV, software that connects to cars from the likes of Volvo, Nissan, Audi and Mercedes, music and movie streaming services and home automation systems - and that’s just the stuff we know about. This means you need to consider the bigger picture. It’s not just about the particular phone or tablet you want to buy, but what techy types call the ecosystem: the various things that the phone or tablet connects to and gets content from. For example, if you fancy Apple’s clever Apple TV system, you won’t get the best from it unless you also have an Apple phone or tablet; if you
want to use an Android smart watch, it’ll work best with an Android phone; if you’re a fan of iTunes Match you can’t use it on Android, and so on. Consider what your friends, family and colleagues use. Apple’s iMessage offers free SMS and MMS messages (and soon, voice messages too), but only to other iMessage users - and iMessage isn’t available on Android. FaceTime offers free video calling, but it can’t call Android users (although Google’s alternative, Hangouts, does work on Apple devices. As a rule of thumb Google services work on Apple kit but not vice-versa. Increasingly, then, choosing a phone or tablet is more like picking a football team to support or voting for a political party: the available choices all do essentially the same thing, but they do it in very different ways - and your choice might colour your life for many years to come. Images left to right: Apple family sharing only works on Apple devices, Both Apple (pictured) and Google have TV set-top boxes, Car firms are embracing smartphone tech: this is Apple CarPlay, Fancy a smart watch? Android ones work best with Android phones.
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Ickenham Kids Mobiles (Sep14) FINAL_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 22/08/2014 18:15 Page 1
PARENTING
Should my child have a smartphone?
When my daughter entered secondary school and started to become more independent, I decided to buy her a mobile phone to keep in touch and check that all was well. But I soon discovered that we had different agendas! She treated her mobile phone like an additional body part. It accompanied her everywhere – to the dinner table, to the bathroom, to bed. She checked it constantly, and the 300 texts per month that I thought adequate, soon got swallowed up in her incessant cyber chatter. Much has changed since then. Texting was once the major attraction, but now mobile phones can have any number of uses, from accessing social media sites such as Facebook4, Instagram1 and Twitter, to using apps like WhatsApp3 and Snapchat2 and for gaming, videos and music.
1
2
3
Mobile phones are a great way to stay in touch and they are indispensable in emergencies, but they can also be a huge 4 hindrance. Young people are much less active, preferring online games or social media sites to sports and other activities. Conversation has been replaced by instant messaging or texting, and schoolwork for some students is suffering due to long hours spent on phones instead of on their studies or even sleep! To ensure that mobile phones remain our children’s servant and not their master, a few ground rules need to be set in place. 12
First, decide if your child is ready for their own phone. If they are generally responsible and trustworthy and able to look after their own belongings, maybe they are. The average child receives their first phone at the age of 12. This seems like a sensible time to me. Seriously consider buying a basic model for their first phone. At this stage it’s all about safety, not social status or games, and the phone should be regarded as a tool, not a toy. Only consider a smart phone when your child is quite a bit older. Set limits for the number of texts or minutes. A monthly capped contract can help with this, or alter-natively a pay as you go scheme, which will only allow a certain spend before it needs topping up again. Consider taking out insurance should the phone get lost or broken, and ask your child to contribute to the cost as they get older and are able to earn. Designate certain times when the phone should be turned off or left behind - such as at the dinner table, after a certain time in the evening, or in the bedroom - and limit the number of hours they spend on the phone to leave time for other interests. Finally, make sure you follow your own rules. You can’t expect your child to abide by them if you don’t, as you are their greatest role model!
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Beauty Explained: The Science Behind Skin Care
So that’s why we’ve compiled our guide to the most common ingredients you’ll come across today. Once you’ve read our skincare glossary you’ll not only understand the terminology, but you’ll be able to find the best cream for your skin’s needs as well.
How many times have you been completely baffled by some scientific sounding jargon when you’ve gone to buy a new antiageing cream? Unless you were top of the class in chemistry, you probably don’t know your AHAs from your Ceramides. 14
Antioxidants serve to protect skin from those damaging free radicals to which our skin is exposed on a day-to-day basis. Free radicals - or oxidants - are unstable molecules which are caused by environmental factors like smoke, pollution and UV rays. Free radicals are responsible for causing those annoying visible signs of ageing like lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E, Vitamin C and green tea are some of the most common antioxidants. Vitamin E has great moisturising properties
By Helen Taylor
and makes skin soft and smooth, whereas Vitamin C helps to diminish the look of brown age spots and hyper pigmentation, green tea is a strong antioxidant and a staple ingredient in most anti-ageing products. Hyaluronic acid, when applied topically, gives the skin a fresh, smooth look and helps it to maintain moisture - which is vital for youthful looking skin. It’s a naturally occurring carbohydrate in the body, but levels diminish with age, especially after you reach 40. Ceramides help in the fight for youthful looking skin thanks to their ability to prevent water loss and promote skin-cell renewal. They’re commonly used in moisturisers as they effectively re-hydrate dry skin. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are naturally occurring acids, commonly found in citrus fruits (citric acid), dairy products (lactic acid) and sugar (glycolic acid). They work to aid the skin’s natural exfoliation process by loosening dead surface cells. When applied in the form of cream to your face, AHAs reduce fine lines and unclog pores.
Glycolics work similarly to AHAs - they speed up the process the skin goes through to shed dead outer cells, which in turn reveals new, smoother skin cells
Collagen is found naturally in the skin, the protein maintains the skin’s elasticity and keeps it looking plump. Over the years though, the body’s production of collagen drops dramatically. Used in many anti-ageing creams, collegan is found to be a very effective water-binding ingredient.
Retinoids are derived from Vitamin A. They have been found to help to renew the skin and stimulate collagen production, minimise the appearance of wrinkles and
bolster the skin’s thickness and elasticity; which makes them a popular ingredient in anti-ageing creams. Growth factors are used to help to build collagen and diminish lines and wrinkles, whilst softening the skin. Their natural function in the body is to control cell growth in different areas. Soy isoflavones are a type of plant hormone thought to be useful in treating dark spots by blocking the pathway of melanin. They can aid in preventing collagen loss in postmenopausal women as they have an effect on skin that is similar to oestrogen.
Copper makes an appearance in some anti-ageing products as it is thought to promote the production of collagen and elastin - two of the most important factors in younger looking skin. Hydroquinone is useful in suppressing pigment producing enzymes in the skin, thus fighting age spots. It’s therefore, often recommended by experts to lighten those dark spots on the skin.
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Those who remember the 1980s, and the vogue for wearing towelling wristbands if you were even vaguely considering any form of exercise, will have been wondering how long it would take for this trend to come round again. Well, I’m happy to say that it has – and today’s must have fashion accessory for sporty types does a whole lot more than stop the palms of your hands from getting sweaty. There are a plethora of products on the market; let’s take a look at a few of them. Probably the most popular is the Nike Fuelband – it’s already on its second generation. This chunky device is intended to be worn most of the time; it isn’t fully waterproof so you can’t go swimming in it and it needs to be recharged periodically. It contains an accelerometer to measure arm movements and a small LED display that provides a limited amount of information. The Fuelband can connect to a computer or mobile device via Bluetooth and a USB port. Initially, you set up your profile on a computer including your height, weight and so on. Then you set up the sports and activities that you intend to perform and set yourself a series of goals, for instance running 3km each day. When you achieve a goal, the wristband sends you a message of encouragement. Real lovers of data can sync their wristband with the Nike Fuel website and view graphs of their performance, then brag about it to their friends via the built in social media site. The Fuelband costs around £129. Next up is the Fitbit Flex. This has an advantage over the Fuelband in that it is a tiny module that fits in a replaceable rubber wristband, which means that you don’t have to wear the band all the time. The Fitbit is more geared towards lifestyle and wellbeing rather than sporting prowess; it will tell you how many steps you have taken and calories you burned but not how quickly you finished your run. One thing it does do better than the Fuelband is to measure and learn your sleep patterns. This means that you can set the alarm to wake you as you move into a light sleep, therefore reducing. tiredness. On the face of it, the Fitbit represents pretty good value too, a snip at just £80. Our final contender is the Jawbone Up. This seems 16
like the most complete product out of the group and is geared towards helping athletes manage their potential and help those who want to lose weight. You can enter in a variety of sports and the band will give you real time feedback on performance and calories burnt; you can even enter the number of calories consumed during the day – ideal for those seeking to lose weight. It also monitors sleep patterns in the same way that the Fitbit does. The sculpted nylon band, available in a range of colours, really looks the part too. At £124, the Jawbone comes in cheaper than the Fuelband and seems to be a superior product. While I have to admire the way that these products make use of state of the art technology at an affordable price, I’d have to question how they fit in with the modern lifestyle of most people. Serious athletes and sportsmen (and women) will already have a training program worked out in conjunction with a nutritionist and their coach. They don’t need any of these products. For those who just want to get a bit more exercise, they represent complete overkill – they don’t need all that data and they’d probably rather not have a hefty bracelet attached to their wrist for 24 hours a day. As for people who want to lose weight, all these devices have a fatal weakness; they tell you how many calories you’ve burnt but not how many you’ve consumed, something most overweight people have a real problem in calculating. Never mind, wearing a sport band says all the right things about you – you’re sporty, body conscious and dedicated. Money well spent!
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Karen Munro Careers (Sep14)_Layout 1 22/08/2014 09:24 Page 1
Karen Munro - Career Coach www.munrocareers.co.uk #@munrocareers www.facebook.com/munrocareers Karen is a professional Career Coach providing individual support in all aspects of employment including effective CV writing, interview skills training, networking and successful job searching.
A member of the Career Development Institute and registered with the Careers Professional Alliance, a qualified Careers Practitioner and Trainer, she works with both private and business clients around Hillingdon, South Bucks and Middlesex. Karen is currently facilitating workshops and offering individual coaching to Military Personnel leaving the Armed Forces at RAF Northolt, helping them through their transition to civilian employment. Karen writes for a number of careers focused and military resettlement magazines and regularly contributes to ‘In and Around’ sharing her practical experience with her local community. At the time of writing this article it was the night after the 'lights out' commemorations for the First World War. It was also during a month when the headlines were full of war, death and humanitarian conflict around the globe. A difficult time for all of us and a time for me personally to reflect on the things I know I take for granted. In particular, my freedom of speech and the knowledge I have the ability to make my own choices. Whilst I am not about to get on my political soap box or start debating the rights and wrongs of this world - I only have limited space - it did make me think about ‘conflict in the work place’. Last month I wrote about ‘being fearless’ and I received some really great comments and feedback from readers about this. However, there are times in our working lives when we all have to face real conflict and it can cause us real distress and we don't feel ‘fearless’ at all. When we look at some of the conflict in the news, it is clear that situations such as war - violence, aggression, revenge and retaliation only harbour and continue to allow more of the same. There has to be a point at which both sides stop and come together and mediate. Dialogue is the only way forward and compromises have to be discussed and debated until an agreement can be made. In the cases of international crisis, sometimes these can take years to achieve and moments to breakdown and be lost. From the comfort of our own homes, it can be easy for us to say what should and shouldn't be done. However, when you are locked in conflict in your own working environment, be it with another colleague, a competitor or even your own boss, how do you go about resolving it? 18
Suddenly it's personal and real. Not only can it affect your demeanor at work but more often than not, it will follow you home and infiltrate everything from your social life to your family life. It can start to affect your confidence and attitude outside of work and can even start to have a detrimental effect on your own health and wellbeing. Stop! Don't continue to wage war at work and don't continue to be victimised either. If you are dealing with real conflict at work you need to resolve it and if necessary seek additional help and advice. Gathering an army of supporters may feel good at the time, but will only allow the situation to continue and escalate further. Stop! Start talking, start listening, start negotiating and compromising. Identify what that the conflict really is on both sides and start to discuss how and if it can be resolved. Stop! Putting all your energy into the conflict and start to work towards a resolution. If all else fails and you are unable to resolve your workplace conflict, then you can always seek help from Human Resource professionals, your Manager(s), Union Representatives or professional workplace Mediators such as ACAS. They are there to help you. There is enough conflict in the world today, look to keep the peace at work and enjoy your job and be happy in what you do. Because YOU have choices.
Karen
“unlocking your career potential”
19
Ickenham OPINION (Sep14)_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 22/08/2014 17:17 Page 1
OPINION
Car Insurance
and why I don’t comprehend it
There are very many things in this world that I don’t understand; quantum mechanics, molecular biology and why the Kardashians have been given their own reality TV show to name a few. But after my recent experiences, I will have to add car insurance to the list. People keep saying that car insurance is getting ever more expensive and this is all down to those “flash for cash” lowlifes who drive into the side of other cars and then make fraudulent claims for whiplash. But, as far as I can tell, the opposite is true. Last month I renewed my insurance – fully comprehensive with legal cover and a named driver for a car that can do 150mph – and it cost me £279. That’s ridiculously cheap; four years ago I paid £700. It’s the same for a friend – she paid £210 this time round to insure her whizzy little roadster; three years ago it cost her £480. You might think that this is all down to building up lots of no claims discount but, actually, I have made a claim in the last year – 12 months ago I watched my car float off down the street after it got caught in a flash flood (not something you see every day, not something I’d WANT to see every day). The insurance company had to stump up the cost of replacing the car but, strangely, this did not affect my insurance premium. I had always thought that insurance companies are run by cold hard people using cold hard statistics, but no; as it could hardly be said to be my fault, they felt it would be mean to penalise me for what was effectively an act of God. A few weeks ago, my wife broke her arm and it will be some time before she can drive again. Rather than leave her car parked on the road, she decided to lend it to a friend who was temporarily carless. We needed to add the friend onto her policy so I checked how much it would cost to put him on for a month. I was horrified when the insurance company quoted £79; 20
the original policy only cost £211. Then I tried one of those comparison sites that specialises in temporary cover. The prices quoted were truly jaw dropping, around £250. Finally, more out of curiosity than anything else, I went back to the insurance company to see how much it would cost to add him to the policy for the full year. The answer came back… £36! Will someone please explain where the logic is in that? So there you have it; despite all the scare stories in the Daily Mail about unscrupulous youths disconnecting their brake lights so you ram into the back of them and they then claim millions in compensation and despite the EU passing laws forbidding insurance companies to charge high risk drivers more because it is discriminatory, car insurance is far cheaper than you expect, they don’t reduce your no claims discount when you make a claim and it costs a fraction of the price of one month’s temporary cover to insure someone for a year. Yet, despite all these things, it is estimated that, in some areas, as many as 30% of drivers don’t have insurance. Even though, if caught, they automatically get 6 points on their licence, can be fined thousands of pounds or even put in jail, there are still 1.4 million people driving around without valid insurance. Years ago, an uninsured driver ran into the back of my car. He cheerfully admitted he didn’t have a driving licence either and had TWOCed his dad’s car. Asked why he thought it necessary to break so many laws simultaneously, he explained that he had to get down to the shops to buy a packet of fags. I still don’t understand much about car insurance, but one thing I have learnt is that people who drive around without it tend to be very stupid.
Howard Clemmow
Property
Many people will remember this scenario from the dark days of 2009. After extensive negotia tion, a price is agreed and it looks like a long awaited house sale is going ahead. Then the mortgage lender’s surveyor comes along and gives a valuation that is 10% below the agreed sale price. Either the price is negotiated down still further or the mortgage isn’t released and the sale falls through. In 2009 it was understandable; there was a strong likelihood that the value of the property would fall in the short term and the lender had to limit that risk. But now it is happening again, and not in the regions where you might expect it – those where house prices have hardly risen at all in the past year. Instead, it is happening in London, the South East and other property hot spots around the country. In this scenario, the buyer is happy to pay what looks like an inflated price. After all, if they wait a year and current trends continue, they could well end up paying a whole lot more for the property. In this case, the typical mark down isn’t
as severe as previously; anecdotal evidence suggests about 4% in London and 2% elsewhere in the South East. The question is, why would lenders mark down valuations in such a buoyant property market? There is only one answer to that; they believe there is a very real risk that prices are going to fall in the near future. It has been obvious for some time that the house price bubble in the South East is unsustainable. There are only so many wealthy foreign investors to go round and sooner or later we will reach a stage where even wealthy families can’t afford to buy appropriate housing. Despite Mark Carney’s determination to use policy to damp down prices, the market has always been capable of correct ing itself, sometimes in a painful manner. I have a feeling that is exactly what is about to happen in London and elsewhere. 21
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Ickenham Kids Mobiles (Sep14) FINAL_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 22/08/2014 18:15 Page 1
In and Around Reader Travel PARENTING
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When my daughter entered secondary school and started to become more independent, I decided to buy her a mobile phone to keep in touch and check that all was well. But I soon discovered that we had different agendas!
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She treated her mobile phone like an additional body part. It accompanied her everywhere – to the dinner table, to the bathroom, to bed. She checked it constantly, and the 300 texts per month that I thought adequate, soon got swallowed up in her incessant cyber chatter.
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First, decide if your child is ready for their own phone. If they are generally responsible and trustworthy and able to look after their own belongings, maybe they are. The average child receives their first phone at the age of 12. This seems like a sensible time to me. Seriously consider buying a basic model for their first phone. At this stage it’s all about safety, not social status or games, and the phone should be regarded as a tool, not a toy. Only consider a smart phone when your child is quite a bit older.
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Much has changed sinceisthen. Textingchartering was GN Holidays & Voyages exclusively the MPS Princess Set limits for the number of texts or 2 once the major attraction, but now mobileriver cruises. to bring you a great selection of themed You’ll visit a minutes. A monthly capped contract can phones can have any number of uses, help with this, or alter-natively a pay as host of must-see destinations with free drinks, good food, great from accessing social media sites such as you go scheme, which will only allow a hospitality and plenty of fun along the way.3 Travel is by midupitto. . topping PER COUPLE Facebook4, Instagram1 and Twitter, to certain spend before needs up 2 morning Eurostar from3 and St Pancras to Brussels, again. SnapchatInternational insurance using apps like WhatsApp Consider taking out and just £50pp deposit when continuing by coach themusic. ship. Flights from UK regional airports should and for gaming, videostoand phone lost or broken, and youthebook a get Princess river cruise ask your child to30 contribute to the cost as by rail by September 2014 are also available supplements may apply. Mobile phones are a great way to stay in they get older and are able to earn. in include free beer, wine by the glass, choice of 2 Dutch spirits touch andFree they Drinks are indispensable - all cruises emergencies, butsoft theydrinks can also be a huge Designate times when phone and served at lunch4and dinner and from 6pm certain to midnight at thethe bar hindrance. Young people are much less should be turned off or left behind - such Princess Fan Club active, preferring online games or social as at the dinner table, after a certain time “Everything was 1st “Just wanted to say “We thoroughly “The break was media sites to sports and other activities. the evening, or in the bedroom - and thank you for another enjoyedinour holiday excellent. The boat and class, would do it Conversation has been replaced by instant they spend on great Christmas market and thelimit tripthe wasnumber over of hours crew fantastic. A1 messaging for the soon. phone for other again.” or texting, and schoolwork trip.” much too ” to leave time service – would like to some students is suffering due to long interests. Mr & Mrs Scott Mr & Mrs Kennedy Mrs Church do it again.” Mrs Sharp hours spent on phones instead of on their studies Finally, make sure you follow your own rules. You or even sleep! can’t expect your child to abide by them if you GN Voyages don’t, as you are their greatest role model! To ensure that mobile phones remain our children’s servant andGN not their master, a few ground rules ABTA No. Y0291 Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays. Holidays & Voyages ATOL 9362 need Higher to be set in place. Debbie Singh-Bhatti www. gnvoyages.co.uk • Email: info@gnvoyages.co.uk Denham, Uxbridge UB9 5EL
Call 01895 83 33 33
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Harefield Belgium, Holland & Valkenburg Christmas Party
Village Café
4 days semi-all-inclusive • 21 November, 2014 Join us for a relaxing river cruise taking-in: Valkenburg, with its unique Christmas Market Caves; Hasselt, a charming Belgian town with a festive Winterland; Maastricht, home of world famous musician Andre Rieu; and Brussels, the Belgian capital. There’s also an optional visit to Aachen Christmas Market in Germany. INCLUDED: Escorted throughout abroad • Return rail travel from London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Brussels or return flights from a choice of UK airports - supp’t may apply • 3-night semi all inclusive cruise sharing a twin bed, rear cabin on main deck - upgrades available • Entertainment • Embarkation and departure transfers
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Join us for a super river cruise taking-in: Valkenburg with its unique Christmas Caves; beautiful Bruges’ with its festive markets; Hasselt, a charming Belgian town with a festive Winterland; lovely Ghent; and Brussels, the Belgian capital. INCLUDED: Escorted throughout abroad • Return rail travel from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Brussels or return flights with luggage from a choice of UK airports - supp’t may apply • 4-night semi all inclusive cruise sharing a twin Harefield•Village Café has been built on a bed, rear cabin on main deck - upgrades available Entertainment reputation for excellent food, friendly • Embarkation and departure transfers
service and first class hygiene and cleanliness. We are a modern busy café, conveniently located on the high street of Harefield Village.
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Christmas Markets Spectacular
Bruges, Brussels & Lille
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We serve great set breakfasts all ewvaluemproveD itinerAry day, lunches and homemade dinners. We also have a variety of kids meals, perfect for the whole family in a friendly warm atmosphere. We can also cater for large Join us for a fun-packed river cruise taking-in threeand great Christmas orders, parties special occasions.
4 days semi-all-inclusive • 28 November & 1 December 2014
Markets. Lille, Northern France, with a giant Christmas tree, ferris wheel and dozens of stalls. Bruges festive markets,All just shortare stroll from the ship’s ourameals freshly cooked to order mooring. In the Belgian capital, Brussels,using explore Christmas Market and the the freshest and finest ingredients. shops galore. INCLUDED: Escorted throughout abroad • Return rail travel from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Brussels or return flights from a choice of UK airports - supp’t may apply • 3-night semi all inclusive cruise sharing a twin bed, rear cabin on main deck - upgrades available • Entertainment • Embarkation and departure transfers
£439pp
Mon - Sat: From- 18:00 7:00
pp 379 £Sun & B.Hols:
8:00 - 17:00
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£349pp
Village Café 5 High Street Harefield UB9 6BX
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Call 01895 83 33 33 GN Voyages
ABTA No. Y029 Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays. GN Holidays & Voyages, ATOL 9362 VisitDenham, our website our full menu: www.harefieldvillagecafe.co.uk gnvoyages.co.uk • Email: info@gnvoyages.co.uk Higher Uxbridge UB9to 5ELviewwww. 25
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A family-run school with a caring atmosphere. Pupils achieve Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX Independent School for boys and girls aged 3 - 11
excellent results in academic subjects, music, sport and drama.
Please telephone 01895 234371 to make an appointment
An ‘OUTSTANDING’ School Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX - www.sthelenscollege.com 27
Infant Matters FP (Sep14)_Layout 1 22/08/2014 17:30 Page 1
"I am delighted to write my first column for ‘In and Around Denham’ during the summer break whilst looking forward to the start of term.
My name is Nick Andrews and I have just become headteacher at the village school. There are exciting times ahead for all of us in the school. This is my first headship. I entered teaching as a second career in my mid-forties and have taught in three different schools – first as a drama specialist, senior teacher and then deputy head. I am married with two grown up children." I belIeve so strongly in the importance of the work we do in schools. It matters on so many levels; the core skills that are needed to manipulate and understand the world, the social skills that we need to work and be with other people and the affirmation that comes from finding success in an activity or project. We are lucky that the school has been in the very capable hands of Mrs. Hazel bascombe for the last two terms. All the staff and governors have done a fantastic job in stabilising and then improving the school. It is on the way up in many ways; we are acknowledged as being in the ‘Good’ category by the local authority, our number of pupils on roll is rising and there is an excellent team in place to ensure we continue on this trajectory. There are a number of developments I will be putting in place as the year unfolds. We will be doing more learning outside of the classroom. Denham is an ideal environment for learning; there are fields and woods, shops, garden centres, a lovely church and a number of open spaces we can use. I have joined us to a fast growing movement called ‘Forest Schools’ – our children will be expertly supervised as they learn about the flora and fauna and how to play and learn safely in the outdoors. village schools such as ours have the opportunity and obligation of being centres of learning in their communities. We are all learners (and that very much includes me!) and Denham is now officially affiliated to a teaching school alliance. We will provide a place of training to students of education, returners to teaching, apprentices, parent volunteers and community volunteers. The community has a great deal to offer the school and I do not intend to waste the goodwill, knowledge and expertise that is there. The effect on the children is very positive, they learn to work with a wide range of different people who can offer them so many different experiences. My ambition is for us to become a Teaching School in our own right. For any of us to learn effectively we need to feel safe and secure. This is of prime importance – and it extends far beyond the purely physical. I want our children to be safe from anything in school that harms their self-esteem. My years in education have taught me that high self-esteem is inextricably linked to success. We will be rigorous and point out the difference between right and wrong – but we will do it in a way that never harms the child. every single one of us is of high importance and is worthy of consideration and respect – I really mean this. In our hall will be some ‘watch words’ – KIND, TRUe and HelPFUl. These are words that will come to symbolise our approach with each other and everyone in the community that we affect. It is a tall order and it takes work. We will be an open school. Please telephone us and make an appointment to come in and see us at work. If you would like to work with us in some way, we will be very open to that. In the next edition there will be much to write about: the fun we have had together, the odd funny story, much laughter, a few tears and, without doubt, lots of learning.
Nick
Nick Andrews Headteacher Denham Village Infants School 28
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Compass Theatre FP (Sep14)_Layout 1 21/08/2014 18:05 Page 1
London Borough of Hillingdon presents
The Producers (PG)
Compass Theatre What’s on at Tuesday 16 September, 2pm
Compass
Down-on-his-luck theatrical producer Max Bialystock is forced to romance rich old ladies to finance his efforts. When timid accountant Leo Bloom reviews Max's accounting books, the two hit upon a way to make a fortune by producing a sure-fire flop. The play which is to be their gold mine? Springtime for Hitler! This 1968 film directed by and starring Mel Brooks, with Zero Mostel, Gene Wilder, Dick Shawn, Kenneth Mars and Lee Meredith.
Theatre September 2014
Tickets £5 plus a per-transaction fee of £1.25 when booked online or £1.75 offline. Compass Club Members £3 plus a per-transaction fee of £1.25 when booked online.
Big Wooden Horse productions presents
Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus
Hillingdon Musical Society presents
Compass Theatre Saturday 6 September, 1pm and 3pm
Musicality
Full of fun, feathers, laughter and excitement, the show features original music and lots of audience participation! The friendly bus driver leaves us with one simple instruction: "Don't let the pigeon drive the bus!"
Compass Theatre Wed 24 - Sat 27 Sept, 7.30pm (plus 2.30pm Sat)
Ha! Ha!
However, the Pigeon is very clever and whines, bribes, pleads and even sings a song to get his own way… BUT WILL YOU LET HIM DRIVE? Tickets £8 plus a per-transaction fee of £1.25 when booked online or £1.75 offline. Compass Club Members £7 plus a pertransaction fee of £1.25 when booked online.
London Borough of Hillingdon presents
Comedy Compass
Compass Theatre Sunday 14 September, 8pm Once a month comedy night event at the Compass Theatre. A selection of the best and upcoming comedians working the British circuit are performing monthly, in in the Bar at Compass Theatre, with the express intention of providing Great Value Entertainment on a Sunday evening. Tickets £5 plus a per-transaction fee of £1.25 when booked online or £1.75 offline. 30
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
Join Hillingdon Musical Society for a night to remember, bringing all your favourite songs together for a celebration of what makes musical theatre the wonder that it is. With songs from shows in the West End, in Broadway and beyond, Hillingdon's ‘Musicality’ is a celebration of performance, with powerful singing, brilliant dancing, soulful moments and times of joyous celebration. Featuring music from, amongst others, Miss Saigon, Matilda, Sister Act, Newsies and We Will Rock You, this performance will have you rocking, singing, crying and dancing, often all at the same time.
Tickets £13 / £11 concessions plus a per-transaction fee of £1.25 when booked online or £1.75 offline.
CoMpaSS THeaTre Glebe avenue, Ickenham, UB10 8pD. HILLInGDon Box offICe: 01895 673200
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Cake and
Bake
Coffee Cream Eclairs Just a few simple ingredients combine to make the most luscious tea time treat. If you prefer the classic chocolate éclair, simply melt 100g dark chocolate with a spoonful of golden syrup and 20g unsalted butter, cool until thickened then spread over the top of the éclairs.
Ingredients: • • • • • • •
50g butter 65g plain flour 2 medium eggs, beaten 300ml double cream 1 tsp vanilla extract 100g icing sugar 1 tbsp cold strong black coffee
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To dampen the baking sheet just sprinkle about � tsp of cold water over it – this will create extra steam in the hot oven which will help the choux pastry to rise.
Makes 10 Ready in 1 hour, plus cooling 36
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C, 200°C fan, Gas 7. Place the butter and 150ml water into pan and heat gently until the butter melts. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil then quickly tip in the flour and a large pinch of salt and beat with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball that comes away from the sides of the pan. Cool for 2-3 minutes. 2. Gradually add the beaten eggs, beating well after each addition, until the mixture is firm and glossy. You may not need to add all the beaten egg. 3. Spoon the mixture into a large disposable piping bag fitted with a large plain nozzle and pipe 10 x 9cm lengths of the pastry onto a large dampened baking sheet. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is risen, golden and crisp. Pierce each éclair with the tip of a knife to allow the steam to escape and bake for a further 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely. 5. Halve each cold éclair. Whip the cream and vanilla extract together in a bowl until softly peaking and drop spoonfuls into the bottom halves of the eclairs. 6. Sift the icing sugar into a bowl and beat in the coffee to make a smooth icing. Gently dip the top half of each éclair in the icing. Carefully sandwich the éclairs back together.
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Finance Boost Your Income: How to Make Money from Crafting
By Ann Haldon www.cornerstonewebcontent.com
The growth in popularity of knitting, sewing and jewellerymaking has provided skilled crafters with a golden opportunity to supplement their income. Not only is it possible to make good money from a creative hobby such as this, people young and old are starting successful businesses doing what they love. Many people make gifts for family and friends, but don’t always realise the potential to earn money from their hobby. Diverse influences including media interest, the economic collapse, and TV programmes such as The Great British Sewing Bee have all been instrumental in bringing about the revival of crafts once regarded as old-fashioned. So if you want to use your creativity to make some money, what are the best ways to sell, and how easy is it to get started?
Selling at craft fairs
Craft fairs are considered the ‘traditional’ route to selling handcrafted items. They remain a good option if you can spare several days a month to focus on selling, in addition to the time needed to produce your items. Craft fairs and vintage markets are held regularly throughout the year, but because they are so popular, it is advisable to book well in advance. Some venues provide tables, 40
equipment and electrical sockets, but in most cases you’ll have to provide your own table and lighting. High quality spotlighting is a good investment for sellers with a long-term plan, and can encourage sales if the venue is dimly lit.
Selling online
Selling online involves a little more planning and considerably more effort to be successful. In its favour it has the advantage of being flexible, and may fit more easily into your life. Not only will you need to produce items to sell, you’ll also need to develop your ‘shop,’ take and upload photos of each item, describe them well, estimate postage and packing charges, and continually market the business. If this is what you envisioned, there’s probably no better way to make money from crafting. Two websites set up to help you succeed in this respect are Folksy and Etsy, both being designed specifically for independent craftspeople and artisans.
Folksy
With more than 15,000 sellers on Folksy, this has become a strong community for crafters and buyers alike. A UK-based site that has been around since 2007, Folksy provides a great opportunity to create your own brand without it costing a
fortune, get your creations in front of a global audience, and build a bona-fide craft business. • Basic account - 15p + VAT per item - Items listed for 120 days - 6% + VAT commission • Folksy Plus - Annual charge of £45, inclusive of VAT - No individual listing fees - 6% + VAT commission
Etsy
If you start selling on Etsy you’ll be joining an established community of over 8 million members and 800,000 online shops. Launched in 2005, Etsy is based in America but also has a loyal following in the UK. It’s possible to link your Etsy account to a Facebook business page for additional exposure in this country. • Seller account - no membership fees - $0.20 to list an item for 4 months - 3.5% commission Lovingly handcrafted items of a high quality have more personality than mass-produced goods, and their unique nature makes them appealing to discerning buyers. Although not a get-rich-quick scheme, making items to sell has the potential to bring in some valuable extra income and provide much-needed job satisfaction.
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Ickenham TRAVEL (Sep14)_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 22/08/2014 17:45 Page 1
TRAVEL
Cape Verde - Sun, sand & more sand In my ongoing search for the perfect, budget, all inclusive beach holiday, I took my husband off to the Cape Verde Islands which, I have discovered, lie off the west coast of Africa, just north of the equator. It is warm and sunny for most of the year in Cape Verde but, for no particular reason, we went in June. There are ten islands to choose from; ours was Boa Vista. Verde means green but Boa Vista is pretty much a sand dune perched in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Boa Vista is home to the only openair airport I have ever encountered. I’m not kidding, the only part of it with a roof is the bar; even the baggage claim is out in the sunshine. However, the formalities were few and far between and we were quickly on our way to the hotel, RiuKaramboa, which is best described as spectacular. It is styled like a Moroccan palace rising out of the desert, complete with minarets and domes. The rooms were big and airy and came complete with a lounge, dressing area and a really classy bathroom. Outside there were beautifully manicured grounds with acres of sun loungers, a couple of huge swimming pools and, another first for me, a submerged bar. The tables and chairs, the bar and the barstools were all 42
submerged in a swimming pool and the only people not in a swimming costume were the bartenders – brilliant! I’m no great foodie but the meals were pretty good too, particularly breakfast. Also, unlike most of the Caribbean, the wine was actually drinkable. As all-inclusive resorts go, Boa Vista ticks all the boxes but what’s it like when you step outside the hotel campus? The beach is fantastic, perfect sand and rolling surf, although there are mainly sand dunes at the back of it rather than bars and boutiques which is what I would prefer. The constant breeze makes it perfect for sunbathing, but be careful; because of the cooling effect of the wind, you don’t realise just how hot it really is. I got heat stroke and spent two days lying in the hotel room wrapped in a damp towel – not nice! Two miles down the beach there is a small town with a few bars, a couple of restaurants and some shops. It’s hardly Cannes but it makes a nice enough break from the hotel. My advice is to walk down there and then get a cab back. For my money, the highlight of the holiday was a ride on some quad bikes. Actually, I say ride but it was more of a safari. The quad bikes were huge, practically the size of a
jeep, and the trip lasted half a day. We started off by blasting up and down the sand dunes by the beach, which was incredible fun. Then we negotiated a precarious track over a hill and reached a small village where we stopped for ‘lunch,’ basically some tapas and as many Grog shots (the local moonshine) as you can drink. This prepared us for the rigours of the next part of our journey, a trip down the island’s only ‘motorway,’ in reality a country lane with a few ancient pickups meandering down it. We finished off with a high speed charge down the beach dipping in and out of the surf, the perfect end to our adventure. Boa Vista probably isn’t for everyone; the scenery closely resembles the Sahara desert and there isn’t a great deal there other than the ubiquitous resort hotels. But, if you are simply looking for unbroken sunshine, a luxury hotel, reasonable food and drink and the occasional adventure, it’s hard to beat. It’s cheap too; shop around and you can get an all-inclusive fortnight for £1000. Throw in the fact that it’s only a six hour flight and you get year round good weather and what’s not to like? I’d certainly go again.
Katherine Underhill
BUCKINGHAM HOUSE LUXURY CARE HOME Gerrards Cross
MMCG welcomes you to an exclusive open day event at
Buckingham House Luxury Care Home
Grand Opening Friday 19th September 11am - 6pm
• V.I.P. tours of our 5 star Luxury Care Home • Entertainment • Champagne & Canapés
Saturday 20th September 2pm - 5pm
• Family Day • Entertainment • Games and Prizes.
Tel: 01753 468200 Email: Buckingham.House@mmcg.co.uk Web: www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk Off Oxford Road, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL9 7DP 43
Start Up Tips Check your business idea for sustainability
You may be great at what you do, or have a product that delivers excellent benefits, but if it’s not significantly different or cheaper than what is already out there, it will be hard to sustain a business.
Before you get stuck into the practicalities of trading think about the business structure and get some tax advice There is a lot of free advice and guidance available so make sure you use it. ICAEW BAS, www.GOV.com, grants export, start up loans, mentoring/ coaching.
Network
Its not a natural thing for many of us but it is the best way to obtain both assistance and custom in the long term, make time and keep the connections live, attend events, exchange business cards.
Get organised from the start
Keep a log of income and expenses as you go through the year. Don’t leave it until the end of the year to sit down with a box of papers.
Get everything in writing
Funding, shareholders agreements, employee contracts, supplier agreements, everything!
Know the market and your position within it
Many entrepreneurs are so busy doing what they do, that they don't look at figures, research or market findings which can help make vital decisions like when would be a good time to launch a new product.
Identify the skills your business requires
Work out which ones you don't have and go and get them. It's vital that you build a team covering all basic business skill sets.
Don't expect your business to take off over night
Some very fortunate people have this experience, but most work at it for years before they gain success.
Don't be afraid to fail
It happens, you can come back from it and if you don't try you will never succeed. Many very successful entrepreneurs have failure in their past. If it happens to you, learn from it and move on.
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The more regular readers of this irregular column will be aware that I have plenty of “Grumpy Old Man” characteristics. It is also wellknown that good news does not sell newspapers, or attract viewers to the 24hour news channels these days, and despite my best efforts this page can normally be relied upon to dispense some doom and gloom. Even by my normal cynical standards, however, a quick glance at the state of the world is enough to induce an extreme level of depression. We can only hope that The Mamas and The Papas had it right all those years ago, and that the title of this article means that we can look forward to good times ahead. I came across some research recently which suggested that 12% of the World was currently in conflict. The longstanding situation in the Middle East and Israel continues to prove insoluble, and while Allied forces are in the process of leaving Afghanistan, the situation there is nowhere near settled. Areas of Africa such as Sudan, which are not so widely reported, still suffer from racial strife. More recent conflicts, such as those in Libya and Iraq, are also extremely worrying and have the potential to spread quickly to neighbouring states. Lastly, and possibly most importantly to the UK geographically, Russia seems poised to exercise its military might against its neighbour, 46
Ukraine, and the horror of flight MH17 seems to have been a direct result of the tensions there. On the economic front, there are plenty of signs that all is not rosy. The USA and Europe have imposed sanctions on Russia as a result of the Ukraine situation. While these have inevitably had an impact on the Russian economy, in today’s Global Village the repercussions will also be felt far and wide. Germany depends heavily on exports to Russia, and these now seem to have hit a wall. As a result, the German economy, which has been the engineroom of the entire European Union for a generation, now seems to be heading into recession. France and Italy are already there, if the figures can be believed, and after some recent good performances, Spain and Portugal look set to follow. Across the globe as a whole, after some sets of promising economic news, recent releases suggest that things have stalled. Even in China, where the data seems to be largely fictional, a slowdown looks inevitable. When the financial situation at home is difficult, political leaders can sometimes benefit from an international disagreement to regain the support of their people. The Falklands War in 1982 served to distract us from the extremely unpopular policies of the Thatcher government, which involved skyhigh interest rates tipping us into recession. On the other side of that coin, the Argentine economy has pretty much been a basketcase since then, and as a result there have been many times where they have tried to gain favour with their people by reopening the
Falklands debate. In the last two weeks Argentina has defaulted on debt repayments, so we can probably expect the Falklands to be back in the news before long. With such troubled economic times, however, it is hard to expect outbreaks of peace around the globe anytime soon. So what can we look forward to? Well, it turns out that the UK e co n om y was t h e b est performing in the world for the second quarter of 2014. We beat heavyweights such as the USA and Japan, and the growth was broad based across most sectors of the economy. The best of a bad lot, perhaps, but the best nevertheless. At the same time, the housing market shows signs of slowing its ascent, but most commentators seem to agree that a crash does not seem likely. Sports fans can look forward (or not) to the new football season, and the England cricket team seem about to win a Test series against India. Meanwhile, our athletes are amassing an impressive haul of medals in the European Championships and the dismal England showing in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil has been quickly forgotten. All this following on from some extended oldfashioned summer weather has left some lingering feelgood around the place. Ok, Boris Johnson is about to stand for Parliament, but you can’t win ‘em all.
rs
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Your Guide to Heart Health www.alison.runham.co.uk By Alison Runham
The British Heart Foundation estimates that around 82,000 people in England suffer a heart attack annually; one in three die before reaching hospital and around half of the survivors are under 75. So it’s vital we look after our hearts – and that we can recognise the symptoms of a heart attack.
Keeping Your Heart Healthy Diet Keep it balanced. Avoid high sugar and high fat foods, and eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and several sources of protein (meat, eggs, dairy products, fish, legumes and pulses). Choose wholegrain carbohydrates (pasta, bread, rice). Alcohol Alcohol can damage heart muscle and cause abnormal rhythms. Stick to the recommended maximum safe limits: men, 3-4 units per day (21 per week); women 2 – 3 per day (14 per week). 1 unit = 1 small bottle of (4%) alcopop; half a pint of beer/lager/cider (4%); a single measure of spirits (40%). 2 units = 1 standard 175ml glass of wine/champagne (12%); 1 pint 4% beer/lager/cider; a double measure of spirits. Smoking Smokers are twice as likely to have heart attacks, so quit or at least cut down. Ask your doctor for advice or order The British Heart Foundation’s guide, ‘Time to Quit’, for free at http://bit. 50
ly/1ltpgIc. Exercise Ideally we should do 150 minutes of exercise weekly that raises our heart rate keeping our cardiovascular system healthy. If you don’t exercise, start small and find an exercise you enjoy. Symptoms Of Heart Attacks Heart attacks don’t always present with sudden intense chest pain. Sometimes symptoms can be mild and build gradually, particularly in diabetics, or come and go. Although chest pain is the most common symptom, more than a third of sufferers don’t experience it. • Chest pain (often a squeezing sensation or fullness, which may linger or come and go) • Dizziness or light-headedness • Sweating (normally a cold sweat) • Shortness of breath • Nausea or vomiting • Pain elsewhere (usually jaw, neck, back, left arm or abdomen) • Heartburn • Coughing or wheezing • Severe fatigue • Overwhelming anxiety Heart Attack Symptoms In Women Women may experience all these symptoms or none, but they’re more likely to experience the less common symptoms: pain in other areas (particularly the upper back), shortness of
breath, sweating, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and unusual tiredness (sometimes for days). Without chest pain, they may not realise they’re having a heart attack.
What To Do When A Heart Attack Occurs Don’t panic, but do act swiftly. If in doubt, always call 999. If you’re an angina sufferer, the NHS recommend taking your glyceryl trinitrate (‘GTN’) tablets or spray and repeating the dose 5 minutes later, then 5 minutes later again, if there’s no improvement. Phone 999 immediately if the pain doesn’t improve. The NHS recommends that people who suspect they’re having a heart attack should chew and swallow one aspirin (300mg) tablet, providing they’re not aspirin-allergic, to thin the blood and maintain blood supply to the heart. If you’re the patient: Move as little as necessary and call an ambulance. Take an aspirin if it’s nearby – but don’t exert yourself to reach it. If you’re attending the patient: Phone the ambulance immediately. If the patient isn’t aspirin-allergic, give them an aspirin – providing it’s nearby. Keeping your heart healthy is one of the most important things you can do – but ensuring you can recognise and deal with a heart attack is vital too.
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In and Around Reader Travel river cruise party Breaks by rail or Air
B 4
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FREE DRINKS
OVER 40S ONLY
MPS
PRINCESS
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GN Holidays & Voyages is exclusively chartering the MPS Princess to bring you a great selection of themed river cruises. You’ll visit a host of must-see destinations with free drinks, good food, great hospitality and plenty of fun along the way. Travel is by midmorning Eurostar from St Pancras International to Brussels, continuing by coach to the ship. Flights from UK regional airports are also available - supplements may apply.
SALE £80 Save up to. .
PER COUPLE
and just £50pp deposit when you book a Princess river cruise by rail by 30 September 2014
Free Drinks - all cruises include free beer, wine by the glass, choice of 2 Dutch spirits and soft drinks served at lunch and dinner and from 6pm to midnight at the bar Princess Fan Club “Everything was 1st “Just wanted to say “We thoroughly “The break was thank you for another enjoyed our holiday excellent. The boat and class, would do it great Christmas market and the trip was over crew fantastic. A1 again.” trip.” much too soon.” service – would like to Mr & Mrs Scott
Mr & Mrs Kennedy
Mrs Church
do it again.” Mrs Sharp
Call 01895 83 33 33 GN Voyages Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays. GN Holidays & Voyages www. gnvoyages.co.uk • Email: info@gnvoyages.co.uk Higher Denham, Uxbridge UB9 5EL
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Belgium, Holland & Valkenburg Christmas Party 4 days semi-all-inclusive • 21 November, 2014 Join us for a relaxing river cruise taking-in: Valkenburg, with its unique Christmas Market Caves; Hasselt, a charming Belgian town with a festive Winterland; Maastricht, home of world famous musician Andre Rieu; and Brussels, the Belgian capital. There’s also an optional visit to Aachen Christmas Market in Germany. INCLUDED: Escorted throughout abroad • Return rail travel from London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Brussels or return flights from a choice of UK airports - supp’t may apply • 3-night semi all inclusive cruise sharing a twin bed, rear cabin on main deck - upgrades available • Entertainment • Embarkation and departure transfers
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Bruges & Valkenburg Christmas Markets Plus Ghent, Brussels & Hasselt new improveD itinerAry 5 days semi-all-inclusive •24 November, 2014
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Join us for a super river cruise taking-in: Valkenburg with its unique Christmas Caves; beautiful Bruges’ with its festive markets; Hasselt, a charming Belgian town with a festive Winterland; lovely Ghent; and Brussels, the Belgian capital. INCLUDED: Escorted throughout abroad • Return rail travel from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Brussels or return flights with luggage from a choice of UK airports - supp’t may apply • 4-night semi all inclusive cruise sharing a twin bed, rear cabin on main deck - upgrades available • Entertainment • Embarkation and departure transfers
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4 days semi-all-inclusive • 28 November & 1 December 2014 Join us for a fun-packed river cruise taking-in three great Christmas Markets. Lille, Northern France, with a giant Christmas tree, ferris wheel and dozens of stalls. Bruges festive markets, just a short stroll from the ship’s mooring. In the Belgian capital, Brussels, explore the Christmas Market and shops galore. INCLUDED: Escorted throughout abroad • Return rail travel from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Brussels or return flights from a choice of UK airports - supp’t may apply • 3-night semi all inclusive cruise sharing a twin bed, rear cabin on main deck - upgrades available • Entertainment • Embarkation and departure transfers
£439pp
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Call 01895 83 33 33 GN Voyages GN Holidays & Voyages, Higher Denham, Uxbridge UB9 5EL
Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays. www. gnvoyages.co.uk • Email: info@gnvoyages.co.uk
ABTA No. Y029 ATOL 9362
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Local Parks & Events (Sep14)_Layout 1 22/08/2014 19:22 Page 1
september events harlington Wi Produce & handicraft show sat 6th september from 1.30pm hayes and harlington Community Centre, albert Road, hayes UB3 4hR members will be exhibiting in the following classes: Handicrafts, Cookery, preserves, vegetables, Fruit and Flowers. Floral Art, photography and Literacy. sales table and refreshments will be available.
macmillan Coffee morning Fri 26th september, 10am-2pm Byrons Urban Farm shop, 3 Byron Parade, Uxbridge Road, UB10 0lZ. Come and join us for coffee and cake and with your 50p entry fee get a Free cup of coffee. We will donate 50p to macmillan for every slice of cake that we sell!
Local Events
Country Fayre & art exhibition/sale sat 6th september 12-4pm st marys Churchyard, Denham Village Includes an art sale by local artists, serpents & dragons raffle, tombola, vestry teas with homemade cakes and bbq. Lots of stalls; home produce, hat/bag stall, bric-a-brac, children’s stall, selection of reptiles to handle, classic cars and motorbikes and more. All welcome contact barbara 01895 237498 or Wendy 01895 832667 for details.
hUBB Business Breakfast thurs 11th september 8am-9am Bay lodge, 36 harefield Road, Uxbridge UB8 1Ph A free event in partnership with the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce. “How to charm your bank to lend you money”. Guest speaker eddie Lavery, relationship manager at Lloyds bank will cover what information a bank looks for when assessing a lending application, and how best to present it. We would be delighted if you could join us for this networking event (Continental breakfast inc.). ‘Butterflies’ table top sale and Community Coffee morning sat 13th september neW time - 9am-1pm ickenham Village hall should anyone require to hire a table or require more information please contact vera on 01895 635224 or Chris on 676900.
september into October 54
Ruislip Central horticultural society autumn show sat 13th september 1pm-4pm Great Barn, Bury street, Ruislip ha4 7sU. For more details visit our website www.ruisliphorticulturalsociety.org.uk
michael sobell hospice Fundraiser ‘Jail & Bail’ Fri 3rd october 10.30am Get arrested and locked up in a cell at ruislip police station until you raise £1,000 for michael sobell Hospice. If you fancy taking in this challenge and being an inmate for a while please contact trish mule on 01923 844726 or see our website www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk
national macmillan Cancer Coffee morning Fri 26th september, 10am-1pm Denham Garden Village, Denham Village hall, Denham Green lane. everyone welcome to come and browse our stalls, books, cd’s, dvd’s, cake stall, white elephant & others, great tombola and raffle prizes. Come and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and cakes. please come and support this very worthy charity. Quiz night sat 27th september, 7pm Denham Village infants school tickets sold in aid of FODvIs, priced at £10 each includes fish & chip supper. tables of up to 6 bring your own drink contact Wendy 07826 685098 for more.
OCtOber events Uxbridge Business Biscotti Wed 1st october, 8.30am-10.30am Devonshire Business Centre, Boundary house, Cricket Field Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1QG If you want to network, make contacts and forge business relationships in an informal environment then Uxbridge business biscotti is for you. no need to book, just come along and buy a cup of tea or coffee to support the venue! visit www.businessbiscotti.co.uk/greaterlondon/uxbridge.
Don't miss the DeaDline! If you would like us to publicise your event in our october issues contact us no later than Friday 12th sept.
michael sobell hospice Fundraiser ‘Brain Box Quiz night’ Wed 8th october, 7.30pm michael sobell hospice, mount Vernon hospital, northwood, ha6 2Rn Our popular quiz night is back so all you wise owls come and show us how bright you are. tickets sell out fast, so book early. tickets cost £15 and includes a fish & chip supper (veggie option available) there is also a licensed bar. Free parking. barclays bank will match funds to make your donation go further. tickets can be booked online at www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk or you call 01923 844730. apple Day sat 18th october 11am-4pm home Cottage Farm, Bangors Road south, iver heath A great family fun day out with numerous stalls for local charities, producers and traders – from toffee apples and pumpkins to bric-a-brac and crafts. Lots of children’s activities and events for all ages to watch & take part – face painting, punch & Judy show, ferret racing, archery and craft-making plus refreshment tents & a bbQ. entry will be £1 per adult & £3 parking. Children go free.
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The VW Golf has long been the king of the massmarket family hatchbacks, but the Polo has never really enjoyed the same plaudits in the super mini sector, in the UK anyway. Admittedly, it always tops the class for build quality and re finement but it’s never been able to match the good looks of the Vauxhall Corsa or the driving dynamics of the Ford Fiesta. However, a freshly face lifted version of the Polo has just hit the showrooms. Can it do anything to redress the balance? The Polo is actually the sec ond bestselling car in Volks wagen’s line up, so inevitably they are very cautious about making any major changes to a winning formula. As a result, you’d have to look very hard to spot the differences to the exterior, basically new LED headlights and slightly different bumpers. Even so, the clean styling and neat proportions are understated and classy, rather like a scaled down Golf. Inside it is the same story; apart from new instruments and a tidied up centre console, all is much as before. This is no bad thing, the quality of materials, excellent fit and finish and comfortable seats are all those of a bigger more expensive car, well ahead of the competition. The main changes are all un der the skin. There is a flashy 56
new infotainment system that is reminiscent of a smart phone; you swipe your finger over the screen to select from the menu. ESP now comes as standard on all cars, as does a Post Collision Braking System that applies the brakes after an impact to bring the car to a halt. An automatic cruise con trol system is available as an option, coupled with City Emergency Braking which performs an emergency stop if it detects a likely collision be low 19mph. A few years ago you’d have to buy a Mercedes S Class to enjoy this sort of technology. More importantly, the car has a new line up of engines that deliver class leading refine ment and economy, if not out right performance. At the entry level is a 1.0 litre three cylinder petrol with either 59 or 74bhp. The lower powered engine is just too weedy while the 74bhp version is equally as economi cal. Then there is a 1.2 litre turbo that offers 90 or 110bhp. I drove the 90bhp version and was very impressed. It was remarkably refined and flexi ble, particularly at motorway speeds, and, while hardly a hot hatch, delivers all the perform ance you need. 61mpg in mixed motoring is not to be sniffed at either. The Polo is very relaxing to drive, the controls are light and easy to use and the suspen
sion soaks up the bumps with ease. With the allround levels of refinement and that flexible engine, it is like driving a much bigger car. The handling suits the character of the car too, safe and predictable, though hardly what you would call fun. Ask most motoring journalists and they will rate the Ford Fiesta as the best car in this class, largely because of the excellent handling and lusty performance from the Zetec engines. However, they forget that not all super minis are driven by teenage boys and petrol heads; in fact they are far more likely to be driven by young mums or even grand mas. Volkswagen are fully aware of this; that is why the Polo shares many of the vir tues of its bigger sister, the Golf. It is supremely well built, refined and practical and has an understated class that Ford could never hope to emulate. Ask a used car dealer which car they prefer and they’ll plump for the Polo every time. There is only thing it is lacking; VW invented the hot hatch with the Golf GTi and after all these years it is still the car to beat. They also offer an 189bhp Polo GTi which is searingly fast but it will never enjoy the same cachet.
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Benny, Billy, and Bobby are 2 year old male guinea pigs. These 3 lovely boys were signed over to us when their owner was no longer able to look after them. Ideally, we'd prefer them go to a loving home together but would consider homing them separately. As with all guinea pigs, they will need a large run and plenty of space to stretch and exercise. Please get in touch if you can offer love, care and spacious accommodation to these rather handsome boys We have more than 30 kittens currently in our care, all looking for that special, loving home. Their ages vary from 10 weeks to 5 months. Please, please get in touch if you could adopt one or more of these beautiful kitties. Ring or visit our website to download an application form if you are look ing to adopt 58
AMERSHAM 1 Woodside Close HP6 5EG Mon, Tue & Thur 8.30am - 7pm Weds & Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 11.30am
01494 871329
CHALFONT ST GILES London Road, HP8 4NL Mon & Thurs 8.30am - 7.30pm Tue, Wed & Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 1pm
196144 20
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The Wildlife Zone...FP (Sep14)_Layout 1 22/08/2014 13:24 Page 1
The wildlife zone
The woRld of BlACK and white Andy Mydellton flS (pictured right) is an environmentalist journalist, the founder and leader of the British wildlife charity, the foundation for endangered Species. They are members of the United nations agency UneSCo with Andy Mydellton being Chairman and the environmental Concern Advisor to the UneSCo Schools Group. Andy is a fellow of the linnean Society. he writes for many publications, mounts photographic exhibitions, gives presentations and broadcasts the 'Andy Mydellton wildlife zone' radio programme.
“why does a zebra have stripes?” is a question i have asked for many years without anyone quenching my fired up imagination. it all started when i was a child peeking at the worlds’ most beautiful and wonderful animals. at home i used to dig holes in the garden to find worms, earwigs, woodlice and other ‘beauties’. i excitedly told my family that these were my friends, but got short shrift. i was taken aback and felt as though there could have been something wrong with me. despite my temporary confusion l developed my urge to see more of the worlds’ largest wild animals. in those years the family’s income was tight and our annual holidays included days out to Bristol and dudley zoos. Because holidays abroad were so expensive it was the only way less well off working class families could see exotic animals. i remember our first visit to Bristol zoo where we stopped to look at caged lions, hyenas as well as a rare and sensational white tiger, and boy did they pong! But after my dad explained to me that this was their natural odour, the penny dropped and i began to understand the importance of smell in the natural world, however rank and rancid they seemed to me. at dudley zoo i was amazed at how many animals including penguins, goats, rhinoceros and one of my favourites, the zebra were allowed to live in the open air without any interruptive and separating bars or fences between us. they were replaced with large ditches and low walls which did not seem to form imprisoning cages, but still maintained our safety. i gained a sense of the animals’ liberty with this pioneering approach to zoo keeping which also allowed me to form stronger bonds with them. i marvelled at the member of the horse family which had black and white hoops around their bodies, so that i asked everyone including my parents, teachers and schoolmates “Why do zebras have stripes?” no-one ever knew the answer, and all i got was a quizzical look. when i reached adulthood zoos were no longer sufficient and i went touring on east african safaris to observe glorious creatures in their natural habitat. i spotted ‘my zebras’ very easily because they were widespread throughout the extensive savannahs, grazing peacefully with the wildebeest (or gnu). i began to appreciate their position in the african eco-systems because they are the ‘caterpillars of the plains’, the main herbivorous prey for many wild cats, dogs and other carnivores. during one game drive, i investigated some foals with reddish stripes. initially i was surprised, but established that the bands change to brown when they become juveniles, and then turn black in adulthood. i also perceived that the foals’ long slender legs gave them greater speed across the plains than if they had shorter, stubbier legs. Zebras never lose this proportion, so that even when their bodies grow and thicken out as adults they maintain this advantage. in recent years scientists have discovered greater biological knowledge about the zebra’s amazing black and white stripes, although the debate is not always straightforward. For example, when an individual occasionally strays from the herd to graze alone, they can be easily discovered and targeted by carnivores such as lions, their main killers. it seems incredible that nature would have given a grazing herbivore such a lack of camouflage and noticeable sign of their presence, but it has. however they usually live in zeals numbering five or six individuals with one stallion; or part of a much larger cohort. the zebras’ advantage is that when the cohort flees from predators their stripes merge into one fast moving and continually changing shape. they become indistinctive and baffle charging lions which only see in black and white, making each individual zebra difficult to focus on and consequently much harder to catch. the second reason for its body markings is recognition. whilst humans primarily recognise each other by facial features, zebras tell each other apart with an individual’s unique body pattern. Some scientists maintain that these act as codes which are as distinct to them as our fingerprints are to us. the third reason why zebras have stripes is thermoregulation. this innate process acts as an internal thermometer and controlling mechanism for their biological heating system. they use their black stripes to attract and use the sun’s energy to keep warm, but when they reach their desired temperature, they can switch this off and activate the white stripes which reflect the sun’s rays. this acts to cool down the zebra and maintain a constant body temperature. i once yearned for an answer to my question “Why does a zebra have stripes?” at last i now know that these magical horses have given us not one but at least three simultaneous reasons why they do.
The charities’ contact details are www.ffes.org.uk email: info@ffes.org.uk 60
KITTENS NEEDING HOMES
Looking for love
We have more than 30 KITTENS currently in our care, looking for good homes From 10 weeks to 5 months old Various colours & temperaments Please can you offer a home to one of the MANY unwanted, abandoned and stray kittens that we are taking in on a daily basis?
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What happened in... Beauty ... September 2001?
Explained: The Science Behind Skin Care So that’s why we’ve compiled our guide to the most common ingredients He was come finally you’ll tracked down and across today.
By Helen Taylor
and makes skin soft and smooth, whereas Vitamin C helps to diminish the look of brown age spots and hyper pigmentation, green tea is a strong antioxidant and a staple ingredient in most anti-ageing products.
killed in Pakistan byOnce American you’ve years On 11 September 2001, at 8:45 forces almost ten read ourlater. am US time (UK – 1:45 pm) a 1st: The German national skincare passenger jet crashed into the football team lost a World Cup glossary North Tower of the World Trade qualifier to England (managed you’ll not only Centre in New York, in what by Sven-Göranunderstand Eriksson) at the the most people assumed was Olympic stadium in Munich. terminology, but a terrible accident. Eighteen 10th: Despite searching his you’ll be all able minutes later another plane pockets and looking down crashed into the South Tower to find the the best US Secretary and the world realised that this back of the sofa, cream for your of Defence, Donald Rumsden, was no accident. skin’s needs as failed to find a missing 2.3 well. rise to all A third plane crashed into trillion dollars, giving the Pentagon and a fourth sorts of conspiracy theories Antioxidants into a field after passengers about burying bad news when serve to protect overpowered the al-Qaeda all records were destroyed in skin from those terrorist who was piloting it. the next day’s terrorist attacks. damaging free Al-Qaeda was founded by Who wants to be a millionaire? radicals to Howbin many times Osama Laden in the late Well, Charles Ingram did, but which our £1,000,000 skin is exposed Eighties and he was blamed for after winning on have you been day-to-day basis. master-minding the hijackings. theon TVagame show he was
completely baffled
Free radicals - or oxidants
- are unstable molecules by some Petrol costscientific about78p per litre which are caused by sounding The averagejargon price of a house was £92,000 environmental factors like
Hyaluronic acid, when applied topically, gives the skin a fresh, smooth look accused of cheating and the and helps it to maintain payment was suspended. It was moisture - which is vital alleged that his wife, who was in youthful looking skin. thefor audience, gave him coded It’s abynaturally occurring signals coughing. They were carbohydrate thetobody, both convicted andinhad pay a total £115,000 in fines and but of levels diminish with age, costs, althoughafter eachyou protested especially reach their innocence. I can’t help 40. thinking that a bottle of Cavonia Ceramides the would have beenhelp a lotin cheaper.
fight for youthful looking 11th: In the worst piece of skininthanks to their ability timing the history of music to prevent water loss his and sales, Ben Folds released album, Rocking the Suburbs. promote skin-cell renewal.
They’re 15th: Part ofcommonly the Queen used Isabella in moisturisers they Causeway in Texas as collapsed after being struck by four dry effectively re-hydrate loaded skin.barges being towed by a tugboat. The missing sections Alpha hydroxy acids were near the brow so the naturally gap(AHAs) was not are easily spotted by approaching people occurringtraffic. acids,Eight commonly were killedinwhen their cars found citrus fruits (citric plunged feet products into the water. acid),85 dairy (lactic Fiveacid) cars and and sugar three survivors (glycolic were recovered.
smoke, pollution and UV when you’ve gone rays. Free radicals are Three of the bestselling to buy a new antiresponsible for causing singles this year were: ageing cream? those annoying visible Can’t Get you You Out Of My Head signs of ageing like lines Unless were acid). They work to aid the - Kylie Minogue and wrinkles. Vitamin E, 17th: The natural New York Stock top of the class in skin’s exfoliation Vitamin C and green tea are Exchange reopened following Too Close - Blue process by loosening dead chemistry, you terrorist attacks. Mambo No. 5 - Bob The Builder some of the most common thesurface cells. When applied probably don’t know antioxidants. in the form of cream to your Patrick D Cousins’ Short Shorts is available on Kindle for a trifling £1.99. His your AHAs from Vitaminand E has greatis available face, reduce Angels fromAHAs Amazon andfine lines double novella, Rainbows, Dreams moisturising properties and unclog pores. your Ceramides. other major outlets. You can hear the song on YouTube.
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Glycolics work similarly bolster the skin’s thickness to AHAs - they speed up and elasticity; which makes the process the skin goes them a popular ingredient in through to shed dead outer anti-ageing creams. cells, which in turn reveals Growth factors are used to new, smoother skin cells We can help you live life to the full once again withto ourbuild collagen and help beautiful, tailor made dentures. Andrew Dougan is a Collagen is found naturally diminish lines and wrinkles, highly qualified Clinical Dental Technician who has been in dedicated the skin, the protein whilst to bespoke denture creations since 1989. softening the skin. maintains the skin’s Their natural function in • True life teeth & latest elasticity and keeps it the body For honest, friendlyis to control cell materials advice or to book looking plump. Over the growth inadifferent areas. • Repairs & alterations FREE consultation call • Cosmetic denture years though, the body’s Soy770140 isoflavones are a 01895 enhancements production of collagen or of plant hormone type • Denture problem solving drops dramatically. Used in • FREE car park thought to be useful in many anti-ageing creams, 07970 058506 treating dark spots by collegan is found to be a blocking the pathway of very effective water-binding melanin. They can aid in ingredient. preventing collagen loss in Retinoids are derived from postmenopausal 17 Straight Bit, Flackwell Heath, Vitamin A. They have been women as Bucks HP10 9LS found to help to renew the they have an Andrew Dougan skin and stimulate collagen effect Dip CDT RCS (ENG) RDT on skin GDC No. 162175 production, minimise the that is similar to appearance of wrinkles and oestrogen. www.denture-world.co.uk
Amazing Dentures Eat, Talk, Smile
Copper makes an appearance in some anti-ageing products as it is thought to promote the production of collagen and elastin - two of the most important factors in younger looking skin. Hydroquinone is useful in suppressing pigment producing enzymes in the skin, thus fighting age spots. It’s therefore, often recommended by experts to lighten those dark spots on the skin.
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Credit Crunch Gardening by Pippa Greenwood
If you feel that your garden has become an expensive hobby, check-out my top tips for Credit-Crunch Gardening.
• Apply for an allotment. An allotment opens up a whole new opportunity to grow almost unlimited food at very little cost, get exercise without paying for the gym, and learn a lot from your neighbouring plot holders. • Gardeners are a very generous bunch, so don’t feel embarrassed to ask, friends, neighbours, or fellow allotmenteers for cuttings or seedlings of plants that you have admired. It is part of what gardening is all about. • Collect softish, deciduous leaves to make free soil improver. Just make a ‘cage’ from galvanised wire with posts at the corners or cram the leaves into bin liners and puncture a few holes. • Make the most of every bit of fruit and veg that your garden or allotment produces. Make jams, chutnies, jellies and of course bottle or freeze just about anything else. • Make your own wasp trap. Use a jam jar part filled with stale jam, mixed with water and topped with tin foil with a few holes in it made using a pencil. • Many local councils offer 64
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really good value composters and compost bins. Better still, if you’re at all handy with the hammer and nails, create your own from old pallets or floor boards. Fill a flowerbed with colour by sowing it with hardy annual seeds – some can be collected from existing plants, others from packet seed, often at under £1 per packet. Ask your local pub to give you any stale beer from the driptrays and use it as slug bait. Use an old plastic beaker part filled with beer and placed so that the rim is about 1cm above soil level in a slug and snail prone area. Enjoy some wild food. Many garden plants are edible, and don’t forget the old favourites such as hedgerow blackberries - great for crumble, stewed with some apple or for making into bramble jelly. Many fruits sold in the supermarket come in smart, clear-plastic trays, which can be used as miniature seed trays, and most even come with a clear plastic top, the perfect mini propagator lid. Growing your own vegetables really can save you a packet. Right now you can order in seed for crops, and onion sets and garlic for crops early
next summer. Then early in the year start planting potatoes and sowing seed. • Look after your garden tools. Store them in a dry shed or garage, wipe over any metal parts with an oily rag to keep rust at bay and they’ll last years longer. • Invest in a few raspberry canes. This has to be the best money saving crop, as they are expensive in the shops. Once established autumn fruiting varieties yield heavy crops and can give you ‘posh’ fruit....for just pennies. • The garden furniture is probably the most costly item in your garden and statistics show it’s what gardeners spend most money on replacing. Remove washable seat-pads and cushions first, wash and dry these and then cover the furniture up or move it into a shed or garage if possible. Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening products including Pippa’s favourite weeder, Nemaslug, Nemasys caterpillar, slug, ant and other biological controls, Enviromesh & Envirofleece and lots more besides.
A more caring approach to care at home. With EdenCare there is.
Have you ever wondered if there’s an alternative to residential or respite care for a loved one?
We offer quality care at home for you, or your loved one, whether a child, young adult or an elderly person. We are a local and independent provider of care and understand the importance of choice. If you would like further details of our individually tailored care-at-home packages please contact us for a no obligation chat or visit our website.
Tel. 01753 885556 www.EdenCareatHome.co.uk 65
The Myths That Just Won’t Die! You would imagine in the 21st century with the internet at our fingertips, we’d all be wise to the old wives tales and myths that are bandied around. But no, sometimes it takes it little longer for us to absorb and accept that all is not as we’ve long believed.
You shouldn’t put bananas in the fridge
There’s a small element of truth in this in that if you put unripe bananas in the fridge, the cold kills the enzymes that makes them ripen and they’ll stay green even when removed. However if you put bananas in the fridge once they are fully yellow, they’ll stay edible for up to four days longer than if left at room temperature. The skin may discolour, but the flesh inside will stay white.
You should feed a cold and starve a fever
This is an expression misquoted: it was originally “Feed a cold, stave a fever”, suggesting that by eating well you will recover from your cold more quickly. And the correct version has some truth in that giving your body the energy and vitamins to fight a virus is beneficial. But that same benefit applies even when you have a fever, although you may feel less inclined to eat.
You need to drink 8 glasses of water a day
Even if you still believe this, chances are you aren’t following the advice. In reality 66
you will take in a considerable amount of water in your food and in other drinks. Although you might think that tea and coffee are diuretic, they do actually count toward our overall water intake. In general if you drink enough so that you rarely feel thirsty, you’ll be fine.
The Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from space Not only are there many other objects visible from space, but the Great Wall is actually really difficult to see. It is after all of a similar material and colour to the land around it, so it is not easy to pick out. There are many other man-made objects visible though, including the pyramids in Egypt and major cities, particularly at night.
Carrots will help you see at night
It’s not that carrots aren’t good for you, but eating them will not improve your day or night vision unless you are deficient in vitamin A. The myth is believed to come from the Second World War when the MOD had a technology which enabled their pilots to pinpoint enemy bombers at night. Somehow the public picked up
the idea that this success was due to their pilots eating lots of carrots. As carrots weren’t rationed, the Ministry of Food didn’t rush to debunk the myth and it still hangs around to this day. More info: www. thecarrotmuseum.co.uk.
Cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis
When someone cracks their knuckles, the noise comes from bubbles of air and gas bursting inside the joint. However in all the research tests conducted, not a single knuckle-cracker studied, later developed arthritis. It could lead to other problems later in life though, like a decrease in flexibility and ligament damage.
Saturated fat is really bad for your health
We’ve been told for years that saturated fat increases our total cholesterol and chance of heart disease and a stroke. But a 2010 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that there wasn’t proof of this correlation. Heart disease and obesity are caused by inactivity, trans fats, refined carbs, and overeating — but not specifically saturated fat.
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DENHAM What's On... (Sep14)_Layout 1 22/08/2014 20:09 Page 1
regular events... events at Harefield Community Centre, Priory avenue, uB9 6aP MOn Cameo Club (3rd Mon month) 10am-12pm; Indoor Bowls (Short Mat) 2pm-5pm; Harefield Wine Club (2nd Mon in the month) 7.45-9.30pm; Judo (Seniors not 2nd Mon in month) 810pm. tues Line Dancing 10.45am1.15pm; Bingo 7.45pm - 10.30pm. WeD Fitness, Fun & Dance 10.30am12.00pm; Singing for Fun (1st Wed in month) 1-2.30pm; Judo Club 6.307.45pm; Dancing Club 8.15pm10.30pm. tHurs Happy Families Group 9.45-11.45am; Tea Dances 24pm; Whist 7.30-10pm; Ladies Club (2nd Thur in month) 8-10pm. FrI Bridge Club 10.30am-12.30pm; Line Dancing 12.45-3pm; Indoor Bowls (Short Mat) 7.30-10pm
Harefield or contact Phyllis Nash on 01895 476 644 / phyllnash@gmail.com Crosier Investment Club Improve personal investment skills. Meets 7.30pm, third Thursday in month at Pinner Village Hall, Chapel Lane, Pinner, HA5 1AA. Call 0208 427 3559, e: secretary@crosierinvestment.org.uk w: www.crosierinvestment.org.uk
8.30pm at Vyners School, Warren Road, Ickenham, UB10 8AB. Call Rosemary 01628 776838 before coming. www.thefitnessleague.com Fitness Yoga Improve flexibility, strength and balance. Monday 6-7pm at Denham Village Memorial Hall. Call Sandra 07867470240 Lisa 07533549072 E: lisa.sandra.fitness@gmail.com
rock ‘n’ roll Monday's in Harefield! Every Monday. Beginners Jive Dance Classes 7.45pm. Slow practise session 8.30-9pm. Social Rock n Roll 9-11pm. No partner required - no experience necessary! Harefield Cricket Club, Breakspear Road North, Harefield, UB9 6NE. £5 entry. E: therockingrebels @gmail.com, 07947 106607 www.facebook.com/therockingrebels 1950s rock n roll with DJs the rocking rebels 1st Friday of every month 7.3011.30pm. Retro stalls, BYO drinks. St Marys Church Hall, High St, Harefield UB9 6BX. Contact 07951 652083 therockingrebel@gmail.com www.facebook.com/therockingrebels
HOBBIes... art Classes Drawing, pastels, oil & watercolour at New Denham Community Centre Autumn, Spring & Winter Terms Tue 1-3.30pm, Wed 12.45-3.15pm and 7.30-9.30pm. Call Tony 0207 243 3787 art smart Weekly Art Classes at Denham Village Hall. Drawing and Painting for beginn-ers and Improvers Thursdays 1.30-3.30pm. Tutor Roz Smith call 01494 670372 Chinese Brush Painting group Come and join our friendly group meeting on Saturday mornings. The class is guided by an experienced tutor so no experience required! You will learn how to compose and develop your own painting style as well as practicing the finer points of Chinese calligraphy often seen on paintings. Find us at Harefield Library, Park Lane Village Centre,
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Denham History society Meets most months. 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm St. Marks Hall, Denham Green. Call Pam on 01895 833989 or e: Pamela@craftygiraffe.co.uk Hillingdon natural History society Meets 1st wed of the month, Scout HQ, Gatting Way, Uxbridge. enquiries@ hillingdon-naturalhistory society.org.uk
Inland Waterways associations Meet 2nd Tues of every month at Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk
keeP-FIt, DanCe & DraMa... aerobics Denham Village Memorial Hall. Every Mon and Wed 4.30-5.30pm Call Jean Nisbet 01895 832063 Bagot stack (Fitness league) Term Time Only. Vyners School, UB10 8AB, Tue 7.30-8.30pm. Also Mon & Thu in Windsor. Call Rosemary 01628 776838. www.thefitnessleague.com Beginners line Dancing At Higher Denham Community Centre, Off Old Rectory Lane, Higher Denham. Mon 7-8pm. Also Improvers & Intermediates. Tel: Ann 01753 882847 Boot Camp Fun and friendly exercise class held at a private location in Gerrards Cross. Every Mon, Tues, Fri 9.15-10am. Qualified Personal Trainer and Level 3 Contact Julie on 07769 311789 or visit: www.juliegxfit.com Bootcamp Circuit for adults (Mixed) Wednesdays, 7-8.15pm Denham Village Memorial Hall. Tel: Jayne 07968 361965 Dance, gymnastics and Free running Classes By Futunity Uk. Ages 2-adults catered for and all styles of dance from RAD ballet to Zumba. Full class listings at www.futunityuk.com. Call 01895 251224 or email admin@futunityuk.com Fitness league Tone & stretch exercises for the whole body, with fun dance routines to music for women of all fitness levels. Tue 7.30-
Fitsteps Cha Cha, Waltz, Quickstep or Jive at Denham Memorial Hall. Mondays 7pm and Wednesdays 10am. Call 07834 197745. info@limelightdancing.co.uk
general Yoga Class Higher Denham Community Hall, Lower Road, Higher Denham, UB9 5EA. Wed 7.30-9pm. Thu 9.45-11.15am with BWY certified teacher tel: 01895 820267 Harefield amateur Drama society Tuesday, 8-10pm. Park Lane Village Centre, Park Lane, Harefield. Call Tony on 01895 820672
Jazzercise Classes New Denham Community Centre Mon 9.30-10.30am, Tues 6.45-7.45pm. Wed & Fri 10-11am Denham Village Memorial Hall Village Rd, Denham, Bucks Thurs 6.30-7.30pm Wendy Whitefoord, Tel: 07803 602142 e: wendy.whitefoord@btinternet.com www.jazzercise.com ladies Only kickboxing Club Wed 6.30-8.00pm, Watts Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. First Class FREE! Call Leanne Phillips on 07518 848285 e:leanne@kickboxinglondon. co.uk. www.kickboxing-london.co.uk Modern Jive Classes Mon 8-11pm, West Drayton Community Centre and Tue & Thu 8-11pm, Uxbridge Civic Centre. First Night Entry & Free Lifetime membership with this listing. Contact Alan: 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 www.clubceroc.com email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com Pink academy of DanCe Classes held daily at New Denham Community Centre. Range of classes for boys & girls from 2 years to Adults. Contact: Admin@pinkacademy. co.uk www.pinkacademy.co.uk or call 01895 257553 rockin' 8s square Dancing Modern American style - every Thurs 8.15pm. New Denham & Willowbank Community Centre, Oxford Road, New Denham. UB9 4DW. Call Jean 01895 622859 or paul@stingproductions.com continued overleaf...
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keep-fit, dance & drama continued... SaLSa (all styles) Every Monday at Uxbridge Community Centre, 32b The Greenway, Uxbridge UB8 2PJ from 7.45pm to 10pm. Come and join Mina Queen Salsa for some amazing fun. Call 07958 578962 or email mina@queensalsa.com
Zumba fitness with danielle Every Monday 7-8pm at Harefield Football Club, Breakspear Road North, Harefield. UB9 6NE. Call Danielle 07989 128131 www.zumba-class.co.uk
the Windsor & district Big Bands appreciation Society We meet on 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm, Datchet Hall, Horton Road, Datchet. Meetings featuring the music of the big bands of the 1940s and 1950s Swing era. Two recitals from records, tapes & CDS, along with a raffle and sometimes there's even a live band. Call Derek Verrier on 01753 654398
Salsa classes Every Monday: The Middlesex Arms, Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HG. Beginners class starts 8pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.45-9.30pm Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm Every Wednesday: The WatersEdge, Canal Cottages, Packetboat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. Beginners class starts 7:30pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.30-9.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm Simply Walk Langley & Black parks Every Monday Langley Park, 10am Thursday Black Park, 10am. Second Sunday of month Langley Park at 11am. See www.friendsoflangleypark.co.uk Social dancing Ballroom Latin & Sequence Harefield Community Centre, Priory Avenue, Harefield. Every Wed, 8pm. Beginners welcome. Call 01895 634674 Simply Walk in denham First Sunday of every month, everyone welcome! Denham Village Green 10.45am for 11am start. Approximately 90 minute walk, 2.5-3miles. Led by trained volunteers as part of a healthy walk scheme funded by Bucks County Council, local District Councils and Bucks PCT. For details of other walks in the Bucks area call 01494 475367 www.buckscc.gov.uk/rightsofway Social Line dancing At St Marys Church Hall, Harefield Last Sat of the month 7.30-10.30pm tea dance Harefield Community Centre, Priory Ave on Thurs 2-4pm. All welcome. Free car parking. Call John 01895 284428 uxbridge musical theatre Ruislip Conservative Club, 56-58, Ickenham Road, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 7DQ. Tuesday 8-10pm. Call Phil Harrison 01895 636367 Email: mail@umtheatre.co.uk or see www.umtheatre.co.uk Zumba fitness Every Wednesday 8-9pm at New Denham Community Hall, Oxford Road, UB9 4DW. Call Martine 07788 563572 www.zumbadolls.co.uk
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Zumba Gold For Older Active Adults. Every Friday 11am at Higher Denham Community Hall, Lower Road, Higher Denham, UB9 5EA. Call Martine 07788 563572 www.zumbadolls.co.uk
Zumba with ruddy Thurs 7-8pm, St Marks Hall Denham Green UB9 5HD and Sats 9.30-10.30am at Harefield Academy Northwood Way UB9 6ET. Call Ruddy 07901 828051
muSic... drumbeatz Drum tuition for beginners in a rehearsal studio in Denham by Melanie Kleyn, qualified HND, now on degree at ACM. Children over 8yrs, ladies, anyone keen to learn. 3.15-5.30pm or daytime. Eves taken by bands rehearsing. Email: drumsmel@gmail.com or text mobile on 07757 635880 faraday country music club in Slough SL2 1RN. Country Music every Thursday for listeners, western partners, freestyle or line dancers. From 8-11pm. Contact Deb 07986 050742. www.faradaycountry.co.uk Guitar Lessons Complete beginners welcome. Contact Sam for a FREE lesson 07798 588496 sam@uxbridgeguitarlessons.co.uk music Lessons at Little Halings Studio Piano and French Horn lessons with experienced, friendly young female teacher, Victoria Coghlan. Rehearsal room at Little Halings Studios in Denham. All welcome. Guitar tuition is also available. Call: 07737 493980 (Victoria) E: victocoghlan@gmail.com Stoke poges Singers A friendly four-part choir singing a wide variety of music. New members welcome (no auditions. The ability to read music is not essential. Rehearsals on Thursday at St Andrews Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges, 7.45pm. Come along or call Naomi on 07831 217575 or Anthea on 01753 662355 Sing for fun - adults No auditions or previous singing experience necessary. You must just enjoy singing! Higher Denham Community Hall, Wednesday (TT) 2.30-4pm. Call Avril on 07587 175640
Yiewsley & West drayton Band Rehearse every Wednesday and Friday 810pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. To join or book the band for an engagement contact Lynne on 07976 824152 or email Lynne@ywdband.com
Yiewsley & West drayton training Band Open to all ages wanting to learn to play a brass instrument or 'brush up' your skills. Every Wed during term time 6.457.45pm, St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. Contact Abi on 07985 302 856 or emailtraining@ywdband.com
pre-ScHooL & kidS GroupS... 2370 (denham) Squadron air training corps ATC HQ, Tilehouse Lane, Denham Aerodrome Denham, Bucks, UB9 5DN. Monday and Thursday 7.30-9.30pm. Currently recruiting 13-17 year old males and females. Call 01895 834522 (Mon & Thu only) 2nd denham Scout Group Scout Hut, The Pyghtle, Denham Green Close, Denham Green Beavers Age 6-8 Thu 5.45-7pm. Cubs Age 8-10 Wed 6.30-7.45pm Scouts Age 10-15 Friday 7-9pm Tel: Linda Batten 01753 892373 denham & Gerrards cross children’s centre Tilehouse School, Nightingale Way, Denham, UB9 5JL. Free sessions for families with children age 5 and under including Messy Play and Stay & Play sessions. Call 01895 835967. denham Girlguides 1st Denham Rainbows (age 5-7) 4th Denham Brownies (age 7-10) 4th Denham Guides (age 10-14) For more details on meeting times and info on joining visit www.gxanddenham.cfsites.org denham Youth club (ages 8-11 years) Higher Denham Community Hall, Lower Road, Uxbridge UB9 5EA. Thursday 6.15pm to 7.45pm. Call 01895 834313 for details. continued overleaf...
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pre-school & kids groups continued...
slough sea cadets Parade nights on Monday and Thursday 7.30-9.30pm at Langley Pavillion, Langley Road, Slough, SL3 8BS. Male & Female Junior Cadets (age 10-12 yrs) and Cadets (age 12-18 yrs). Fees £2 per week, courses from £5 for weekend. Visit us on Facebook, pop-in or email: sloughseacadets@yahoo.co.uk Youths united Senior Youth Group in Denham, at Martin Bakers Social Club. Ages 12-18 years Wednesday evenings 7-309pm. Tel Joyce Haynes 01895 832643 tiny talk Baby signing classes Tuesday classes at St Mary’s Church Hall, High Street, Harefield UB9 6BX at 10am, price £5.00 pre-paid per family. Thursday classes at St Giles' Church Hall, 1 High Road, Ickenham UB10 8LE, 10am, 11.15am and 1pm, price £5.00 pre-paid per family Friday classes at The Uxbridge Centre, The Greenway, Uxbridge UB8 2PJ, 10.30am, price £5.00 pre-paid per family. Call Bev Meier 01895 824935 or 0781 8025993 tiny toes childcare Full Day Care Nursery. Call 01753 655650 or tinytoes@ivercommunity.org tweenies Baby and toddlers St Marys Church, Denham Village Tuesday 9.30-11.30am Activities for families with children Children aged 0-5 years offered at The Denham and Gerrards Cross Children’s Centre, Nightingale Way, Denham, Bucks. UB9 5JL. Call 01895 835967
self defence... karate club of denham For ages 5 years and up at New Denham Community Centre Sundays 9.15-11am Tel: Dominic 07988 743725 karate club of uxbridge For ages 5 years and up The Uxbridge Centre, The Greenway Wed, 5pm-7pm Tel: Dominic 07988 743725 kung fu club West drayton Great Kung Fu work out for everybody, on: Tuesday 5.30-6.30, Friday 7.308.30, Sunday 5.30-6.30. West Drayton Community Centre, Harmondsworth Road, UB7 9JL. Contact Ella: 07702
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479 435 or sportsclubuk@gmail.com
shotokan karate Sports Hall, Tilehouse Lane, Denham for men, women and children age 8+. Monday, 7-8pm. Interested? Contact Erin on 01494 758079 or visit www.chilternkarate.co.uk
silat kuntao indonesian self-defence Traditional self-defence art from Central Java, includes empty hand, traditional weapons, meditation and healing massage. Adult classes only. Mon and Wed 8pm-10pm at Denham Village Memorial Hall, Denham, UB9 5BN. Call Philip Davies 07790 496 346 or email kuntao.matjan.uk@gmail.com.
self help & support... hillingdon Brain tumour group Support group held every 2nd Thurs of the month 12.30-2.30pm, Hillingdon Baptist Church, Hercies Rd, Hillingdon, UB10 9LS. Call 01895 637444. slimming World New Denham Community Centre Tuesday, 10-11.30am. To register turn up at 10am, call Mandy 07879 897578
sociAl groups... denham green W.i. Every 2nd Mon in the month 2-4.15pm, St Marks Hall, Denham. All ladies welcome. Contact Linda 01895 257895 or linda. allum@hotmail.co.uk or Laura 01895835868 or ljphillips22@me.com. denham lions 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, 8pm at Denham Garden Village, Denham Green. 18+. info@denhamlions.org.uk denham Wives group Last Tuesday of each month at St. Mark’s Hall Denham Green 7.15pm. Contact Ann Collins 01895 833820 or acollins683@uwclub.net
many laughs please contact us! www.langley-iver-rotaract.org.uk
stoke poges Bridge club meet at St Andrew’s Church Hall in Rogers Lane, SL2 4LN on Monday from 1.30-5.30pm for players who want to improve their game. Call 01753 642 438 www.stokepogesbridgeclub.org.uk uxbridge conservative club Bingo, Carpet Bowls, Table Tennis, Lunches, Quiz & Race Nights etc. at 46 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 1PJ. Contact Georgina Baile on 01895 233653 or 07778 348082, e: udcc@btconnect. com or visit www.uxbconclub.com Women’s social group Social group for women. Looking to expand your social group and make new friends? We meet regularly for coffee, a chat - open women of all ages. Please call Seema on 07730 898635 or email seemaa@seemaa.co.uk
sport... denham Bowls club Denham Way, Denham, UB9 5AX. Lawn Bowling. Coaching available. Call Brian Simpson (Sec) on 01895 834007 or Jenny Johns on 01895 833845 denham cricket club Playing or social members welcome. Way & Tillard Memorial Cricket Ground, off Cheapside Lane, Denham Village. Tel: Bill Nicholas 01895 834527 pink ladies netball club All levels and abilities welcome. Training takes place at Stockley Academy, West Drayton every Tuesday. Senior training 16+yrs 7.30-9pm Back to Netball 16+yrs 7.30- 8.30pm Under 16s for details 01895 448878 email: plnetball@hotmail.co.uk visit www.pinkladiesnetball.co.uk
friendly Whist drive Harefield Community Centre, Priory Avenue, Harefield. Every Thurs 7.30pm. Beginners welcome. Contact Lyn on 01923 820173
table tennis Denham Village Memorial Hall Tuesdays 5.30-10pm. Call Richard Cottle on 01895 835292
rotaract club of langley & iver Meet at 8pm every 2nd & 4th Tues of the month, the Red Lion Pub, Langley, SL3 7EN. A group of 18-30's that raise money for charity and also have a busy social calendar. If you would like to meet new people, raise money and have
uxbridge squash club All squash players welcome. Uxbridge Cricket Club, Park Road, Uxbridge. See uxbridgesquash.org.uk or email: squash@uxbridgesquash.org.uk Tel: 01895 237571
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