Indefinable quality For expert advice and installation of all Schueco systems: 9 9 9 9
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The first month of Spring and the month of con ception for five of the six In and Around Maga zines. March is the official birthday for West Drayton, which celebrates its 9th year, Denham its 7th, Uxbridge its 4th and Ickenham and Ruislip their 2nd. Angela will also have become a year older, although exact figures shall re main a close guarded secret. Let’s just say a cake with one very large candle would be pref erable to an edible fire hazard! It’s also the start of (Don’t forget to put your clocks forward an hour at 1am on ). Yes, we lose a pre cious hour’s sleep, but we can look forward to lighter evenings, daffodils and other spring flow ers popping up everywhere, warmer weather and best of all, lower gas and electricity bills. this year, so get those tables booked and those flowers ordered. In the meantime, have a fabu lous March and do keep in touch with your local informa tion, news and events. We’re always just a phone call, email or facebook message away. .
Employing a Cleaner Technology: Unshackle Your Stereo
Tel: 0800 038 5001 Mob: 07931 368151 In and Around Magazines cover: West Drayton . Iver . Denham . Uxbridge Ickenham . Ruislip Angela Fisher 0800 038 5001 / 07759 536494 info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk
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Road Test: Volkswagen Passat
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Health: Glue Ear
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Ruislip Central Horticultural Society
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Garden Feature
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RSPCA
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Property Matters
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Wordsearch
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Karen Munro Careers
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Breakthrough for Sciatica Sufferers
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Sprains and Strains
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Wildlife Zone
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Local Events
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Coffee Break Puzzles
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Travel: Elba A Modern Exile
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Ickenham Emploing a Cleaner (Mar15)_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 27/02/2015 05:28 Page 1
Don’t feel guilty... Employ a
Cleaner
with Debbie Singh-Bhatti
After years of struggling to raise four children, work full time and care for a larger than average home, I eventually overcame feelings of guilt and shame at not being able to keep a clean and tidy house, and employed a company to do it instead. It felt like a load had been lifted! No more nagging feelings. No more panic. No more dread. Suddenly my house felt clean, loved and well cared for – and I wondered what all the fuss had been about!
during cleaning.
The number of people employing cleaners is on the increase. Some take this option because they don’t like housework, whilst others don’t have time or else prefer to be doing other things. Yet others are too elderly, ill or infirm to clean for themselves. Whatever your reason, it is important to find a company you trust to care for your home and your valued possessions.
Finally, find out how flexible your cleaning company is. Do they work to a fixed template, or are they happy to comply with your individual requirements? When I employed my cleaner, I was encouraged to state clearly what I wanted doing and how. A good cleaner is many things – but mind reader is not one of them!
The best way to find a cleaner is by personal recommendation, but if that isn’t possible, one of your first priorities should be to check out references and testimonials. If the company can prove they’ve done a good job for others, chances are they will serve you well too. Next, check out what insurance cover is in place. As a minimum there should be £5m Employers Liability and £1m Public/Products Liability insurance cover. Also, find out what procedures will be followed if your property gets damaged or broken
Be sure to find out what vetting procedures are employed, and whether DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are made. Also, enquire about training and qualifications. Don’t forget to ask about temporary relief during holidays or periods of illness. Will the company provide a replacement, or are you expected to make alternative arrangements?
Before making your decision, do meet your cleaning representative first. A look around the house and a discussion about what you would like doing, should result in an estimate of how long it will take and how much it is going to cost. Most companies charge by the hour. I couldn’t afford to have my entire house cleaned every week, so I decided on the most important areas and then selected additional chores to be done on a fortnightly or monthly basis. If you are still undecided about whether to employ a cleaner or not, take advice from someone who knows and go for it! You’ll never look back!
Ickenham TECHNOLOGY (Mar15)_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 27/02/2015 05:57 Page 1
T E C H N O LO G Y
UNSHACKLE YOUR STEREO... Back in the 70s and 80s a lot of people, men in particular, were ‘into’ their stereos in a big way (remember the term Hi-Fi?). They would spend huge sums of money on turntables with laser strobe speed control, 60 watt per channel amplifiers with graphic equalisers and speakers that could fill a whole room – not just with sound, but with immense wooden cabinets as tall as a fridge freezer. Over the last twenty years everything has changed. Compact discs superseded vinyl, better electronics made the amplifiers smaller and less complex and improvements in technology meant a tiny speaker could handle 100 watts and deliver perfect undistorted sound. Then came the internet, enabling people to download whatever music they wanted, store it on their computer and then burn it to disc. Finally, the iPod was invented and now everyone walks around with their own personal Hi-Fi in their pocket listening to music on earplugs. And if the sound quality isn’t good enough, Beats will sell you a set of headphones which provide awesome sound reproduction. However, the traditional stereo is starting to make a comeback and it’s using the same technology that threatened to make it obsolete in the first place. A high end 70s stereo usually consisted of a separate amplifier with a variety of components connected to it via cables: turntable, tape deck and tuner (radio). Then other cables would lead to the speaker cabinets; often there would be four of them – the main cabinets with woofers, sub-woofers and tweeters (bass, midrange and treble) and a couple of small subwoofers located at the back of the room to give a surround sound effect. The whole thing was bulky, inconvenient, expensive and involved miles and miles of cable running around the room. Of course, if you wanted to listen to music in another room, you needed to buy another stereo. Naturally, this has all changed. All the components, which were essentially means of playing different music storage
media, have been replaced by a computer or mobile device (normally the ubiquitous smartphone). This is a problem because even stereos that are as little as 4 years old have no means of connecting the music source to the amplifier. Quite a few had built in iPod docks but these all became obsolete when Apple changed the data socket with the launch of the iPhone 5. Happily, help is at hand in the form of either a dock that connects your mobile device to your stereo or a Bluetooth connector that plugs into to the back. If you really want to go the whole hog, get a Sonos Connect that links the stereo to any PC or mobile device, internet radio and music streaming services via your wireless router. The other big development is wireless speakers. These are conventional speakers that also contain an amplifier and a wireless receiver; they need a mains power source but dispense with the need for a cable connecting them to the stereo, meaning you can put them in any room without needing to move the entire stereo; once again, you can use your existing stereo via a wireless adapter. The most elegant solution is to buy a complete integrated stereo that connects to the router (and therefore any mobile device, laptop or internet radio and streaming service) as well as to the wireless speakers. Sonos is the market leader in such systems but Bose is coming up fast on the outside and both offer basic systems starting at around £600. One of the big advantages of such a system is that they are modular so you can add extra speakers to the network whenever you want. The system is sophisticated enough to let you listen to different music at different volumes in different rooms, all at the same time. All this in one compact, elegant and affordable package. The Hi-Fi has come of age; ain’t technology a wonderful thing?
Graham Iek
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The Passat has always been considered a cut above the midrange saloons produced by other volume manufacturers: classier, a little more prestigious, a quality product, it manages to sit somewhere in between the Mondeo and the BMW 3 Series. Yet, despite this, in the UK it is consistently outsold by rivals such as the Vauxhall Insignia, so it’s easy to forget what a global success story the Passat truly is. Since its launch in 1973 a staggering 22 million cars have been sold and each year it sells more than the entire output of Audi or BMW. The eighth generation of the Passat has just gone on sale and, I can tell you now, it is only going to en hance that remarkable commer cial success. VW is a firm believer in evolu tionary styling and this is born out in the new car which is clearly a descendant of the old model but has the current corpo rate VW snout with frowning ellipsoid headlights and a wide grill. It’s wider than the previous car and looks sleek and low with hard edged, angular styling – almost like an Audi A4 on a lower paygrade. I have to say that the optional 18” alloys really fill the wheel arches nicely too. Inside, the Passat has adopted the “virtual” instrument binnacle from the Audi TT but with less success. It has the same format with the speedo and rev counter at each side and the satnav overlaid in the centre, but the
graphics are overly fussy and, as the satnav is not a standard feature on many cars, the centre of the display gets filled up with a hodgepodge of informa tion; I preferred the old analogue instruments. Still, the materials are all top quality and the fit and finish cannot be faulted. The seats are firm but supremely comfortable on a long trip and there’s plenty of space, particu larly in the rear seats and the boot. At the moment there’s an all diesel engine line up; clearly VW hasn’t registered recent con cerns about NO2 and particulate air pollution. At the bottom of the range is a 1.6 with 118bhp, then VW’s trusty 2.0 litre with uprated outputs of 148bhp or 187bhp and, finally, a ripsnorting biturbo version of the 2.0 litre kicking out a remarkable 237bhp. I tried the 148bhp version, likely to be the biggest seller, which delivers respectable performance – 8.7 seconds to 62mph and a top speed of 137mph. It is also very refined, more so than any other VW diesel I’ve ever driven, al though you’ll struggle to achieve the claimed 69mpg economy figure. That engine refinement is carried over to the rest of the car. At motorway speeds it is almost eerily silent and the ride is close to perfect; there is noth ing even a potholed city street can throw at it that isn’t soaked up with ease. This level of com fort isn’t achieved at the ex pense of the handling either;
there is minimal body roll and huge levels of grip. With the precise 6 speed gearbox and torquey engine, it’s actually good fun to throw down a twisty A road, though there isn’t enough feel from the steering to deliver a truly sporty drive. The appeal of the Passat has always been that it does every thing well. This latest version has sleek styling, a perceived sense of quality, plenty of space and practicality and class lead ing comfort and refinement. The solid performance and handling simply complete the package and the estate version is one of the best load luggers around. It is not even expensive and you can take it as given that the residuals will be rock solid. This is not a car you yearn for and it will not attract covetous glances from your neighbours, but its businesslike air and faultless quality will provide years of happy motoring, together with the satisfaction of knowing that you bought a better car than the rest of the crowd.
.
GNH_in&around_dps_March2015_Layout 11/02/2015 13:42 Page 1 05:13 Page 1 Ickenham HEALTH (Mar15)_IN! Tipss Style 1Editorials (Mar13) 27/02/2015
holidays
In and Around
QUOTE: LQ5-IA
HEALTH
Glue Ear
Otitis Media with Effusion Three Queens Across the Mersey Celebrating Cunard’s 175th Anniversary
Glue ear is a condition where the up in the middle ear and can suffering with glue ear may middle ear fills with a glue-like struggle to drain down the become quiet and withdrawn 3 Days Half Board, £ pp • Departsor24may May, 2015 become frustrated. fluid instead of air. This They may to visit keepthe dampens the vibrations Cunard’s three Ocean Queens will sail city’s Pier Head. Westruggle will also up of with conversation, turn made by sound waves as into the River Mersey for a spectacular Roman city Chester up 2the television andDays find they travel through the celebration of the company’s 175th INCLUDED: nights stay at the learning at school difficult eardrum and ossicles. The anniversary. The Elizabeth, Mary and Inn, Liverpool, sharing a twin/doublebecause they can’t hear the cochlea in turn receives Victoria ships will assemble in front of bedded room • 2 dinners and 2 teacher clearly. Potentially, dampened vibrations, so Liverpool’s famous Three Graces at the breakfasts • Coach travel and excursions glue ear can affect speech the 'volume' of hearing is and language development essentially 'turned down,' in young children and it can hence hearing is dulled. sometimes cause ear A major cause of glue ear infections. is thought to be the
Call 01895 83 33 33 for bookings Eustachian tubes becoand information ming narrow, blocked, or
169
2015 Coach Holidays & Great Days Out
not opening properly so they
River Cruise www.gnvoyages.co.uk Coach Breaks www.gnholidays.com Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays
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Holidays offered by cannot drain fluid efficiently from GN Holidays the middle ear. After a cough, Voyages cold&or ear infection extra mucus Higher Denham which builds may be produced ABTA NoY0291 •ATOL 9362
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In most cases glue ear clears up without any treatEustachian tube. Smoke irritation ment within a few months; a and allergies may also cause GP will generally advise watchful Coachwaiting problems with the Eustachian Holidays & Gremonths at Daysto for three Ousee t tube; the risk of glue ear may if there has been any improvealso be increased when a sib- ment. If the problem persists, ling has the condition, by being referral to an ear, nose and throat bottle-fed and in households consultant will follow; they may where adults smoke. Glue ear advise an operation to clear is not caused by earwax or by the fluid and to insert ventilgetting water in the ear after ation tubes (grommets), espswimming or showering. ecially if speech and language under Glue ear is most common in are affected. This is done Departing from *Greenford, Harrow Ruislip, Uxbridge, Sloug childhood, particularly between a general anesthetic. h Maidenhead & *Staines the ages of one and six, but can ☎01895 83 33 33 Phoebe Hodge affect people of any age. A child
2015
Call for your copy
*Note: Due to drivers hours restriction s our day tours are not available from Greenford or Staines
Published: 26 January , 2015
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Coach Breaks departing from Uxbridge, Ruislip & Slough QUOTE: SP3-IA
QUOTE: SB4-IA
A VERY HIGH TEA!! SPINNAKER TOWER, ISLE OF WIGHT y GUNWHARF QUAYS & HARBOUR CRUISE EXPLORER Great Day Out, £69pp 5 Days Half Board, £269pp
e
Departures: 26 Mar, 7 May, 2 July & 10 Sept, 2015
Departs Monday 13 April, 2015
INCLUDED: 45-minute Portsmouth Harbour Cruise
INCLUDED: 4 nights accommodation sharing an en-
• High Tea with a glass of Prosecco at the Café in the
suite twin/double room at the Shanklin Beach Hotel -
Clouds - 105 metres up Spinnaker Tower • Free time in
no single room supplement • 4 breakfasts and 4
Gunwharf Quays • Return coach travel
dinners • Coach travel and excursions
QUOTE: BB4-IA
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BRIGHTON & THE BLUEBELL LINE STEAM & CREAM
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Great Day Out, £59pp
4 Days Half Board, £249pp
Departures: 16 Apr, 9 July & 3 Sept, 2015 INCLUDED: 11⁄2 hour steam train ride on the Bluebell Line with a Cream Tea • Free time in Brighton • Return coach travel
Departs Friday 28 August, 2015 INCLUDED: 3 nights accommodation sharing an ensuite twin/double room at the Preston Sands Hotel, Paignton • 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners • Excursions take in Dartmouth and the Royal Regatta, Torbay, Torquay and Brixham • Coach travel and excursions
RCHS FP (Mar15)_Layout 1 27/02/2015 07:11 Page 1
DAFFODILS
1883 Poeticus Recurvus Species Narcissus Division 10
I will always remember at this time of year, as the Daffodil brings back a memory that seems like only yesterday. At St. Johns Church where I used to go in Parkstone Dorset with my Mother and Father, every Mothering Sunday, the children would be called forward to the alter to collect a bundle of Daffodils to go back and give to Mum. I thought it would be therefore appropriate for March, that we call again on RCHS Vice Chairman Margaret McIntosh, this time to give us some great insight into the Daffodil (Narcissus). In Greek mythology, Narcissus, son of a River God was very handsome and vain. He spurned many lovers including Echo. The Goddess of retribution made him fall in love with his own reflection. He pinned away and up sprang the Narcissus flower. Narcissi, commonly called Daffodils herald spring. There are now thousands of daffodil cultivars, all can be grouped into 13 divisions each with similar characteristics. They come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes, for every type of garden use. PLANTING IN THE BORDER. Plant bulbs in autumn, in sun or light shade. Good drainage is essential, as they can easily rot. Plant 2-3 times their depth in clumps for best effect. Add some bonemeal to the planting hole. A bulb planter can be used to make a hole for each single bulb- this removes a plug of earth, which is replaced on top of the bulb. GROWING IN POTS. They grow well in pots, use prepared bulb fibre. Bulbs can be planted close together and do not need to be deep. Keep outdoors in a sheltered spot. Add a top dressing of grit to protect young growth from slugs and snails. Cover with chicken wire if squirrels are about. For indoor use choose PAPERWHITE or SOLEIL d’OR. These multi-headed flowers give wonderful fragrance and can be forced for Christmas. PLANTING IN THE LAWN. Daffodils can be naturalised in the lawn. For a natural effect scatter a handful over the grass and plant where they fall. Dig a hole using a bulb planter (see above). Drop in a little mixed sand/bonemeal, plant as before. For swathes of flowers, lift a length of turf, plant bulbs and roll turf back over. They will grow through the grass. NB It must not be mown until the leaves die down.
Finally many of you must have seen the series on TV over this winter featuring Christine Walkden. The RCHS has the great pleasure of welcoming Christine on Tuesday May 26th at 8pm for an “Evening with Christine Walkden” Tickets are limited so don’t delay. £10 Each. Call Warren on 01923 451616.
1885 Lemon Beauty (Split Corona) Division 11
1887 Tete a Tete. Miniature Division 12
DEALING WITH FOLIAGE. After flowering, plants should be deadheaded to prevent seed setting. Foliage must be left to die naturally.(normally 6-8 weeks). This allows nutrients to return to the bulb. Foliage should not be tied up, plaited or cut back. Diseased leaves can be removed. LEAVING BULBS IN THE GROUND. Bulbs can remain in the ground after flowering, if you have the space to leave them undisturbed. Next year they will produce another display of blooms. But to do this they will need some fertiliser- organic pellets – when the bulbs emerge from the soil. Fork in lightly between the bulbs as they appear. This also prevents water gathering at the neck, which can cause them to rot. Repeat the fertiliser after flowering. WINDOW BOXES/HANGING BASKETS/ROCK GARDENS Miniature varieties are great here, 6-8” tall.eg. TETE a TETE or JACK SNIPE. Plant them in clumps, with hyacinths and ivy. PLANTING FOR DISPLAY. You can plant bulbs in layers- ‘LASAGNE SYSTEM.’ Bulbs experience no problem when planted one over another. They will simply grow through and flower as usual. More bulbs - more blooms! A MIXED POT. Plant tulips, narcissi, and crocus in a large container and enjoy a wonderful succession of flowers. The lowest layer will be the bulbs that flower last DIVISIONS. The various divisions (large/trumpet/small etc) are only significant if you plan to exhibit your blooms. I hope you enjoy the wonderful Daffodil this spring. Margaret and many other members will be displaying their entries into the RCHS SPRING SHOW on Saturday 28th March 2015 at the Great Barn RUISLIP from 1pm until 4pm. Entry is free so please do come along and see the fantastic display of over 200 daffodils. Also 3 local Ruislip Schools will be entering the show for the first time ever, so please come along and support the next generation of gardeners! For details please see the website www.ruisliphorticultural.org.uk or contact Warren on 01923 451616.
RCHS MAILBAG This month I would like to feature ONE mailbag question, however we do reply to ALL emails received at rchstalks@gmail.com. Q What is the first thing I should do when tackling the garden again after the winter? Joyce, Ickenham. A Well that is the sixty four thousand dollar question, and I’m afraid I haven’t got the whole magazine to fill up, so I will tell you one of the thousands of jobs that I like to get done early. It is a good idea to spike the lawn every spring. Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn. The main reason for aerating is to alleviate soil compaction. Compacted soils have too many solid particles in a certain volume or space, which prevents proper circulation of air, water and nutrients within the soil. So using a garden fork, every nine inches across the whole lawn push in the fork and wiggle it slightly to open the soil. You can dress the lawn lightly afterwards. See you next month.
Warren
Ickenham GARDENING (Mar15)_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 27/02/2015 04:52 Page 1
GARDENING The Greenhouse Guide with Rachel Leverton
People often ask me, “Is there something in your garden you couldn’t live without?” My reply is always, “My greenhouse.” A greenhouse has many benefits, chief of which for me is that it extends the gardening year. With a greenhouse you can potter in your garden all year round, and grow a range of plants which simply wouldn’t thrive without the extra protection. Before choosing a greenhouse you will need to check whether your local planning authority imposes any restrictions. While you don’t normally need
planning permission, building regulations do have to be adhered to.
cedar is good because it lasts a long time and weathers really well.
Buy the biggest greenhouse you can afford that will fit comfortably on to your plot you will always fill it! But even if you can only afford a tiny one my first one had a base of just 4’ by 5.5’ (1.2m by 1.7m) - it will still be a worthwhile investment.
Greenhouses are even more useful if they are heated. I started out with paraffin heaters, but found they produced a lot of condensation and were messy and smelly. Electric heating is best, and very economical if you fit a system thermostat so that it only switches on when necessary.
The aluminium- framed types are very sturdy and relatively cheap. Woodenframed constructions are more attractive though, and often better in a small garden where everything has to earn its keep. Western red
Top Greenhouse Tips • Fit your greenhouse to level foundations. • Orientation isn’t important, but make sure it isn’t in the shadow of the house, or overhanging trees. • Ventilate well. • Any electrical work must be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician to comply with part P of the building regulations. • Don’t be tempted to use a household electric heater. It won’t cope with the damp conditions in a greenhouse. • Fit a water butt to the down pipes at either end of the greenhouse to conserve water.
Apart from heat the most important factor is ventilation. In high summer this is vital to prevent your plants from cooking. Automatic arms which open the vents at a predesignated temperature are really useful. External blinds are also very good as they prevent sun scorch. Finally, fit staging along one edge of the greenhouse for your pots, and dig a soil or gravel bed on the other side for things like tomato plants. Now all you have to do is plant some seeds and invest in a few tender perennials. Rachel Leverton
Peachy
If you would like to adopt Peachy, please call It is not unusual for us to treat cats with collar 020 8966 9688 or email injuries, where their collar has been able to slip info@rspcamiddlesex.org.uk from the normal position, usually allowing them to get one of their front legs stuck through it. "It's heartbreaking to see injuries like this be cause these injuries are completely prevent This means that when the cat walks the collar able", said Cheryl. "There are some really sim will then rub into the softer flesh of the armpit ple steps cat owners can take to prevent these and with time can cause the cat to have a deep kind of injuries": wound, which is what happened to little Peachy Always ensure that your cat's collar is correctly (pictured). fitted. Ideally the collar should be tight enough to stop it getting caught, but still allow you to get One of our volunteer fosterers, Sarah Peach, two fingers underneath to ensure it is not too who cares for RSPCA cats until we find them a tight making it uncomfortable for your pet. forever home, saw Peachy in her garden in Kenton. Even with help from RSPCA Middlesex Collars should be regularly checked to make North West it took three days until Peachy was sure they have not become too small because finally trapped. as your cat grows so should his collar. There are many types of collar available to buy but the "We had to cut through the rotting collar that most had over several weeks dug deep into her suitable is the "quick release" collar. "We would flesh leaving a gaping, grizzly wound oozing recommend a quick release collar", said Cheryl. with smelly puss. It looked incredibly painful, "These types of collars have a clip that will re and if left much longer could have been fatal," lease if it is pulled hard, allowing cats to break Cheryl O'Keeffe, Animal Welfare. free if they become trapped." Thanks to RSPCA Middlesex North West, Peachy is getting the treatment she needs. As she was wearing a collar, Peachy was clearly someone's pet, but as she wasn't microchipped we have no way of tracing her owners. Peachy will be ready to find a new home in a few weeks' time if her owners don't come forward.
If the collar you are using is for identification only then it would be worthwhile considering microchipping your cat instead. "Please get your cat microchipped," says Cheryl "if your cat be comes injured or lost, it's the only way to ensure you'll be reunited with her again".
Bertram’s at Smith’s Garden Centre, a Café…… is more than just
NO
When Bertram Thomas Smith started growing in his two small green houses back in 1931, he would never have believed that over eight decades later, a Café would be named in his honour. Bertram’s Café is now a well-established and much loved eatery amongst it’s regulars. But to others, it’s an unknown and hidden gem!
On Sundays the roast is “Legendary” said one fan recently. “We come here often as the
food is amazing and such good value”. It’s no surprise really as the Sunday Lunch Carvery at Bertram’s offers a choice of two fresh joints of meat, freshly cooked vegetables and roast potatoes, all made in house. Bertram’s Big Breakfast is also a favourite with regulars and is available all day. Or for those who might want a ‘proper drink’, Bertram’s is also licensed so you can enjoy a glass of wine or beer with your meal.
n tea
Afternoo
Popular for those small celebrations is the ‘Afternoon Tea’ Menu, a delight of freshly made sandwiches, cakes, pastries and lots of tea!
Open from 8am weekdays, with free wifi and free parking, Bertram’s is the ideal place for a meeting too. You can reserve a table and even enjoy a ‘Breakfast Platter’ of fresh pastries for your group, just call to book.
Smith’s Su
nday Roas
t
So pop into Bertram’s Café today and try out the menu, there are also meal deals and special daily offers too. Smith’s Nurseries, 95 Oxford Road, New Denham, UB9 4DE Tel; 01895 233844
Join us on Facebook or Twitter or visit the website www.smiths-nurseries.co.uk
Bertram's Café
SHED
SALE
15% OFF
• Order an Apex or Pent (flat roof) shed in the below sizes before the 1st April for 15% Off list price • Available sizes for deal: 6` x 4` | 7` x 5` | 8` x 6` (all in feet) • Choose where you want your doors and windows (or no windows) when ordering • Visit us in-store to see the full shiplap construction sheds on display • Order with one of our shed experts and quote `SHED15` to get the deal • All sheds are made to order and usually delivered within 3 weeks • Local delivery included in the price* 6` X 4` SHEDS FROM £292 (inc VAT + local delivery) 7` X 5` SHEDS FROM £338 (inc VAT + local delivery) 8` X 6` SHEDS FROM £385 (inc VAT + local delivery) • Pop in-store to pick up a brochure and price list, or download them from www.smiths-nurseries.co.uk • *Assembly is extra, please call us on 01895 233844 for more info • Our garden buildings are made by TGB. They are made of high quality shiplap and manafactured to a very high standard. They do not consist of any chipboard and/or `sheet` material that is often used in substandard garden buildings. • We supply many more sheds, summerhouses, playhouses and garden storage solutions, call us for more info..
Tel: 01895
233 844
www.smiths-nurseries.co.uk
95 OXFORD ROAD | NEW DENHAM | MIDDLESEX | UB9 4DE Smiths Nurseries_Ad A5_0215.indd 1
05/02/2015 09:24
Property
In 2012 the government introduced the new Na tional Planning Policy Framework, a major shakeup of the planning laws aimed at encouraging the building of more new homes. The number of new homes completed has fallen far short of what is required for most of the last decade and planning restrictions are seen as one of the main constraints on supply.
Has the legislation achieved its objectives or has it created new problems?
Well many communities will have breathed a sigh of relief that they are not having large scale devel opments imposed on them by distant politicians. On the downside, there is evidence that some local councils have simply failed to produce a plan or submitted plans that call for minimal levels of build The reform had three main points. Firstly, the legis ing in a bid to appease Nimby voters. The number lation was greatly simplified so it runs to around 50 of legal challenges by planning inspectors against pages instead of several hundred. Secondly, na inadequate local plans doubled last year. tional and regional housebuilding targets were However, the strongest sign that the reforms are scrapped and replaced with a local framework, so working is that in the year up to September 2014 decisions on how many houses to build and where planning permission to build 240,000 homes was to put them are made primarily by district councils. granted, the highest since 2007 and 80,000 more Most importantly, the guiding principle of the new than in 2011. Even then, not all permissions will legislation is a "presumption in favour of sustain result in a completed home but it is a very encour able development." Sustainable is defined as not aging sign. But, consider this: only 140,000 homes impacting negatively on future generations. In ef were completed in the last financial year; the plan fect, providing that the proposed development will ning system may be working but the developers not a have a detrimental impact and it is in accor are still not building enough houses. dance with the local plan developed by the council, it should be approved.
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Karen Munro Careers (Mar15)_Layout 1 24/02/2015 14:03 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 Career Development including effective CV Coaching, Interview Skills and Networking Techniques. 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 London and the South East. Karen also facilitates workshops and offers individual coaching to Military Personnel leaving the Armed Forces at RAF Northolt and works as an Associate Career Coach and Trainer for both Right Management and SMP Solutions. Writing for a number of career focused and military resettlement magazines she regularly contributes to ‘In and Around’ every month sharing her practical experience with her local community.
MOST people fall in to their careers purely by accident. Suddenly they get to a stage in their lives when they think “How did I get here?” And “How did I end up doing this?” More often than not, it isn’t what they really wanted to do in the first place and it seems almost impossible to think about doing something else now. So they continue along the path they were on at the risk of becoming more and more dissatisfied with their own career choice. Could this be you? What is important to remember, is YOU choose your career direction – it is not made for you it is created by you. Everything you have done until this very moment, whether it has been a conscious or unconscious decision, has been your decision. The biggest and bravest decision to make now is whether to continue on this path or take a different direction. To find out if you are doing the right job, ask yourself these 3 simple questions: 1. If all jobs paid the same, what job would I do? 2. If I knew I couldn’t fail, what job would I do? 3. If I was given a magic wand and could create the job of my dreams, what would it be? What do your answers say to you? If you are doing a job that really interests, motivates and inspires you, not only will you enjoy it and feel happier than you ever have, but you will ultimately become a success! Studies show that success does not necessarily translate in to financial reward (though it’s always nice!) but is about doing something you enjoy, that gives you a sense of satisfaction and personal reward.
If your answers are indicating you are not doing something you want to do and you would like to do something different, well, why not start exploring what that might look like and think about how you can achieve it? Career Coaching is about helping people to explore their transferable skills and identify what motivates them. It’s about exploring all the options and eliminating many of the barriers preventing them from realising their career potential. Here’s another little exercise you can try for yourself: 1. Draw a line on a piece of paper with your date of birth at the start and your estimated year of death (without getting morbid!) at the end. You have now created your ‘personal life line’. 2. Now mark an ‘X’ to show where you are now. How far along the line is the ‘X’? Consider, what you have achieved until now and think about how much time has passed? What jobs have you done? What did you enjoy and what were your successes? 3. Next, look at what remains on the right of the ‘X’. Ask yourself, what do you want to achieve? How much time do you have to achieve that? If your earlier answers to the 3 questions indicated you’re not doing a job that really makes you happy, then perhaps it’s time to start thinking about what you would like to do and how you might be able to achieve it. Career Coaching is not an overnight fix, and magic wands are in short supply. However, if you really want to change - you can. You are in control of your own career and ultimately you can always change direction. “If you do not change the direction in which you are going, you will end up where you are headed.” Confucius
Karen
“unlocking your career potential”
Date
HUBB Spotlight
Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce, established in 1906, affiliated member of West London Business and the newly formed Local London Chambers of Commerce, attracts businesses across the borough of Hillingdon. Run by a voluntary committee of business professionals dedicated to providing its 300+ members, with access to business advice, networking events, training opportunities, local business news and member-to-member offers, the Chamber plays an important role in the local business community. Ward Williams interviews Mike Langan – Chair of the Hillingdon Chamber and member of the Local Strategic Partnership, Uxbridge Initiative, London Civic Forum and Hillingdon Economic Sustainable Taskforce to find out more about the Chamber and its plans for growth.
WW: What is the purpose of the Chamber? Mike: A body of businesses that come together with a voice for Hillingdon, and a network of businesses which help create extra business and make Hillingdon a place where business is welcome and which is expanding. WW: What initially attracted you to the Chamber? Mike: At the time I was working as a bank manager at NatWest, my line manager said it would be good if all managers took some local responsibilities. One of them suggested I work with the Chamber of Commerce. I’ve fulfilled all Chamber committee roles over the years; secretary, treasurer, vice-chair and most recently chair. In these various roles, I’ve felt like I’ve been giving something back to the community, because Hillingdon is a good place. It’s important that small businesses have representation because they are lacking a voice in government. WW: How important do you feel it is to be a Chamber member? Mike: It’s important to have contact with other businesses so that you can seek advice and learn from their experiences.
A body of businesses that come together with a voice for Hillingdon, and a network of businesses which help create extra business and make Hillingdon a place where business is welcome and expanding. Mike Langan, Chair
hillingdonchamber.co.uk
WW: How do you plan to grow the Chamber in the next two years? Mike: By carrying on doing what we’re doing. We aim to increase membership by 10 per cent every year through events that we participate in/partner with including: Hillingdon4Business, Eastcote4Business, Hillingdon & Uxbridge Business Breakfast (HUBB), ‘Meet the Buyer’ – Heathrow Business Summit, Hillingdon Expo 2015… WW: What would help you to grow your membership database? Mike: Extra funds and extra bodies! We need a bigger advertising budget, and extra funds to employ people. Occasionally we receive funds from the local council, but the vast majority of funding comes from membership fees. If you look at economic development over the boroughs, Hillingdon is the second largest borough in London with many large businesses based here, yet it has one of the smallest economic development teams. WW: As a key partner of the Hillingdon Expo 2015, what does the Chamber hope to achieve? Mike: a) attract members b) showcase what’s happening in Hillingdon - that there is business to be had and c) improve business connections because it’s a business fair. WW: Has Ward Williams helped the Chamber in any way? Yes, you’ve helped to increase Chamber membership through your strong following at HUBB events, and we have got our network to know about your events. It’s an important partnership from our point of view. Just like the partnership we have with you, Bird & Lovibond and Handelsbanken for the new Hillingdon4Business events. It’s going to be good because it’s another networking opportunity for businesses in the local area, something that wasn’t there before. When you see 50 or so people attending it’s a great feeling. Hillingdon Chamber membership is open to all businesses, from the smallest sole trader to the largest multinational. Apply on line.
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2 Car Parks available at the rear of the store [access via North View or Abbotsbury Gardens] Online Store www.thecurtaingallery.net | http://www.facebook.com/TheCurtainGalleryLondon INANDAROUNDMAGAZINE_JUNE2014.indd 1
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The Wildlife Zone...FP (Mar15)_Layout 1 26/02/2015 15:57 Page 1
THE WILDLIFE ZONE
HUMMERS H
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.
ummingbirds are amongst the most spectacular and fascinating birds in the world, which is why I had them high on my list of ‘must sees’ when I went to South America. They may be numerous but that does not mean one can easily spot them, as I found out: although I also had other animal-watching priorities such as anteaters, river dolphins, sloths, capybara and many more. ‘Hummers’ get their name from the humming sound of their wings when they hover in front of flowers, feeding on nectar. They beat their wings so fast that the human eye cannot possibly count the wing beats making the image a fantastic blur. These exotic pollinators only live in the New World where they evolved from songbirds over millions of years. Hummingbirds have progressed to use the soaking rain to clean and preen their spectacular plumage. This is an important advantage they have over other pollinators such as insects which often become damaged when they are drenched. Some scientists believe that these birds developed this advantage to fill the ecological niche in wet climes, especially in the colder mountainous habitats. From these regions, hummingbirds diversified and spread throughout the Americas, pollinating plants and forming a symbiosis with them which we witness today. The tell-tale characteristics that I looked out for when I was in the Amazon and the Sub Tropical Forests of Iguazzu were their tiny size, long bills, sensational colours and iridescent feathers. I had thought that I would be able to view them everywhere at any time, but I was wrong and I only managed to see a few species towards the end of my tour. Even then, I never witnessed their superb aerial acrobatics such as flying backwards or upside down; skills learned no doubt from hovering and feeding on flowers. Nor did I see them visit their small nests; some so minute that they neatly fit underneath a large blade of grass or flower stalk which hides and protects them from rainstorms and predators. Whilst they were perching before darting back and forth to colourful bell-shaped flowers, I once again pondered on their body mechanisms. Scientists have found that many hummingbird species have hearts that beat up to a ‘mere’ 400 times per minute when perching, but increases to a staggering 1,200 times per minute when flying. Because they must continually feed from nectar, or occasionally have protein from flies and other small flying insects to supplement their diet, I suspected that they must live on the edge of existence and always be only hours from death. Consequently their specialist behavioural patterns, such as their feeding habits, mean that these tiny birds now occupy a specific niche in the eco-system. As a result, a damaged wing or bill, or any illness which lasts a few days, is usually fatal. Their petite bodies and delicate biology will not allow the birds even a few days to recover from imperfect health to full fitness. It is only at night time when the ‘hummers’ rest from feeding, although it is the time when death is always near. If they haven’t fed enough throughout the day, they starve; but those which have eaten well can perch through the hours of darkness. However if predators appear, the defenceless ‘hummers’ remain motionless and often die in an attack. However, even in daytime hours, the hummingbirds’ spectacular colours attract both mates and predators. Despite this, the ever present threat of predation is outweighed by the likelihood of finding a mate and rearing a family in their short lives. Even though their precarious existence caused by their specialist feeding habits, tiny size and vulnerability to predators, ‘hummers’ still fight each other to the death for territory and mating rights. The fittest and strongest birds choose the most appealing territories which include the best flowers and feeding areas, as well as the optimum nesting sites. The offspring which have the highest quality genetic material of their parents will fledge and grow up in these prime territories. However, after juvenility they will either inherit these elite territories or fight to gain new ones elsewhere. One of the green hummingbirds I managed to see in the dense foliage had a long slender bill, even though it was still smallish in comparison to some ‘hummers’. This means that this species can only feed on certain flowers which have its nectar close to the opening of the flower head. If the nectar lies beyond the length of the ‘hummers’ bill, the bird cannot access the food. Only the hummingbirds with longer bills will be able to feed on flowers which have larger petals and deeper canals. In the USA they have found that some species have learned to find food from garden feeders which are designed to look like red flower petals. The difference is that these specialist feeders are jars filled with clear nectar, and have been adapted to suit the ‘hummers’ long bills, tongues and hovering routines. But mankind’s negativity is never too far away, including habitat destruction where nectar producing flowers could decline and push some birds towards extinction. As a result conservationists remain wary and on their guard. At the end of my Brazilian expedition I was happy to have seen some ‘hummers’ as well as being able to photograph one, despite the difficulty in doing so. Since then I have been continually filled with awe because of their incredible biology, flying acrobatics and sensational colours.
The charities’ contact details are www.ffes.org.uk email: info@ffes.org.uk
Dated Events (Mar15)_Layout 1 27/02/2015 11:09 Page 1
MARCH EVENTS Courtwoods Mother’s Day Tea Party Fundraising Event Sun 8th March, 12pm-4pm Courtwood Car Services, Penfield Estate, Lancaster Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1AP. This charity open day will be held in support of DASH (Disablement Association Hillingdon). Special guests include the Deputy Mayor Councillor George Cooper and Deputy Mayoress Councillor Judith Cooper. There will be children’s activities and lots of family fun, fab raffle prizes and refreshments on sale.
HUBB Business Breakfast Event Thu 12th March, 8am-9am Bay Lodge, 36 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1PH. Networking with local professionals and in partnership with the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce. ‘How to improve your business’ – Interactive Workshop with guest speaker Mark Harris from Enterprise Doctor. Who will explore the different aspects of a business which can be improved and the importance of working on the business rather than in the business. Coffee and pastries. For details and to book your place email: helen.thompson@ wardwilliams.co.uk please do circulate this invitation to your colleagues/contacts.
Local Events March into April 2015
The Inlands Waterways Association Tues 10th March, 7.30pm Hillingdon Canal Club (HCC), Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX. (opposite the General Elliott pub) Speaker Athena Beckett on 'Buckinghamshire Canal Society' Email Lucy Smith on middlesex. socials@waterways.org.uk. KLOS Musical Theatre presents 'When The Lights Go On Again' 11th-14th March Winston Churchill Theatre Pinn Way, Ruislip, HA4 7QL. Come along to KLOS Musical Theatre's performance and enjoy all your favourite World War Two songs such as 'The White Cliffs Of Dover', 'We'll Meet Again' and 'The Lambeth Walk'. Finally, rejoice with the cast as VE day arrives! For tickets email: boxoffice@KLOS musicaltheatre.co.uk or call 0208 2072340 or 07539 025 211.
Quiz Night Sat 14th March Harefield Community Centre, Priory Avenue, Harefield. Come and join us - cost is £7 includes Ploughman’s. For more info/tickets please call 01895 822320. FREE Family Fun Day Sat 14th March, 2pm-4pm St Leonards Hall, Richings Park, Bucks. Sometimes we all need to get out the house, it's good if the children have somewhere for them to get together and play and even better if we can get together with our friends, have fun, meet new people AND STILL give our children the attention that they want / need over the weekend. This fun family games day is a 2 hour event, where Hart Entertainments provides a 5 section 'wave of games' flow:
DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE!
If you would like us to publicise your event in our April issues contact us no later than Monday 16th March.
1) welcome warm up, getting to know each other, 2) energy busters, 3) team games, 4) equipment games 5) chillout By bringing a little something to eat, drink and share with you. We'll have a break half way to refresh and re-energise. Please note: The event is Free for all the family. By joining you agree for Hart Entertainment to film the event and use pictures and video footage for future promotions. Children cannot be left unattended. For details and tickets visit www.zoehart.co.uk or call Zoe Hart on 07747 063 149.
Pot a Plant for Mother's Day Sat 14th March, 9.30am-3.30pm Smith's Nurseries, 95 Oxford Road, New Denham, UB9 4DE. Choose a plant and pot it for Mum, ideal activity for Dads and kids the day before Mother's Day. No booking required but call for more information if required on 01895 233 844. Butterflies Table Top Sale and Community Coffee Morning Sat 21st March, 9.30am-1pm The Village Hall, Ickenham, UB10 8DG. Entry 50p, children free.
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Ickenham TRAVEL (Mar15)_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 27/02/2015 04:29 Page 1
TRAVEL
A MODERN DAY EXILE... The historians among you may know that the island of Elba was Napoleon’s ‘prison of choice’, where he exiled himself for 300 days after his first abdication, as opposed to St Helena (4800 miles away in the South Atlantic) where he was sent by the British after his defeat at Waterloo, dying there six years later. My window of opportunity for a short break wasn’t enough to cross the equator to St Helena, so I plumped for a trip to this jewel of the Tuscan Archipelago. I flew to Pisa (via the ubiquitous Ryanair), and hired a car. It’s about 70 miles on the Autostrade from Pisa to Piombino. From there, you take a car ferry over to Rio Marina, a picturesque harbour village on Elba’s east coast. On arrival, a road closure just outside Rio Marina was accompanied by a very poorly signposted diversion, forcing me to refer to Google Maps which offered an alternative route around the north eastern tip of the island, a journey which proved difficult in a small Ford Fiesta at dusk. Suffice to say that conquering the mountain village of Rio Nell Elba didn’t do much for the car’s clutch, although thankfully it just about survived. I had rented a rustic property a short walk from the beautiful beaches at Procchio, a little family resort about 10km west of the island’s main town, Portoferraio. Despite the large ferries blotting Portoferraio’s seascape, it remains full of character. The walk up to the upper town to see the National Museum of the Napoleonic Residence at Villa dei Mulini (adult entry €5) is a real highlight, especially the views from the gardens over the sea and across to the Tuscan Mainland. Afterwards, get back down to the Piazza della Republica and grab a bite to eat and a deserved glass of the excellent local wines at Il Castagnacciaio, probably the best pizzeria on the island. If café society is your bag, head for the stunning hilltop town of Capoliveri. The main square, Piazza Matteotti, has a scattering of alfresco bars to watch the sun set and the
world go by. A short stroll to Via Roma will give you a choice of restaurants. I went for Osteria Summertime, a busy and popular family-owned place. The braised octopus was superb and went very well with the local Ansonica wine. For a nightcap, try the enoteca (wine bar) Fandango, hidden under the Piazza Matteotti, where you can enjoy a fine Chianti in a very relaxed atmosphere. To explore the south and western part of the island, head first to the bustling beach/harbour town of Marina del Campo, ten minutes south of Procchio at the narrowest part of the island. After a caffè overlooking the harbour, head back north and climb the mountains to the village of Marciana. The views from here are impressive. If you’re feeling energetic, I recommend wandering through the town and up the hill to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte which will build up an appetite to move on to my gastronomic highlight of the trip, the Ristorante Capo Nord in Marciana Marina - amazing freshly caught fish cooked in the local style and an excellent wine list (the Tuscan Viognier was a real winner). Finally, the Villa Napoleonica di San Martino, Napoleon’s country retreat, is worth a visit, as is the very genteel Porto Azzurro. In the latter, sample a fantastic ice cream from La Casa del Gelato on the seafront. For those concerned that the island seems too sedate, Club 64, located between Procchio and Portoferraio, sees locals and visitors dance to the latest music until the very early hours.
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It’s obvious why Napoleon loved this island and why hordes of Italians, Swiss and Germans more than double the population in the summer months. With an area of just 86 square miles, the mountainous terrain means you won’t get anywhere fast. But you really shouldn’t need to or want to; just enjoy la dolce vita!
Richard Jones
Sm
We provide the finest authentic Indian cuisinefreshly prepared by our talented chefs NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR MOTHERS DAY CALL US NOW ON 01895 239503 Sunday Buffet
Sunday Buffet available all day from 12 - 10pm. £7.95 per person and £4.50 for children under 12 years of age
BANQUET NIGHT Tuesdays £10.95
Starter, Main, Side with Rice or Naan (any seafood £3.50 extra)
LUNCH MENU 3 course meal for £8.95 (Eat in only)
Zoe Hart FP+ (Mar15)_Layout 1 26/02/2015 12:31 Page 1
Age appropriate music Every parents minefield? Not any more!
ZOE HART an international club DJ since 1999, turned Childrens Entertainer in 2012.
Hi, I’m Zoe and I run a local children’s disco service. In todays world we are constantly bombarded with information and not enough time to absorb and filter it for our children, so I thought I’d help a little, at least in the area that I’m good at. Music!
Come along to Hart Entertainments FREE FAMILY GAMES EVENT on Saturday 14th March, 2-4pm at St Leonards Church Hall. Call Zoe on 07747 063149 for details and to book your family’s place.
Each month I’ll review a selection of the top 40 hits, detailing the artists and the tracks that have caught mine and the kids attention.
www.zoehart.co.uk - 07747 063 149
THE NIGHT – Avicii
OUTLINES – Mike Mago & Dragonette
He said “One day you’ll leave this world behind, So live a life you will remember.” Wise words, and gets the kids bouncing AGE big time. 0+
Kids burst into dance when I put this on. Nice B line.
AGE
6+
I LOVED YOU Blonde featuring Melisa Steel SUGAR - Maroon 5 Sugar yes please! The little ones won’t get what it’s about, they just like sugar. It’s got the other ‘s’ word in it too though.
Commercial house not at it’s best. Nothing inappropriate here though.
AGE
6+
AGE
16+ TAKE ME TO CHURCH – Hozier
L.A. LOVE (LA,LA) - Fergie Female vocalist of the Black Eyed Peas, this track is fine if you like Hip-Hop-Rap, just cut the last 20 seconds where it’s about the AGE promotion of ‘Cali’ (Cannibis). 10+
The song is about asserting yourself and reclaiming your humanity through an act of love. Me ‘n’ the kids love it, but it’s not AGE party music.
6+
LIPS ARE MOVIN – Meghan Trainor Another lovely track from Meghan, more innuendo than a fruit bowl.
This month’s favourite BLAME IT ON ME – George Ezra Hungarian English 21 year old, lives in Bristol, both his parents are teachers. Very unique voice. Lovely song. He’s definitely AGE one to watch. 0+
SAY SOMETHING - Karen Harding "If you want to say something, say it now." Good point. We could all do with better communication.
AGE
0+
AGE
7+
WRAPPED UP – Olly Murs featuring Travie McCoy Fun & bouncy track with sexual inference spoken so fast they won’t catch it.
AGE
5+
This months top pick for parents is by Joe Bonamassa – No.1 Blues billboard artist. Download for FREE now: http://jbonamassa.com/freebonamassa-album/
References: etonline.com, mtv.co.uk, Wikipedia.co.uk, azlyrics.com, whosay.com, musicinsideu.com, lyricinterpretations.com, songfacts.com.
Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX Independent School for boys and girls aged 3 - 11
An ‘OUTSTANDING’ School
OPEN DAY
Saturday 21st March 2015 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Please telephone 01895 234371 to make an appointment Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX - www.sthelenscollege.com
Designer Life (Jan15)_Layout 1 24/02/2015 14:14 Page 1
www.designerlife.co.uk neelam@designerlife.co.uk
Neelam Challoner is one of UK’s leading Life coaches, specialising in Re-designing women’s lives and is the founder and owner of Designer life Coaching and the Author of ‘Successful but Incomplete’. Neelam has coached hundreds of people nationally and internationally since 2004. With over 15 years experience in leadership, she has a flair for getting the best out of people. Her clients range from professionals, high net worth individuals, and solo business owners, to unemployed, single parents and women who have suffered domestic abuse. She has empowered and coached both privately and in the public sector pan London and in the Hillingdon Borough and is relentless on her mission to inspire and motivate people to release their potential and live a ‘Designer life’.
Spring Cleaning Life HOME, EMOTIONS & MIND
THERE is a saying that your environment reflects your mind. Or, the state of your home, reflects the state of your mind. I am not sure how true that is for people in general, I think it’s best you decide for yourself. Look at how similar your mind is to how you keep your home or immediate working environment and conclude if indeed there is a similarity. For me, I actually do think there is truth in it; for example, I have a relatively clean, organised home, my main affairs are in order, but I do have paperwork that needs filing or ‘actioning’, cupboards that need organising and the odd pile of ‘stuff’ that sits there for weeks or even months that needs my attention. When I consider my mind or emotions, I am balanced, happy at peace, but there are times when I feel overwhelmed, a little stressed when I need to get something done, and often this may come from my lack of organisation or the ‘pile’ that wasn’t dealt with now needs dealing with because I have to now action a matter that was previously left undone. This is where an element of stress comes in. There are other things we inherit in our mind, life and emotions, hurts, pain, anger and this can end up effecting our environment. As we enter a new season, this is an opportune time to spring clean your mind, emotions and home. Often things left undone can become barriers to our personal joy, inner peace and progression. As I write this article I plan to also take a spoon of my own medicine and have a spring clean! Steps to Spring Cleaning 1. Make a list of all the things you have been putting up with; people, things, unfinished business, habits, house chaos, untidy corners, emotions or anything or anyone that is toxic etc. Next to each item put a date next to it on which you are going to tackle it. 2. Pop these activities and dates into your diary or calendar giving yourself a good amount of time to tackle each one successfully. If some tasks take more than one occasion or needs to be dealt with over a period of time, pop it in your diary as a series of actions for you to deal with sequentially. 3. Now, write down all the reasons why these things have been negative or held you back. What have been the adverse consequences of those things you have listed? 4. What positive impact would it have on your life, mind and emotions If you tackled each one, or if they were eliminated from your life? Write down how you would feel, be or think if they were now not an issue? 5. Get family involved if need be; get their ‘buy in’ make a plan together and stick to it. 6. If you are harbouring unforgiveness or negative feelings towards a person or persons even if from years ago, then find a way to forgive them. Let go and move on. It doesn’t mean you condone what they have done, but letting go and forgiving is one the biggest detoxes a person can do. 7. Spring cleaning is very therapeutic and satisfying, go round your home and schedule in a big spring clean; from dry-cleaning, duvet/pillows, washing windows, the odd DIY job, steam cleaning the carpet and moving furniture around for a different feel, finishing off with some fresh flowers 8. Once your plan has been written, put it somewhere you can see it and keep an eye on your progress. Before you know it, you will have de cluttered and detoxed and spring cleaned every ‘cobweb’ that has been ‘getting under your skin’.
Do you have a couple of hours spare one or twice a month? If you have two hours spare once or twice a month, the League of Friends of Hillingdon Hospi tal would like to hear from you, as they are looking for a couple of additional volunteers to join their existing team, to help in the Tea Bar and “Baby Boutique” at The Hillingdon Hospital, Pield Heath Road, Hillingdon. The League of Friends is a voluntary organiza tion. All profits and funds raised by the Tea Bar and “Baby Boutique” are used to fund additional equipment and services for the welfare and bene fit of patients at Hillingdon Hospital. The Tea Bar is based in the main Outpatients Dept and sells a wide selection of rolls, sand wiches, confectionary and drinks. It is open from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm each weekday. The “Baby Boutique” is located on the ground floor of the Duchess of Kent Maternity Wing, sell
ing baby clothes and accessories as well as snacks, drinks and confectionary. The “Boutique” opens from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm each weekday and also opens at weekends for a couple of hours. We are looking for dependable volunteers who can help us for a minimum of 2 hours a month on a rota basis, who enjoy meeting and helping people, are able to use tact and initiative where necessary and are capable of handling money. The work is ideal for active, retired peo ple or those who would simply like to make a worthwhile contribution to the local community.
Social media and divorce
by Amanda Melton Partner, family and matrimonial team IBB Solicitors amanda.melton@ibblaw.co.uk
Social media can be your worst enemy at the best of times, let alone mid-divorce. If you are about to start divorce proceedings or are already involved in a divorce, consider carefully how you use social media. If you are addicted to putting every last detail of your life on Facebook, Twitter or similar, STOP and seriously consider whether to close your account. Divorce There are several ways posts could be used against you. Imagine you post after a night out with a new partner - a photo or comment is ideal for use by a private investigator to try and prove adultery. This may, however, be the least of your worries. The issue of the grounds for the divorce pale into insignificance once the issues of the children and financial issues are underway. Social media may damage your case within these proceedings unless they are treated with care. Your children An application in respect of your children demands perfect parenting to prevent your spouse using even the smallest thing against you. Imagine that in the heat of the moment and in exasperation you post a disparaging comment about your spouse. You need to convince the court that you accept your son or daughter should have a good relationship with both
parents and that you will actively encourage that, which is a far more difficult argument to run when attached to your spouse’s statement there is a copy of your most recent post setting out what you really think of him or her. Financial issues When it gets to the financial issues, the effect of posts and photographs appearing on Facebook can be even more damaging. Imagine you are running a case suggesting a need predicated on the fact that you are not working yet, but your Facebook page shows you are about to form a new business or have even come into a substantial inheritance recently. Even if this information is not proof or perhaps not even true, the difficulty is that it sows the seed of doubt which then makes it more difficult to settle. How to use to your advantage So can you use social media to help you? The answer is easy. The chances are that your spouse is guilty of exactly the same conduct, so gather what information you can. It may now be frowned upon by the courts for you to go through your spouse’s financial papers without his consent but there is currently no such restriction on access to their Facebook pages. That information is out there for all to see and use.
Fresh start?
When marriages reach the point of no return, you need a cool head to guide you through the emotional, legal and financial minefield. We will protect your interests and help you reach the best possible outcome for your family. 08456 381381 ibblaw.co.uk
GNH_in&around_dps_March2015_Layout 1 11/02/2015 13:42 Page 1
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Ickenham What's On... (Mar15)_Layout 1 27/02/2015 11:40 Page 1
REGULAR & LOCAL EVENTS... Quiz Night Every Tues & Sun, 8.30pm Coach & Horses, Ickenham
Bollywood Night Fri 25th April, at Vyners School Hall. Call Doug on 01895 633217 or see www.IckenhamFestival.org.uk
COMEDY... Comedy Bunker Ruislip Golf Centre, Ickenham Road, Ruislip HA4 7DQ. For details see www.comedybunker.co.uk Comedy Nights The Empire Comedy Club at The White Bear, Ickenham Road HA4 7DF every Thurs night. Pete 01895 675293
HOBBIES... Brushstrokes Art Classes with Sue Friendly weekly classes with tuition. Beginners welcome. Hayes, Ickenham & Ruislip. Ring Sue 01895 639294 or 07949 805246 Chinese Brush Painting Group Saturday mornings. The class is guided by an experienced tutor. Learn how to compose and develop your own style as well as practicing calligraphy. At Harefield Library, Park Lane Village Centre, Harefield or contact Phyllis Nash 01895 476 644 / phyllnash@gmail.com
Harrow & Hillingdon Geological Society Meet for lectures at 7.30 for 8pm on the second Wednesday of each month at Cavendish Pavilion, Field End Road, Eastcote, HA4 9PG. All are welcome, visitors £3 donation. Refreshments. For details contact: Jean Sippy, Secretary Tel: 020 8422 1859 www.hhgs.org.uk Hillingdon Arts & Crafts Club Meet every 2nd Friday in The Parlour at the URC Church in Swakeleys Road from 9.45-11.30am. £3pp. Call Sue Williams 07799 054444 Hillingdon Decorative & Fine Arts Society Enjoy 10 expert lectures a year about art and culture from around Britain. Outings to galleries & places of cultural interest. Receive NADFAS Review, Interested? Come along to a lecture, cost £6. See www.hillingdondfas.co.uk, email: membership@hillingdonfas.co.uk or call Ann Lowe 01895 638147
Hillingdon Family History Society At Hillingdon Park Baptist Church, Hercies Road, Hillingdon. Research room open (10am – 1pm) on the first Sat of the month and every Fri (except the Fri before the first Sat). Experienced help available. See www.hfhs.co.uk . Contact Mrs Reynolds 01895 444442 or email hillingdonfhs@onetel.com
Uxbridge Craft Market Every Wednesday (9am-5pm) at The Pavilions Shopping Centre Arts, Crafts, Gifts and Collectables www.uxbridge-craft-market.co.uk
Inland Waterways Association 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...
Ruislip & District Natural History Society Meet last Mon of the month from Sept to April in Guide Hut near Ruislip Library. Call John Matthews 01895 636215. Ruislip & Northwood Flower Arrangement Society Meet every 1st Tues of the month at the Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Oaklands Gate, Northwood HA6 3AA Ruislip, Northwood & Eastcote Local History Society Meets on the third Monday of the month at St Martin's Church Hall, High Street, Ruislip at 8.15pm. See RNELHS website for details. Susan Toms 01895 637134 toms.susan@gmail.com The Ickenham Art Society Meets Thu, 7.30pm in the Scout Hut, Community Close, Ickenham. See www.ickenhamart.co.uk. For painters in any medium. Tel. 0208 866 0875. See www.ickenhamart.co.uk. The Chiltern Aviation Society Meets every 4th Wednesday at the Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Road. 8pm. Call Keith Hayward on 01895 637872 or email John Roach at Chilternaviation@virginmedia.com The Language Clubs of Hillingdon From late Sept until mid-July. Speak some German, Spanish, French or Italian? Want to practise speaking and listening in friendly groups, with recent learners, improvers and native speakers? Join a Language Club! Each Club meets on a different Thursday of the month at 7.45pm in St Giles' Church Hall, Swakeleys Road, Ickenham UB10 8BG. For details: German Club 01895 254 723 . Spanish Club. French Club 01895 253 472. Italian Club 020 8863 3468.
Uxbridge & Ickenham Floral Art Society Meets in the village hall, Swakeleys Road. Call 01895 850943
Argosy Players Theatre Group Meets at Ruislip Conservative Club, Ickenham Road, West Ruislip. Every Thurs, 8pm. Call 07972 394702. Bagot Stack (Fitness League) TT only. Vyners School, UB10 8AB on Tues 7.30-8.30pm. Call Rosemary 01628 776838 www.thefitnessleague.com Classical Pilates Mat classes for all levels in Ruislip. Contact Tonja Osborn 07766 011036 or email TonjaOsborn@gmail.com Dance, Gymnastics and Free Running By Futunity UK. Ages 2 - adults catered for and all styles of dance. See www.futunityuk.com, call 01895 251224 e: admin@futunityuk.com Eastcote Exercise Classes Metabolic workout class, 45 minute stretch class. Mon, Tues & Sat mornings. Contact Virginia King 01895 232551 virginiaking@vking2468.freeserve.co.uk Empowering Yoga Fusion of Hatha & Vinyasa Yoga Wed 9.30-10.45am at Windmill Studio Centre, Ruislip Manor Thur 9.30-11.00am at St Thomas More Church, Eastcote + classes in Harrow. FreeTrial Class contact: Joanne 0845 4561336 e:info@empoweringyoga.co.uk Fitness League Fun dance routines to music for women of all fitness levels. Tues 7.30-8.30pm at Vyners School, Warren Road, UB10 8AB Call Rosemary 01628 776838 before coming. www.thefitnessleague.com Fitsteps: Exercise with a difference Inspired ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, Mon 7-8pm. The Conservative Club, 56-58 Ickenham Road, Ruislip HA4 7DG for more information call Becca: 07860 353919 continued over...
Ickenham What's On... (Mar15)_Layout 1 27/02/2015 11:40 Page 2
KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA CONTINUED...
Funky Rhythms Dance & Fitness Zumba with Brian (07957 343528) Monday Zumba, 6:30pm-7:20pm and 7:30pm-8:20pm, Abbotsfield School for Boys Zumba with Elli £5 (07833 690153) Tue 8pm - 233 High St, Uxbridge Funky Zumba with Brian (07957 343528) Wed 6:30pm-7:30pm, Abbotsfield School for Boys. FITSTEPS Thu 6:30pm-7:30pm, Abbotsfield School for Boys. Zumba with Sylvia J £5 (07793 769584) 8pm - Minet Junior School, Avondale Drive, Hayes Zumba with Elli £5. 8pm Active4less, 233 High Street, Uxbridge Zumba with Brian £5. Sat 11am Swakeley's School for Girls, Clifton Gardens, Hillingdon Images School of Dance Fun and friendly dance & drama classes for all ages. Based in Ruislip Manor. www.imagesschoolofdance.co.uk e: info@imagesschoolofdance.co.uk Irish Dancing Classes For children aged 5+. Beginners and advanced. Mon 6pm, Hayes Conservative Club, Church Road. Wed 6pm, Greenford Catholic church hall. T: 07956 346383 e: Deirdreosullivan@ hotmail.co.uk Jazzercise Classes New Denham Community Centre Mon 9.30-10.30am, Tues 6.45-7.45pm. Wed, Thu & Fri 10-11am. Denham Village Memorial Hall, Village Road, Denham, Bucks Thurs 6.30-7.30pm Contact: Wendy, Tel: 07803 602142 e: wendy.whitefoord@btinternet.com www.jazzercise.com Modern Jive Classes Mon 8-11pm, West Drayton Community Centre. Tues & Thurs 8-11pm, Uxbridge Civic Centre. Beginners welcome. Free lifetime membership with this listing. Call Alan: 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 www.clubceroc.com email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com Oaken Leaves English Folk Dance Club Thurs 8.15-10pm, Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Rd, Ruislip. All welcome. call Joan 01895 638008.
Ruislip Dramatic Society Meets at South Ruislip Methodist Church. Mon 8pm & Thurs 8.15pm. Call 07854 284508.
Yoga Hatha Yoga and Pregnancy Yoga classes in Ickenham, 1st Scouts, UB10 8RE. All levels. Call Katja on 07951 763851
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
Yoga with Yolanda Ickenham Village Hall. Mixed group. Mon 6.45-8.15pm. Call 07919 243648
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
Zumba FREE! At Compass Theatre Dance Studio, Ickenham. Every Friday. Adults £5 under 16’s FREE. Suitable for all abilities. 07985 470025 www.gtarling.zumba.com
Showcase Amateur Dramatics Do you like singing & dancing or maybe some acting? We are an amateur musical theatre company. Rehearsels every Fri, the Sacred Heart Church Hall, 73 Pembroke Road, Ruislip Manor, 7.30pm-10.30pm. Email: info@ showcasemusicaltheatre.org.uk Suzanne’s School of Dance and Drama 69 Swakeleys Road, Ickenham UB10 8DQ. Classes from aged 2 yrs to adult. All types of dance - ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, street and musical theatre, drama, singing. www.suzannesdance.co.uk The Pilates Club St Giles & The United Reformed Church Halls, Ickenham. Call 07968 920070 or visit www.thepilatesclub.co.uk Wild Forest Gym Outdoor fitness and natural movement training in 50 acres of forest at Grim's Dyke Hotel, Old Redding, Harrow Weald. Also Natural Running & obstacle race training. All abilities. Monday - Friday. Contact Coach Michael 0845 4561336 info@wildforestgym.com or www.wildforestgym.com Yoga Monday nights 6.45 – 8.00pm at Uxbridge & District Conservative Club, Fairfield, 46 Harefield Road, Uxbridge UB8 1PJ. Tel: 01895 233653
Zumba Wed 7.15-8.15pm. £5 Curves Uxbridge, Redford Way, Uxb UB8 1SZ Call Liz 07795 512938
MARKETS... Duck Pond Artisan Food & Craft Market and Farmers’ Market Artisan Market - on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 10am-3pm, Farmers’ Market - first Sunday of each month from 10am-2pm. Both at the Great Barn, Ruislip. Free parking, dogs welcome. www.duckpondmarket.co.uk Mad Cat Crafts Hand painted and decorated objects for the home & garden. Wed to Fri 10am5pm, Sat 10am-4pm, the Great Barn, Ruislip HA4. www.madcatcrafts.co.uk Ruislip Country Market Every Fri 10-11.30am - car park at St Martins Approach, Ruislip. Fruit, veg, eggs, honey, hand made cards & jewellery, cakes, pies & much more... MUSIC... The Rocking Rebels ‘1950s Rock n Roll’ 1st Friday of every month 7.30-11.30pm, St Marys Church Hall, High Street, Harefield, UB9 6BX. BYO drinks. Call 07951 652083 www.facebook.com/the rockingrebelstherockingrebel@gmail.com Capital Connection Ladies Singing Meets every Wed evening at South Ruislip Community Centre, Deane Park, Long Dr, HA4 OHS. Call Jean 01895 474877 Visit: www.capitalconnection.org.uk Eastcote Choral Society Rehearses every Tuesday from 8-10pm at Ruislip Methodist Church, Ickenham Road. All welcome. Call 01895 904556. continued over...
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MUSIC CONTINUED...
Ruislip Operatic Society A local theatre group meets every Monday & Thursday at St Martin's Church Hall. 7.30pm , to get involved email : info@ruislipos.org
Showcase Musical Theatre Come and sing with us, no audition necessary. We meet every Friday evening at 7.45 pm at Hesdin Hall, The Most Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 73 Pembroke Road, Ruislip, Middx,HA4 8NN http://showcasemusical theatre.org.uk The Sound Crowd Singing at Ruislip Golf Club. Thurs (TT) 7.45-9pm e: thesoundcrowd@gmail.com Top Jazz at The Fairway Ruislip Golf Centre, Ickenham Rd, West Ruislip. Normally 3rd Monday of the month. For details: 01895 632394 or www.jazzwestlondon.com Uxbridge Folk Club meets twice a month on a Thursday at Uxbridge RNA, 388a Long Lane, Hillingdon, Middlesex. UB10 9PG (2 mins from Hillingdon Tube Station) and supports all kinds of acoustic music. welcomes floor singers and musicians. PRE-SCHOOL & KIDS GROUPS... Rickmansworth & Watford Sea Cadets Volunteers needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:15 to 21:30 and recruiting Juniors (ages 10 -12) and cadets (12 - 18) fees £15 per month and plenty of weekends away. Email: corickmansworth@gmail.com Tiny Talk Signing Classes Thursday classes at St Giles Church Hall, 1 High road Ickenham UB10 8LE. 10am, 11.15 am & 1pm price £5 pre-paid per family. Call Bev Meier 01895 824935 or 07818 025993 The Windmill Studio Centre, Ruislip Hosts a wide selection of classes and activities for all ages. Call 01895 624755, e: thewindmillstudio@gmail.com or visit www.thewindmillstudio.com SELF DEFENCE... Silat Kuntao Indonesian Self-Defence Traditional self-defence 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... Rosemary Conley Mon 6-7.15pm Hillside Junior School, Northwood HA6 1RX. Tue 10-11.15am & Wed 7-8.15pm North Harrow Methodist Church, Pinner Road HA2 6EQ. Thurs 5.30-6.30pm Eastcote Methodist Church HA5 2QU. Sam 01895 460766 sam.simon@rosemaryconley.com SOCIAL GROUPS... Crosier Investment Club Learn more about the stock market and to improve personal investment skills. Meets 7.30pm, 3rd Thurs 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 Duplicate Bridge Mons & Weds 7.30pm, Thurs 1.15pm. Long Lane Hall, 304 Long Lane, Hillingdon. Call Tony 01895 233853 Friendly Rubber Bridge Tuesdays & Fridays 12noon - 4pm at Pinner Bridge Club, 103 Marsh Road, Pinner. For further info call Keith 01895 622033 Friendly Whist Drive Harefield Community Centre, Priory Avenue, Harefield. Every Thursday at 7.30pm. Contact Lyn 01923 820173 Ruislip WI Every 1st Thurs of the month at Upper Room, GAA Sports & Social Club, West End Rd, South Ruislip, 7.20pm-10pm Contact Kim Murphy 07989 558925 email ruislipeveningwi@gmail.com Ruislip Social Club At Ruislip Social Club, Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip HA4 6JQ. Fridays and occasional other nights, live bands & tribute bands for details visit www.tropicatruislip.co.uk Sing and Sign Britain’s favourite Baby Signing Classes from 6 months Wed at Uxbridge Leisure Centre, Fri at The White Bear, Ruislip.
FREE TASTERS call Cathy 07712 047 621 cathyseddigh@singandsign.co.uk Uxbridge Conservative Club Bingo, Carpet Bowls, Table Tennis, Lunches, Quiz & Race Nights etc. at 46 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1PJ Contact Georgina Baile 01895 233653/ 07778 348082 or you can email: udcc@btconnect.com Women’s Social Group Looking to expand your social group and make new friends? We meet regularly for coffee, a chat and organised trips. Please call Seema on 07730 898635 or email seemaa@seemaa.co.uk for details SPORT... Badminton Club At St Pauls Church Hall, Tiverton Road, Ruislip Manor. Every Wed at 8pm and 10pm. Call Tony or Ann 01895 472578 Badminton Club Requires additional players of average standard! Every Tuesday evening 7.45 to 9.45 at Vyners School, Ickenham. Email John: turksclub@hotmail.co.uk Bessingby Park Bowls Club Every Tues & Thurs, 2-4pm. Call Jack 0208 845 1469. Bikewise Bike rides set off from 61 Swakeleys Rd. 2nd & 4th Sun every month. Call 01895 675376 or email@bikewisegb.com Dads Army Golf Society Tuesdays & Thursdays at Ruislip Golf Club. For details call Sid 01895 631489 New Ladies Netball Team Training Wed 7.30-8.30pm (TT) Ryefield Primary School, Ryefield Ave, Hillingdon. glebenetballclub@yahoo.com Swakeleys Tennis Club Adult Social Tennis Club in Ickenham. Would suit people returning to tennis after a break. Four days a week all year. Contact Pam 01895 677149 or Ed 01895 635568 www.swakeleystennis.co.uk Uxbridge Squash Club All squash players welcome. Uxbridge Cricket Club, Park road, Uxbridge www.uxbridgesquash.org.uk or email squash@uxbridgesquash.org.uk Tel: 01895 237571
Dated Events (Mar15)_Layout 1 27/02/2015 11:09 Page 2
MARCH EVENTS
Local Park & Events March into April continued
Live Jazz with Enrico Tomasso and Roy Williams Sat 21st March, 7.30pm The Village Hall, Ickenham, UB10 8DG. Tomasso and Williams perform the music of Clark Terry & Bob Brookmeyer. Featuring an All Star rhythm section comprising Christian Vaughan, pno; Dave Green, bass & Steve Brown, drums. Rico is considered one of the top jazz trumpeters on the scene and has won best trumpet category in the British Jazz Awards 2 years in a row. A poplular figure at many of the European festivals and clubs, he has an exciting presence and lively personality on stage, with his command of the instrument and stylistic invention placing him amongst the top echelon. Roy's professional musical career has now spanned 7 decades, having made his name as the regular trombonist with the Alex Welsh Band from 1965 to 1978. In addition he has worked with many of the greats from both sides of the pond including Peanuts Hucko, Humphrey Lyttelton, Scott Hamilton, Brian Lemon and John Barnes, amongst others. The music of Clark Terry & Bob Brookmeyer is close to both Rico & Roy and as the title suggests is an appreciation of their musical collaborations. Tickets £12 available from Pro Music International, Swakeleys Rd, Ickenham, UB10 8DF on the door on the night subject to availability or online at www.toots musicmanagement.co.uk/newsevents.
Harrow Harmony Spring Concert Sat 21st March, 6.45pm for 7.30pm St John’s United Reformed Church, Hallowell Road, Northwood, HA6 1DN. Celebrating their 15th Anniversary year, Harrow harmony present their Spring Concert with the premiere of a newly-comissioned work by Philip Lawson and soloist Micheila Brigginshaw on piano. Tickets £12, under 18’s £6, price includes buffet supper, contact 020 8861 4017 or boxoffice@harrowharmony.co.uk. See www.harrowharmony.co.uk for more details.
Ruislip Central Horticultural Society Spring Show Sat 28th March, 1pm-4pm The Barn, Bury Street, Ruislip. See website for details: www.ruisliphorticultural.org.uk
Cancer Research UK Market Sat 28th March, 10am-12.15pm The Village Hall, Ickenham, UB10 8DG. Various Stalls, Refreshments, Raffle etc. Entrance 50p. Tables available for hire call 01895 634851 for more details. Free Meditation Event Sat 28th March, 2pm-5pm Meditation House, 279 Swakeleys Road, UB10 8DR. Positive Thinking Starter Course. The course is free but booking is required, contact 07970 147967 or 020 8574 3699.
warming party, to which the other two couples have been invited. All three preparation are doomed to disaster, by the martial problems of Trevor and Susannah who descend on each couple in turn, leaving chaos in their wake. For tickets contact 01895 253346 or email: janscurr@hotmail.com. Tickets cost £9.50 with concessions on Thursday evening only at £7.50.
LIVE MUSIC EVENTS The Swan at Iver 2 High Street, Iver, SL0 9NG Fri 13th March Lucky for some, who experience the show of Steelworks Sat 14th March Dine and enjoy the music of Nicky B Fri 20th March Rock band Solace return Sat 28th March Great show with Swing and Soul Duo The WatersEdge Packet Boat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS Fri 20th Mar Back by extremely big demand! Ladies Night with Drag Queen Tiffany Wells and 2 male strippers (Show starts 9pm with DJ 'til late £15pp inc nibbles). Sun 3rd May Join us to celebrate 10 years at The Watersedge - bbq from 2pm with live music from 4pm. Tropic at Ruislip Ruislip Social Club, Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip, HA4 6JQ Fri 13th March Classic Clapton - Eric Clapton Tribute Band
APRIL EVENTS Harefield Amateur Dramatic Society present Bedroom Farce 16-18th April, 7.30pm for 8pm St Marys Church Hall High Street, Harefield, UB9 6BX The classic comedy by Alan Ayckbourn takes place in three bedrooms during one night and the following morning revolves around four married couples. At the beginning of the play, the oldest couple are getting ready to go out for a meal to celebrate their wedding anniversary; the youngest couple are about to host a house-
Fri 20th March Roxy Magic Sun 22nd March Bookends play Simon & Garfunkel Fri 27th March True Gold - Spandau Ballet Tribute For full details and tickets see www.tropicatruislip.co.uk or call 020 8707 2256
DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE! If you would like us to publicise your event in our April issues contact us no later than Monday 16th March.
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Harrow Opera presents
Bizet’s Carmen
at Compass Theatre Wed 18 - Sat 21 March There was never a dull moment when that girl was around. Set in 1930s Spain, against a background of the chaos and confusion of civil war. A passionate tale of love and betrayal is woven through Bizet's well-loved music. The production will be sung in English.
What’s on at
Compass
Theatre
Hillingdon Musical Society presents
Crazy For You
March into April 2015 The Drowsy Chaperone
at Compass Theatre Wed 4 - Sat 7 March A hugely comical musical the stage comes alive each night. A musical that pays homage to the silly, predictable gems of the golden age of musical theatre. The woman in the chair leads the audience through the back stage and on-stage silliness of a show she loves called 'The Drowsy Chaperone'.
Comedy Compass at Compass Café Bar Sun 8 March
A selection of the best and upcoming comedians working the British circuit are performing monthly in the bar, with the express intention of providing great value entertainment on a Sunday evening. To see who is performing next, visit www.facebook.com/ComedyCompass Ariel Dorfman’s
Death and the Maiden
Arthur Miller’s
The Crucible
at Compass Theatre Thu 26 - Fri 27 March Set in Massachusetts in 1692, this play recounts the events surrounding the Salem Witch Trials. This was a time when paranoia, hysteria, and deceit gripped the Puritan towns of New England. The themes of the play have been seen as Arthur Miller’s comment on his experiences of 1950’s McCarthyism. This play is still regarded as a modern classic.
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
at Compass Theatre Wed 11 - Sat 14 March Set in an unnamed country that is, like the author's native Chile, emerging from a totalitarian dictatorship, the play explores the after-effects of repression on hearts and souls. Paulina Escobar's husband Gerardo is to head an investigation into past human rights abuses. A Dr. Miranda stops at Escobars' to congratulate Gerardo. Paulina overhears them speaking and is convinced that Miranda supervised her prison torture sessions. This white knuckle thriller is a riveting intellectual and emotional tug-of-war.
at Winston Churchill Theatre Wed 25 - Sat 28 March Hillingdon Musical Society transport you to 1920’s New York via dusty Nevada, to see such classics as...Someone to Watch Over Me...They Can’t Take That Away From Me... and I Got Rhythm. This show promises big dance numbers and great singing.
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
at Compass Theatre Wed 8 - Sun 12 April The exciting and timeless classic is bought to life by the same people who co-produce Compass Theatre's pantomimes, as a perfect Easter Family Treat. Performances Wed 7pm, Thu-Fri 3.30pm and 7pm, Sat 1.30pm and 5pm and Sun 1.30pm. Tickets £14.50 / £10 under 16s available online. Family ticket; 4 for £40.
COMPASS THEATRE Glebe Avenue, Ickenham, UB10 8PD. WINSTON CHURCHILL THEATRE Pinn Way, Ruislip, HA4 7QL. HILLINGDON BOX OFFICE: 01895 673200
014 11:27
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