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So here we are, at the start of a brand new year. Traditionally a time to look back at the highs and lows of last year and make various resolutions to improve this one. For some those resolutions are practical things, such as being more organised, for others they may be personal or health related. For me personally, I have always had a rather general idea of what I would like to improve, but have never really committed to taking action. So, my resolution this year, is to write down one thing that I would like to achieve in various areas, e.g. personal, health, work and then break each one down into small measurable goals, that hopefully, once reached, will actually mean I succeed with each one. I have read many articles on goal set ting and yet, never really applied the method. It will be interesting to see whether I’ve been suc cessful in making those changes when it comes to this time next year. Whatever goals or changes you set yourself for 2016, I wish you success and hope that we are all that little bit improved as a result! .
You can advertise in this magazine from as little as puts your into all six publications (that’s over 30,000 homes). Tel: 0800 038 5001 Mob: 07759 536494 In and Around Magazines cover: West Drayton . Iver . Denham . Uxbridge Ickenham . Ruislip Angela Fisher 0800 038 5001 / 07759 536494 info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk
www.inandaroundpublishing.co.uk 4
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Seasonal Recipe: Buttered Chop 10 Denham Parish Council 12 Alcoholism: the hidden hangover 14 And Another Thing 16 Children’s Puzzle Page 18 Local Events 20 Coffee Break Puzzles 24 RSPCA Rehoming Appeal 26 The Big Garden Birdwatch 27 Beauty: New Beginnings 28 Time for a New Tradition 30 The Golden Years: Memories of 50 years ago 32 Cake & Bake: Fruit & Nut Granola Bars 36 Pets 38 Safety Alert 38 Motoring: Best Small Cars 40 Travel: Botswana 42 Puzzle Solutions 43 Wildlife Zone 44 Interiors: New Year, New Style? 46 Citizens Advice Bureau 48 Useful Telephone Numbers 48 Karen Munro Careers 50 Reader Holidays 52 Begin the New Year with a Budget 54 Books: New Beginnings 56 Garden Feature 58 Clubs, Groups & Classes 60, 62 & 64 Situations Vacant 66 Wordsearch 66
We are grateful for the support of local businesses whose adverts appear in this publication and whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions, claims made by advertisers or endorse companies, products or services. This publication, its contents and advert designs are © of In and Around Publishing. Any copying or reproduction in part or fully, is strictly forbidden without our prior consent.
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The Parish Council has al most completed its task of preparing budgets for the new financial year. Although taking on devolved services, grass cutting, rights of way clear ance etc., means a small increase, the feedback we have received from residents about the improvements we have made in those areas under our control has been very gratifying. In view of the shortage of funding experienced by BCC, we now need to be more pro active as a parish council in taking care of our residents. There are many initiatives being instigated to make us more aware of those in our community who are in need of support. From those feeling isolated from society for one reason or another; ill health, disabled, disadvantaged, no family or friends to call upon, the reasons are many and somehow, , we need to identify and care for these people in our neighbourhood. We are also being tasked with running activities for those who are well in order to keep them active. All of this needs planning and organising and to assist us in these aims we have changed the name and structure of our Communications Committee. It will now be the Communi ties and Events Committee with an increased number of councillors working on it. At 12
our next meeting we hope to have established a clear list of Aims & Objectives to tell you about next month. However, to be successful this commit tee desperately needs volun teers who can lend us support from time to time. That old adage ‘willing hands make light work’ comes into play here so please offer a few hours of your time. Are you aware of a neighbour, young or old, who doesn’t get out or have any visitors? If so perhaps you could let us know in order for us to build a picture of what is needed in our community to support these residents Do you run a support or residents group? If so please let us know so we can com municate and get some feed back from you Are you one of the youths who hang out in the evenings over the cricket field or kids playgrounds for lack of any where to meet? We hope to be able to put some sheltered seating up for you but it needs to be put where you’ll use it so please, again, get in touch with us. Have you got thoughts and ideas that you feel we should listen to? Please get in touch All this comes down to the fact that we want to engage with more of our residents and community groups to estab lish what we can do, with you
and for you, to improve our area. What you would like to see in your neighbourhood and locality? Let’s work to gether to make sure there is something for everyone and the whole of Denham is a great place to live and work without anyone feeling iso lated. If you’re not getting emails from us it’s because we do not have your email address yet. and ask to be added to our list of Denham Residents. It’s as simple as that. We are your local Council. We want to keep in touch with you. We promise we will NEVER sell or make available to any body our email list and if you ever decide you no longer wish to receive emails from us you can unsubscribe at any time. On a final note we hope to hear from you and would like to wish you all a Happy, healthy and successful year ahead.
Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX Independent School for boys and girls aged 3 - 11
An ‘OUTSTANDING’ School A family-run school with a caring atmosphere. Pupils achieve excellent results in academic subjects, music, sport and drama. For further information, or to arrange a visit, please telephone 01895 234371 Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX - www.sthelenscollege.com 13
Alcohol Awareness FP+ (Jan16)_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 24/12/2015 00:13 Page 1
ALCOHOL AWARENESS WEEK
THE HIDDEN HANGOVER The damaging impact on society of problem drinking is clearly evidenced by the amount of time and money spent dealing with it by local authorities, police, health professionals and the social care system. Harder to quantify is the effect of alcohol on the families, friends and colleagues of those who drink to excess. This hidden hangover takes its toll on those closest to the drinker and often goes unnoticed. For every person with a drink problem there are at least five close family and friends who live with degrees of uncertainty, deceit, financial insecurity, fear of violence or emotional and physical abuse. Alcoholism is an illness which affects their loved ones physically, emotionally and spiritually. Dealing with someone else’s drink problem can be frightening and confusing. Challenging their unacceptable behaviour can be exhausting and stressful, and may make the situation worse. Communication breaks down, relationships suffer and families fall apart. For the families and friends this can be a lonely and isolating experience, compounded by shame and secrecy. 14
The subtle signs might manifest themselves in, for example, children failing in school or work days lost through stress-related illness of a family member. Al-Anon Family Groups supports those in relationships with problem drinkers, offering understanding and encouragement from others who have experienced the same challenges. By gaining insight into a better way of coping, members can vastly improve the quality of their own lives, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not. Al-Anon is a valuable, free resource in the struggle to reduce the negative burden of alcohol problems in society. It has been in existence for more than 60 years and there are over 800 groups in towns and cities in the UK & Eire, offering a sympathetic ear and a wealth of experience. Al Anon’s contribution is being increasingly recognised. The Scottish Parliament recently commended Al-Anon for its role in supporting those affected by someone else’s drinking. Al-Anon meetings offer a place of safety, where anonymity is protected and everything said remains confidential.
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Tom and the boastful brother in law
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My Dearly Beloved’s glance at the clock did not bode well. “Tom, isn’t it time you were in bed?” “Can I finish my hot chocolate first please, Mother?”
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“Really Kevin? How fascinating!” The drive home (apart from some quite severe boasting about his trip to Dubai) was fairly uneventful. Sarah greeted her brother warmly and once safely ensconced in the kitchen he finally - to everyone’s relief - stopped boasting about Dubai but started boasting about his house.
Sarah was my first warning of the day. Then it was time for lunch. Back in the Mondeo we headed into town as Kevin thankfully left his island paradise behind and moved neatly onto his next subject - Kevin Junior”
Mamma Mia & Super 70s Party Break
“Well Tom, it’s nearly ten. YouCall have to be at the airport at five.”
“Now that my boy is at Yale doing law, we have so many adjustments to make. 01895 OK $40,000 a year isn’t “Yes I know and then we’ve 83 33a whole week cheap, but when you have got to33 endure Friday“I 8seeJuly, 2016 • Quote: SS7-IA a gifted child, what can for of bookings it.” you’ve upgraded your you do? How’s your Evan kitchen, Sis.” and“Ainformation whole week of what?” doing, Tommy?” Join us at Pontins Pakefield, on the Suffolk coast, for a Super Summer “Yes, we changed it last “Your Kevin’s boasting.”Party - for over 40s only - to make the This my favourite cue for some mostwas of our season. year, didn’t we Tom?” Holidays offered by desperate parental Top In 1991, Sarah’s spotty GN Holidays Our brilliant showbill music and nostalgia, I opened my trapfeatures to have 70s themed Trumping. brother emigrated to & Voyages a mini boast all of my own, Showaddywaddy, Canada, where he grewincluding a live performance by 70s rock-n-rollers “Well funnily enough, he’s a Higher Denham but was too slow out of the up, married and made screening of Mamma Mia the movie just bar exams.” plustaken Rod his Stewart and Abba boasting blocks. ABTA NoY0291 •ATOL 9362 his fortune. Standing Another kick from Sarah. pity this place isn’t tributes.“It’s Witha non-stop entertainment from Friday evening to Sunday Escorted & River Cruise: bleary-eyed in the airport enough for an island. www.gnvoyages.co.uk multi-storey, I’d only justevening big “Well what do you know? and free drinks every night, this is a party weekend you won’t You see back home I have heavedBreaks: Kevin’s matching Maybe one day they’ll lock Coach this huge island,” want to miss. luggage into the boot when horns in front of a judge?” www.gnholidays.com it started. “Hey Tommy, INCLUDED: “I bet it’s not as big as 3 Free drinks per person per night house know beers & spirits, “You- never Kevin, Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays are you stillSaturdays driving this old Richard Branson’s.” 9.30am to 12.30pm they just might.” I change my autowine by the glass, pumped soft drinks & mixers • Full 70s theme Closedheap? Bank Holiday weekends. “What’s that Tommy?” Then Kevin spotted a every two years, on theentertainment programme • 3 nights en-suite chalet - upgrade available generic tax-dodging coffee A kick to the shin from advice of my tax planner.” • 3 breakfasts & 3 dinners • Coach travel and excursions
C t a j h I a C
Pontins Pakefield, Suffolk Coast
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a Barista.” His voice trailed off. Coach Breaks departing from Uxbridge, Ruislip & Slough Wondering what was the
emporium. “Hey, let’s jump in here and grab a skinny latte. A taste from home!”
Cotswolds Snowdrops 2016 Coach Holidays & Lunch
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“Yeah, I just told you (now mumbling into my creamy hot chocolate) a…brrstrr.”
We had only just taken our seats when we were greeted by Evan, wearing “I miss England Tommy, a company shirt and Wednesday 24polo February, 2016a- Quote WeCS2-IA sipped in silence. I and I miss my boy. You wide smile. “Hi Uncle Kev! waited for a kick from know something Tom, We’ve all missed you! Hi Sarah. But none came. GREAT you’re a lucky guy.” Dad, I forgot to mention DAY OUTslipped by until The week - I moved branches last Driving back through the it was time to say goodbye 2016 week!” Holidays & Grand the pouring to Kevin.PPBack in the airport Coachroadworks t Days Out rain I pulledeaonto the drive Evan disappeared then car park I heaved his to see Sarah arguing with returned with our order as I matching luggage out of the man from the water waited for the inquisition. the boot. Through the grey board who was about drizzle we both looked out “Tom, I thought you said…” to start digging up the across at the retail park in “What? Oh Evan? Yeah. pavement. the distance. “You see, in Come with us to Colesbourne Park in Gloucestershire He’s qualified now. He’s a Canada, we have none of Well, I thought to myself, to see the gardens swathed in millions of snowdrops Barista.” constant Kevin could keep his a sure sign that winter is on the wane this and spring is awful weather “A around barrister? 83 33 and - the are hot and☎01895island 33 his money; after just the corner. Also enjoy lunch at asummers super the winters are snowy and all, there’s no place like hotel. “Yeah, like I say, he’s taken cold,including they’re perfect, I…” home… INCLUDED: Visit toand Colesbourne Park Gardens, his bar exam now he’s
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Dated Events (Jan16)_Layout 1 24/12/2015 05:31 Page 1
JANUARY EVENTS
Dick Whittington 14th-17th January Winston Churchill Theatre, Pinn Way, Ruislip. After last year's 'Jack and the Beanstalk', Argosy is back for a romp through London city streets and faraway lands in Dick Whittington. Expect ye olde laughs and ye olde puns, a wonderful treat for all the family. Hillingdon Box Office is selling an allocation of tickets for this event. For more information visit the website at: http://argosyplayers.org.uk/
Local Events
HUBB Business Breakfast Event 14th January, 8am-9am Bay Lodge, 36 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1PH. Networking in partnership with the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce. In this presentation Erin Walls from Ward Williams Creatives will be presenting ‘Funding for Start Up Businesses’. Starting up a business is always a big step and there are lots of things to think about but the most common issue for start up’s is funding. Where to get it, how to get it and how the format of funding can impact on the future of the business. Come along and enjoy coffee & pastries. We would be delighted if you could join us, to book email: helen.thompson@wardwilliams.co.uk. Join our HUB LinkedIn group. Follow us on Twitter @wardwilliamsCA or visit: www.wardwilliams.co.uk. Lunchtime Classical Music Concert 27th January, 12.15pm. St Martin’s Church Hall, corner Eastcote Road and High Street, Ruislip, HA4 6DG. Masayuki Tayama plays Rachmaninoff.
January into February 2016 20
FEBRUARY EVENTS Michael Sobell Hospice Third Annual Indulgence Evening 10th February, 7pm-10pm London School of Theology, Green Lane, Northwood, HA6 2UW. The evening will offer people the chance to relax and unwind and try a range of taster therapies in a calming atmosphere. The range of treatments available include, mini makeovers, massages, reflexology, Indian head massages and mini facials. There will also be hairdressing services, House of Colour Talks and stalls selling jewellery, accessories, wooden keepsakes, lavender items, products from the Natural Fragrance Company Ltd such as handmade oils and creams as well as Neal’s Yard products. Why not treat yourself or a loved one to a Valentine’s Day gift of pampering and shopping at this charity event? Tickets are £16 which includes a glass of bubbly, free taster therapies and a goody bag to take home. Tea, coffee and delicious cakes will be available to purchase during the evening with accompanying live music from Mixed Emotions & Eclipse Singers. For more information or to book a ticket for this event go to www.michaelsobellhospice. co.uk/events or contact the MSH fundraising office on 0203 826 2367.
LIVE MUSIC EVENTS The Falcon Village Road, Denham, UB9 5BE. 23rd January Leigh & John Musical Duo The Swan at Iver 2 High Street, Iver, SL0 9NG. 16th January Mark Kelly performs 22nd January 2Tone Show
DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE! If you would like us to publicise your event in our February issues please contact us no later than Wednesday 13th January with the details.
50% off Kitchens and Bathrooms with this advert. Terms & Conditions Apply. See in Store for details
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Home & Interiors
New Year, New Style?
Out with the old, in with the new, and if your New Year’s resolution is to refresh your home with a fashionable look, interiors expert Katherine Sorrell has some handy tips to help. Where do I start? Think about what parts of your home feel most tired and unloved. Perhaps walls could do with a wash of fresh paint, for example. Dulux’s colour of the year is Cherished Gold, a gold-influenced ochre that can be used on its own as a statement or as a highlight in combination with other hues. The overall colour palette for this year is muted, warm and soft yet also sophisticated. ‘Think coral, not orange; ochre not yellow and midnight, not blue. This is a friendly palette 22
By Katherine Sorrell
but with a dark, mysterious side,’ says Rebecca Williamson, Dulux’s senior colour design and content manager. Another of Dulux’s overriding themes for 2016 is ‘Heritage & Future’, in other words, the idea that one has to take inspiration from the past in order to design for the future. So, vintage and antique references support those of the modern-day in a palette that includes chocolate, sand, a deep, pinkish red, muted orange and spicy browns. Ideal for an overhaul in any style of property. More easy updates You may not be in the market for buying new furniture, but there are still ways to update your old pieces for a fabulous new look. Ikea has identified a key trend this year for personalisation – just look at what can be done with an inexpensive chest of drawers, spray paint and some imagination. On a subtler note, a change of paint colour, or even a wood stain, combined with new knobs or pulls will give wooden furniture a new lease of life, while for really on-trend attitude you could have a table top covered in
marble, slate or zinc. The latter is the metal du jour, and keen DIYers can order a sheet of zinc online, then get how-to instructions from YouTube. Keep going around the house. Another way to add interest to dull walls would be with an eye-catching, stick-on-peeloff design, a metal-framed mirror or an oversized print. Boring floor? Time for a new rug – or there is always the option of either sanding back or painting old wooden boards. Looking for something simpler? Adding a sheepskin to an old sofa or chair will give instant uplift, as will a change of bed linen, towels or small accessories such as cushions, storage baskets or vases. And how about lights? A sassy lampshade can alter the look of an entire room, while popping in some filament bulbs will give your lighting a vibe that’s absolutely hot right now. How about a cool coat hook or new door knobs? Some kitchen canisters or a bathroom soap dispenser? The smallest things can make a surprisingly big difference. The high-street chains are brilliant at tapping into new trends and getting affordable products out there fast – so get browsing in your nearest department store. What other trends should I be keeping an eye on? While a striking monochrome
palette of black, white and grey is going to be big in 2016, opulent metallic accents are also catching on fast, and work well with both modern and traditional decors. The look can be either industrial (more on this next month) or retroglam – as per Bemz’s ‘Deco Glam’ look, described as ‘cosy glamour with a Seventies twist’. ‘Many people who think back to the Seventies think of corduroy, brown, orange and wood panelling. Instead, we want to create a more glamorous Seventies style in our homes: think Charlie’s Angels, Studio 54, and Bianca Jagger,’ says Lesley Pennington, CEO and founder of Bemz. She recommends mixing plain fabrics in rose, steel, mineral blue and straw with geometric accents, plus
dark wood, shiny brass, fluffy cushions, small tables and statement floor lamps. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Scandi look that is all natural, textural, tonal and pared-back, including sheepskin, leather, wood and felt. If you prefer something with more colour, go for a folk-inspired style with brighter tones of red, orange and teal, combined with intricate florals, handicraft and woodlandinspired images. Last but not least, Graham & Brown have predicted four trends based around the catwalks at London Fashion Week: meadow prints, statement reds, intricate lace detailing and – you heard it here first – a throwback to the Eighties. You have been warned…
IMageS - Left: Ikea predicts a trend for personalisation, whether it’s using stains, stencils or freehand painting. above: One of Dulux’s key trends for 2016 is ‘Heritage & Future’, including reds that reflect our rich heritage, but also have a bright contemporary feel that points to the future.
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your dog must be microchipped with records kept up to date – if not you will be breaking the law Your local RSPCA or other animal welfare organi sations may provide discount or free microchip ping. Alternatively, your vet can microchip your dog For more information or help please call us on 01895 833417
Thai is a delightful young Staffie, with a huge zest for life! She loves her walks and behaves nicely on a harness, which overcomes the strong lead pull ing. She has lived with children, but boisterous play could unintentionally bowl small ones over, so we would prefer a home with older children only. A secure garden is a must, as she does have a his tory of scaling high fences. Being a very friendly and rather nosy type, Thai gets on great with other dogs, bold cats and horses. Although she has lived with another dog, we think she would appreciate being an only dog, so she can enjoy ALL the fuss and attention – she really does deserve it.
Thai Thank you for your support . We can’t do it with out you
If you think you can offer one of our animals a loving home then please ring RSPCA Hillingdon Branch on or visit our website to download Thai is just one happy, happy dog who wants a fun an application form active life and a sofa to crash on at the end of a Registered Charity No: 263515 busy day! Can you help? 26
27
Beauty
New Beginnings by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk
January is the perfect time to give your beauty routine a shake up and try something a little bit different…
Stuck in a make-up rut? You might want to consider booking yourself in for a make-up lesson. Some of the big brands offer mini makeovers, as it’s a chance for them to show off their products, but if you really want to get out of that rut, try a M.A.C. Full Make Up Lesson (£50), which lasts for 90 minutes and will give you bags of inspiration. Not quite ready to take the plunge? A new nail polish is a great baby step. Nails Inc have added four new colours to their NailKale range, each priced at £14. The NailKale polishes are designed to give your nails a vitamin and mineral boost, as well as colour, to leave them harder, stronger and healthier. The new colours include Regents Mews, a rich crushed damson, as sported by Alexa Chung, pictured above right.
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Fancy trying a different shampoo and conditioner? I’m loving the SuperFruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal Shampoo (£10) and Conditioner (£10.99), by SheaMoisture. SheaMoisture has been going for over 100 years in the States, but has only recently made it across to the UK. The 10-in-1 system is incredibly nourishing, so is perfect for this time of year, when our hair has to cope with the demands of icy winds and central heating. A complex blend of Shea butter, marula oil and fruit extracts works to hydrate, support elasticity and make hair more manageable. Look out for the brand in Boots.
Tinted lip balms always summon up teenage memories of strawberry flavoured gloop in a tin. Thankfully, they’ve come a very long way, as the new benecos Natural Shiny Lip Colour (£6.95) proves. They’re wonderfully hydrating and can help prevent chapped, cracked lips, so are perfect for winter. They’re available in three colours, including Rusty Rose – a natural, subtle shade that suits most skin tones.
product is packed with nourishing natural ingredients, such as Shea butter, hemp seed oil and chamomile extract, and has none of the synthetic ‘nasties’ that can so easily dry and irritate skin. Try the Scar Oil (£18.99), which contains rosehip – scientifically proven to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, uneven pigmentation and signs of ageing.
If you have eczema you may well have heard of purepotions – a range of creams that have been specially formulated to soothe skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. Personally, I think it’s a great range for most skin types. Each
Now I do love a multitasker, so when I heard of a shoe cream that you can use as a lip balm, moisturiser, hair conditioner and massage oil, I really was intrigued! PoZu’s new Edible Shoe Cream (£7.50) is formulated from coconut oil and is so pure that you can actually eat it. It’s a really handy tin to keep in your handbag to treat chapped lips, dry patches of skin, flyaway hair and so on. (And, of course, it’ll keep your leather shoes looking great too.)
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Time for a New Tradition By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
If your New Year traditions have dwindled to a rather slurred singing of Auld Lang Syne as the Big Ben chimes fade, why not adopt new ones this New Year or revive old customs? Lucky New year NibbLes It’s a Spanish tradition to eat twelve grapes, making a wish with each one, for every chime of the clock - bringing twelve months of happiness. In the southern US, Hoppin’ John, a traditional dish of black-eyed peas and ham hocks, brings a year of plenty, while Italians eat one spoonful of lentil stew with each toll of the midnight bells. The round lentils represent coins and good fortune, while in Germany, luck comes via tiny marzipan pigs. Greek hostesses places jewellery on a plate on the table to symbolise prosperity in the coming year and hide a coin inside their Vassilopitta (King’s Pie) that brings blessings to its finder. The Portugese also cook King Cake, or Bolo-Rei, which resembles a crown and conceals a lucky fava bean (although the finder pays for next year’s Bolo-Rei, so not so lucky). In Estonia, seven, nine and twelve are lucky numbers, and eating seven, nine, or twelve times on New Year’s Eve is believed to give you the strength of as many men 30
as meals you’ve consumed. Warning: you may need to diet afterwards. Get DresseD up aND Make soMe Noise Filipinos wear clothes with spots to represent coins and bring luck, and Spaniards and Italians wear red underwear for the same reason. In South America, they opt for coloured underwear too: red for finding love, gold for gaining wealth and white for peace. Mexicans believe red signifies love, yellow means improved employment, green improves finances and white brings good health. Perhaps new underwear for Christmas could be doubly beneficial if you specify the colour? Auld Lang Syne, a traditional song transcribed by Robert Burns and made famous by bandleader Guy Lombardo, is the most popular New Year song in English-speaking communities, but why not make up your own? The tradition of firing guns at midnight is probably best left abandoned, but you could beat drums Swiss-style, bang saucepans Filipino-style, or follow Buddhist Temple tradition by striking a gong 108 times at midnight to expel the 108 human weaknesses.
out with the oLD, iN with the New The first-footing tradition has dwindled in the UK, but the belief is that the first foot through your door after midnight dictates your household’s luck for the year. Tall, dark visitors and new mothers or brides are especially lucky, and should come bearing traditional gifts: coal, shortbread, salt, coins and maybe a tot of whisky. Worth a revival? In Denmark they break old plates at the door of family and friends, but cleaning your house as the Japanese do may be safer. Or why not make a bonfire with the Christmas tree, like the Dutch? While it’s burning, throw on a list of last year’s bad events, Mexicanstyle, or burn unwanted photographs and clothes as they do in Ecuador. In Costa Rica and Venezuela, people run across the street with luggage to wish for new adventures, but leaving a travel brochure under your partner’s nose may be more effective. New resoLutioNs The Babylonians, who supposedly ‘invented’ New Year’s resolutions, returned borrowed farm machinery and tried to start the year debt-free (as many Russians apparently do). Sounds like as good as resolution as any...
31
Golden Years
Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning
California, when the undercarriage of a B-29 collapsed during an emergency landing. The detonator of the plane’s single nuclear bomb went off causing a fire in which 19 people were killed, including an Air Force general).
rather heart-stopping moment when a robot submersible got hold of it, only to drop it again. Another robot submersible managed to tangle itself in the bomb’s parachute lines; on both occasions it was human divers who sorted out the mess. Ortis, meanwhile, claimed salvage rights to the bomb and was awarded a very substantial but undisclosed out-of-court settlement.
At Palomares a B52 collided with a KC-135 tanker while refuelling over the coast of Spain. All four of the tanker’s crew and three of the bomber’s crew of seven were killed. Three of the B52’s bomb load of four hit the ground near the fishing village of Palomares and the other drifted out to sea. The detonators of two of the three that fell ashore were ignited, scattering plutonium over an area of three square kilometres. The US Government subsequently paid out $120m in compensation to 500 local residents who suffered radiation sickness; no-one knows how many Spaniards died as a result but local people working on the clean-up operation were not issued with the protective gear worn by the US personnel engaged on the same task.
After Palomares the USAF seems to have learnt a lesson either about air safety or about the reporting of nuclear incidents involving its aircraft, because only one such has been recorded since, and then in conditions that were egregiously harsh. On January 21st 1968 a B52 crashed immediately after take-off in appalling weather in Greenland. The detonators of all four bombs exploded, setting fire to the plane’s 35,000 gallons of fuel and generating such intense heat that one of the warheads actually melted.
The B28RI nuclear bomb, recovered from 2,850 feet (870 m) of water, on the deck of the USS Petrel
Trident: to renew, or not to renew? This is perhaps not the place to air the pros and cons of the nuclear debate but it is an opportunity to remind readers that January 17th is the golden anniversary of one of the worst – and thankfully almost the last – accidents that the US Air Force had with its nuclear bombs. Many people are surprised to learn how many air crashes or similar accidents involving nuclear bombs there were in the early years of the atomic era. The USAF and US Navy between them suffered an amazing 27 between 1950 and 1968, in which 70 aircrew were killed. In almost all cases the detonators of the bombs being carried blew up, although the bombs themselves didn’t. (Well, you’d probably already know if any had!) The Palomares Incident, in which seven crewmen died, was the last but one of these nuclear near-nightmares, although far from the worst. (That was on August 5th 1950 at Fairfield-Suisin Air Force Base, 32
The whole thing ended more as farce than tragedy: a Spanish fisherman, Francisco Ortis, saw where the missing bomb had splashed down and guided a recovery fleet of 26 US Navy warships to the spot. It had rolled into a deep underwater trench and took three months to locate and recover: there was a
Anyway, since then, nothing. Not a single bad day at work has been reported. So, since we started by talking about Trident, let’s move on to the safety record of Soviet nuclear submarines. On second thoughts, let’s not!
Happy 50tH BirtHdays to Shabba Ranks (17th), and Stefan Edberg (19th) Cake and botox to you all!
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35
Lamb & Spinach Curry
Serves 4
Ready in 55 minutes
This mildly spiced curry
thickened with red lentils and spinach will make a refreshing change for a family meal after all the traditional food over the festive season. Serve with a cooling cucumber and mint yoghurt and some warmed naan bread for a really filling mid-week supper.
Ingredients: • 2 tbsp oil • 600g lean lamb steaks, cut into chunks • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 1 large onion, peeled and chopped • 6 tbsp balti curry paste • 75g red split lentils • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 200g baby spinach leaves • 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander • Boiled basmati rice and lemon wedges to serve
TIP For a spicier flavour replace the balti curry paste with one that has a little more heat such as Madras. Adding some finely chopped red chilli when frying the onion will also boost the heat factor!
36
Heat half the oil in a large heavy-based pan over a medium-high heat. Add half the lamb pieces and fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and sealed all over. Remove the lamb with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the rest of the oil and fry the rest of the lamb pieces in the same way. Add the onion and garlic (and a splash more oil, if needed) and fry over a medium heat, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the curry paste and fry for a further minute until fragrant. Return the meat to the pan and stir to coat in the curry paste. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, 300ml cold water and the lentils. Reduce the heat then cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the meat is tender. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the spinach and coriander. Cover and cook for a further 2-3 minutes until the spinach has just wilted. Serve with the boiled basmati rice and lemon wedges.
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39
Beauty Motoring
Best Small Cars By Rebecca Chaplin
New Beginnings
If you don’t need to transport your worldly goods with you every time you get in your car you don’t necessarily need a big vehicle.
Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk Ifby most of your journeys are made around town and don’t include major motorway mileage, then you may want to consider one of the latest city cars. These won’t cost you the earth to buy or to run, areis great drive and the to latest crop are stylish and comfortable for everyday use. Here January thetoperfect time give we’ve beauty picked five of our favourites. your routine a shake up and try something a little bit different… Ford Fiesta - Price: From £9,995
The Fiesta has been the best-selling car in the UK for more
months Stuck in a make-up rut?than we can remember – and that’s not without good The latest small Ford has plenty to offer with a wellYou might wantreason. to consider laid out cabin, fantastic handling that makes even trips to the booking yourself in for a supermarket exciting and a superb choice of specification. make-up lesson. Some VWoffer Polo - Price: From £11,100 of the big brands Theas VW mini makeovers, it’sPolo a has an enviable reputation for being a bit of a tough guy chance for them to show – and in the city you need a vehicle that can withstand off their products, but ifa few bumps and scrapes. The Polo is solid both inside and out with functional layout and built-to-last materials. you really want to get out Fancy trying a different and Although it’s at the higher end of our price shampoo scale, VW’s wellof that rut, try a M.A.C. conditioner? I’m lovingmake the SuperFruit respected residual values and reliability it a worthy Full Make Up investment. Lesson Complex 10-in-1 Renewal Shampoo (£50), which lasts for 90 (£10) and Conditioner (£10.99), by Honda Jazz - Price: From £11,695 minutes and will give you SheaMoisture. SheaMoisture has been The Honda might not be everyone’s first choice in the bags of inspiration. Not Jazz going for over 100 years in the States, small car sector – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a look. quite ready to take the but has only recently made it is across to The Japanese car firm’s reputation for reliability up there plunge? A new nail polish theworld. UK. The 10-in-1 system is funky incredibly with the best in the Couple that with some looks, is a great baby step. Nails so ispricing perfect forit this of spacious interior nourishing, and competitive and maytime be worth Inc have addedtaking four new year, when ourdealer hair has to one cope with the a trip to your local Honda to try out. colours to their NailKale demands of icy winds and central heating. Dacia - Price: From £5,995 range, each priced at Sandero £14. A probably complex spent blendmore of Shea Some of you have on a holiday than it The NailKale polishes butter,new marula costs to buy this brand car – but don’t let this bargain are designed to give oil put andyou fruitoff. The Dacia Sandero, loved by basement price tag your nails a vitamin extracts works James May of Top Gear fame, is the real deal, combining back and mineral boost, as interior to to basics and no thrills styling with a functional engine hydrate, well as colour,and to leave practical lay support out. The fact you’ll get change from £6,000 them harder, stronger makes it even more tempting. elasticity and healthier. The new and makeFrom £8,995 Vauxhall Corsa - Price: colours includeThe Regents hair more Corsa is soon to be replaced by an all-new model which Mews, a rich crushed means there are manageable. bargains to be had on the current model. A damson, as sported by firm favourite withLook new out drivers for and pensioners alike, the Corsa Alexa Chung, pictured might play second fiddle to Ford’s Fiesta in the sales charts, the brand in a look. It’s stylish, has an impressive array of above right. but it’s still worth Boots. engines to pick from and is packed with plenty of features too.
40
Tinted lip balms always summon up teenage memories of strawberry flavoured gloop in a tin. Thankfully, they’ve come a very long way, as the new benecos Natural Shiny Lip Colour (£6.95) proves. They’re wonderfully hydrating and can help prevent chapped, cracked lips, so are perfect for winter. They’re available in three colours, including Rusty Rose – a natural, subtle shade that suits most skin tones. If you have eczema you may well have heard of purepotions – a range of creams that have been specially formulated to soothe skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. Personally, I think it’s a great range for most skin types. Each
product is packed with nourishing natural ingredients, such as Shea butter, hemp seed oil and chamomile extract, and has that can none of the synthetic ‘nasties’ so easily dry and irritate skin. Try the Scar Oil (£18.99), which contains rosehip – scientifically proven to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, uneven pigmentation and signs of ageing. Now I do love a multitasker, so when I heard of a shoe cream that you can use as a lip balm, moisturiser, hair conditioner and massage oil, I really was intrigued! PoZu’s new Edible Shoe Cream (£7.50) is formulated from coconut oil and is so pure that you can actually eat it. It’s a really handy tin to keep in your handbag to treat chapped lips, dry patches of skin, flyaway hair and so on. (And, of course, it’ll keep your leather shoes looking great too.)
41
Botswana The Chobe National Park
By Solange Hando At the heart of southern Africa, Botswana opened its first National Park in 1967 along the Chobe River, which borders Namibia to the north. With 11,700 km2, it is only second in size to the Kalahari and boasts a rich biodiversity, especially on the riverfront where wildlife migrates from far and wide at the start of the dry season. Here the blue waters of the Chobe split into myriad channels and lagoons, creating lush wetlands on their way to the Zambezi. The elephants know it well and as soon as saltpans begin to dry, up to 160,000 of them take up residence in the park, the highest concentration anywhere in the world. Solitary elders or family herds, they’re well camouflaged in the forest but easy to spot along the river, plodding unhurried on soft silky sand, entwining their trunks, splashing about and in the late afternoon wading or swimming across to Sedudu island for a quiet night under the stars. But they are not alone on Sedudu, ‘the hippo island’ where mighty snorts break the silence now and then and what look like black rocks on the 42
bank suddenly start to move. The basking crocodiles take no notice and neither do the birds, here a purple heron, there a dainty jacana hopping on water lily leaves, a yellow-billed stork or a flock of Egyptian geese. An African darter lands on his favourite perch, wings outstretched in the sun, while a fish eagle takes off in search of food. Add giant kingfishers, lilac-breasted rollers, beeeaters, spoonbills, sacred ibises or blacksmith plovers and you have just a few of the 460 species of birds recorded in the park. Meanwhile warthogs go down on one knee to eat the short grass, banded mongooses stand up on their hind legs in meerkat fashion and scores of guinea fowl run around like fat fluffy balls with tiny blue heads. In Chobe, every game drive is different for one can never tell what will pop up on land or water. Soon after dawn, the first jeeps jolt along the tracks, past inquisitive baboons and marabou storks as stiff as undertakers, while boats meander like magic around the islands and rangers call each other to share information: a
pride of lions at a waterhole, rare sable antelopes grazing on a slope or a herd of 200 buffalos or more crossing the flood plain. Along with hippos, they are the most dangerous animals in the park for unlike elephants who flap their ears to look bigger, they give no warning of an imminent attack. Cheetahs and leopards are elusive but there are plenty of antelopes, including the stately kudu with spiral horns, the puku who whistles when disturbed and is found only here in Botswana, and large numbers of impala who can run at 60 km/hour on a zigzag path. Some scamper off at the slightest noise, others just stare as you go past before returning to the juiciest leaves on the bush. Every visitor has a favourite animal but sighting a giraffe always sends a shiver down your spine. So tall yet so well hidden among the trees, they come down to the water at the end of the day and when they stand silhouetted in the setting sun, the heart of Africa seems to beat a little faster as all around the bush comes alive with mysterious sounds.
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43
The Wildlife Zone...FP (Jan16)_Layout 1 23/12/2015 23:51 Page 1
THE WILDLIFE ZONE
LOGPILES
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.
Below a more modern approach to the log pile, an Insect Hotel.
DESPITE being a really tough and heavy task, I managed to dig up some trees in the Millstream Fork wildlife garden which resulted in a fantastic mess. The mound of rubbish covered about 10 square metres and about one and a half metres high. If I left it there, the timbered trees would have crushed and suffocated the flora at its base, creating a Spartan ‘deathly quarter’. So I decided to conquer this mountainous problem and move the debris. I created two new mounds. The first was a temporary one made of small, sweet smelling pine foliage and twigs which would not decompose very well, even in a compost heap or bin. From this mound I regularly filled up my large green council recycling bin. The more substantial pieces of wood, the trunks, branches and roots could not be recycled, and made the second mound, making it a mini habitat and log pile over a metre high. I had decided to make a log pile because in over a quarter of a century Millstream Fork has never had one, and this was a great chance to make a positive outcome from an initial problem. Over the next few years this log pile will be decomposed by tiny microscopic animals such as microbes, protozoa’s, and bacteria which will breakdown dead wood and begin the decaying process. Mosses and lichens will also make this their home as other, larger animals join the burgeoning bustle of life. Many small insects and other animals such as woodlice are attracted to log pile habitats and even spend much, if not all of their lives inside the labyrinths. When insects and invertebrates have established themselves in the log pile, insectivores such as shrews may turn up to feed on them. Even in the first few days I saw butterflies and other flying insects visiting the pile perhaps attracted by its odour and newness. Almost immediately I spied a female blackbird and juvenile robin trying to catch them, even when the butterflies fluttered across to the Russian Ivy hanging over the nearby fence. In the Autumn hedgehogs are drawn to these piles to rest, sleep and keep warm. They also have a ready-made ‘en-suite larder’ of live food at their disposal: no wonder they are so attracted to such mini habitats! Over many years it has been established that the more permanent garden log piles are safer than temporary bonfire piles stacked up every November for Guy Fawkes Night. Many hedgehogs are burned alive amongst the fun and gaiety of our roaring flames and fireworks because they cannot flee in time. When I removed the original mound of debris to create the wood pile, I noticed that there was a large congregation of the hedgehogs’ ‘live pantry’ of over 100 orange coloured slugs at its base. They are confusingly named Great Black Slugs which eat plants as well as small dead creatures. They are classified as being similar to snails, but with no protective shell, they cover themselves with a wet sticky mucus which prevents them drying out. They are also hermaphrodites which can reproduce by themselves, without a mate of the opposite sex. I often wonder what other wildlife activity had tucked itself away beyond my gaze. For example an aggressive predator beetle named the Devil’s Coach Horse will bustle its way into the log pile, expecting to find slugs and other invertebrates. When this happens during the darkness of night they would feed on these wet skinned orange ‘tasties’ amongst other prey. I have one ambition still to achieve after over a quarter of a century of wildlife gardening at Millstream Fork. It is to successfully entice the scarce Stag Beetle into the site by replanting some of the log pile’s deadwood nearby. As far as I am concerned, this is the king of beetles, being five centimetres long, and very large for a temperate zone insect. They begin their lives as white larvae below the ground inside dead trunks and roots, and live for two or three years eating rotting wood. They emerge to fly around in their full glory sometime between May and August, using delicate wings protected by their outer armour plated elytra. Their massive pincers, which look like the antlers of a stag deer, give the creature its name and are used to battle with other males often for mating rights and territory. These pincers and their dark tan and black bodies are awesome features for most small animals. Indeed if the stag beetle was anywhere near human size we would probably fear them as the most ferocious looking animals in the world. I believe that the Lesser Stag Beetle is another magnificent creature even if some people believe that it may not be as visually as impressive because they are smaller and almost completely black. Near this log pile we are building a bird patio which includes a bird table, two feeding poles with many nuts, seeders, fat balls and kitchen scraps which will continue to attract birds. A birdbath, adjacent waterfall and pond will also benefit and attract such wildlife in this section of the garden. In place of the trees we will be planting flowers, herbs and bushes which attract flying insects and birds. These mini habitats will attract a whole array of creatures where their eggs, pupae and larvae will have good chances of survival and growth. After I have started the ecological process I must leave it up to nature to do the rest.
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Home & Interiors
New Year, New Style? By Katherine Sorrell
Out with the old, in with the new, and if your New Year’s resolution is to refresh your home with a fashionable look, interiors expert Katherine Sorrell has some handy tips to help. Where do I start? Think about what parts of your home feel most tired and unloved. Perhaps walls could do with a wash of fresh paint, for example. Dulux’s colour of the year is Cherished Gold, a gold-influenced ochre that can be used on its own as a statement or as a highlight in combination with other hues. The overall colour palette for this year is muted, warm and soft yet also sophisticated. ‘Think coral, not orange; ochre not yellow and midnight, not blue. This is a friendly palette 46
but with a dark, mysterious side,’ says Rebecca Williamson, Dulux’s senior colour design and content manager. Another of Dulux’s overriding themes for 2016 is ‘Heritage & Future’, in other words, the idea that one has to take inspiration from the past in order to design for the future. So, vintage and antique references support those of the modern-day in a palette that includes chocolate, sand, a deep, pinkish red, muted orange and spicy browns. Ideal for an overhaul in any style of property. More easy updates You may not be in the market for buying new furniture, but there are still ways to update your old pieces for a fabulous new look. Ikea has identified a key trend this year for personalisation – just look at what can be done with an inexpensive chest of drawers, spray paint and some imagination. On a subtler note, a change of paint colour, or even a wood stain, combined with new knobs or pulls will give wooden furniture a new lease of life, while for really on-trend attitude you could have a table top covered in
marble, slate or zinc. The latter is the metal du jour, and keen DIYers can order a sheet of zinc online, then get how-to instructions from YouTube. Keep going around the house. Another way to add interest to dull walls would be with an eye-catching, stick-on-peeloff design, a metal-framed mirror or an oversized print. Boring floor? Time for a new rug – or there is always the option of either sanding back or painting old wooden boards. Looking for something simpler? Adding a sheepskin to an old sofa or chair will give instant uplift, as will a change of bed linen, towels or small accessories such as cushions, storage baskets or vases. And how about lights? A sassy lampshade can alter the look of an entire room, while popping in some filament bulbs will give your lighting a vibe that’s absolutely hot right now. How about a cool coat hook or new door knobs? Some kitchen canisters or a bathroom soap dispenser? The smallest things can make a surprisingly big difference. The high-street chains are brilliant at tapping into new trends and getting affordable products out there fast – so get browsing in your nearest department store. What other trends should I be keeping an eye on? While a striking monochrome
palette of black, white and grey is going to be big in 2016, opulent metallic accents are also catching on fast, and work well with both modern and traditional decors. The look can be either industrial (more on this next month) or retroglam – as per Bemz’s ‘Deco Glam’ look, described as ‘cosy glamour with a Seventies twist’. ‘Many people who think back to the Seventies think of corduroy, brown, orange and wood panelling. Instead, we want to create a more glamorous Seventies style in our homes: think Charlie’s Angels, Studio 54, and Bianca Jagger,’ says Lesley Pennington, CEO and founder of Bemz. She recommends mixing plain fabrics in rose, steel, mineral blue and straw with geometric accents, plus
dark wood, shiny brass, fluffy cushions, small tables and statement floor lamps. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Scandi look that is all natural, textural, tonal and pared-back, including sheepskin, leather, wood and felt. If you prefer something with more colour, go for a folk-inspired style with brighter tones of red, orange and teal, combined with intricate florals, handicraft and woodlandinspired images. Last but not least, Graham & Brown have predicted four trends based around the catwalks at London Fashion Week: meadow prints, statement reds, intricate lace detailing and – you heard it here first – a throwback to the Eighties. You have been warned…
IMageS - Left: Ikea predicts a trend for personalisation, whether it’s using stains, stencils or freehand painting. above: One of Dulux’s key trends for 2016 is ‘Heritage & Future’, including reds that reflect our rich heritage, but also have a bright contemporary feel that points to the future.
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Karen Munro Careers (Jan16)_Layout 1 23/12/2015 20:49 Page 1
Karen Munro - Career Coach www.munrocareers.co.uk
twitter - @munrocareers facebook - munrocareers
Karen is a professional and qualified Career Coach who provides support in all aspects of Career Development and Transition including effective CV Coaching, Interview Skills and Networking Techniques. A member of the Association of Coaching and registered with the Careers Professional Alliance, she is a qualified Careers Practitioner and Trainer. Karen works with both private and business clients around London and the South East who are looking for career change, direction, motivation and support. She works as an Associate for a number of Outplacement organisations including Right Management and SMP Solutions as well as working directly with Military Personnel leaving the Armed Forces and making that transition in to civilian life. Karen regularly contributes to ‘In and Around’ every month sharing her practical experience and knowledge with her local community.
Your career and the year ahead... JANUARY is a great time for reflection on the year that has passed. However, it can also be a time to look back with regret about the things you haven't been able to accomplish or achieve and can it can become a difficult time of year for many of us. However, January should be a time to embrace where you are right now. Remember how you got here. Was it through hard work, talent, good or bad luck, playing it safe or perhaps from taking risks? Chances are, it was a bit of everything and it's important to recognise that everything you did had a consequence - it got you to where you are right now. It’s important to take responsibility for your actions and to learn from any mistakes.
If you're looking for a new job, embrace it as a new challenge and use everything you've learnt about yourself over the last 12 months to help define your new job search. Finally, you might not want just a new job, you might want a complete career change. Perhaps the one thing you learnt about yourself over the last 12 months was that you don't actually want to do the same job any more. Changing your career can feel like a huge hurdle and most people will think about it, perhaps even talk about it but will find it more challenging to actually make it happen. Change takes time and passion.
What did you learn about yourself last year? How can you use it to improve your focus for the year ahead?
Time? - Because in order to achieve it you need to map out a path towards your goal and start to break down the steps you need to take to get you there.
January is notorious for being the month when people make a concerted effort to improve things, do things differently or even change direction.
Passion? - Because if you really want to take that journey and change your career you have to be passionate about what you want to achieve.
You may be looking to improve your current job, get a promotion or even get a new job. Improving your job may be about a range of things from changing your attitude to work, approaching things differently as well as taking on additional responsibilities to make your job more enjoyable. Remember, “If you love your job, you'll never work another day in your life.” 50
Making peace with the past can help you embrace your future. Wishing all my readers and followers a very happy and prosperous 2016.
Karen
“unlocking your career potential”
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holidays
In and Around
Call 01895 83 33 33 for bookings and information
4 DAYS
HALF BOARD-PLUS
£189PP
Free Drinks • Entertainment Over 40s only • £10pp deposit
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Mamma Mia & Super 70s Party Break
Pontins Pakefield, Suffolk Coast Friday 8 July, 2016 • Quote: SS7-IA Join us at Pontins Pakefield, on the Suffolk coast, for a Super Summer
Holidays offered by GN Holidays & Voyages Higher Denham
Party - for over 40s only - to make the most of our favourite season.
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Our brilliant showbill features 70s themed music and nostalgia, including a live performance by 70s rock-n-rollers Showaddywaddy, a
evening and free drinks every night, this is a party weekend you won’t want to miss. INCLUDED: 3 Free drinks per person per night - house beers & spirits, wine by the glass, pumped soft drinks & mixers • Full 70s theme entertainment programme • 3 nights en-suite chalet - upgrade available • 3 breakfasts & 3 dinners • Coach travel and excursions
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Coach Breaks departing from Uxbridge, Ruislip & Slough
Cotswolds Snowdrops & Lunch
Wednesday 24 February, 2016 - Quote CS2-IA GREAT DAY OUT
£79PP
Come with us to Colesbourne Park in Gloucestershire to see the gardens swathed in millions of snowdrops a sure sign that winter is on the wane and spring is just around the corner. Also enjoy lunch at a super hotel. INCLUDED: Visit to Colesbourne Park Gardens, including admission • 3-course lunch at the Regency Hotel, Cheltenham • Return coach travel
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Departing from *Greenford, Harr ow Ruislip, Uxbridge , Slough Maidenhead & *Staines
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Order your free copy available early in the new year
Bournemouth, Dorset & the New Forest
Thriplow Daffodil Festival & Lunch
Monday 4 April, 2016 - Quote BO4-IA
Saturday 16 April, 2016 - Quote TH4-IA
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Come with us to Bournemouth and enjoy the best of Dorset’s coast and country - plus the New Forest. We stay at Bournemouth’s 3-star Piccadilly Hotel and included excursions take in Poole, Christchurch, the New Forest and Lyndhurst. INCLUDED: 4 nights hotel stay at the Piccadilly Hotel, Bournemouth, sharing a twin/double room • 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners • Coach travel and excursions
Come with us to the village of Thriplow which, each spring, is swathed in a carpet of daffodils. There’s plenty to see and do, including Heavy Horses giving dray rides, a working ‘Smithy’ on the green, sheepdog demonstrations and much more. You will also enjoy lunch at a country pub. INCLUDED: Visit to Thriplow Daffodil Festival • 2-course lunch at the Red Cow, Crishall • Return coach travel 53
Finance A Fresh Financial Start in 2016 – Begin the New Year with a Budget
By Ann Haldon
If you’ve overspent this Christmas, you might be wondering how to get your finances back under control. It’s easy to get carried away by the spirit of giving – the problem is, it can jeopardise your financial wellbeing into the New Year and beyond. So what can you do to get yourself back onto a firm financial footing? One of the first things is to analyse your finances and make a realistic budget. By taking a long-term view and identifying exactly how much you spend during the course of a year, you can take back control of your dwindling finances, and prevent spiralling into long-term debt. Why budget? A budget helps to establish whether you’re living beyond your means. This isn’t always obvious on a day-to-day basis but if you’re constantly spending more than you earn, at some point you might find yourself unable to keep a roof over your head. But there’s a secret to making a budget that’s fit for purpose, and that’s to incorporate every expense that you make during 54
the course of the year, including Christmas, birthdays, summer holidays and more. It will provide an accurate view of your financial position, rather than just a snapshot of a couple of months’ spending habits. This makes it more realistic and, with a bit of willpower, more likely that you’ll stick to it. Birthdays and Christmas Friends’ and family birthdays may only cost a few pounds here and there, but over the course of a year, and in addition to Christmas expenses, they constitute a significant chunk of annual expenditure. Some households spend hundreds of pounds on Christmas presents, food and family treats, but these are often omitted from a budget because they aren’t regular monthly outgoings. Scrutinising your bank statements for just a couple of months doesn’t provide the bigger picture. It’s going to take some time to calculate your total spend for the year, but once it’s done you’ll be able to use it confidently to improve your long-term financial situation, and set yourself up for a
lifetime of control. So what else do you need to include in your budget, apart from birthdays and Christmas? Non-regular expenses, plus how much is coming in Motoring costs such as car insurance, tax, new tyres and the annual service are easily forgotten. Annual membership subscriptions are also often left out, as is one of the biggest expenses of the year - the summer holiday. Even the cost of a daily coffee adds up over time. So have a good think and include expenses large and small: weekly, monthly and annually. When thinking about the money that comes in, don’t forget to include wages, benefit and pension payments, and any income from savings, investments or selfemployment. Once you’ve totalled the figures, deduct your expenses and hopefully you’ll be left with a positive number. If you spend more than you earn, now at least you can do something about it. Not a static document Your budget isn’t meant to be
a static document. It needs to reflect your income and spending in the long-term, and this is likely to change often. So make it part of your routine to update it regularly, and make sure new expenses and sources of income are carefully recorded. Having a clear idea of where your money goes will also help to meet specific financial goals such as saving for retirement, putting money away for a deposit, or simply avoiding debt. Achieving financial clarity in this way helps you to live the life you want, so don’t view it as a restriction on spending – it’s more like the road to freedom. A budget planner online? Is it easier to stick to a budget and update it regularly when it’s online? Well, it can be quicker
if you’re already using the computer, and the calculations are made for you, but there’s also a lot to be said for using a physical budget planner.
It’s more visible and accessible to keep a check on your spending, and this alone could provide the motivation to stick to it. You can put it on the fridge, or on the wall in front of you while you’re working. Building a secure financial future is the aim of the exercise, so choose the method that suits you best. So you’ve got all your figures – what now? There’s a great way to divide up your money called ‘piggybanking.’ It’s described in detail on the Money Saving Expert website, and essentially means opening a separate
bank account for each of your main categories of spending. You would need your main bank account, plus another one for bills. Thinking about your major expenditures, you might have three more accounts for: • a summer holiday • a new car • Christmas This allows you to allocate an amount of money to each one via standing order from the main account. The word ‘budget’ often implies having to go without, but knowing your spending patterns and gaining financial control can give you back your freedom – the freedom to enjoy life without the worry of debt. http://www.moneysavingexpert. com/banking/Budget-planning
Iver Croft, Bangors Road South, Iver, SL0 0AD
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New Beginnings In need of a change in 2016? Whether you want to alter your life’s direction, go travelling, or just be a bit healthier, sometimes you need a little inspiration before you take the plunge. This month’s selection of books features new adventures, new thinking and everyday acts of courage that might well offer just the motivation you need.
The Soup Cleanse – Angela Blatteis and Vivienne Vella If you’re feeling the effects of a Christmas of excess, a detox could help you get back on track. Soups are a great way to get the nutrition you need, while cutting out the ‘junk’. They’re also far more filling than juices, so won’t leave you feeling hungry, and they can be prepared ahead in batches, so work well if you don’t always have time to cook fresh food from scratch. With several detox programmes to choose from, and some truly delicious recipes, The Soup Cleanse could help you to kickstart a healthier 2016. No Baggage – Clara Bensen A travel memoir with a difference, No Baggage sees Clara travelling through Europe with a man she’s only recently met, no luggage and no fixed plans for where to stay. She’s also only recently overcome the depression that stole two years of her life. Sleeping mainly on strangers’ sofas, the pair get to experience a different side of the countries they visit, and learn more about themselves, and each other, as they go. 56
One Million Lovely Letters – Jodi Ann Bickley A serious brain infection at 22 left Jodi Ann Bickley so depressed she was close to ending her own life. While relearning to walk and do basic everyday tasks, Jodi decided to bring hope to other people’s lives by writing letters to strangers. She ended up writing thousands, and now has a team of volunteers, who handwrite letters to people who request them, all over the globe. The Year Without a Purchase – Scott Dannemiller Tired of the relentless drive for more ‘stuff’, Scott and Gaby Dannemiller decided to take a step away from consumerism and commit to a year without buying anything other than food and other essentials. This book records their experience and what they learned along the way. The couple are Christian and their religious beliefs played a big part in their decision, as did the desire to spend more meaningful time together as a family. Far from being a selfrighteous lecture, it’s laugh out loud funny, and manages to make you think about your own spending habits, without a hint of nagging.
Take Your Soul to Work – Erica Brown Whether you’re a team manager, or the CEO of a multinational business, leadership can be exhausting. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day minutiae of working life, and forget about the bigger picture. Take Your Soul to Work gives you a daily meditation to help you steer your business in a more compassionate way, and inspire your employees. Read it in order, or dip in and out when you need particular guidance on an area of leadership, from mentoring to discipline. Coal River – Ellen Marie Wiseman Sometimes small acts of courage can change communities. This historical novel tells the story of the harsh reality of coal mining in the 1900s and Emma, a young woman who decides to take a stand and speak out against child labour. While fictional, much of what Emma witnesses is based on fact, and in many parts of the world her fight is just as relevant today as it was a hundred years ago. Gripping.
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Make Room for Roses by Pippa Greenwood
It’s the perfect time of year to plant roses, and there should be a good selection in any local garden centre - but better still, arm yourself with a few catalogues from the specialist rose nurseries and you can be guaranteed an unbelievable choice of extremely highquality plants. Although roses look good in beds, borders and sometimes even in containers, why not take the plunge and create your own fantasy rose arch or rose-clad arbour?
If you have an existing arch or pergola then transform it by planting roses now to ensure fabulous colour and perhaps some perfume for many summers to come. If you don’t have an arch, create your own using sturdy timber, or if you don’t feel up to too much DIY and carpentry then simply invest in a good quality wooden or metal arch or pergola kit. You need to start by deciding which type of rose you want: basically, either ramblers or climbers can be used to cover pergolas and arches. The advantage of ramblers is that they tend to have more flexible and pliable stems and so are easier to train over an arch or pergola, particularly one which 58
is relatively tight or narrow. They do, however, have one big disadvantage and that is that they only flower once a year, whereas many of the climbers have two flowering periods or even continue to flower intermittently for months. Choice of colour is down to personal preference, but when choosing a rose or roses to add to your garden bear in mind that many have quite strong colours, so ensure that these will look good with adjacent highly coloured trees and shrubs and will not look out of keeping with any nearby painted or treated surfaces such as window frames, doors, decking or garden furniture.
Don’t forget perfume. This is a vital ingredient as far as I am concerned and certainly adds a wonderfully mystical and sensuous ingredient to any garden. Walking beneath an arch or pergola heavily laden with perfumed roses on a warm summer’s evening takes some beating! If you get your roses delivered, don’t be put off if they appear rather miserable, with somewhat lopsided roots, uninspiring woody stems and little else. This is normal
for bare root roses as they will have recently been lifted from the soil, but despite their forlorn appearance they usually establish extremely well. If you can’t get your new purchases into the ground immediately (do always try to plant them as soon as possible), then make sure that you keep the root systems moist by wrapping them in thoroughly moistened hessian or by burying the roots temporarily in garden soil. Make your planting hole close to but not immediately on top of the base of the arch or pergola. A distance of about 30 – 45 cm (12 – 18 in) works well, but it is essential that you do not make the planting hole too close to any concrete footings or other material located in the soil. Although roses quite like fairly heavy soil, if you soil is based on clay and really heavy and there is any risk of it becoming waterlogged, prepare a really good, large area thoroughly before starting to plant. Dig in well rotted manure, garden compost and grit to ensure good fertility and decrease the risk of waterlogging. This needs to be done over a sizeable area, not just a
small planting hole - more of a planting pit!
With bare root roses, if the roots are really lopsided and all crammed together, then you do need to spread them out before planting. It may help if you soak the roots in water for a couple of hours (overnight at the very most) before prising them apart into a good open shape, pruning out any which have been damaged in any way and then getting the rose into the ground as speedily as possible. Always make sure that you plant at the correct depth: the swollen graft point slightly above where the roots start protruding should be just above soil level. This means that only the roots are beneath the soil and the rose will perform better, and with far less risk of growth appearing from the
rootstock.
Once in place, keep your rose well watered during dry conditions, paying particular care to this over the next 18 months or so. In the spring it is sure to benefit from an application of a rose fertiliser and a topping up of the mulched area. Newly purchased roses are unlikely to have much in the way of top growth, but once they get going you will obviously need to train these stems into the arch or pergola, securing them at regular intervals with great care, so that they are not damaged by being buffeted against the arch or pergola during windy weather. I like to use the steel wire with a dense foam covering – strong but soft! Good varieties for planting over pergolas and arches:
There are lots of different varieties suitable, but some of my favourites include: Veilchenblau ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ (climber), Excelsa ‘Crimson Shower’, Albertine Albericbarbier ‘Golden Showers’, ‘Iceberg’ (climber), Malvern Hills ‘Super Fairy’, ‘Gloire de Dijon’, ‘Zéphirine Drouhin’. Make vegetable growing fun with Pippa’s unique ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ system. Select the vegetables you’d like to grow at www.pippagreenwood. com and your garden-ready plants will be delivered in May, accompanied by weekly emails packed full of atyour-elbow advice and tips, ensuring great results. There’s a stylish gift card available too. It is great value and various pack sizes are available (e.g. up to 55 plants for just £29), plus that weekly advice.
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DENHAM What's On... Dec15_Layout 1 26/11/2015 14:54 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 Line Dancing 10.30-12.45pm; Indoor Bowls (Short Mat) 2-5pm. All enquiries to Lynne Mogge 01895 824621 or e: hare fieldcommunitycentre@btconnect.com
Denham History Society Meets 2nd Tues of the month, 7.30pm St. Marks Hall, Denham Green. Call 01895 833989 Pamela@craftygiraffe.co.uk 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
Memorial Hall. Call Sandra 07867470240 Lisa 07533549072 E: lisa.sandra.fitness@gmail.com 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
Beginners Rock ‘n’Roll Jive Classes Every Monday at Harefield Cricket Club, UB9 6NE. Doors open 7.30pm, class 8pm. Fun & friendly, no experience or partner required. 1950s Rock n Roll record hop - 1st Friday of every month at St Mary's Church Hall, Harefield, UB9 6BX. 7.30pm-11.30pm.Call 07947 106607 the rockingrebels@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 Meets on Saturday mornings. The class is guided by an experienced tutor so no experience required! You will learn how to develop your own style as well as practicing Chinese calligraphy. Find us at Harefield Library, Park Lane Village Centre, Harefield or call 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
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Hillingdon Natural History Society Meets 1st Wed of the month, Scout HQ, Gatting Way, Uxbridge. enquiries@ hillingdon-naturalhistory society.org.uk Inland Waterways Associations Meets 2nd Tues of every month at Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk
Uxbridge Craft Market Every Wednesday (9am-5pm) at The Pavilions Shopping Centre Arts, Crafts, www.uxbridge-craft-market.co.uk
KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA... Aerobics Denham Village Memorial Hall. Every Mon and Wed 4.30-5.30pm Call Jean Nisbet 01895 832063 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 dance routines to music for women of all fitness levels. Tue 7.308.30pm 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
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, Thurs 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 Line Dancing At Higher Denham Community Centre, Off Old Rectory Lane, Higher Denham. Mon 7-10.15pm, starts with beginners, then onto improvers and finally from 9-10.15pm, Intermediates. Contact Christina on 07952 815076, email : c.capel477@btinternet.com, website wwww.chalfontlinedanceclub.co.uk or Facebook ‘chalfontlinedanceclub’ Modern Jive Classes (Ceroc) Mon 8-11pm, Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre and Tue & Thu 811pm, Uxbridge Civic Centre. First Night Entry & Free Lifetime membership with this listing. Call Alan: 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 www.clubceroc.com email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com NoBiz Dance Local Musical Theatre school (based in Hillingdon ) classes in all genres of dance (Street dance, Hip Hop, Rhythm Tap, Lyrical, Singing, Drama & Musical Theatre) for children aged 4-22 years. Adult Street Dance Class for more call: Giselle 07525 857171 or Lisa 07777 611012. www.nobizlikeshowbiz.co.uk. continued overleaf...
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KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA CONTINUED... Pink Academy of DANCE Classes held daily at New Denham Community Centre. For boys & girls from 2 years to Adults. Call 01895 257553 Admin@pinkacademy. co.uk www.pinkacademy.co.uk or call
mobility and general health. Beginners welcome. Tues 8-9.30pm at Yeading Community Centre, Ditchfield Road, Yeading, Hayes UB4 9BH. Contact David 0751 4998 674 david@zhong-ding.com www.zhong-ding.com
Penny Lane Singing Lessons Monday singing classes 4-5.30pm 7yrs-12yrs and 5.30-7pm 12yrs-18yrs at Harefield Library, Park Lane, Harefield, UB9 6HW. www.pennylanesinging.com or call 07951 294044.
Tea Dance Harefield Community Centre, Priory Ave on Thurs 2-4pm. All welcome. Free car parking. Call John 01895 284428
Rickmansworth & District Ukulele Club Our friendly group welcome all players and singers, all levels, all ages. Meet second Wednesday every month, 6.30 for 7.00 at 'The Fox and Hounds', 183 High Street, Rickmansworth (free parking behind).Tel Dave 01895 823404.
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 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
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. Denham Village Green 10.45am for 11am start. Approx. 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 call 01494 475367 or see www.buckscc.gov.uk/rightsofway Social Line Dancing At St Marys Church Hall, Harefield Last Sat of the month 7.30-10.30pm Tia Chi Chuan Tai Chi is an ancient art which combines deep breathing, correctly aligned posture and relaxation with slow gentle movements. It can help with mental and physical stress, improve balance,
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Uxbridge Musical Theatre Ruislip Conservative Club, 56-58, Ickenham Road, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 7DQ. Tuesday 8-10pm. Call Phil Harrison 01895 636367 E 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 Zumba Fitness with Danielle Every Monday 7-8pm at Harefield Baptist Church. Call Danielle 07989 128131. www.zumba-class.co.uk 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 by Melanie Kleyn, qualified HND, now on degree at ACM. Kids 8yrs+, ladies, 3.15-5.30pm or daytime only. Call 07757 635880 Email: drumsmel@gmail.com or text Faraday Country Music Club in Slough SL2 1RN. Country music every Thurs for listeners, western partners, freestyle, line dancers. 8-11pm. 07986 050742 or see 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. 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 The Rock Project Greater London School of Rock & Pop teaching 7-18 year olds to play guitar, bass, drums & vocals. Sessions run Weds at Vyners School, Ickenham and Thursday’s at Nower Hill High School, Pinner. Juniors (7-11) 4.15-6.15pm and Seniors (11-18) 6.30-8.30pm. for more info: Contact Pritpal on 07855 863058 . e: uxbridge@therockproject.com. The Windsor & District Big Bands Appreciation Society We meet on 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm, Datchet Hall, Horton Road, Datchet. Music of the big bands ‘40s & ‘50s 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 Yiewsley & West Drayton Band Rehearse every Wednesday and Friday 8-10pm 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
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DENHAM What's On... Jan16_Layout 1 24/12/2015 04:58 Page 3
PRE-SCHOOL & KIDS GROUPS CONTINUED...
2370 (Denham) Squadron Air Training Corps ATC HQ, Tilehouse Lane, Denham Aerodrome Denham, Bucks, UB9 5DN. Mon and Thurs 7.30-9.30pm. 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 under 5’s. 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 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. 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
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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 also at The Uxbridge Centre, The Greenway Wed, 5pm-7pm Tel: Dominic 07988 743725 Kung Fu Club West Drayton Every 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 479 435 or sportsclubuk@gmail.com Silat Kuntao Indonesian Self-Defence Traditional self-defence art from Central Java. Adult classes only. Mon and Wed 8pm-10pm at Denham Village Memorial Hall, Denham, UB9 5BN. Call Philip Davies 07790 496 346
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... Colne Valley Park Conservation Volunteers Every second weekend of the month. Hands on help to protect the wildlife and landscape of the regional park. For more details contact Steve Ord steven.ord@groundwork.org.uk or call 07718 043080. 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 Friendly Whist Drive Harefield Community Centre, Priory Avenue, Harefield. Every Thurs 7.30pm. Beginners welcome. Contact Lyn on 01923 820173 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. See www.langley-iver-rotaract.org.uk Slough Plus Meet at the Tower Arms in Iver, 4th Wednesday of the month, with weekly events and weekends away. All ages 20's-60's. Visit sloughplus.weebly.com 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, visit www.uxbconclub.com Women’s Social Group Social group for women. 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 Ladies Golf Every Mon & Wed, 10am at Rickmansworth Golf Club new members welcome. Email ladiescaptain@rick mansworthgolf club.co.uk for details. Learn to Sail! We are an RYA approved training centre new members welcome. FREE sailing tasters! www.kingsmeadsc.org.uk Pink Ladies Netball Club Training at Stockley Academy, West Drayton every Tues. Seniors16+yrs 7.30-9pm. Back to Netball 16+yrs 7.30-8.30pm. u16s for details 01895 448878 www.pinkladiesnetball.co.uk Table Tennis Denham Village Memorial Hall Tuesdays 5.30-10pm. Call Richard Cottle on 01895 835292 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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SITUATIONS
VACANT
Denham Parish Council is looking for someone with excellent communication skills, both written and oral to assist the Parish Clerk with general Administration tasks and the daytoday running of the office. The ideal candidate should have experience with the structure and workings of local government, be able to prioritise their workload and be confi dent with dealing with the public. The position is for 15 hours per week days and hours to be agreed. Salary negotiable depending on experience. Contact: with a C V if you wish to be considered for this position
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To deliver our magazines each month in various local areas, including Denham, Uxbridge and West Drayton. Minimum age 14 years. Pay £7 per 100 Please call 0800 0385 001 / 07759 536494
to assist older people in their own homes, personal care, Companionship and homehelp services. Days, evenings, weekends. www.homeinstead.co.uk/ruislipandharrow
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AN EXPERIENCED TEAM OF PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS
Clive
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Whilst we maybe new to Gerrards Cross – Gibbs Gillespie have been successfully selling & letting properties in the Middlesex, Hertfordshire & Buckinghamshire area for over 25 years. Call us to benefit from a fresh and motivated approach.
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T. 01753888866 E. gxsales@gibbs-gillespie.co.uk 17/03/2015 13:40