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And the official start of British Summer Time or at least Spring! It’s all happening this month, starting with Mothers Day on Sunday 6th, which also just happens to be the date that In and Around Magazines first launched eleven years ago. Easter also falls into March this year and in fact, Easter Sunday 27th at 1am is when we all should remember to put our clocks forward by one hour. I say should, as for the past two years, having reminded readers to do just that, I’ve actually forgotten to do it.
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Golden Years: Memories of 50 years ago
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Local Events
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Short Story: The Last Hat Standing
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Travel: Buenos Aires
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Technology: Mad March Hair
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Beauty: Gifts for Mothers Day
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Health: Should you be Wary of Wheat
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Motoring: That’s man’s work that is
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Coffee Break Puzzles
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Recipe: Chicken in Red Wine
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RSPCA Rehoming Appeal
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You can advertise in this magazine from as little as £22.00 per month
Interiors: Make the most of a small kitchen
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Changes to taxation laws 2016/17
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Pets Corner
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Pets: Out at work during the day?
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Garden Feature
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March is also the month of my own birthday, and whilst the thought of becoming yet another year older, really doesn’t hold much appeal, I’m looking forward to a few celebratory drinks and a catch up with friends. Let’s hope by next month we’re looking at sunny days and the imminent return of last year’s flip flops.
Just £50 puts your recruitment advert 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 Publisher: Angela Fisher Phone: 0800 038 5001 / 07759 536494 Email: info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk Information and Details of Rates at 4www.inandaroundpublishing.co.uk
Clubs, Groups & Classes
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Puzzle Solutions
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Wordsearch
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Situations Vacant
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APRIL COPY DEADLINE 21ST MARCH 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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Golden Years
Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning
And that’s why we had decimalisation.
British, and born in the 1950s or earlier? Congratulations! You’re a genius at mental arithmetic! There are no studies, surveys or statistics to prove this, but it stands to reason: you needed a brain from IBM just to work out your change!
Here’s a simple test for anyone under 50. On Friday you go out with £1.17.4. You buy a pint of mild for Alf at 1s 2d, a bottle of sweet stout for Alf’s missus Mabel (no white wine for the ladies in those days!) at 10 and 1/2d, a pint of bitter for yourself at 1s 5d, a packet of crisps at 3d, and a dark rum for old Harry at 1s 8d. Later, it’s your round again – same again but no crisps, and Harry has a double (which he never does when it’s his round!). Later still the fish man comes and you have a poke of shrimps, 4d; then you give the lass from the Sally Army 2d for a War Cry which you never actually read. At chucking out time you buy a bottle of Guinness to take home, 1s 9d (1d back on the bottle). So: have you got enough left over to see Rovers at home tomorrow and buy a pie and a Bovril at the ground? 6
People think, wrongly, that Britain got decimalised on April 15th 1971, or D-Day as the press dubbed it. The real D-Day was March 1st 1966 when the Chancellor, Jim Callaghan, officially announced that the Government had accepted the report of a committee of enquiry (now more than two years old) and that a currency that was, in essence, more than 1,200 years old would be scrapped in five years’ time. The announcement marked the end of a long, slow march towards decimalisation. When the Decimal Association was founded in 1841 many people saw it as another manifestation of that extreme rationalism that demanded a 13-month year and one universal language. But it at least succeeded in getting a new coin minted from 1849 onwards: the florin, worth two shillings – or 10 to the pound! The florin, though, failed to our perception of the pound and shilling as the base units of currency. We were used to working with bases 12 and 20, and that’s why Britain was so good at arithmetic. (The above example is simple subtraction: imagine you were a wages clerk making up weekly pay-packets for 100-odd workers all of whom worked different hours at different rates!)
Another reason why the old money had to go was that it was so damned BIG! Have you ever seen it? You needed a gusset sewn into your change pocket or all those farthings, halfpennies,
cartwheel pennies, 12-sided threepenny bits, tanners, bobs, florins and half-crowns would wear a hole in it in days. Still, there was a lot of resistance; and only when South Africa and Australia took the lead did Harold McMillan authorise the committee of enquiry in 1961. Once Mr Callaghan had made the formal announcement, though, things moved fast. The Decimal Coinage Act and the Decimal Currency Board came in 1969 along with the 50p piece. The new 5p and 10p came in 1970 and were the same size as the shilling and florin they eventually replaced. The only real change on D-Day itself was the introduction of the new 1/2p, 1p and 2p, although even then the old coppers remained in circulation until August. Was it worth it? A lot of old folk got fooled into thinking that 6p was the same as 6d when of course it was closer to 1s 2 and 1/2d; but my 23-year-old daughter is astonished and appalled that we put up with a system that mixed not only base 12 and base 20 but also fractions of the basic unit for so long. Still, we were brilliant at mental arithmetic!
Happy 50tH BirtHdays to Alan Davies (6th), Nigel Clough (19th), and Michael Imperioli (26th) Cake and botox to you all!
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Dated Events (Mar16).qxp_Layout 1 01/03/2016 14:59 Page 1
MARCH EVENTS Spring Exhibition
6th - 19th March The Cow Byre, Manor Farm, Bury Street, Ruislip, HA4 7SU. Hosted by the Society of Ruislip Artists. Free entry, so pop and see the local artistic talent.
Local Events
Hillingdon Canal Club Talk 8th March Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX. John Gibson of the National Trust talks about ‘River Wey and Godalming Navigation’. Email: middlesex.socials @waterways.org.uk Ickenham & Swakeleys Horticultural Society 9th March, 8pm United Reformed Church, Swakeleys Road, UB10 8BE. Barry Twigg presents ‘Guards and Gardens at Buckingham Palace.’ ‘The Wedding Singer’ Musical 9th-11th March, 7.30pm 12th March, 2.30pm Winston Churchill Theatre, Pinn Way, Ruislip, HA4 7QL. See website for details.
Bugsy Malone 14th-19th March, 7.30pm Saturday Matinee, 2.30pm Winston Churchill Theatre, Pinn Way, Ruislip, HA4 7QL. Presented by KLOS Musical Theatre. For more details call 01895 349521 or email: boxoffice@klosmusicaltheatre Eastcote Horticultural Society’s Spring Show 12th March, 2.30pm-4pm Eastcote Community Centre, Southbourne Gardens, HA4 9SQ. Homemade cakes and teas. Free entry. See website; Eastcote Horticultural Society or email: eastcotehorticultural@yahoo.co.uk.
March & April 2016 8
Harrow Harmony's Spring Concert 19th March, 7.30pm Ruislip Methodist Church, Ickenham Road, Ruislip, HA4 7BZ. For details call 020 8861 4017 or email: boxoffice@harrowharmony.co.uk
Ruislip Stamp Fair 12th March, 9th April The Ruislip Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Road, HA4 7DG For details call 01895 637283.
Butterflies Table Top Sale & Coffee Morning 19th March, 9.30am-1pm Ickenham Village Hall, Swakeleys Road, Ickenham, UB10 8GD. Crafts, Gifts, Jewellery, Cards, Books, unwanted treasures, Homemade cakes and a Raffle. Admission: Adults 50p; Children free. Good access. To hire a table contact Vera Layton on 01895 635224 or email: Butterfliesickenham@yahoo.com
Bridge Drive supporting Paul Strickland Scanner Centre, Mount Vernon Hospital 21st March, 11am West Herts Golf Club, Rousebarn Lane, Croxley Green. The format will be Chicago Bridge. Entry fee is £14.50 per person which includes lunch and some fantastic prizes. Book early to avoid disappointment. Call 01923 844290. Lunchtime Classical Music Concert 30th March, 12.15pm. St Martin’s Church Hall, corner Eastcote Road and High Street, HA4 6DG. Michael Petrov (Cello) & Alexander Ullman (Piano).
LIVE MUSIC EVENTS Champers Bar 184 Field End Road, Eastcote, HA6 1RE. 17th March The Freaky Dukes 20th March Key Liaison Duo 24th March Lee Pashley as Robbie Williams 27th March 2 Tone The Falcon Inn Village Road, Denham, UB9 5BE. 17th March Eckie & Co., Live The Swan at Iver 2 High Street, Iver, SL0 9NG. 25th March Totally Funktional - 5 piece band The WatersEdge Packet Boat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. 25th March Swing & Soul; Stuart Wilson & Teeray The Whip & Collar Swallow Street, Iver, SL0 0HU. 13th March Mark Kelly, 5-8pm
Please send us your details to be included in the April issues by Monday 14th March.
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Short Story
The Last Hat Standing By Jackie Brewster “Hey buddy. Are you the guy who’s judging?” A stout lady, with a voice like wet gravel, poked her face through the gap in the community hall curtains just behind Edgar. He’d been patiently enjoying a cup of tea and a shortbread finger while the contestants for the Over Sixties Club Easter bonnet parade made their final adjustments at the other end of the hall. “Will you be taking part?” Edgar asked pleasantly. The lady snorted in a way that suggested she would not. “The name’s Barb.” She extended a hand through the curtains. “Originally from Tennessee.” Edgar’s cup rattled in its saucer. “You’re not, by any chance, Barbara Gibson, hat maker to the stars?” Barb unscrewed the cap of a hipflask and took a slow swig. “Yeah, that was me once.” “I was a milliner too before I retired,” Edgar said to establish his judging credentials. He was actually very flattered to have been asked. It had been many years since his creations had caused sensations at Ascot, but he still considered himself capable of recognising the sublime when it came to headwear. “I hope you’ve read the parade rules,” Barb said ruefully. “Surely it’s just a question 10
of choosing the finest creation?” Edgar answered blithely. Barb snorted again. “Trust me buddy, I did this gig last year. They all like to pretend it’s about the pretty bonnets.” She looked him up and down. “I’ll give you a head’s up. It’s three laps of the hall and whichever hat makes it past the finishing line is the winner.” “The finishing line?” Edgar had never heard of a parade with a finishing line. “Like a race?” “You call it a race,” Barb coughed, “I call it a Battle Royale.” “What’s the point of having a judge?” Edgar asked, amazed. “Your job is to make sure there’s no cheating,” Barb said. “Keep those pretty blue eyes peeled for illegal bobby pins, chin straps and gaffer tape. As for the pushing and shoving, well…” Her words tailed off. “The quality of the hat doesn’t matter?” Edgar asked, suddenly nervous. “Sure it matters,” Barb said. “Rule number one: the hat has to be robust enough to stay on the head.” “Obviously!” Edgar declared. Barb frowned, and continued. “Laps one and two are all very sedate and ladylike. But you wait until you see the mad scramble on the final lap. It gets ugly. Those bonnets soon start
to tumble.” She stared off into the distance with a haunted expression. “I’ve not been able to contemplate a hat since.” Edgar observed the elderly ladies preparing for the parade more closely. Some were putting the final touches to their bonnets but others were doing stretches and warm up exercises. Mrs Hurd the Club Chair was surreptitiously attaching elbow pads, and Mrs Rickett, the frail dear who ran the raffle, was doing squats in her leg warmers while wearing a gum shield. “You want to watch that one,” Barb followed his gaze, “she’s a regular Zola Budd.” “What about the artistry?” Edgar was horrified. “If, by some miracle, more than one hat crosses that finishing line still attached to a head, then, and only then, do you get to choose the prettiest.” Barb gave him a rueful wink. “It looks like they’re ready for the off.” The ladies of the Over Sixties Club organised themselves into a guilty looking line by the tea urn. “You’re going to need this.” Barb handed him a whistle as she retreated into the shadows. Edgar swallowed. With a shaking hand, he lifted the whistle to his dry lips and blew.
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Buenos
Aires
By Solange Hando On the banks of the River Plate, Argentina’s capital is the most European of all Latin American cities. Spanish mansions, Italian buildings, French parks and Belle Epoque villas, it was largely shaped by immigrants fleeing the turmoil in Europe at the turn of the 20th century. In this sparsely populated country, everyone was welcome and Buenos Aires was the first port of call. As the birthplace of the 1810 revolution and later independence, Plaza de Mayo is the historical heart of the city, looking across to the neo-classical cathedral which guards the eternal flame and the pink Government House where the popular First Lady, Eva Peron, delivered her last speech before passing away aged just 33. Sadly for some, she rests in the family mausoleum in Ricoleta, surrounded by the affluent elite she fought most of her life. Up on the hill, Ricoleta is one of the most exclusive districts but down in the city centre there are plenty of stylish domes and façades, modern sculptures such as the giant lotus flower opening its petals in the daylight and vast ‘dog walkers’ parks garlanded 12
in roses, eucalyptus and jacaranda. Maybe that’s why it’s called the city of ‘good air’, with ample space for designer boutiques, pedestrian lanes and the world’s widest avenue. Landmarks include the Obelisk paying tribute to the town’s foundation and a panoramic tower donated by British settlers. To the south-east, the new district of Puerto Madero is a lovely place to stroll along the river and gaze at the latest skyscrapers glinting in the sun, yachts, galleon, red brick warehouses turned trendy restaurants and elegant bridges named after famous women. But just a short walk away, San Telmo claims the city’s oldest neighbourhood, its cobbled streets lined with antique shops and tango clubs, for it is here that the traditional dance of Argentina originated in the 1890s. First a form of entertainment by ladies of ill repute, it took Paris by storm around 1916 and is now a classical art, listed Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Beyond the old transporter bridge, neighbouring La Boca is equally picturesque with its brightly-painted houses jostling for space, traditional dancers and Italian taverns. Once upon
a time, the Genoese settlers attempted to proclaim their own Republic but their flag was promptly brought down by the President himself. Today in the bustling alleyways, visitors are more likely to see effigies of the Argentinian Pope or the yellow and blue flag of the illustrious football club, Boca Juniors. The colours were inspired by a Swedish ship sailing into harbour and the home stadium is affectionately known as Bombonera, the chocolate box. Boca means ‘mouth’ for the Rio de la Plata is in fact an estuary formed by the confluence of the Parana and Uruguay rivers. Just north of the city, the Parana delta is a winding maze of islands and waterways, no roads, no cars, just a sprinkling of pretty houses on stilts with pontoons and boats where everything is delivered by water, from ice cream to the daily post. Weekend retreats nestle discreetly under the trees, following in the footsteps of Sarmiento, the enlightened president who opened up the delta while caring for its environment. His wooden home still stands at the waterside, enclosed in a glass case that never fails to intrigue all who sail past.
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Mad March Hair
The high-tech gadgets for every kind of hair
Whether you’re trying a bold new look or just trying to tame tangles, gadgets can help - and some of them promise to do everything from straightening to styling. Take the Oprahrecommended InStyler Wet 2 Dry, for example: it looks like a typical curler but its rotating barrel means it can straighten, curl and add volume and shine while it dries your hair. At £79.99 it’s quite pricey for a styler and some users found it a bit awkward to use, but if you get the hang of it it promises to style and dry five times faster than other devices. If you’re a fan of hair straighteners you’ll know that some models are smoother and less snaggy than others. The £44.95 Glamoriser reckons it has the answer: its ceramic floating plates are designed to glide over your hair, and something called Black Diamond Oil in the plates apparently helps keep every strand nice and shiny. We’re not entirely sold on those claims, but as a straightener the Glamoriser works really well and is a great buy. Fancy spending a bit more? The £165 T3 SinglePass X uses a microchip to constantly measure and adjust the temperature of the plates so 14
that you can smooth and style without frazzling your hair. It’s particularly good for very long or coarse hair and it styles very quickly, although the price tag is likely to put plenty of people off. Another Oprah recommendation is the Bed Head Deep Waver, which is currently the number 1 bestselling hair waver on Amazon US. Over here it’s called the Toni & Guy Deep Waver, and the £25 styler offers 25 heat options for the perfect wave. Sometimes hair needs to be removed rather than restyled, and technology has a place there too: IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removals promise to remove unwanted hair without the discomfort or outright pain of traditional hair removal. It isn’t very effective on light hair colours but it does a good job on dark hair, and while £225 for a Philips Lumea Precision Plus sounds pricey, it’s a lot cheaper than getting a course of IPL treatment at a beauty salon. Just one word of warning: don’t use it if you’ve been tanning. Like any kind of light therapy, IPL can have side-effects on skin that’s been exposed to the sun or to selftanning products. So far we’ve concentrated on
products for women, but there are gadgets for the boys too. The rise of the hipster hasn’t escaped the notice of grooming device manufacturers, and dull old clippers have been eclipsed by all kinds of male grooming products. There’s even a hairdryer designed specifically for blokes: the BaByliss Pro Italia Brava (£120), which has been developed in association with Ferrari so it goes round your head faster. Joking aside it does differ from normal unisex dryers as it can be set to run much hotter than traditional dryers. Men will also find all kinds of gadgets for manscaping their body hair. One of the best is Braun’s Cruzer 6 Body (£33), a showerproof trimmer with attachments ranging from 0.6mm to 8mm for every conceivable location and a Gilette blade for when you want to shave everything off. If you’d rather just take care of your beard and bonce, the Cruzer Beard&Head is currently £25 online and comes with two sets of blade guards: 1-11mm and 10-20mm. Images L to R: Glamoriser hair straightener; Toni & Guy Deep Barrel Waver; Philips Lumea IPL hair remover; Braun Cruzer body trimmer.
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Beauty
Buying a treat for a mum-to-be? Neal’s Yard Remedies Mothers range has been specially formulated to nurture women during pregnancy. The range includes a balm, massage oil and bath oil. The balm and massage oil can help to prevent stretch marks, while the bath oil aids relaxation and a restful night’s sleep, as well as softening skin. (It also smells rather lovely too.) Prices start from £15, so the range is great value, as a little goes a long way and each bottle is packed with high quality, natural ingredients, such as lavender oil, neroli and mandarin essential oils.
Gifts for Mother’s Day Treat mum this Mother’s Day, with a luxurious beauty gift that she’d probably never dream of buying for herself.
by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk
Clarins’ make-up palettes are some of the best on the market in my opinion, and their latest offering is no exception. The Natural Glow Eye Shadow Palette, £33, features five very wearable shades, from light beige to warm brown, all housed in an attractive rose-gold coloured compact. They’re easy to apply, and the palette is perfect for keeping in a handbag to transform a natural day time look into night time glam. Get it quick though; it’s a limited edition, and if previous incarnations are anything to go by, it’s likely to sell out pretty fast. If you’re looking to earn some serious brownie points, perfume is the way to go. Connock London‘s Kukui is brimming with floral notes, including gardenia, Moroccan rose, white jasmine and calla lily, but it’s given a grownup, oriental twist with notes of sandalwood, vetiver, white amber and warm vanilla. The result is a truly gorgeous fragrance, and the bottle looks rather lovely sat out on display as well. There’s a very good chance this could become her new favourite scent. At £75 for 100ml, it’s not cheap, but consider it partpayment for all that teenage angst she had to deal with. 16
The Eco Chic Body Lotion and Shower Gel gift set by Green Energy Organics is ideal if you’re on a budget this Mother’s Day. Priced at £14.95, this is luxury on a shoestring. Not only are the shower gel and lotion packed with skin friendly oils, such as avocado and jojoba, but they smell divine, with notes of blackcurrant, rose, myrrh, jasmine, tonka bean, vanilla, and white musk. They’re also very gentle, as they don’t contain any dyes, sodium lauryl sulphate or parabens. Available from millabaci.com Dashing out last minute to buy a gift? Head to Marks and Spencer and check out their Pure Relaxing range. Team the body wash, body lotion and hand & nail cream with either the candle or diffuser to create an at-home spa experience. Products are scented with lavender, geranium and other oils to help mum relax, unwind and de-stress. Throw in a glass of prosecco and some music, and there’s little doubt you’ll be seen as the favourite child. Prices start from £6.
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Health
By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
Should You Be Wary Of Wheat?
If you suffer from bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach cramps or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), maybe you should be. However, ALWAYS see your GP (rather than self-diagnosing) if these symptoms are severe and persistent, especially if you have blood in your stools, vomiting, excessive bloating or very painful stomach cramps - it may indicate more serious medical conditions. Wheat allergy, wheat sensitivity/ intolerance and Coeliac disease are often confused, so let’s get them straight. WheAt ALLerGY If you are truly wheat allergic, eating wheat will rapidly provoke allergy symptoms such as itching, rashes, sneezing and wheezing. You’ll need to avoid wheat in any form and see your GP. CoeLiAC DiSeASe Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects around 1% of people in the UK and often goes undiagnosed. In Coeliac sufferers, the intestinal lining becomes damaged because it can’t absorb gluten, a protein found in foods including wheat, barley and rye. Tiredness, hair loss, mouth ulcers, 18
anaemia and unexpected weight loss, alongside gastrointestinal symptoms, can indicate Coeliac disease. Diagnosis is by a blood test and biopsy. Both tests are only accurate if you’re still eating gluten, so you’ll need to continue eating gluten until the tests are complete. If Coeliac disease is diagnosed, you must avoid gluten permanently. WheAt intoLerAnCe/ SenSitivitY Wheat intolerance or sensitivity is much more common than wheat allergy. Symptoms can develop some hours after eating wheat, which can make the condition hard to pinpoint, and it’s not something your GP can test for. Try eliminating wheat for four weeks to see if your symptoms improve (ensuring you replace it with healthy alternatives like rice, corn, buckwheat pasta and quinoa). Remember that wheat is in most breads, cakes, pastas, pastries, cereals, couscous, biscuits, beer, soy sauce and hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP), and is a hidden ingredient in many other products. Keep a food diary in case another food type, such as dairy, is the culprit – but don’t eliminate whole food groups long-term without consulting your GP. Reintroduce wheat slowly (preferably starting with 100% wheat products). If your symptoms reappear, it’s a good indication that you have wheat sensitivity; trial and error will tell you whether you’re sensitive to all wheat products or just some. This can depend on the process
the wheat has undergone; some people can tolerate toast and pasta better than bread, because the heating process makes the wheat more digestible. Supermarket bread may be less digestible than traditional bakery bread, as supermarkets use an accelerated bread-making process. irritAbLe boWeL SYnDrome (ibS) If your symptoms don’t seem specifically tied to wheat, you may have IBS. While the causes are not entirely clear, stress, illness, high-fat or highfibre foods seem to precipitate attacks, making bowel function erratic and causing gastrointestinal symptoms. Probiotic supplements or foods can help, as can medication prescribed by your GP. tackling Wheat Sensitivity and ibS: the FoDmAP diet Designed originally for people with (IBS), the wheat-free low-FODMAP diet eliminates Fermentable oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, monosaccharides And Polyols - types of carbohydrates that aren’t easily digested and may cause bacterial growth, leading to diarrhoea and bloating. The FODMAP diet should be followed under a dietician’s guidance to ensure you stay healthy and follow it correctly, as it’s quite complex. Your GP can give you a referral. information and Support: Coeliac UK: Helpline 0333 332 2033 www.coeliac.org.uk The IBS Network: 0114 272 32 53 www.theibsnetwork.org Allergy UK (also has information on intolerances): 01322 619898 www.allergyuk.org
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Motoring That’s Mans Work, That Is
By Iain Betson Iain Betson dreams that many TLAs make light work. Men! Ever washed your car? Vacuumed the inside? Waxed the paintwork or shampooed the upholstery? Of course you have, ever since the dawn of the motorcar, that’s what Sundays have been for. Now the same question to the ladies? I bet the answer is mostly in the negative. I was contemplating this as I gave one of our cars a bit of TLC. On occasion, as it’s not a big car, I give it a good manual clean, apply some elbow grease and spend time with a bucket, sponge and wax, on the drive. And when it comes to the interior it’s always me, bi-weekly, with the upright and the duster. To diverge slightly, we have moved around a fair bit, about 8 moves in 10 years and as a result my wife and I have made a fair number of house viewings. Sometimes I would leave a property saying, “That’s the one for us” only to evoke a response of “No way, did you see the colour of the bathroom”. On the surface, to a man, 20
this seems quite baffling - bathrooms can be replaced, so why the negative answer? Women, by nature I think, are more house proud, for some reason - genes, conditioning, peer pressure or whatever - they just are. Yet this is in stark contrast to the state of the cars the sexes drive. My wife will gladly drive a car which has an interior with more pebbles in the footwell than Brighton beach and soot blackened wheels to rival the cast of Oliver; whereas I look at it and think, “That’s a job for Sunday”. So why this clean car, clean house role reversal? Sorry to be blunt but, in short, I don’t know, haven’t a clue, I’m a bloke. From my side I can see why cars should be clean, and if the toilet is in need of a makeover well that’s fine, but I really can’t from a woman’s perspective; unless, of course, I suddenly develop a liking for chintz curtains and opera then, maybe, I will. Which brings me, via a hyper-jump, on to car press releases. The other day I had a test of the new VW Golf GTi and the accompanying press information contained well
over ten TLAs (Three Letter Abbreviations) for the features and functions this car boasts. HBA, ABS, ESP, TCS… I could go on. Anyway, most of the TLAs referred to the way these systems affected the going, the handling and the stopping. All well and good: a better responding car leads to a more enjoyable and safer ride, all good points well made. But I doubt whether the majority of drivers know or care about these features; they simply want to own and run a car that will get them safely from A to B with little fuss or effort. However, if the manufacturers want to sell bucket loads of cars, here is one TLA feature I think they should pour millions into developing and immediately fit to their entire range. A TLA that would be close to all of our hearts I think the first manufacturer to provide it would clean up for good. In fact, I may patent it myself. My TLA car feature would be called SCC - Self Cleaning Car… I’ll leave you dreaming, I’m off to the Patent Office!
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With some simple planning we will ensure that they are fully protected so that your loved ones receive their rightful inheritance. Please consider the following five questions: 1. Have you made a will, if so when was it reviewed? 2. How can I protect my children’s inheritance? 3. How do I protect my home and assets from care costs? 4. How can I preserve my business assets for my family? 5. What if I am unable to manage my affairs?
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WELBECK CONSULTANCY Looking after you, your family and generations to follow
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Chicken in Red Wine
Serves 4
Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes This is a quick, easy and flavoursome way to serve chicken. Use a full-bodied red wine such as a Burgundy for the best flavour, although there is no need to buy a really pricy one!
Ingredients: • 2 tbsp olive oil • 600g skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into chunks • 225g button mushrooms • 200g shallots, peeled • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 300ml red wine • 200ml chicken or vegetable stock • 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato puree • 1 bay leaf • 2tbsp cornflour • Sprigs of fresh parsley to garnish • Sautéed potatoes and steamed green beans, to serve
TIP
This dish freezes well, so it’s worth doubling up the quantities to freeze away half for another day. Allow to cool completely then spoon into a shallow freezer-proof container and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost thoroughly then reheat in a flameproof casserole until piping hot. 26
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and fry for 4-5 minutes, turning frequently until golden brown all over. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add the button mushrooms and shallots to the pan and fry for 5 minutes until just beginning to brown. Add the garlic and fry for a further minute then return the chicken to the pan and stir in the red wine, stock, tomato puree and bay leaf. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat, cover and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken and onions are tender. Blend the cornflour and 2 tbsp water to a smooth paste then stir the paste into the pan. Simmer gently for further 2-3 minutes, stirring all the time, until the liquid has thickened. Serve with sautéed potatoes and steamed green beans and garnish with parsley sprigs.
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The RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston and District Branch Since the beginning of the 2nd World War the Hillingdon RSPCA Clinic has offered help to local animals in need. 2015 saw over 10.000 animals through our doors.
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.
Many need new homes, some have been aban doned. Some owned pets have received vital and pain relieving treatment as their owners have been unable to afford private veterinary fees. The clinic is heavily oversubscribed and without the income from our vital charity shops and gallant fund raising Thai is just one happy, happy dog who wants a fun active life and a sofa to crash on at the end of a efforts of our volunteers busy day! Can you help? This important local resource could not keep going. We would love to hear from volunteers who have a little time to offer. After all these years this week has been a land mark in our history – WE HAVE GONE COMPUT ERISED!!! Computerisation is a requirement of our clinic licence and several thousand pounds of spend later we went “live on Monday”. We would like to thank publicly all our gallant staff and volun teers who worked as a well oiled team to enter all data and get ready for the big day. Everything has gone like clockwork so far, but we would ask our clients to bear with us if there is a little delay, and I thank you in advance for your patience.
Thai
We will all be pleased to see the end of the mud and rain, and just a gentle reminder to make sure outside pets are in weather proof housing. Dogs should be kept inside, but if this really not possible Thank you for your support . We can’t do it the best outdoor accommodation you can afford without you! should be provided, with plenty of warm dry bed ding. If you think you can offer one of our animals a loving home then please ring RSPCA Hillingdon THAI – 4 YEARS – FEMALE – WHITE Branch on 01895 833417 or visit our website STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER www.rspcahillingdonclinic.org.uk to download an application form 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
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RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston & District Branch Registered Charity No: 263515
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Home & Interiors
Make The Most Of A Small Kitchen
By Katherine Sorrell
under the sink and, if you have room, add a pull-out larder to store food.
They may be small but they can be perfectly formed: the tiniest of kitchen spaces is often extremely efficient – you can wash, slice and cook almost without moving at all. And although the sky’s the limit when it comes to spending on kitchens – even diminuitive ones – if you’re on a shoestring you can create a practical and attractive galley kitchen for very little money, writes Katherine Sorrell. PLANNING THE ROOM In a small kitchen every centimetre counts, and the first principle of design is the ‘work triangle’ – the movement between the three main areas of activity: cooker, sink and fridge. Each zone should be self-contained, with its own storage and worktop space, but it should also be easy to move between each one. The best way to ensure this is to draw a floor plan with lines connecting 32
each point on the triangle, and avoid placing any obstructions (such as tall cupboards) between them. The theory goes that the most efficient length for each side of the triangle is a double-arm span or about two metres. In practice, however, it is rarely possible to create an absolutely equal triangle, and what matters more is that the three work centres aren’t uncomfortably close or too far apart. In a double galley, keep the sink and cooker on the same side, with the fridge pretty much opposite. In a single galley, you can’t create a triangle at all, but its linear shape means that it’s very easy to use anyway, as long as you don’t make the line too long. Aim to have tall cupboards at one end, then the hob nearby, and the maximum amount of worktop space between the hob and the sink, with the dishwasher next to the sink at the other end. Add a rubbish bin
EATING AND ENTERTAINING Even in a tiny kitchen, it’s always a good idea to try fit in somewhere to eat and drink. Fold-down tables might work, or perhaps there is room for a small dining table – if it extends for extra guests, so much the better. Or you could add a breakfast bar by forming an ‘L’ shape at the end of a run of worktop, adding a couple of high stools that can tuck underneath when not in use. Bingo! An eat-in kitchen. CHOOSING UNITS & WORKTOPS Mixing textures and colours in the kitchen is a growing trend, and top fashion picks at present include metallics, marble and rough, tough industrial accents. Deep worktops and open shelving will update a kitchen of any size, but what matters most in any kitchen is quality. You can find more or less any look at more or less any price - but you do get what you pay for. Check the quality of the carcass: cheaper ones are made from chipboard, sometimes with just hardboard backs, which may be fine if all you want is a budget option. But for a well-used kitchen that you want to last a number of years, opt for plywood or MDF veneer, the thicker the better. Laminate worktops are the budget choice – choose high-pressure rather than lowpressure ones, as they’re more
durable. Wooden worktops can also be inexpensive, but avoid ones that are too cheap or too thin, especially if you’re installing them next to a sink, as they’ll just warp and buckle. Splashbacks are often made from the same material as the worktop, though if cost is an issue you could opt for a cheaper alternative, such as ceramic tiles, tongue and groove painted with tough gloss, or a fashionable sheet of clear or coloured acrylic.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE WITH THESE IDEAS • Fit wall cupboards that go right up to the ceiling, storing littleused items right at the top • Sliding doors are ideal as they don’t intrude into the room • ‘Magic’ corner cupboards (with special mechanisms that let you get to the stuff at the back) allow you to fit more in
• Wall-hung racking systems let you see what you’ve got while still storing it in an organised fashion • Pull-out shelving and slim drawers (eg in the plinth) all add extra storage space • Internal fittings help organise cupboards • When it comes to appliances, choose multifunctional, compact, slimline, built-in and stacking versions • Reflective and/or transparent surfaces and pale colours make the room seem bigger • Base cabinets on legs or recessed plinths allow you to see more floor • Avoid visual confusion by sticking to ultra-plain cabinet fronts with either no handles or very discreet ones
• Larger-than-average floor tiles make the floor seem larger IMAGES - Left: Make use of wall space, drawers, slim appliances and free-standing storage such as trolleys. Metod Grevsta kitchen, £47 for a 40x60cm base cabinet with shelves, Ikea, tel 020 3645 0000; www.ikea.co.uk. Above: Efficient internal storage can make all the difference in a small kitchen. Storage options, Rational, tel 01543 459459; www.rational.de/en.
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Finance
Dividend Taxation And Other Changes To Tax Laws in 2016/17 By Ann Haldon
band)
> 38.1% (in the additional rate band)
A change to the dividend taxation laws is to be implemented from April 2016. Pension and ISA dividends will not be affected by the new regime and will remain free of tax, but the new dividend rules are likely to have an adverse effect on directors and shareholders of small incorporated companies. The new proposals will reportedly bring in an extra £2.54 billion in revenue for the 2016/17 tax year,� with smaller amounts continuing to bolster the public purse in future years. The changes are an effort by the government to equalise tax laws for those who run unincorporated businesses. Here’s a summary of the changes to be introduced • A maximum annual Dividend Allowance of £5,000 is to come into force (after taking the personal allowance into account) • The existing 10% notional Dividend Tax Credit will be scrapped • Dividends over the £5,000 annual limit will be taxed at the following rates: > 7.5% on dividend income in the basic rate band > 32.5% (for the higher rate 34
People with a low dividend income will see a reduction in their tax bill, but the new measures are likely to hit family-run small businesses the hardest. Any individual in receipt of more than £5,000 in dividends during a tax year will also be required to complete the selfassessment process from April 2016, as the tax on dividends will not be deducted at source. So why has the Treasury decided to overhaul the current system? The government is attempting to discourage tax-motivated incorporation, which means setting up a business as a limited company simply to enjoy a lower rate of tax on income. In the past, directors/ shareholders of a limited company have been able to take a small salary from their business, which attracted enough tax to maintain their entitlement to the state pension. The government’s objection, however, is that company profits are then used to extract a further dividend taxed at the much lower rate of 10%. Additionally, no National Insurance contributions are required on dividend income, and the Treasury felt the need to act to ensure greater equality for those who set up their own business without incorporation.
The low taxation rate of 10% on dividend income had been introduced at a time when rates of Corporation Tax were much higher, and at the time, was an attempt to relieve the financial pressures being experienced by directors and shareholders. Strong objections from the business community With the inherent difficulties facing small businesses, fears have been expressed that the government is making it much harder for people in business to survive financially. This includes both individual contractors who have incorporated their businesses, and family-run companies. In conjunction with the introduction of auto-enrolment and the new minimum wage, abolishing the 10% Dividend Tax Credit could be the final straw for some small limited companies. In fact, an online petition has been started, objecting to these new rules. Company directors/shareholders say that the rewards of low dividend taxation compensated for the long hours and risks they took when starting their business, and that their overall contribution to the economy needs to be more widely acknowledged by the government. The Telegraph reports that an additional £6.8 billion in tax will be paid by small business owners in the next five years, and that some are considering putting their business up for
sale. Are there any other changes to UK taxation in the forthcoming financial year? Other announcements made in last year’s Budget include: • Pension tax relief changes Restrictions on pension tax relief for those with an income of £150,000 or more will come into force from April 2016. Currently, higher rate tax payers enjoy 40% tax relief on their pension contributions. A fixed rate of 33% will apply for all in the new tax year, regardless of the rate band they are in. • Savings interest Said to be an acknowledgement of recent poor returns for savers, George Osborne also announced in last year’s budget that savings interest of up to £1,000 will no longer be taxed. He said that around
95% of savers will no longer have to pay tax twice on their savings - once when the money was earned, and again when deposited in their bank account. • Digital tax accounts One of the biggest overhauls of the tax system in recent times, the introduction of digital tax accounts is relevant for anyone who has previously been required to complete a self-assessment tax return. The ‘account’ will be similar to online banking in that details on how much is owed will be available to view at any time, and taxpayers will be able to make payments throughout the financial year rather than meeting a specific deadline. These are all significant changes to taxation laws in the UK, and are set to bring in considerable sums for the
Treasury, but the new dividend tax rules seem to be attracting the most concern and criticism. �http://www.itcontracting.com/ new-dividend-tax-april-2016/
http://www.rossmartin. co.uk/directors/tax-efficientremuneration/1591-summerbudget-2015-dividend-tax https://petition.parliament.uk/ petitions/106525 https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/dividend-allowancefactsheet/dividend-allowancefactsheet http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/ money/saving/article-3000721/ Budget-2015-Chancellor-scrapstax-1-000-savings-income.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ predictions/money/12049452/paymore-beat-pensions-tax-changes. html http://moneyweek.com/thesummer-budget-what-it-meansfor-you/
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Pets Corner... (Mar16).qxp_Layout 1 02/03/2016 11:57 Page 1
Vaccinations - An Update FOR the first time in the best part of 20 years there have been a number of upgraded vaccines on the scene and we will discuss those shortly but first of all here is a review of the basic advice on vaccine protocols.
now uses a CPV2b vaccine which is against the most prevalent strain of parvovirus while most still use the old CPV2 vaccine which may not be protective. And some are using an L4 vaccine whereas the older vaccines still use the L2 variety which doesn't give immunity against the two new strains of Leptospirosis.
We advise vaccinating puppies at 8 and 12 weeks. Although some manufacturers claim a 10 week finish date, we know that a large number of pups will not have full immunity at this age. In any event it is advised that a third vaccine be given at 16 weeks but this is very important if the second was given before 12 weeks and essential in large black and tan breeds, especially Rottweilers. The first full annual booster is critical and should in some ways be regarded as a final puppy vaccine. Despite some misconception, annual boosters are still recommended but from this point a full booster is advised only every 3 years with a part booster against Leptospirosis annually. Kittens should be vaccinated at 8 and 12 weeks then have a booster after one year. Indoor cats may only need to be vaccinated every 3 years from that point on but if they go into cattery or there is a risk they may go outdoors they should be vaccinated annually. Rabbits are normally vaccinated once from 6 weeks of age then annually against Myxomatosis and VHD. The basic components of dog vaccines remain the same against: Distemper, Parvovirus (CPV), Viral Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis (L). Some vaccines also contain a component against Coronovirus, a common cause of diarrhoea, although this is not essential. The core cat vaccines also remain the same: Feline Parvovirus or enteritis, Calicivirus (FCV) and Feline herpes virus (together these are usually called cat flu), and Feline Leukaemia (FeLV). Some cat vaccines also contain a Chlamydophila component and as we see this frequently we recommend vaccination although many vets don't vaccinate against this disease. The key change to dog vaccines is that one manufacturer 36
The new cat vaccine has an improved FCV component which is >80% effective (the old ones were only 40%) and a new FeLV vaccine which is less likely to cause serious side effects. You can be assured that at St Martins Veterinary Clinic we are using the new vaccines. To learn more about all these diseases please go the relevant page on our website.
M C Atkinson BVSc MRCVs www.stmartinsvetclinic.com
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Vertical Cover With Climbers by Pippa Greenwood
If the boundaries of your garden are uninteresting or drab, then it is time to think about some vertical gardening. Upright surfaces are itching to be clothed in glorious climbers or wall shrubs, and if you have several vertical sites then so much the better. A visit to your local garden centre will reveal a plentiful supply of suitable plants. Start by looking at the surface you have, the size, the direction it faces and the amount of sun or shade the plants growing on the wall or fence are likely to receive. Soil type is important as the plant you choose must be suited to the site. Some climbers are quite quick growing and will look good later this year, and improve as the years pass. Many provide strong colour and others will be a useful backdrop for the garden as a whole. Most buildings can have climbers grown against them, so if you have an unsightly shed, garage or even a fairly uninteresting looking back to your house, then consider erecting some sort of support system on which to grow your climbers. Break up the monotony of a long stretch of wall with a range of different plants, and make a tall, narrow building seem broader by only allowing them 38
to reach the height of the first floor. A climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea petiolaris, or selfclinging plants such as ivies are ideal, but make sure the mortar on your wall is in good shape before planting. Climbers are best planted in open ground as they tend to have sizeable root systems. If grown in containers you must re-pot regularly and ultimately plan to use a big container such as a half barrel. Use a loam-based potting compost and add extra grit for drainage, and place a deep layer of crocks at the base of the container. Add controlled release fertilizer granules to the compost, to ensure that plants get adequately fed for the first few months. A triangular or Vshaped trellis panel at the back will give initial support for the plant to climb up before moving on to your wall or fence. Tie the top section of the trellis into the wall or fence, so that it does not rock about. For ground planting, dig a large hole at least 18 inches (45 cm) from the wall or fence and incorporate plenty of compost or well rotted manure. Soak the plant’s root ball and place in the hole, ideally at a 45 degree angle so that it leans towards the wall, then spread out the roots and plant. If your climber
came already attached to bamboo canes, untie the stems from any central stake and train the best looking shoots towards your new support system, using the bamboo canes to help it on its way. Keep climbers well watered, particularly if they are on or near a sunny wall. Any good garden centre will have a range of plants, but here are some suggestions: Vigorous climbers for a quick effect: Actinidia chinensis; Akebia quinata; Clematis montana; Clematis montana ‘Rubens’; Vitis coignetiae Climbers for clay soils: Campsis; Celastrus scandens; Clematis; Ivies; Golden hop; Climbing hydrangea; Honeysuckles (most); Vitis coignetiae Climbers for an alkaline or chalky soil: Actinidia kolomikta; Akebia quinata; Clematis; Ivies; Climbing hydrangea; Jasminum officinale; Honeysuckles; Trachelospermum jasminoides Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - fantastic UK grown vegetable plants of your choice plus weekly advice and tips emails from Pippa, Nemaslug, biological controls, pop-up crop covers, signed books and lots more besides.
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HOBBIES...
Afternoon Leisure Painting Monday 2pm to 4pm and Wednesday 1.30pm to 3.30pm. The advanced and fundamental concepts of art in any media. Enthusiastic people welcome. Southlands Arts Centre 01895 632171
Crafty Cards Have fun creating your own cards. 2nd and 4th Friday, 10am to 12noon. Contact 01753 652 459 Craft Evening Group Tuesday 7.30pm. Members own projects and workshops to share experience and further skills at Southlands Arts Centre. Tel: 01895 442980 Handicraft - Morning Group Tuesday 10am to 12 noon, needlecraft and any handicraft with material. Paper 3D decoupage, patchwork, cross stitch, soft toys etc., at Southlands Arts Centre. Tel: 01895 442910
Knit & Knatterers Hand and Machine Knitting, Crochet 2nd & 4th Monday of the month 7.309.30pm at Southlands Arts Centre. Tel: 01895 421777 Les Artists - Evening Wednesday 7.30pm to 9.30pm. A mixed ability class for still life, portraiture etc. All welcome at Southlands Arts Centre. 0208 797 4635
Yiewsley Angling & West Drayton Fishing Clubs Thurs 8-10.30pm, Yiewsley & West Outline Theatre Group Drayton Community Centre. At St. Matthews Church, Yiewsley. Every For more details call 01895 443423 Tue 7.30-9.30pm. All welcome from 8yrs+. See www.outlinetheatre. co.uk or KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA... call Robert Jones on 01895 446352 Painting Group - Morning Tues 10am-1pm. Experienced watercolorists very welcome at Southlands Arts Centre. Tel: 01895 421328 Spinning & Weavers Group Tues 7.30-9.30pm at Southlands Arts Centre. Tel: 01895 443481
The Language Clubs of Hillingdon From late Sept until mid-July. Visitors welcome, Speak some German, Spanish, French or Italian? Want to practise speaking and listening in friendly groups, with recent learners, improvers & native speakers? Join a Hillingdon Family History Society Language Club! Each Club meets on a At Hillingdon Park Baptist Church, different Thursday of the month at 7.45 Hercies Road, Hillingdon. Research pm in St Giles' Church Hall, Swakeleys room open (10am-1pm) every Fri (except the Fri before the first Sat of the Road, Ickenham UB10 8BG. For details: German Club 01895 254 723; Italian month). On the first Sat of the month Club 020 8863 3468; Spanish Club and open 10am-1pm at Uxbridge Library. French Club 01895 253 472 Experienced help available. See www.hfhs.co.uk . Contact Mrs P. Uxbridge Chess Club Reynolds 01895 444442 or email Meet at the Ivy Leaf Club, 1st floor, 8 hillingdonfhs@onetel.com Wellington Rd, UB8 2AP. Every Wed, 7.30pm. All welcome. Parking, bar, tv. Hillingdon Railway Modellers Club Tuition available. Free initially, then Meet every Thursday, 7.30pm at cheap membership. Info: Peter Lord at Yiewsley Baptist Church. Contact peter-lord@tiscali.co.uk and 01895 tonymoth@Hotmail.co.uk 236973 or just turn up! Hillingdon Natural History Society Uxbridge Craft Market Meets 1st wed of the month at the Every Wednesday (9am-5pm) at The Scout HQ, Gatting Way, Uxbridge. Pavilions Shopping Centre Arts, Crafts, enquiries@hillingdonGifts and Collectables naturalhistorysociety.org.uk www.uxbridge-craft-market.co.uk Inland Waterways Association Wednesday Stitch Club Meet 2nd Tues of every month at 10-12noon at Hillingdon Tennis Club . Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, All abilities, Tutorial, White work, gold Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. work, crewel work etc. Your choice! Call middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk sue 0208 868 8052. Iver Flower Club West Drayton & District The Coppins Room, Iver Village Hall, History Society Grange Way, Iver, SL0 9HW. Meets The society meets on the last 4th Thursday of month, 7.30pm. Tuesday of each month Sep-May Call Jayne on 07730 249876. (excluding Dec) at St Martins www.bbando.org.uk/clubs/iver Harlington Locomotive Society Every Thursday, 8pm at the club in High Street, Harlington, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 5ET. For details call Peter Tarrant on 01895 851168
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Church Hall, Church Road at 7.30pm. Each month there is a talk of either local or national interest. During the summer months a programme of visits and walks are arranged. Membership £8 per year. Call either Diane 07599 730640 or Cyril 07704 837042 for details.
Bokwa Fitness Tone & Core Energetic workout that anyone can pick up, dancer or not. Wednesdays 6.15pm7.10pm, Yiewsley and West Drayton Community Centre. Contact Penny, 07771 872592/01895 420409; learningmoves@hotmail.co.uk Dance, Gymnastics and Free Running Classes Presented by Futunity Uk in Uxbridge Town Centre & Hillingdon Sports & Leisure centre. Ages 2-adults catered for and all styles of dance from RAD ballet, Contemporary & ISTD Tap to Break Dancing , Street Dance, Hip Hop & Zumba. Check out our website for full class listings, www.futunityuk.com. Contact Futunity Uk Head Office 01895 251224 or email admin@futunityuk.com Fitness Club St Catherine School, Money Lane, West Drayton, UB7 7NX. Thursday 6-7pm. Circuits, Fitness and Boxercise. £5 a class. Shaun Thompson, www.tauruspt.co.uk Tel: 07906 087749 Irish Dancing classes Children age 5 upwards. Beginners and advanced classes. Monday, 6pm at Hayes Conservative Club, Church Rd Wednesday, 6pm at Greenford Visitati on Catholic church hall Contact Deidre e: Deirdreosullivan@ hotmail.co.uk t: 07956 346383 Ladies Only Kickboxing Club Wednesdays, 6.30-8.00pm at Watts Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. First Class FREE! Just turn up or call Instructor Leanne Phillips on 07518 848285 e: leanne @kickboxing-longdon.co.uk www.kickboxing-london.co.uk
continued over...
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KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA CONTINUED...
Line Dancing Thurs 12-2pm. St Martins Church Hall, Church Road, West Drayton. Call Susan 01895 832837 susanwynne376@gmail.com
Linedance for Improvers Tuesdays 12-2pm Royal British Legion, Station Road, West Drayton. Call Instructor Ann 0791 435 8050
Linedancing Tuesday evenings 7.30-10.30pm. Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre. Call Ann on 0791 435 8050 Modern Jive Classes (Ceroc) Mondays, 8-11pm, Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre Thursdays, 8-11pm, Uxbridge Civic Centre. Beginners welcome, first night entry and free lifetime membership. Contact: Alan 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 or email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com.
Nordic Walking & Wellbeing Explore our borough’s green spaces . with all round exercise in the open air 4 wk courses various days and locations pre-booking essential contact 07771 872 592 / learningmoves@hotmailco.uk Pilates and Tai Chi Fit courses Tuesdays 7.30-8.30pm, Yiewsley and West Drayton Community Centre. Contact Penny 07771 872592/01895 420409; learningmoves@hotmail.co.uk Pinewood Fitness The Fitness Room, Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Road, Iver Heath, Sl0 0NH Mon 20.00-21.00, Wed 19.30-20.30 Booking only. Various Fitness Circuits, Boxercise, Gym Work £5 a class. Shaun Thompson, www.tauruspt.co.uk 07906 087749 Salsa Classes Every Monday: The Middlesex Arms, Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HG. Beginners class starts 8pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.459.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm. Every Wednesday: The WatersEdge, Canal Cottages, Packetboat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. Beginners class starts 7:30pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.3042
9.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm
Tai Chi Classes Sat 10-11am, Yiewsley Methodist Church, Fairfield Road, UB7 8EY. Call Dan on 07880 601429 to book. Tai Chi Fit Designed for modern life. Wed 09.3010.30am. Yiewsley and West Drayton Community Centre UB7 9JL. Contact Penny 07771 872592/01895 420409; learningmoves@hotmail.co.uk Tap Dance Mondays 7.30-8.30pm at Meadows Community Centre, West Drayton. Adult Beginner/Intermediate tap. No exams. Contact 01895 420409 / learningmoves@hotmail.co.uk. Yoga for All Wednesday 7.30-9.00pm Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre. Priya 01895 440712
Zumba Mon 6pm, Walter Pomeroy Hall, Royal Lane Hillingdon UB8 3QU. Tues 7.30pm, St Marys Church Hall, Hemmen Lane (off Church Rd, Hayes) UB3 2JQ. All welcome. £5. Ann-Marie Samuels 07701 012927 Zumba Fitness Class Weds 8-9pm at Langley Grammar School Sport Centre Reddington Drive Langley, SL3 8LL. Thurs 7-8pm at Yiewsley / West Drayton Community Centre, Harmondsworth Rd, West Drayton. UB7 9JL. Gabriel 07735 090325 or gabrielzumba@instructor. net www.gabriel84.zumba.com PRE-SCHOOL & KIDS GROUPS... Mobile Disco for Children A mobile disco available for hire, for children of all ages call Zoe on 07747 063149 for details. Slough Sea Cadets Parade nights on Mon and Thu 19.30-21.30 at Langley Pavillion, Langley Road, Slough, SL3 8BS. Male & Female Junior Cadets (age 10-12yrs) & Cadets (age 1218yrs). Fees £2pw, courses from £5. Email: sloughseacadets@yahoo.co.uk Stars at Knight After school Drama Club for children 7-18 yrs at Southlands Art Centre, 76 The Green, West Drayton.
Tel: 0208 841 8940 / 07956 123626 e: starsatknightdrama@gmail.com www.starsatknight-schoolofdrama.co.uk
MUSIC... Faraday Country Music Club In Slough SL2 1RN. Join us for the best live Country Music. From 811pm. Call Deb 07986 050742 www.faradaycountry.co.uk Guitar lessons Complete beginners welcome. Contact Sam for a FREE lesson 07798 588496 sam@uxbridgeguitarlessons.co.uk The Rock Project Greater London School of Rock & Pop where we teach 7-18 year olds how to play guitar, bass, drums and vocals in small groups and as a band. Sessions run Wed's at Nower Hill High School, Pinner and Thurs at Vyners School, Ickenham. Juniors (7-11) 4.156.15pm and Seniors (11-18) 6.308.30pm. £20 per two - hourly session. Contact Pritpal on 07855 863058 or email uxbridge@therockproject.com.
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 This is open to all ages wanting to learn to play a brass instrument or those of you wanting to 'brush up' your skills. Rehearse every Wednesday during term time 6.457.45pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. Contact Abi on 07985 302 856 or emailtraining@ywdband.com PETS... Iver Dog Training Club Every Tue and Fri 6.30pm-9.00pm at St Andrews Church, Richings Park. Call Diana 01753 732907 Iver Heath Fields Dog Club 'Outdoor Training' every Sat at 10.15am, Wed at 11am. Call Mike on 01753 817852 or 07795 031335 continued over...
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SELF DEFENCE...
SELF HELP & SUPPORT...
Close Quarter Combat Based in Richings Park. Specialising in speed, strength and conditioning training. Pad work combinations. Suitable for men & women of all ages. 1-2-1 sessions. Call Mark 07525 366126 e: mj.wilding@hotmail.com
Alcoholics Anonymous Meet every Sunday, 7.30pm at St Leonards Hall, St Leonards Walk, Richings Park, Iver, SL0 9DD. For more call Howard 07816 315688. 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 Cyril or Becky 01895 637444. Rosemary Conley Every Thursday 10-11.30am, Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre. Call Sarah on 0208 569 0181 Slimming World The Salvation Army, Cowley Road, Uxbridge. Tuesday 7pm Tel: Nicki 07826 698360 New Denham Community Centre Tuesday, 10-11.30am. Tel: Mandy 07879 897578 Yiewsley Methodist Church, Farfield Road, Yiewsley. Wednesdays 5pm or 6.45pm. Tel: Nicki 07826 698360 Weight Watchers Every Tuesday, 5.30pm and Friday at 10.00am Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre. Call 01784 256974 or 07879 455882
Southlands Ladies Group Talks, outings, own evenings. Mon fortnightly. Call 01895 445766 Senior Citizens Welfare Association Bingo played every 4th Wednesday of month 1- 3.30pm. Yiewsley and West Drayton Community Centre. Transport available. 01895 443423 Chair Exercise Classes Mondays 11am-11.45am. Call 01895 443423 for details or pop along to the West Drayton Community Centre.
Karate Club of Denham For ages 5 years and upwards. Sundays 9.15-11am at New Denham Community Centre, Oxford Road. Call 07988 743725 Karate Club of Uxbridge For ages 5 years and upwards. Wed 5-7pm at The Greenway, Uxbridge. Call 07988 743725
Kung Fu Club (Ladies only) A work out for all ladies, at all levels of fitness on Monday and Thursday mornings from 9.30 to 10.30am. West Drayton Community Centre, Harmondsworth Road, UB7 9JL. Contact Ella: 07702 479 435 or sportsclubuk@gmail.com Heathrow Boxing Club Men & women, boys & girls Junior Boxing Club: Tue & Thu, 5pm. Senior Boxing Club Mon, Tue & Thu, 8pm. 422 Bath Road, Longford, Middlesex, UB7 0EB. Tel: 0208 123 1271. Martial Arts Bujinkan Kuri Dojo Ninjutsu and Bujutsu, Unit 21 Bridgeworks, UB8 2JG. Tel: 07878 471124. Training: Sunday 10.30am-12.30pm, Tuesday 8-10pm, Thursday 8.3010pm www.bujinkankuridojo.co.uk Shorinji Kempo Self Defence Learn the practical self defence techniques of this traditional Japanese martial art. Tue 6-7pm children (£2), 7-9pm adults (£5). The Barn, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge. Call Dan 07776 421957. www.sk.harrow.ac.uk Silat Kuntao Indonesian Self-Defence Traditional self-defence, includes empty hand, weapons, meditation and healing massage. Adult classes only. Mon and Wed 8pm-10pm at Denham Village Memorial Hall, Denham, UB9 5BN. Call Philip Davies 07790 496 346 or kuntao.matjan.uk@gmail.com. 44
SOCIAL GROUPS... Colne Valley Park Conservation Vols Every second weekend of the month. Hands on help to protect the wildlife and local landscape. Contact Steve Ord. steven.ord@groundwork.org.uk or call 07718 043080. Harlington Women’s Institute Every 1st Wed of month, 7.309.30pm at Landsdown House, St Peter's Way Hayes UB3 5AB. Call Sarah Wilson 0208 759 0019 Over 60s Social Group Male, Female and couples. Meet fortnightly at various agreed venues. Judith 07980 073170 Mel 07785 582323 jlholl2014@gmail.com Over 65s Wellbeing Sessions Every Friday from 1:30-3:30pm. Creative art & craft activities & chair & standing exercise for over 65s at Yiewsley Cornerstone Centre, 74 Colham Ave. Yiewsley UB7 8HF. Sessions free. Call 01895 458310 www.yiewsleycornerstone.co.uk.
Tea Dancing 2-4pm every Tuesday at Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre
Uxbridge Veterans Breakfast Club A social event and meets on the last Saturday of the month at The Good Yarn, High St, Uxbridge (opp. Tesco). At 9.30am, open to all Veterans of the UK Armed Forces and their Allies and current serving Personnel. Women’s Social Group Looking to make new friends? Social group for women. Call Seema 07730 898635 or seemaa@seemaa.co.uk SPORT... Hayes & Harlington Road Runners Includes beginners sessions for anyone looking to start running. Every Wed, 8pm at Hayes and Harlington Community Association, Albert Road, Hayes. E: jack.nisbet@talk21.com www.hhroadrunners.com. Ladies Golf Meets 10am every Monday and Wednesday at Rickmansworth Golf Club new members welcome. Email ladies-captain@rickmansworthgolf club.co.uk for further details. Uxbridge Squash Club All welcome. Uxbridge Cricket Club, Park Rd, Uxbridge. E: squash@ uxbridgesquash.org.uk or visit: www.uxbridgesquash.org.uk. Yiewsley & West Drayton Bowls Club Interested? Come along, just bring your flat shoes! Tuesdays 2pm. Call Kenny Smith 07957 140627. Table Tennis Eastcote Community Association require new players to play in Wembley & Harrow League. Call Eve & George Gibson on 01895 636106.
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SITUATIONS
VACANT
ADVERTISE YOUR VACANCY IN ALL 6 PUBLICATIONS FOR JUST £50 Part time Assistant for Denham Parish Council 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: clerk@denhampc.co.uk with a C V if you wish to be considered for this position Closing Date – Friday 25th March 2016
Answers pg 45 46
01895 231 444 Email: hillingdon.recruitment@mearsgroup.com
CAREGivers Needed to assist older people in their own homes, personal care, Companionship and homehelp services. Days, evenings, weekends. www.homeinstead.co.uk/ruislipandharrow Call Today: 020 3226 0934
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