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As we head rapidly towards the end of 2016 and the magazines are soon to enter their 12th year, I’ve been reflecting back on when I first started this busi ness, with my daughter Sammy being just a small child who used to share my work space, watching Dora the Explorer, whilst I worked at my desk. How time flies! She left school back last year and is now driving around like Little Miss Independent. The success of the magazines has meant that I’ve be come busier and busier and I clearly needed assis tance with running the business on a day to day basis. Remembering how young Sammy, aged six, used to love to answer my phone for me and take messages, it suddenly made total sense for her to join me in what can now truly be called a family run business!
Cake & Bake Page 78
Tel: 0800 038 5001 Mob: 07759 536494
Children’s Puzzle Page 6 Wildlife Zone 8 Beauty: I need a hero 10 Life Begins 12 Wordsearch 14 RSPCA rehoming appeal 16 Christmas at the Railway 18 Puzzle Solutions 18 How much does it really cost to buy a home 20 Local Events 24 Coffee Break Puzzles 26 Books to get you talking 28 Iver Heath Residents Association 30 Travel: Symi Island 32 Hobbies: Are we tired of shabby chic? 34 Schools Update: Iver Village Junior School 36 Short Story: Fry Porks Night 38 The P.J. Gathergood Blog 42 & 48 Health: Alcohol Awareness Week 46 Golden Years: Memories of 50 Years Ago 50 Motoring: We try Nissan’s bonkers Bladeglider 52 Bright ideas to keep your home safe 54 Technology: Top gadget gifts for Christmas 56 Driving: What are we paying for exactly? 58 Richings Park Residents Association 60 Gardening Feature 62 Pets Corner 64 Interiors: Open plan living 66 Don’t lose the memories that matter 67 Citizens Advice Bureau 64 The best diet for your rabbit 68 Clubs, Groups & Classes 70,72,74 & 76 Cake & Bake: Steamed date puddings 78
In and Around Magazines cover: West Drayton . Iver . Denham . Uxbridge Ickenham . Ruislip
So dear readers, I would like to introduce you to my daughter, Sammy, whom I’ve written much about over the past few years, and who will now be my right arm. Sammy has already met with some of our valued regular customers and will be meeting more of you as she also takes on a sales role. Until next month! . Angela
You can advertise in this magazine from as little as puts your into all six publications (that’s over 30,000 homes). “Ask us about our affordable advertising rates or visit our website for more information”
Angela Fisher 0800 038 5001 / 07759 536494 info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk
www.inandaroundpublishing.co.uk 4
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 Wildlife Zone...FP (Nov16).qxp_Layout 1 27/10/2016 22:33 Page 1
THE WILDLIFE ZONE
COMPOST HEAPS 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.
OL DONYO LENGAI in Tanzania is a volcano standing proudly above the Serengeti plains of East Africa. To the Masai tribesman this mountain is their spiritual home which also gives life to many animals. But it may surprise you to know that some animals have different types of meaningful mountains of their own. One such is my compost heap which stands just as high, proportionally, and gives just as much life to insects and other garden animals as Ol Donyo Lengai does to the Masai tribesman. But there are obvious differences, for I've built this compost heap with one or two unusual ideas in mind, though I have made absolutely sure that my compost mountain is a giver of life to many creatures in the Millstream Fork wildlife garden. Dead and rotting vegetation starts a whole process of regeneration and new life. As leaves and other vegetable matter are broken down, it is the microscopic animals such as bacteria that begin the process of change at the base of the food chain. As this develops other tiny animals that may be seen with the naked eye help the next stage of this continuing process. As larger animals feed on the microscopic animals and the rotting vegetation, they procreate and rapidly increase their populations. This is because as most small animals suffer from voracious predators, they must make sure that their numbers increase almost immediately to survive. Animals that appear higher up the food chain have more specialised feeding habits. Larger animals such as worms are eaten by songbirds or small mammals such as hedgehogs. These loveable creatures can hibernate in such places as compost heaps, piles of logs or thick ground covered hedging. These hide-outs are relatively warm throughout the winter and also contain a veritable larder stacked with prey animals waiting for them when they wake up. Garden snails easily proliferate at or near by compost heaps, and also become food for all sorts of animals including thrushes. Snails are spirally coiled shelled animals, or molluscs. They live on land or in water, and lay their eggs in leaf litter. Slugs are active composters and are shell-less molluscs that are related to snails. They feed on fungi and decomposing matter when young and later grow elongated mucus covered bodies. As adults they move onto green matter and flowers – and become the enemy of many horticulturalists and gardeners. When I first began my compost heap, I gave it the name of ‘Compo’. This character would tackle the issues of my household waste and domestic recycling. Compo is both a male and a female parent to all animals that gained life from this mountain of discarded food. I have made Compo an eco-friendly warrior who does not mind dying within a few days only for me to reincarnate her whenever I can. Unfortunately, there are problems with this type of composting. Some well-meaning but beaurocratic health and safety regulations in school gardens may inhibit some of their children from participating in recycling projects like this. If school children could be allowed to help in creative composting I am sure their imaginations would soar. Perhaps domestic gardens, rather the schools’ wildlife gardens, may be the answer. However, at home other problems can develop with family members and neighbours. It is possible that a brown rat may appear, especially foraging for kitchen scraps that form part of the compost heap. This is quite normal, as rats are wild animals, equal but different to all other animals, living exactly where they ought to be. However, for many this perspective is unacceptable as brown rats are viewed as vermin or dislikeable animals. It is because they have been associated with the bubonic plague, despite the black rat being the likely animal. One rather ironic situation occurred some time ago when I was eating mushrooms. But as I threw out some soggy and inedible ones, I spotted other mushrooms on the compost heap. The penny dropped that for some people, fungi, both edible and poisonous, can be intriguing to identify. However some young and budding conservationists don’t know the difference between a mushroom and a toadstool. (There isn't one, as they are different words for the same thing.) Many people think that fungi are plants, because of their apparent similarities. Yet they are classified as a completely different life form or kingdom. In fact fungi are more closely related to animals as they evolved directly from the animals millions of years ago, when animals were very simple organisms. However eons of evolution has made present day forms of more complicated life seem very different. If you are lucky enough you may even get a fly agaric mushroom somewhere in your garden, though they sometimes prefer different conditions. The fly agaric is a poisonous mushroom and causes hallucinations, even if taken in small doses. In large amounts it can be lethal. It is a shame that one of the most beautiful mushrooms is so deadly. My own compost heap and eco-warrior is 25 years old. Throughout her many lives and guises ‘Compo’ has been the parental home for many small animals. I know that millions of lives have been made possible and enhanced by a small, but very important, pile of rubbish. It’s every bit as important to these small beings as Ol Donyo Lengai is to the Masai and the larger beasts that call it home.
The charities’ contact details are www.ffes.org.uk email: info@ffes.org.uk 8
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Beauty I Need A Hero
Ingredients include seaweed extract, shea butter, apricot kernel oil, macadamia nut oil and aloe vera. It’s very hydrating and soothing, and rich without being too heavy or greasy. Ishga is a Scottish luxury skincare brand and is available through some spas and online at www.ishga.co.uk.
Skin saviours to see you through by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk
the winter months
Skin feeling dry, tight and dehydrated? Try Dr. Weil for Origins™ Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief, £27.50-£40. It’s very light, almost like a toner, but incredibly hydrating and leaves skin feeling plumped and soft. Apply with a soft cloth or cotton wool pads. Key ingredients include mushroom extracts and a blend of essential oils. It’s currently on sale in a rather lovely limited edition bottle printed in a seabuckthorn pattern. Available from www.origins.co.uk and some branches of Boots and House of Fraser. Another brand to recognise the potential of mushrooms is Janjira. They’ve included mushroom extract in their Pomegranate & Acai Facial Mask, £20. Thankfully, you wouldn’t know that by the smell, as it has a gorgeous, almost tropical scent. Lovely and light, this mask helps to hydrate, plump and brighten skin in just 10 minutes. (Which is about all the time I get to relax in the bath before one of the kids barges in.) Janjira is a Thai brand and focuses on natural ingredients that have been proven to work. The mask costs £20 and can be ordered from www.janjira.co.uk. You may find that your skin craves a richer moisturiser in the colder months. I’ve been using Ishga’s Anti-oxidant Marine Face Cream, £70, for a few weeks now, and highly recommend it. 10
Rosehip oil has long been revered for its skin healing properties. Amongst other benefits it can help with fine lines, scarring, blemishes and dry patches. If you want to try it for yourself, Pai’s Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil, £22, is a good choice. A powerful blend of concentrated rosehip fruit and seed oils, it’s 100% natural and packed with antioxidants and Omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9. 87% of users reported a significant improvement in the appearance of fine lines after using it. Visit www.paiskincare. com to order online or to find your nearest stockist. Weleda’s Skin Food is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Beloved by people the world over, Skin Food works miracles on dry, rough patches. Use it as an intensive hand-cream, or to spot-treat patches of dry skin. Alternatively, hand it to a partner and demand a foot massage. It’s packed with rich natural ingredients, including sweet almond oil and beeswax, and fragranced with essential oils. Skin Food is usually £9.95, but www.biggreensmile.com was offering 20% off at the time of writing. I’m not the best for remembering to exfoliate, particularly when I can hide away under jeans and winter woollies. However, Odylique’s Coconut Candy Scrub, £25, makes it a treat. Formulated with Fairtrade sugar, coconut oil, cocoa butter, poppy seeds and other skin enriching ingredients, it feels lovely to massage in and moisturises while it exfoliates. (Plus it smells rather nice.) Skin feels softer and smoother. Heaven.
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Have We Become The Stuff Of Classic Comedy?
by Kate McLelland
If you belong to the Baby Boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964) you’ve probably noticed that the programmes you watched on TV when you were young are now available everywhere, with episodes on YouTube and repeats on mainstream television – not to mention the opportunity to binge on box sets. But there is a downside: gone are the days when we could watch as young people, laughing at the follies of the old. This time around we are more likely to see a reflection of ourselves. Walk into any party where Baby Boomers are gathered together, and you’ll recognise some familiar types: The Art of Grumpiness Since the character of Victor Meldrew appeared in One Foot in the Grave, we’ve turned being grumpy into an art form, with Grumpy Old Women theatre tours, Grumpy Old Men birthday cards and “grumpy” celebrities like Lord Alan Sugar. As you enter the party it won’t be hard to find a present-day Victor Meldrew. Follow the loudest voice in the room to overhear a blow-by-blow account of his latest victory over “faceless bureaucracy”. Envy Thy Neighbour The one-upmanship demonstrated by Hyacinth 12
Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances is far from dead. Last year in a survey of 1,016 UK adults, 13% said they envied a neighbour’s home, while 80% were prepared to spend £100+ on home accessories to impress the people next door. Today’s Hyacinth is likely to be the hostess of the party, standing in her perfectlyplanned kitchen, surrounded by every conceivable gadget. The canapés may have been delivered by Waitrose, but you can bet the wine came from the budget supermarket across town. Love thy Landlord We all loved to hate Rupert Rigsby in Rising Damp. Rigsby was the penny-pinching, vain, boastful and cowardly landlord who lorded it over a household of seedy bedsits. Of the two million buy-to-let landlords in the UK, many are Baby Boomers who have invested in property to supplement their pensions. Most are, of course, model landlords: but as the wine flows more freely, don’t be surprised if you overhear some less than scrupulous Boomers swapping tips about how to disguise a damp patch. Perhaps that’s why we’ve seen an almost twentyfold rise in tenants’ complaints between 2007 and
2015… Good for the planet Of course, not all of us have become grumpy, envious or dishonest in our old age. Some have learned to respect the environment and live sustainably. These are the guests who - like Tom and Barbara from The Good Life - arrive late via public transport, proffering a box of freshly-laid eggs. They love nothing better than to air their views on ‘green’ topics and you’ll enjoy chatting to these people, until they point out that your lifestyle is destroying the planet. Research suggests that we tend to grow more eccentric with age. “Younger people modify their behaviour to social norms,” says Peter Tyrer, a professor from Imperial College London. “But as people get older, there is evidence of reduced plasticity of the nervous system.” In simple terms, that means we become more set in our ways and cease to care what others think. Perhaps it’s not all bad. We feel affection for TV’s classic comedy creations precisely because of their unique and quirky character traits. Let’s hope that as we age, people will learn to love us in the same way.
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Sally Iver
Registered Charity No: 263515
This month we’re launching our Christmas Appeal, a fundraising drive aimed at reminding people that winter can be a tough time for animals in need, and that as your local RSPCA branch we will be work ing tirelessly every single day – yes, even Christ mas Day – to ensure that the rescue animals in our care are well lookedafter. Every week brings new animals who come in to us for a variety of reasons. This year is shaping up to be our busiest ever year for rehoming, with record numbers of animals being matched up with loving, responsible new owners. This important process takes up a lot of our time and energy, but it’s so rewarding to see happy rescue pets settling in with their happy owners. If you are considering getting a pet, have you con sidered a rescue animal? We currently have cats, dogs and various small furries in our care who are available for adoption. All have the potential to become cherished family pets. Visit to view all of our animals, download an Adoption Application form, and find out more about what we do, or give us a ring on We’ve mentioned Sally Iver before, but sadly no one has come forward to adopt her, and she is still with us in our cattery six months later. Sally is a gorgeous girl who was brought to us by one our Inspectors, suffering from several injuries. With treatment and lots of TLC we’re delighted to say she has now made a full recovery. She is a fairly quiet girl who loves human attention and fuss and would prefer to live in a home without any other pets, or children under the age of 8. Sally has long hair which will need regular grooming to keep this pretty cat in tiptop condition. After everything she’s 16
been through, Sally really deserves to be a much loved and pampered puss in a home that truly will be forever. Can you make Sally’s dreams come true? Download an application form from and do spread the word if you know of any friends or family who are considering adopting a rescue cat. Chilli (male) and Pepper (female) are our lovely pair of grey Chinchillas looking for a new home. They need to be rehomed together, and not mixed with any other Chinchillas. As they do need special ist care, Chilli and Pepper require an owner with previous experience and a home where they will have plenty of space to exercise. Chilli and Pepper are both friendly and are able to be handled ... sometimes they even eat from your hand! With the love and proper care they need, this lovely pair would make lovely pets. Could you offer Chilli and Pepper the happyever after they so desperately need? As the days turn wetter and colder, we would be grateful for any donations of old sheets and blan kets to use for bedding for the animals, and we are also short of kitten food. All donations will be appre ciated. Call us on if you would like to find out more about how to donate goods. Items can be brought along to our Clinic at 16 Crescent Parade, Hillingdon UB10 0LG, or sent by post to the same address. Thank you for your support – we couldn’t do it without you.
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restored vintage locomotives on display. There will also be a children’s show, badgemaking, colouring and refreshments (drink and a snack for children and adults) included in the ticket price. Prebooking is required and bookings are now open! For more information and to book, visit:
You will be shown to your reserved seats on the steam train, and then ride up and down our 1/3 mile length of track as you await the arrival of Father Christmas, his elves and a big sack of presents, as they make their way along through the train! Thomas the Tank Engine will be here for the first three weekends leading up to Christmas, but he then has to return to Sodor. So for the last week end before Christmas, 17/18th December, Father Christmas will be travelling on one of our own steam locomotives. Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th November Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th December Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th December Every child gets an agerelated present from Father Christmas. You can also spend time in our stunning glassroofed visitor centre with beautiful 18ft Christmas tree, shop, café and beautifully
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Finance
By Ann Haldon
How Much Does It Really Cost To Buy A Home?
The true cost of buying a home isn’t always obvious when you start looking, and many people are unaware just how much the additional fees can mount up. In fact, when consumer group Which? carried out a national property survey, over 25% of buyers and sellers said that moving had cost them more than expected. So apart from your mortgage, what extra fees and expenses might you face when buying a new home? Homebuyer SurveyS Mortgage lenders will carry out a basic valuation survey to confirm how much the property is worth. The price of this can start from around £150, but varies according to its value. Two other types of survey are also available - a Homebuyer Report and a full structural survey. The cost of these surveys can vary depending on your location and the size of the property, but expect to pay from around £250 for a Homebuyer Report and upwards of £600 for a structural survey. ConveyanCing and SoliCitor’S FeeS Solicitors tend to charge a fixed fee for their time, and then add on the costs of local authority and land/water searches separately, along with other searches that you might want to 20
carry out. More than 60 different searches are available, but many are specialised and only relevant to a small number of properties. These are the searches most commonly used by homebuyers: local authority Local authority searches include the Local Land Charges Register. Your solicitor will also find out about any issues such as new roads that are being planned near the property, any parking restrictions or tree preservation orders, for example. land registry This will confirm who holds the legal title to the land, and whether there are any charges on the property, such as a mortgage. drainage and Water The water company will confirm whether the property is connected to the mains water supply, drainage and surface water drainage. This search also reveals whether any public drains are located on the land. environmental An environmental search utilises historical information about how the land on which the property was built, and the land nearby, was used in the past – industrial or commercial uses, for example – and indicates whether contamination might be an issue. Any risk of flooding is also highlighted using data from the Environment Agency. Stamp duty Stamp Duty affects the purchasers of residential freehold or leasehold properties sold forover £125,000, with rates currently standing at¹:
• £125,001 to £250,000: 2% • £250,001 to £925,000: 5% • £925,001 to £1.5 million: 10% • Over £1.5 million: 12% As a buyer, you must send a Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) return along with your payment within 30 days of completion. removalS Using a removals firm can seem like a large expense if you don’t have a lot of possessions, and many people choose to hire a van instead. Removals firms generally charge from £300 for a small move, but may charge more for weekend work. Home inSuranCe Buildings insurance is an important aspect of buying a property, and will be a requirement by your lender if you’ve taken out a mortgage. Contents insurance also protects your belongings in the event of fire, flood, or other disaster. It’s a good idea to factor in these extra costs before you start looking for a property. You’ll be more confident that your budget will stretch far enough, and won’t have to suffer any nasty surprises later on. http://www.which.co.uk/money/ mortgages-and-property/guides/ buying-a-house/the-cost-ofbuying-a-house/ https://www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/ articles/estimate-your-overallbuying-and-moving-costs http://land-data.org.uk/ getdownload.aspx?did=15 ¹ https://www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/ articles/everything-you-need-toknow-about-stamp-duty
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Dated Events (Nov16).qxp_Layout 1 29/10/2016 09:38 Page 1
NOVEMBER EVENTS
Higher Denham Bonfire and Fireworks
5th November, from 6.30pm Community Hall & Field, UB9 5EA. Licensed Bar & BBQ plus stalls. Family Ticket £23, Adult £8, Child (4-16 years) £4, Under 3’s go free. Available on the night!
Fostering Event
8th November, 6.30pm-8.30pm Civic Centre, High St, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW. Interested? For more details visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering or email: fostadopt@hillingdon.gov.uk
HUBB Business Breakfast Event
Local Events
10th November, 8am-9am Bay Lodge, 36 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1PH. Andy Robertson Community Engagement Manager from Trinity, discusses how a community working together can beat homelessness. To book email: helen.thompson@wardwilliams.co.uk or visit www.wardwilliams.co.uk
Race Night
11th November, from 6.30pm Iver Heath Junior School, St Margarets Close, Iver Heath, SL0 0DA. Everyone Welcome! Fish & Chips can be ordered through the School. This is a joint fundraising effort between the school and Iver Heath Scouts.
‘Butterflies’ Christmas Table Top Sale 12th November, 9.30am-1pm
‘Butterflies’ Christmas Coffee Morning
3rd December, 9.30am-1pm Ickenham Village Hall, Swakeleys Road, UB10 8DG. Organised by 'Butterflies' supporting local children's charities table call Vera on 01895 635224 or Chris on 01895 676900.
Harefield Amateur Dramatic Society presents 'A Matter of Life and Death'
November into December 2016 Please send your details to be included in the December issues by Friday 11th November.
17th, 18th & 19th November For tickets contact: janscurr@hotmail.com The Harefield Pub, High St., Harefield; The Village Salon, Park Lane, Harefield or call the Box Office 01895 253346.
Martinmas Fayre
Iver Parish Council Christmas Lights
26th November, 2.00pm-5.00pm Iver Village Hall. A community event for all with Father Christmas switching on the lights. Enjoy seasonal refreshments around the tree to kick off the festive season.
Leonard Cheshire Disability, Chiltern House, Christmas Fair
26th November, 2.30pm-4.30pm 82 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, SL9 8JT. Everyone welcome. Free entry.
Denham Green Christmas Fayre
30th November, 6.00pm-9.00pm Station Parade, UB9 5ET. Handmade goods, refreshments, tombola, sweets and cakes, fairground rides and musical entertainment. Free parking at Railway Station.
Lunchtime Classical Music Concert
30th November, 12.15pm St Martin’s Church Hall, corner Eastcote Road & High Street, Ruislip, HA4 6DG. Ashley Fripp (piano).
DECEMBER EVENTS
Christmas Concert 2nd December, 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, HA6 2RP.
Apollo Male Choir and the children of Holy Trinity School will be performing - in support of the Paul Strickland Scanner Appeal. £8pp (£5 for under 12s) refreshments available.
Ickenham Festive Community Night 9th December, 6-9pm
Featuring a wide range of music, activities, fun and shopping.
Uxbridge Choral Society's Carol Concert 10th December, 5pm and 7.30pm St. Margaret's Church, Windsor Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1AB.
Accompanied by the Oak Farm Junior School Choir. Tickets: Adults £7 and under 12’s £4. Available from www.uxbridgechoralsociety, any choir member or on the door.
LIVE MUSIC EVENTS
19th November, 10.30am-2.30pm St Martin’s Church Hall, corner Eastcote Road & High Street, Ruislip, HA4 6DG. Santa’s grotto, craft, gift and speciality stalls, face painting, silent auction, home baking and preserves and café. Free entry. www.stmartins-ruislip.org
Champers Bar 184 Field End Road, Eastcote, HA5 1RE. 13 Nov Sinatra Tribute by Stuart G Wilson. The Falcon Inn Village Road, Denham, UB9 5BE. 19 Nov & 17 Dec DJ Rossi 9 Dec Tiny Tina Blues Band
22nd November, 3.30pm St Edmunds Church, Northwood Hills, HA6 1QS. Valentin Schiedermair - Piano Recital. Tickets to include refreshments. £6 on the door. Call 01923 821869 for details.
The Whip & Collar
Classic Concert
Iver Heath Junior School Bazaar
25th November, 3.30pm-5.30pm St Margarets Close, Iver Heath, SL0 0DA. Come and join the fun. Call 07912 881532.
The WatersEdge
Packet Boat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. 9 Dec Diamond Nights Tribute Swallow Street, Iver, SL0 0HU. 12 Nov Live Music with Simply Ray
The Swan at Iver
2 High Street, Iver, SL0 9NG. 11 Nov Leech band return 19 Nov Acoustic guitarist Donna Mackay 25 Nov Let’s dance with The Elm Street Grove
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RICHINGS SPORTS PARK IS PERFECT FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS EVENT THIS YEAR Let us take care of your festive gathering this year with beautiful decorations and sumptuous food in beautiful surroundings. Whether it’s a work party or friends and family, our package is perfect. Wellesley Avenue, Richings Park Iver, Buckinghamshire, SL0 9BN t: 08450 262 466 w: www.richingssportspark.co.uk
Call 08450 262 466 to book Limited space available - act fast to secure your place 27
Books To Get You Talking
Whether you discuss
them at a book club, blog about them, or just chat about them with a neighbour, these books are sure to get you talking. The Return of Norah Wells – Virginia Macgregor Six years after walking out on her husband and children, Norah is back. But her best friend, Fay, has stepped in to fill the space Norah left. Who will the family choose – the Mother Who Left, or the Mother Who Stayed? A beautiful read that tells the story from each family member’s point of view, as they struggle to understand, forgive and find their place. Pines (The Wayward Pines Trilogy, Book 1) – Blake Crouch Not a recent release this one, but worth a mention nonetheless. Secret service agent Blake Crouch wakes up in a small American town after a car crash. His partner is dead. His wallet is missing. And the more he learns about the small town, the more he knows he needs to escape. For a start there’s the dead body of one of his colleagues rotting away in an abandoned house. Any why can’t he get through to anyone on the outside? A must for fans of Twin Peaks or Lost, this book has inspired a hit TV series. You’ll be ordering the second 28
in the trilogy seconds after reading the last page. Yellow Crocus – Laila Ibrahim Mattie is a slave and, as such, has no choice but to leave her own baby in order to act as nurse to the plantation owner’s newborn daughter. She soon becomes a mother-figure to Lisbeth, who becomes far closer to Mattie than to any of her natural family. But Mattie knows that one day she’ll have to choose between the two children – the one she raised and the one she gave birth to. As Lisbeth grows up, she too will have to make a life-changing decision about whose side she’s really on. Gripping, emotional and impossible to forget. A Year of Marvellous Ways – Sarah Winman It’s 1947 and 90-year old Marvellous Ways has got used to being alone on her little creek in Cornwall. Then Frank Drake, battered by the war and grief, washes up on her shore. They form an unlikely friendship and as they reveal the stories they’ve kept hidden, each helps the other
to heal. A lyrical, poetic read about friendship, love and the strength of the human spirit. A Boy Made of Blocks – Keith Stuart Alex has always struggled to connect with his eight-year old autistic son, Sam, and has become more and more distant from his wife. As his family seems to disintegrate before his eyes, he discovers an unusual way to connect with Sam: the computer game Minecraft. But is it enough to reunite the family? Funny and poignant in equal measures. The Bees – Laline Paul In the colony every bee has its place, its duty, its very reason for existence. Difference isn’t tolerated and punishment is swift and violent. Flora 717 wants to fulfil her role and serve her queen, but struggles to fit in. She’s a sanitation worker, destined to spend her entire life cleaning the hive. But she can’t help but be enticed by the thought of flight, and the world outside the colony. The hive is at risk, and to save it Flora 717 may have to break the most sacred rule of all. Fascinating.
Chauffeur-driven car | Cinema room | Bistro & bar | Private dining | Hair salon and spa Library | All-inclusive pricing | Inspired & stimulating events 50% higher staffing than average | Paying above the living wage follow the events at the home on facebook.com/ryefieldcourt 29
For the last two years, the IHRA has been actively involved in many important issues on behalf of residents including: • • • •
Major infrastructure projects Consultations on traffic and school transport Protection and enhancement of the local environment Fundraising initiatives for important causes e.g. Cancer Research and a local Defibrillator
Please support us …
Apart from an excellent opportunity to help shape the future of Iver Heath, residents who join the IHRA benefit directly from: • Regular meetings and newsletters providing up-to-date news on latest local events, projects and activities • Early-bird invitations to local events e.g. Pinewood Film Nights • Special offers from selected local businesses • Social Events Join today – let your voice be heard and enjoy the benefits just £5 covers your household for the year!
To join, simply send your £5 subscription fee (cheques MUST be made payable to Iver Heath Residents’ Association) to The Secretary, Iver Heath Residents’ Association, 166 Ashford Rd, Iver Heath SL0 0QE together with your name, address, email and telephone number.
IHRA – your voice in the community www.iverheathresidents.co.uk 30
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Symi Island By Solange Hando
Just 35 minutes from Rhodes by catamaran, Symi is one of the prettiest Dodecanese islands, ‘a neo-classical beauty’, they say, ‘ blanketed by the blue sky’, rising like a sentinel on the edge of the Greek archipelago. It’s only 8x13 km but the traditional ambience and scenery simply steal your heart away. From afar, the island is a rock, barren and dry, but sail into the harbour and on the deep blue inlet of the Aegean sea, Symi greets you like a dream with all the colours of the rainbow nestling in the cusp of the hills. Shimmering reflections, pastelhued houses at the waterside, Chorio, the old village climbing up the slopes, toy-like windmills along the crest, it’s a delightful scene which budding artists aim to capture from myriad vantage points. Chorio and Yialos, the harbour, make up the capital named after the island. Stepping ashore in Yialos is awesome. In such a lovely place, where do visitors start? Some make their way along the scenic promenade around the horse-shoe harbour, others while away the time in shaded tavernas where salads and seafood come with 32
glorious views. Bells chime all around, tiny chapels beckon up interminable flights of steps and the beautiful mansions of the Italian era glow in the midday sun. At the end of the peninsula, the iconic clock tower leads to a smaller bay where pleasure and fishing boats bob at anchor and a sprinkling of parasols betrays the presence of a beach. Meanwhile downtown, a few stalls sell sponges and olive oil but beyond the harbour, it’s all tangled lanes and steps, hundreds of them, climbing up to Chorio through tightlypacked houses. It’s easy to lose all sense of direction in this never-ending maze but there are decorated gables and balconies, potted plants, secret gardens planted with vines, jasmine and citrus trees and courtyards covered in patterned pebbles, here an anchor, there a ship or a dolphin. At the top, the view opens out on the fjordlike bay of Pedi where below the rose-tinted hill tops, holly oak and conifers tumble down almost to the water’s edge. There, life moves at a leisurely pace, fishermen mend their nets on the quay and a narrow coastal path leads to the quiet cove of St Nicholas, reached
only on foot or by water taxi. St Nicholas is no exception for all along this deeply indented coastline, near-deserted coves nestle below the cliffs, lapped by clear turquoise water, with not a road in sight. There are cruises around the island, past uninhabited islets and dramatic outcrops, but the most enchanting stop along the way is the Orthodox Monastery of Panormitis down south, rebuilt Venetian-style in the 18th century and claiming the world’s highest Baroque tower. It’s dedicated to Archangel Michael, the island’s patron saint, and when day visitors have left, it’s a wonderful haven of peace framed by pine-covered hills on the edge of the sea. Approaching Panormitis by sea is magical but one can return on a mountain road reaching over 600 metres at Oros Vigla, the ‘look-out’. It’s a scenic rollercoaster through forests and open land, peppered with ruined castles, forlorn chapels, goat tracks, footpaths vanishing into the distance and unforgettable views, from the rugged meandering coast to the nearby islands and, far below, the colourful harbour of Symi bathed in translucent light.
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Hobbies
Are We Tired Of Shabby Chic? Not By A Long Chalk By Kate McLelland It’s a trend that has been going strong for over twenty years and there’s no sign of it disappearing just yet. ‘Shabby chic’ has been around since the 1990s, when holidaymakers returning from destinations such as Provence, Tuscany and Greece tried to recreate the weathered, sun-baked surfaces found in traditional Mediterranean buildings in their own homes, using specialist paint techniques. In recent years a growing interest in upcycling has created a healthy market for furniture painted in the shabby chic style. Dark brown wooden furniture has been unpopular for decades and upcyclers have been able to take advantage of this trend, buying pieces at knockdown prices, refurbishing them with chalk-based paints and selling them on for a profit on Gumtree, Ebay or Shpock. It’s relatively easy to revive a piece of furniture using chalk based paints. This flexible medium requires no stripping, sanding or priming and you’ll only need to master a few basic techniques before you can start to use it with confidence: 34
1 Wash the furniture with clean, soapy water to remove any surface dirt, and allow to dry. Don’t be tempted to clean with wax, as this won’t provide a secure base for applying the paint. 2 When you’re aiming for a rustic style, the brush strokes can go in any direction. It’s usual to apply coats of paint in different colours to create a layered effect, and this is best achieved by using a lighter shade under or over a darker shade for contrast. 3 Allow at least an hour for the surface to dry then sand with very fine sandpaper. At this point you will be trying to create the look of furniture that has been painted many times and used so much that the paint has begun to rub off at the contact points, so sand only where you think the item would have been repeatedly touched (around handles or on the top and bottom corners of your piece). Don’t rush this part of the project, apply light pressure and start sanding in a place where the effect will be less visible. 4 Dampen a cloth and pass it over your item to remove all
the sanding dust, then wait until it is completely dry. 5 Chalk based paint is porous, so it is liable to pick up marks and stains if it is not sealed with a layer of soft wax. Use a different brush for applying the wax and don’t use that brush for any other purpose (this also applies with coloured waxes – if you’ve used a dark wax on the brush, don’t use it to apply a lighter shade). Apply the wax generously, using a clean cloth to remove any excess. 6 If you are painting furniture for the garden, you should not apply wax at all as it will not set (just be aware that the piece will age and fade more rapidly if it is left outside). If your indoor item is likely to get a lot of use, let the wax dry for two to three weeks before bringing it into service. Whether you want to revive pieces that you currently own or you fancy trying your hand at upcycling and selling on, you’ll find that turning yesterday’s scrap items into today’s interior design treasures is rewarding … and highly addictive.
fli
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Adelaide Road, London NW3 3AQ 0 4.45pm – 6.30pm
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We also have an exciting new opportunity to study a BTEC National Diploma in Sport in partnership with Tottenham Hotspur.
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Believe. Achieve. Succeed Together.
Iver Village Junior School
The Autumn term is flying by and so much has already happened at IVJS this year.
The repairs to the school after our flood are very nearly complete and the school looks amazing. Our temporary classrooms have been removed and it is so nice to have all the children back in our newly decorated classrooms. In October we had a superhero day where we all got to be superheroes for the day!
Everyone’s a Hero No one’s really Batman, Or Ironman, Or Hulk. But everyone can be a hero Without incredible bulk. By helping other people, The charities, The poor, You can help the world be better, And open up a new door. Even though you can’t be Wonder Woman, You can help the world you see, You can’t really aim for world peace, But you’ll be known for eternity. By Lily V, Year 6
Our School Council discussed with their classes whether IVJS should introduce school ties or not. After much deliberating the pupils voted for ties and these were introduced at the beginning of this term. As you can see below the children look very smart!
Open Day for Sept ’17 Admissions at IVJS Wednesday 23rd November 9.30am – 10.30am 5.00pm – 6.00pm Don’t forget to visit us on www.ivervillage-jun.bucks.sch.uk or follow us on Twitter @ivjs_bucks
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(t) 01753 655391 (w) www.2‐hedz.com/ihclp
Architect’s Preliminary Landscaping Plan
Open Space
If you would like to join many other residents in supporting this important community project please get in touch and sign our petition !
CRTBO for examination by SBDC and the wider community – ultimately to be voted upon in a local referendum.
A+Studio
Online Petition : www.care2.com/go/z/e/AVmvY/zoyY/CqMKO
(e) info@ap‐studio.co.uk (f) facebook.com/gamsfield
• On behalf of the CLT, the preparation of detailed proposals for the For more project information contact details are:
using a Community Right to Build Order [CRTBO].
• Formation of a Community Land Trust [CLT] to deliver the project
• Presentation of a petition to Iver Parish Council urging it to encourage and support the proposals as an integral element of the new Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan.
Next steps include:
With very positive feedback and the continued encouragement of an increasing number of local residents, the project team continues to develop financially and environmentally sustainable options for this open space that offers the widest benefit to the local community.
Proposals for 9 acres of land between Slough Road and Church Road for a Dementia Care Home and 6.5 acres of Public Open Space have been widely circulated and the subject of extensive and on‐going community.
A Community‐led Legacy Project for Iver Heath – Latest News
Gams’Field
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Short Story Fry Porks Night
“Are you the guy selling hotdogs?” A stocky man with a bald head approached Paul’s stall.
- she had it all over her.
Paul had been left in charge. Angela, who was the first aider, had abandoned him to deal with a couple of incidents. He might have known this would happen, the Parish Council bonfire night never passed without incident. Paul was good at turning sausages but not so keen on customer service.
“That’s not the point,” the man snapped. “My girl likes to look nice and her hair costs a lot of money.”
He could see Angela through the crowds at the craft stall but could not attract her attention. She seemed to be busy with a distressed Dotty Bagshaw, who had an unpleasant yellow substance all over her face and head. It dripped down the front of her tabard. Poor Dot looked like she’d been hit with a particularly runny custard pie. “Welcome to Fry Porks,” Paul said, remembering his training. “How many would you like?” “I don’t want any,” the man said gruffly. “I’m here to make a complaint.” “What seems to be the problem?” Paul asked nervously. Complaints were Angela’s department. “My lady friend over there was sold a hotdog with too much mustard.” “That was probably by Angela,” Paul said, feeling relieved. “Now she has mustard in her hair.” “So it’s mustard, is it?” Paul glanced back with surprise at Dot. Saying it was just in her hair was an understatement 38
“I see,” Paul said. “Looks like the matter’s been taken care of.”
“I’m sorry, your girl?” Paul asked. No one could accuse Dotty of being a girl; she had six grown-up grandchildren. If she was anyone’s ‘girl’ surely that would be her husband Derek? “Yes, my girlfriend,” the man said. “She’ll have to go back to the salon to have all those extensions taken out. It’s not cheap.” Paul looked again at Dot. He’d never noticed anything special about her hair before, but ladies did seem to spend more on one haircut than he spent on his entire wardrobe. “What do you want me to do about it?” Paul said. “An apology would be nice,” the man said. “I’m sorry?” Paul said. “Not to me, you idiot,” the man said. “To my girlfriend.” Paul had never liked being called an idiot. “How about I pass your concerns on to the Chair of the Parish Council, Derek Bagshaw?” Paul stood up to his full height. “If you don’t know who that is, have a word with your so-called girlfriend, because she knows him extremely well.” “What are you implying?” the
man asked suspiciously. “I think you know,” Paul said. The man glared at him. “Where’s this Derek fella then?” “Setting up the fireworks I should imagine,” Paul said. “Right!” The man grabbed a bottle of mustard from the table and stormed off across the park. “He’ll be the one in the Hi-Vis jacket,” Paul called after him. “You’ll never guess what just happened,” he said as Angela returned, peeling off her latex gloves. “Not something else?” Angela said wearily. “What with Dot being on the receiving end of a toddler tantrum and that daft girl getting upset about mustard in her hair extensions, I’m not sure I can cope with any more drama.” “So Dot wasn’t covered in mustard?” Paul said. “No, that was paint,” Angela sighed. “She’s on paper plate decorating stall. So what happened?” “Nothing,” Paul said innocently, returning his attention to the sausages. “Forget it.” “Looks like the fireworks are about to start.” Angela said. And they were. By Jackie Brewster
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It's been quite a while since I wrote my monthly(ish) blog for the magazine, as time has been against me. But various people have come up to me (usually I panic that they're going to mug me) and asked if my monthly article would be back, so I decided to at least return with an overview of the past view months. You asked for it, you know who you are!
job in our local canalside drinking hole. When I finally said goodnight to him before leaving, I didn't imagine that it would be the last time I'd see him. The great northern dipstick managed to flip his kayak over in the canal a while afterwards.
I felt proud to be one of the coffinbearers at his funeral. When I gave a speech at his wake after wards, I used it to give a rundown of some of the Well, it's been a year of change and departures. In many things of mine that he had broken or lost. Just February, my friend and sometimes boss Josie, as he would have wanted. passed away. Unique and loud and occasionally fiery over things she felt passionate about, Josie Josie's partner Sarah has taken over as skipper of had battled through life to be accepted for who she Arthur, and we've been taking passenger trips out was (I would quote what she said about people who regularly over the months. Although hardly enough didn't accept her, but this is a family magazine!). I to make my millions, I really enjoy working trips and sometimes worked for Josie and her partner Sarah the interesting and varied people we have on on their canal passenger boat, Arthur (Josie came board. It's actually not the younger celebration par up with the business name “Arthur, Daily Trips”, a ties or the “in a merry mood” corporate trips that reference probably lost on anyone under a certain prove to be challenging the worst was an 80th age). Josie used to call me her “Trolley Dolly” she birthday party. I said to a friend beforehand, “this loved to try and humiliate me in front of people; I one should be no problem” ...I was grabbed, prod still usually introduce myself with that title now in ded, , poked in places I didn't even realise I had; I her memory. Josie had been ill for some time, and had to say to her, “Mavis, it might be your birthday whilst her death wasn't unexpected and meant she love, but there are limits”. was no longer suffering, it was still greatly felt in the tightknit canal community. Taking Arthur out on Sarah is also vehemently campaigning against passenger trips is one of the things that kept Josie HS2, which looks set to tear through a strip of going in her final few months. Right up literally until Bucks and Hillingdon, right through part of the her final few hours, she fought cancer as hard as Colne Valley around Denham and Harefield, includ she's fought all the other battles in her life. ing right over the Grand Union Canal, the scenic and wildliferich area where we often run trips With Josie gone, myself and Daryl – one of my best through. Josie and Daryl were both passionate friends and who often rotated with me working on about stopping this unwanted monstrosity before Arthur – even discussed the possibilities of running they passed away, and now as it looms ever closer, a trip boat ourselves. So it was a sharp shock just a Sarah is making noise trying to prove the immense few weeks later when Daryl too passed away. devastation it will cause to these areas of natural, historic and recreational significance. At time of Daryl was tall, northern, had a booming voice as writing she is waiting to present her case to the loud as his personality, and with his stubbornness House of Lords. If you would like to sign the petition and pride balanced for his eternally standing up or for more information about this campaign, info is against he ever considered wrong, he was one of at the bottom of this article. the first friends I made when I first wandered onto the canal, and had already been good friends with In May, myself and quite a few boater friends went Josie for some years – as their frequent “debates” up to the Rickmansworth Canal Festival. It's an reflected. He also had a similar sense of humour to annual longweekend event, pretty much the big mine, and many atime we got into mischief, which gest southern canal festival on the calendar, and more than once backfired on us. Daryl had just generally the highlight of the year for me, although I started a very good and prosperous new job; the couldn't get into the swing of it so much this year, end of that week was Good Friday, one of the first maybe still missing departed friends. sunny days of this year, and plans of helping a friend move his boat further up the canal soon dis appeared as Daryl decided he'd celebrate his new Continued on pg 48.. 42
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Health
By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
Alcohol Awareness Week: Knowing the Risks
disease.
Alcohol causes around 10% of the UK’s deaths and diseases and is linked to 60 serious conditions. Yet over 9 million people in England exceed recommended drinking limits. This year, Alcohol Awareness Week (14th-20th November) focuses on ‘Knowing the Risks.’ So what are they - and how much is too much? The Major healTh risks Cancer: Alcohol is a major cause of cancer and increases absorption of carcinogenic chemicals from tobacco. It’s responsible for many oesophagus, bowel, liver and breast cancers, and around a third of throat and mouth cancers. Just one daily drink increases your risk. Brain function and mental health: Long-term misuse can cause memory and reasoning problems and changes mood, personality and the brain’s shape, size and structure – symptoms of Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD) or Alcohol-Related Brain Injury (ARBI). It can also cause alcohol-related dementia and early-onset dementia. liver damage: Liver disease deaths are at record levels. The liver processes alcohol, but too much can cause cirrhosis (liver scarring), hepatitis (liver inflammation) and fatty liver
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heart and Circulatory system: Just one drink a day raises blood pressure, increasing the risk of hypertension (permanently elevated blood pressure), stroke and heart attack. Diabetes: Alcohol misuse can lead to chronic pancreatitis, while alcohol’s appetite stimulation and calories can cause obesity. Both conditions can lead to diabetes. Pregnancy & Childbirth Problems: Drinking in pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth, and foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in your baby, potentially resulting in stunted growth, facial abnormalities, epilepsy, hearing and ear problems, hormonal disorders, liver damage, kidney and heart defects, a weak immune system and learning and behavioural problems. accident and injury: Even small amounts of alcohol impair coordination, reaction times and decision-making, making driving and machinery operation far riskier. In recognition of this, Scotland has reduced its drinkdrive limit down to just 22mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.
reduced Fertility: Regular and/ or heavy drinking can reduce male fertility through impotence and reduced testosterone, libido, sperm quality and sperm quantity. Even light drinking can reduce female fertility. impaired Development: Alcohol can affect the normal development of the brain, liver, bones and hormones in
adolescents and affects their mental health and judgement, too. If 15-17 year olds drink alcohol, it should be under parental supervision and never more than once a week. Under15s shouldn’t drink at all. how MuCh is Too MuCh? Alcohol Concern says there’s no ‘safe’ level of alcohol consumption as regards cancer risk and the government, in light of recent evidence, has reduced and renamed its recommended limits. Its new ‘low risk’ limit is a maximum of 14 units a week for men and women, spread over at least three days. A unit is around half a pint of normalstrength lager or a single measure (25ml) of spirits. A small (125ml) glass of averagestrength wine contains around 1.5 units. Remember, too, that some of us process alcohol less efficiently. Women usually have less mass, a higher fat to water ratio and lower levels of the alcohol-processing enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, and our genetic make-up also affects the efficiency of this enzyme. For more information and support: alcohol Concern: www.alcoholconcern.org.uk Tel: 0203 8158920 or Drinkline (confidential drink helpline) Tel: 0300 123 1110 Drinkaware: www.drinkaware.co.uk e: contact@drinkaware.co.uk Tel: 020 7766 9900 Don’t Bottle it up: https://dontbottleitup.org.uk e: support@dontbottleitup.org.uk
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Continuedfrom pg 42 More recently, just a couple of weeks ago, Sarah and I took Arthur to the Hayes Canal Festival, giving free halfhour rides for the event. Other than the historically noteworthy Bull's Bridge (at the junction to the arm that runs right up to Padding ton, completed 1801), there's not a whole lot to observe on this “industrial wilderness” stretch, although it is home to some of the best shopping trolleys in the area(!) Coming up in just over a week, I'm taking photos for two more boater friends, Michele and Dave, at their wedding. Dave is widely known as “Laughing Dave”, because... well, the clue's in the name really. We're placing bets on how far he'll get through the proceedings before he descends into one of his famously uncontrollable fits of laughter, . With many afriend attending, in a year that's seen it's share of down moments, it'll be nice to have something to celebrate, at least. On top of all that, I also compile and run the Malt
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Shovel weekly quiz every Tuesday evening, too (off Iver Lane, by Cowley Lock). If you enjoy test ing the grey matter (or as I like to put it, “Guessing what rubbish I've been reading up about this week”), then why not put a team together. Every one's welcome. Except for cheaters. And murder ers. So that's my rather unconventional life for now. If I manage to do Dave and Michele's wedding photos well and Dave doesn't subject me to some terrible fate (like making me watch him dance), I shall endeavour to return next month with a December special. Because hey, December only comes once a year. Useful Links: HS2 petition & info: tinyurl.com/colnevalleyvhs2 Arthur Daily Trips: search Facebook for 'Arthur Daily Trips', or look us up on Trip Advisor Malt Shovel weekly quiz info: search Facebook for 'Malt Shovel Quiz Night'
Nursery
formally Richings Park Preschool
We offer a wonderful nurturing and stimulating environment for your child.
Qualified and experienced staff including an experienced EYFS teacher, helping your children learn through play. For children aged 2 – 4. Nursery funding for 2 and 3 year old. Open 9.15am - 2.15pm
Please contact email: nursery@iver-inf.bucks.sch.uk Tel:01753655104 Come and visit us at : St Leonards Hall, St Leonards Walk, Richings Park Bucks, SL0 9DD 49
Golden Years
Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning the floor of your house. For centuries, mountains of masonry have been compacting the silt, slowly pressing the water out of it. More recently the aquifers in the bedrock itself have been tapped and drained, causing subsidence. In the first half of the 20th century the city sank by 23cm; and on that night 50 years ago centuries of chickens came home to roost.
millions, and by 2010 had completed 46 major projects including the restoration of one of Venice’s oldest churches, San Niccolo dei Mendicoli, used as a location in the iconic 1971 thriller Don’t Look Now.
La Serenissima wasn’t so serene when its citizens woke up on 4th November 1966 to find the most beautiful city in the world under more than 6 feet of seawater.
Even at the northernmost reach of the Adriatic, where the shallow sea is almost tideless, Venetians have always been used to the occasional acqua alta when water laps San Marco’s toes. But on that night 50 years ago, heavy winter rain in the Alps and Appenines filled rivers to overflowing so that the water level of the Adriatic rose, while at the same time a strong northerly wind drove thousands of tons of seawater into Venice’s lagoon and canals. To make the flooding worse, Venice had started sinking. The bedrock below Venice’s lagoon is buried so deeply under sand and silt that to drive piles down to it would be impossible. Only the canal banks themselves are revetted with oak piles. The city’s churches and palazzos stand on zatteroni, or rafts of thick larch planks, with stone blocks piled on top. Even St Mark’s itself and its next-door neighbour, the Doge’s palace, stand on foundations not much more substantial than 50
Nobody was killed, but the flooding caused $6 million worth of damage to architectural and artistic treasures alone. The loss of stock in shops and restaurants and damage to homes and business premises came to far more. But the world rallied round – or at least, the western world did. This was 1966, don’t forget, and Italy wasn’t only the treasure house of the Renaissance; it was also a hothouse of ‘60s style. Alfa Romeos, Vespas, Lambrettas, skinny suits, Sophia Loren, espresso ... the West owed Italy, and in every country support groups sprang up to raise funds and clean paintings. In Britain, the fundraising committee that eventually became Venice In Peril was founded in early 1967 as the Art & Archive Rescue Fund by well-heeled Italophiles such as former ambassador Sir Ashley Clarke, who had also chaired the British Italian Society, and Carla Thorneycroft, the Italian-born wife of senior Conservative politician Sir Peter Thorneycroft. It raised
Not all ViP’s money has come from the upper crust, though: £2 million of it so far has come from a crust of an altogether doughier kind. Since 1977 Pizza Express has been making a donation – currently 25p – for every Pizza Veneziana it sells. So much for salvaging Venice’s past. To safeguard its future the Italian government has spent more than €5.5 billion on barrages that can be raised to block the lagoon’s three inlets. These take the form of flattish rectangular tanks, lying on the seabed and hinged at one end. Normally the tanks are full of seawater and lie flat, but whenever high water threatens compressed air is pumped into them and they float upright. When complete they will be able to hold back a surge of 3 metres. Although whether that will be enough in the era of climate change, who knows?
Happy 50tH BirtHdays to Jeremy Hunt (1st); David Schwimmer (2nd); Gordon Ramsay (8th); and John Bishop (30th)
Cake and botox to you all!
L
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Motoring By James Baggott
We Try Nissan’s Bonkers Bladeglider
BladeGlider offers a drift mode, similar to that found on the Focus RS, for sideways fun – yet more technology debuting here that is likely to filter down to other Nissans. The BladeGlider did feet softly sprung, though, more hot hatch than sports car over the kerbs. But most importantly it was great fun – and, with the instant torque available from those electric motors, it felt swift too.
As we hit the back straight of the twisting kart track in the middle of a shanty town in Brazil, the wail of the concept car’s electric motors reaches a crescendo.
With two 174bhp electric motors, independently powering each rear wheel, the BladeGlider is good for nearly 120mph and 60mph in under five seconds.
It’s banshee-like in pitch and would rival a hover bike from Star Wars in tone – this is noise like no electric car that’s gone before it, and it’s pointing to the future of electric vehicles (EVs) for Nissan.
It’s been built in conjunction with F1 experts Williams Advanced Engineering and features an unusual threeseater layout where both passengers sit behind and either side of the driver.
We’ve come to Rio de Janeiro to experience this mad Batmobile-like sports car concept, dubbed the BladeGlider.
Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed a drive of the multimillion pound concept car; however, we did get to experience it from the passenger seat.
With a narrow front track and aerodynamically designed body that widens like an arrow to the rear, the concept car takes design cues from the Delta Wing Le Mans racer of 2012. Although that car’s track time was short lived, the lessons Nissan learned are brought back to life in this mad sports car concept that’s part Robin Reliant, part McLaren F1, part Caterham. 52
Even from here it’s clear the BladeGlider offers a completely unique driving experience. Those two front wheels and the wide-track rear make for a planted and agile ride. On the tiny test track it whipped between corners with a whiff of tyre-smoking oversteer when our exuberant test driver got playful. For us mere mortals the
It’s not supercar fast, but will push you back into the sports seats and throw you around enough to induce a whiff of travel sickness. There’s currently no word on range, though – which we’d guess means it’s currently pretty poor. Unfortunately, the chances of being able to order a BladeGlider from your local dealer any time soon is highly unlikely. This is just one of two produced and they’re likely to be the last. Well, in this form at least. So you might be wondering what the point is? Well, Nissan says that’s simple, really: they want to make people realise electrification doesn’t mean dull, and a sports car concept as bonkers as this proves otherwise. Nissan is long overdue a sister car to the Leaf, the world’s best-selling EV, and many will be hoping the lessons Nissan has learned here will lead to a thrilling follow-up. Fortunately, after a very short passenger ride, all the signs are pointing in the right direction for a smash hit.
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This time of the year when the clocks have gone back means homes are in darkness early in the afternoon – a gift for opportunist burglars. To avoid becoming a victim of burglary, Chiltern District Council and South Bucks District Councils Joint Community Safety team is encouraging householders to take some simple steps to protect their home : Use a timer switch to turn on lights and a radio to give the impression someone is home
Keep valuables, and other electronic equipment such as iPads out of sight
Keep windows locked with the key and keep it out of sight
Security mark valuables with a UV pen and register them with www.immobilise.com Double lock UPVC doors or use dead locks on solid doors. Keep all spare keys, including car keys, away from the front door out of sight to avoid them being ‘fished’ through the letter box Don’t leave packaging of expensive items purchased on view as an advertisement to thieves If you intend to go away over the holiday period, ask a neighbour to park on your drive to make your home look occupied and do the same for others.
Neighbourhood Police Officers will be patrolling in residential areas and, if they believe a property is at risk of being burgled, they will pop a ‘Here’s a bright idea’ card through the door along with contact de tails for further crime prevention advice. Residents can follow their local police and pick up security advice from Twitter at: @TVP_ChiltSBucks . For regular updates on crime and disorder in your area you can sign up to Thames Valley Alert . You can also contact Chiltern District Council and South Bucks District Council’s Joint Community Safety team on 01494 586535 and for further crime reduction advice you can visit: www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crprev, www.chiltern.gov.uk/crimereduction or www.southbucks.gov.uk/ crimereduction.
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Top Gadget Gifts For Christmas There’s a very good chance that this year, Santa’s sack will be stuffed with gadgets: from kid-friendly tablets to expensive iPhones, many people’s presents will be of the digital variety. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to get some great gifts. One of the highlights of the shopping calendar is Black Friday, which is a recent American import: the last Friday in November - this year, that’s the 25th of November - is when shops offer massive discounts to kick-start the Christmas shopping season. It’s grown to encompass Cyber Monday, the Monday immediately afterwards, and some retailers run an entire week of deals in the run-up to Black Friday weekend. In the last few years UK retailers have got in on the act, and Black Friday is a great source of bargains, especially on electronics from online retailers. Just make sure you use a price checking service to ensure that the bargains you see are genuinely good deals. Some retailers mimic supermarket wine deals, with gadgets priced artificially high in October so they can appear to be terrific bargains in November. Buying for technology fans can be tricky because they often go out and buy the gadgets they 56
want as soon as they become available. Thank goodness for accessories, then: a leather case for a smartphone or a messenger bag for a laptop makes a great gift, although watch out for “bonded leather”, which is artificially produced and doesn’t wear like real leather. If your intended recipient has young children, a military-specification protective case will save many trips to the smartphone or tablet repairer. Headphones are always a good gift, especially now that Apple has dumped the familiar 3.5mm headphone adapter from its latest iPhones, so wireless Bluetooth headphones or headphones that use the Lightning connector will be a big upgrade over the fairly rubbish Apple versions. But this doesn’t only apply to Apple users: most of the headphones that come with phones are dreadful, and in addition to those designed to make music better you can choose from a wide selection of specialist headphones, such as Bose’s QuietComfort noise-cancelling range. We know from experience that noise-cancelling headphones make train, bus and air travel much more relaxing, and while high-end models can cost over £200 it’s quite possible to get noise-cancelling phones from the likes of Sony for less than £20. And don’t forget wireless Bluetooth speakers too: they’re
a great add-on for phones, tablets and laptops, none of which tend to have very good sound systems. It’s usually a good idea to stay away from novelty items - anything hilarious that’s designed to plug into a USB port is surely destined for landfill by Boxing Day - and if you can’t think of anything appropriate, vouchers make an excellent present. Amazon vouchers are great for everyone, iTunes vouchers are fantastic presents for anyone with an iPod, iPad or iPhone, Netflix vouchers are good for TV and film buffs, and there are stacks of vouchers for specific retailers. Keep an eye on the newspaper adverts and voucher websites, though: some shops, especially supermarkets, run multi-buy deals on vouchers such as iTunes vouchers, enabling you to save around 20%. Be careful, though, as if a retailer goes out of business it’s very unlikely that the vouchers will be redeemable, so it’s important to stick with well-known firms. A voucher for Dodgy Dave’s Digital Depot might not be the wisest investment. Images L to R: leather laptop sleeve from Etsy.com; Sony noise cancelling headphones; USB coffee warmer, generic; Apple iTunes gift cards
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Well, at the writing of this article the airport decision was once more pushed back. Hopefully, by the time this edition drops through your letterbox we will know what direction the government has chosen. In the meantime, we continue to attend briefings and consultations with Heathrow on current operations (they don’t allow us to talk about 3rd runway issues!). The noise forum is now getting restless as the feeling is that it has become a talking shop which is not grasping the nettle of trying to reduce overflight noise. Heathrow are getting the kicking for something they really cannot control while the Department of Transport watches idly by. If you missed the two previous Slough dropin consultations session on this subject in September and October, there is another one going to be held on November 22nd from 4pm to 8pm at Christ The Worker Church Centre in Parlaunt Road, Langley. We attended a meeting of the Langley Neighbourhood Forum who are very much up in arms against Slough Borough Council over this. Hopefully we can find a way to work together with them and also get SBC to properly engage with BCC as opposed to the “divide and rule” tactics that are currently driving matters. It has become clear from statements made by SBC’s senior officers and councillor for highways that they are viewing this as an opportunity to extract money from HS2/HEX for general road works in and around Langley. We are now included in SBC’s stakeholder consultation programme so we have a say at the top levels of SBC. We attended as observers at the SBC Cabinet meeting on October 17 where they decided to keep the road closed for 6 months but to review this after 3 months Unfortunately, BCC do not seem to be participating in this bunfight and are likely to find themselves stuck with a fait accompli and no cakes. We also met with BCC Highways officials to discuss the traffic impacts of all the projects coming our way. It was clear that little communication exists between the various teams deployed to look at these matters and local knowledge is severely lacking. The absence of a 60
County Councillor looking after our interests and cross pollinating teams certainly has a harmful effect on the outcomes for Iver as a whole. South Bucks’ version of this from a planning point of view is now be available on their web site. This is the distillation of the original questionnaire asking for comments and suggestions of where further development for business and residential housing could be located. As far Richings Park is concerned the only land being considered is that immediately north of the railway for the Garden Village development that was the subject of a public exhibition some months ago. The Rotary Crocus is one of the leading international fundraisers for the End Polio Now Campaign. Since 2012 Rotary Crocuses have raised around £1,000,000 and been distributed in 15 countries. Local schools and Scouts will be planting but there will be 3000 4000 to plant elsewhere in the district. We have offered to plant some in the Residents Garden by the shops in Bathurst Walk. If you would like to volunteer to help us do this, we will be staging a plantin on Sunday November 27th at 12 noon. We would also like to do a bit of litter picking and clearing as well on that day so many hands would make light work. The Parish Council have offered some financial support to us staging a Xmas Event for residents. Plans are being put together for an event on Friday December 16th from 4:00pm to around 8:00pm at the Sports Club. The December edition of In & Around will carry full details of this and also look out for posters adverting the event. With the various cutbacks on local authority expenditure we are seeing that the Bathurst Walk / Wellesley Avenue junction is beginning to get more litter strewn. We have started to talk to the shopkeepers there – who own their immediate frontages – whether they would be willing to extend their current tidying operations into the public areas. So far, Costcutters and the new Fish & Shop have agreed to do so from the start of November. Hopefully, the other retailers will come on board shortly afterwards.
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Garden Fireworks
You may be planning a traditional display of fireworks on November 5th, but why not also think ahead and plant yourself a few garden fireworks?
by Pippa Greenwood
At this time of year, there are still several stunning flowers that remind me of fireworks, such as the flamboyant red hot pokers or kniphofias, also known as torch lilies. Kniphofia ‘Brimstone’ has a rich yellowy-orange colour while the smaller ‘Little Maid’ has ivory-yellow flower spikes and reaches a height of about 2 ft (60cm). ‘Fiery Fred’ has blazing orangey-red flowers, while those of ‘Alcazar’ are bright red. Available in garden centres now, they do well if planted out in early autumn or spring in a sunny spot with a well drained soil. Once established you will have a regular display that really will go off like a rocket! Crocosmias help provide colour at this time of year, so take a look at ‘Lucifer’, with its flame-red, almost trumpetshaped flowers clustered along an elegantly arching spike, or for golden yellow flowers consider ‘Canary Bird’. The many varieties of crocosmia thrive in sun or part shade in a well drained yet also moist soil. Pot-grown plants should be 62
available for planting now or in the spring, or you can buy the corms to plant towards the end of winter; these plants will look like the ultimate elegant arching firework. If fireworks like star clusters are more your scene, think about sedums or ice plants, many of which have star-shaped flowers. Some of the sedums, such as ‘Autumn Joy’, are still just about in flower, but plant pot-grown specimens now and from late summer you will have a tremendous show of blooms for several weeks, certain to attract bees and butterflies. The angels’ fishing rods, diorama, have arching stems in great numbers surrounded by broad, almost grass-like leaves, each measuring up to 5 ft (1.5m) in length. The rich pink funnel-shaped flowers dangle and sway in the wind and keep on bobbing straight back up again, even on a windy site. Consider growing some lupins for summer, either a yellow variety or ‘My Castle’, which has rich red flowers - just like a rocket racing skywards, but far less noisy. If you want a tree but space is limited, the Kilmarnock willow, Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’, is a good option, reaching a height of about 6 ft (1.8 m) after 10 or
15 years. It has long weeping branches and bright yellow fuzzy catkins in spring, far better than any real Roman candle I know! Look around nearby gardens to see what a fantastic display autumn foliage can put on, then plant anything with good autumn colour to guarantee a glowing bonfire every autumn. Your garden centre should have a plentiful supply of shrubs and trees at this time of year. Finally, if you are having a bonfire, make it at the last minute to minimise the risk of hedgehogs or other wildlife hiding beneath the heap coming to an untimely end. The hedgehog is one of the gardener’s best friends, as it eats huge numbers of slugs and many other garden pests. Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com to book Pippa for a gardening talk, or peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items, including Nemaslug to control slugs, pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, pull-out EasyTunnels, ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Voucher cards, signed books and lots more besides.
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Pets Corner... (Nov16).qxp_Layout 1 27/10/2016 22:14 Page 1
Diet & Food...
What is better commercial or raw diets?
IN the past pets were usually fed on the scraps left by their owners but it is virtually impossible to give animals a balanced diet by feeding them human food often leading to life threatening nutritional deficiencies. Even feeding tit-bits may be harmful and can cause serious health problems like pancreatitis. The fact our pets now live much longer, healthier lives is testament to the improved nutrition provided by quality commercial pet foods. There has been a lot of interest recently in raw diets and in theory a diet as close to that the animal would eat in the wild is ideal but realistically few people are going to catch a rabbit and feed it whole to their dog! It is very difficult to feed a balanced raw diet and some may be contaminated by bacteria that can cause serious food poisoning and could be transmissible to people. There have also been recent reports of a serious parasite, Tongueworm, in dogs fed on raw diets. Raw feeding is as much a fashion as fad diets in humans and the often stated benefits are spurious and far outweighed by the disadvantages. For the vast majority raw feeding is not only messy and impractical but potentially harmful.
At any given price point, dry dog and cat food is better than moist simply because it costs less to produce but there are still some poor dry foods. As with most things in life you get what you pay for but be wary: the most expensive shop bought moist foods are designed to be more attractive and acceptable to pet owners, not more nutritious. Because they need less of it, the cost of feeding pets on a premium quality dry food is little more than a cheaper brand. There is a lot of target marketing in the pet food industry but shops tend to concentrate on cheaper, lower quality foods they can sell in high volumes, whereas vets, as well as being the best source of advice, also generally stock better quality foods. Some things should be obvious: you feed kittens on kitten food, puppies on puppy food and adult pets on adult pet food. But you should also feed older pets on senior pet food and 64
premium diets are designed to provide your pets with the exact nutritional requirements for their breed and lifestage. Fed on these diets they don’t need anything else other than a bowl of water. If you look critically at the condition of a pet that is fed solely on a premium quality food you will honestly notice the difference in coat condition, reduced flatulence and smaller volumes of firm faeces, and even less objective things like improved vitality, cold wet noses and sparkling eyes! But it is also the hidden benefits that count. Your pet will have a healthier and longer life with less digestive problems and fewer vet’s bills! Now doesn’t that make sense?
M C Atkinson BVSc MRCVs www.stmartinsvetclinic.com
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Home & Interiors Open Plan Living By Katherine Sorrell
(but complementary) floorings to create visually distinct zones, or lay one practical flooring throughout. Stone or ceramic tiles, engineered or laminate floorboards, rubber and good quality vinyl are all suitable – simply soften with rugs around your sofas and chairs to create the framework for a separate ‘living’ area.
Who doesn’t love the idea of living in a light, bright and airy open-plan space? Katherine Sorrell explains how to get the most out of it. To ensure an open-plan room looks good and functions brilliantly, carefully plan how you’ll use the space – for cooking, eating, entertaining, working, relaxing and so on – then divide it into appropriate areas. These zones can be created with changes of level, but generally it’s through use of flooring, colour and pattern, lighting and the positioning of furniture. Kitchens/halls need splashproof flooring that can be mopped, while sitting areas should feel inviting and comfortable, so use different
Pale colours emphasise open, airy spaces, while darker shades can help make large areas feel cosy. One option in an open-plan room is to use tones of one colour, going from light at one end to darker at the other. In long, thin spaces, painting the end walls in a deeper shade makes them appear closer, thus improving the proportions, while a neutral scheme throughout can have matching accents of a brighter colour – say, a rug in the living area, glasses on the dining table and kitchen accessories – for a smart and interesting look. Conventional furniture may not work as well as expected in an open-plan space, so search for larger-than-average pieces that look good from all angles, not just the front. Avoid placing
get the light right
the seating around the edges, or spacing it too far apart, and group it so that sofas and chairs are sociable, either facing each other or creating a corner (modular units are good for this). Try to include an island or peninsular unit between the kitchen and the rest of the room. This gives a visual break between the two zones and lets the cook chat with family or guests. Kitchen manufacturers produce products that blend kitchen, dining and living functions, from cabinets that co-ordinate with free-standing storage to media units that incorporate a TV, to help design a space that blends easily from one zone to another. One final point: bear in mind that sound carries and if you’re eating dinner, watching TV or catching up on emails you won’t want to be disturbed by the extractor fan or the dishwasher. If possible, put your washing machine somewhere separate and buy super-quiet appliances. Image - Moments floor and wall tiles, £15.02 per square metre, Tile Mountain: 01782 223822; www.tilemountain.co.uk.
Good lighting makes a big difference in open-plan living, helping to zone the space and provide either strong illumination or soft ambience. Food preparation areas need bright lights, which can be in the bottoms of wall-mounted cabinets or, if you have an island unit, can be a ceiling-mounted track or a row of pendants. To give flexible lighting that can be turned up or down easily in dining and living areas, experts advise installing a range of circuits controlled by separate switches or dimmers, but this can involve disruption and extra expense. Instead, replace main light switches with dimmers and plug in a selection of table or floor lamps. 66
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PROTECT YOUR HARD EARNED ASSETS AND HOME 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?
If you feel you could benefit from a free review of your existing arrangements then please call us on 01895 675631
WELBECK CONSULTANCY Looking after you, your family and generations to follow
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IVER What's On... Nov16.qxp_Layout 1 28/10/2016 20:47 Page 1
regular events...
art Classes Come & Join Us! Isabel Hunt, your local artist, teaches a new project every week, which can be a landscape, seascape, still life, pets, portraiture, etc. In the first 2 sessions equipment/materials are provided. at St Marys Church Hall St Marys Rd Langley SL3 7EN info: 07411 125407 or 01753 542209 chavi2000@hotmail.com Chinese brush Painting group We meet on Saturday mornings. The class is guided by an experienced tutor. Learn to compose and develop your own Chinese painting style as well the finer points of Chinese calligraphy. At Harefield Library, Park Lane Village Centre, Harefield or contact Phyllis Nash on 01895 476 644 / phyllnash@gmail.com
Clubbercise class Mondays at Iver Village Junior School, High St, Iver, SL0 9QA. Term-time, 18.10-19.00, £5 PAYG, for anyone from the age of 16 up! Contact Liz 07795 512938. Come and Glow with glowsticks in the dark to 90s anthems upto present-time music. French sessions in iver French Intermediate Class. Small friendly group with French Native Teacher meets every Tues. Iver Village Hall 7.30-9.30pm from Sept 22nd 2015 Call 07940 281233 e: c.marionnet@blueyonder.co.uk inland Waterways association Meet 2nd Tues of every month at Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk 70
Methodist Church Love Lane Mon 8-9pm, Thurs 7-8pm. St Lawrence Church Hall Bridle Road Pinner Fri 9.30am. St Lukes Hall Love Lane Pinner Wed 7.45-8.45pm, Sat 910am. Wendy Whitefoord 07803 602142 e: wendy.whitefoord@ btinternet.com. See www.jazzerciseuk.com or facebook.com/ JazzerciseDenhamNewDenham
Free Family games event Second Saturday of every month - for parents, carers and guardians with children of all ages, at the Kings Church, Iver, 10am-midday - visit www.hartentertainment.co.uk for details or call 07747 063149 to let us know your coming. Open to all. hobbies...
Mandarin tuition In Iver Heath. All welcome. Experienced teacher. Call Yuan on 07932 649107 or ynhyuan@yahoo.co.uk keeP-Fit, danCe & draMa...
adults Zumba Classes Running on Wednesdays 6-7pm at Iver Heath Village Hall, St Margaret's Close. Call Diane 07926 854184. ballet Classes Iver Heath Village Hall, Friday 4.457pm. Call L Killian 01753 814280
Children's Zumba (Zumbatomic) Classes Wednesdays at 3.30-5.30pm at Iver Heath Village Hall, Saint Margaret's Close. Call Diane on 07926 854184 Futunity Street Dance and Hip Hop for children age 7-11 years. Fri's from 4-9pm call Cheryl on 01753 651754 or email childcare@ivercommunity.org donna’s keep Fit Iver Heath Village Hall. Call Donna 01753 674945. Tue 9.45-10.45am Fitness Club St Catherine School, Money Lane, West Drayton, UB7 7NX. Thu 6-7pm Circuits, Fitness and Boxercise. £5 a class. Shaun Thompson, 07906 087749 www.tauruspt.co.uk insanity Mon 8.15-9pm. St Peter's Centre, Iver. Booking essential. 07745 622011. iver health & exercise sessions for over 55's. Designed to keep over 55's fit and to suit all abilities. Session includes light lunch and activity. £5 includes lunch Fridays 10am-1pm Evreham Sports Centre, Swallow Street, Iver, SL0 0HS. Jazzercise Classes Jazzercise Classes New Denham Community Centre Oxford Road Mon 9.30-10.30am, Tues 6.45 - 7.45pm , Wed, Thurs , Fri 9.45-10.45am. Denham Village Memorial Hall Village Road Thurs 6.30-7.30pm. Ruislip Sports & Social Club Grosvenor Vale Mon 6.45-7.45pm Tues 9.30am, 7-8pm, Wed 9.30-10.30am. Pinner
ladies only kickboxing Club Wednesdays, 6.30-8.00pm at Watts Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. First Class FREE! Leanne Phillips on 07518 848285 email: leanne @kickboxing-longdon.co.uk www.kickboxing-london.co.uk Military Fitness Class A good way to get fit and enjoy the outdoors, suitable for beginners Monday 7-8pm, Iver Heath Rec, Church Road, Iver Heath, SL0 0RD. £2 per session. 1st session FREE! info: Leon 01895 837334. nordic Walking & Wellbeing All round exercise in the open air, 4 week courses various days and locations pre booking essential contact 07771872592 / learningmoves@hotmailco.uk P90X Thurs 8.15-9pm. St Peter's Centre, Iver. Cardio and toning class using weights. £5 Booking essential. 07745 622011. Personal training Looking for some extra help to get fit & into shape? For more info and prices call Rachel on 07745 622011 Pilates Iver Heath Village Hall on Thurs 7pm8pm call Mrs S Webb 01923 721335 Pilates Class Tues 12-1pm & Thurs 9.30-10.30am St Peters Centre, Iver. All levels, booking essential. Call Rachel 07745 622011. 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 continued overleaf...
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KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA CONTINUED...
Thursdays, 6.30pm. Iver Heath Village Hall SL0 0DA Saturdays, 9am Call Nicky 07443 567244 nicky_iverww@hotmail.com www.weightwatchers.co.uk
Richings Players Amateur theatre group perform three shows per year at Iver Village Hall. Contact Evelyn on 07950 039827 richingsplayers@mail.com See www.richingsplayers.co.uk.
PiYo® Classes Sweat, stretch & strengthen all in one low-impact, music -driven, body sculpting workout. Tues 7-7.45pm. St Peter's Centre, Iver. £5 per class booking essential. Call Rachel on 07745 622011.
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, 07906 087749 www.tauruspt.co.uk 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: 8.309.30pm. Freestyle dancing til 11pm 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 Taurus Circuits Pinewood Studio. With Personal Trainer Shaun. Monday 8pm-9pm Booking only 07906 087749 Tai Chi Classes Tues 10am at the Evreham Sports Centre, Iver. Call 01753 672610 Every Saturday 10-11am, Yiewsley Methodist Church, Fairfield Road, UB7 8EY. Call Dan 07880 601429. Toddler & Junior Fitness Fun Junior Trampolining Weds 4.30pm5.30pm held at the Evreham Sports Centre Iver. Call 01753 672610. Weight Watchers Chalfont St Peter Community Centre SL9 9QX. Wednesdays, 7pm. Iver Village Hall, SL0 9NW. 72
Yoga Iver Heath Village Hall.Mon 6.307.45pm. Jon Bell 07790 682238.
ZUMBA in Langley Mon 7-8pm & Tues 7-8pm St. Mary's Church Centre. Thurs 7-8pm St. Francis Church Hall.
ZUMBA ® Fitness Classes Mon & Thurs 7-8pm. St Peters Centre, Iver - all levels welcome! Call Rachel on 07745 622011.
Zumba Fitness Weds 8-9pm at Langley Grammar School Sport Centre Reddington Drive Langley, SL3 8LL and Thurs 7-8pm at Yiewsley / West Drayton Community Centre, Harmondsworth Rd, West Drayton UB7 9JL.Call Gabriel 07735 090325, gabrielzumba@instructor.net www.gabriel84.zumba.com MUSIC... Faraday Country Music Club in Slough SL2 1RN. Join us for the best live Country Music every Thursday for listeners, western partners, freestyle or line dancers. From 8-11pm. Contact Deb 07986 050742. www.faradaycountry.co.uk Iver Singers Singing for Fun Tuesday during term time from 19:00-20.30 at Iver Heath Village Hall, St Margaret’s Close, Bucks, SL0 0DA. New members welcome. FREE first session. No auditions. Call 07733 466177 www.iversingers.com. Learn to Play in a Rock Band At a professional recording studio taught by expert musicians. Open to 7-18 year olds, we teach guitar, bass, drums and vocals in small groups and as a band. Sessions will run after school at R'n'R Studios, Uxbridge starting October. Contact Conor for details on 07946 402797 or email wlsr.uxb@gmail.com
The Windsor & District Big Bands Appreciation Society Meet on 2nd Wed of each month at 7.30pm, Datchet Hall, Horton Rd, Datchet. Meetings feature the music of the big bands of the 40s & 50s Swing era. Two recitals from records, tapes & CDs, along with a raffle and sometimes a live band. If you like to reminisce, do come along and join us! Contact Derek on 01753 654398
Signature A Cappella singers Monday night at Iver Heath Village Hall, St Margaret’s Close, Iver Heath SLO 0DQ. 7.45-10.30 with a ten minute break.If you enjoy singing please come along or visit www.signaturesingers.com Stoke Poges Singers A friendly four-part choir singing a wide variety of music. New members always welcome - no auditions. Rehearsals on Thursday evening at St Andrews Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges from 8pm. Come along to a rehearsal or contact Naomi on 07831 217575 or Cheryl on 01753 655682. www.stoke-poges-singers.org The Rock Project Greater London We teach 7-18 year olds how to play guitar, bass, drums and vocals in small groups and as a band. Wed's at Nower Hill High School, Pinner and Thurs at Vyners School, Ickenham. Juniors (7-11) 4.15-6.15pm and Seniors (11-18) 6.30-8.30pm. £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. ontact Lynne on 07976 824152 or Lynne@ywdband.com continued overleaf...
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Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX Independent School for boys and girls aged 3 - 11
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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 73
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MUSIC CONTINUED... Yiewsley & West Drayton Training Band Open to all ages wanting to learn to play a brass instrument or 'brush up' your skills. Rehearse every Wed during TT. 6.45-7.45pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. Contact Abi on 07985 302 856 or emailtraining@ywdband.com PETS... Iver Dog Training Club Meet Tuesday & Friday 6.30-9pm, 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 or see website www.ihfdc.com PRE-SCHOOL & KIDS GROUPS... Iver Village Pre-School open Mon-Fri from 9am-3pm, we take children between the ages of 2-5 yrs. Funding is available for 2, 3 & 4 year olds. For more details contact Sandra Davis on 01753 654859 or theoffice@ivervillagepreschool.co.uk French for Children with La Jolie Ronde, 5-11yrs. In Iver, Saturdays. Call Estelle 07831 779888 Rainbow Guides Iver Heath Scout Hut on Tuesday, 5.30-6.30pm. Call Sian Mann on 07951 172396. Iver Village Infant School Nursery (formally Richings Park Pre School) St Leonards Hall, St Leonards Walk, Richings Park, Iver, SL0 9DD. Monday to Friday 9.15am-12.15pm. Extended days Monday to Thursday until 2.15pm. 15 hours per week funding available for 2-3 year olds per week. Call 01753 655104. Email: nursery@iver-inf.bucks.sch.uk Slough Sea Cadets Parade nights on Monday and Thursday 19.30-21.30 at Langley Pavillion, Langley Road, Slough, SL3 8BS. Male & Female Junior Cadets 74
(age 10-12 yrs) and Cadets (age 1218 yrs). Fees £2 per week, courses from £5 for a weekend. Visit us on Facebook, pop-in or email: sloughseacadets@yahoo.co.uk Sticky Fingers Mothers & Toddlers Iver Heath Village Hall, Wednesday 9.30-11.30am. Call Janet Beale 01753 652375 The Launchpad An after school for children aged 5-11. We also offer holiday play schemes. Evreham Centre, Swallow St Iver SL0 0HS Call Cheryl on 01753 654546 or email childcare@ivercommunity.org Tiny Talk Baby Signing Classes Tuesday classes at St Mary’s Church Hall, High Street, Harefield UB9 6BX, 10am, price £5 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. Please call Bev Meier to book 01895 824935 or 0781 8025993 Tiny Toes Childcare Full day care nursery for children aged six weeks to five years open from 8am-6pm Mon-Fri. Evreham Centre, Swallow Street, Iver, SL0 0HS. Call Paula on 01753 655650 tinytoes@ivercommunity.org SELF DEFENCE... Close Quarter Combat In Richings Park. Speed, strength and conditioning training. All types of pad work combinations. Suitable for adults of all ages. 1-2-1 sessions. Call Mark 07525 366126 email: mj.wilding@hotmail.com Karate (Adults & Children) Iver Heath Village Hall on Tues & Thurs. Kids 7-8pm, Adults 8-9.30pm. Call Sensei R. Baker 07898 946330. Karate Club of Denham / Uxbridge For ages 5 years and up. Sunday 9.15-11am at New Denham Community Centre, Oxford Road. Wed 5-7pm at The Greenway, Uxbridge. Call Dominic on 07988 743725.
Kung Fu Club West Drayton Great Kung Fu work out for children & adults on: Tuesday 5.30-6.30, Friday 7.30-8.30, Sunday 5.30-6.30. West Drayton Community Centre, Harmondsworth Road, UB7 9JL. Contact Ella: 07702 479 435 or email: sportsclubuk@gmail.com Martial Arts Bujinkan Kuri Dojo Unit 21 Bridgeworks, UB8 2JG Tel: 07878 471124. Training: Sun 10.30-12.30pm, Tue 8-10pm, Thu 8.30-10pm www.bujinkankuridojo.co.uk Silat Kuntao Indonesian Self-Defence Traditional self-defence art from Central Java, includes empty hand, traditional weapons, meditation and healing massage. Adult classes only. Mon and Wed 8pm-10pm at Denham Village Memorial Hall, Denham, UB9 5BN. Call Philip Davies 07790 496 346 or kuntao.matjan.uk@gmail.com. SELF HELP... Alcoholics Anonymous Every Sun, 7.30pm, St Leonards Hall, St Leonards Walk, Richings Park, Iver, SL0 9DD. Call Howard 07816 315688. Slimming World Tues 5.30pm & 7.30pm and Wed 9.30am at Evreham Sports Centre, Iver Heath. Call Kate: 07432 107089 Weight Watchers Chalfont St Peter Community Centre Weds 7pm. Iver Village Hall Thurs 6.30pm. Iver Heath Village Hall. Sats 9am. Contact Nicky 07443 567244 nicky_iverww@hotmail.com SOCIAL GROUPS... Coffee Shop At St Margarets Church, Church Rd, Iver Heath. Wed 10.45-11.45am. Enjoy a coffee and a chat in a friendly, informal atmosphere. 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. continued overleaf...
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SOCIAL GROUPS CONTINUED... Heathway Ladies Group Every second Tues of the month at 2pm. You’re welcome as a visitor at the cost of £1.50, as we have a waiting list. Contact Secretary Tricia Cooper 01753 817749 or e: tricia.cooper3@virginmedia.com Inspirations Spiritualist Group Spiritualist group for like-minded people. Weekly services with a guest Medium every Thursday at The Walter Pomeroy Hall, Royal Lane, Hillingdon, UB8 3QY. 7.15pm for 7.45pm start. Admission £5 Concessions £4.50 Accompanied Children u16 - FREE. Enqs: 07968 039426 or 0208 841 4901. Iver & District Countryside Assoc., If you enjoy walks in the country and social evenings, why not join us? Call Paul Graham 01753 655183 Iver Evening Women’s Institute Iver Village Hall, meets 2nd Monday of month, 7.30pm. Call Margaret 01753 653751 for details. Iver Heath Ladies Meet 2nd Tuesday of the month in Iver Heath Village Hall at 2pm. A group of ladies who enjoy speakers, outings, lunches and more. Visitors welcome, £1.50 admission. Contact tricia.cooper3@virginmedia.com or call 01753 817749. Iver Heath Community Library The Library is open: Tues 9.30-1pm & 2-5pm . Thurs 9.30-1pm & 2-6pm.Sat 10am-1pm. Free membership of all Bucks libraries Free public pc & Wi-fi. Reading Group, craft group, bounce and rhyme for toddlers, childrens crafts , coffee mornings enqs: 0845 2303232 lib-ivh@buckscc.gov.uk King's Friends A group of older men and women enjoying life. Contact 01753 651178 for our latest programme. Probus Club of Langley & Iver is always looking for new members, we meet for lunch at The Pinewood Hotel, Wexham Park Lane, George Green, SL3 6AP on the last Tuesday of the month (except Dec). We are friendly and attract retired persons of both sexes who usually are from a professional background although 76
there is nothing rigid about background. We normally have a speaker and cover a wide range of interests. Call Maureen Richardson 01753 819456.
5-10pm in Iver Village Hall, experience not necessary. Age 18yrs+. Cal Bob 01753 654049 or Ron 01753 819644 or Mary 01753 654765
The Rotary Club of Langley & Iver meets on Thursdays, 7pm at the Pinewood Hotel, Wexham Park Lane, George Green, SL3 6AP. We are a small friendly club that welcomes everyone. If you are interested in improving the lives of others and have fun doing it contact Graham Jones 01753 540148 or 07802 784024 or visit http://langleyiver.rotary1090 .org/email: akahold@hotmail.com
Iver Veterans Golf Society For men and women over 60. We meet every Tuesday morning at Iver Golf Club. Handicap not necessary. Regular competitions held at Iver and other courses. You do not need to be a member of Iver Golf Club, just come along and play and make some new friends. Special rates for IVGS members. Contact: 01753 654246
Women’s Social Group Social group for women in West London. Looking to expand your social group and make new friends? We meet regularly for coffee, a chat and organised trips and welcome women of all ages. Please call Seema on 07730 898635 or email seemaa@seemaa.co.uk for more. SPORT... Back School Small Osteopath lead rehab excercise sessions designed to help strengthen the back with lots of self care advice. Held at Lotus Wellbeing Clinic call 01753 677 604 for further details. Basketball Drop-in sessions for adults age 16 and over. Saturdays 12-2pm. £3 per session. At the Evreham Sports Centre, Iver. Call 01753 672610. Darts Richings Park Sports & Social Club Wellesley Avenue. Men & Women Players. Tuesday & Thursday Nights. Call Gerry 07957 804204 Iver Heath Tennis Club Church Road, Iver Heath, Bucks. SL0 0RW. New members always welcome, adults and juniors, visit our website for details www.ihltc.co.uk or call John Stephenson 01895 441033 Iver Heath Bowls Club Interested in playing bowls? Ring Brian Carter 01753 817794 or Hon. Sec. Betty Hemsley 01753 651775 Iver Short Mat Bowls We are open on Wednesdays 2-5pm &
Ladies Golf Meets 10am every Monday & Wednesday at Rickmansworth Golf Club, new members welcome. Email ladies-captain@ rickmansworthgolf club.co.uk or call 07941 589445. Learn to Sail! We are an RYA approved training centre and are open to new members, www.kingsmeadsc.org.uk FREE sailing taster sessions! Nordic Walking Taster Session Iver Starts Wednesday 30th January, 10am-11am, £5 at Evreham Sports Centre, Swallow Street, Iver, Bucks, SL0 0HS. Session is £5 with poles included. If you would like to book onto the course or require more details call the Evreham Sports Centre on 01753 672 610. Pink Ladies Netball Club All levels and abilities welcome. Training takes place at Stockley Academy, West Drayton every Tuesday evening. Senior training 16+yrs 7.30-9pm Back to Netball 16+yrs 7.30- 8.30pm Under 16s - please Rhiannon on 01895 448878 for details email: plnetball@hotmail.co.uk visit www.pinkladiesnetball.co.uk Richings Park Short Mat Bowls Richings Park Sports & Social Club Wellesley Avenue. Wed from 4pm. Just turn up - equipment provided. Richings Park Tennis Club Want play tennis? New members always welcome at our Brand New court facilities. Contact Graeme or Wendy on 01753 651071 or visit www.richingsparkltc.org.uk
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Cake and Bake Steamed Date Puddings with Caramel Sauce
These moist and sticky mini steamed puds will go down a treat after a Sunday roast! Serve with pouring cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream to make them extra indulgent.
Ingredients: • 115g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing • 115g caster sugar • 2 medium eggs beaten • 115g self-raising flour • 1tsp ground mixed spice • 55g ready-to-eat dates, chopped • 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste (see Tip) • 1tbsp milk FOR THE CARAMEL SAUCE • 50g unsalted butter • 75g brown sugar • 75ml double cream
Makes 4 Ready in 1 hour 20 minutes 78
1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C Fan/Gas Mark 5.
Lightly grease 4 x 175-200ml oven- proof ramekin dishes (or metal pudding basins) with the extra butter. Line the base of each with a circle of baking paper.
2. Place the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat together
until pale and creamy. Gradually beat in the eggs, adding a spoonful of the flour if the mixture begins to curdle. Sift over the rest of the flour and mixed spice and fold in until thoroughly combined. Fold in the dates, vanilla bean paste and milk.
3. Divide the mixture between the prepared dishes and
cover each with a square of pleated baking paper then pleated foil and secure with fine kitchen string. Place the dishes in a deep roasting tin and pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the dishes. Bake for about 50 minutes until risen and firm to the touch.
4. To make the caramel sauce, gently heat the butter
and sugar in a small pan, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until syrupy then remove from the heat and stir in the cream to make a smooth sauce. Turn the puddings out onto warmed plates and spoon over the sauce.
TIP
Vanilla bean paste has a very intense flavour so use sparingly. If unavailable use 1tsp vanilla extract or for a change of flavour try 1-2 tsp coffee extract instead.
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