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Short Story
Isolated Showers
As Arlene pushed open the front door a cascade of mail spilled across the mat. She scooped it up hurriedly and placed it on June’s sideboard. Though glad to see that the house was still standing for when June returned from her holiday, Arlene was anxious to check on the back garden. Aunty June had asked her to pop round and water the broad beans while she was away. Arlene had dutifully given them a good soaking throughout the first week, but then the weather had turned gloriously warm. Thanks to a mixture of barbeques and white wine spritzers, she had completely forgotten about the beans. She prayed, for her sake, that they still had signs of life. June was perversely fond of her beans. Each morning, before training, she would whizz them into smoothies. She said they gave her bulk. Forcing open the back door, Arlene strode down the path towards the bean row. Even from a distance she could see that she was saved. The beans were bushy, bursting with life, and the richest shade of green. Arlene silently thanked Reg from next door. To get a closer look she stepped over June’s outdoor bench press and shrieked. An unpleasant wetness rushed over her flip-flops and up her ankles. The entire garden was sitting under two inches of water. “I wondered when you’d be back.” Reg popped his head
over the fence. “It’s had a real soaking, hasn’t it?” Arlene lifted each foot out of the sodden grass and grimaced. “What’s happened?” she asked. “Is it a burst main?” “Don’t you remember?” Reg said cheerfully. “Last week you left the hosepipe on, and it’s still going.” Arlene was suddenly aware of the garden tap fizzing away furiously, while still attached to the hosepipe that snaked its way down the garden. “Why didn’t you come round and turn it off?” she asked furiously. “I thought she wanted it that way,” Reg said indignantly. “You thought June wanted to turn her back garden into the Everglades?” Arlene asked exasperated. “Why would she want that?” “I don’t know, do I?” Reg said. “I don’t like to interfere in women’s business.” A brown duck splashed across the lawn and pecked at the sodden grass. “That’s just the icing on the cake,” Arlene said. “You know how she hates ducks.” “Can’t stand them,” Reg nodded sagely. “After that one cost her the championship.” “Shoo birdy, shoo,” Arlene said. The duck ignored her. “Is she on a water meter?” Reg asked. “Probably,” Arlene said crossly. “This is on you Reg - you
should have turned the tap off.” “No chance.” Reg put his hands up. “I don’t get involved.” “What am I going to do?” Arlene whined. “This isn’t going to drain away in time, it’s not like I can pull out a plug.” “The sun will burn it off eventually,” Reg reasoned. “She’ll have the greenest garden on the street and then she’ll be happy.” “But what happens when she gets her water bill?” “Then I’d rather not be in your flip-flops,” Reg said pompously. “If I’m going down, I’m taking you with me.” Arlene gave him a withering look. “I’ll tell her you saw the hosepipe running and did nothing.” Reg went pale. “Can’t we just say we’ve had lots of rain?” he suggested. “Won’t she notice that everywhere else is dry?” “We’ll both say it was isolated showers.” “Agreed.” Just then they heard June’s taxi pulling up in the street outside. Arlene looked at Reg in alarm. “But what about the duck?” By Jackie Brewster
Will a Cycle Helmet Protect Your Head In an Accident? by Malcolm Underhill Partner, personal injury team IBB Solicitors malcolm.underhill@ibblaw.co.uk 01895 207972
“Cool kids wear lids.” “Protect your head or end up dead.” “Keep calm and helmet on.” These are just some of the catchy slogans associated with promoting cycle helmets. Those in favour of making cycle helmets compulsory have been campaigning for years for the British government to change the law. So far, despite the often-positive evidence, cycle helmets remain voluntary in the UK. Is it time for the law to be reviewed? Can wearing a cycle helmet protect a rider from serious injury or death? And if so, why is there reluctance to make the wearing of helmets law? The ‘cycle helmet paradox’ An article by Elisabeth Rosenthal in the New York Times summed up the paradox perfectly: “Many researchers say, if you force or pressure people to wear helmets, you discourage them from riding bicycles. That means more obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. And — Catch-22 — a result is fewer ordinary cyclists on the road, which makes it harder to develop a safe bicycling network. The safest biking cities are places like Amsterdam and Copenhagen, where middle-aged commuters are mainstay
riders, and the fraction of adults in helmets is minuscule.” Cycling head injury statistics Hospital data shows that over 40% of cyclists, and 45% of child cyclists, suffer head injuries. A study of 116 fatal cyclist accidents in London and rural areas found over 70% of the cyclist fatalities in London had moderate or severe head injuries, rising to 80% for those killed on rural roads. The head injuries suffered ranged from fatal skull fractures and brain damage to minor concussion and cuts. These statistics show that head injuries play a significant part in the death and serious injury of cyclists. Have you sustained a serious injury while cycling? At IBB, our personal injury team, led by accredited brain injury lawyer, Malcolm Underhill, has the expertise and knowledge to advise and represent those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury and wish to claim compensation. To talk about how we might be able to help, please phone us on 0333 123 9099 or email us at enquiries@ibbclaims.co.uk
Know where to turn When life as you know it changes through accident, illness or clinical negligence, we can help you rebuild your life and plan for your future – and that of those you love. Call us to talk to our specialist personal injury solicitors about coping with change, rehabilitation options and enjoying life again.
0333 123 9099 ibbclaims.co.uk
Hobbies Hunters and Seekers, Sign Up Here
By Kate McLelland An unusual arts project launched in Scunthorpe this year has reflected the public’s growing passion for interactive games, particularly if they involve solving puzzles to reach a goal. Five gold artworks, with a value of at least £1,000 each, were hidden around the area and the clues to their location were encoded in paintings hanging at the town’s 20-21 Arts Centre. Everyone loves the idea of finding hidden treasure, but opportunities are not just limited to rare events like the Scunthorpe gold hunt. Today it’s possible to take part in well-organised hobbies that encourage you to use your skills to track down hidden items or find concealed information. Treasure HunTs If you’d like to try out a treasure hunt you can buy maps online that will give you the chance to explore an area in your own time, working alone or in a group. Many hunts offer you the chance to get to know an area better, learning facts and exploring places you would not normally visit. At London’s City Hunt (cityhunt.co.uk) you can download a free map to explore less well-known London areas
with intriguing histories, such as Blackfriars, Elephant and Castle and Bermondsey. Unfortunately there are no prizes involved the reward is simply enjoyment and knowledge - but City Hunt plans to run an annual, massparticipation event for which prizes will be awarded.
sign and date the log book, decide whether you want to swap any swag items, replace the cache exactly where you found it then record your visit online. The cache hider’s ‘reward’ is to read the online comments left by the players who find the box.
Large treasure hunts often reach the news. The 2012 Olympics was the backdrop to the biggest ever treasure hunt game, when 466 participants, all ambassadors for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, worked in 93 teams of five to follow clues hidden on either side of the river Thames.
The Geocache Association of Great Britain (gagb.co.uk) is a good source of information on all aspects of geocaching. It also holds a database of landowners who have given permission for geocache activities, so you can avoid the risk of trespassing.
GeocacHinG To get involved in geocaching you’ll need a sense of adventure, a GPS receiver (anything from a smartphone app to a standalone device costing several hundred pounds), access to the internet and some form of transport. A geocache is a small, waterproof box containing a logbook, a pencil and a few (usually) low value items known as ‘swag’. You should never remove a ‘swag’ item unless you replace it with something of equal or higher value. When you find a geocache, you must
If you enjoy following a trail and exploring new locations, not to mention the thrill of using your detective skills to find something that would otherwise remain hidden, then you’ll be well rewarded by these exciting outdoor hobbies. However you don’t always need the code-breaking skills of Alan Turing or the high-tech powers of GPS to find what you are looking for. On the Scunthorpe gold hunt Rachel Welch of Grimbsy beat the crowd to discover the first object. How did she do it? By ignoring the codes provided and relying solely on her powers of observation!
EST. 1985 EST. 1985
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Beauty
Five Minute Fixes by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk
Great results with minimum effort Nails Inc’s Gel One Coat polish delivers, as the saying goes, what it says on the tin. You get a glossy, gel-like finish, in just one coat. It lasts for ages, particularly if you have time to apply a base coat and top coat. Even on its own, it should stay chip free for a few days. Perfect for a quick pedicure to match your new summer sandals, Gel One Coat also contains biotin to help strengthen your nails. If you’re looking for a suits-all summery pink, try Portobello Mews. Exclusive to Marks and Spencer, Gel One Coat polishes cost £13 each. See www. marksandspencer.com. The phrase ‘flawless’ gets rather overused in the beauty industry, but in this case it really
is well-deserved. The Mineral Air Airbrush Foundation System sprays a light mist of foundation to give you an even, smooth base coverage in seconds. The foundation is mixed with air, so you only end up using a few drops, meaning skin doesn’t feel too suffocated. It is quite easy to overdo it, so you’ll want to aim to build up colour gradually. The full Mineral Air Airbrush Foundation System comes with a choice of seven shades of foundation and a liquid blush. At £114.99, it’s certainly not cheap, but at least you don’t need to use a separate primer or concealer. It’s exclusive to www.idealworld.tv.
One for the boys Lightly massage Green People’s Organic Homme 7 Active Fix Repair Serum around your face and neck, and under your eyes, for a wealth of benefits. Ingredients have been clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and firm skin. Rich in antioxidants, the serum helps to fight free radicals, so protects against aging. It also helps to hydrate the skin and absorbs easily, so doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy. The serum is suitable for all skin types, including those prone to irritation, acne, eczema and other skin complaints. It’s £17 from www.greenpeople.co.uk.
rewards from Murad’s Retinol Youth Renewal Serum pretty quickly nonetheless. 93% of testers saw a reduction in lines and wrinkles in just two weeks. It only takes a minute to massage the serum into your skin before bed each night. The retinol helps to boost cell renewal and freshen skin. I was really impressed with the results; my skin felt softer, plumper and less tired looking within just a few days. I have quite sensitive skin so can’t always use retinol creams, but this was gentle enough not to cause any irritation. (I did get a couple of spots in the first week, but they soon disappeared.) Cost £65 from www.murad.co.uk.
Natural skincare brand Optiat has recently brought out a new collection of clay masks. 100% natural, the masks are formulated with ingredients such as exfoliating organic hemp husks, kaolin clay, activated charcoal and essential oils. They only need to be left on for five minutes to give you a deep, gentle clean. Skin feels softer, smoother and fresher. See www.optiat.com. While it isn’t an instant fix, you’ll reap the
Inspirational Stories Tales of wartime, refugees and hardships overcome.
Behold the Dreamers - Imbolo Mbue Jende and Neni are firm believers in the American dream and know they can achieve a better life for themselves and their son. Jende works long hours as a chauffeur for the wealthy Clark Edwards and his family, while Neni does care work and studies to be a pharmacist. Then Jende is told his application for a green card has been rejected. As cracks also start appearing in the Edwards family’s lives, it seems the American dream may not be all Jende and Neni hoped for. Alone on a Wide Wide Sea - Michael Morpurgo Six year old Arthur is shipped off to Australia in 1947. He’s put to work on a farm and treated as little more than an unpaid servant. All he has left of his life in England is his lucky key, and memories of the big sister who stayed behind. Years later, Arthur builds a boat for his daughter Allie, to take her back to England and find his sister. A powerful story of what it means to be a family, Alone on a Wide Wide Sea is 10 years old this year. Why not lose yourself in Arthur’s story this summer?
The Girl Who Beat ISIS Farida Khalaf and Andrea C. Hoffmann ISIS kidnapped Farida Khalaf from her Northern Iraqi village in 2014. Beaten, raped and sold as a slave, the teenage Farida refused to bow down to her captors or to convert to their religion. After numerous attempts, and nearly being beaten to death, Farida eventually escaped with five other girls. Having been granted asylum in Germany, this is her harrowing tale as told to Andrea C. Hoffmann. Goodnight Mister Tom Michelle Magorian This classic tale tells the story of a cantankerous old man who takes in an evacuee in World War II Britain. Tom Oakley is gruff, reclusive and still grieving for the wife and son he lost so many years ago. His ward William has his own demons to battle, including an abusive mother. Together they learn to put the past behind them and trust in each other. When Will is summoned back to London and fails to keep in touch, Tom knows something’s wrong and sets off for the City to bring Will home.
The Nightingale - Kristin Hannah Two sisters in France at the start of World War II. One wants to keep her head down, wait for her husband to come home and keep her daughter safe. The other plans to do everything in her power to fight the enemy. Each will end up making her own contribution, resisting the Nazis and saving lives. As much a tale of sisters as it is of war, this is a truly powerful read that will haunt you for days afterwards. The Girl with Seven Names - Hyeonseo Lee Hyeonseo Lee gives us a glimpse into life in secretive and oppressive North Korea. She was raised in a country where the slightest sign of resistance against the government is punishable by torture or death. At 17, Hyeonseo fled to China, leaving behind her family, and wasn’t able to see them again for 12 years. She is now an advocate for refugees and speaks out about the plight of the people who still live in fear in North Korea. Her TED talk has been viewed 4 million times, by people across the world.
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History
The History of Hygiene By Catherine Rose
running with vermin and excrement.
We take for granted the availability of hot water on tap and the vast range of personal hygiene products available. But in the Middle Ages, things were a little different. Describing the flooring of medieval houses, the social critic Erasmus (1466-1536) said they “… are covered with rushes, occasionally renewed, but so imperfectly that the bottom layer is left undisturbed, sometimes for twenty years, harbouring expectoration, vomiting, the leakage of dogs and men, ale droppings, scraps of fish, and other abominations not fit to be mentioned.” Outside, conditions were worse. Our modern sewage system didn’t exist until Victorian times. In towns, waste from chamber pots kept under the bed was simply jettisoned out of the window to fall in the gutter below, unless you were lucky enough to be within spitting distance of an open cess pit. Pavements were generally built high and gutters would have been filthy places,
Seasonal baths were recommended by the monasteries but understandably, large quantities of hot water were difficult to come by without the plumbing we enjoy today. Public baths had a poor reputation and personal bathing was uncommon. When it took place, it was often in a wooden barrel with herbs added to the water. Personal hygiene amongst the nobility was better. Before dining, they would wash their hands in a stone basin called a laver (French for ‘to wash’). Castles also had garderobes or privy chambers – primitive toilets consisting of a stone or wooden bench with a hole cut in. Waste would fall into the moat below. The King had a servant specifically to wipe his bottom with the grand title of ‘The Groom of the King’s Close Stool’. The groom looked after the King’s personal commode and although it sounds like a grim job, it was a highly respected and trusted position. People didn’t change their clothing as often as we do today so body odour was disguised with perfume. Lice were commonplace – even wigs could become infested. Wealthy women carried nosegays to combat bad smells when outdoors.
Pomanders would be hung in the wardrobe to sweeten the smell of stale clothing. When clothes were washed, to remove stains, they were scrubbed with a mixture of urine, ashes and lye. Soapwort – a flower that lathers in water – was also used. Sanitary towels were washable rags filled with sphagnum moss, also known as blood moss and often used in battle for its absorbent properties. Teeth were cleaned with a cloth and a herbal abrasive, usually ashes of rosemary and mint or powdered sage, followed by a vinegar mouthwash. When toothache became unbearable, people visited the local barber who was also a minor surgeon, hence the barber’s traditional striped red and white pole which stands for blood and bandages. Following the widespread outbreak of the Black Death, Edward III passed a law to clean up ditches and waterways. Although it would be around 300 years before bacteria were discovered, the link between poor hygiene and the spread of the disease had been noticed. Since then, thankfully, we have become cleaner. Some argue we have gone too far the other way, and that a little dirt helps strengthen immunity – although I am sure that no one would want a return to the Middle Ages.
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China Pandas in Chengdu By Solange Hando
Only 1,000 giant pandas are believed to survive in the wilds of China, 80% of them in the south-west province of Sichuan where, in 1987, a Research and Breeding Centre for Giant Pandas was set up in a northern suburb of Chengdu. From the original six pandas rescued at the start of the programme, nearly 100 have been successfully bred, thus increasing the population without affecting those in the wild. Today this awardwinning centre is one of the best places in the world to see giant pandas in a semi-wild environment.
In this natural environment the pandas are not as pristine and white as their cuddly toy counterparts, but despite their somewhat muddy bottoms you can’t help falling in love with those big dark eyes that seem to look straight into your soul. Wander along the trails and you gaze in wonder as you see pandas eat, sleep or play in large enclosures and, if you’re lucky, you may get within feet of a bear. But most of the time they’re far too busy to take any notice, for there’s bamboo to munch, trees to climb and mates and cubs to socialise with.
Not surprisingly, the centre is a popular attraction for foreign and domestic tourists, including Chinese schoolchildren on their annual outing, but those in the know visit early in the morning to avoid tour groups and watch the pandas waking up, all set for their bamboo breakfast. It’s also a pleasant time to wander through the grounds, before the heat sets in, and enjoy over 100 hectares of greenery landscaped to resemble the bears’ natural habitat, with hills and lake, 400 species of trees and some 10,000 clumps of bamboo and bushes.
Besides the giant pandas, you’re almost sure to spot a few members of the red variety, much smaller and often going in pairs, sleeping in the trees, eating, lapping up water or just nosing around. Other rare breeds who found a home in Chengdu include black-necked cranes, white storks and golden monkeys who live alongside song birds, egrets, peacocks and swans.
Meanwhile the new-born pandas are cared for in the nursery, so tiny you can’t imagine they’ll ever grow into soft furry giants - but visitors
who don’t mind the extra cost can have a peep or even a cuddle. But it is all in a good cause for this is a non-profit organisation and all funds are reinvested into the project. Besides the adoption scheme, the centre raises extra funds through various activities and the sale of panda memorabilia in order to sustain its twofold ambition: conservation and education. Conservation involves studying the behaviour and specific needs of pandas and encouraging breeding, naturally or, if that fails, by artificial insemination. Increasing numbers, they say, is the key to survival and the time may come when some bears born in captivity could be released into the wild. On the other hand, education means raising awareness about the giant pandas’ plight, not only in the Chengdu Centre but also worldwide by working with a range of partners far beyond the borders. Having settled in Edinburgh in December 2011, Tian Tian and Yang Guang haven’t managed to breed just yet but they are doing well and remain the only giant pandas in the UK.
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The Wildlife Zone...FP (Jun17).qxp_Layout 1 19/05/2017 19:54 Page 1
THE WILDLIFE ZONE
NEWTS
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.
Common Newt below, courtesy of Warren Photographic
GARDEN pond fish lovers value their exotic breeds such as goldfish, koicarp and other colourful breeds. A group of salamanders, newts are often disliked, or ignored if they live there as well. However, in a wildlife garden pond we can see these creatures for exactly what they are – incredible animals that benefit humans beyond our everyday knowledge. I believe that if we understand them, we will appreciate them far more than we do at present. At the Millstream Fork wildlife garden ponds, we have the common newt rather than the rare species such as the palmate newt or the great crested newt which also lives in the British countryside. Contrary to the rarity value, most conservationists think that animal species are equal but different, and occupy a legitimate existence in the eco-system, each living in its own particular niche, or position. Therefore all creatures have a beauty, or ‘story’ which can be interesting. However, this perspective cannot readily be seen by some people if the perjorative word ‘common’ is used for its name, as it conjures up notions of ‘little or no value’. It is often surprising for people that some species of newt are very helpful to humans even though they have been studied by scientists for decades. Newts studied in laboratories regularly regenerate their eye lenses, once they have been worn out or damaged. Regeneration of body parts is not completely new in the animal world, as other animals do this to live a natural lifestyle once more. For them it is like a human growing hair or fingernails. But the newts eye regrowth is unique in the natural history world. If a newt became partially sighted or even blind, then its chances of living a full life would become almost zero. Therefore nature has allowed the newt to re-grow its eye lenses with its innate biology that scientists call ‘genetic epistomology’. Moreover, the new lenses are not just compensations, but are the real thing and are really as good as the originals. Newts studied in laboratories have lived up to 30 years old, 5 years longer than their wild living counterparts. This is probably also due to a full, healthy diet, lack of disease and being free from predation. Despite this extra longevity, those newts re-grew their lenses perfectly well enough towards the end of their lives as much as they did in their youth. This is how newts have become useful to humans with eyesight problems, especially in a generation where longevity has increased so much, and when the problems cause by aging are important. When I see my newts in the pond, I think of these things and also admire the natural abilities of this small animal. They give me great pleasure simply by being alive, although I do not think that they appreciate me as much! Why should they? They have more important things, such as survival, eating, procreation and avoiding predators. Recently when I had to take out some of the algae and weed that was choking the pond, I carefully placed the plants on the edging stones. This allows all of the tiny water insects and fry to climb back into the pond and survive. So my advice is not to throw any excess water plants away immediately, but to shelve it on the side of the pond for at least a couple of days. As I randomly drew out clumps of weed I counted at least 6 baby newts of different lengths. This was great news. (Well at least for me, I’m not sure if the baby newts agreed with it.) This is because it shows that after more than two decades, the colony is well established and annually breeding. I wondered that if I could accidentally draw out so many baby newts without any effort whatsoever, how many were left in such a large and deep pond? I will never know the answer, as the numbers will vary from year to year. But my hopeful answer is that there ought to be hundreds of them. If this is the case, many should return to breed for many years to come. Others will move on to other ponds in other gardens, whilst the majority will enter the eco-system by breeding on insects but will also come prey to other animals living higher up in the food chain. Newts are amongst the most threatened groups of animals in the world and could face extermination because of the Chytridiomycosis fungus that is sweeping the planet. Many amphibians are in danger as they could get this disease when animals are transferred into their ponds without careful protective consideration. Therefore as this fungus will transfer from one infected newcomer to all of the fungus free residents, it is best to protect what you have first, otherwise it is possible to yearn for the best, but end up with the worst case scenario. This fungus leaps from one wet skinned animal to another and so affects amphibians in particular. Scientists are still debating what has caused this dreadful fungus to become so immediately virulent and lethal. One answer is that Global Warming means higher temperatures, which has allowed this fungus to proliferate. Now it is too late to put this ‘genie back in the bottle’ as it has already destroyed a number of species such as the Golden Frog. I would still fancy having a rare species of newt in my pond, such as the great crested newt, although it is not actually important. However, if my own colony of newts that have been with me for a quarter of a century, died out then I would feel cheated, especially if it was by caused by this horrible fungus. My imagination soars, and I still love the shape and design of newts. Perhaps this is because newts seem to belong from the age of the dinosaur, living in swamps, ponds and lakes.
The charities’ contact details are www.ffes.org.uk email: info@ffes.org.uk
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Bolognese Meatballs
Serves 4
Ready in 50 minutes
These delicious homemade meatballs are flavoured with basil and oregano then cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Serve with spaghetti for a classic Italian supper, or for a change pile on top of boiled rice or steamed couscous.
Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
400g lean minced beef 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil 1 tsp dried oregano 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp virgin olive oil 500g carton passatta (sieved tomatoes) 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato paste 1 tsp sugar 400g spaghetti Freshly grated Parmesan, to serve Fresh basil sprigs, to garnish
TIP
Give the meatballs extra flavour by adding some chopped black olives, 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese or 2 tsp drained and rinsed baby capers.
Put the mince, basil and oregano into a food processor or blender with half the chopped onion and half the crushed garlic. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then process until almost smooth. Divide and shape the mince mixture into about 28 small meatballs. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning frequently until browned all over. Remove the meatballs from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the rest of the onion and garlic to the pan and fry for 5 minutes. Pour in the passatta and add the sundried tomato paste and sugar. Bring to the boil. Return the meatballs to the pan and stir in 150ml water. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding a little more water if necessary. Season to taste. Cook the spaghetti in a large pan of lightly salted water for 12 to 14 minutes or according to the packet instructions. Drain well. Serve the meatballs and sauce with the spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs.
Ashford Kitchens DPS (May17).qxp_London Timber Bulidings (Apr17) 21/04/2017 14:52 Page 3
Wimbledon Fortnight FP+ (Jun17).qxp_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 19/05/2017 16:48 Page 1
Wimbledon Fortnight
The game was very popular with French royalty and it was they who introduced it to the rest of Europe. In 1414 Henry V received a gift of tennis balls from the future king of France, Charles Vll. Henry then initiated the tradition of aristocratic play in Britain. Early players hit the balls with their bare hands but soon large gloves were preferred, and by the early 16th century short-handled racquets had appeared.
The first world tennis championships were held in the mid 18th century and was recognisably the game we know today, played in an enclosed court. The rules were different though as the ball was allowed to bounce off a wall.
WIMBLEDON fortnight may be as British as summer rain but it originated across the English Channel. It derives from a French handball game called jeu de paume, or ‘game of the palm’ which was played in the 12th century in French Monasteries. Even the name derives from the French expression ‘tenez-vous prêt, which means ‘get ready’ and was called by the player about the serve the ball. The game was first recorded in English as ‘tenetz’, by the poet John Gower in 1399.
Two inventions transformed the game: the first was the invention of the rubber ball, which could bounce on grass, and the second was the lawnmower and roller, which allowed a smooth outdoor surface to be created. By the mid 19th century tennis was being played regularly on grass, and at the same time more powerful racquets with longer handles were produced. The first lawn tennis club was founded in 1872 in Leamington, Warwickshire. In 1875 J. M. Heathcote asked his wife to cover a ball in flannel to make it easier to hit on wet grass. His idea was a success and quickly caught on. Lawn tennis became increasingly popular and the management of The All-England Croquet Club, at Wimbledon in London, was persuaded to set aside one of their lawns for the game. In 1877 it changed its name to the All-England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club and organised the first Wimbledon Tennis Championships. There were 22 entrants, all men and the winner was Spencer Gore. A separate women’s championship ran for the first time in 1884 and was won by Maud Watson.
ts of cream, 60,000 pin berries, 7,000 litres aw str of s kilo . 0 on 00 led ry year about 27, tors during Wimb Wimbledon Fact : Eve consumed by specta s of Champagne are ttle bo 0 00 14, d an of Pimms
Trooping the Colour FP+ (Jun17).qxp_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 19/05/2017 18:13 Page 1
colour TROOPING THE
THE custom of Trooping the Colour dates back to the time of Charles II in the 17th. Although I know about the parades which mark the Queen’s official birthday I have never really known what the phrase ‘Trooping the Colour’ actually means. In fact The Colours carry upon them all the battle honours of a Regiment and as such have major significance for each and every soldier serving in that Regiment. In olden days they were hung outside the Battalion or Regimental headquarters after a good day's battle, so The Colours identified their headquarters. They were carried into battle so that in the fog of war, if a soldier was lost, he knew to search for the colours to locate the rest of his Regiment. Hence each day The Colours were trooped in front of the soldiers to make sure that they would always recognise them. In London, the Foot Guards used to do this as part of their daily Guard Mounting on Horse Guards and the modern Trooping the Colour parade is along similar lines. The Grenadier Guards first began to mark The Sovereign’s Official Birthday under the reign of Charles ll in 1748. When George III became King in 1760, it was ordered that parades should mark the King's Birthday. With only a few breaks, most notably for the two World Wars, The trooping of the Colours has been an annual event since.
The impressive ceremony is now held on the occasion of our own Queen's Official Birthday. The precise date varies but it takes place in June. It is carried out by her personal troops, the Household Division, on Horse Guards Parade, with the Queen herself attending and taking the salute. The Queen used to ride her own horse, side saddle, wearing the uniform of the regiment whose colour was being trooped. Since 1987, she has attended in a carriage. Regiments take their turn for this honour in rotation depending on their operational commitments. Over 1000 officers and men, and 200 horses take part in the parade, together with 200 musicians from six bands and corps of drums. The parade route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again. As the clock on the Horse Guards Building strikes 11am, the Royal Procession arrives and The Queen takes the Royal Salute. The parade begins with the Inspection, The Queen driving slowly down the ranks of all six Guards and then past the Household Cavalry. After the event, the Royal Family gathers on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch an RAF flypast.
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Face-Agram Or Instabook? The Mature User’s Guide To Social Media
by Kate McLelland
Nowadays grandparents are proving a match for their grandchildren when it comes to posting comments and uploading photos to social networking sites such as Facebook. Social media’s fastest growing demographic is older users. When the seniors’ website silversurfers.com recently surveyed over three thousand of its members, it found that 81% of the sample checked their Facebook accounts more than once a day. But what if you haven’t yet ventured into social networking? How do you know where to start? These days, when everyone’s talking about ‘tweeting’, and ‘DMs’, or information appearing in ‘timelines’ or on ‘walls’, it’s hard to admit that you haven’t a clue about how it all works. If you’ve always wanted to dip your toe into the social networking pool - but fear you’ll drown in a sea of unfamiliar terms and bizarre practices - here’s a quick guide to three of the most popular platforms: Facebook According to silversurfers. com, Facebook is the
platform of choice for the over-50s. Many older users believe that they will get even more value from the site as they grow older. What is Facebook? It’s a free social networking website that allows registered users to create profiles, upload videos and images and send messages. You can find out what your friends are doing through a newsfeed, ‘like’ and publicly comment on items they have posted on their profiles, or contact them using a direct message (DM) only seen by the recipient. Facebook is the most popular of all social media platforms, so it’s very likely you’ll find someone you know there. On the downside, the site has been criticised for invasive advertising and for being vulnerable to hacking attacks and scams. It has also been accused of causing envy. When you see pictures of a party you weren’t invited to, or you watch your friends enjoying a holiday you could never afford, it may be hard to grit your teeth and press
the ‘Like’ button. TWiTTer According to statistics portal Statista, 27% of Twitter users in the UK are aged 45 and over. High profile ‘mature’ users include Donald Trump and Stephen Fry, both of whom have enjoyed a rather volatile relationship with the service. What is Twitter? Twitter is a free-to-use online news and social networking channel where users post and interact with short messages known as ‘tweets’. These messages are restricted to 140 characters, so Twitter probably won’t work for you if you’re the sort of person who likes to send longwinded ‘catch-up’ letters in Christmas cards. Tweeting is a great way to broadcast an opinion and connect with friends’ opinions. It’s also a shortcut method of finding what the public is thinking on any particular subject. Twitter uses a hashtag (#) indexing system, so you can find particular topics quickly and easily – for example #midlifecrisis will lead you to
the latest comments related to that subject.
or tablet. As soon as you post a photo or video on Instagram, it is displayed on your profile, and anyone who follows you will also see your posts in their own news feed. Likewise, you’ll see posts from the users you choose to follow.
app on iPhone and Android phones; because Instagram has been created for mobile users, it phone and tablet doesn’t work as well on a standard computer or laptop.
The downside is that it’s not really designed as a messaging service. The brevity of the ‘tweet’ – at approximately 30 words – means that you need to be skilled at condensing your message into a short, pithy sentence. insTagram Instagram is the fastest growing social media network. It is currently more popular with the younger generation, but there are signs that older users are starting to catch on. What is instagram? Instagram is a social networking app created so users can share photos and videos from a smartphone
It’s a simplified version of Facebook, but with an emphasis on mobile use and visual sharing. You can comment, ‘like’, tag people in photos, send private messages and post an image simultaneously on other social media sites where you have a profile. Instagram is a quick and easy way to show the world where you are and what you’re doing. On the negative side, you and your friends will only be able to use this
If you’re still feeling confused about which platform to choose, don’t worry. Simply ask around to find out which sites your friends and relatives use. That way, if you have any problems finding your way around, you’ll always have someone to help.
At first social media may feel like an alien world with its own particular language but once you’ve started, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. Before long you’ll be posting like a pro … or maybe even tweeting like a Trump?
Driving Miss Daisy FP+ (Jun17).qxp_Driving Miss Daisy FP (Jun17) 19/05/2017 20:18 Page 1
K
aren Carr and her bright blue ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ vehicle are already becoming a familiar sight around the local area, since she became a franchisee in March this year. Karen, who has spent over 35 years working in the social care sector and being involved in the support of people with a learning disability, autism and mental health, took the decision to run her own business and hasn’t looked back since. In her own words, this franchise literally can change people lives and I really wanted an opportunity that could take me away from the management role that I had progressively moved into and back to doing what I love, being with people, helping them and making a difference.
The unique service Karen and ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ offer allows vulnerable people, such as those with disabilities and the elderly to remain independent by getting out and about safely and comfortably. Whether they need to get to a local appointment, go shopping, get to a club, or visits to relatives and friends anywhere in the country, Driving Miss Daisy can help. Whilst prices are broadly similar to traditional taxi services, this is a completely different service that takes responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of the person from the moment they are collected to the moment they are taken back home again. If customers would like to be accompanied around the shops or simply have a cup of coffee and a chat at home. Karen is happy to do that.
Your Local Companion
DRIVING SERVICE The business with a heart The social aspect of the service is just as important as the getting from A to B. Appointments are never booked back to back, so customers are reassured that they won’t feel rushed. Being too slow is often a real concern for the elderly or those with disabilities and can stop them wanting to use taxi services. Karen’s Driving Miss Daisy car is designed to make getting in and out as easy as possible for those with mobility issues and can accommodate a wheelchair or small scooter in the back. In addition to her years’ of experience and love of working with people, Karen is H&S trained, DBS checked, First Aid trained, a Dementia Friend and Fully Licensed. Relatives and friends can feel totally confident and comfortable that their loved ones are in safe and caring hands. This service offers people real independence as they no longer
need to rely on friends and family to take them out and about. Karen can take you wherever you need to go, whether that’s medical appointments, shopping, visiting friends, the airport, or maybe you simply want to go for a drive, a trip to the coast or a stately home, it’s like driving with a friend! She can even transport your children to school or to after-school activities if you are working. Every customer is met at the door and delivered safely back. Karen always ensures customers are back indoors or at their final destination before she leaves. Reliability is paramount; therefore it is a pre-booked service. Karen will ring to confirm pick up time and guarantee that she’ll be on time. Should she be held up for any reason, she will always call to let you know. The aim is to provide a completely reliable and trustworthy service that gives each of her clients the opportunity to live the life they choose, by helping them to remain mobile, encouraging social interaction and providing companionship.
If you would like to speak to Karen about this unique service, please call 07825 162503, do leave a message as she might driving. She will happily talk to you about your particular needs or even pop along for an informal chat.
We’re family when family can’t be there
Companion and driving service We are flexible and able to adapt our services to meet the individual needs of older people, children, people with autism or learning disabilities, as well as those with physical disabilities or other health needs... we can even take your pet to the vet! • Shopping or running errands (we can do multiple stops) • Hospital, medical or physiotherapy appointments • Weddings, funerals or other family events • Visiting friends • Trips out - we can take you out for a couple of hours or a whole day • Anywhere you might want to go
Book your journey
0333 014 6211
www.drivingmissdaisy.co.uk
DBS Checked Fully Licensed First-Aid trained Dementia Friend
(Independently owned and operated franchise business)
Home & Interiors
The Art of Display
By Katherine Sorrell
effective display. For serious collectors, carefully positioned ceilingmounted spotlights are the ideal solution, but if you experiment with an adjustable lamp you may well be able to provide a more informal (and much cheaper) quick fix for a simple domestic display. Think about where the light comes from: directly above, behind (for a dramatic silhouette) or from the front, and how ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ the bulb should be in order to enhance colour and texture. Would you like to create displays of your treasured possessions that show them off to their finest advantage? Our top ten tips are sure to help. 1 Consider what you are displaying, whether it is sturdy or fragile, valuable or everyday. Do you wish to admire it from afar and protect it from sun, dust or accidental damage? Or are you happy for it to be close to hand and perhaps picked up at will? You may find you can manage with a display on a mantelpiece, shelf or table top, or you may wish to invest in a specially designed cabinet, case or stand. If you opt for specialist display furniture, whether that is a former shop fitting or a set of glass shelves, choose pieces that complement the style and proportions of your home. 2 Good lighting makes all the difference to an
3 Group objects together and they can be much more than the sum of their parts. Even the most unprepossessing of objects carries a certain weight when displayed in a group, and this sort of display is also ideal if some of the pieces are not exactly perfect, or if the items are not of great individual value or importance. A group display may consist of almost anything: a series of Delftware plates or tiles, a dozen framed silk headscarves, pebbles in graduating sizes, mirrored baubles, wooden shoe lasts, a row of modern chairs in sorbet shades…you can have great fun with almost anything you decide to gather together. 4 Displays of identical pairs of objects are probably the most simple, and often the most visually powerful, of all. Whether it’s a pair of silver candlesticks or
two raffia-wrapped lamps, there’s something extremely pleasing about this mirroring and doubling. The only catch is that you must ensure your objects are placed evenly and symmetrically. If you’re not confident about judging by eye, there’s nothing wrong with using a tape measure! 5 When choosing a group of different objects to display, look for ways in which they will work together, whether by colour, size, shape, texture or proportion. It is important to have something that creates coherence, and don’t forget that what you leave out can be as important as what you put in. However much you love them, some objects may simply not fit well into the group. 6 Every time you display more than one object, you need to make a decision whether to opt for symmetry or asymmetry. It depends partly on the items you have and partly on your home and personal taste. Symmetrical displays tend to appear more classical, considered and refined, and suit traditional rooms; the Georgian period, for example, tended to emphasise the rules of symmetry. Asymmetry, on the other hand, is ideal for making an impact in a contemporary space, and can seem more spontaneous and intuitive. 7 Less can often be more, and a great way to make
an impact with a display is by showing off a single, fabulous, huge object. Bear in mind that a large item needs space around it in which to ‘breathe’, so ensure it doesn’t overwhelm its surroundings by giving it plenty of wall, floor, cabinet or shelf space, and don’t place furniture too close.
thought of displaying large groups of paintings, prints or flat objects on a wall. Start by laying your potential group on the floor and assessing how well the elements cohere. Choose the piece that you wish to be most prominent, then surround it with pieces that work well alongside it, perhaps making a larger rectangle of the group, or else setting a consistent line along one side, the top or the bottom.
8 Small objects can be lost among the general furnishings of most rooms, so be particularly careful about how you display them. Try to ‘frame’ them within their surroundings – maybe in a specially designed cabinet or niche, on a side table rather than a coffee table, or on a plinth rather than a long, wide shelf, and they will demand an appreciative glance and a closer look. 9 Don’t be daunted by the
10 Finally, stand right back and get an overview of your final display. Does it need tweaking? Don’t be afraid to experiment and change things around. Whatever your choice of objects and however you have arranged them, try not to make the finished result overly formal or perfect. This is, after all,
your home and not a gallery, and the only important thing is that you absolutely love what’s around you.
Left Image: Ebony glazed display cabinet, £668.25, Alexander & Pearl: 020 8508 0411; www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk Right Image: Pastel lustre vases (set of three), £39.95, MiaFleur: 0116 298 6393; www.miafleur.com
E C
Fathers Day FP+ (Jun17).qxp_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 19/05/2017 15:52 Page 1
Finance World’s Best Dad!
By Ann Haldon
Different Types Of Holiday Insurance: Are You Fully Covered? Why do we have Fathers’ Day? which might be suitable for you?
is expensive, so you’ll need to pay more to cover it against loss or theft.
Gap year/backpackers’ Single trip/ insurance annual or multi Backpackers’ insurance trip provides cover for an extended If you only length of time away from intend to take home, but there may be certain one break limitations specified in the during a 12policy, for example the number month period, of times you can return to the There is evidence that a Babylonian boy named Elmesu, a single trip UK. greeting on a clay tablet 4000 years insurance carved some sort ofinsurance Buying holiday policy would be the most costThere could also be restrictions agocan wishing his father and long life, but I don’t sometimes takehealth a back effective choice as long as it on returning home before the think wewhen can you’re say Fathers’ Day started there - mostly seat planning everything you need. So she began a campaign, and the firstso Fathers’ stated period ends, it’s Day because that’s pretty it for the covers evidence until to get away. It’s an much important Annual or multi trip was insurance held on Juneimportant 19th (her father’s birthday) in 1910. to check the details investment your health about 100 yearsinago. is more suitable if you’re It grewgoing in popularity and intype 1966, President Lyndon with this of policy. Unlike and safety, however, offering The most common theory about modernaway Fathers’ Daythan is more once a year,signed aannual Johnson proclamation declaring insurance where that you the protection andinreassurance if one particular that it originated the US, and with lady, there’s usually athird maximum Sunday in June be Fathers’ Day. trips canwould go away for several something goes wrong whenShe feltbut a Mrs. Sonora Louise Smart Dodd. that just asduration we allowable which is during a 12-month period, you’re a long way from home. should do90 thedays. Now the waters become murky. How did Fathers’ dedicate a special day to mothers, so wegenerally year backpackers’ Day make the leapgap across theand Atlantic? No-one seems Theforcost of holiday insurance same fathers. It meant a lot to her, because she and insurance covers one extended European/worldwide travel to know, but it’s likely that – in the manner of other on araised number of factors herdepends siblings were in a loving holiday break. seeped into the The expense of repatriating American traditions - it gradually including your age, the length manner by her own father travellers from countries FamilyGreetings policies cards manufacBritish consciousness. of her timemother you’ll be away, whether after died outside Europe, or obtaining turers definitely played their part policies though. Never ones or not you’re travelling alone, in childbirth. Family travel generally medical treatment intothe USA miss a trick, they beganallproducing cards and we and the types of activity on the require those included on for example, is verybought high. them. It seems that in the UK, Fathers’ Day agenda. the policy to live at the same Insurance companies have to really took off in the 1970s and but, unlike US, it’s address, can beinathe cheaper A comprehensive ‘standard’ take this into account when never been declared an ‘official’ day. option than insuring each family policy generally covers the pricing their policies, so if member individually. Some traditions go it’s a nice one. The role of dads following, although policies do you’re only travellingStill, to as Europe offer higher ratestake of on vary: has changed in a generation. Most now the cost should be lower than a lotinsurers cover,oforchildcare even freeand insurance are much • Holiday cancellation or for worldwide travel.a substantial amount for children under a certain age. more hands-on than their own dads were. missed departure. Take care to check whether a Research shows that dads who are involved Group travel • Theft. specified number of days are in day-to-day childcare are key figures in Groups such as work mentioned in the policy. Your • Medical assistance. helping their children stag develop good selfcolleagues, and hen insurance will be invalid if you esteem andparties, self-confidence. Their rough-play • Emergency repatriation. or school trips, where exceed this number, and you everyone travels to and fromand helps children learn a sense of control • Baggage loss or delay. won’t be eligible to make any the same place, use independence. Crucially, dadscan who getgroup involtype of claim. • Other lost or damaged items. insurance to saveare money. ved whentravel their children are young, much Winter/extreme sports • Personal injury. Some insurance companies more likely to stay involved and in touch A ‘standard’ holiday insuranceif their marriage offer onebreaks member of the group down. • Cover for damage caused policy usually contains free insurance as an incentive. by you or a member of your exclusion clauses relating to Dads are important, so let yours know group. Over 65s how much you love him this Fathers’ winter or extreme sports due So what other types of holiday to the additional risk of injury. Day. Many insurers charge higher premiums as you get older, with insurance are available, and Also, winter sports equipment AT a social gathering recently someone mentioned Fathers’ Day and immediately there was a chorus of, ‘Made up day!’ and ‘Invented by greeting card companies!’ That seemed to be the general consensus, but I got to wondering whether Fathers’ Day really was just the product of a boardroom meeting at Hallmark, so I set out to investigate.
by Sarah Davey
some unwilling to provide cover for anyone over the age of 65. This is due to the increased risk of poor health, but there are some companies that offer holiday insurance specifically for this age group. You’ll probably pay a higher premium, however, as it is viewed as ‘specialist’ insurance. Golf insurance Although insurers perceive golf as a low risk sport, high value equipment means that a golfing holiday will need specialist insurance for potential loss, damage or theft of golf clubs and other items. Cover for green fees, should you be unable to play due to illness or other situations such as adverse weather conditions, may also be included. Cruise holidays Although you might expect a standard comprehensive insurance policy would provide
all you need for cruising, this type of holiday introduces specific risks that wouldn’t exist on a ‘traditional’ holiday. These include cover for missing a port or destination on the itinerary, due to bad weather or poor timetabling by the cruise company. Other situations include being confined to your cabin because of sickness on-board ship, or missing an excursion that you’ve already paid for due to illness. Caravanning holidays When you take a caravan abroad, or even in this country, you’ll need to insure it in addition to your car. Some insurers offer increased protection for larger units, or for destinations further afield than Europe. Pre-existing medical conditions If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you might be
tempted to take a chance with your holiday insurance and not disclose it. This can prove to be a very expensive mistake, however, as the cost of repatriation is extremely high. Fortunately, some insurance companies offer policies for those already suffering from a health condition. Although it will be more costly than buying a standard policy, it’s impossible to put a price on peace of mind while you’re away. www.moneysupermarket.com/ travel-insurance/policy-types/ www.comparethemarket.com/ travel-insurance/cruise/ www.travelsupermarket.com/engb/travel-insurance/medicalconditions/ www.askfinancially.co.uk/ travelinsurance/types-holiday.htm www.caravanclub.co.uk/ insurance/overseas-holidayinsurance/types-of-cover/
National Care Home
Ope n Day
CARING COMMUNITIES
BIG BBQJune Friday 16th
Come and visit our home!
from 2pm onwards
Here at Buckingham House, we are proud of our home and community. We would like to invite you to come and spend some time with us, meet our residents and staff and discover what our home is all about!
Come and join us for Afternoon Tea
...and a chance to meet our residents & staff and hear their stories.
All ages welcome, so come and enjoy the day! We are a part of your community... ...and we want you to be a part of ours!
Buckingham House
Tel: 01753 468200
Off Oxford Road, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL9 7DP
buckingham.house@mmcg.co.uk
Care Home
or email us at
For more information visit www.carehomeopenday.org.uk
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London Timber Buildings DPS (Apr17).qxp_London Timber Bulidings (Apr17) 30/03/2017 13:08 Page 2
And Another Thing...
Tom and the Monkey Wrench by Tom Hughes @groomsdaybook
I drained my cocoa, turned off the bedside lamp and lay prostrate to await the Sandman’s dusty grip. Judging from the rhythmic breathing emanating from Sarah (My Dearly Beloved), I guessed she might already be far away in the Land of Nod. I was just about to begin my ritual slow motion leg flailing to avoid the cold spot when I heard it. Drip, drip…drip. That blasted pipe under the bathroom sink again. I prayed to the plumbing gods for it to stop. But no matter, Sarah was definitely asleep - or maybe not: “Tom can you hear that? Tom? Tom?” (Shove) “Mmmm…” “Don’t pretend you’re asleep. I told you to get that tap fixed. Did you ring Billy the Pipe?” Wrinkling my nose I buried my face into the pillow, pretending that I’d temporarily awoken, only to plunge back into the inky
depths of slumber. “I’ll ring Billy tomorrow, I’m sure he’ll err…mmm…” Then, disaster - the duvet was flung over me like a massive folded omelette and out she went. Now doubly insulated, I squirmed under further, trying to make myself invisible. Through the endless folds of Egyptian cotton I could hear rummaging and shoving. But this was not Lady rummaging (clothes, dishcloths, bag of lipsticks) - this was Man rummaging (metal, wood and screws!). It was against the natural order of things, it was wrong. And then, horror of horrors - I heard banging! Banging? A woman doing man’s work. Humiliation heaped upon shame, I padded out to the bathroom where I stood rubbing my eyes and hovering as Sarah, with only her hind quarters visible, cussed and tutted under the sink. Desperately, I tried to formulate a sentence
that would avoid annoying this virgin plumber. “Err, shall I fetch a torch darling?” “You can fetch me a plumber.” Testosterone taking over, I decided to wrest control. “Here, let me see.” Sarah withdrew angrily and, with less than sincere gesticulations, invited me to investigate. “Go on then, let’s get an expert opinion shall we?” Using my iPhone torch, I peered up at the tangle of copper pipes and fittings that looked more like a modern art installation than a method of carrying water to a tap. Gingerly, I massaged the offending joint as a teardrop of water enveloped my finger. “Pass me the monkey wrench.” I commanded. Sarah burst out laughing. “Monkey wrench? Where do you think you are? Screwfix?” Extracting myself from the
cabinet I strode downstairs, through the kitchen and into the garage to locate my tool bag. If a job’s worth doing, etc. etc. Opening my bag of man implements I found: some used sand paper, an old biscuit tin full of nails, a toffee hammer, a fountain pen, a packet of tiny screwdrivers and - yes! Unbelievably, the one thing I needed. Triumphant, I bounded back upstairs to attend to my emergency DIY. I clamped my implement onto the offending nut. I pressed and I turned this way and that. Nothing.
“That’s your Auntie Rita’s nut cracker. She’s been asking about it since the Christmas before last. You looked me in the eye and swore blind you didn’t know where it was. You fibber!”
slippers. “Tom! Right that’s it, ring that emergency number - now!”
Eventually Sarah tapped me on the shoulder. “Tom, what on earth is that?” “My monkey wrench.”
“Well she won’t miss it, Uncle Willy’s loaded.” “That’s not the point! Anyway, what possible use is that?” “Well, that thing under there is a nut isn’t it?” “Listen mate, there’s only one nut in this bathroom.” And with that, the dripping stopped. There, sorted. Unfortunately the dripping was replaced by a hiss and then a jet of pressured water that began soaking my
“At three o’clock in the morning? How much will that cost?” “A lot less than a divorce.” Two hours later a proper man in overalls stepped over the pots and pans and in a jiffy resolved the issue. Tired, wet and £135 poorer I retired to bed, joined by Sarah holding Auntie Rita’s prized possession. “Why have you still got hold of those? There’s no nuts need cracking in here.” Clicking the grips together Sarah replied, “Don’t be so sure Thomas, don’t be so sure.”
Who Let the Dogs Out FP+ (Jun17).qxp_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 19/05/2017 17:29 Page 1
by Tracey Anderson
Who Let the Dogs Out? Responsible Dog Ownership IT’S summer. We’re more likely to head to the park with the family dog. We’re also more likely to leave doors open so our beloved pet might sneak out. Every year many much-loved family pets run off and are never found, or they are hit by cars, killed or injured. And every year there are news stories about dogs getting out of their homes or gardens and attacking a passerby. How should we reduce the risk of our dog becoming lost, causing a nuisance or posing a risk to the general public. NEUTER Neutering prevents dogs reproducing. The operation is routine and carried out under general anaesthetic. But as well as preventing unwanted puppies, neutering tends to produce calmer, less territorial behaviour in males. They are less likely to wander off in search of female dogs ’in season’. In females it avoids the messy inconvenience of ‘seasons’ and prevents womb infections, which can prove fatal. Male dogs can be neutered any time from four months old. Female dogs can be spayed before their first season though some people prefer to leave it until three months after. Discuss this with your vet. The Dogs Trust runs a subsidised neutering campaign in several areas of the country. Check out their website at www.dogstrust.org.uk MICROCHIP This is the best way to ensure that if your dog goes missing, he is returned to you. Each microchip has its own unique ID number plus the name of the dog’s owners and a contact number. The tiny chip is inserted under the dog’s skin, between his shoulder blades.
There are many good dog training clubs around. Choose one which encourages the use of kindness and positive reinforcement. The Kennel Club run the UK’s largest dog training programme, known as the Good Citizen Dog Scheme. It starts at puppy foundation level and from there you can progress through bronze, silver and gold awards (see www.thekennelclub. org.uk). EXERCISE This is really important. A dog needs a chance to stretch his legs and explore his environment on a daily basis. A properly exercised dog is also less likely to wander.
If the dog escapes, the police, a vet or a dog warden can scan him and reunite him with his family.
If you work, think about employing a dog-walker. Make sure they’re police-checked and insured, and ask for references.
TRAIN A well trained dog is a happy dog, and much nicer to live with than an untrained one!
Be a responsible owner and your dog will thank you.
Finance
By Ann Haldon
Different Types Of Holiday Insurance: Are You Fully Covered?
which might be suitable for you?
Buying holiday insurance can sometimes take a back seat when you’re planning to get away. It’s an important investment in your health and safety, however, offering protection and reassurance if something goes wrong when you’re a long way from home. The cost of holiday insurance depends on a number of factors including your age, the length of time you’ll be away, whether or not you’re travelling alone, and the types of activity on the agenda. A comprehensive ‘standard’ policy generally covers the following, although policies do vary: • Holiday cancellation or missed departure. • Theft. • Medical assistance. • Emergency repatriation. • Baggage loss or delay. • Other lost or damaged items. • Personal injury. • Cover for damage caused by you or a member of your group. So what other types of holiday insurance are available, and
Single trip/ annual or multi trip If you only intend to take one break during a 12month period, a single trip insurance policy would be the most costeffective choice as long as it covers everything you need. Annual or multi trip insurance is more suitable if you’re going away more than once a year, but there’s usually a maximum allowable duration which is generally 90 days. European/worldwide travel The expense of repatriating travellers from countries outside Europe, or obtaining medical treatment in the USA for example, is very high. Insurance companies have to take this into account when pricing their policies, so if you’re only travelling to Europe the cost should be lower than for worldwide travel. Take care to check whether a specified number of days are mentioned in the policy. Your insurance will be invalid if you exceed this number, and you won’t be eligible to make any type of claim. Winter/extreme sports A ‘standard’ holiday insurance policy usually contains exclusion clauses relating to winter or extreme sports due to the additional risk of injury. Also, winter sports equipment
is expensive, so you’ll need to pay more to cover it against loss or theft. Gap year/backpackers’ insurance Backpackers’ insurance provides cover for an extended length of time away from home, but there may be certain limitations specified in the policy, for example the number of times you can return to the UK. There could also be restrictions on returning home before the stated period ends, so it’s important to check the details with this type of policy. Unlike annual insurance where you can go away for several trips during a 12-month period, gap year and backpackers’ insurance covers one extended holiday break. Family policies Family travel policies generally require all those included on the policy to live at the same address, and can be a cheaper option than insuring each family member individually. Some insurers offer higher rates of cover, or even free insurance for children under a certain age. Group travel Groups such as work colleagues, stag and hen parties, or school trips, where everyone travels to and from the same place, can use group travel insurance to save money. Some insurance companies offer one member of the group free insurance as an incentive. Over 65s Many insurers charge higher premiums as you get older, with
some unwilling to provide cover for anyone over the age of 65. This is due to the increased risk of poor health, but there are some companies that offer holiday insurance specifically for this age group. You’ll probably pay a higher premium, however, as it is viewed as ‘specialist’ insurance. Golf insurance Although insurers perceive golf as a low risk sport, high value equipment means that a golfing holiday will need specialist insurance for potential loss, damage or theft of golf clubs and other items. Cover for green fees, should you be unable to play due to illness or other situations such as adverse weather conditions, may also be included. Cruise holidays Although you might expect a standard comprehensive insurance policy would provide
all you need for cruising, this type of holiday introduces specific risks that wouldn’t exist on a ‘traditional’ holiday.
These include cover for missing a port or destination on the itinerary, due to bad weather or poor timetabling by the cruise company. Other situations include being confined to your cabin because of sickness on-board ship, or missing an excursion that you’ve already paid for due to illness. Caravanning holidays When you take a caravan abroad, or even in this country, you’ll need to insure it in addition to your car. Some insurers offer increased protection for larger units, or for destinations further afield than Europe. Pre-existing medical conditions If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you might be
tempted to take a chance with your holiday insurance and not disclose it. This can prove to be a very expensive mistake, however, as the cost of repatriation is extremely high. Fortunately, some insurance companies offer policies for those already suffering from a health condition. Although it will be more costly than buying a standard policy, it’s impossible to put a price on peace of mind while you’re away. www.moneysupermarket.com/ travel-insurance/policy-types/ www.comparethemarket.com/ travel-insurance/cruise/ www.travelsupermarket.com/engb/travel-insurance/medicalconditions/ www.askfinancially.co.uk/ travelinsurance/types-holiday.htm www.caravanclub.co.uk/ insurance/overseas-holidayinsurance/types-of-cover/
Mark My Words FP+ (Jun17).qxp_Mark My Words FP+ (Jun17) 20/05/2017 08:32 Page 1
Mark Jones has lived in Iver for 6 years. He is a writer and producer of children’s shows, an actor and comedian, and has been involved in performing in professional theatre and entertainment for over 20 years. His most important role, however, is that of a single dad to his two young daughters, Poppy and Daisy. As a performer he travelled the world, playing lead roles in several major tours alongside Shane Richie, Nigel Havers and David Essex to name but a few. He has also toured the UK as the presenter of ‘The Sooty Show’ and ‘Rainbow Live!’ both featuring iconic children’s TV characters. Mark has also recently worked as a Creative Consultant on the theatre tour of ‘Peppa Pig’s Big Surprise’. Mark spent a total of eight Christmas seasons in pantomime at either the Wycombe Swan or the Beck Theatre, Hayes and will spend summer 2017 playing Smee in ‘Peter Pan’ on the Gold Coast in Australia’s biggest ever pantomime. You can follow Mark on twitter for more information: @mistermarkjones
“I can’t believe it’s nearly June already. It only seems like five minutes ago that we were taking down the Christmas decorations!” I’ve heard this sentence and others like it several times over the last couple of weeks as we’ve crept towards the halfway point of the year. To be honest, I knew enough students during my University days in the early nineties that had only just taken down their Christmas decorations five minutes ago in May, and that was because their lectures and exams had finished and it was the only way they could get the deposit back on their rented accommodation. But here we are with June upon us, and everybody basking in the great British Summertime. Except I don’t see much basking going on, and at the moment there seems to be very little sign of summer at all. It feels like we’ve been stuck in that tricky “between coats” season for a few months now. One day we can’t step outside with anything less than a full-length, fur-lined Parka, and the next day we flounce out of the front door wearing nothing more than a light summer jacket. Although if you do decide to leave the house wearing nothing more than a light summer jacket you can expect a visit from the local constabulary quicker than you can say the words “indecent exposure”. Only during the British Summertime would you visit the ice-cream van in the park for a refreshing ‘99 with a Flake’ in the afternoon, and then see a gritting machine in the middle lane of the M40 in the evening. Although this may fly in the face of popular opinion, I have to confess that I’m quite a fan of the cooler summers we seem to have every year here in Britain these days. I’ve never really been one for the baking hot summers I remember from my childhood. “Shorts weather” always brings out the worst side of my wardrobe, let alone my opaque, pasty-white legs. A pair of tired, old cargo shorts with what appears to be a couple of withered, hairy parsnips protruding out of the bottom, down to a pair of flip-flops I bought in the Burtons end-of-season sale six years ago, is not a good look for anyone. As I get older, I’m also happy with a wet summer. “It’s good for the garden,” I hear myself saying. Let’s face it, if a rainy June and July pleases me, then I’m not likely to be disappointed! My late, Grandad was quite an expert at predicting stormy weather during the summer months. “Mark,” he would say, “If you want to know the weather then take a look at the cows in the field. If they’re all holding umbrellas then the chances are that it’s absolutely tipping it down!” He would also swear by the old adage, “Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight. Red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning. Red sky in the afternoon? Shepherd’s house is on fire...” Of course, there is one feature of a hot summer that I always enjoy, and that’s the neighbourhood water fight. I don’t like to boast but when it comes to a water fight, I’m your man. Nobody is a match for me and my kettle...
the ivers
family fun day Saturday 8th July 2017
12 till 4pm
Evreham Sports Centre, Iver, SL0 0HS Live Music & Performance Stage 5-a-side Football Tournament Lucky Programme Number Draw Bouncy Castle, Petting Zoo Amazing Raffle Prizes BBQ & Other Refreshments Stalls & Attractions Ice Cream Van Fun for all the Family Iver Village Infant & Junior Schools Iver Heath Junior School Iver & Iver Heath Scouts St Peter's Football Club Delaford Colts Langley Hornets
Email: john.collins@iverparishchurch.org.uk Call: 01753 651001
Home & Interiors
By Katherine Sorrell
The Art of Display
effective display. For serious collectors, carefully positioned ceilingmounted spotlights are the ideal solution, but if you experiment with an adjustable lamp you may well be able to provide a more informal (and much cheaper) quick fix for a simple domestic display. Think about where the light comes from: directly above, behind (for a dramatic silhouette) or from the front, and how ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ the bulb should be in order to enhance colour and texture.
Would you like to create displays of your treasured possessions that show them off to their finest advantage? Our top ten tips are sure to help. 1 Consider what you are displaying, whether it is sturdy or fragile, valuable or everyday. Do you wish to admire it from afar and protect it from sun, dust or accidental damage? Or are you happy for it to be close to hand and perhaps picked up at will? You may find you can manage with a display on a mantelpiece, shelf or table top, or you may wish to invest in a specially designed cabinet, case or stand. If you opt for specialist display furniture, whether that is a former shop fitting or a set of glass shelves, choose pieces that complement the style and proportions of your home. 2 Good lighting makes all the difference to an
3 Group objects together and they can be much more than the sum of their parts. Even the most unprepossessing of objects carries a certain weight when displayed in a group, and this sort of display is also ideal if some of the pieces are not exactly perfect, or if the items are not of great individual value or importance. A group display may consist of almost anything: a series of Delftware plates or tiles, a dozen framed silk headscarves, pebbles in graduating sizes, mirrored baubles, wooden shoe lasts, a row of modern chairs in sorbet shades…you can have great fun with almost anything you decide to gather together. 4 Displays of identical pairs of objects are probably the most simple, and often the most visually powerful, of all. Whether it’s a pair of silver candlesticks or
two raffia-wrapped lamps, there’s something extremely pleasing about this mirroring and doubling. The only catch is that you must ensure your objects are placed evenly and symmetrically. If you’re not confident about judging by eye, there’s nothing wrong with using a tape measure!
5 When choosing a group of different objects to display, look for ways in which they will work together, whether by colour, size, shape, texture or proportion. It is important to have something that creates coherence, and don’t forget that what you leave out can be as important as what you put in. However much you love them, some objects may simply not fit well into the group. 6 Every time you display more than one object, you need to make a decision whether to opt for symmetry or asymmetry. It depends partly on the items you have and partly on your home and personal taste. Symmetrical displays tend to appear more classical, considered and refined, and suit traditional rooms; the Georgian period, for example, tended to emphasise the rules of symmetry. Asymmetry, on the other hand, is ideal for making an impact in a contemporary space, and can seem more spontaneous and intuitive. 7 Less can often be more, and a great way to make
an impact with a display is by showing off a single, fabulous, huge object. Bear in mind that a large item needs space around it in which to ‘breathe’, so ensure it doesn’t overwhelm its surroundings by giving it plenty of wall, floor, cabinet or shelf space, and don’t place furniture too close. 8 Small objects can be lost among the general furnishings of most rooms, so be particularly careful about how you display them. Try to ‘frame’ them within their surroundings – maybe in a specially designed cabinet or niche, on a side table rather than a coffee table, or on a plinth rather than a long, wide shelf, and they will demand an appreciative glance and a closer look. 9 Don’t be daunted by the
thought of displaying large groups of paintings, prints or flat objects on a wall. Start by laying your potential group on the floor and assessing how well the elements cohere. Choose the piece that you wish to be most prominent, then surround it with pieces that work well alongside it, perhaps making a larger rectangle of the group, or else setting a consistent line along one side, the top or the bottom.
10 Finally, stand right back and get an overview of your final display. Does it need tweaking? Don’t be afraid to experiment and change things around. Whatever your choice of objects and however you have arranged them, try not to make the finished result overly formal or perfect. This is, after all,
your home and not a gallery, and the only important thing is that you absolutely love what’s around you.
Left Image: Ebony glazed display cabinet, £668.25, Alexander & Pearl: 020 8508 0411; www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk Right Image: Pastel lustre vases (set of three), £39.95, MiaFleur: 0116 298 6393; www.miafleur.com
Baby Shower FP+ (Jun17).qxp_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 19/05/2017 15:22 Page 1
The Perfect Baby Shower TRADITIONALLY, a baby shower is thrown for first time mums-to-be by close family members or best friends a month or two before baby is due – just in case Junior decides to put in an early appearance - and before the expectant mum is too tired or uncomfortable to enjoy the event. Like any other celebration, a baby shower can be as grand or as simple an affair as you choose, but perhaps the best are kept small enough to hold in someone’s home where it can be kept cosy and intimate. Invitations should be sent out about a month before, and there is no easier way to do this than via email, text or Facebook. You don’t have to spend a fortune in time or money decorating the room to look fun and welcoming. A few balloons spruced up with say dummies, rattles or teething rings are all it might take! Similarly, by inviting guests to contribute to the food you can keep work and expense to a minimum, but you might want to come up with a list of suggestions if you want to avoid ending up with a dozen plates full of sausage rolls and very little else!
The receiving and opening of gifts is possibly the highlight of any baby shower. You could leave it entirely to the guests to decide what to give, but it is becoming increasingly acceptable for the expectant mum to compile a wish list should guests prefer some guidance. No self-respecting baby shower should pass without a few games. Some ideas include Guess the Baby (from photos guests bring of themselves); Match the Celebrity to Baby (from pictures which have been cut from magazines), Feed the Baby (spoon feed porridge or baby food to your partner while blindfolded), or alternatively see who can guzzle down a bottle of milk the quickest!) or why not set baby quiz? Finally, to ensure that the happy events of the baby shower remain emblazoned in the future mummy’s memory forever, have a memory book on hand for guests to write personal messages or words of advice, and consider capturing the occasion on camera. With all these elements in place you are sure to have a baby shower to remember! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
s, or e, ’s n o g. d s at s.
s o at p o a y er e pe, n
30 HOURS OF FREE CHILDCARE EACH WEEK FOR WORKING FAMILIES FOR 3&4 YEAR We offer a wonderful nurturing and OLDS stimulating environment for your child. Available at Iver Village Infant School Nursery Qualified and experienced staff including an from September 2017. experienced EYFS teacher, helping your Free hours can be taken to suit individual children learn through play. families and can be spread throughout the For children aged 2 – 4. terms. funding for 2 and 3 year old. Nursery 15 hours per week remains as a universal offer Open 9.00am - 3.15pm to all 3 & 4 year olds and to eligible 2 year olds For children aged 2 – 4. (please contact school for criteria and information). Additional paid hours can be . taken. Full time places available.
Come and find out about our Nursery at our open days. Thursday 15th June and Thursday 29th June 1pm—2pm. Prospective Parents welcome. Please contact us by email: nursery@iver-inf.bucks.sch.uk or Tel:01753655104. Come and visit : St Leonards Hall, St Leonards Walk, Richings Park Bucks, SL0 9DD
t.
• High academic attainment • Outstanding pastoral care • Broad and Enriching Curriculum • Provision for rising 3s • School Day from 8.00am – 6.00pm IAPS Preparatory Day School for Boys 3 - 7 and Girls 3 - 11
01753 541 075 admin@etonend.org
www.etonend.org
35 Eton Road, Datchet, Berkshire SL3 9AX
Iver Environmental Centre Our Year 3 children spent a very exciting day pond dipping and learning about habitats at the Iver Environmental Centre. The staff there ensured that our children had an amazing day and came back full of new facts!
A visit from an ex-pupil Jim Snape, who was a pupil at IVJS in the 1940s, came for a visit. It was Jim’s first time back at IVJS for about 60 years and we loved hearing about his school days. Hockey Tournament Six Year 4’s attended a Hockey tournament at Burnham Grammar on their astro turf pitch! IVJS were joined by St Mary’s in Farnham Royal and Gerrards Cross. IVJS drew 3-3 in a thrilling game with St Marys and lost to Gerrards Cross. Well done to our heroic hockey players.
Parenting
Top Tips to Help Your Child Sleep
Image: Children’s pyjamas by Panda & Ping, www.pandaping.com
Late nights, early mornings and night-time wanderings can really have an effect on your child’s wellbeing (and your stress levels). If your child is struggling to sleep, these tips might help. Get into a routine According to Jessica Alexander of The Sleep Council, a bedtime routine is vital. She told the NHS, “A bedtime ritual teaches the brain to become familiar with sleep times and wake times. It programmes the brain and internal body clock to get used to a set routine.” Ban screen time before bed The blue light emitted by smartphones, tablets and other digital devices has been found to disrupt sleep. A Norwegian study of 10,000 teenagers found that the more time the teenagers spent on electronic devices during the day, the less sleep they got. So keep phones, tablets and TVs out of your child’s room and ban them from being used for at least an hour before bedtime. Get plenty of exercise and fresh air Both exercise and time spent outdoors have been found to promote a better night’s sleep. So take the kids to the park,
by Kate Duggan
or play out in the garden in the afternoon.
when it gets cold, can help to cut down on the excuses.
Try calming music Quiet, soothing music can help your child to relax. If you play the same song every night, it can even become a sleep trigger. Good choices include Kesang Marstrand’s ‘In the Land of Dreams’, and ‘Hello Night’, which you can find on YouTube, or play direct on www.kesangmarstrand.com. You could also try recordings of white noise, which some children find relaxing.
Make peace We all find it hard to get to sleep if we’re worried or stressed. Your child is no different. If they’re upset because you’re cross, or if they’re worried about an argument from earlier in the day, they might struggle to drop off. So try to make peace and keep calm. And take time to discuss anything that might be bothering them, from exam nerves to fall-outs with friends.
Cut down on sugar Fruit juice, squash, sugary drinks and caffeine can all stop your child from getting to sleep. Try to make sure they stick to water or milk for a few hours before bedtime. And cut out any sugary snacks, or anything that might cause bloating or trapped wind. Even naturally sweet foods, such as honey, can have an effect on your child’s sleep pattern.
Find out what works, and stick to it All children are different, and the perfect solution for one might not work for another. Some parents swear by bathing their child before bed; others find a bath wakes their child up. A few drops of lavender essential oil on their pillow helps some children to drop off, while others just dislike the smell. Some children sleep better in complete darkness; others need a nightlight to feel secure enough to rest. As with all parenting, there is an element of trial and error involved, but when you find what works for your child, build it into your daily routine.
Plan ahead What excuses does your child use for getting out of bed in the night? What can you do to make it easier for them to stay in bed? Little things, like a bottle of water on the bedside table, or an extra blanket for
Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX Independent School for boys and girls aged 3 - 11
An ‘OUTSTANDING’ School A family-run school with a caring atmosphere. Pupils achieve excellent results in academic subjects, music, sport and drama. For further information, or to arrange a visit, please telephone 01895 234371 Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX - www.sthelenscollege.com
Motoring
By James Baggott
Kia Picanto
Kia wants to ditch their blue rinse image and target a younger age group with their spiced up city car. The refreshed model teams sporty looks with a more focused driving style to woo young professionals to part with their cash. But are the tweaks enough? Looks and image Kia has worked hard to liven things up, with an extended ‘tiger nose’ grille, smart LED driving lights and a large front air intake. Double wheel arches add flair, there’s a ‘shark’ antenna and the GT-Line specification includes sporty red trim and a twin-tipped exhaust. space and practicaLity The Picanto is Kia’s second best-selling model in the UK after the Sportage and is predominantly bought as a second car by more mature buyers. Kia thinks the new technology – like wireless charging for your mobile, parking camera and Apple CarPlay – will tempt younger, first time car buyers. Kia has created a little more cabin space over its predecessor by increasing the
wheelbase and reducing the front overhang, but rear legroom is still limited. Up front you’ll sit shoulder to shoulder with your passenger, but there’s ample leg room and the driving position is comfortable. Autonomous emergency braking – which warns, then stops you, if it senses a crash – as well as a smart torque vectoring system that improves handling by braking individual wheels are also available. What’s under the bonnet? Three engine options are offered: a 1.0-litre, 67bhp, 89g/ km, three-cylinder; a 1.2-litre, 84bhp, 104g/km four-cylinder; and a 1.0-litre turbo charged, 100bhp version of the three cylinder. We couldn’t try the latter but both the 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre are punchy and more than adequately powered. Our pick is the 1.2-litre, which hits 60mph in 12 seconds, tops out at 107mph and returns 61.4mpg. Manual and automatic options are available across the range. behind the WheeL The Picanto will divide opinion. Older buyers looking for a comfortable ride will notice the improved suspension. However, the sprightly engines, quicker turn in and faster steering may make them feel too hurried behind the wheel - exactly what Kia is hoping younger buyers
will appreciate. Overall there’s a noticeable improvement in both ride and handling, largely thanks to reduced weight and a stiffer body, but whether that’s suitable for you will depend on your driving style. VaLue for money As the time of the test there were few details as to what options will feature on UK models. Kia UK will follow the conventional Kia strategy of one, two, and three levels of specification and the GT-Line, driven here, will slot between two and three. In the GT-Line model we tried at the Spanish launch, a seveninch media screen, wireless charging for mobiles, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay all featured, along with a heated steering wheel and seats, climate control and electric windows and mirrors. Verdict Kia has sharpened up the looks and driving dynamics of the third generation Picanto. In titanium silver or shiny red it looks striking, and will likely attract younger buyers who demand cool technology. However, these tweaks may put off the stalwart Picanto buyer. Kia is confident though, and is promising ‘modest price rises’ over the current range. The entry level model will be no more than £9,000 and the top of the range no more than £14,000. That said, they’ve meddled with a well-known formula and that brings risk – only time will tell if the gamble will pay off.
Ickenham MOTORING (Jun16).qxp_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 28/05/2016 06:58 Page 1
MOTORING
CLASSIC CARS : Porsche 911 (Mk 996) OF all the iconic sports cars ever made, the Porsche 911 is surely the most iconic of all. Launched in 1963, it was based on the VW Beetle and had a flat 6, air cooled engine mounted behind the rear wheels. The 911 has one of the most distinctive profiles in automotive history with a teardrop rear and a stubby bonnet with bug eyed headlights mounted on raised wings. It is still in production today and will no doubt still be around in another 50 years’ time; the layout remains the same although the flat 6 engine has been water cooled since 1998. There have been 10 incarnations of the 911 over the years (they all look remarkably similar) and the body has been produced in coupe, Targa and cabriolet forms. There have been high performance versions too, most notably the Turbo and RS designations – not that any 911 could be called slow. All 911s are prized for their strong performance, superb build quality, distinctive styling and fantastic driving experience. New cars start at around £77k and pre-1978 cars are out of reach of all but the wealthiest, but there are a couple of versions you can afford. The yuppie favourite Carrera from the 1980s, complete with flared wheel arches and “whale tail” spoiler, starts at around £25k for a shabby high mileage model, rising to £40k for a low mileage minter. I think a much better bet though is the 996 version that was produced between 1998 and 2004. This was the first 911 to have a water cooled engine and the Porsche purists hated it for a variety reasons. It had the teardrop headlights from the Boxter, which admittedly don’t look as good as the old round ones but are far from ugly. They said the dash with its single instrument binnacle was too plain;
I say it’s a model of ergonomic perfection. They complained that the ride was too soft and the handling was too predictable; I say what’s wrong with a bit a bit of comfort and why should driving a car hard have to be a near death experience? This argument has run and run but what can’t be argued with is that the 996 is still a superb driver’s car. The 3.4 litre engine kicks out 300bhp and is remarkably flexible (after 2002 it was enlarged to 3.6 litres and 315bhp). That’s enough for 0-60 in 5 seconds and 175mph. The handling is superb and, like all 911s, the 996 talks to you through the steering wheel and the seat of your pants. Even so, it is comfortable and refined enough to make an excellent long distance cruiser. Properly maintained cars are very reliable, they are not prone to rust and are remarkably economical for such a powerful car. Which one should you go for? A lot of cars had the Tiptronic automatic gearbox but the 6 speed manual is greatly preferred. The cabriolet will make you look like an aging hairdresser so go for the coupe. The larger engine doesn’t really add to the performance so look for an older car with lower mileage. Silver cars are very plentiful but this era of 911 looks much better in azure blue, navy or metallic black. Avoid metallic red or purple like the plague. The best thing about the 996 is undoubtedly the price. You can pick up a tidy example with 100,000 miles on it for £11k but I’d suggest spending around £14k on a pristine car with less than 70,000 miles on the clock. The 996 is not yet a classic but hang onto it for a few years, keep your mileage down and you can enjoy the Porsche 911 experience and still make a profit when you sell it on. Kit Johnson
Ashf
Gardening FP+ (Jun17).qxp_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 19/05/2017 16:15 Page 1
The humble V IOL A
LIVING in a house full of string players I have to think how to pronounce viola. My musicians say vee-oh-la but gardeners generally say vy-oh-la! Either way it’s a wonderfully obliging little flower and so easy to grow.
Violas are a smaller-flowered version of a pansy but are more reliably perennial. They come in an amazingly wide range of colours and flower patterns. They are also incredibly easy to propagate.
To make more viola plants simply cut off 7-8cm / 3 inches of the shoot tips at any time of year. Remove the lower leaves and root them into sandy compost. When they take, repot the little plantlets into 7.5cm / 3 inch pots of multi-purpose compost until they become established. They can then be planted out in the garden. The whole process only takes a matter of a few weeks! Violas are happy in sun, or dappled shade and prefer soil that doesn’t become too dry, so in fact they are the perfect plant for most British gardens and will provide masses of colour at ankle-height. I have many favourites. There is a pretty purple and yellow one in my garden called Heartsease which migrated from a neighbour’s garden and has self-seeded everywhere. I added Grey Owl, which is pale blue and soft yellow, and I propagated one from my mother-in-law’s garden, called Irish Molly, which is various shades of subtle green, though I’ve seen other colours also being sold under that name! This year I have an exquisitely pretty fragrant variety called Sorbet ‘Yellow Frost’. I can’t recommend it highly enough. The thing is, they are so easy to grow that you can go to any garden centre and pick your favourite colour combination. Whether you say vee-oh-la or vy-oh-la, this lovely little flower will add music to your garden display. Happy Gardening!
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Garden of Delights
Gadgets to make the outdoors great again
It’s that time of year again: it’s stopped raining for a bit, the sun’s started to poke out from behind a cloud and most of England has had a hosepipe ban for the last five months. It’s summer, and that means spending all of your time outside for no particular reason. There is no shortage of gadgets to brighten up your outdoor life, from solar lights to barbecue boosters, but it’s worth having a think before you spend any money: for example, a set of solar string lights that costs about four pounds isn’t going to be very bright or last for very long. Look out for two things in particular: the size of the solar panel and the number of LEDs. The bigger the panel the more power it’ll grab from the sun, and the more LEDs the brighter it’ll be. Watch out for colours, too: normal white LEDs have a bluish cast, so if you prefer yellow you’ll need to look for “Warm White” LEDs. One of the best things technology can do in your garden is remove some of the drudgery. The Garden Groom Pro looks like a giant caterpillar, but it’s a hedge trimmer with a difference: it hoovers up the cuttings so you don’t have to spend all week sweeping the street. At £79.99
it’s not too pricey compared to normal trimmers, and at 3.5kg it shouldn’t break your arms either. While we’re on the subject of trimmers, for just £29.99 the VonHaus Cordless 2 in 1 Grass and Hedge Trimmer can make life easier too: it has interchangeable blades suitable for hedge, grass or shrub trimming, and it moves from handheld to upright with the addition of a single handle and wheel. Technology needn’t be complicated to be effective: Hozelock’s garden watering system is fairly low-tech but works a treat. It’s a modular system that enables you to run watering all around your garden by connecting multiple Hozelock components together, and controllers range from simple timers to one that connects to the internet and can be controlled from an iPhone or Android app. That component isn’t cheap - it’s currently £109.99 - but you can buy it bundled with complete watering kits for around £180, which isn’t bad for an entire garden irrigation system. Every year we ask ourselves the same question: can we afford a robot lawnmower yet? Sadly this year we have
the same answer: not quite. Prices are coming down - the Flymo 1200R Robotic Mower is down to just under £600 this year, compared to an original RRP of £999, but it’s still a little too expensive for us. You may disagree, however: £600 isn’t a lot in the world of premium lawnmowers, so if you’d normally consider a self-propelled petrol mower the Flymo isn’t significantly more expensive - and it’s a lot quieter too. One increasingly important area for gardeners is security: thieves will happily run off with expensive plants, garden furniture or anything else of value. If you fancy adding a camera to keep an eye on things when you’re not around, Samsung’s very clever £125 Smart Home Camera is easy to install and works with computers and mobile devices alike. You can even get it to notify you on your phone when it detects movement, so you can see if it’s a fox or something more sinister. It has audio detection too, which is useful in low light.
Images L to R: Garden Groom Pro trimmer; Hozelock cloud controller; Flymo 1200R robot lawnmower; Samsung Smart Home outdoor camera
Outdoor Relaxation by Pippa Greenwood
When you get back from a hard day’s work, or when you simply find the time to escape into the garden after a stressful day, then it is essential that you are met by a soothing environment. So, concentrate on a truly relaxing feel that will help you to unwind as you enjoy soft shades and textures of foliage, delicate flower colours and fabulous perfumes.
Plants have an amazing ability to calm and soothe even the most wound up, stressed out mood, but what should you grow if you really want to create that perfect place to relax? Start by considering a fairly gentle perfume, like that produced by many roses. One of my favourites is ‘Felicia’. For something slightly richer try ‘Tuscany Superb’. If you have an arch, arbour, pergola or even a spare bit of fence then train a honeysuckle over it. Its delicately coloured flowers and fabulous perfume will cheer you up and you can even enjoy it in the early evening. A sowing of night-scented stock will produce plants that are perfect for early evening relaxation, as this is when the flowers open and produce wafts of really sweet scent.
If you have space for a goodsized container plant, then grow your own Datura or Brugmansia. Commonly known as the angel’s trumpet, these plants produce large elegant trumpet-shaped flowers with a wonderful perfume.
Think too of plants with a relaxing feel to them, such as the grass Chasmanthium latifolium which grows to a height of about 45 cm and carries its flattened seed heads above the leaves. They move about delicately in the breeze and are almost impossible not to stroke. Artemisia abrotanum has soft grey-green leaves that will make you want to touch it, which releases a lovely aroma. The perfume of lavender is often used in aromatherapy because of its calming, soothing properties, so grow this in a sunny spot with freedraining soil, perhaps to edge a border. It not only has lovely, slightly furry or felt-like foliage but also produces that heavenly smell. Grasses and bamboos work well too; the rustling sound of bamboo foliage as the stems sway gently is one of the most relaxing sounds I know, and for smaller spaces many of the grasses form wonderfully
rounded and quite irresistible clumps of foliage.
When it comes to choosing flowers, if you want to relax then concentrate on cream, white and, of course, the pastel shades. Green is known to be a relaxing colour too, so include plenty of plants with good foliage, and, in shady areas, a miniature grotto-like patch planted up with ferns is wonderful. And finally, before you rush off to the garden centre to buy some of these truly magical ingredients, just a reminder that water in a garden always helps to relax you. Whether it’s a small pond or perhaps a bubble fountain, position it where you can hear that sound of moving water or enjoy watching the wildlife as it comes to feed and drink - and before you know it, you will find that you want to move the whole of your life into your garden. Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for a really useful selection of favourite gardening items including growing frames, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and other nematode controls and copper tape, pull-out EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.
Pets Corner... (Jun17).qxp_Layout 1 19/05/2017 18:39 Page 1
What can they tell you... Demystifying Blood Tests
IF you own a dog or a cat it’s likely that sometime in their life they will have blood tests. These may seem relatively expensive so you may wonder what you are paying for and, the chances are that you will take the results for granted but wished you’d understood more. Hopefully, this month’s column will help to explain the rationale behind common blood tests.
Blood tests can be roughly divided into those which are used in apparently healthy animals as a health screen, often prior to a routine procedure; those required to make or confirm a diagnosis, or monitor an ongoing condition; and those for a specific purpose that may not be health related, such as looking at hormone levels in a bitch prior to mating. The first two are frequently similar and although individual tests may be performed, usually include a profile for liver, kidney and pancreatic function, diabetes and a blood count which will look for signs of clotting defects, anaemia, infection, inflammation and abnormal cells. However, a more comprehensive profile will usually be used when trying to make a diagnosis than when just performing a general health screen. These tests are very often performed in a practice laboratory and come with a fixed menu. Often a profile like this is all that is needed to make a diagnosis but sometimes results are inconclusive or apparently normal and further, more specific, tests may be necessary, for example in under or over-active thyroid or adrenal glands. Many of these additional tests need to sent to an outside laboratory and may take a little longer for results. Some tests need to be repeated on multiple occasions to monitor progress or assess the benefit of ongoing treatment once a diagnosis has been made. This may sometimes seem an unnecessary expense but it is in the best interests of your pet. Some blood tests are used to diagnose disease by looking for antibodies or infectious agents without the prior need for a profile, typically these are for viruses and parasites. Other blood tests may be used to look for poisons, or to monitor treatment by looking for levels of drugs in the blood; these may include treatment for seizures or thyroid disease. Finally, a small but increasing number of specialised tests may be performed looking for markers released from diseased cells that will indicate specific illness like heart disease or certain types of cancer. One thing that often seems to confuse pet owners is that even an animal which is seriously ill can have normal or ambiguous test results. Some diseases cause no dete
ctable changes in the blood and whilst a positive test usually confirms a diagnosis a negative does not rule it out. Further investigation is then necessary. Sadly, an animal can be dying of cancer yet blood tests may be normal. Equally however, a routine test may show evidence of a problem before any symptoms are apparent and allow pre-emptive treatment. So blood tests are never a waste of time or money even if they just give reassurance your pet is well.
M C Atkinson BVSc MRCVs www.stmartinsvetclinic.com
Ickenham Swimsuit Guide (Jun15)_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 28/05/2015 20:37 Page 1
Bathing Beauty A Swimsuit Guide with Debbie Singh-Bhatti
A
friend of mine was delighted recently to win a swimming lesson with former Olympic breaststroke champion Duncan Goodhew, (pictured below) but her initial euphoria was soon replaced with feelings of dread as she contemplated what to wear for her big occasion. The ultimate, most terrifying stage fright – with the exception of total nudity – is the bathing suit. Thoughts about whether “my bum looks big in this” pale into insignificance as we consider exposing every bump and lump imaginable in the most revealing item next to our birthday suit! Everyone has something about their body that they think looks horrible in a swimsuit, so when looking for the ideal swimwear, the secret is to find something that creates a sense of balance and draws attention to the most flattering parts of our figure whilst masking our trouble spots. Most of us fit into three problem shapes - pear, apple and straight (or athletic). Pears are heavy around the hips and thighs, and wearing a plunging neckline or eye-catching top with ruffles or embellishments will make the bust look bigger and will also draw attention away from the heavier bottom half. Padded, push up tops make boobs look bigger and bandeau tops make the bust appear wider. High cut bottoms make the legs look
longer if this is also an issue. Apples have large busts and thick waists with comparatively small hips. Boy shorts make the hips look wider and help to give balance. Tops that are cut straight across help to minimise large busts, and for extra support bikini tops should be under-wired, and one piece suits should have higher backs. If finding the perfect fit for both top and bottom halves is a problem, don’t be afraid to buy different sized separates in complimentary designs. For example bottoms in a bright or patterned fabric and a top in a plain, darker fabric, will help draw attention away from the bust. If you need to disguise a large tummy, a one piece suit with ruched panels or shirring will hide bulges and create definition, as will a wrap over design with crossover fabric. Straight shapes need to create the illusion of more curves, and the monokini is great for this, as is a one-piece with strategically placed cuts or slits. Bold prints, ruffles and embellishments on tops and bottoms accentuate the bust and hip lines, and skimpier bikini bottoms plus side ties will make your bottom appear curvier. Finally, before selecting your swimwear, consider how and when you plan on wearing it. Whether you intend to go swimming or scuba diving, or spend your time sunbathing will have an influence on the style, fabric and even the colour you choose.
Health
By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
Carers Week: Who Cares for The Carers?
Carers Week is an annual awareness event highlighting the challenges carers face. This year’s campaign runs from 12th to 18th June and focuses on Building Carer Friendly Communities: ‘places that understand a carer’s daily reality and do what they can to make life a little bit easier for them.’ Caring in the UK The facts: • Three out of five of us will become a carer at some point. • Around 6.5 million people in the UK provide unpaid care for a disabled, ill or older relative or friend. • At least 380,000 older carers in England provide 50+ hours of care a week without any help from their local authority; over 100,000 are in their eighties and beyond. • Many carers are unaware of the support and financial help they’re entitled to. “We know that caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, but without the right support at the right time, caring can also have a huge impact on a carer’s emotional and physical health, work and finances,” says Heléna Herklots CBE, Chief Executive of charity Carers UK. Research shows that caring can isolate carers and potentially damage their physical and mental health and their relationships. It can also make it difficult to hold down a job, even
driving them into poverty. are YoU a hidden Carer? “Please don’t call me a carer - I don’t want that title. I am her son, not a carer!” “I pop in to my neighbour every day and do all her shopping and cleaning for her, but I am not her carer. They go in to get her up and washed.” These responses, gathered by a recent campaign to identify ‘hidden’ carers, highlight a common problem. Many carers don’t see themselves as carers if they don’t help someone dress, take medication, move about or go to the loo - or if they’re ‘just’ a husband, wife, parent, son, daughter, friend etc. Yet helping with shopping, laundry, cleaning, cooking, form-filling or money management is all part of caring, and caring is caring - whoever it’s for. BUilding Carer FriendlY CommUnities Carers say that support and awareness in their community make a positive difference. The Carers Week campaign wants us to raise awareness in schools and organisations; recommend carer-friendly organisations, services and businesses; and pledge to make our own organisations carer-friendly. If you’re an employer, this could include giving carer employees: • An extended lunch hour, giving them time to eat and check on the person they care for. • Flexibility to work more when they can, while allowing time off for appointments and adapting start/finish times etc. If you’re a GP, hairdresser, physiotherapist or any other professional person offering appointments, could you offer mobile services or make
appointments to fit around carers’ needs? soUrCes oF sUpport For Carers Help is available, but can be hard to find. the nhs Choice Care page www.nhs.uk/conditions/socialcare-and-support-guide/Pages/ what-is-social-care.aspx These eight charities support Carers Week. Services they offer include counselling, practical and financial help, respite care and advice. age UK www.ageuk.org. uk/home-and-care/advice-forcarers/are-you-a-carer; Tel: 0800 678 1174 Carers trust www.carers.org/ support@carers.org; Tel: 0300 772 9600 Carers UK www.carersuk. org/help-and-advice advice@ carersuk.org; Tel: 0808 808 7777 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm independent age www. independentage.org; email: advice@independentage.org; Tel: 0800 319 6789 Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm macmillan Cancer support www.macmillan.org.uk/ information-and-support/ audience/looking-after-someonewith-cancer.html; Tel: 0808 808 00 00 Mon-Fri 8am-9pm the mnd association www. mndassociation.org/forcarers; email: mndconnect@ mndassociation.org; Tel: 0808 802 6262 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & 7-10.30pm the ms society www.mssociety. org.uk/ms-support/for-carers; email: helpline@mssociety.org. uk; Tel: 0808 800 8000 Mon-Fri 9am–7pm Which? elderly Care www. which.co.uk/elderly-care/forcarers
Beauty
Five Minute Fixes by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk
Great results with minimum effort
is well-deserved. The Mineral Air Airbrush Foundation System Nails Inc’s Gel One Coat polish sprays a light mist of delivers, as the saying goes, foundation to give you what it says on the tin. You an even, get a glossy, gel-like finish, in smooth just one coat. It lasts for ages, base particularly if you have time to coverage apply a base coat and top coat. in Even on its own, it should stay seconds. chip free for a few days. Perfect The for a quick pedicure to match foundation is mixed with your new summer sandals, Gel air, so you only end up using a few drops, One Coat also contains biotin meaning skin doesn’t feel too suffocated. It is to help strengthen your nails. quite easy to overdo it, so you’ll want to aim If you’re looking for a suits-all to build up colour The full Mineral gradually. summery pink, try Portobello Air Airbrush Foundation System comes with Mews. Exclusive to Marks and and a choice of seven shades of foundation Spencer, Gel One Coat polishes a liquid blush. At £114.99, it’s certainly not cost £13 each. See www. cheap, but at least you don’t need to use a marksandspencer.com. separate primer or concealer. The phrase ‘flawless’ gets rather overused in It’s exclusive to the beauty industry, but in this case it really www.idealworld.tv. Lightly massage Green People’s Organic Homme 7 Active Fix Repair Serum around your face and neck, and under your eyes, for a wealth of benefits. Ingredients have been clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and firm skin. Rich in antioxidants, the serum helps to fight free radicals, so protects against aging. It also helps to hydrate and absorbs easily, so doesn’t leave skin feeling the skin greasy. The serum is suitable for all skin types, including those prone to irritation, acne, eczema and other skin complaints. It’s £17 www.greenpeople.co.uk. from
One for the boys
rewards from Murad’s Retinol Youth Renewal Serum pretty quickly nonetheless. 93% of testers saw a reduction in lines and wrinkles in just two weeks. It only takes a minute to massage the serum into your skin before bed each night. The retinol helps to boost cell renewal and freshen skin. I was really impressed with the results; my skin felt softer, plumper and less tired looking within just a few days. I have quite sensitive skin so can’t always use retinol creams, but this was gentle enough not to cause any irritation. (I did get a couple of spots in the first week, but they soon disappeared.) Cost £65 from www.murad.co.uk.
Natural skincare brand Optiat has recently brought out a new collection of clay masks. 100% natural, the masks are formulated with ingredients such as exfoliating organic hemp husks, kaolin clay, activated charcoal and essential oils. They only need to be left on for five minutes to give you a deep, gentle clean. Skin feels softer, smoother and fresher. See www.optiat.com. While it isn’t an instant fix, you’ll reap the
Iver Clubs & Classes (May17).qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 13:55 Page 1
Clubs, Classes and Groups ReGulaR events
07932 649107 or ynhyuan@yahoo.co.uk
Jazzercise Classes New Denham Community Centre Oxford Road keeP-Fit, danCe Mon 9.30-10.30am, & dRaMa tues 6.45-7.45pm, Wed, thurs, Fri 9.45adults Zumba Classes 10.45am. Running on Wednesdays Denham Village Memorial 6-7pm at Iver Heath Hall Village Road Village Hall, St Margaret's thurs 6.30-7.30pm. Close. Call Diane 07926 Ruislip Sports & Social 854184. Club Grosvenor Vale ballet Classes Mon 6.45-7.45pm, Iver Heath Village Hall, tues 9.30am, 7-8pm, Friday 4.45-7pm. Call L Wed 9.30-10.30am. hobbies Killian 01753 814280. Pinner Methodist Church Love Lane Mon 8-9pm, art Classes Children's Zumba Come and Join us! Isabel thurs 7-8pm. (Zumbatomic) Hunt, your local artist, St Lawrence Church Hall Classes Wednesdays at teaches a new project 3.30-5.30pm at Iver Heath Bridle Road, Pinner. every week, which can be Village Hall, Saint Fri 9.30am. St Lukes Hall a landscape, seascape, Love Lane, Pinner. Margaret's Close. Call still life, pets, portraiture, Wed 7.45-8.45pm, Diane on 07926 854184. etc. In the first 2 sessions sat 9-10am. Clubbercise class equipment/materials are Call Wendy Whitefoord on Come and Glow with provided. At St Mary’s 07803 602142 or email: glowsticks in the dark to Church Hall, St Mary’s Rd wendy.whitefoord@bt 90s anthems up to Langley, SL3 7EN. For internet.com. See www. present time music. £5 more info call 07411 jazzercise-uk.com or PAYG contact Liz 07795 125407 or 01753 542209 facebook.com/Jazzercise 512938 or Facebook page chavi2000@hotmail.com DenhamNewDenham ‘Clubbercise with Liz Iver’ Chinese brush ladies only for more details. Painting Group kickboxing Club Futunity We meet on Saturday Wednesdays, 6.30Street Dance and Hip Hop mornings. The class is 8.00pm at Watts Hall, for children age 7-11 guided by an experienced Redford Way, Uxbridge, years. Fri's from 4-9pm tutor. Learn to compose UB8 1SZ. First Class call Cheryl on 01753 and develop your own FREE! Leanne Phillips on 651754 or email childcare Chinese painting style as 07518 848285 email: @ivercommunity.org well the finer points of leanne@kickboxingdonna’s keep Fit Chinese calligraphy. At longdon.co.uk or visit Iver Heath Village Hall. Harefield Library, Park www.kickboxingCall Donna 01753 674945. london.co.uk Lane Village Centre, Tue 9.45-10.45am. Harefield or contact 'ladies onlY' Weight Phyllis Nash on 01895 Fitness Club loss & Fitness Classes 476 644 or email: phyll St Catherine School, For ladies of any age, any nash@gmail.com Money Lane, West fitness level run by French sessions in iver Drayton, UB7 7NX. Fitness Professionals. Thu 6-7pm Circuits, French Intermediate Great fun, socializing, Fitness and Boxercise. Class. Small friendly fitness and personal group with French Native £5 a class. Shaun programming, nutrition/ Thompson, 07906 087749 goal achieving Teacher meets every www.tauruspt.co.uk Tues. Iver Village Hall techniques. Two sessions 7.30-9.30pm. Call 07940 a week (mornings), £5 insanity 281233 or e: c.marionnet Mon 8.15-9pm. St Peter's each. West Drayton @blueyonder.co.uk Venue. Dates and times Centre, Iver. Booking to be confirmed. Please essential. 07745 622011. inland Waterways register your interest at: association iver health & exercise profitness121@gmail.com Meet 2nd Tues of every sessions month at Hillingdon Canal for over 55's. Designed to or call for more info: 07702 479 435 Ella or Club, Waterloo Road, keep over 55's fit and to 07948 505 971 Calli. Uxbridge, UB8 2QX at suit all abilities. Session 7.30pm. Email: middlesex. includes light lunch and Military Fitness Class social@waterways.org.uk activity. £5 includes lunch A good way to get fit and enjoy the outdoors, Fridays 10am-1pm Mandarin tuition suitable for beginners Evreham Sports Centre, In Iver Heath. All Monday 7-8pm, Iver Swallow Street, Iver, welcome. Experienced SL0 0HS. Heath Rec, Church Road, teacher. Call Yuan on Free Family Games event Second Saturday of every month - for parents, carers and guardians with children of all ages, at the Kings Church, Iver, 10ammidday - visit www.hart entertainment.co.uk for details or call 07747 063149 to let us know your coming. Open to all.
Iver Heath, SL0 0RD. £2 per session. 1st session FREE! Call 01895 837334. nordic Walking and Wellbeing All round exercise in the open air. 4 week courses various days and locations pre booking essential contact 07771 872592 / email: learning moves@hotmailco.uk
P90X Thursdays 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 7pm-8pm call Mrs S. Webb 01923 721335. Pilates Class tues 12-1pm and thurs 9.30-10.30am St Peters Centre, Iver. All levels, booking essential. Call Rachel 07745 622011.
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 or email: learning moves@hotmail.co.uk
taurus Circuits Pinewood Studio. With Personal Trainer Shaun. Monday 8pm-9pm Booking only 07906 087749.
Pilates and tai Chi Fit courses Tuesdays 7.30-8.30pm, Yiewsley and West Drayton Community Centre. Contact Penny 07771 872592/01895 420409; email: learning moves@hotmail.co.uk
toddler & Junior Fitness Fun Junior Trampolining Weds 4.30pm-5.30pm 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. thursdays, 6.30pm. PiYo® Classes Iver Heath Village Hall SL0 Sweat, stretch & strengthen all in one low- 0DA saturdays, 9am Call Nicky 07443 567244. E: impact, music-driven, nicky_iverww@hotmail. body sculpting workout. Tues 7-7.45pm. St Peter's com or visit www.weight Centre, Iver. £5 per class watchers.co.uk booking essential. Call Yoga Rachel on 07745 622011. Iver Heath Village Hall. Pinewood Fitness The Fitness Room,
Mon 6.30-7.45pm. Jon Bell 07790 682238.
Contact Angela on 0800 038 5001 or email: info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk to advertise here ongoing for a one-off £5 fee.
Iver Clubs & Classes (Jun17).qxp_Layout 1 19/05/2017 14:57 Page 2
Clubs, Classes and Groups KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA cont., ZUMBA in Langley Mon 7-8pm and Tues 7-8pm. St. Mary's Church Centre. Thurs 78pm 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, e: gabrielzumba @instructor.net or www. gabriel84.zumba.com
MUSIC 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 Richings Players Amateur theatre group perform three shows per
year at Iver Village Hall. Contact Evelyn on 07950 039827 or email: richings players@mail.com. www. richingsplayers.co.uk.
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. 7.4510.30pm 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.stokepoges-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. Call Lynne on 07976 824152 or Lynne@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 9am3pm, 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 email: theoffice@ivervillagepre school.co.uk French for Children with La Jolie Ronde, 511yrs. 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@iverinf.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 (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 9.30am11.30am. 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 e: child care@ivercommunity.org Tiny Talk Baby Signing Classes Tuesday classes at St Mary’s Church Hall, High Street, Harefield, UB9 6BX, 10am. Price £5 prepaid per family. Thursday classes at St Giles' Church Hall, 1 High Road, Ickenham UB10 8LE, 10am, 11.15am and 1pm, price £5 pre-paid per family. Friday classes at The Uxbridge Centre, The Greenway, Uxbridge UB8 2PJ, 10.30am. Price £5 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 Email: tinytoes@iver community.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 10.3012.30pm, 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 8pm10pm 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.
Contact Angela on 0800 038 5001 or email: info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk to advertise here ongoing for a one-off £5 fee.
Iver Clubs & Classes (May17).qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 13:55 Page 3
Clubs, Classes and Groups SELF HELP cont., 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. Email: nicky_iver ww@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. Email: steven. ord@groundwork.org.uk or call 07718 043080. Heathway Ladies Group Heathway Ladies Group are seeking new members. If you enjoy speakers, outings, social lunches etc. then we are the group for you. Please come along to a meeting as a guest for a fee of £1.50 towards the cost of the speaker. You will be made most welcome as we are a friendly group and look forward to meeting new members. We meet every second Tuesday of the month at Iver Heath Village Hall, 2pm. Contact Tricia Cooper on 01753 817749 or email tricia.cooper3@ yahoo.com Inspirations Spiritualist Group Spiritualist group for likeminded 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.
there is nothing rigid about background. We normally have a speaker and cover a wide range of interests. Call Maureen Richardson 01753 819456.
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 Iver Evening Women’s everyone. If you are Institute interested in improving Iver Village Hall, meets the lives of others and 2nd Monday of month, have fun doing it contact 7.30pm. Call Margaret 01753 653751 for details. Graham Jones 01753 540148 or 07802 784024 Iver Heath Ladies or visit http://langleyiver. Meet on the 1st Monday rotary1090.org/ Email: of the month except Bank akahold@hotmail.com Holidays when we meet on the 2nd Monday. 2pm Women’s Social Group Social group for women in the Community Room in West London. Looking of the Iver Heath Village to expand your social Hall. New Members and group and make new Visitors Welcome. friends? We meet Contact Pat Roberts regularly for coffee, a 01753 647674 or email: chat and organised trips pat@roberts3011.orange and welcome women of home.co.uk all ages. Please call Iver Heath Community Seema on 07730 898635 Library or email seemaa@ The Library is open: Tues seemaa.co.uk for more. 9.30-1pm & 2-5pm . Thurs 9.30-1pm & 2-6pm. SPORT Sat 10am-1pm. Free Back School membership of all Bucks Small Osteopath lead libraries Free public pc & Wi-fi. Reading Group, craft rehab excercise sessions group, bounce and rhyme designed to help strengthen the back with for toddlers, childrens lots of self care advice. crafts, coffee mornings Held at Lotus Wellbeing enqs: 0845 2303232. Clinic call 01753 677 604 Email: libivh@buckscc. for further details. gov.uk Iver & District Countryside Assoc., If you enjoy walks in the country and social evenings, why not join us? Call Paul Graham 01753 655183.
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
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 and 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. 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 and 5-10pm in Iver Village Hall, experience not necessary. Age 18yrs+. Cal Bob 01753 654049 or Ron 01753 819644 or Mary 01753 654765. 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. Call 01753 654246 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.
the Evreham Sports Centre on 01753 672 610. Richings Park Bowls Club Bowls is a game for the young and not so young alike; all you need to start playing is a flat pair of shoes. Come along and give it a go. Club nights on Friday evening. For further information, please contact: Colin Cawley on 01753 650502. All welcome to this small and friendly Club. Running Club For Advanced, Intermediate and Beginner. Runs organised in the local area. Free of charge, chance to train with other runners at your level. Call 01753 677 604 for details. 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 7.308.30pm. Under 16s contact Rhiannon 01895 448878. Email: plnetball@ hotmail.co.uk or www. pinkladiesnetball.co.uk Richings Park Short Mat Bowls Richings Park Sports & Social Club, Wellesley Avenue. Wed from 4pm. Just turn up - equipment provided.
Learn to Sail! We are an RYA approved training centre and are open to new members, www.kingsmeadsc.org.uk FREE taster sessions!
Richings Park Tennis Club Want play tennis? New members always welcome at our Brand New court facilities. Call Graeme or Wendy on 01753 651071 or www. richingsparkltc.org.uk
Nordic Walking Taster Session Iver 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
Run for life Richings park running and fitness club. Richings park sports club. Mon and Thu 6-7pm. With Personal trainer Shaun - sessions includes running, circuits, boxing and various other exercises. Call 07906 087749.
Contact Angela on 0800 038 5001 or email: info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk to advertise here ongoing for a one-off £5 fee.
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