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10/03/2014 11:27
Well, it’s finally here! The last magazine issue of the year and the countdown to Christmas. In and Around Publishing is coming up to its ninth year very soon and this year has been the busiest yet. With six magazines all now successfully thriv ing and growing and the possibility of more in the new year, stress and excitement are filling the office in equal measures. (Although much of An gela’s excitement is the thought of finally going away for a week at the beginning of the new year) With this issue going through the doors, we just have the January issues to get to print, before we can finish our Christmas shopping and start really talking turkey! As ever, it’s been a pleasure serving you all and we should like to thank you for your wonderful support. Every month we receive calls and emails from people who are always so enthusiastic about the magazines and it’s those comments that often drive us along when the workload is piling up. We would especially like to thank our tisers, who continue to provide great services and without whom, the magazines would not be possible.
adver
Wishing each and every one of you a Very Merry Christ mas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year! We’ll be back through your letterboxes in January. .
Used Cars: Japanese Muscle
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Karen Munro Careers
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Children’s Puzzle Page
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Ruislip Central Horticultural Society
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Garden Feature
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Puzzle Solutions
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RSPCA
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Useful Telephone Numbers
20
How to choose a turkey
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Property Matters
22
Wordsearch
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Wildlife Zone
24
Spotlight on Ickenham
26
Travel: New England
28
Designer Life
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Coffee Break Puzzles
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Recipe: Cranberry Bread & Butter Pudding
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A Good Read
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Local Events
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Keep it Real
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Reader Travel Offers
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Clubs, Groups & Classes
Tel: 0800 038 5001 Mob: 07931 368151 In and Around Magazines cover: West Drayton . Iver . Denham . Uxbridge Angela Fisher 0800 038 5001 / 07759 536494 info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk
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What’s on at the Compass Theatre
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Weekly Refuse & Recycling Dates
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We are grateful for the support of local businesses whose adverts appear in this publication and whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions, claims made by advertisers or endorse companies, products or services. This publication, its contents and advert designs are © of In and Around Publishing. Any copying or reproduction in part or fully, is strictly forbidden without our prior consent.
Home alone by Caroline Dunne Consultant IBB Solicitors caroline.dunne@ibblaw.co.uk
A recent YouGov poll commissioned by The Times revealed that two thirds of parents want the government to set a minimum age limit below which to leave a child at home alone would constitute a criminal offence. But is further legislation needed and what would it achieve?
Under legislation dating back to 1933, which is still regularly used, if a child left unsupervised is at risk of injury (but is actually unharmed), the person responsible for that child could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment by the Crown Court or up to six months’ imprisonment by a Magistrates’ Court. According to YouGov, most parents would leave a 12-year-old child alone at home for an hour. Parents exercise their own judgement using knowledge of their own child’s maturity and capability to decide whether it is appropriate to leave their child alone at home, and how long for. Organisations such as the NSPCC, gov.uk and mumsnet offer guidance on the issue.
left alone could lead to unnecessary convictions or cautions. Take a situation where an 11-year-old is left at home whilst a parent collects a sibling from a party. Traffic on the return journey is heavy, and the parent is not back at the planned time. Should such a parent – who in all other aspects of the parental role is providing a child with the support, love and home it needs – be criminalised, while the parent who regularly leaves their 12-year-old alone for hours at a time is not? Surely further legislation is an example of the “nanny state” removing parents’ right to make informed decisions about their children? If you or a family member have been charged with an offence, IBB’s specialist defence team can help. If you have concerns about childcare issues, contact our specialist childcare team.
Children mature at different rates so a “one size fits all” rule wouldn’t work. An 11-year-old who is a parent’s carer, and responsible for shopping and cooking, will be more mature than many of their peers. Specifying an age at which a child cannot be
We are family Our experienced specialists will guide you through child welfare cases, care and adoption proceedings, and cases relating to where children live or when they visit other family members. We can also represent children direct, or through a Children’s Guardian. Contact us to arrange a meeting: enquiries@ibblaw.co.uk or call 08456 381381
08456 381381 ibblaw.co.uk
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The Americans have a simple formula for muscle cars – big V8 engines, chunky coupé bodies, rear wheel drive. The Japanese, however, take a different ap proach – smaller highly tuned engines, compact bodies and lots of clever engineering. The result is sports cars that will keep up in a drag race but per form much better in the corners. Here’s my pick of the bunch.
The penultimate model in Nis san’s acclaimed Z car range, the curvy styling harks back to the original 240Z but the 3.5 litre V6 is bang up to date, delivering 300bhp and a wonderful metallic howl. The 5.8 second 060 time is respectable without being outrageous while the handling is nearly up there with a Porsche Boxter. This smart allrounder is surprisingly affordable; pick up a 2007 model with 60k on the clock for £7500.
The thinking man’s answer to the Subaru Imprezza WRX, the Evo takes a humdrum family saloon car and turns it into a fire breathing monster by turbo charging the 2.0 litre engine
within an inch of its life and fit ting 4 wheel drive and some reasonably tasteful spoilers. The stock version produces 300bhp, good for 060 in 4.5 seconds, but tuners can easily uprate that to 460bhp. The real appeal of the Evo lies in the intelligent four wheel drive system which allows unbelievable cornering speeds; this car is really a thug in a suit. Buying one can be a minefield – lots of them have been over tuned, raced or stolen and re covered. There’s also ten differ ent versions to choose from. I found a 2006 Mk IX with only 39,000 miles on it for a relatively pricey £11k.
Arguably the most complete two seater roadster you can buy, the S2000 combines the simple styling of a Mazda MX5 with an amazing, normally aspirated 2 litre engine that revs all the way up to 9000rpm and produces an astonishing 240bhp, good for 0 60 in 6.2 seconds, not to men tion a totally addictive howl. With all that power, the handling can be a bit of a handful but wan nabe racers can have a lot of fun. Throw in Honda’s legendary reliability and build quality and what’s not to like? The car re ceived a minor facelift in 2004
so it’s worth buying one after that year. Expect to pay £7,500 for a pristine 04 car with less than 50k under its belt.
This muscular but curvaceous coupe is possibly the closest Nissan ever got to the American muscle car philosophy – it would stand up well to a Ford Mustang. Power comes from a twin turbo 3.0 litre V6 that kicks out a hefty 300bhp (serious oomph for the time). Despite the cutting edge chassis technology (it had adap tive rear wheel steering) the handling is only average but, with a comfy ride and bags of equipment, it makes an excel lent long distance cruiser. Unloved by Z car enthusiasts, the 300ZX really is as cheap as chips; you can pick one up for under a grand. £4800 gets you a mint 1994 example that has covered a mere 50,000 miles – undoubtedly the cheapest way of getting from 060 in 5 sec onds flat.
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Karen Munro Careers (Dec14)_Layout 1 25/11/2014 19:53 Page 1
Karen Munro - Career Coach
www.munrocareers.co.uk #@munrocareers www.facebook.com/munrocareers Karen is a professional Career Coach providing individual support in all aspects of employment including effective CV writing, interview skills training, networking and successful job searching. A member of the Career Development Institute and registered with the Careers Professional Alliance, a qualified Careers Practitioner and Trainer, she works with both private and business clients around Hillingdon, South Bucks and Middlesex. Karen is currently facilitating workshops and offering individual coaching to Military Personnel leaving the Armed Forces at RAF Northolt, helping them through their transition in to civilian employment. Karen writes for a number of careers focused and military resettlement magazines and regularly contributes to ‘In and Around’ sharing her practical experience with her local community. WELL, I know many of you will be like me and will not be ready for Christmas yet. Nevertheless I would like to wish all my readers and followers a very Merry Christmas! Personally, I can’t believe it’s that time of year again and I seem to say it every year. Where did the year go?
“December, is your time to prepare”! It’s time to update your C.V. How can you improve it and make it stand out? Do you need to get some help to make your C.V to make it better? It’s time to start gathering lots of examples regarding your skills and experience so you can write strong ‘achievement statements’ to include in your C.V as well as to discuss at interview. It’s time to start:
For many of us this is a very expensive and stressful time of year. Everywhere you look there is the constant message to spend money and lavish loved ones and friends with gifts they may not use or want. If you are out of work, or worried about your job security, then looking for a new job during the lead up to and over the Christmas period is almost impossible! Most organisations do very little recruiting at this time of year. It’s a time for winding down, Christmas staff parties and finishing off all those things around the office that no one ever gets time to do. But don’t worry. Because January is just around the corner and it’s notoriously a much busier time of year for recruiting. People tend to make a start on their New Year’s resolutions – “give up smoking, lose weight, get fit, book a holiday and get a better job”! So everything starts moving again in January.
• thinking about your career direction • recognising what do you really want to do • planning how you can go about it • putting together a robust Action Plan to map out your New Year and your new job. • researching organisations. Where do you think you’d like to work? • talking to your contacts – and what better time to do that than at Christmas; over some mulled wine and mince pies! • Don’t forget up to 85% of the job market is ‘hidden’. It’s not advertised but filled through word of mouth, friends of friends, networking meetings and speculative enquiries.
“Start networking”! By the time January comes around, you will have done all the ground work and you will be ready to put you plans in to action. Be ahead of the game! Once again, I hope you all have a stress free, healthy and happy Christmas. See you again in the New Year.
Karen
“unlocking your career potential”
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RCHS...FP (Dec14)_Layout 1 27/11/2014 03:26 Page 1
CHRISTMAS COLOUR
IT is at this time of the year when Christmas is round the corner, shops are full of tinsel and those Christmas tracks of old are being played on the radio. You think you have weeks before you even have to think about sending a card or buying a present, then suddenly, its 2015. You should have now given the grass its last cut of the year, make sure you keep the grass free from rotting leaves etc., it is a good idea to give it an Autumn treatment too, this keeps the moss down and strengthens the grass roots for the winter, try and do this no later than Christmas, it is still mild, so will be fine. Also it keeps weeds down that start growing as soon as mild days arrive! I use Evergreen Autumn grass food. Worth the investment! Also keep the borders free of leaves and dying foliage, this helps reduce places where slugs and snails can over winter! I had some emails this month from a few readers who asked if there are any other highly scented shrubs I can recommend for the winter garden. Well there is! I do love those winter flowing shrubs with high scent that also do well when cut, so you can bring them into the house over Christmas and really enjoy that scent filtering around the home. It saves on those plug ins and seasonal air fresheners! Viburnum x Bodnantense ‘DAWN’ is one plant I won’t do without, it is one of the earliest flowering hardy shrubs and can on mild winters, flower as early as November! It is a little boring in summer but really makes up for it in winter, its origin - a Hybrid developed at Bodnant garden Cornwall in 1934! It all seems a little surreal talking about Christmas only being round the corner when we have just has the hottest Halloween on record with the mercury in southern counties reaching 240c! However it is soon time for Christmas decorations. I don’t think there is anything better than real, rather than false plants around the home, so here are a few ideas of plants and flowers to have around the home this Christmas. POINSETTIA. This is probably the most well known Christmas plant, with its bright red tips and green leaves. I often hear that people complain they can’t keep these long, leaves start falling off and become brown and go crispy. A few tips to consider - these plants seriously do
not like a rapid change in temperature, even when carrying from the shop to the car if there is a drop in temperature you will be in trouble. Keep it in a brightly lit room where temperature changes are minimal, not in direct sun or the leaves will burn. Water from the bottom and only once a week, and you could keep this plant until Easter! CHRISTMAS CACTUS (Schlumbergera bridgessii) The Christmas cactus will adapt to low light conditions, but the plant will produce blooms more readily if exposed to brighter light. Once again, bear in mind that too much direct sunlight can burn its leaves, so keep the Christmas cactus in an appropriate area to avoid this. Moisture is important as well. The plant requires frequent and thorough watering, especially during active growth in spring and summer. Allow Christmas cactus moisture levels to drop and dry out some between watering intervals, but never completely, and never let the plant sit in water, as this will lead to root and stem rot. AMARYLLIS is another popular plant. Tall and graceful, it sure does make a statement if placed in the center of a table or a windowsill, if you purchase a bulb, place the roots in warm water for a few hours before planting. Use a nutritious compost such as John Innes No. 2, with a little grit and multipurpose compost added. Place in a warm bright place, water sparingly until the stems appear. Stake as it gets bigger to keep it straight. Easy to look after. HOLLY. One of my favorite, cut and placed down the center of the Christmas Dinner table wrapped around candles really adds to that fantastic Christmas atmosphere. Use some spray snow to really bring these cut branches alive. When cut, you can place in water, however this plant will last a few days cut without water. The bright red berries only appear on the female plant. Surprisingly, while holly is a traditional Christmas plant, its origins date back to Druids, who thought the plant represented everlasting life. Christians adopted the plant as a symbol of Jesus’ promise of everlasting life. The RCHS would like to wish all its members and readers a very Happy Christmas, thank you to all of you who have contacted the RCHS this year and those who have joined as members. We have a great line up for 2015 which I am sure you will enjoy Please visit our website www.ruisliphorticultural.org.uk for full details about us and our shows, talks and becoming a member. In January, Our chairman Viv Ash will be telling you all about the history of the RCHS and the plans for 2015. In the meantime have a fantastic Christmas and don’t forget the garden!
Warren
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Ickenham GARDENING (Dec14)_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 27/11/2014 02:24 Page 1
GARDENING
Christmas past made present with Lee Bestall, Inspired Gardener Long before the introduction of central heating and other luxuries of the 21st century, people required greater faith that they would safely survive the harsh upcoming winter. One such symbolic display of this hope was the beautiful Christmas wreath. Now creeping back in fashion and available in a number of guises, they can be found hanging on doorways, both inside and out, as a centrepiece on a table, and even hung on walls as decorations. Although we may have lost the traditional reasoning behind displaying such garlands, I’m on a mission to bring them back... in whatever style suits your home. The word ‘wreath’ is linked to the word ‘wrist’, both words describing the form of a continuous circular shape. Fuse this with ‘wrethe’ from middle English (meaning a twisted band or ring of leaves) and you have the wreath as we know it today. The circular shape is symbolic of eternity, or everlasting life because it has no beginning or end. In ancient Rome the symbol became a popular display of victory. From a Christian perspective it represents the unending circle of life, with the traditional Holly as the thorns on Jesus’ crown and the red berries as his blood. At this bleak time of year, it’s wonderful
to use evergreens and other brightly coloured flowers, foliage, or fruits to adorn your wreath. The addition of expensive and rare fruits such as pomegranates, indicated wealth, but wreaths also included the display of pinecones, seashells and even imported products. Once the decorations had been taken down, the edible decorations would be eaten and the bounty of summer enjoyed in the depth of winter. Making your own wreath is fun and easy, and can vary from a simple and cheap evergreen circle to an elaborate bauble ring. For those who like a quick and easy option, simply buy a circle of oasis and soak it in tepid water, before sticking in sprigs of evergreen foliage from the garden, flowers, berries, dried fruits, nuts, and bows. If you have more time why not make your own base by taking a ring of string wire and covering it in moss or hay, holding it in place using thinner gauge wire, then wiring in the foliage and decorations. Be aware though that holly wreaths are tricky and gloves should be worn! The Americans seem to be leading the way in the contemporary wreath, so why not try something a little different this year such as a circle of pine cones, dried leaves, dried sweetcorn cobs, pussy willow or even a ring of astroturf! Merry Christmas.
Lee Bestall www.inspiredgardens.net
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RSPCA Middlesex North West stepped in to save a litter of three week old kit tens after their poor mum was struggling to care for them.
Homeless cat Molly wasn’t producing enough milk to feed five hungry mouths and desper ately needed some help, and eventually her milk dried up altogether. Toad, Frog, Tad pole, Newt and Minnow were left to fend for themselves . Tracy decided to hand rear the kittens which might sound cute, but three week old kittens need to be fed every two hours and are with Tracy 24/7. It’s hard work. For now all five kittens need constant care, and are being kept warm on a little heat pad rather than snuggling up to mum. They will be available for rehoming in around a month once they are fully weaned. The RSPCA is urging people to adopt a kit ten rather than buy one because of a surge in abandoned and neglected cats so far this year. If you would like to adopt a little kitten, or another animal please call us on 020 8966 9688 or email info@rspcamiddlesex.org.uk. To view all the animals looking for a new home, visit www.rspcamiddlesex.org.uk If you can, please help us to care for Toad, Frog, Tadpole, Newt and Minnow by making a donation. Just £5 could buy a bottle and some kitten milk. To donate please call Aileen on , visit our website or send a donation to RSPCA Middlesex North West Branch, 114 Field End Road, Eastcote, Mid dlesex , HA5 1RL. Thank you.
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Property
ber of reasons for this. Firstly, even the better es tablished online agencies such as Tepilo receive only a tiny fraction of the traffic enjoyed by Right move and Zoopla so your property will be visible to a lot less people. The average man on the street is generally not very good at taking photos or putting together a compelling sales brochure. Also, many vendors have no idea of what the realistic asking price is for their property and completely overprice An online estate agency shouldn’t be confused with it. Rightmove which is a property portal used by con ventional estate agents. Instead, vendors decide Interestingly, where the vendors are successful what price they want to market their property at, with online agencies there seem to be some com take the photos, write the description and then mon factors. The properties tend to be at the lower upload everything to their chosen website. The key end of the price scale, sub £100k, there are usually advantage is a sizeable cost saving when com several similar properties up for sale in the area pared to the usual fees. and the vendors are very keen, sometimes desper ate to sell. It looks like online estate agencies have The impression I’ve gathered so far is that a high a niche but I foresee a problem: regular estate proportion of properties marketed via these web agents are becoming increasingly regulated and sites fail to sell in a reasonable timeframe; fre now have a voluntary licensing scheme; what pro quently the vendors have to resort to using a con tection can the online agencies offer both vendors ventional agent having wasted a lot of time, effort and buyers? and hundreds of pounds in fees. There are a num I have been watching Sarah Beeny’s latest TV programme, How to Sell Your Home, with interest. The concept is straightforward: each episode Sarah follows the fortunes of two vendors who have opted to sell their house via an online estate agent rather than with a traditional agent. There are lots of these agencies around; she even runs one herself called Tepilo.
The Wildlife Zone...FP (Dec14)_Layout 1 25/11/2014 22:46 Page 1
THE WILDLIFE ZONE
PRETTY KILLERS
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.
MOST children are fond of ladybirds and usually continue loving the colourful creatures for many years into adulthood. But despite their benign and friendly reputation they are mass killers and voracious predators, as hostile to their prey as anything we witness on the world’s biggest stage, the Serengeti. Whilst ladybirds are hardly megafauna such as lions, crocodiles or hyena, they are still deadly carnivores in their own diminutive horizons. Ladybirds are small animals, do not carry diseases nor have a reputation as being the harbingers of doom. But their real secret for being liked is that they are inoffensive and very colourful to the human eye. I fell in love with ladybirds when I was a child and first explored the natural world near in the Cotswolds. All around our village the meadows and hillsides were normally full of wild flowers such as cowslips, buttercups, dandelions and daisies. All sorts of flying insects made our playing fields, unkempt areas of grass and ‘sward’ their home. The horticulturalists’ problem is pesticides; modern day insect killers which are rarely discriminate and kill friend and foe alike by exterminating all insects, including ladybirds. The alternative facing gardeners is not to use pesticides at all. Ladybirds are tortoise shell-like beetles. There are about 5,000 worldwide species. Some of Britain’s 40 species of ladybirds are hard to identify without specialist help. For example the common two spot is widespread and grows up to 4mm in length. Individuals vary greatly but usually have one black spot on each red shell, or elytra, which they open out to fly. Most confusingly however, some two spot ladybirds can have more than two spots with some of them having black shells with four or six red spots. These winter individually or in small groups in either leaf litter or in covered areas close to the ground. Another common type is the larger seven spot ladybird which often hibernates in garden sheds or tree bark. They usually emerge in spring so that they can lay their eggs in good time for them to hatch in the following summer months. This happens when the adult female chooses to lay her eggs on or near a prolific aphid colony, so that when the eggs hatch their prey is guaranteed. The larvae will eat hundreds of aphids in about three weeks before they pupate and change into a beautiful flying beetle. Other species include the 22 spot ladybird, which are only two to three millimetres long. The 14 spot ladybird is only slightly larger. These yellow and black ladybirds are generally not as common, or as striking perhaps as the red ones, although I consider them just as beautiful. One reason why many ladybirds have such vivid and striking colours which announce their presence is that they are a defence mechanism - it is a warning to its predators that whilst they can be seen and caught, they do not taste nice. The rarer species of ladybirds in Britain must be actively protected. The Harlequin ladybird is an invasive creature from Eastern Asia. It is a larger creature than British ones, and can look more like what most people think of as a conventional beetle. But as well as eating aphids, they prey on other, smaller ladybirds. I can enjoy some feral animals (ie creatures not native to Britain) which add to our biodiversity. But like many conservationists, I dislike and do not welcome invasive species, which are feral animals that become dangerous to indigenous wildlife. Many conservationist organisations, including the Wildlife Trusts and the Foundation for Endangered Species amongst others would like to receive information about the Harlequin ladybird’s presence. This is because they then could be monitored in any one locality. Consequently our indigenous ladybirds may be able to remain free from their damaging predation. In this way caring gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts would be acting as a kind of wildlife ‘amateur policeman’. This is a growing tendency in Britain, which has gathered pace with programmes such as Springwatch where viewers gathered information about their local wildlife and sent it to the appropriate conservation groups. When everyone participates in wildlife activities, a much better and clearer picture can be painted, resulting in better outcomes. Another way of directly helping these beautiful creatures is by buying or making a ladybird cum lacewing box. These are practical homes for many species depending on where the box is situated; generally speaking lacewings prefer the box lower to the ground, whilst many ladybirds have a liking for them to be higher up. After I placed my own box on the house wall, I noticed a sharp increase of ladybird numbers in the garden, and in particular on the stinging nettle patch which I allowed to grow. Whilst I cannot recommend growing nettles to all gardeners, especially those with children, I can report that I once counted nearly twenty ladybirds including six different species. When I see a Harlequin ladybird, I will act to stifle the danger it poses. But I am also ‘growing’ as many native species as possible. Why? Because I feel the same as many other people probably do, even if some of them have stifled their feelings over the years. Ladybirds are just as beautiful now as they always have been and have a loving place in the wildlife garden.
The charities’ contact details are www.ffes.org.uk email: info@ffes.org.uk
Your local Drycleaners at your service
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Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or sign up on our website for regular promotions and discounts.
Present your Hillingdon card for a regular 10% discount (Conditions apply).
Pop into your local Blue Dragon at 53 Swakeleys Road, Ickenham for a full range of drycleaning and domestic laundry services, including our super speedy 2 hour and same day drycleaning options. We can even take care of your repairs and alterations. Branches also at: Beaconsfield, Bourne End, Gerrards Cross & GT. Missenden. Your Ickenham Blue Dragon 53 Swakeleys Road, Ickenham, Middlesex. UB10 8DG
Tel: 01895 675711
Opening Hours
It pays to use Blue Dragon
Monday - Friday: 9.00am to 5.30pm Saturday: 9.00am to 4.00pm
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Sunday: Closed
Ickenham Feature (Dec14)_Layout 1 27/11/2014 10:43 Page 4
past two decades, localism has been the watchword of political parties of every hue. It’s a simple but compelling idea: take power from the central government at Westminster and transfer it to the regions. After all, local governments should be much better at representing the interests of their citizens than a central government that, typically these days, 60% of the electorate didn’t vote
Ickenham Festive Community Night
Shops, schools, churches, local groups and businesses come together for a great night out! Again this year, Ickenham will have its own special Christmas celebration night. The Ickenham Festive Community Night, on Friday 12th December, from 6pm to 9pm, will feature a wide range of music, activities, fun and shopping. In and around the Swakeleys Road, Ickenham Village Hall, Glebe Avenue and Community Close there will be many local voluntary organisations and charities, with music, games, festive sales and information on a Christmas theme.
With the aid of a grant from the London Borough of Hillingdon, there will be Christmas themed lights in and around the village. Further information on how you can get involved is on the Ickenham Festival website at www.IckenhamFestival.org.uk. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/IckFest or call or text on 07516 984514. The Ickenham Festive Community Night is co-ordinated by the Ickenham Festival Team as part of our voluntary support of the community in Ickenham.
SPOTLIGHT ON...
ICKENHAM
All around the Ickenham shopping area many local shops will stay open late and will feature special attractions, hospitality and fun. Local restaurants and pubs will be running special events.
MMC
Ickenham Feature (Dec14)_Layout 1 27/11/2014 10:43 Page 5
ICKENHAM
SPOTLIGHT ON...
past two decades, localism has been the watchword of political parties of every hue. It’s a simple but compelling idea: take power from the central government at Westminster and transfer it to the regions. After all, local governments should be much better at representing the interests of their citizens than a central government that, typically these days, 60% of the electorate didn’t vote
Ickenham past & present
ICKENHAM is a suburban area centred on an old village and until 1934, no major road passed through the parish, however, a residential suburb soon began to appear.
A row of shops had been built on the south side of Swakeleys Road and was lined with houses on both sides with residential roads leading from it. More expensive detached dwellings were soon to be erected around a spacious green at Milton Court and the old village centre was starting to become a busy traffic junction with the shopping parade extended.
Village Pump built in 1866 and listed Grade II was used by villagers with no water supply to their homes up to 1914.
Today, Ickenham boasts plenty of green spaces, large houses and excellent transport links to London whilst maintaining a village atmosphere.
St Giles Church dates back to 1335
Ickenham TRAVEL (Dec14)_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 27/11/2014 03:42 Page 1
TRAVEL
No place like New England in the fall Most empty nesters approaching retirement seem to take numerous holidays every year, but we like to save up our money and put a lot of planning into a once in a lifetime trip every couple of years. Having lived in the US for five years because of my husband’s job, America is always a favourite destination and last year we fulfilled a long held ambition to travel around New England in the fall. Autumn might last a couple of months in England, but in New England it’s all over in little more than a fortnight. September is still summer and the first snow usually arrives in November so the first two weeks in October is perfect. We flew into Boston in the early evening and took a cab to a Best Western Hotel on Massachusetts Avenue; we’d done a block booking that allowed us to stay in any hotel in the chain for about £80 per night. Having tried to stay up as late as possible, we still woke up at 6.30am and had an early breakfast before starting on our holiday. First step was to pick up our hire car which we promptly dumped in a car park while we went for a walk. Boston was at the heart of the American Revolution and the Freedom Trail links seven places of historical interest, including Bunker Hill and the Charlestown Navy Yard. The sites all date back to the 18th century and are
remarkably well preserved. The walk took most of the day and, exhausted by our adventure, we had an early dinner – fabulous lobster at a restaurant on the waterfront. By the next morning our body clocks had adjusted to local time so we spent a leisurely day shopping, pottering and eating in Boston’s bustling yet charming centre. The next day we drove down to Hyannis in Cape Cod, famous for being the base of the Kennedy family when they dominated American politics. There’s a compound containing the family’s three houses just outside the town but it wasn’t yet open to the public. Instead we made do with a tour of the Kennedy Museum which provides a fascinating snapshot of a younger, more optimistic America. Other than that, Hyannis is a lovely little seaside town with plenty of shops and restaurants. We stayed the night and caught the morning ferry over to Martha’s Vineyard, a fantastically pretty and friendly little island that reeks of old money. After a day walking along the beaches, we had a wonderful meal before retiring to our hotel in the middle of a forest. We took the ferry back to Falmouth and spent a couple of days touring around Cape Cod, a lovely place that is like a more affluent version of
Cornwall transplanted to the east coast of America. Eventually it was time to head north to Maine, home of Steven King – I am possibly his biggest fan. Our first port of call was Bangor where the great man lives for much of the year in a gingerbread gothic mansion – I took a photo. We also went up the Thomas Hill Standpipe which featured in It and wandered around the University of Maine which appeared in several of his books. In many ways Bangor reminds me of Oxford; it has that cultured, bookish air of a small city built around its university. After that, we travelled an hour up the coast to Bar Harbour where we spent a couple of days beachcombing and enjoying an unseasonably warm spell. Our final three days were taken up meandering back down the coast through Maine and New Hampshire to Boston. New England is beautiful, full of history and charm with friendly people who still display some of the reserve of their English forebears. There isn’t the brashness and urgency that you find elsewhere on the east coast; everything is more laid back and relaxed, a little like comparing Cornwall to London. And the seafood is the best you will ever taste, truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Margaret Collins
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Join in the warehouse or online: www.costco.co.uk/membership The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT). Executive Trade Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT). Executive Individual Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. Membership Criteria applies. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made. Costco accepts cash, debit card, cheque or American Express
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Smith's FP Editorial (Dec14)_Layout 1 25/11/2014 15:08 Page 1
Not just a Garden Centre...
There are not many independent businesses that have endured over the years and flourished like Smith’s Nurseries Garden Centre, in New Denham.
Bertram Thomas Smith, started growing at Smith’s in 1931, it all began with two small greenhouses, an old coal boiler to keep the plants warm at night and ten acres of land, laid out to wallflowers and roses. With perseverance, hard work and a love of all things plants, this was the start of a successful business, which is still going strong over eight decades later! Currently in the capable hands of Bertram’s Grandson, Norman Smith and with the help of his fantastic team, ‘Smith’s’ is a delight! They’ve come a long way since the early days and now have a fantastic Garden Centre, which really does have it all.
In 1931, it was jus t two greenhous es, some roses and wallflowers...
So what does make Smith’s stand out from the rest? Quite simply, they listen to their customers and deliver on their promises. “We are very proud of the success we have achieved through our dedication to our customers and our product choices,” as Norman Smith put it. “We have an outstanding team of friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always ready to answer questions and we are lucky to have many loyal and regular customers.” With exceptional quality plants and shrubs, seeds, bulbs, a fantastic array of stone wear, paving and water features, plus superb garden furniture and barbecues, there is everything you would expect from a Garden Centre and more!
not ritage is . n 4 this he ... In 201 rather built upo n, forgotte
Smith’s gives you much more in fact, as there is a great selection of pet care products and the most wonderful range of home wares we have seen. From beautiful table wear, children’s gifts, candles and cushions to cookware and silk flowers. There’s also a selection of china and glass wear, that would rival any department store, plus Bertram’s Café, the ideal place for a light bite or coffee after a great morning’s shop and all with free parking!
Christmas is all wrapped up at Smith’s! So for all your gift ideas this Christmas, the only place you really need to go is Smith’s! Plus this year, on selected days you could bring the children to see Santa in his Grotto and take a trip along Christmas Street, a mini street full of Christmas delights, with activities for kids too! See in store for details. With their huge Christmas shop open now amid a dazzling array of decorations and their top quality real Christmas trees, you may have Christmas covered quicker than you think! Don’t forget to check out the Smith’s website too, for advice and special offers throughout the year at www.smiths-nurseries.co.uk or find them on Facebook or twitter.
Smith’s Nurseries, 95 Oxford Road, New Denham, UB9 4DE (near Uxbridge)
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MMCG FP (Dec14)_Layout 1 25/11/2014 14:23 Page 1
Icken
Maria Mallaband Care Group announce launch of new...
Gerrards Cross Care Home
Buckingham House based in Gerrards Cross recently hosted its grand opening, where
founder,
Chairman
and
CEO,
Phil Burgan presented Gerrards Cross Community Association with a cheque for £500. Buckingham House is the latest care home launched by Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG) and provides nursing, dementia and residential care for 53 residents. Maria Mallaband Care Group is one of the UK's leading care home providers renowned for offering comfortable, luxurious facilities and outstanding services. Our staff aim to build confidence and promote independence to enable residents to lead a fulfilling life with dignity and respect at all times, ensuring their residents needs come first and foremost. Each bedroom is en-suite and decorated to a hotel standard. The home boasts a number of lounges, 2 dining areas, 2 cafés, library and hair dressing salon, as well as beautifully landscaped gardens and secluded patio area.
If you would like to book a tour of Buckingham House Care Home, or would simply like more information about the home, please call 01753 468200, email: Buckingham.House@mmcg.co.uk, or visit www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk.
MMCG FP (Dec14)_Layout 1 25/11/2014 14:23 Page 2
Designer Life (Dec14)_Layout 1 25/11/2014 20:08 Page 1
A Recipe for Joy... YOU WILL NEED... • 500 grams of love • 250 grams of kindness/gentleness • 250 grams of gratitude • 100 grams of generosity/goodness
www.designerlife.co.uk
• 100 grams of patience/peace
neelam@designerlife.co.uk
• 1 teaspoon of sugar/humility • Mustard seed of faith
Neelam Challoner is one of UK’s leading Life coaches, specialising in Re-designing women’s lives and is the founder and owner of Designer life Coaching and the Author of ‘Successful but Incomplete’. Neelam has coached hundreds of people nationally and internationally since 2004. With over 15 years experience in leadership, she has a flair for getting the best out of people. Her clients range from professionals, high net worth individuals, and solo business owners, to unemployed, single parents and women who have suffered domestic abuse. She has empowered and coached both privately and in the public sector pan London and in the Hillingdon Borough and is relentless on her mission to inspire and motivate people to release their potential and live a ‘Designer life’.
• Pinch of salt • Sprinkle of laughter METHOD... Take the 500 grams of love and begin working that in, be patient this may take a while. When you think it’s ready, add in the other ingredients one by one (save the sprinkle of laughter till the end), allowing each ingredient to mould into love so they fuse. Once you have worked on each one and are happy with the consistency pop in the oven at 2000C for 34-36 minutes. I suggest the consistency to be soft and mouldable, no hard bits. When ready, check that it’s moist and has a lovely golden glow. Do not let the recipe become hard in the heat of the oven so keep an expectant eye on it. You will notice the aroma fill your home and anyone who walks in will immediately feel much better and may want the recipe. SO WHAT DID YOU CREATE IN THE END? Joy comes from within, and no matter what happens in our life we can still have joy and spread it to others. It is made up of love, peace, kindness and all the good and noble things, some of which are listed in this recipe. I believe the oven represents our hard times, and often we come out of them with a hardened heart or a bitter attitude. Don’t let that happen. The oven is necessary for us to become the finished piece which allows the ingredients to blend and cook together, you will note that each ingredient alone does not quite taste as amazing until all of them are put together and baked. The oven is also vital in allowing our inner potential and joy to bubble over, remember the time in the oven is only short. Once you have taken it out of the oven let it cool down and sprinkle it with laughter, if you like, top with sparkle or glitter.
Wishing you and your family a Joyous Christmas!
Neelam
What are the options for a parent who’s had a good career, is used to earning a good income but has chosen to give it up in order to have a family? Returning to their old career will bring demands, pressure and they’ll suffer the guilt of the working parent. In part time jobs the hourly rate is poor and paying for childcare during school holidays is expensive. There is a way of building a fulltime income around the family’s needs working with a family run global company in the booming health and nutritionprofession. It has the Investors In People Gold award for training and support, the work is totally
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Ickenham BOOKS (Dec14)_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 27/11/2014 00:07 Page 1
BOOKS
A Good Read with Kath Bennett
Orange Pear Apple Bear Monkey and Me Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears All by Emily Gravett With simple text and charming illustrations, there is an Emily Gravett book to suit all ages. Orange Pear Apple Bear is beautifully simple, with a different permutation of the title on every page, and will provoke big laughs from babies (Apple Bear is the current favourite in our house). Available as a sturdy board book, it can be revisited again and again. Monkey and Me is well suited to toddlers who will identify with the main character as, along with her toy monkey, she goes to see all kinds of animals. The simple repetition in the text will have little ones ‘reading’ along and anticipating the revelation on the next page – perfect for reading aloud. Finally, Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears, is an awardwinning book, which is ideal for slightly older readers. Each page details a different one of Little Mouse’s fears, encouraging children to talk about why they might be frightened of things like the dark or monsters under the bed. The real delight here is the multi-layered illustrations, with chewed pages (aided by real mice!) notes, scribbles and annotations. This, and the others above, deserve to become modern classics.
Raw Spirit Iain Banks Subtitled ‘In Search of the Perfect Dram’, this book is the story of Iain Banks’ journey around Scotland, visiting as many single malt whisky distilleries as he can and tasting as many types as possible: surely every whisky lover’s dream holiday. At first Iain Banks can’t believe that a publisher really wants him to undertake the task of visiting all of Scotland’s distilleries – there are around a hundred of them, not including those which have closed. Then he begins to realise what an opportunity it is. So, accompanied by various friends and relations, he sets off - stipulating only that he can drive himself and can stop off at home several times to return the spoils of his visits in the shape of as many bottles of single malt as he can carry. From the ‘tourist traps’ of Glenfiddich to the smaller operations like Aberfeldy, he takes us on a journey through the world of whisky. Banks’ style is humorous and engaging throughout, from the first visit to Islay to his final trip to Oban. This is what makes this much more than a tasting guide – in fact, it’s as much a travel book for his beloved Scotland and includes a fair smattering of autobiography, too. If you’re a lover of Uisgebaugh then you may or may not agree with his choice of the perfect dram, but you’ll certainly have fun comparing notes. And, if whisky isn’t your thing then there’s enough scenery, humour and even political comment to keep your interest throughout. The perfect Christmas gift for a whisky-lover.
Local Dated Events (Dec14)_Layout 1 26/11/2014 10:24 Page 1
Local & Festive Events
December 2014 into January 2015
DECEMBER EVENTS Festive Events at Smith’s Nurseries 95 Oxford Road, New Denham, UB9 4DE Thu 4th December, 5.30pm-8.30pm Christmas Shopping Evening 15% off your shopping - save on your Christmas decorations, lights and gifts. 4th-14th December Visit our Christmas Street A mini street of seasonal delights all displayed in beautiful festive cabins! For more details call 01895 233 844, visit us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter Stardust Big Band Christmas Concert Sat 6th December, 5.30pm-7.30pm The Great Barn, Manor Farm Site, Ruislip HA4 7SU. Guest singer Rebecca Lodge from BBx singers. In aid of the Mayor’s chosen charity Michael Sobell Hospice. Call Manor Farm Library for more details 01895 558234 the great barn is unheated so wrap up warm! Hillingdon Fostering & Adoption events 9th December, 6:30-8:30pm, 18th December, 10am-12noon, 13th January 2015, 6.30-8.30pm. Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW. Interested in learning more about fostering and adoption? Attend one of our free events. To book a place contact 0800 783 1298 or email: fost-adopt@hillingdon.gov.uk for more info visit:www.hillingdon.gov.uk/article/ 24056/Events Christmas Tree Festival St Peter’s Church, Thorney Lane North, Iver SL0 9JU. Come and see the trees on display throughout the weekend Fri 12th December 10am-6pm Sat 13th December 11am-9pm Sun 14th December 12noon-2.30pm Join in the informal carol singing around the trees on Sat 13th at 7pm Come and worship with us surrounded by the trees on Sun 14th - Holy Communion at 9.15am or Family Praise at 11am Entry is free, refreshments at a small charge. Ickenham Festive Community Night Fri 12th December, 6pm-9pm Around Swakeleys Road, Ickenham Village Hall, Gelbe Avenue and Community Close, Ickenham, UB10 8DG. For a great night out featuring a wide range of music, games festive sales plus special
attractions with many local shops opening late, hospitality and fun plus Christmas themed lights in and around the village. Further information on how you can get involved is on the Ickenham Festival website at www.IckenhamFestival.org.uk. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/IckFest or call or text on 07516 984514. Christmas Fayre Sat 13th December, 12-3pm Denham Village Infant School, Cheapside Lane, UB9 5AE. All welcome! Come and see Father Christmas. Grand Raffle /Auction, Craft Room. Enjoy a cuppa and a slice of cake, plus much more. Hillingdon Choral Society present ‘Christmas is coming...’ Sat 13th December, 7.30pm St. Paul’s Church, Thurlstone Road, Ruilsip Manor, Middlesex HA4 0BP Conductor: Peter J Williams Organist: Rufus Frowde Solists: Celia Gould & Lynne Hirst Carols old and new, audience participation and Vivaldi’s ‘Magnificat’. Tickets on the door or from Pro Music shop, Ickenham. £12 adults/£3 children. For details call 07941 601966 or visit www.hillingdonchoralsociety.org.uk The Uxbridge Choral Society performing Martin How's ‘Advent Cantata’ Sat 13th December, 7.30pm St. Margaret's Church, Windsor Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1AB. Conductor: Jeff Stewart. Tickets: £12 adults, £6 for under 12s, available on the door on the night or by calling 01895 847083 in advance. ‘Light up a Life’ Ceremonies Sun 14th December, 3.30pm and 5.30pm Michael Sobell Hospice Lecture Hall, Gate 3, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, HA6 2RN. A special event when people come together to celebrate, reflect and remember loved ones who are no longer with us – whether
DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE! If you would like us to publicise your event in our January issues contact us no later than Friday 12th December.
they received hospice care or not. There will be two ceremonies with performances from the Lemon Tuesday choir. Refreshments will be served. Free entry and parking. Pre-booking is essential call 01923 844730 to reserve a place. HUBB Business Breakfast Event Thu 8th January, 8am-9am Bay Lodge, 36 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1PH. Networking with local professionals and in partnership with the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce. ‘The New Pension Landscape’. From April 2015 there will be massive changes to pension legislation, find out how it can improve your retirement. Coffee & pastries. For details email: emma.zovich@wardwilliams.co.uk
LIVE MUSIC EVENTS The Swan at Iver 2 High Street, Iver, SL0 9NG Fri 5th Dec Stealworks return, 9.30pm Other music nights will be available during the festive period, see www.swaniver.co.uk The 3 Steps High Street, Cowley, Uxbridge, UB8 2DX Sat 6th Dec Ska Night with ‘The Skammers’ from 9pm til late Sat 13th Dec ‘The Stiles’ from 9pm til late Sat 20th Dec Live music from the ‘Fantastic Elastic Band’ from 9pm til late Sat 27th Dec Live music from ‘J45S’ from 9pm til late Wed 31st Dec Celebrate NYE with us from 8pm to late. Live music from ‘Two Shades’ with a spectacular Firework Display and Prize Raffle. Entrance by ticket only £5, price includes one free drink per customer The Falcon Village Road, Denham, UB9 5BE Fri 19th Dec Live music with John & Leigh an evening of Rock, Pop, Soul & Swing. The WatersEdge Packet Boat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS Sun 21st Dec Live music from Natalie, Vinnie and friends! A great way to get in the festive spirit! All starts at 8pm. Uxbridge Folk Club Uxbridge RNA, 388a Long Lane, Hillingdon UB10 9PG (2 mins from Hillingdon tube) Thu 11th Dec Folk, Blues and slide guitar with Garry Smith gsgarrymsmith.wix.com/ theslideguy
Ickenham KEEP IT REAL (Dec14)_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 27/11/2014 03:58 Page 1
Keep it real! with Debbie Singh-Bhatti
I live in a house that is divided. My husband loves real Christmas trees but in recent years I’ve talked him around to the artificial option, believing – incorrectly as it turns out – that a reusable tree is better for the planet than one that is chopped down and discarded after a few weeks. Most artificial trees are made from PVC – one of the most non-renewable, polluting, unrecyclable materials around - and consequently their carbon footprint is ten times greater than that of real ones. Shocked into realising that my fake tree is not the morally correct choice I thought, I’m now keen to join the six million Brits who opt for a real tree at Christmas. Christmas trees spring up all over the place from late November and the quality varies greatly. Before you make your choice, do a bit of fact finding about its freshness. Ask where it was grown (UK produced trees are likely to be fresher), how long it has been in stock and when it was cut. You can carry out a couple of tests yourself. Give the tree a firm tap on the ground or run a closed hand over its branches. If lots of needles fall off, chances are it’s not that fresh. You can also try bending the outer branches. They should be pliable - not brittle and dry – without discoloration. Before leaving to make your purchase,
measure the height and width of your space and take a tape measure with you to check your tree. Most are trimmed to an 80% taper, which means that a 10 foot tall tree will measure 8 feet at the bottom. You should also consider how you plan on decorating your tree. The three main species – spruce, fir and pine – all have their own characteristics. Spruces and firs have short needles whilst a pine’s are long. Pine branches tend to bend, making them unsuitable for heavier ornaments. Firs have lush branches and ornaments sometimes get lost in them. The traditional British Christmas tree, the Norway spruce, is attractive but tends to drop its needles. An alternative is a “non-drop” variety like the popular Nordmann fir, which will last longer but is more expensive. To care for your tree, cut off half an inch from the base of the trunk and place in a water-holding stand. Position the tree away from sources of heat and keep it topped up with fresh water. At present, 90% of real trees end up in landfill, so after Christmas is over try and recycle! By turning your tree into wood chippings or compost you will continue to do your bit for the environment. Hopefully with this guide choosing the family tree will be a holiday highlight, not a headache!
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Call 01895 83 33 33 Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays. GN Holidays & Voyages www. gnholidays.com • Email: info@gnholidays.com Higher Denham, Uxbridge UB9 5EL
Frankie Valli & Friends tribute
Over 40s only
ABTA No. Y0291
P
C
Coach Breaks departing from Uxbridge, Ruislip & Slough
England’s Greatest Snowdrop Garden & Afternoon Tea at Marco Pierre White’s Frogmill Inn
Spring Back to the 60s Seaside Party at Pontins Pakefield £10pp DEPOSIT Suffolk Coast
£79 £179 GREAT DAY OUT
Monday 16 February, 2015 - Quote CS2-IA
INCLUDED: • Entry to Colesbourne Park Snowdrops
Friday 13 March, 2015 - Quote US3-IA INCLUDED: 3 free drinks per person per night - house spirits, wine by the glass, house beer, pumped soft drinks & mixers • Entertainment with The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Tremeloes plus Buddy Holly and Beatles tribute acts • 3 dinners & 3 breakfasts • 3 nights standard en-suite chalet – upgrade available • Return coach travel
4 DAYS HALF BOARD +
• Afternoon tea, including a glass of
PP
Prosecco, at the Frogmill Inn,
Andoversford • Return coach travel
10
£ pp DEPOSIT
Thriplow Daffodil Festival & Lunch at a country pub GREAT DAY OUT
£69PP
Saturday 21 March, 2015 - Quote TD3-IA INCLUDED: Visit to Thriplow Daffodil festival • 2-course hot & cold buffet lunch with a glass of wine at the White Horse Hotel, Hertingfordbury • Return coach travel
PP
The Swinging Blue Jeans The Tremeloes Buddy Holly & Beatles tributes
3 FREE DRINKS per person per night
Over 40s only
Eastboune & South Coast Explorer 5 DAYS HALF BOARD
£229PP
Monday 23 March, 2015 - Quote EA3-IA INCLUDED: 4 nights at the Shoreview Hotel on Eastbourne seafront • 4 dinners and 4 breakfasts • Visits to Arundel and Brighton • Coach travel and excursions
10
£ pp DEPOSIT
10
£ pp DEPOSIT
Call 01895 83 33 33 GN Holidays & Voyages, Higher Denham, Uxbridge UB9 5EL
Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays. www. gnholidays.com • Email: info@gnholidays.com
ABTA No. Y0291
Ickenham What's On... (Dec14)_Layout 1 26/11/2014 23:32 Page 1
REGULAR & LOCAL EVENTS... Quiz Night Every Tues & Sun, 8.30pm Coach & Horses, Ickenham
Bollywood Night Fri 25th April, at Vyners School Hall. Call Doug on 01895 633217 or see www.IckenhamFestival.org.uk
COMEDY... Comedy Bunker Ruislip Golf Centre, Ickenham Road, Ruislip HA4 7DQ. For details see www.comedybunker.co.uk Comedy Nights The Empire Comedy Club at The White Bear, Ickenham Road HA4 7DF every Thurs night. Pete 01895 675293
HOBBIES... Brushstrokes Art Classes with Sue Friendly weekly classes with tuition. Beginners welcome. Hayes, Ickenham & Ruislip. Ring Sue 01895 639294 or 07949 805246 Chinese Brush Painting Group Saturday mornings. The class is guided by an experienced tutor. Learn how to compose and develop your own style as well as practicing calligraphy. At Harefield Library, Park Lane Village Centre, Harefield or contact Phyllis Nash 01895 476 644 / phyllnash@gmail.com
Harrow & Hillingdon Geological Society Meet for lectures at 7.30 for 8pm on the second Wednesday of each month at Cavendish Pavilion, Field End Road, Eastcote, HA4 9PG. All are welcome, visitors £3 donation. Refreshments. For details contact: Jean Sippy, Secretary Tel: 020 8422 1859 www.hhgs.org.uk Hillingdon Arts & Crafts Club Meet every 2nd Friday in The Parlour at the URC Church in Swakeleys Road from 9.45-11.30am. £3pp. Call Sue Williams 07799 054444 Hillingdon Decorative & Fine Arts Society Enjoy 10 expert lectures a year about art and culture from around Britain. Outings to galleries & places of cultural interest. Receive NADFAS Review, Interested? Come along to a lecture, cost £6. See www.hillingdondfas.co.uk,
email: membership@hillingdonfas.co.uk or call Ann Lowe 01895 638147
Hillingdon Family History Society At Hillingdon Park Baptist Church, Hercies Road, Hillingdon. Research room open (10am-1pm) on the first Sat of the month and every Fri (except the Fri before the first Sat). Experienced help available. See www.hfhs.co.uk Contact Mrs Reynolds 01895 444442 or email hillingdonfhs@onetel.com Inland Waterways Association Meet 2nd Tues of every month at Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk
Ruislip & District Natural History Society Meet last Mon of the month from Sept to April in Guide Hut near Ruislip Library. Call John Matthews 01895 636215. Ruislip & Northwood Flower Arrangement Society Meet every 1st Tues of the month at the Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Oaklands Gate, Northwood HA6 3AA Ruislip, Northwood & Eastcote Local History Society Meets on the third Monday of the month at St Martin's Church Hall, High Street, Ruislip at 8.15pm. See RNELHS website for details. Susan Toms 01895 637134 toms.susan@gmail.com The Ickenham Art Society Meets Thu, 7.30pm in the Scout Hut, Community Close, Ickenham. See www.ickenhamart.co.uk. For painters in any medium. Tel. 01895 637545. The Chiltern Aviation Society Meets every 4th Wednesday at the Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Road. 8pm. Call Keith Hayward on 01895 637872 or email John Roach at Chilternaviation@virginmedia.com The Language Clubs of Hillingdon From late Sept until mid-July. Speak some German, Spanish, French or Italian? Want to practise speaking and listening in friendly groups, with recent learners, improvers and native speakers? Join a Language Club! Each Club meets on a different Thursday of the month at 7.45pm in St Giles' Church Hall, Swakeleys Road, Ickenham UB10 8BG. For details: German Club 01895
254 723 . Spanish Club. French Club 01895 253 472. Italian Club 020 8863 3468. Uxbridge & Ickenham Floral Art Society Meets in the village hall, Swakeleys Road. Call 01895 850943 KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA... Argosy Players Theatre Group Meets at Ruislip Conservative Club, Ickenham Road, West Ruislip. Every Thurs, 8pm. Call 07972 394702. Bagot Stack (Fitness League) TT only. Vyners School, UB10 8AB on Tues 7.30-8.30pm. Call Rosemary 01628 776838 www.thefitnessleague.com Classical Pilates Mat classes for all levels in Ruislip. Contact Tonja Osborn 07766 011036 or email TonjaOsborn@gmail.com Dance, Gymnastics and Free Running By Futunity UK. Ages 2 - adults catered for and all styles of dance. See www.futunityuk.com, call 01895 251224 e: admin@futunityuk.com Eastcote Exercise Classes Metabolic workout class, 45 minute stretch class. Mon, Tues & Sat mornings. Contact Virginia King 01895 232551 virginiaking@vking2468.freeserve.co.uk Empowering Yoga Fusion of Hatha & Vinyasa Yoga Wed 9.30-10.45am at Windmill Studio Centre, Ruislip Manor Thur 9.30-11.00am at St Thomas More Church, Eastcote + classes in Harrow. FreeTrial Class contact: Joanne 0845 4561336 e:info@empoweringyoga.co.uk Fitness League Fun dance routines to music for women of all fitness levels. Tues 7.30-8.30pm at Vyners School, Warren Road, UB10 8AB Call Rosemary 01628 776838 before coming. www.thefitnessleague.com Fitsteps: Exercise with a difference Inspired ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, Mon 7-8pm. The Conservative Club, 56-58 Ickenham Road, Ruislip HA4 7DG for more information call Becca: 07860 353919 continued over...
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KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA CONTINUED...
Funky Rhythms Dance & Fitness Zumba with Brian (07957 343528) Monday 6.30pm - Swakeley's School for girls, Clifton Gardens, Hillingdon Zumba with Elli £5 (07833 690153) Tue 8pm - 233 High St, Uxbridge
Zumba with Brian Thu 6pm & 7.30pm Watts Hall, Christchurch, Belmont Road, Uxbridge Zumba with Sylvia J £5 (07793 769584) 8pm - Minet Junior School, Avondale Drive, Hayes Zumba with Elli £5. 8pm Active4less, 233 High Street, Uxbridge Zumba with Brian £5. Sat 11am Swakeley's School for Girls, Clifton Gardens, Hillingdon Images School of Dance Fun and friendly dance & drama classes for all ages. Based in Ruislip Manor. www.imagesschoolofdance.co.uk e: info@imagesschoolofdance.co.uk Irish Dancing Classes For children aged 5+. Beginners and advanced. Mon 6pm, Hayes Conservative Club, Church Road. Wed 6pm, Greenford Catholic church hall. T: 07956 346383 e: Deirdreosullivan@ hotmail.co.uk Jazzercise Classes New Denham Community Centre Mon 9.30-10.30am, Tues 6.45-7.45pm. Wed & Fri 10-11am. Denham Village Memorial Hall, Village Road, Denham, Bucks Thurs 6.30-7.30pm Contact: Wendy, Tel: 07803 602142 e: wendy.whitefoord@btinternet.com www.jazzercise.com Modern Jive Classes Mon 8-11pm, West Drayton Community Centre. Tues & Thurs 8-11pm, Uxbridge Civic Centre. Beginners welcome. Free lifetime membership with this listing. Call Alan: 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 www.clubceroc.com email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com Oaken Leaves English Folk Dance Club Thurs 8.15-10pm, Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Rd, Ruislip. All welcome. call Joan 01895 638008.
Ruislip Dramatic Society Meets at South Ruislip Methodist Church. Mon 8pm & Thurs 8.15pm. Call 07854 284508.
SALSA (all styles) Every Monday at Uxbridge Community Centre, 32b The Greenway, Uxbridge UB8 2PJ from 7.45pm to 10pm. Come and join Mina Queen Salsa for some amazing fun. Call 07958 578962 or email mina@queensalsa.com
Salsa Classes Every Monday: The Middlesex Arms, Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HG. Beginners class starts 8pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.45-9.30pm Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm Every Wednesday: The WatersEdge, Canal Cottages, Packetboat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. Beginners class starts 7:30pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.30-9.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm Showcase Amateur Dramatics Do you like singing & dancing or maybe some acting? We are an amateur musical theatre company. Rehearsels every Fri, the Sacred Heart Church Hall, 73 Pembroke Road, Ruislip Manor, 7.30pm-10.30pm. Email: info@ showcasemusicaltheatre.org.uk Suzanne’s School of Dance and Drama 69 Swakeleys Road, Ickenham UB10 8DQ. Classes from aged 2 yrs to adult. All types of dance - ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, street and musical theatre, drama, singing. www.suzannesdance.co.uk The Pilates Club St Giles & The United Reformed Church Halls, Ickenham. Call 07968 920070 or visit www.thepilatesclub.co.uk Yoga Monday nights 6.45 – 8.00pm at Uxbridge & District Conservative Club, Fairfield, 46 Harefield Road, Uxbridge UB8 1PJ. Tel: 01895 233653 Yoga Hatha Yoga and Pregnancy Yoga classes in Ickenham, 1st Scouts, UB10 8RE. All levels. Call Katja on 07951 763851 Yoga with Yolanda Ickenham Village Hall. Mixed group. Mon 6.45-8.15pm. Call 07919 243648
Zumba Wed 7.15-8.15pm. £5 Curves Uxbridge, Redford Way, Uxb UB8 1SZ Call Liz 07795 512938 MARKETS...
Duck Pond Artisan Food & Craft Market and Farmers’ Market Artisan Market - on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 10am-3pm, Farmers’ Market - first Sunday of each month from 10am-2pm. Both at the Great Barn, Ruislip. Free parking, dogs welcome. www.duckpondmarket.co.uk Mad Cat Crafts Hand painted and decorated objects for the home & garden. Wed to Fri 10am5pm, Sat 10am-4pm, the Great Barn, Ruislip HA4. www.madcatcrafts.co.uk Ruislip Country Market Every Fri 10-11.30am - car park at St Martins Approach, Ruislip. Fruit, veg, eggs, honey, hand made cards & jewellery, cakes, pies & much more... MUSIC... The Rocking Rebels ‘1950s Rock n Roll’ 1st Friday of every month 7.30-11.30pm, St Marys Church Hall, High Street, Harefield, UB9 6BX. BYO drinks. Call 07951 652083 www.facebook.com/the rockingrebelstherockingrebel@gmail.com Capital Connection Ladies Singing Meets every Wed evening at South Ruislip Community Centre, Deane Park, Long Dr, HA4 OHS. Call Jean 01895 474877 Visit: www.capitalconnection.org.uk Eastcote Choral Society Rehearses every Tuesday from 8-10pm at Ruislip Methodist Church, Ickenham Road. All welcome. Call 01895 904556. Ruislip Operatic Society A local theatre group meets every Monday & Thursday at St Martin's Church Hall. 7.30pm , to get involved email : info@ruislipos.org The Sound Crowd Singing at Ruislip Golf Club. Thurs (TT) 7.45-9pm e: thesoundcrowd@gmail.com continued over...
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MUSIC CONTINUED...
Top Jazz at The Fairway Ruislip Golf Centre, Ickenham Rd, West Ruislip. Normally 3rd Monday of the month. For details: 01895 632394 or www.jazzwestlondon.com Uxbridge Folk Club meets twice a month on a Thursday at Uxbridge RNA, 388a Long Lane, Hillingdon, Middlesex. UB10 9PG (2 mins from Hillingdon Tube Station) and supports all kinds of acoustic music. welcomes floor singers and musicians. PRE-SCHOOL & KIDS GROUPS... Rickmansworth & Watford Sea Cadets Volunteers needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:15 to 21:30 and recruiting Juniors (ages 10 -12) and cadets (12 - 18) fees £15 per month and plenty of weekends away. Email: corickmansworth@gmail.com Tiny Talk Signing Classes Thursday classes at St Giles Church Hall, 1 High road Ickenham UB10 8LE. 10am, 11.15 am & 1pm price £5 pre-paid per family. Call Bev Meier 01895 824935 or 07818 025993 The Windmill Studio Centre, Ruislip Hosts a wide selection of classes and activities for all ages. Call 01895 624755, e: thewindmillstudio@gmail.com or visit www.thewindmillstudio.com SELF DEFENCE...
Silat Kuntao Indonesian Self-Defence Traditional self-defence includes empty hand, traditional weapons, meditation and healing massage. Adult classes only. Mon and Wed 8pm-10pm at Denham Village Memorial Hall, Denham, UB9 5BN. Call Philip Davies 07790 496 346 or email kuntao.matjan.uk@gmail.com. SELF HELP... Rosemary Conley Mon 6-7.15pm Hillside Junior School, Northwood HA6 1RX. Tue 10-11.15am & Wed 7-8.15pm North Harrow Methodist Church, Pinner Road HA2 6EQ. Thurs 5.30-6.30pm Eastcote
Methodist Church HA5 2QU. Call Sam 01895 460766 sam.simon@rosemaryconley.com. SOCIAL GROUPS...
Crosier Investment Club Learn more about the stock market and to improve personal investment skills. Meets 7.30pm, 3rd Thurs in month at Pinner Village Hall, Chapel Lane, Pinner HA5 1AA. Call 0208 427 3559. e: secretary@crosierinvestment.org.uk w: www.crosierinvestment.org.uk Duplicate Bridge Mons & Weds 7.30pm, Thurs 1.15pm. Long Lane Hall, 304 Long Lane, Hillingdon. Call Tony 01895 233853 Friendly Rubber Bridge Tuesdays & Fridays 12noon - 4pm at Pinner Bridge Club, 103 Marsh Road, Pinner. For further info call Keith 01895 622033 Friendly Whist Drive Harefield Community Centre, Priory Avenue, Harefield. Every Thursday at 7.30pm. Contact Lyn 01923 820173 Ruislip WI Every 1st Thurs of the month at Upper Room, GAA Sports & Social Club, West End Rd, South Ruislip, 7.20pm-10pm Contact Kim Murphy 07989 558925 email ruislipeveningwi@gmail.com Ruislip Social Club At Ruislip Social Club, Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip HA4 6JQ. Fridays and occasional other nights, live bands & tribute bands for details visit www.tropicatruislip.co.uk Sing and Sign Britain’s favourite Baby Signing Classes from 6 months Wed at Uxbridge Leisure Centre, Fri at The White Bear, Ruislip. FREE TASTERS call Cathy 07712 047 621 cathyseddigh@singandsign.co.uk Uxbridge Conservative Club Bingo, Carpet Bowls, Table Tennis, Lunches, Quiz & Race Nights etc. at 46 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1PJ Contact Georgina Baile 01895 233653/ 07778 348082 or you can email: udcc@btconnect.com
Women’s Social Group Looking to expand your social group and make new friends? We meet regularly for coffee, a chat and organised trips. Please call Seema on 07730 898635 or email seemaa@seemaa.co.uk for details SPORT... Badminton Club At St Pauls Church Hall, Tiverton Road, Ruislip Manor. Every Wed at 8pm and 10pm. Call Tony or Ann 01895 472578 Badminton Club Requires additional players of average standard! Every Tuesday evening 7.45 to 9.45 at Vyners School, Ickenham. Email John: turksclub@hotmail.co.uk Bessingby Park Bowls Club Every Tues & Thurs, 2-4pm. Call Jack 0208 845 1469. Bikewise Bike rides set off from 61 Swakeleys Rd. 2nd & 4th Sun every month. Call 01895 675376 or email@bikewisegb.com Dads Army Golf Society Tuesdays & Thursdays at Ruislip Golf Club. For details call Sid 01895 631489 New Ladies Netball Team Training Wed 7.30-8.30pm (TT) Ryefield Primary School, Ryefield Avenue, Hillingdon. glebenetballclub@yahoo.com Swakeleys Tennis Club Adult Social Tennis Club in Ickenham. Would suit people returning to tennis after a break. Four days a week all year. Contact Pam 01895 677149 or Ed 01895 635568 www.swakeleystennis.co.uk Uxbridge Squash Club All squash players welcome. Uxbridge Cricket Club, Park road, Uxbridge www.uxbridgesquash.org.uk or email squash@uxbridgesquash.org.uk Tel: 01895 237571
Whatever your thing we’re sure to have a club or event listed to suit you and your family!
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Ickenham Toys for Boys (Dec14) FINAL_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 27/11/2014 04:14 Page 1
PARENTING
Toys just for Boys! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
My sister and I grew up with an older brother and we thought nothing of spending Saturday afternoons sprawled on the living room carpet, constructing items out of his beloved Lego. His creations were always more ambitious and sophisticated than ours of course – windmills and tractors and mansions with masses of rooms compared with our rather mundane boxlike structures. Occasionally we would ditch the Lego for a session on his Scalextric racing set. We hadn’t a hope of winning, but we certainly enjoyed trying! It never once occurred to me that I was playing with ‘boy toys’ which is maybe why, when I became mother to four daughters, I happily bought them their own sets of Lego along with other ‘boyish’ toys such as remote control cars, science sets and basketball nets (they had their fair share of dolls, prams and jewellery kits too!). Like it or not, the society we live in stereotypes children according to their gender. Manufacturers influence their choice of toys with labels identifying items such as dolls and tea sets as ‘girl toys’ in their pretty pink packaging, and cars and construction sets as ‘boy toys’ in their predominantly blue wrappers. There is evidence to suggest that girls and boys do naturally select different types of toys. Experiments conducted on primates concluded that male monkeys were drawn
to boy-toys like cars whilst female monkeys preferred girl-toys like dolls. There are various explanations about why boys and girls have different toy preferences. One theory suggests it is due to testosterone levels, whilst another attributes it to the way the brains are ‘differently-wired’, and there’s no doubt that nurture and socialisation also play a part. Regardless of the reason, the consensus of opinion is that if children are offered a wide range of toys and experiences, they will develop into more rounded individuals with an expanded range of thinking and skills. Just as playing with girl-toys like dolls and tea sets fosters the development of verbal and social skills that might be useful to the male population, playing with boy-toys like cars can help girls with the acquisition of spatial skills. Other ‘boy-toys’ like science sets, Lego, Meccano and K’nex help develop STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills of which there is currently a shortage in the UK workforce - and why shouldn’t girls develop these just as much as their male counterparts?! Some may argue – and I’m probably one of them – that at the end of the day whether male or female, children will be children and will naturally choose the toys that interest them the most. The important thing is to at least give them that choice!
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