Indefinable quality For expert advice and installation of all Schueco systems: • Bi-Fold Doors • Sliding Doors • Conservatories • Winter Gardens
• Curtain-walling • Structural Glazing • Windows • Glass Sky Lights
BI-FOLD DOOR
FACTORY 0800 999 5575 0330 999 5575
info@bifolddoorfactory.co.uk www.bifolddoorfactory.co.uk
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info
Well, what a month June was! An exit from the EU, swiftly followed by England’s exit from The Euro pean Cup. Both events have created much opinion and debate, but what is done is done and we as a country now have to move on and work together to make this country great again. With the longest day of the year well behind us, we’re bang in the middle of summer and hopefully the best of the weather is yet to come. My plants are slowly making a recovery after being pretty much drowned last month and the dogs are back to their daily sunbathing routine in the garden. All I need to do now is find the time to get the lounger out and join then. It really is a dog’s life!
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Children’s Puzzle Page
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Beauty: Summer Lovin
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SouthlandsLIVE
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Coffee Break Puzzles
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Wordsearch
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RSPCA rehoming appeal
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Travel: Palermo
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Which type of ISA is best for you
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In the meantime, do continue to keep in touch, ei ther by telephone, email or facebook and let us know what’s going on where you are. We always do our very best to print your events and local infor mation, and also to share it with other readers via our facebook page. Why not give us a visit and a Like!
Local Events
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Motoring: Range Rover Evoque Convertible
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Story: The remorse of the aristocracy
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Beer of the Month
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Fitness Feature
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Hobbies: Keep calm and get colouring
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Golden Years: Memories of 50 Years Ago
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Just £50 puts your recruitment advert into all six publications (that’s over 30,000 homes).
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Tel: 0800 038 5001 Mob: 07759 536494 In and Around Magazines cover: West Drayton . Iver . Denham . Uxbridge Ickenham . Ruislip Publisher: Angela Fisher Phone: 0800 038 5001 / 07759 536494 Email: info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk Information and Details of Rates at
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Interiors: Storage solutions for every room
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What to consider when hiring a dog walker
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Clubs, Groups & Classes
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AUG COPY DEADLINE 20TH JULY We are grateful for the support of local businesses whose adverts appear in this publication and whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions, claims made by advertisers or endorse companies, products or services. This publication, its contents and advert designs are © of In and Around Publishing. Any copying or reproduction in part or fully, is strictly forbidden without our prior consent.
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• 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
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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 8
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Beauty
Summer Lovin’
You can make an effective hair rinse by steeping leaves in hot water, but if that sounds like a bit too much effort, try Paul Mitchell’s Super Strong System. This three-step hair care range uses nettles and other botanical ingredients to strengthen hair, add shine and prevent sun damage. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and am suitably impressed.
It’s been a very long time coming, by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk
but summer is finally here. I’ve dusted off the sunnies and dug out my sandals, but couldn’t resist investing in a few new goodies… A new lip gloss is always on my summer shopping list. This year I’ve gone for Neal’s Yard’s organic Lip Gloss in Fig, £9.50. It’s rich in seed and fruit oils, so nourishes lips while giving them a decent burst of colour. It’s easy to apply and also has a subtle orange flavour and scent. Being a gloss, the colour doesn’t last that long, but it does leave my lips feeling moisturised.
Next on my list is a new makeup palette. I like one that I can keep in my bag then whip out when there’s talk of cocktails. Marks and Spencer’s Autograph Face Palette ticks all the boxes. There are nine eyeshadows, two blushers and four highlighters, so it can take my look from day to night with ease. What’s more, it’s housed in a cute metallic clutch bag, which you can detach from the palette and use on its own. A bargain at just £15. Now I am not normally a fan of nettles. I seem to be forever getting stung by them when retrieving a football out of the long grass or trailing after my dog through the woods. But they do have some good qualities. Nettles are packed with amino acids and proteins, so can help to strengthen your hair. 10
I am incredibly lazy when it comes to body lotion, so don’t tend to use it as much as I should when I’m covered up in the winter. So once summer hits, my legs are a bit of a sorry sight. I’ve been tackling them with daily exfoliation, followed by Believa’s Natural Intensiv Body Lotion, £23.99. It’s packed with argan oil, aloe vera, jojoba and shea butter, so is incredibly moisturising. Thankfully it’s also easily absorbed, as I’m usually running late for the school run. Natural Intensiv is very gentle, so is suitable for allergy sufferers, and may help with eczema and other dry skin complaints. British fragrance house Atkinsons is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. To celebrate, and mark the Queen’s 90th birthday year, it has launched a new perfume, Oud Save the Queen. Inspired by the Orient, this fragrance is bursting with spicy, exotic notes, including bergamot, jasmine, orange blossom and, of course, oud. However, there are also notes of the quintessentially British Earl Grey tea. This fragrance is on my wish list, rather than shopping list, unfortunately, as it’s an eye watering £150.
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Saturday 16 July sees the return of SouthlandsLIVE, West Drayton's family friendly music festival. The festival, held at Southlands Arts Centre just off the green in West Drayton, has gained a growing reputation for hosting some of the best unsigned bands in London and further afield. "It's a festival of really good quality music and a lovely day out. It's become a real part of West Drayton life" said Lee Mathers, cul tural development director at the Yiewsley and West Drayton Arts Council. "We work very hard to keep the festival affordable so that everyone who wants to come can do so". SouthlandsLIVE this year starts at 1pm and continues to 9pm, with 8 confirmed acts including the celebrated Undersound, Salt, Band of King and Cara Cara. The event sold out in the last two years, so it is advisable to buy tickets in advance, especially with early bird price reductions on offer. Tickets and tariffs are available online 12
at www.southlandsarts.co.uk or from the SouthlandsLIVE facebook page. Arts Council chair Harvey Vasey said "It's fantastic to think five years ago there was nothing like this in the area. The arts centre is really bursting into life with music, film making, photography, creative writing, art, drama and all sorts of other things. If you live or work anywhere around the area do come along and get involved". Ticket prices (INCLUSIVE of booking fee): Adult £10, Child £7, Family £24, under 5s still free but still need a ticket. Address: 75 The Green West Drayton Mid dlesex UB7 7PW www.southlandsarts.co.uk/ To buy tickets visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/ e/southlandslive2016tickets 25052000207 or just search on Eventbrite for Southlands Live.
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Chillax
The RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston and District Branch Registered Charity No: 263515
Daisy
Thank you for your support . We can’t do it without you! With everyone in holiday mood the unwanted ani mals are beginning to hit the Hillingdon Clinic thick and fast. We are shouldering a £200k loss at clinic so any help our local community can offer us with regard to animal food – particularly kitten – quality unwanted saleable furniture and goods, fund rais ing ideas and volunteers has never been so wel come as now. This LOCAL clinic rescuing animals since WWII seriously needs our communities sup port to be able to keep on caring. Please don’t allow your cat to add to our Nations shame by remaining unneutered. If finance is a problem we may be able to help. With nearly 50 kittens in our care we must ask ourselves if we will find 50 forever homes. Please make sure cats as well as dogs are micro chipped – our clinic has ongoing special prices – but it is also a good idea to make sure your cat has a collar and disc on as well. Cat collars must be the safe “snap apart” type. Many cats are found with difficult to treat collar wounds having got their leg caught in their elastic collar. There are many temptingly beautiful dog and cat collars for sale, these are not always friendly or kind to our pets. Many we see when we are on holiday. Always check cat collars are snap apart and check the inside of the collar to check there are no sharp edges holding in “jewels”! Dog collars are possibly the worst with “glitz” Collars being heavy and with metal fastenings inside the collar can cause rubbing on sensitive necks! 18
LOOKING FOR A HOME CHILLAX MALE 4YRS OLD
Chillax has been with us for quite a while receiving treatment for a serious abscess. The wound is all healed now and this lovely boy has had enough of the cattery and would really like to be settled and loved in a new home. He is such a purry boy who loves a fuss and is very much a lap cat. The scratching post is a favourite for play and stretching his legs. If you can offer Chillax all the love and pampering he is looking for, please get in touch.
DAISY FEMALE LOP 3YRS OLD
Daisy came into us when her owners no longer wanted her. She is a lovely rabbit, although a little feisty at times. she would benefit from having a home with previous experience with rabbits. All rabbits require a spacious hutch and a generous sized run with plenty of room to play, stretch and exercise as well as a healthy and nutritious diet to help them thrive. Not forgetting of course, the all important love and attention of their human family. If you are interested in adopting Daisy, or any of the other lovely rabbits currently in our care, please do contact us.
*We have an Amazon Wish List for anyone wishing to send items from outside the local area please visit our website or contact us for more information thank you so much! If you think you can offer one of our animals a lov ing home then please ring RSPCA Hillingdon Branch on 01895 833417 or visit our website www.rspcahillingdonclinic.org.uk to download an application form.
THE KITTEN CRISIS IS UPON US AGAIN
50+ kittens in our care
How you can help:
ADOPT DONATE NEUTER
RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston & District Branch 19
Heritage
in Palermo
By Solange Hando Lapped by the blue Tyrrhenian Sea, framed by mountains rising over 1,000 metres, Palermo is the bustling capital of the autonomous region of Sicily. Attracted by the natural harbour and strategic location, myriad civilisations landed on these shores and on its solitary headland, the iconic Mount Pellegrino has seen them all: Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish to name just a few, all leaving their mark on a city which became one of the richest on the Mediterranean. Today Palermo remains an enticing mix of old and new, tree-lined avenues festooned in hibiscus and oleander, traditional street markets, hidden courtyards and breezy squares and narrow twisting lanes where laundry flaps on the balconies. The air smells of oranges and lemons and freshly-baked pizza, church bells mingle with the hooting of scooters and tuk-tuks and pony and traps rattle side by side. Bursting with colour, Palermo is above all a city of palaces, theatres and churches, contributing to Sicily’s generous share of UNESCO sites. In a capital once protected by four patron saints, the most venerated today is Saint Rosalia, who freed the people from the plague. Churches 20
pop up around every corner: austere or ornate, Norman, Renaissance, Baroque and more, but most endearing are the hidden chapels in the Vucciria neighbourhood, their gleaming interiors entirely covered in white stucco angels. Yet top of the list must be the Cathedral founded in the 12th century, boasting a magnificent doorway and royal tombs, a stunning Treasury and a rooftop walk, up 107 spiral steps but worth the effort for the panoramic view of the city bristling with domes, the sea and the surrounding hills. Meanwhile, far below, visitors head for Piazza Verdi to pose on the steps of the Teatro Massimo and gaze at its refined neo-classical façade flanked by two bronze lions. Dating back to the late19th century, it’s the third largest Opera House in Europe, justly renowned for its acoustics, and the place where the final scenes of the Godfather Part III were filmed in 1990. Stroll along the road and you come to another architectural gem, the Politeama Garibaldi Theatre; unlike Teatro Massimo, this was built for the common people who preferred operetta, plays, equestrian shows and the circus. Yet one of the theatre’s greatest
moments was the performance of Puccini’s opera La Bohème in 1896, applauded by a near delirious audience after a disappointing reception in Turin. Now home to the Sicilian Foundation Symphonic Orchestra, it dazzles visitors with its grand entrance and superb decorations, while on some guided tours you might see the original painted stage curtain weighing 450 kilos. As for Palermo’s palaces, most exotic are the Zisa and Cuba in Arabic style, set in the former pleasure grounds of the Norman kings, but most impressive is the Norman Palace, currently the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. Following the Norman Conquest in 1072, the Arabic fortress was transformed into a sumptuous palace for the new Kings of Sicily, and as such is said to be the oldest royal residence in Europe. Beyond the 17th century façade, highlights include the splendid Ruggero Hall, named after Sicily’s first Norman King, and the 12th century Palatine Chapel. With its Norman architecture, its wooden ceiling in traditional Islamic style and its glittering Byzantine mosaics and dome, it exemplifies the rich blend of cultures which have shaped Palermo for over 1,000 years.
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Finance
By Ann Haldon
Which type of ISA is best for you?
put your money to one side.
You get instant access to your savings, and need to be at least 16 years of age to open this account.
Individual Savings Accounts were first introduced in 1999. They provided exemption from income tax and capital gains tax, and quickly became a popular place to save and invest. Back then, it was a straightforward choice between a Cash ISA or a Stocks and Shares equivalent, but with seven different types of Individual Savings Account now available, making the right choice is much more complicated. So how do you know which ISA is best for you, and even whether you’re eligible to apply? We take a look at the different ISA accounts available, to identify which ones might suit your needs. Instant access cash Isa A straightforward tax-free savings account offered by banks and building societies - interest rates have fallen considerably in recent years, but it’s also a risk-free way to 24
stocks and shares Isa Stocks and Shares ISAs are open to anyone aged 18 or over. The money is divided between various investment products, including company shares, government and corporate bonds, and unit trusts. Although as an investment there’s greater risk with a Stocks and Shares ISA, you can control your exposure to it by splitting your annual allowance between this and a Cash ISA. JunIor Isa Parents can save for their children in a Junior ISA. It’s open to children under the age of 18, but the child can only open an account if they are aged 16 or over. The annual allowance currently stands at £4,080, but a child between the ages of 16 and 18 can also open an adult ISA, which boosts their saving capacity. For a child under the age of 16, the account must be opened by a parent or legal guardian, but there are no restrictions on who can pay money in once it’s open. help to Buy Isa A fairly recent addition to
the ISA family, the Help to Buy ISA was introduced in December 2015 in an attempt to boost the first-time buyer market. For every £4 saved, the government has pledged to add a £1 bonus (up to a maximum of £3,000), making it a great way to save for a deposit on a first property. There are limits on how much you can save each month, however, so it’s a good idea to start saving early. You can put away a maximum of £200 a month into a Help to Buy ISA, as well as a lump sum of up to £1,000 when the account is opened. You’ll receive the bonus when your property purchase is complete, and as couples are entitled to have a Help to Buy ISA each, there’s the potential to receive an extra £6,000 from the government. InherItance Isa To avoid having to pay tax on a deceased partner’s ISA savings, the Chancellor introduced the facility to inherit tax-free from December 2014. From the date of a spouse’s death, the surviving partner is granted an Additional Permitted Subscription (APS) for the total amount in the account, and has three years in which to use it. Once an APS application form has been completed, they can open an account in their own name and the money will be transferred across.
lIfetIme Isa The Lifetime ISA will be introduced from 2017, and is for people between the ages of 18 and 39. A 25% bonus from the government is available, so for every £4 saved they will put in £1 up to a maximum of £1,000. If money is withdrawn for anything other than a house purchase, you’ll be charged 5% on the amount taken out and lose the government bonus. It can be used towards the purchase of a house up to the value of £450,000, otherwise you need to keep the money in the account until the age of 60 to avoid the penalty. Additionally, the account needs to be open for a minimum period of a year to qualify for the government top-
up. You can hold a Lifetime ISA and a Help to Buy ISA at the same time, but are only eligible to receive the bonus on one of them.
InnovatIve fInance Isa This is seen to be a riskier choice for investors, but one that potentially brings higher returns. One of the risks is that your money won’t be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme because the banks are not involved. You place your money with peer-to-peer lending platforms, which could attract a higher rate of interest than with Cash or Stocks and Shares ISAs. At the time of writing, however, there are only eight such online lenders offering this type of ISA.
The ISA limit for the 2016/17 tax year is £15,240, rising to £20,000 in 2017/18, and the savings year runs from 6th April to the following 5th April. Each type of ISA has its own pros and cons, and it’s worth remembering that unless you opt for a fixed rate ISA, interest rates can fluctuate widely throughout the year. http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/ money/saving/article-3505692/ The-seven-different-types-offerchoose-one-you.html http://www.moneywise. co.uk/banking-saving/savingsaccounts-isas/how-to-inherit-isa http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/ money/mortgageshome/article3520497/From-new-LifetimeIsa-shared-ownership-banishtime-buyer-blues.html
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TANDOORI RESTAURANT 74 Oxford Road, New Denham Uxbridge, Middx, UB9 4DN 01895 239503 Website: www.maya-tandoori.com
Email: info@maya-tandoori.com
Sunday Buffet
Tuesday Gourmet Night
12 Noon - 10pm (All Day) A variety of freshly prepared vegetarian & non vegetarian dishes
£10.95 (Eat in only)
£7.95 adult £4.50 children under 12
Takeaway Offer
Starter Main Course Side Dish Naan or Rice (any seafood £3.50 extra)
Restaurant Offer
15% Off when you order over £25. Collection only
15% Off when you book a table for 4 or more FOOD ONLY
Bring this voucher with you.
Bring this voucher with you.
Not to be used in Conjunction with any other offer
Not to be used in Conjunction with any other offer 27
Dated Events (Jul16).qxp_Layout 1 30/06/2016 08:15 Page 1
JULY EVENTS
Local Events
Admission 50p for adults and children are FREE. Funds raised for The John Chilton School for Disabled Children.
Ruislip Stamp Fair 9th July The Ruislip Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Road, Ickenham, HA4 7DG. For details call 01895 637283.
Vintage Affair 10th July, 10am-5pm Michael Sobell Centre, Mount Vernon Hospital, Gate 3, Northwood, HA6 2RN. £2 entry, kids free. Parking on site for info call 0203 826 2367.
Lunchtime Classical Music Concert 14th July, 12.30pm. St Johns Church Hall, Greenhill, Harrow (opp Debenhams). Songs by Rachmanioff, Liszt, Frank Bridge and Neil Crossland.
Quiz Night
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16th July Southlands Arts Centre, The Green, West Drayton, UB7 7PW. West Drayton’s family friendly music festival. Info/tickets www.southlandsarts.co.uk or SouthlandsLIVE facebook page.
Butterflies Table Top Sale & Community Coffee Morning
9th July, 9.30am-1pm Ickenham Village Hall, Ickenham, UB10 8DG. We will have a selection of tables selling, unwanted treasures, crafts, pre-loved items, jewellery, home made cakes and many more along with a Tombola and Raffle.
July 2016
Southlands LIVE
15th July, 7.30pm Fairway Inn, Rickmansworth Golf Club, WD3 1QL. In support of Paul Strickland Scanner Centre. Entry £14 (includes supper). For more info/bookings 01923 844290.
LIVE MUSIC EVENTS
Champers Bar 184 Field End Road, Eastcote, HA6 1RE. 17th July ‘The Consuls’ Trio Rock Band 24th July ' Anavae' R&B The Falcon Inn Village Road, Denham, UB9 5BE. 9th & 13th July DJ Rossi The Swan at Iver 2 High Street, Iver, SL0 9NG. 9th July Return of Swing ‘n’ Soul (above) The WatersEdge Packet Boat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. 29th July Dayton - The UK’s No.1 Motown Tribute peforms Motown classics The Whip & Collar Swallow Street, Iver, SL0 0HU. 21st August Garden Party from 3pm
Please send us your details to be included in the August issues by Friday 15th July
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We help people in their later years to enjoy the life they always have. Whatever you want to know about elderly care, please come and talk to us. Our home will be open in June this year when you can view our facilities, sample our bar & bistro and ask any questions you might have about the home and your care requirements. Whether it’s for you or a friend or relative, we look forward to seeing you soon. Our innovative care concept includes: Chauffeur-driven car | Cinema room | Bistro & Bar | Private dining | Hair Salon and Spa | Library All-inclusive pricing | Creative events | 50% higher staffing than average Paying above the living wage
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Sean Miles Future PT (Jul16).qxp_Layout 1 30/06/2016 03:34 Page 1
Sean Miles is the owner of FUTURE PERSONAL TRAINING a brand dedicated in achieving the very best results. He has taken over 9000 PT sessions in his career and has a regional Bootcamp product based all around the South East. Future PT has partnered up with Richings Park Sports Club and is located it’s HQ here.
Over the next few months I would like to give you a realistic insight into the best ways to get healthier and fitter both physically and mentally. Magazines and TV’s will have you believe that it’s a quick fix and weight loss is the holy grail of proving your results but there is so much more to your health than weight loss. We aim to give you the very best realistic advice...
Mums it’s time to turn the school run into a fun run THIS month’s article is aimed at helping new Mums kickstart their fitness journey.
www.futurept.net www.facebook.com/ futurept1/
Many new Mums struggle to get back in shape after giving birth, of course there are some Mums that can carry on training during pregnancy but in reality most Mums take time out from training to carry their unborn child. In my experience both as a personal trainer of 10 years and a father of 2, time is the one factor that obstructs new Mums from getting back in to training. Before they know it their child is celebrating their first birthday and training is a distant memory. If this is you then do not worry, there are plenty of ways you can get back in shape and get a routine in place each week.
One of the main reasons new Mums should get back into training is the structural inbalances that would have occurred during pregnancy. This is down to the baby being carried in the front of the body leading to higher pressure on the lower back and legs, this can also affect posture massively especially around the shoulders. Below are some top tips on how to steadily get back into a routine, remember slow progress is the best way to sustain your journey back to full fitness: 1.
Aim to get outside and brisk walk with the pushchair at least three times per week, try to get a 30 to 45 minute walk in. After a month or so aim to turn this into a run and burn even more calories.
2.
Partner up with another new Mum and get them to come along too, this will give you accountability when you don’t feel like it. This also works the other way and you can act as motivation to them.
3.
When you take the children to the park look to use these times to complete a small bodyweight circuit while the kids play.
Mums have a hard enough job keeping their energy levels up but if you can incorporate training into your weekly routine those energy levels will start to increase rapidly.
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eltze estates
Would you like to know what your property is worth? Our Sales & Lettings team would be delighted to help Call 01753 651652
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Laurie
Bob
Jo
Mark
Sandra
Peter
Alisa
Giles
www.eltze.co.uk
iver@eltze.co.uk
eltze estates
Some of the reasons why we believe Eltze Estates is the right choice for you • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Knowledgeable team with over 85 years of combined experience Honest, trustworthy and regular feedback provided Family run company who CARE about our clients Happy customers who would recommend Eltze Estates All buyers financially qualified and tenants referenced We have sold 98% and let 99% of properties placed on the market Rightmove.co.uk eltze.co.uk zoopla.co.uk primelocation.com Large database of buyers and tenants Open days and accompanied viewings Accurate pricing based on evidence The Thames Valley Guild Regional Magazine On line E-zine magazine On line videoette of your property Independent company & Guild of Professional Estate Agents Member Associated countrywide network of 750 offices Advertising in our associated London Park Lane office High quality property brochures with floor plans Eye catching For Sale and To Let boards Competitive fees
See our client testimonials on www.eltze.co.uk 01753 651652
iver@eltze.co.uk 37
Hobbies Keep Calm And Get Colouring By Kate McLelland
Close your eyes and think back to the simple pleasures of childhood: a rainbow box of crayons on the table and, beside it, a book of illustrations just waiting to be coloured in. Remember the intense concentration as you filled in the blank spaces with your favourite shades of yellow, red, purple, green and blue? Now fast-forward to the present day, when high-tech gadgets and gizmos allow us to create sophisticated and brightly coloured designs with just a few mouse clicks. Such innovations should have consigned the humble crayon to the dustbin of history, so it’s amazing to learn that in the second decade of the 21st century one of the most popular hobbies is adult colouring. It has become a global phenomenon, spreading to countries as diverse as Brazil and New Zealand. In fact the interest is so great that the world’s largest wooden pencil manufacturer, Faber-Castell, has been forced to increase shifts at its German factory in order to keep up with demand. Printers and booksellers have also seen a stratospheric rise in the popularity of colouring 38
books created for the adult market. Millie Marotta’s Animal Kingdom, Johanna Basford’s Secret Garden (now translated into 14 different languages) and Emma Farrarons’ The Mindfulness Colouring Book feature high on the UK’s bestseller lists. Mindfulness, with its emphasis on being aware of the present moment, fits particularly well with this hobby because colouring is essentially a repetitive, undemanding activity that can be used to focus the mind. Colourists claim that their hobby can lead to a calmer, almost meditative frame of mind and this view is supported by clinical psychologist Dr David Holmes: “With our workaholic culture, we spend most of our lives in ‘beta mode’, which is when we’re alert, problem-solving, decisionmaking. By actively altering the preponderance of certain brain patterns, you can shift into ‘alpha mode’, which is more like the state of mind we have as children. Meditation and similar techniques require learning and practice, whereas anyone can just drop into colouring-in.” Colouring may seem like a solitary pastime but it can also become a social activity: in
recent years colouring clubs and parties have proved popular, particularly in America and France. The Ladies Coloring Club is a Facebook Group based in the US which links to groups around the world. Alternatively you could start your own group like 38year-old Suzanne Parsonage from Bristol, who launched a colourists group from her local pub. Many local libraries also host adult colouring sessions. If you are eager to try colouring for yourself but don’t want to invest in a book of illustrations just yet, go online and download some free printable pages. You’ll find some great library printables at www. pinterest.com that will help you decide whether adult colouring is for you. If you are feeling that this hobby is a little too childish, you’ll be relieved to hear that a recent article in Director magazine identified a growing trend amongst business leaders who have taken up colouring in order to alleviate stress. So grab a box of crayons or felt-tips and make a start. It seems there’s every reason to add a little colour to your everyday life - and all you need to worry about is keeping within the lines!
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JOIN. SHOP.
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Your
Golden Years
Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning
the attention and all the gongs. Only after Hurst was knighted did the press, fans, and fellow players get behind a campaign to honour the rest of the team.
The Queen presents the 1966 World Cup to England Captain, Bobby Moore
Absolutely no prizes for guessing which glorious golden anniversary we’re celebrating this month. What, you need a clue? Some people are on the pitch – they think it’s all over – it is now! Yes, of course you knew... 30th July 1966 was undoubtedly the greatest day in our sporting history, when more than 30 million people worldwide saw England beat Germany 4-2 to win the World Cup for the first and only time. So far. The story of the game, and especially of England’s disputed third goal, is too well-known to go into here. But a campaign launched by the Daily Mirror in January this year to mark the anniversary by knighting all the surviving members of the team (except hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst, who is a knight already) stirs the dusty memory of an investiture conducted by the Queen 16 years ago. Somehow, in the immediate aftermath of the game, the Charlton brothers Bobby (OBE 1969, knighthood ‘94) and Jackie (OBE ‘74), goal-scorers Hurst (MBE ’75, knighthood ‘98) and Martin Peters (MBE ‘78), captain Bobby Moore (OBE ‘67), and goalkeeper Gordon Banks (OBE ‘70) captured all 42
So it was that on 7th March 2000 the “forgotten five”, as they were nicknamed, turned up at Buck House to receive the MBEs they’d been awarded in the New Year’s honours. Full-backs Roger Hunt and Ray Wilson, midfielders Alan Ball and Nobby Stiles (both of whom, unusually for midfielders of the time, were only 5’ 6”), and striker George Cohen had all made vast contributions, not just to victory in the final but also to the campaign leading up to it, which were at long last being acknowledged and rewarded. But what became of those lesser-known lions after Nobby Stiles’s famous post-match victory dance, dentures in one hand and Jules Rimet trophy in the other? Of the five only the youngest, Alan Ball (21 at the time), went on to enjoy what you might call a stellar playing career; not because he was a better player than the others but because only his career extended into the era when footballers became media celebrities. He scored 187 goals in 833 club games spanning 23 years and represented England in the 1970 and ‘74 World Cups. His top-flight career included 72 caps (six as captain) and lengthy spells at Blackpool, Everton (League Champions 1969-70), Arsenal and Southampton. His 15 years in management were less successful and he retired in
1999, dying in 2007 of a sudden heart attack.
Of the others, Hunt was arguably the most successful, scoring 286 goals for Liverpool (one of them, against Arsenal in August 1964, being the first ever shown on Match of the Day), 24 for Bolton, and 18 for England. After retiring from football in 1972 he went into the haulage business. Fellow full back Wilson made over 400 club appearances in 20 years, for Huddersfield, Everton, Oldham and Bradford, before quitting football to become an undertaker. Cohen was a Fulham stalwart for 13 years and earned 30 England caps; he was forced into retirement by injury in 1969 and enjoyed a successful career as a coach at his old club. Stiles’s career followed a similar path: after 11 years at Manchester United he spent two seasons at Middlesbrough and then two at Preston under his old teammate Bobby Charlton. His playing career was also ended by injury and he also returned to his old club as youth coach where he trained, amongst others, Beckham, Giggs, Scholes, Butt, and the Neville brothers.
In honour of the above, this month’s birthday boys are all ex-international footballers.
Happy 50tH BirtHdays to Enrico Annoni (1st), Minas Hantzidis (4th), Gianfranco Zola (5th), Owen Coyle (14th), and Martin Keown (24th).
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Motoring
By James Baggott
First Drive: Range Rover Evoque Convertible the most fuel efficient Range Rovers available. The 9-speed automatic gearbox is from the standard Evoque. The added weight of the chassis – 1,967kg compared to the coupe’s 1,690kg – is noticeable when accelerating out of corners, though switching into its semi-automatic function and making use of the steering wheel mounted paddles proves slightly more responsive.
Four years after its concept debut, Range Rover’s Evoque convertible has come to fruition. Its hard top sibling has already sold more than half a million units since it was launched in 2011 and over 1,500 orders have so far been placed for the convertible variant. What is it? The Evoque convertible is the world’s first convertible compact SUV. Based on the same platform as the Evoque, and featuring much of the same spec, the convertible looks luxurious. The car’s chassis has received strengthening in order to maintain the car’s torsional rigidity, despite its lack of roof. What’s under the bonnet? A 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium diesel engine powers the 4x4, putting out 180PS and 430Nm of torque through the Efficient Driveline four-wheel-drive system. This system varies the flow of torque between the front and rear wheels in different driving conditions. Fuel economy is a modest 49.6mpg while the diesel emits 149g of C02 per kilometre, making it theoretically one of 44
What’s the spec like? A 10.2inch touchscreen allows the driver to navigate using easy pinch and swipe motions even whilst driving. However, it can prove difficult to read when the roof is down.
Safety is accounted for by hidden aluminium roll over bars, which automatically deploy in the event of an accident. The convertible is not just a summer fancy. Boasting a 251litre boot, 500mm water wade ability, all terrain progress control and a ski hatch, it is a comfortable and relatively practical drive. The roof can operate at speeds of up to 30mph and, unlike some other convertibles, neither rear visibility nor boot capacity is compromised when the roof is folded down. Any rivals? Like for like, the Evoque convertible has no rivals. It is likely to draw a customer base from fans of luxury D-segment convertibles, and drivers of the original Evoque are also expected to be tempted. What’s it like to drive? The 9-speed gearbox feels too
sluggish for the convertible, due to the weight of the strengthened chassis. However, in its position as the new it-car for fashionistas, it is unlikely that the convertible will be tackling much more than the occasional country road. Acceleration to 60mph takes 9.7seconds while the vehicle tops out at 121mph and steering is reassuringly firm at both high and low speeds. Wind noise is reduced in convertible form thanks to clever aerodynamics and an optional wind deflector, meaning that noise and buffeting in the front of the cabin is limited, and audible conversations can be held even at motorway speeds. Verdict As 4x4s go, the Evoque convertible wouldn’t be the obvious choice. Practicality is seriously limited, and realistically the model would only provide a comfortable long distance journey for two. But drivers wanting the benefits of both a 4x4 and a soft top can’t go wrong. Perhaps the model could do with some refinement, but for the first of its kind it will certainly set a precedent.
The Knowledge
Model: 2016 Range Rover Evoque Convertible 2.0-litre 4WD HSE Dynamic Power: 180PS Max speed: 121mph 0-60mph: 9.7 seconds MPG: 49.6mpg Emissions: 149g/km
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Short Story
The Remorse of the Aristocracy “I can’t allow you to eat that in here,” Violet said curtly to the lady who had just stepped through the door, “because of the sculpture.” Apart from the shrieks of children down by the lake, and the whistling of Ted the porter in the courtyard, her afternoon volunteering in the Coach House Gallery had been pleasantly undisturbed until now. The lady looked longingly at the choc ice she was holding. “I just need to cool down for a minute,” she said, and then, “I’m sorry, what sculpture?” “This, obviously.” Violet pointed to the installation by the hall’s artist in residence that filled half the room. The lady looked at the sculpture frowning. “What’s it called?” she asked. “There’s no sign on it.” “Not yet, it’s brand new.” Violet smiled patronisingly. “It’s called ‘The Remorse of the Aristocracy’.” The Coach House Gallery, while sounding very grand was just a converted stable barn, and prone to pigeons roosting in the rafters. Despite that, it was the coolest place to be on such a hot day, and probably the only place to successfully eat a choc ice before it melted. However, Violet’s role was to protect the artwork from sticky fingers and she took that role very seriously. The lady walked around the sculpture slowly and sniffed. 46
“This just looks like a pile of old canteen chairs.” “The artist’s saying something important about the aristocracy.” What Violet most liked about art was telling visitors what to think about it, “And their value in today’s society.” The lady raised her eyebrows. A drip of melted ice cream fell from her choc ice. “You really need to take that outside, madam,” Violet said. “You’re making a mess.” “But the floor is rather dirty already,” the lady observed. As though to prove her point a flurry of pigeon feathers fell from above. “This is a very valuable sculpture,” Violet said, “we can’t have melted ice cream on it.” “But some of the chairs in this so-called sculpture have tea stains on them,” the lady said, and pointed, “and that one’s got a lump of chewing gum under the seat.” “If it has…” Violet hadn’t noticed the chewing gum before, and this lady was starting to annoy her, “it’s because the artist intended it. What he didn’t intend was for it to be covered in choc ice.” “I can hardly see how it’s going to make much difference,” the lady said. “Well, that just goes to show what you know about art,” Violet replied tartly. Honestly, sometimes she thought the hall would run a lot more
smoothly with no visitors at all. With his trademark whistle, Ted backed into the gallery wheeling a sack trolley. “Afternoon ladies,” he said, and began dismantling the sculpture. “What on earth are you doing?” Violet cried, “The artist will go spare if he sees you meddling with that.” “He certainly will if I don’t get this lot shifted before five,” Ted said, grunting over a pair of particularly tangled chairs, “he needs this space cleared.” “But this is ‘The Remorse of the Aristocracy’!” Violet was mortified. “No duck, this is just a pile of old canteen chairs for the skip.” Ted looked up and snorted, “If you’re on about the new sculpture, it’s coming later.” He wiped the sweat from his forehead. “There’s been a delay, what with the heat.” The lady had been watching from the back of the gallery, a triumphant smile forming on her face. “Then I don’t suppose anyone would mind,” she took a large bite out of her choc ice, “if I eat this in here after all.” By Jackie Brewster
S
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Finance Outdoors The Greater Which type of ISA is best for you?
By Ann Haldon
The gadgets that make Summer sizzle
the ISA family, the Help to Buy ISA was introduced in December 2015 in an attempt to boost the first-time buyer market. For every £4 saved, the government has pledged to add a £1 bonus (up to a stocks and maximum of £3,000), making shares Isa it a great way to save for a andfor Shares on abottle first property. lower-tech wraps is widelyStocks available as littleISAs thedeposit Let’s be optimistic and pray are open anyone aged sit in the fridge until you need as £13.99. Whiletoyou’re at it, for a long hot summer. What There are limits on how much 18 orbuy over. The money them, in around 15 you could yourself a solar gadgets can help your summer you chill can bottles save each month, minutes and cost £9.99. Beer powered wireless speaker too: really sizzle? From making is divided between various however, so it’s a good idea to Individual Accounts theinvestment Gemtune Kinna speaker parties more Savings entertaining to products, including drinkers can join in too: the start saving can put were first introduced 1999. is £40, Xcellent Globalearly. Beer You Chiller while the larger and ensuring your barbecuedinfood company shares, government away a maximum of £200 Sticks, stainless steel a longer range Jabadoo wireless is full of provided flavour and not food They exemption and corporate bonds, and unit Chilling month into a Help to Buy ISA, rods you freeze and then stick outdoor solar speaker is £99. poisoning, gadgets are here from income tax and capital trusts. as well asbottles, a lump are sum£9.99 of up in your beer Even if you don’t go solar, a to gains help you make the most of tax, and quickly became Although as anisinvestment £1,000 when the account is fortotwo. The chillers work in wireless speaker an excellent every second of summer. a popular place to save and some soft drink bottles too. investment for summertime there’s greater risk with a opened. One of the big trends this invest. sounds, it means don’t Stocksasand Sharesyou ISA, you WeYou’ll started off with year is solar power - not receive theoptimism, bonus when Back it was a need keep your close cantocontrol yourmusic exposure butyour let’sproperty add some realism too: becausethen, Britain has suddenly purchase is to to a power point. your annual choice the it by splitting thecomplete, British weather whatare gotstraightforward sunnier, but because and asbeing couples between a Cash ISA or a it’s a good ideaa to have Forallowance many of us summerthis and a it is, combination of more efficient between entitled to have Help to Buy Stocks and Shares equivalent, means early of incoming bad solar technology and low-power Cashoutdoor ISA. cooking, and ISAwarning each, there’s the potential weather. An outdoor weather of course there are plenty of technology such as LED lights but with seven different types to receive an extra £6,000 JunIor Isa just for station provides just that, and designed means solar gadgets work of Individual Savings Account products from government. Parents can save for their you canthe choose from traditional us. The Looftlighter (£48) properly, even when it’s a bit now available, making the clock designs with Isa integrated and BBQ Dragon (£46) use dull. You’ll have seen endless children in a Junior ISA. It’s InherItance right choice is much more barometers and thermometers super-heated air to under get your solar lights and spotlights, but open to children the age To avoid having to pay tax complicated. from around £25 or go highbarbecue started quickly, how about solar-powered water of 18, but the child can only on a deceased partner’s So how bird do you know which tech with a wireless weather while the iGrill Mini (£43) is a fountains, baths or other open an account if they are ISA savings, thecost Chancellor which can from tells station, water spend ISA features? is best forYou you,can and even Bluetooth aged 16thermometer or over. Thethat annual introduced facility to inherit around £25 tothe several hundred your phone when your food is from aroundyou’re £50 toeligible severalto whether allowance currently stands at tax-free from December 2014. pounds depending on the ready. If money’s no object, the hundred pounds depending on apply? We take a look at £4,080, but a child between From the spouse’s features youdate wantoftoahave. SmartGrill offers voice control, how feature is and thecomplex differentthe ISA accounts the ages 16notifications and 18 can Ordeath, you could always gopartner on recipe apps of and what it’s made of: cheap ones the surviving available, to identify which anoradult ISA, which Amazon and buy the Amscan onalso youropen phone tablet. The tend to be made of resin, while is granted an Additional ones might suit your needs. boosts saving capacity. PPP GB Umbrella Hat, which bad news:their the smallest one is natural stone takes you into the Permitted Subscription (APS) offers the protection of an around £1,400 and the most hundreds. For a child under the age for the total amount in the Instant access cash umbrella with the hands-free expensive model, the must 42-inch, of 16, the account be Solar account, and has three years Isapower is also very good convenience of a hat for just is nearly for charging phones, which opened£7,000. by a parent or legal in which to use it. A straightforward tax-free £2.99. Gadgets aren’t about is handy if you’ve embraced guardian, butjust there are no savings account offered by Once an APS application form grilling, and they all pay streaming music and use your restrictions on don’t who can Images L to R: PowerBee banks andtobuilding societies has been completed, they can require a second mortgage smartphone play sounds money in once it’s open. Executive solar mobile/tablet interest rates havetofallen open an account in their own either. Automatic wine coolers in -the garden. It pays shop charger; Soulra XL solar help Buy£50 Isaand can considerably in recent fromto around around: for example the years, cost name and thesystem; money will be powered sound a bottle of white wine to in PowerBee Executive charger, A fairly recent addition but it’s also a risk-free way to chill transferred across. Looftlighter BBQ lighter/ less than 10 minutes, while which has an RRP of £39.99, accelerator; Lynx SmartGrill put your money to one side.
You get instant access to your savings, and need to be at least 16 years of age to open this account.
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lIfetIme Isa The Lifetime ISA will be introduced from 2017, and is for people between the ages of 18 and 39. A 25% bonus from the government is available, so for every £4 saved they will put in £1 up to a maximum of £1,000. If money is withdrawn for anything other than a house purchase, you’ll be charged 5% on the amount taken out and lose the government bonus. It can be used towards the purchase of a house up to the value of £450,000, otherwise you need to keep the money in the account until the age of 60 to avoid the penalty. Additionally, the account needs to be open for a minimum period of a year to qualify for the government top-
up. You can hold a Lifetime ISA and a Help to Buy ISA at the same time, but are only eligible to receive the bonus on one of them. InnovatIve fInance Isa This is seen to be a riskier choice for investors, but one that potentially brings higher returns. One of the risks is that your money won’t be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme because the banks are not involved. You place your money with peer-to-peer lending platforms, which could attract a higher rate of interest than with Cash or Stocks and Shares ISAs. At the time of writing, however, there are only eight such online lenders offering this type of ISA.
The ISA limit for the 2016/17 tax year is £15,240, rising to £20,000 in 2017/18, and the savings year runs from 6th April to the following 5th April. Each type of ISA has its own pros and cons, and it’s worth remembering that unless you opt for a fixed rate ISA, interest rates can fluctuate widely throughout the year. http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/ money/saving/article-3505692/ The-seven-different-types-offerchoose-one-you.html http://www.moneywise. co.uk/banking-saving/savingsaccounts-isas/how-to-inherit-isa http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/ money/mortgageshome/article3520497/From-new-LifetimeIsa-shared-ownership-banishtime-buyer-blues.html
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Karen Munro Careers (Jul16).qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2016 16:40 Page 1
KAREN MUNRO MAC RCDP Career Coach www.munrocareers.co.uk
twitter - @munrocareers facebook - munrocareers
Karen is a professional and qualified Careers Practitioner and Trainer who provides support in all aspects of Career Development and Transition including effective CV Coaching, Interview Skills and Networking Techniques. A member of the Association of Coaching and registered with the Careers Professional Alliance, she works with both private and business clients around London and the South East who are looking for career change, direction, motivation and support. She works as an Associate Career Coach for a number of organisations including Personal Career Management Ltd and is part of the MOD contract providing career support and guidance to Military Personnel transitioning in to civilian life. Karen contributes to ‘In and Around’ every month sharing her practical knowledge and wealth of experience with her local community.
Volunteering... a fantastic opportunity WHEN you are looking for work how do you ensure you still retain your current skills and experience? How is it possible to keep your motivation levels up, continue to network and look for work opportunities and still manage to keep focussed and active? For many people who are out of work, this can be extremely difficult. For example if you were previously working in a role using computer packages such as Word and Excel, it can be surprising how quickly these systems can change. In a relatively short time things change and you may find yourself struggling to catch up. It is often referred to as ‘skills-fade’. When you are working, you are continually learning, adapting and changing to the environment, people, processes and information around you. When you stop working, you may find yourself out of step with the day to day changes you took for granted in the workplace. Even the social interaction of having your colleagues and team mates around you can be a big step change. Not only can you end up missing the buzz of the office or the team you were part of, but you become detached from the exchange of information and sharing knowledge and experiences. When you stop work, you lose access to ongoing training, personal development and feedback from colleagues, clients and customers alike and eventually this can lead to a lack of confidence. So, how do you get it back? VOLUNTEERING IS THE PERFECT SOLUTION! Whilst you may initially be thinking “I want a paid job, I need the money, I can’t afford to work for free!” it is an invaluable way to keep your skills, experience and knowledge up-to-date. It will return to you the routine and social interaction you were missing and without doubt will give you enormous satisfaction knowing your efforts are making a real difference. Volunteering is a fantastic way to put something back, whether it’s helping an individual, a charitable organisation, a community group or perhaps an overseas, not for profit organisation. You’re not only keeping your skills 50
and experience up-to-date, but you are adding to them all the time. You are gaining new experiences, interacting with new contacts and learning new skills. You can add your volunteering work to your C.V. as well to show how keen you are to keep working, and it will demonstrate your values and motivation levels to any potential employer. Some voluntary organisations have such great links within the community and the commercial world, that many people often end up finding paid employment in the longer term. It can also be a brilliant way of helping you to facilitate a change in career without the pressure of being paid employment. It gives you a chance to try something new and realise your potential. On a more personal note, volunteering is extremely rewarding and could give you access to new contacts, organisations and networks you may never have had access to before. It can be a great way to find full- or part-time paid employment either in the UK or overseas. Finally, if you are already working, volunteering can still be a fantastic opportunity for you to extend your skills and experience and put something back in your spare time. Here are a number of websites and contacts you might find of interest: http://www.hillingdonconnected.org.uk/volunteer-centre http://www.do-it.org.uk http://www.volunteering.org.uk http://greaterlondonvolunteering.org.uk http://timebank.org.uk http://ivo.org http://www.yoursquaremile.co.uk
Karen
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Those of you who attended the Annual General Meeting in April will recall that Wendy Matthews announced her decision to stand down as Chairman of the Association although still wishing to serve on the Committee. At the May meeting of the Committee Graham Young was elected to be the new Chairman with his previous role of Treasurer to be taken by Lindsey Beagle. Graham feels that Wendy will be a hard act to follow but will do his best to promote the interests of the residents of Richings Park to our local authorities and those companies either working or seeking to work in our area. The Committee members had a whipround and presented Wendy with a garden token as thanks for her unstinting work on behalf of the Association.
Western Rail Access to Heathrow The traffic models employed by Bucks CC, Network Rail and Slough BC have all come up with wildly different forecasts of the effects that would occur as a result of the closure of Hollow Hill Lane. We are therefore pushing to have a temporary closure of that road for 23 weeks in order to see exactly what will happen. From there, compensation and mitigation measures can be decided with a better degree of accuracy. At the moment all three organisations seem to be “passing the parcel” on this one!
Crossrail The dates for the Thorney Lane Bridge works completion keep shifting with every announcement. Hopefully, by the time this edition of In & Around is published it should all be over. But don’t hold your breath! 52
Local Plans There has been a terrific response to the South Bucks and Chiltern local plan consultation – around 7,00 responses. We await to hear the results in the next couple of months. However, the response to the Iver Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan consultation was dismal to say the least with only 11 responses from Richings Park and barely half a dozen mentioning traffic and parking as a problem. It gets extremely difficult to represent issues such as this at a local authority level if the paperwork suggests that people aren’t bothered. It’s mainly about having numbers that can be counted that gives us a chance of being successful in our overtures.
Subscriptions Each year we seem to have a slight reduction in the number of subscriptions to the Association. It’s not so much the money that gives us a problem but, once again, it’s the numbers of people that we are seen to represent. If you have a subscription envelope that you are sitting on then please return it to your road representative – whose address appears at the bottom line of the envelope – or to the Post Office or Costcutters.
Website Amalgamation To save confusion as to which website to look at for information, we have added a selection button for the interactive forum site on the regular website: www.richingspark.com
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Water, Water Everywhere by Pippa Greenwood
With summer well under way, gardens will need more water than the rain is giving them, but how can you minimise the amount you apply, make best use of what you’ve got and still have a good-looking and productive garden?
If possible, wait until the autumn to plant out trees, shrubs and climbers – it will be far harder for them to establish properly now and they are more likely to suffer serious setbacks. However, if you can’t avoid planting, improve the soil texture by digging and forking in plenty of garden compost, well-rotted manure or other bulky organic matter so that the soil is better equipped to retain moisture – sandy soil will then hold water more effectively whilst clay soil is less likely to crack. It may be hard work but it will make life a lot easier for the plants, and means you will spend far less time watering later on. It is still well worthwhile mulching beds, borders and your vegetable plot. The mulch needs to be 2” - 3” (5 - 7.5 cm) deep and you can use shredded composted bark, composted chipped bark, cocoa shells or many of the numerous pebbles, shingles and so forth 54
which are now available. If the soil is well watered before the mulch goes on, then it will really help to keep moisture in the soil and, as all the materials I’ve suggested will let plenty of rain through, when it does rain the plants will still benefit. Mulching will also help to keep down weeds.
always water in the evening or extremely early in the morning, which drastically reduces the amount of water lost through evaporation, and means that there is far less chance of foliage or flowers getting scorched - as can happen if they are wetted in bright sunlight.
In drier areas of your garden, try to use drought tolerant plants. Those with silvery or grey foliage such as the lavenders, Sedums (ice plants), rock roses (Helianthemum), rosemary and Convolvulus cneorum all tend to thrive in dry conditions, and are also more likely to do quite well if planted now.
Where possible use a watering can or hose with a gentle nozzle attachment and water only the areas where the water is needed. If the soil is very dry before you start to water, then sprinkle the surface gently with a light drizzling of water and return a few minutes later - you will find that the water penetrates down to the roots much more effectively. Excessive watering on a very dry surface is likely to lead to a lot of run off and wastage.
Make the most of any rainfall by fitting a water diverter to the drain pipe which takes water from the guttering from your greenhouse, house, conservatory or garage, and divert the rain straight into one or more water butts. You can also fit a water diverter to the downpipe which takes water from your bath, hand basin or kitchen sink. Normal amounts of shampoo, bubble bath and washing up liquid should pose no threats to plants, and these detergents may help with pest problems such as greenfly. Unless there’s no alternative,
Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for a really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items including Nemaslug to safely control slugs, pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, ladybirds to control greenfly, biological controls, pull-out mini tunnels, signed books and lots more besides.
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Pets Corner... (Jul16).qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2016 14:59 Page 1
Safety First...
MANY of the cases vets see are as the result of accidental injuries that could be avoided with a little forethought. Even the best trained dogs can respond unpredictably if distracted - most road accidents involving dogs occur when they run off when startled. So it is sensible to keep dogs on a lead whenever walking near roads, water, other animals and on farmland and keep flexileads short when walking on pavements. Try to make sure your dog can always see and hear you and train him/her to come back on command.
Ensure that collars are close fitting or use a harness or a head collar like a Halti. If a collar is too loose your dog can easily wriggle free. A good guide is to try and pass your hand under the collar, if you can slip more than two fingers under easily the collar is probably too loose. It's fun to play with our dogs but some of the most commonly used playthings can cause serious injury. Sticks thrown for dogs to chase frequently cause appalling injuries to the mouth and throat as the dog runs onto them. Choose balls carefully - tennis balls are surprisingly abrasive and will wear down teeth over time and small balls can lodge in the throat and cause choking. The best toys are designed specifically for dogs: a Nylabone Frisbee they can’t chew into bits or a Boomer Ball that is just too big for the mouth. Be careful about letting your dog run into water, deep bush or anywhere you haven’t explored first, there may be unseen broken glass, sharp branches, metal objects or wire. Cats, because of their habits, are more difficult to control. Cats are crepuscular, which means they like to be out at dawn and dusk. Traditionally cats are let out at night and will then want to stay in during the day. As most accidents and catfights occur at night, make your cat go out during the day so it is tired and keep it in at night and it will soon adjust. It is a good idea to put a reflecting collar on your cat but make sure it is tight (do the two-finger test again) and has 56
a breakaway or elastic insert. I have never seen a cat hang itself from a collar yet but injuries caused by loose collars slipping into mouths or under the front legs are common and can be horrific. Cats love to chase string or cotton and it’s good fun for play with these but don’t leave them lying around as they can cause fatal intestinal obstructions if swallowed, especially (dress makers be aware) if left attached to a needle.
M C Atkinson BVSc MRCVs www.stmartinsvetclinic.com
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Home & Interiors
Storage Solutions For Every Room By Katherine Sorrell
Well-designed storage makes an enormous difference to our homes, so interiors expert Katherine Sorrell takes us through some room-by-room ideas. Our homes are full of stuff, and each room requires specific solutions. You could do this yourself, plotting on graph paper where doors, windows, radiators and other furnishings will go, making use of ‘dead’ spaces such as under stairs or sloping ceilings, the alcoves either side of a chimney breast or the space below a bay window. Alternatively, interior designers can create an overall ‘look’, but should understand space planning, while architects are suited to more extensive works that involve extensions or alterations, and can help to make the most of your space. Living Rooms Often the public face of a home, the living room is where you’ll show off treasured possessions whilst concealing less attractive items, so to cope with these twin demands build in storage that includes open shelving and/or display niches as well as 58
cupboards. A central chimney breast with alcoves either side is ideal for shelving above and cupboards below, or run a long, low cupboard along one wall – perhaps incorporating a fireplace or TV in the centre – the top of which can serve as seating or display space. If two rooms have been knocked into one there may be space for shelving or cupboards over the central double doors, or in a small room it may be possible to fit shelving above or around the door or the windows. Halls Hallway storage is all about organisation – slimline furniture such as console tables or storage benches works well. For a variety of storage types, supplement coat hooks behind the door with shoe racks at the bottom, an umbrella hook, and a shelf at the top. Alternatively, it may be possible to build an under-stair cupboard, kitted out with hooks, shelves and racks. Bathrooms Custom-made floor and wall cabinets are ideal for storing toiletries and spare towels, keeping surfaces clear, while vanity units with shelves, drawers and cabinets can be built around sanitaryware to cover up pipe work. Alternatively, consider free-standing options such as dressers, cupboards and chests, and wall-mounted
pieces like shelves, racks and mirrored cupboards. Pipe runs can be hidden behind false walls of studwork and plasterboard, within which you can punch shallow shelves and cupboards. Do the same when building a shower wall and create niches in which to store shampoos and soaps. Bedrooms There are four ways to fit out a bedroom: use free-standing pieces that you can take with you when you move (but probably won’t be space efficient); find a carpenter or joiner to make a bespoke room; use a fitted-furniture specialist, whose ranges often feature ingenious storage solutions; or use inexpensive, off-the-shelf elements from DIY shops or storage specialists, and make it up yourself. It’s a question of working out what best suits you, your property and your pocket. Children’s Rooms Raised beds with storage underneath are great for storing clothes or toys. Drawers should be easy to open, but with stops that prevent them from sliding right out. Use large boxes, baskets or cupboards for bigger toys, and smaller containers for things like Lego, toy soldiers and paints. Image - Form playroom storage, featuring Form Konnect 1x1 cubes, £10; Form floating shelves, from £5; and Form photo shelves, £10. All Form at B&Q, tel. 0333 014 3098; www.diy.com.
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PROTECT YOUR HARD EARNED ASSETS AND HOME
With some simple planning we will ensure that they are fully protected so that your loved ones receive their rightful inheritance. Please consider the following five questions: 1. Have you made a will, if so when was it reviewed? 2. How can I protect my children’s inheritance? 3. How do I protect my home and assets from care costs? 4. How can I preserve my business assets for my family? 5. What if I am unable to manage my affairs?
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regular events...
hobbies...
art Classes Come & Join Us! Isabel Hunt, your local artist, teaches a new project every week, which can be a landscape, seascape, still life, pets, portraiture, etc. In the first 2 sessions equipment/materials are provided. at St Marys Church Hall St Marys Rd Langley SL3 7EN info: 07411 125407 or 01753 542209 chavi2000@hotmail.com Chinese brush Painting group We meet on Saturday mornings. The class is guided by an experienced tutor. Learn to compose and develop your own Chinese painting style as well the finer points of Chinese calligraphy. At Harefield Library, Park Lane Village Centre, Harefield or contact Phyllis Nash on 01895 476 644 / phyllnash@gmail.com French sessions in iver French Intermediate Class. Small friendly group with French Native Teacher meets every Tues. Iver Village Hall 7.30-9.30pm from Sept 22nd 2015 Call 07940 281233 e: c.marionnet@blueyonder.co.uk inland Waterways association Meet 2nd Tues of every month at Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk Mandarin tuition In Iver Heath. All welcome. Experienced teacher. Call Yuan on 07932 649107 or ynhyuan@yahoo.co.uk keeP-Fit, danCe & draMa... adults Zumba Classes Running on Wednesdays 6-7pm at Iver Heath Village Hall, St Margaret's Close. Call Diane 07926 854184. 62
ballet Classes Iver Heath Village Hall, Friday 4.457pm. Call L Killian 01753 814280
Methodist Church Love Lane Mon 8-9pm, Thurs 7-8pm. St Lawrence Church Hall Bridle Road Pinner Fri 9.30am. St Lukes Hall Love Lane Pinner Wed 7.45-8.45pm, Sat 910am. Wendy Whitefoord 07803 602142 e: wendy.whitefoord@ btinternet.com. See www.jazzerciseuk.com or facebook.com/ JazzerciseDenhamNewDenham
Free Family games event Second Saturday of every month - for parents, carers and guardians with children of all ages, at the Kings Church, Iver, 10am-midday - visit www.hartentertainment.co.uk for details or call 07747 063149 to let us know your coming. Open to all.
bokwa Fitness tone & Core Energetic workout that anyone can pick up, dancer or not. Wednesdays 6.15pm-7.10pm, Yiewsley and West Drayton Community Centre. Penny, 07771 872592/01895 420409; learningmoves@hotmail.co.uk
boxfit Saturdays 9.45-10.45am at the Evreham Sport Centre, Iver. An exciting class which uses focus pads and gloves to enhance an excellent aerobic workout. Call 01753 672610 Children's Zumba (Zumbatomic) Classes Wednesdays at 3.30-5.30pm at Iver Heath Village Hall, Saint Margaret's Close. Call Diane on 07926 854184
Futunity Street Dance and Hip Hop for children age 7-11 years. Fri's from 4-9pm call Cheryl on 01753 651754 or email childcare@ivercommunity.org donna’s keep Fit Iver Heath Village Hall. Call Donna 01753 674945. Tue 9.45-10.45am Fitness Club St Catherine School, Money Lane, West Drayton, UB7 7NX. Thu 6-7pm Circuits, Fitness and Boxercise. £5 a class. Shaun Thompson, 07906 087749 www.tauruspt.co.uk hour of Power - ultimate Workout Wed 7pm at the Evreham Sports Centre, Iver. Call 01753 672610. iver health & exercise sessions for over 55's. Designed to keep over 55's fit and to suit all abilities. Session includes light lunch and activity. £5 includes lunch Fridays 10am-1pm Evreham Sports Centre, Swallow Street, Iver, SL0 0HS. Jazzercise Classes Jazzercise Classes New Denham Community Centre Oxford Road Mon 9.30-10.30am, Tues 6.45 - 7.45pm , Wed, Thurs , Fri 9.45-10.45am. Denham Village Memorial Hall Village Road Thurs 6.30-7.30pm. Ruislip Sports & Social Club Grosvenor Vale Mon 6.45-7.45pm Tues 9.30am, 7-8pm, Wed 9.30-10.30am. Pinner
ladies only kickboxing Club Wednesdays, 6.30-8.00pm at Watts Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. First Class FREE! Leanne Phillips on 07518 848285 email: leanne @kickboxing-longdon.co.uk www.kickboxing-london.co.uk
Military Fitness Class A good way to get fit and enjoy the outdoors, suitable for beginners Monday 7-8pm, Iver Heath Rec, Church Road, Iver Heath, SL0 0RD. £2 per session. 1st session FREE! info: Leon 01895 837334. nordic Walking & Wellbeing All round exercise in the open air, 4 week courses various days and locations pre booking essential contact 07771872592 / learningmoves@hotmailco.uk Personal training Looking for some extra help to get fit & into shape? For more info and prices call Rachel on 07745 622011 Pilates Iver Heath Village Hall on Thurs 7pm8pm call Mrs S Webb 01923 721335 Pilates Class Thursdays 9.30-10.30am. St Peter's Centre, Iver. All levels, booking essential. Call Rachel 07745 622011. Pilates and tai Chi Fit courses Tuesdays 7.30-8.30pm, Yiewsley and West Drayton Community Centre. Contact Penny 07771 872592/01895 420409; learningmoves@hotmail.co.uk PiYo® Classes Sweat, stretch & strengthen all in one low-impact, music -driven, body sculpting workout. Tues 7-7.45pm. St Peter's Centre, Iver. £5 per class booking essential. Call Rachel on 07745 622011.
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KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA CONTINUED...
Yoga Iver Heath Village Hall Mon 6.30-7.45pm Jonathan Bell 07790 682238
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
Pinewood Fitness The Fitness Room, Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Road, Iver Heath, Sl0 0NH. Mon 20.00-21.00, Wed 19.30-20.30. Booking only. Various Fitness Circuits, Boxercise, Gym Work. £5 a class. Shaun Thompson, 07906 087749 www.tauruspt.co.uk Salsa Classes Every Monday: The Middlesex Arms, Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HG. Beginners class starts 8pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.459.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm. Every Wednesday: The WatersEdge, Canal Cottages, Packetboat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. Beginners class starts 7:30pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.309.30pm. Freestyle dancing til 11pm
Tap Dance Mondays 7.30-8.30pm at Meadows Community Centre, West Drayton. Adult Beginner/Intermediate tap. No exams. Contact 01895 420409 / learningmoves@hotmail.co.uk Taurus Circuits Pinewood Studio. With Personal Trainer Shaun. Monday 8pm-9pm Booking only 07906 087749 Tai Chi Classes Tues 10am at the Evreham Sports Centre, Iver. Call 01753 672610 Tai Chi Classes Every Saturday 10-11am, Yiewsley Methodist Church, Fairfield Road, UB7 8EY. Call Dan 07880 601429. Toddler & Junior Fitness Fun Junior Trampolining Weds 4.30pm5.30pm held at the Evreham Sports Centre Iver. Call 01753 672610. Weight Watchers Chalfont St Peter Community Centre SL9 9QX. Wednesdays, 7pm. Iver Village Hall, SL0 9NW. Thursdays, 6.30pm. Iver Heath Village Hall SL0 0DA Saturdays, 9am Call Nicky 07443 567244 nicky_iverww@hotmail.com www.weightwatchers.co.uk 64
ZUMBA in Langley Mon 7-8pm & Tues 7-8pm St. Mary's Church Centre. Thurs 7-8pm St. Francis Church Hall.
ZUMBA ® Fitness Classes Mon & Thurs 7-8pm. St Peters Centre, Iver - all levels welcome! Call Rachel on 07745 622011.
Zumba Fitness Weds 8-9pm at Langley Grammar School Sport Centre Reddington Drive Langley, SL3 8LL and Thurs 7-8pm at Yiewsley / West Drayton Community Centre, Harmondsworth Rd, West Drayton UB7 9JL.Call Gabriel 07735 090325, gabrielzumba@instructor.net www.gabriel84.zumba.com MUSIC...
Faraday Country Music Club in Slough SL2 1RN. Join us for the best live Country Music every Thursday for listeners, western partners, freestyle or line dancers. From 8-11pm. Contact Deb 07986 050742. www.faradaycountry.co.uk Iver Singers Singing for Fun Iver Singers sing for FUN every 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 or experience necessary. Please call 07733 466177 or visit www.iversingers.com for more details. Richings Players Award winning amateur theatre group perform three shows per year at Iver Village Hall. Contact Evelyn on 07950 039827 richingsplayers@mail.com See www.richingsplayers.co.uk. 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
Signature A Cappella singers We meet on a Monday night at Iver Heath Village Hall, St Margaret’s Close, Iver Heath SLO 0DQ. Time 7.45-10.30 with a ten minute break for a cup of tea, a chat and a biscuit. If you enjoy singing please come along to watch us one evening or visit www.signaturesingers.com
Stoke Poges Singers A friendly four-part choir with about forty members singing a wide variety of music during the year. New members are always welcome and there are no auditions. The ability to read music is not essential. Rehearsals on Thursday evening at St Andrews Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges from 8pm. Come along to a rehearsal or contact Naomi on 07831 217575 or Cheryl on 01753 655682. www.stoke-poges-singers.org The Rock Project Greater London School of Rock & Pop where we teach 7-18 year olds how to play guitar, bass, drums and vocals in small groups and as a band. Sessions run Wed's at Nower Hill High School, Pinner and Thurs at Vyners School, Ickenham. Juniors (7-11) 4.156.15pm and Seniors (11-18) 6.308.30pm. £20 per two - hourly session. Contact Pritpal on 07855 863058 or email uxbridge@therockproject.com Yiewsley & West Drayton Band Rehearse every Wednesday and Friday 8-10pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. ontact Lynne on 07976 824152 or Lynne@ywdband.com Yiewsley & West Drayton Training Band Open to all ages wanting to learn to play a brass instrument or those of you wanting to 'brush up' your skills. Rehearse every Wed during TT. 6.457.45pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. Contact Abi on 07985 302 856 or emailtraining@ywdband.com continued overleaf...
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PETS... Iver Dog Training Club Meet Tuesday & Friday 6.30-9pm, St Andrews Church, Richings Park. Call Diana 01753 732907 Iver Heath Fields Dog Club 'Outdoor Training' every Sat at 10.15am, Wed at 11am call Mike on 01753 817852 or 07795 031335 or see website www.ihfdc.com PRE-SCHOOL & KIDS GROUPS... Iver Village Pre-School open Mon-Fri from 9am-3pm, we take children between the ages of 2-5 yrs. Funding is available for 2, 3 & 4 year olds. For more details contact Sandra Davis on 01753 654859 or theoffice@ivervillagepreschool.co.uk French for Children with La Jolie Ronde, 5-11yrs. In Iver, Saturdays. Call Estelle 07831 779888 Rainbow Guides Iver Heath Scout Hut on Tuesday, 5.30-6.30pm. Call Cindy Gordon 01753 795724 or Tracey Glynn 01895 469804 Richings Park Pre-School St Leonard's Hall, St Leonard's Walk, Richings Park Iver, SL0 9DD. Monday to Friday 9.15am-12.15pm Extended days on Tue, Wed and Fri until 2.15pm. 15 hours funding available for 3-4 year olds per week. 2yr old funding. Call 07712 477848. Shooting Stars Pre-School An innovative pre-school setting for children aged two-five years open from 7.00am – 6.00pm Monday – Friday. Iver Village Hall, High St, Iver, SL0 9NW. Call Rafia 01753 651754 or e: childcare@ivercommunity.org 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 12-
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18 yrs). Fees £2 per week, courses from £5 for a weekend. Visit us on Facebook, pop-in or email: sloughseacadets@yahoo.co.uk
Karate (Adults & Children) Iver Heath Village Hall on Tues & Thurs. Kids 7-8pm, Adults 8-9.30pm. Call Sensei R. Baker 07898 946330.
Sticky Fingers Mothers & Toddlers Iver Heath Village Hall, Wednesday 9.30-11.30am. Call Janet Beale 01753 652375
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.
The Launchpad A breakfast club for children aged 511 and after school club for Infants. We also offer holiday play schemes. Iver Village Hall, High Street, Iver, SL0 9NW. Call Cheryl on 01753 651754 childcare@ivercommunity.org The Pod An after school club for Junior school children combining childcare with specialist ed. activities. Iver Village Junior School, High Street, Iver, SL0 9QA. Call Cheryl on 01753 651754 or email: childcare@ivercommunity.org Tiny Talk Baby Signing Classes Tuesday classes at St Mary’s Church Hall, High Street, Harefield UB9 6BX, 10am, price £5 pre-paid per family. Thursday classes at St Giles' Church Hall, 1 High Road, Ickenham UB10 8LE, 10am, 11.15am and 1pm, price £5.00 pre-paid per family. Friday classes at The Uxbridge Centre, The Greenway, Uxbridge UB8 2PJ, 10.30am, price £5.00 pre-paid per family. Please call Bev Meier to book 01895 824935 or 0781 8025993 Tiny Toes Childcare Full day care nursery for children aged six weeks to five years open from 8am-6pm Mon-Fri. Evreham Centre, Swallow Street, Iver, SL0 0HS. Call Susan on 01753 655650 tinytoes@ivercommunity.org SELF DEFENCE... Close Quarter Combat In Richings Park. Speed, strength and conditioning training. All types of pad work combinations. Suitable for adults of all ages. 1-2-1 sessions. Call Mark 07525 366126 email: mj.wilding@hotmail.com
Kung Fu Club West Drayton Great Kung Fu work out for children & adults on: Tuesday 5.30-6.30, Friday 7.30-8.30, Sunday 5.30-6.30. West Drayton Community Centre, Harmondsworth Road, UB7 9JL. Contact Ella: 07702 479 435 or email: sportsclubuk@gmail.com Martial Arts Bujinkan Kuri Dojo Unit 21 Bridgeworks, UB8 2JG Tel: 07878 471124. Training: Sun 10.30-12.30pm, Tue 8-10pm, Thu 8.30-10pm www.bujinkankuridojo.co.uk Silat Kuntao Indonesian Self-Defence Traditional self-defence art from Central Java, includes empty hand, traditional weapons, meditation and healing massage. Adult classes only. Mon and Wed 8pm-10pm at Denham Village Memorial Hall, Denham, UB9 5BN. Call Philip Davies 07790 496 346 or kuntao.matjan.uk@gmail.com. SELF HELP... Alcoholics Anonymous Every Sun, 7.30pm, St Leonards Hall, St Leonards Walk, Richings Park, Iver, SL0 9DD. Call Howard 07816 315688. Slimming World Tuesday 5.30pm and 7.30pm and Wednesday 9.30am at Evreham Sports Centre, Iver Heath Contact Kate: 07432 107089 Weight Watchers Chalfont St Peter Community Centre Weds 7pm. Iver Village Hall Thurs 6.30pm. Iver Heath Village Hall. Sats 9am. Contact Nicky 07443 567244 nicky_iverww@hotmail.com continued overleaf...
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SOCIAL GROUPS... Coffee Shop At St Margarets Church, Church Rd, Iver Heath. Wed 10.45-11.45am. Enjoy a coffee and a chat in a friendly, informal atmosphere. Colne Valley Park Conservation Volunteers Every second weekend of the month. Hands on help to protect the wildlife and landscape of the regional park. For more details contact Steve Ord steven.ord@groundwork.org.uk or call 07718 043080. Heathway Ladies Group Every second Tues of the month at 2pm. You’re welcome as a visitor at the cost of £1.50, as we have a waiting list. Contact Secretary Tricia Cooper 01753 817749 or e: tricia.cooper3@virginmedia.com Inspirations Spiritualist Group Spiritualist group for like-minded people. Weekly services with a guest Medium every Thursday at The Walter Pomeroy Hall, Royal Lane, Hillingdon, UB8 3QY. 7.15pm for 7.45pm start. Admission £5 Concessions £4.50 Accompanied Children u16 - FREE. Enqs: 07968 039426 or 0208 841 4901. Iver & District Countryside Assoc., If you enjoy walks in the country and social evenings, why not join us? Call Paul Graham 01753 655183 Iver Evening Women’s Institute Iver Village Hall, meets 2nd Monday of month, 7.30pm. Call Margaret 01753 653751 for details. Iver Heath Ladies Meet 2nd Tuesday of the month in Iver Heath Village Hall at 2pm. A group of ladies who enjoy speakers, outings, lunches and more. Visitors welcome, £1.50 admission. Contact tricia.cooper3@virginmedia.com or call 01753 817749. Iver Heath Community Library The Library is open: Tues 9.30-1pm & 2-5pm . Thurs 9.30-1pm & 2-6pm.Sat 10am-1pm. Free membership of all Bucks libraries Free public pc & Wi-fi. Reading Group, craft group, bounce
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and rhyme for toddlers, childrens crafts , coffee mornings enqs: 0845 2303232 lib-ivh@buckscc.gov.uk King's Friends A group of older men and women enjoying life. Contact 01753 651178 for our latest programme. Probus Club of Langley & Iver is always looking for new members, we meet for lunch at the Richings Park Sports Club 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 there is nothing rigid about background. We normally have a speaker and cover a very wide range of interests. Contact 01753 653571. The Rotary Club of Langley & Iver Meets on Thurs evenings 6.45 for 7pm, Richings Park Golf Club. North Park. Iver. SL0 9DL 01753 655370. We are a small friendly club that welcomes everyone, from all walks of life. If you are interested in improving the lives of others and have fun doing it, visit www.rotarylangleyandiver.org. uk or email: akahold@hotmail.com Women’s Social Group Social group for women in West London. Looking to expand your social group and make new friends? We meet regularly for coffee, a chat and organised trips and welcome women of all ages. Please call Seema on 07730 898635 or email seemaa@seemaa.co.uk for more. SPORT... Back School Small Osteopath lead rehab excercise sessions designed to help strengthen the back with lots of self care advice. Held at Lotus Wellbeing Clinic call 01753 677 604 for further details. Basketball (starting 7th June) Drop-in sessions for adults age 16 and over. Saturdays 12-2pm. £3 per session. At the Evreham Sports Centre, Iver. Call 01753 672610. Darts Richings Park Sports & Social Club Wellesley Avenue. Men & Women Players. Tuesday & Thursday Nights. Call Gerry 07957 804204
Iver Heath Tennis Club Church Road, Iver Heath, Bucks. SL0 0RW. New members always welcome, adults and juniors, visit our website for details www.ihltc.co.uk or call John Stephenson 01895 441033 Iver Heath Bowls Club Interested in playing bowls? Ring Brian Carter 01753 817794 or Hon. Sec. Betty Hemsley 01753 651775 Iver Short Mat Bowls We are open on Wednesdays 2-5pm & 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. Contact: 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. Learn to Sail! We are an RYA approved training centre and are open to new members, www.kingsmeadsc.org.uk FREE sailing taster sessions! Nordic Walking Taster Session Iver Starts Wednesday 30th January, 10am-11am, £5 at Evreham Sports Centre, Swallow Street, Iver, Bucks, SL0 0HS. Session is £5 with poles included. If you would like to book onto the course or require more details call the Evreham Sports Centre on 01753 672 610. Pink Ladies Netball Club All levels and abilities welcome. Training takes place at Stockley Academy, West Drayton every Tuesday evening. Senior training 16+yrs 7.30-9pm Back to Netball 16+yrs 7.30- 8.30pm Under 16s - please Rhiannon on 01895 448878 for details email: plnetball@hotmail.co.uk visit www.pinkladiesnetball.co.uk
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Cake and
Bake
Chocolate Mousse Brownies Take the classic rich and squidgy chocolate brownie recipe a step further with a creamy milk chocolate mousse topping for the ultimate chocolate lover’s dessert!
Ingredients: BROWNIE BASE • 150g dark chocolate, broken into pieces • 225g unsalted butter, diced • 350g light muscovado sugar • 4 medium eggs, beaten • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 225g plain flour
MOUSSE TOPPING • 100g milk chocolate, broken into pieces • 100ml double cream • 1 large egg, separated • Fresh raspberries, chocolate drops and mint sprigs, to decorate
Makes 12 Ready in 1hour 30mins plus cooling and chilling
TIP
Add a few drops of mint extract to the chocolate mousse mixture for an after dinner mint flavour. 70
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/Gas 4.
Grease an 18 x 28cm tray bake tin and line the base and sides with baking paper.
2. Place the dark chocolate and butter in a large
heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water and leave until melted. Remove from the heat and stir until smooth. Leave to cool for 10 minutes, then whisk in the sugar, eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Sift over the flour and fold into the chocolate
mixture with a metal spoon. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until just firm to the touch - it should still be a little squidgy in the centre. Leave to cool completely in the tin.
4. To make the mousse topping, melt the milk
chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Remove from the heat, cool for 5 minutes then stir in the cream until smooth. Cool for a further 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, then beat in the egg yolk.
5. Whisk the egg white in a clean grease-free bowl
until holding stiff peaks, then gently fold into the chocolate mixture. Spread the mousse in an even layer over the top of the cold brownie and chill in the fridge for 3-4 hours (or overnight) until set. Remove from the tin and cut into 12 squares. Serve topped with fresh raspberries, chocolate drops and mint sprigs.
016 14:12
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