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And whether you’re a fan of Autumn or not, it’s definitely here! Fortunately, we’ve had some fabu lous weather this year and it seems a lot of people, like myself, have been quite happy to remain at home and make the most of it. The downside of that, particularly if you work for yourself, is that you don’t really take a break. I did manage a lovely overnight hotel stay in Marlow last month, but I think being miles away from home with a good book and a sun lounger (the back garden doesn’t count), is what’s really needed to recharge your batteries. Having become ill yet again right on deadline, I’ve realised that taking a break is not really a luxury, but an absolute necessity and if you don’t plan them, they tend not to happen.
Armed with half a dozen holiday brochures and driven by the impending longer nights and shorter days, we’ve suddenly gone into holiday planning frenzy. Christmas somewhere hot is definitely on the menu and for the first time in over eight years, we’re going to book next Summer’s holiday too. This is all a bit alien to me, but I’m assured that if you plan for things to happen, they will indeed happen! Feeling rather motivated by the whole planning ethos, I’ve started a log of all the things I want to achieve and the steps I need to take to make them happen. I’m starting small of course with day to day things, which always end up being done at the last moment and if that works well, who knows, I may become brave enough to at tempt the grand five year plan...well maybe 12 months anyway! .
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Wildlife Zone
6
Local Events
8
Travel: Alicante
10
Kids Puzzle Page
12
Home & Interiors: On the wall
14
History: What happened in October 1964
16
Used Cars: Retro Rockers
18
Health: Tea & Coffee the good and the bad
20
Karen Munro Careers
22
Reader Travel Offers
24
Coffee Break Puzzles
26
Is it time to part with your old mattress?
28
Beauty: How to get the perfect pout
30
Computer Helpdesk
32
Wordsearch Clubs, Groups & Classes
34 40 42, 46 & 48
Recipe: Cheesy onion soup
46
Garden Feature
50
Puzzzle Solutions
51
Useful Telephone Numbers
52
RSPCA Re Homing Appeal
52
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the wildlife zone
kaiser T
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.
he male sparrowhawk, or kaiser as I call him, could be a rare visitor to the Millstream Fork wildlife garden. This is difficult to prove as sparrowhawks are difficult to watch because they are usually just flashing through a patch of ground whilst hunting. It is difficult to distinguish exactly how rare sparrowhawks are in the area, although I piece together bits of evidence. When the Kaiser arrives in the wildlife garden, birds scatter like shrapnel. On two occasions I have seen this male sparrowhawk grab birds on the patio with his sharp, killing talons. When I was a child, I thought that a bird of prey’s sharp beak was for stabbing the prey to death, whilst being held in a vice like grip. However, these claws are so powerful, that the razor blade talons do the killing as well as 8 sowing needles pressed deeply into the body at the same time. After the prey has been killed, the formidable beak plucks the feathers and tears the flesh into smaller digestible fragments. The Kaiser’s first successful hunt at Millstream Fork was when I had a Blue Tit nest box sited at the side of the patio doors about 8 feet off the ground. One early evening in summer, at about 6 o’clock, the Blue Tit flew back to the nest box. As the Blue Tit flew towards me and the nest box I noticed its flight path. They fly in a particular style which is up and down, rather like a large radio or alpha wave, if seen from the side-on perspective. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the sparrowhawk flash in from the left side of the patio. In one stupefying moment, the Kaiser snatched the flying blue tit just about a yard or so from the safety of its home. The hunter gyrated, wheeled around on the spot and flew back from whence it came, having made the perfect kill. On the ground a few yards of way from this incident a pair of Mallards were waddling around in a relaxed manner, slowly searching for food on the path near the patio. In an instant, they had figured out the danger of the fatal incident. They were deeply upset and created a commotion. I could easily tell this from the loud and hurried quacks they made, their nervousness and the way they stomped around in tight circles for a few moments. For some moments afterwards they were still fluffing their wings, looking around and on their guard for any other possible threat. Within a minute they had flown up and were away. This may have been because sparrowhawks also hunt mallards and smaller waterfowl. Therefore this pair really could have been ‘sitting ducks’ in the true sense of the word as their only fighting weapon would have been their bills. The sparrowhawk’s short, rounded wings and longish tail have evolved over countless millennia to live in woodlands, where these features enable the bird to get extra maneuverability. With the burgeoning suburbs, the sparrowhawk uses their skills of twisting and turning whilst flying at great speed to dodge fences, trees and outhouses to catch songbirds by surprise. The second time I saw a successful hunt at Millstream Fork was when the Kaiser crashed into two feeding baskets hanging from the patio bird table just three feet away from where the mallards had been on that first fatal incident. This time the victim was a young Robin, a fledgling, whose red breast feathers had not yet had time to replace its speckled brown feathers. This time I clearly saw the Kaiser’s yellow eyes, his bluish grey back and his white and rusty barred chest as he turned around with his sorry prey firmly locked in his talons. sparrowhawks and other predators such as Kestrels and hobbies are animals whose evolutionary path has led them to being carnivores. It is how these birds have fitted into an ecological niche that makes sure that the predators cannot have a digestive system that lives on berries or leaves. Therefore their position in the ecological niche means that they must hunt smaller birds in the food chain, irrespective of how human beings feel about it. My suspicions that Millstream Fork is actually inside a sparrowhawks territory was all but vindicated shortly afterwards. This was when I had witnessed another sparrowhawk hunting in my garden on three or four occasions. However as this sparrowhawk was much larger than the Kaiser, it must have been the hen. I also noticed that it had different markings to the male. The hen had a dark brown back and dark bars on her chest. Moreover, within a few weeks of these sightings, I had seen this hen take a fully grown Woodpigeon a couple of hundred yards away from Millstream Fork in another garden. Usually in nature the males are larger then females, perhaps due to their need to fight off other males of the same species for the right to mate. For many other species, the male has to do much of the hunting for the nesting female. However for many birds of prey, including sparrowhawks, the male, or tiercal, is about a third smaller than the female. As a result of this activity, I expect to see sparrowhawks here at the wildlife garden for as long as they are able to find enough food. I accept that sightings may be scarce, although their presence is likely to be more common than is actually observed. All of this seems to point to the probability that there is a local pair of nesting sparrowhawks. I would love to see their nest in the trees around here, which is where I suspect they are.
the charities’ contact details are www.ffes.org.uk email: info@ffes.org.uk
october events
Local Events october into november
Ruislip/northwood Flower arrangement society northwood and Pinner liberal synagogue, oaklands Gate, northwood ha6 3aa. Forthcoming Events: tue 7th october - Area demonstrator, Andrew Lloyd - ‘The Colours of Autumn’. tue 4th november - Area demonstrator, Alan smith ‘Christmas Crackers’. tue 2nd December - national demonstrator, Anthony Williams - ‘Christmas Lights’ cost: visitors £5 for Area Demonstrators and £6 for national Demonstrators. tickets may be purchased on the door. call 01923 829621 for details.
watch & take part – face painting, Punch & Judy show, ferret racing, archery and craft-making plus refreshment tents & a bbQ. entry will be £1 per adult & £3 parking. children go free.
michael sobell hospice Fundraiser ‘Brain Box Quiz night’ Wed 8th october, 7.30pm michael sobell hospice, mount Vernon hospital, northwood, ha6 2Rn our popular quiz night returns. tickets cost £15 and includes a fish & chip supper (veggie option available) there is also a licensed bar. Free parking. barclays bank will match funds to make your donation go further. tickets can be booked online at www.michaelsobel lhospice.co.uk or 01923 844730. hUBB Business Breakfast event thu 9th october, 8am-9am Uxbridge Conservative Club, 46 harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1PJ. networking with local professionals and in partnership with the Hillingdon chamber of commerce. ‘state of the nation - Healthcare in the UK’. Guest speaker Graham roberts from WPA. coffee & pastries. For details email: emma.zovich@wardwilliams.co.uk
‘Butterflies’ autumn sale & Community Coffee morning sat 11th october, 9am-1pm ickenham Village hall, 33 swakeleys Road, ickenham, UB10 8DG should anyone require to hire a table or require more information please contact vera on 01895 635224 or chris on 676900 or email: butterfliesickenham@yahoo.com apple Day sat 18th october, 11am-4pm home Cottage Farm, Bangors Road south, iver heath A great family fun day out with numerous stalls for local charities, producers and traders – from toffee apples and pumpkins to bric-a-brac and crafts. Lots of children’s activities and events for all ages to
Quiz ‘n’ Chips night sun 19th october Compass theatre, Glebe avenue, ickenham ,UB10 8PD Another fun general knowledge quiz night in aid of the restoration of Ickenham Hall and compass theatre's building and fittings. the bar will be open throughout. tickets include a tasty chip supper with either fish, chicken, sausage or veggie burger. tel: 079 302 68686.
Ruislip Central horticultural society thurs 21st october, 7.30-9.30pm st lawrence Church hall, 2 Bridle Road, Pinner, ha5 2sJ A talk not to be missed! 'Plants for the Autumn' given by timothy Walker, Director of oxford botanic Garden. For more details contact Warren reeves; call 01923 451616, email: rchstalks@gmail.com or visit www.ruisliphorticulturalsociety.org.uk £3 members, £4 non-members including refreshments. Flower Festival Fri 31st oct to sun 2nd nov st marys Church, the Fairway, south Ruislip Dedicated to the First World War and those who gave their lives for us. see www.stmarychurch.co.uk for more.
Don't miss the DeaDline! If you would like us to publicise your event in our november issues contact us no later than Friday 10th october.
noveMber events Uxbridge Business Biscotti Wed 5th november, 8.30-10.30am Devonshire Business Centre, Boundary house, Cricket Field Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1QG the philosophy is simple – if you want to network, make contacts and forge business relationships in an informal environment visit Uxbridge biscotti. there’s no need to book, just come along and buy a cup of tea or coffee (donation of £2) to support
the venue! (Nearest car park is ‘intu shopping centre’). Glebe Primary school Pta shopping evening thu 6th november, 6pm-9pm ickenham Village hall, 33 swakeleys Road, ickenham, UB10 8DG Free entrance. various stalls plus refreshments on sale. ‘Butterflies’ Christmas table top sale & Community Coffee morning sat 8th november, 9am-1pm ickenham Village hall, 33 swakeleys Road, ickenham, UB10 8DG should anyone require to hire a table or require more information please contact vera on 01895 635224 or chris on 676900 or email: butterfliesickenham@yahoo.com Ruislip manor Christmas Fayre sat 8th november come and join the fun. call Les Drussel on 07792 856984 for more. Celebration of Voice Cabaret evening Fri 21st november, 7.15pm ickenham Village hall, 33 swakeleys Road, ickenham, UB10 8DG two sensational acts - Matt & Molly (mollymariewalsh.com) and shane Hampsheir (www.shanehampsheir. co.uk). Licensed bar. tickets £15 includes a selection of canapés. Available in advance from Pro Music International, swakeleys rd, Ickenham or on the door.
LIve MUsIc events the Watersedge Packet Boat lane, Cowley, UB8 2Js Fri 10th oct the Flyers Fri 14th nov Ladies night with Drag Queen tiffany Wells and 2 male strippers (show starts 9pm with DJ 'til late £15 pp inc basket meal) the 3 steps high st, Cowley, UB8 2DX sat 11th oct 'Amy Winehouse' tribute sat 18th oct 'Pack of Lies' Fri 24th oct 'stiles' sat 25th oct cher tribute Fri 31st oct Halloween Party the swan at iver 2 high street, iver, sl0 9nG Fri 17th oct two tone Fri 24th oct boogie shoes Fri 31st oct Halloween Fancy Dress Party + disco - 1st prize £100 the Whip & Collar 135 swallow street, iver, sl0 0hU sat 18th oct rod stewart tribute sat 25th oct Halloween Fancy Dress + DJ, plus prizes for best dressed!
TRAVEL
Arribar Alicante Most people think of Alicante as the airport you fly to before heading off to the tawdry delights of Benidorm, but it is actually a major tourist resort in its own right. I’d heard good things from a relative and chose it for this summer’s family holiday. We were staying in the Melia Alicante which rears up above the seafront like a cruise liner that has run aground between the beach and the marina. Built at the dawn of the Spanish tourist trade, the Melia is old enough to be classified as retro. The rooms are large and wellappointed and enjoy views across the beach or the marina, while the public areas are stylish and smart. The breakfast deserves a mention because it caters to every conceivable taste; I got into the habit of enjoying a glass of Buck’s Fizz with my Fruit ‘n’ Fibre. On the downside, the Melia suffers from the problem that afflicts many town centre resort hotels, a small pool and a shortage of both sunbeds and space to put them in. Alicante is a very cosmopolitan city and, unusually, many of the tourists are Spanish along with the usual gaggle of Brits, Germans and Scandinavians. The main beach, Postiguet, is a beach lover’s paradise with fine golden sand, shallow water and acres of serviced sunbeds. An inflatable archipelago is moored just
offshore to entertain those who want to do more than just dip in the water to cool off and the entire two mile beach is lined with bars and restaurants. Every water sport you could possibly desire is available, including flyboarding, which I haven’t seen before, where participants are propelled into the air by two jets of water attached to their feet. On the other side of our hotel, the area around the marina has been heavily developed with a clutch of high end nightclubs and restaurants and the gaudiest casino this side of Las Vegas. The promenade features an array of stalls selling jewellery and handbags along with a couple of cocktail bars and a life-size galleon which doubles up as a restaurant. There are few nicer places to sip a Pina Colada while you ponder what to eat that evening. Talking of eating out, you really are spoiled for choice in Alicante. Across the road from the Melia lies the old town, a charming maze of squares and alleyways where you can sit out on the street and tuck into a first rate meal. With the exception of a low rent Italian on the main boulevard, we didn’t have a bad meal during our stay; I can particularly recommend the Monastrell restaurant, superb food and surprisingly inexpensive. This part of Alicante has a great atmosphere and is remarkably civ-
ilised; there are no stag weekends or drunks and the street crime that plagues places like Barcelona is conspicuous by its absence. If you grow tired of sunbathing, eating and drinking, there are other things to fill your day. Alicante is home to a handful of museums and a medieval fortress perched on a mountain, though it’s a bit of a hike if you want to visit it. You can also take a boat trip out to the island of Tabarca a few miles down the coast. This was once a pirate lair but nowadays it is left to the restaurateurs and shopkeepers to extract money from the wallets of passing tourists. The voyage out there takes about an hour and costs 18 euros a head, not a bad way to spend a day. Alicante has a lot going for it as a holiday destination but there is a problem. It is not just a tourist resort, it is a city in its own right and, as such, it is not immune from the economic malaise that grips much of Spain at the moment. Beggars are everywhere, even pestering you as you dine and there are too many boarded up shops, while the waiters are overly desperate to lure you into their restaurants. But, if you can ignore these things, Alicante has a charm all of its own.
Howard Clemmow
Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX Independent School for boys and girls aged 3 - 11
An ‘OUTSTANDING’ School
OPEN MORNING Wednesday 15th October 2014
Please telephone 01895 234371 to make an appointment Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX - www.sthelenscollege.com
Home & Interiors
On The Wall By Katherine Sorrell
Choosing a wall finish is a question of combining personal choice and practicalities. While some finishes are hands-offdon’t-touch delicate, others are ideal for protecting walls from knocks and bumps, muddy paws and sticky fingers; some are meant only for perfectly smooth walls, while others are great at disguising blemishes. Find the right type of finish, then decide how colourful, patterned and textured you want it to be. A plain white wall, for example, may be just the ticket for showing off your collection of tin toys, or as a counterpoint to bright cushions and other accessories. On the other hand, you may want an exciting wallpaper that draws the eye to a feature wall, or adds pzazz to an otherwise boring room.
Ideas for feature walls • Peel-off stickers. Instant transformation. Available in all sorts of designs, small or large, from simple outlines to complex illustrations. • Wallpaper with a huge, graphic pattern and bold colours can be overwhelming for a whole room, but is a great focal point on just one wall. • Paint effects are right on-trend. Try modern styles such as broad horizontal stripes or a dip dye effect. • Maps (old or new) are goodlooking and educational. Simply paste straight on to the wall. Try sheet music, wrapping paper and pictures enlarged on a photocopier, too. • Digital images can be enlarged as much as you like. Why not use one to cover an entire wall? • Wallpaper samples, vintage or modern, can be pasted up as a colourful collage. On the same theme, why not employ different colourways of the same pattern for an impressive and unusual effect? A world of wallpaper Wallpaper is oh-so-hot right now, but as well as being fashionable, it’s a brilliant way to add interest to any room. Conventional, machine-printed
designs are easiest to get hold of, usually inexpensive and simple to put up. But there is a whole world of wallpaper choice out there, from natural woven fibres and light-reflecting metallic papers to interactive papers that you can colour in or add stickers to, hand-blocked papers, three-dimensional designs incorporating crystals, sequins or tiny LED lights, digitally printed papers made to your own design and even magnetic wallpapers that work as a noticeboard. Types of wallpaper Standard decorative wallpapers are ideal for areas that don’t suffer from moisture or severe wear and tear. Vinyls are durable and easy to put up, often coming pre-pasted. They can be used anywhere, but are especially suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Washable wallpapers have a transparent coating to make them wipeable. Embossed wallpapers feature a raised, textured pattern and are meant to be painted. Blown vinyls are similar. Flock wallpapers feature a velvety texture in stencil-like designs. Foils are metallic wallcoverings. They vary from a gentle sheen to almost mirror-like. Natural wallcoverings include grass, silk, wood veneer, hessian and cork. Though they are backed with paper, they can be delicate and difficult to clean. Image: Create a wall-to-wall indoor garden with this geranium wallpaper mural, from £99, from Digetex HOME (0161 873 8891; www.DigetexHome.co.uk).
What happened in...
...October 1964?
high speed rail link between Tokyo and Osaka was opened. It had an operational speed of 170mph; ‘coasting’, as Craig Breedlove would probably call it.
At Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, on 15th October, Craig Breedlove, set a new land8th: Baby, I can drive my own speed record of over 520 mph. car! Richard Starkey, better known as Ringo Starr, passed Just seconds later he set his driving test. another (still unbroken) record for the world’s longest 10th: Yoshinori Sakai carried skid – nearly six miles! His the Olympic torch into the parachute brakes failed and stadium in Tokyo to open the the car travelled another six Summer Olympics. Yoshinori miles before crashing into a was born in the outskirts of lake at 200 mph. He managed Hiroshima on 6th August, to exit the car without even 1945, the day the atomic getting wet. bomb was dropped. This Craig is currently working on a project to take a car powered by two jet engines to 1,000 mph (mach1.4), although the 77-year-old won’t be driving it himself. No, don’t all rush, he already has a driver. 1st: The first section of the
choice of runner was a symbol of Japan’s reconstruction and commitment to world peace.
(I know the feeling, I’m always forgetting stuff). The threeman crew landed the next day after sixteen orbits of Earth. 14th: At the age of 35 Martin Luther King Jr. became the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. 15th: The Labour Party, led by Harold Wilson, won the general election, ending thirteen years of Conservative Government. American composer/ songwriter Cole Porter died aged 73. 16th: China successfully exploded its first atomic bomb.
12th: The USSR launched Voskhod 1, the world’s first spacecraft to carry more than one person and the first not to take spacesuits and helmets
Petrol was about 4/6d a gallon The average price of a house was about £3,360
Three of the bestselling singles this year were: (There’s) Always Something There To Remind Me - Sandie Shaw I’m Into Something Good - Herman’s Hermits Oh Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
29th: The Star of India, an almost flawless ‘double-sided’ star sapphire the size of a golf ball was part of a haul stolen from the American Museum of Natural History. The gang responsible were jailed and the gems were recovered – all except one. The Eagle Diamond is still missing.
Short Shorts by Patrick D Cousins is a collection of short stories available as an e-book for £1.99. Rainbows, Dreams and Angels is a double novella from Amazon. You can hear the song on You Tube.
Late breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or just a cup of coffee (and the chance of a fly-past!)
Situated on the edge of denham aerodrome the Crewroom is definitely not the average café.
Seated just a few yards from lines of parked aircraft you can gaze across the immaculately kept grounds to the wooded horizon; and the only traffic you are likely to see is taxiing planes or hovering helicopters.
And when it comes to the reasonably priced menu you are spoilt for choice: a glass of wine and one of their renowned pizzas, maybe? A beer and a burger, jacket potato? Or, if you’re really hungry, how about an all-day breakfast – with proper butcher’s sausages! There is a selection of toasted sandwiches and, to finish off, a choice of cakes and a cup
of their excellent illy coffee.
The Crewroom is a family business which was established in February 2009 and since then it has become a firm favourite of users of the aerodrome, local residents, and companies entertaining guests, looking for somewhere a little out of the ordinary.
The Red Arrows aerial display team sometimes passes over Denham en-route to a performance over London, and a Spitfire once flew down the runway, tilting its wings in salute (ask Ed, the proprietor). Cabaret doesn’t get any better than that!
Of course, these performances cannot be guaranteed, but you never know…
The first of the retro rockers, the Figaro was really a design exer cise that made it into production, with 20,000 being produced in just one year. Styled on the 1960s’ Datsun Fairlady, the Figaro was as cute as a button. A tiny 1.0 litre turbo engine pro vided surprisingly brisk perform ance but this car was all about style and comfort. Standard equipment included leather, air conditioning, a CD player and a full length sunroof that all but made it a cabriolet. All UK ex amples are imports but are easy to find. Expect to pay £4,000 for a decent example with 60k on the clock.
The New Beetleis a perfect example of the platform sharing that VW have made into an art form; it’s really a Mk3 Golf with a curvy, retro body plonked on
top. A concept car that was intended to capitalise on the enduring popularity of the origi nal Beetle, it has proved re markably successful. It’s avail able as either a hatchback or a cabriolet and features just about every engine fitted to a Golf up to 2005. The Beetle is compara tively practical and wellbuilt but the handling is a disappointment and most models are slow and decidedly thirsty. You can pick up a Beetle for under a grand but a pristine 2010 model with 20,000 miles on it will set you back just £7,500.
BMW’s take on the iconic British car has been a massive success story, so much so that there are now 7 different models in the MINI range. The designers have managed to combine the pert looks, dinky proportions and unique style of the original car with a sporty drive and BMW’s exemplary engineering and build quality. The original 1.6 litre engine comes in 3 flavours, 98bhp, 118bhp and a hefty 168bhp from the supercharged Cooper S; all provide strong performance and decent econ omy. Inside, it’s as retro as you like but the back seats are cramped and the boot is tiny.
The handling is terrific but the ride is punishingly harsh, par ticularly with the 17” wheels fitted. MINIs are cheap and plentiful; I found a 2009 Cooper S with 35K miles under its belt for £7,500.
Fiat belatedly got in on the retro act with the supremely pert and pretty 500. Based on the de pendable Panda, it has all the predictable 1960s’ styling cues and that tiny exterior belies the surprising amount of space inside, considerably more than the larger MINI. The original range of 1.2 and 1.4 litre petrol engines together with a 1.5 litre diesel were all fairly weedy and not particularly frugal, but the new 950cc Twinair turbo is a gem. The handling of the 500 is pretty good but it provides an uninvolving drive together with an overly bumpy ride. There was a waiting list for the first few years of production and prices have held up surprisingly well; you can pick up a 2008 1.2 Lounge (high spec) with sub 50k mileage for £5,250.
and Coffee: Tea The Good and Bad the By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
Tea and Coffee: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Truths
We meet up for coffee; we invite friends round for a cuppa. But are these drinks good for us or doing us harm? Taken without milk or sugar, they’re practically calorie-free, but syrupy lattes can contain over 400 calories. However there’s more to consider than calories.
Caffeine
The good: Caffeine is a stimulant which can increase our alertness, and some evidence indicates it may temporarily sharpen our cognitive abilities. There’s now substantial research suggesting that coffee and tea drinkers are less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, most likely due to caffeine content (which may also help with the symptoms). The bad: Caffeine can raise your blood pressure and adrenaline levels. It can also relax muscles in your pelvis and urethra, meaning you need to urinate more frequently. The truth: Maximum protection against Parkinson’s disease seems to come from drinking just three cups of tea or coffee a day, so this isn’t an
excuse to go overboard, and it seems to be more effective for men than for women - sorry, ladies. While lab results seem promising, there’s no definitive evidence to link tea and coffee drinking with a reduced Alezheimer’s risk, as results have been contradictory. Our bodies can become accustomed to daily caffeine, meaning that when we go without it, we can become tired, irritable and headachy. People used to very high levels of caffeine may get shaky or experience mood swings and nausea when they go without it. So how much caffeine is too much? Recommended limits from experts average at around 400-600mg per day and just 200mg if you’re pregnant, as high caffeine levels may be linked to low birth weight or miscarriage. • cup of green tea: 40mg • cup of normal tea: 70mg • mug of instant coffee: 100mg • average filter coffee: 150mg • average latte: 150mg • large Americano: 200mg When you’re estimating your daily caffeine intake, don’t forget other sources too – energy drinks, chocolate
and some painkillers and fizzy drinks also contain caffeine.
Antioxidants
The good: Antioxidants mop up free radicals which can damage our cells. Think of antioxidant drinks and you probably think of green tea, but black tea and coffee contains antioxidants too, at slightly lower levels. The bad: Unfortunately, there’s still debate about how much we benefit from these antioxidants by the time our body has processed our cuppa. But active compounds in green tea are being used in research with nanotherapeutics – the development of microscopic compounds that escape processing to find and target diseases, including cancer. The truth: Lots of foods contain antioxidants – often in higher levels than tea and coffee. So tea and coffee aren’t necessarily the best sources.
Diabetes prevention and management
The good: Some evidence suggests that moderate amounts of coffee or tea (‘proper’ tea, not herbal or fruit teas) can slightly reduce your risk of developing Diabetes Type 2 (if drunk black, or with
just a little milk). The bad: There’s also evidence to show that high coffee intake may impair your insulin resistance, making it harder for you to keep blood sugar levels stable. The truth: You’re likely to hear both of these theories ping-ponging back and forth in the media, but more research that eliminates other influential factors is needed.
while low and high coffee consumption were best – with moderate consumption making no difference. Reductions in cholesterol levels are small. The truth: Once again, despite the media half-truths and misinterpretations, the fact is that more research is needed to exclude other factors and study long-term effects.
that tea or coffee can prevent or reverse the effect of toxins on your liver, so if you drink or smoke heavily, they’re not a miracle cure that will undo the damage. The good, the bad and the ugly truth leads us to a familiar conclusion – the best advice, for now, is moderation. Carry on drinking tea and coffee, but remember that three or four cups seem to give maximum health benefits while avoiding the risks. If you really love the taste, choose decaffeinated versions for cups 5 and 6. Also bear in mind that tea and coffee aren’t that beneficial nutritionally, so try to include fruit juices and dairy-based drinks in your diet too, and try herbal or fruit teas for a change.
Reduced stroke and coronary heart disease risk, and cholesterol levels
The good: Some studies seem to suggest that drinking tea and coffee reduces stroke, coronary heart disease risk and cholesterol levels. The bad: Contradictory evidence. One study seemed to suggest high consumption of tea reduced stroke risk most,
Liver health
The good: Research suggests that people who consume moderate amounts of coffee and green tea are less likely to suffer from NALD (nonalcoholic liver disease). The bad: High intake of green tea supplements has been linked to liver damage, although it’s not clear whether the green tea extract is the culprit – it may be one or more of the other ingredients. The truth: There’s no proof
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 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 to civilian work. 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. I have been doing a lot of work on the subject of ‘networking’ lately. I recently ran a Networking Techniques workshop and was also invited by the ‘Officers Association’ to discuss the topic with service leavers via a webinar. Firstly, let’s understand what is networking? Well, the true definition of networking is to “interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, especially to further one's career.” With up to 85% of the job market not being actively advertised, it is clear many of those jobs are secured through friends of friends, word of mouth, direct and indirect contacts. Networking is therefore critical to anyone thinking about making a career change or looking for a job. There are always some key concerns raised about networking and one of them is the fear of approaching people initially. How do you start networking? Many of my clients worry networking will appear ‘false’, ‘fake’ or ‘insincere’. However, networking is normal and expected in the commercial world and everyone is doing it. Networking is about having relevant conversations with other people who may have a common interest with you, such as the industry you work in or want to work in, or a specialism. It isn’t however, asking people for a job directly. People will instinctively shy away from direct requests for work. So a different approach is required. Networking is about researching and asking relevant questions and exchanging ideas and experiences. Start with your primary contacts, people you know already and have a good rapport with – how can they help you? Widen your search by asking them if they know anyone in their contacts who may be able to help you. Can they refer you anyone? These referrals will be the decision makers, recruiters and people with the information you need to find out about the job market. Start to get yourself noticed. Ask about industry trends; who is hiring and who is firing? What skills and training are currently required in your line of work and what will make you a strong candidate? Ask people for feedback on your CV . Find out which organisations only use Agencies and which ones don’t. There is no point registering with a particular recruitment agency if the
company you want to work for doesn’ t use them. Networking will bring all this information to your doorstep and will effectively become the foundation of your job searching strategy. I always recommend using Linked-In (www.linkedin. com) as a fantastic resource to facilitate networking as well as using Twitter to follow companies and get real time information on the job market and industry trends. However, don’t fall in to the trap of thinking networking is all about being on-line, because nothing is better that meeting someone face to face. Personal impact is important so use your online connections to facilitate meeting face to face, perhaps over a coffee, where you can engage with someone personally. Always make sure when you meet someone for a networking meeting, you are clear about what you want to gain from the meeting. Don’t turn up waiting for them to initiate conversation. You will need to explain to them what you want to discuss and what information you are looking for. Nearly all of my clients find employment through networking. It demonstrates they are proactive and professional and are prepared to get out there, meet people and work hard. Networking can facilitate employment even when a vacancy doesn’t exist. It can lead to alternative job offers, more referrals, new posts being created and will continue to expand your contacts even further. For every networking meeting you have, try to get at least 2 more referrals and remember to communicate with everyone. Keep your primary contacts ‘in the loop’ letting them know how you are getting on and how their referrals have helped you. Networking can start to become a full time job in itself. It can be extremely rewarding meeting new people and engaging in conversations about common themes in employment and industry. It will boost your confidence and your communication skills – and that can only be a good thing!
Karen
“unlocking your career potential”
In and Around Reader Travel
Riviera of Flowers Monaco & Portofino 8 DAYS SEMI ALL INCLUSIVE FROM
Free Drinks & Champagne check-in
£849pp
Portofino
Monaco
Dolceacqua
Departures: 13 April, 15 May, 19 & 25 September, 1 October, 2015 This super holiday, taking in the French and Italian Rivieras, starts with a glass of bubbly at St Pancras’ famous Champagne Bar before taking an afternoon Eurostar to Lille or Paris. After an overnight stay, we continue by TGV train to Nice then coach to Diano Marina on Italy’s Riviera of Flowers. Enjoy free drinks every night at the hotel and excursions to Monaco, Eze, Portofino and Dolceacqua. INCLUDED: Escorted throughout • Champagne Check-in at London St Pancras • Return rail travel from St Pancras to Nice • 1 night hotel B&B in Paris or Lille • 6 nights in Diano Marina - half board plus selected free drinks 6pm to 11pm every night • Excursions & transfers abroad
Call 01895 83 33 33 GN Voyages Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays. GN Holidays & Voyages www. gnvoyages.co.uk • Email: info@gnvoyages.co.uk Higher Denham, Uxbridge UB9 5EL
ABTA No. Y0291 ATOL 9362
Birmingham Christmas Market & Worcester £10 D Victorian Christmas Fayre £99PP 2 days half board • 29 November, 2014 PP
EPOSIT
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest outdoor Christmas Market in the country. Traditional stalls offer an array of beautiful handmade toys, Christmas decorations and craft goods. Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre is celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year. INCLUDED: 1 night stay at the Hilton Hotel, Bromsgrove • 1 dinner and 1 breakfast • Visits to Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market and Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre Coach travel and excursions • Coach travel and excursions
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River Avon Christmas Lunch Cruise & Festive £10 D Stratford-upon-Avon £69PP Great Day Out • Wednesday 3 December, 2014 PP
EPOSIT
Join us for a Festive Lunch Cruise on the Countess of Evesham, a popular, well-established family-run 70ft restaurant cruiser. Enjoy a traditional 3course Christmas lunch while the Restaurant Boat cruises some of the most delightful stretches of the gently flowing River Avon. You will also have free time in Stratford-upon-Avon which will be decorated for Christmas. INCLUDED: Free time in Stratford-upon-Avon • 3-hour River Avon cruise on the Countess of Evesham • 3-course traditional Christmas lunch on-board starter, main course and dessert • Return coach travel
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Christmas in Dorset, Longleat & Broadchurch 4 days half board+ • 24 December, 2014 Join us for a 4-day Christmas break at the Sherborne Hotel in rural Dorset. The hotel is nestled in 6 acres of private grounds and is surrounded by fields. It is a short walk from the historic market town that shares its name. The hotel has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment programme. There will be entertainment on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day evenings. Our holiday includes visits to Longleat, with a ride on the Santa Express, and West Bay - home to TV’s Broadchurch. INCLUDED: 3 nights stay at the Sherborne Hotel, Sherborne, Dorset • 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners and 1 traditional Christmas Day lunch • Visits to Longleat and West Bay • Coach travel and excursions
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. gnvoyages.co.uk • Email: info@gnvoyages.co.uk
£10PP DEPOSIT
£429PP
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ABTA No. Y029 ATOL 9362
Is It Time To Part With Your
Old Mattress?
by Kate McLelland An old mattress is like an old relationship: worn-in and comfortable, with the odd uneven bit that you have learned to avoid. It may have been beautiful when it was new, but now you’ve ceased to notice the frayed corners, the sagging middle and the missing studs. Although it is comforting and familiar, your old mattress may not be giving you the good night’s sleep you deserve. Here are three common mattress myths that may deny you a peaceful rest: “My old mattress is comfortable because it has adapted to the way I lie in bed.” Unfortunately you can still feel comfy long after your mattress has lost its ability to provide your body with the proper support it needs. “The stiffness I feel each morning is due to too much exercise, or old age – or both!” It may simply be due to a mattress that doesn’t give you enough support. If you generally feel better in the morning when you’ve slept elsewhere, it’s time for a change. “My mattress is still under guarantee!” The warranty exists to protect the consumer from product defects and is not an
indicator of how long a mattress should be used. A mattress that has been in constant use for five to seven years may need to be replaced. If it is time for you and your mattress to part company, how do you go about choosing a newer model? Pocket sprung mattresses have springs sewn into individual fabric pockets so your partner’s movement won’t affect your side of the bed. These mattresses can be costly but proved most popular in a survey conducted by the consumer association Which? Continuous coil mattresses are made from a single looped wire, while open-coil mattresses are made of single springs fixed together by one wire. The springs move as one unit, so you are more likely to be disturbed by your partner’s movements at night. These mattresses are cheaper, but tend to wear out faster than those with pocket springs. Memory foam mattresses are good at relieving pressure on painful joints, but usually cost more than a sprung mattress. Memory foam is affected by room temperature: as the mattress
reacts to body heat, it moulds to your shape. This reduces air circulation around your body, which makes the memory mattress feel warmer, but it may make it harder for you to move around at night. Latex mattresses are hypoallergenic and so can prevent fungi, bacteria house dust mites from accumulating. Latex is made from rubber so has natural elasticity, retaining its shape as soon as the pressure is removed. Mattress toppers: As the name suggests, a topper sits on top of your ordinary mattress to give you extra comfort and support, but it won’t help if your mattress has already begun to sag. Toppers can also provide a useful protective layer between the sleeper and full mattress in the event of night-time accidents or spills, however prices vary and some can be as costly as buying a new mattress. Remember, comfort, support and durability are key when it comes to buying a new mattress. It’s worth taking time to search for the right one, as your reward will be many years of blissful sleep. Main Image: Top Dog Mattress £645, Loaf.com
Beauty
Professional Make-Up Secrets: How to Get a Perfect Pout
With the help of a few simple make-up tools and techniques it’s easy to transform your lips into the pout you’ve always wanted. Thin Lips
Thin lips are a big beauty concern for many women - especially as they age. That’s because over the years, our lips lose their plumpness and become visibly thinner. Fortunately there’s plenty that can be done to add some volume, without having to resort to fillers. Choose lipsticks in light shades and always opt for a glossy finish. Lighter colours work to make lips look bigger by bringing that area of your face forward, whereas darker shades have the opposite effect by pushing it back. Light-reflecting pigments in glosses and lipsticks add
instant fullness to thin lips - unlike matte formulations that make the lips look flat. A creamy lip liner, in a natural pale hue is an essential tool when makingup thin lips. Warm the pencil in your hands before lining your lips just slightly outside their natural line and bring the liner as far down to the corners of your mouth as you can - whilst still keeping it looking perfectly natural. Particularly emphasise your cupid’s bow and the middle of your bottom lip. Using a lip brush, neatly fill in your lips with your chosen lipstick. Add a dab of gloss to the centre of your bottom lip and highlight your cupid’s bow by adding a touch of shimmer highlighter - powder, cream or pencil varieties will all do the job.
Uneven Lips
If your bottom lip is fuller than your top, then your lips can look uneven - but it’s easy to balance things out with well-applied lipstick. Choose a lip liner in a shade that matches the lipstick you are going to use and apply it to your cupid’s bow - at the centre of your top lip. Don’t be tempted to extend the line all the way down because you only want definition in the centre.
Cover your bottom lip with a dot of concealer or foundation - this makes it easier to correct the shape - then line the centre of your bottom lip slightly above the natural line and softly extend the line outwards, but not all the way to the corner of your mouth. Bring the lip liner on to your bottom lip and lightly fill it in - the aim is to create a matte finish so that your bottom lip appears less prominent. Then, using a lip brush, fill in your top lip with the lipstick that matches your liner. Draw attention to your top lip and create a perfect finish by adding a touch of gloss to the centre of your top lip.
Narrow Mouth
If your mouth is small and narrow it can look out of proportion compared to your other facial features. A little lip liner and lipstick can easily ‘extend’ the mouth though. Find a lip liner that matches the natural colour of your lips as closely as possible, then line the outer corners of your mouth by using light, feathery strokes. Bring the line up and round, over your cupid’s bow but make sure the line isn’t as strong as the one on the corners of your lips, because emphasising the corners of the mouth will have an elongating effect. Choose a neutral coloured lipstick in a creamy or satiny finish - it’s important to stick to lighter shades, as darker hues will make your lips appear smaller. By Helen Taylor
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?
flexible, there’s no pressure and it’s very rewarding. To find out more, please call Leena on
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 Champion award for training and support, the work is totally
To the casual observer, the most significant uses that technology and the internet have been put to are all social – the internet makes it much easier to buy the stuff we crave; social media makes it much easier to share our thoughts and experiences with each other every waking hour of the day. But the big changes have been going on behind the scenes, particularly in terms of database technology and cloud computing. One business that has made use of these developments to provide a service that offers both a social good and vast c o m m e r c i a l opportunities is Theranos. Launched as a tech start up in 2003, it has attracted around $70 million in funding so far, much of it from some household names of the technology world, and is now poised to launch on the stock market in a multibillion dollar IPO. What is it doing to get investors so hot under the collar?Theranos does blood tests – nothing very exciting about that you might think; we’ve been doing blood tests for decades, but the way that Theranos does them could lead to a dramatic improvement in the effectiveness of healthcare services around the world. There are hundreds of common blood tests that can be carried out and the results can determine if the patient has anything from Crohn’s Disease to Diabetes. Blood tests are also an essential tool in the early diagnosis of cancer. The current system for doing blood tests normally starts at the GP’s surgery or hospital. The doctor reviews the patient’s symptoms and comes up with a potential diagnosis of what is wrong with them;the blood test effectively confirms if the diagnosis iscorrect. A sample of blood is taken and put into a test tube. A paper trail is then created that links the sample with the doctor, the patient and the type of test required. Then the sample is sent to a central laboratory where the
test is carried out and the results sent back to the doctor.
The whole process is complex and time consuming and it is not unknown for the wrong results to come back to the wrong patient. More importantly, it is expensive so budget constrained doctors will often be reluctant to order a barrage of blood tests to confirm an early diagnosis. By comparison, the Theranos system is a revelation. The doctor or a nurse uses a handheld testing device which can perform a battery of up to 30 tests on just one drop of blood. The device can perform hundreds of different tests as required and the results are beamed wirelessly back to the database that holds the patient’s medical records, where they are available to everyone who needs to see them. The benefits are immense. For starters, the cost of the tests is less than half that charged by the existing laboratories. In America alone it is estimated that the two main healthcare providers could save over $200 billion over the next decade. That’s before the savings in administration are taken into account. Then there’s the time saving; the results are available instantly rather than a week later. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Early diagnosis of cancer transforms survival rates and drastically cuts the costs of treatment. Early diagnosis of diabetes could save the NHS billions and transform the lives of those who suffer from it. It’s not just about money either; it’s about people’s health and happiness and about switching the ethos of health services from cure to prevention. The story of founder, Elizabeth Holmes, is an interesting one. She dropped out of Stanford at the age of 19 and used her tuition fund to start up the business. She successfully sold her idea to some very savvy investors and is now poised to become the first woman technology billionaire. Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, is a multibillionaire and has had a film made about his life and he just created a dating site. What does the future hold for Elizabeth Holmes?
Tax update for residential property landlords
As a landlord of residential property there are some important changes that you need to be aware of. Renewals basis for unfurnished rental properties
as from April 2013 the tax concession which allowed landlords of unfurnished properties to claim tax relief for the cost of replacing stand-alone white goods and furniture/ furnishings in an unfurnished property has been removed. HMRC is monitoring the impact of the change.
New Capital Gains Tax (CGT) charge on non-residents selling UK property
under current legislation, generally speaking, non-residents are not liable for CGT should they sell residential property situated in the UK (subject to anti-avoidance provisions). The Government has announced that from April 2015, for gains arising from that date, CGT will be charged on non-residents’ gains on UK residential properties. This policy change could also have an impact on UK residents, as there is a proposal to abolish the ‘main residence election’ – that is, the ability to nominate which property is to be treated as the main residence where a taxpayer has more than one ‘home’. The consultation proposes that rather than having the ability to elect which property is to be the main residence, this will be determined by fact.
Private Residence Relief
the final period of exemption for CGT private residence relief has been reduced from 36 to 18 months (in most cases) as from 6 April 2014. This measure is set to become law later in 2014.
If you wish to discuss the above, please contact simon.boxall@wardwilliams.co.uk
Industrial deafness and hearing loss
by Alan Jolliffe Senior litigation executive, personal injury team IBB Solicitors alan.jolliffe@ibblaw.co.uk
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (work-based hearing loss) is permanent and the damage is irreversible. This could occur from working in an industrial or factory environment for a prolonged basis without adequate hearing protection. For many people the first sign that they have suffered some damage is a temporary reduction in their level of hearing at the end of the working day.
What are the signs of industrial deafness or noise induced hearing loss? As we get older most of us expect to become a little hard of hearing. We just accept that we turn the TV and radio up too high for those around us and conversation becomes something of a lottery as we struggle to hear what is being said, and as a result just nod politely in what we hope are the right places. However, getting older may not be the only cause of this hearing loss. If you have worked in a noisy environment such as a factory or have used power tools of some sort on a prolonged, regular basis without adequate hearing protection it is possible that you may have developed Noise Induced Hearing loss as a result of your exposure to noise at work. For the noise levels in your work place to be considered excessive, as a rule you would need to shout to hold a conversation with a workmate standing between four and six feet away from you. If you feel that these criteria apply to you then you may be entitled to recover compensation for the damage you have suffered to your hearing during the course of your employment.
What is Acoustic Shock? Acoustic shock is a relatively new type of industrial accident associated with poor quality audio equipment. It often occurs in call centres and involves a sudden unexpected loud noise coming from the headset of a call centre worker. Such sound bursts (acoustic shocks) can result in hearing damage and leave call handlers in severe pain. Common sources are: Electric sounds from fax machines Random electric impulses A customer whistling or shouting down the phone An acoustic shock may result in one or a combination of the following symptoms: Anxiety; Ear pain; Facial numbness and tightening; Feeling of pressure in the ear; Headaches; Hearing loss and problems; Soreness of the ear and/or neck; Tinnitus. For further information about compensation for hearing loss and to make a possible claims, contact one of our specialist solicitors. We are based in Uxbridge but cover all surrounding areas. Call us on 01895 207230 or 01895 207295 or send an email to pi@ibblaw.co.uk.
Don’t suffer in silence Your employer owes you a duty of care to protect your hearing. If you think your hearing has suffered through noise exposure at work, call our specialists to find out how we can help you start a claim.
08456 381381 ibblaw.co.uk
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Your local shutters specialist Request your free home survey for expert advice, measuring and a no-obligation quote Call FREE on 0800 916 7770 or visit premiershutters.co.uk T’s & C’s apply
regular events...
Quiz night Every Tues & Sunday from 8.30pm at the Coach & Horses, Ickenham
events at Harefield Community Centre, Priory avenue, uB9 6aP MOn Cameo Club (3rd Mon month) 10am-12pm; Indoor Bowls (Short Mat) 2pm-5pm; Harefield Wine Club (2nd Mon in the month) 7.459.30pm; Judo (Seniors not 2nd Mon in month) 8-10pm. tues Line Dancing 10.45am-1.15pm; Bingo 7.45pm - 10.30pm. WeD Fitness, Fun & Dance 10.30am-12.00pm; Singing for Fun (1st Wed in month) 1-2.30pm; Judo Club 6.30-7.45pm; Dancing Club 8.15pm-10.30pm. tHurs Happy Families Group 9.4511.45am; Tea Dances 2-4pm; Whist 7.30-10pm; Ladies Club (2nd Thur in month) 8-10pm. FrI Bridge Club 10.30am-12.30pm; Line Dancing 12.45-3pm; Indoor Bowls (Short Mat) 7.30-10pm. All enquiries to Lynne Mogge 01895 824621 or e: harefield communitycentre@btconnect.com rock ‘n’ roll Monday's in Harefield! Every Monday. Beginners Jive Dance Classes 7.45pm. Slow practise session 8.30-9pm Social Rock n Roll 9-11pm. No partner required - no experience necessary! Harefield Cricket Club, Breakspear Road North, Harefield, UB9 6NE. 7.30-11pm £5 entry. Email therockingrebels@ gmail.com or call 07947 106607 www.facebook.com/therockingrebels 1950s rock n roll with DJs the rocking rebels 1st Fri of every month 7.30-11.30pm. Retro stalls, BYO drinks. St Marys Church Hall, High St, Harefield UB9 6BX. Contact 07951 652083 therockingrebel@gmail.com www.facebook.com/therockingrebels HOBBIes... Chinese Brush Painting group Meet on Saturday mornings. Guided by an experienced tutor. Compose and develop your own style and the finer points of Chinese calligraphy. Harefield Library, Park Lane Village Centre, Harefield. Call Phyllis 01895 476 644 / phyllnash@gmail.com
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 natural History society Meets 1st Wed of the month at the Scout HQ, Gatting Way, Uxbridge. enquiries@hillingdonnaturalhistorysociety.org.uk
Hillingdon railway Modellers Club Meet every Thursday, 7.30pm at Yiewsley Baptist Church contact tonymoth@Hotmail.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 Iver Flower Club The Coppins Room, Iver Village Hall, Grange Way, Iver, SL0 9HW. Meets 4th Thursday of month, 7.30pm. Call Barbara Rhodes 01895 236531 or www.bbando.org.uk/clubs/iver.htm 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 Friday of the month at 7.30pm in St Giles' Church Hall, Swakeleys Road, Ickenham UB10 8BG. For details: German Club 01895 254 723 . Spanish Club . French Club starts 10 Oct 01895 253 472. Italian Club starts 17 Oct 020 8863 3468. uxbridge & Ickenham Floral art society Meets in the village hall, Swakeleys Road. Call 01895 850943. keeP-FIt, DanCe & DraMa... aikido Classes Yeading Community Centre, UB4 9BH. Seniors: Mon & Fri 8-10pm. Juniors (6yrs+) Fri 6.30-8pm. Learn a non competitive martial art. Friendly British Aikido Board registered club, under Sensei Sheppard 6th dan. Full information on www.kuraiaikido.co.uk. Contact Keith Holland 01895 636344 or email kuraiaikido@hotmail.com
Bagot stack (Fitness league) Term Time Only. Vyners School, UB10 8AB on Tuesdays 7.30 8.30pm. Also in Windsor Monday & Thursday. Call Rosemary 01628 776838 www.thefitnessleague.com
Images school of Dance Dance, drama, fun and friendly dance classes for all ages including RAD Ballet & Contemporary dance. Based in Ruislip Manor. www.imagesschoolofdance.co.uk e: info@imagesschoolofdance.co.uk Dance, gymnastics and Free running Classes By Futunity UK in Uxbridge Town Centre & Hillingdon Sports & Leisure centre. Ages 2-adults - all styles of dance from RAD ballet to Zumba. Check www.futunityuk.com for full class listings. Call 01895 251224 or email admin@futunityuk.com Fitness league Tone & stretch exercises for the whole body, with fun dance routines to music for women of all fitness levels. Tuesday 7.30-8.30pm at Vyners School, Warren Road, Ickenham, UB10 8AB. Call Rosemary 01628 776838 before attending. www.thefitnessleague.com 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) Tuesday 8pm- Active4less, 233 High Street, Uxbridge Zumba with Brian Thu 6pm & 7.30pm Watts Hall, Christchurch, Belmont Road, Uxbridge Zumba with sylvia J £5 (07793 769584) 8pm - Minet Jnr Sch, Avondale Dr, Hayes Irish Dancing Classes From age 5. Beginners & advanced classes. Mon, 6pm at Hayes Conservative Club, Church Rd. Wed, 6pm at Greenford Visitation Catholic Church Hall. Contact Deidre email: Deirdreosullivan@ hotmail.co.uk telephone: 07956 346383 continued overleaf...
keep-fit, dance & drama continued...
Jazzercise classes New Denham Community Centre Monday 9.30am-10.30am & Tuesday 6.45pm-7.45pm. Wednesday & Friday 10-11am Denham Village Memorial Hall Village Road, Denham, Bucks. Thursday 6.30-7.30pm. Contact: Wendy Whitefoord Tel: 07803 602142 e: wendy.whitefoord@btinternet.com www.jazzercise.com
Ladies only kickboxing club Wednesdays, 6.30-8pm at Watts Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. First Class FREE! Just turn up or call Instructor Leanne Phillips on 07518 848285 e: leanne @kickboxing-longdon.co.uk www.kickboxing-london.co.uk Line dancing Wednesdays at Uxbridge Community Centre, The Greenway, Uxbridge. New class for absolute beginners is 10.30am-12.30pm, with free tea and biscuits - £3.50 Beginners/easy level 1.45pm-3.45pm - free tea and biscuits - £3.50 Thursdays at Charville Community Centre, Bury Road, Hayes End 8pm10pm for beginners/improvers £4.25, no tea and biscuits, but there is a bar. Call Susan 01895 832837 modern Jive classes Mondays, 8-11pm, West Drayton Community Centre Thursdays, 8-11pm, Uxbridge Civic Centre. Beginners welcome, first night entry and free lifetime membership with this advert. Contact: Alan 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 or email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com passion dance Group Passion Dance Group (Ruislip) Queensmead Sports Centre and Highgrove Pool Classes include: Street Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Minie Me'z (3 - 6 years Ballet, Tap & Street), Kids Parties. We offer Shows, Workshops, Competitions and Assessments.
Age 3+ all abilities welcome. 07882 413428 passiondancegroup@hotmail.co.uk
pink academy of dance Classes held daily @ New Denham Community Centre. Exciting range of classes for boys and girls from 2 years to Adults. Monday - RAD ballet and IDTA Tap Wednesday - Jazz and Festival work Friday - Festival work Saturday - Little feet ballet (2yrs), Ballet, Tap, Disco, Festival work and Adult Ballet and Tap. Contact: Admin@pinkacademy.co.uk www.pinkacademy.co.uk 01895 257553 rockin' 8s Square dancing Modern American style - every Thurs 8.15pm. New Denham & Willowbank Community Centre, Oxford Road, New Denham. UB9 4DW. Call Jean 01895 622859 or email paul@stingproductions.com Salsa! Every Tuesday @ Slug and Lettuce Uxbridge UB8 1LB. No Partner required. From 8.30pm classes for beginners to more advance dancers with ViVaLaSalsa! For more details call 07961 699424 or visit: www.vivalasalsakizomba.com
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/practice time til 11pm 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
Suzanne’s School of dance & drama 69 Swakeleys Road, Ickenham UB10 8DQ. Classes from aged 2 yrs to adult. All types of dance and musical theatre, drama, singing. See website 'suzannes-dance.co.uk'
tai chi classes Every Saturday 10-11am at Yiewsley Methodist Church, Fairfield Road, UB7 8EY. Call Dan 07880 601429 the pilates club St Giles & The United Reformed Church Halls, Ickenham. Visit www.thepilatesclub.co.uk or call 07968 920070 Yoga Monday nights 6.45-8pm at Uxbridge & District Conservative Club, Fairfield, 46 Harefield Rd, Uxbridge, Middx, UB8 1PJ. Tel: 01895 233653 Zumba fitness Mon 7pm, Wed 10am. Denham Village Memorial Hall. Ian or Suzanne 07545 910058 / 07834 187745. Zumba fitness class Mon 6pm, Walter Pomeroy Hall, Royal Lane Hillingdon UB8 3QU. Tues 7.30pm, St Marys Church Hall, Hemmen Lane (off Church Rd, Hayes) UB3 2JQ. No experience necessary. £5. Call Ann-Marie 07701 012927 muSic... drumbeatz Drum tuition for beginners by Melanie Kleyn, qualified HND. 8yrs+. Guitar lessons on site. 3.15-5.30pm or during the day. Text 07757 635880 Email: drumsmel@gmail.com faraday country music club in Slough SL2 1RN. 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 Guitar lessons Complete beginners welcome. Contact Sam for a FREE lesson 07798 588496 sam@uxbridgeguitarlessons.co.uk continued overleaf...
Super slimmer Sandra is jumping for joy!
8 stone in a A local slimmer has discovered less is more after losing just under year and winning the North West London District finals of ‘Woman of the Year’. Sandra See lost weight with her local Slimming World group at The Salvation Army, Cowley Road Uxbridge and dropped from dress size 32/34 to size 12/14, inspiring her fellow slimmers who voted her as their representative in the annual Slimming World ‘Woman of the Year’ 2014 competition. Sandra joined Slimming World after she realised that she was jeopardising not only her own health, but that of her children (14, 11 & 5), with her poor eating habits and after a family day out at Blackpool Pleasure beach ended in humiliation and embarrassment when she was asked to leave a ride due to her weight. She says: “I have struggled with my weight since childhood; I was diagnosed as diabetic, was suffering with arthritis in my knees, and had peripheral oedema” Sandra was so desperate to lose weight that she consulted with her GP about bariatric surgery, but decided she really didn’t want to take such a dramatic step and decided to give Slimming World a try. She said “I tried lots of different diets but they usually left me feeling hungry and miserable. Slimming World is completely different, I never have to miss out or feel deprived and I’m now the slimmest – and the happiest – I’ve been all my life!” The 42-year-old follows Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, which encourages slimmers to fill up on satisfying yet healthy everyday foods like fruit and veg, lean meat and fish, pasta, potatoes, rice and pulses without having to weigh or measure. She says: “Everyone is amazed how much I can eat and still lose weight, our whole family enjoy Slimming World Pizza, chips and scotch eggs – normal food just cooked in a healthier way.”
“The support I’ve received from my Consultant, Tracy, and the group has been brilliant, they really kept me going and I love all the recipe ideas I get in group. I was made to feel welcome from the start, I took the books home, followed the plan exactly and was amazed to lose 8.5lb in my first week.” “I can jump with my 5 year old now – my feet actually leave the ground whereas before they didn’t; I was too heavy! I have taken my children swimming this year (for the first time ever!), I power walk, trampoline, cycle, dance and hula hoop! I feel like I am living now, not just existing. I’m no longer diabetic, the oedema has disappeared, my cholesterol is normal.” Tracy, who runs the Tuesday night group in Uxbridge, says: “I’m so proud of Sandra. I have seen such a massive change in her over the past year. She’s gone from hiding at the back, head down, not making eye contact with anyone to looking fabulous and taking an active part in group discussions. She will now be going forward to the ‘Woman of the Year’ national finals at our head office in Derby in October. She is an absolute inspiration to the whole group and she is inspiring others to lose weight. It can be so hard to admit that you need to do something about your weight and to ask for help, but I think Sandra shows just what’s possible when you do.”
For details of Slimming World groups in the Uxbridge area go to http://www.slimmingworld.com or contact Tracy Redgrave on 07799 268800.
pre-school & kids groups...
Yiewsley & West drayton Band Rehearse every Wednesday and Friday 8-10pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. To join or book the band for an engagement contact Lynne on 07976 824152 or email Lynne@ywdband.com Yiewsley & West drayton Training Band This is open to all ages wanting to learn to play a brass instrument or those of you wanting to 'brush up' your skills. Rehearse every Wednesday during term time 6.457.45pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. Contact Abi on 07985 302 856 or emailtraining@ywdband.com 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 BOOK NOW contact Cathy 07712 047621 or email: cathyseddigh@ singandsign.co.uk slough sea cadets Parade nights on Mon and Thurs 19.30-21.30 at Langley Pavillion, Langley Road, Slough, SL3 8BS. Male & Female Junior Cadets (age 10-12 yrs) & Cadets (age 12-18 yrs). £2 per week, courses from £5. E: sloughseacadets@yahoo.co.uk
Tiny Talk Baby signing classes Friday classes at The Uxbridge Centre, The Greenway, Uxbridge, UB8 2PJ 10.30 am, price £5.00 Pre-paid per family. Call Bev Meier 01895 824935 or 07818 025993 1st uxbridge scouts, Beavers & cubs www.1stuxbridge.com Tel: 01895 255479 self defence... shorinji kempo self defence Practical self defence techniques from this traditional Japanese martial art. Tue 6-7pm children (£2), 7-9pm adults (£5). The Barn, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge. (opp. Brunel Uni). Contact Dan on 07776 421957 or for details visit www.sk.harrow.ac.uk
karate club of uxbridge For ages 5yrs and up. Wed 5-7pm at The Greenway, Uxbridge. Call Dominic on 07988 743725
kung fu club West drayton Great Kung Fu workout for everybody. Training for children & adults Tues 5.30-6.30pm, Fri 7.30-8.30pm, Sun 5.30-6.30pm. West Drayton Community Centre, Harmondsworth Rd, UB7 9JL. Contact Ella on 07702 479435 e: sportsclubuk@gmail.com
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 & supporT... hillingdon Brain Tumour group Support group held every 2nd Thurs of the month 12.30-2.30pm, Hillingdon Baptist Church, Hercies Rd Hillingdon, UB10 9LS. Call Cyril or Becky 01895 637444. parkinsons uk society – uxbridge Support group for sufferers and carers, meet at Christ Church, Redford Way, Uxbridge from 2-4pm on the last Tue of the month. Guest speakers and social outings. Call Mr Neasby on 0208 848 3920 slimming World New Denham Community Centre Tuesday, 10-11.30am. New joiners turn up at 10am to register Tel: Mandy 07879 897578 slimming World The Salvation Army, Cowley Road, Uxbridge. Tuesday 7pm. Tel: Nicki 07826 698360 slimming World Yiewsley Methodist Church, Farfield Rd, Yiewsley. Wed 5pm or 6.45pm. Tel: Nicki 07826 698360 Weight Watchers Christchurch Bailey Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. Thursday 6.30pm. Call 07920 409111.
social groups...
crosier investment club Objectives to learn more about the Stock Market and to improve personal investment skills. Meets 7.30pm, 3rd Thursday in month Pinner Village Hall, Chapel Lane, Pinner, HA5 1AA. Further details 020 8427 3559. Annual Subs £24 (inc. tea/coffees). secretary@crosierinvestment.org.uk visit www.crosierinvestment.org.uk hillingdon family history society Based at Hillingdon Park Baptist Church, Hercies Road, Hillingdon. Our research room is open (10am-1pm) on the first Saturday of the month and on every Friday (except the Friday before the first Saturday). We have a wide variety of records, and experienced help is always available. Once a month, usually on the 3rd Thursday evening, there are general meetings with a speaker. For openings and events see www.hfhs.co.uk. Contact Mrs Pat Reynolds 01895 444442 or email hillingdonfhs@onetel.com
rotary club of elthorne hillingdon We meet on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm at Uxbridge Cricket Club. Call 01923 829657 for details rotary club of uxbridge We meet on Fridays at 12.40 for 13.00 (5th Friday evening, call Sec on 07910 197201) at The Middlesex Suite, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge. See website www.rotaryclubofuxbridge.org.uk Whist Tuesdays 2-4pm at Uxbridge & District Conservative Club, Fairfield, 46 Harefield Rd, Uxbridge, Middx, UB8 1PJ. Tel: 01895 233653 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 to find out more continued overleaf...
Sport...
Badminton Club Requires additional players of average standard! Every Tuesday evening 7.45 to 9.45 at Vyners School, Ickenham. Interested? Then email John on turksclub@hotmail.co.uk play bowls, rugby, squash & tennis at Uxbridge Cricket Club. Bar food available daily. Non-members welcome. Tel: Anne 01895 237571. E: admin@uxbridgecricketclub.co.uk Hillingdon Golf Club All players and new members welcome. 18 Dorset Way, Hillingdon, Middx, UB10 0JR. Call 01895 460035/252718. www.hillingdongolfclub.co.uk
Indoor Short Bowls Thursday nights 8-10pm at Uxbridge & District Conser-vative Club, Fairfield, 46 Harefield Rd, Uxbridge, UB8 1PJ. Tel: 01895 233653 New Ladies Netball team Training Wed 7.30-8.30pm (TT) Ryefield Primary School, Ryefield Avenue, Hillingdon E: glebenetballclub@yahoo.com
old Abbotstonians rugby Club Youth Section Coaching non-contact (Tag) and full contact rugby for children aged 4-13 years. Training or matches Sundays 10am-12noon at Old Abbotstonians Rugby Club, Pole Hill Open Space, Raeburn Road, Hayes. For details call Colin Lowen on 07798 743041.
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
'the Uxbridge Loiterers' Cycle Club Ring Don on 01895 232752 or Carole on 01895 833249 Uxbridge Squash Club All squash players welcome Uxbridge Cricket Club, Park Road, Uxbridge. Tel: 01895 237571 Visit: uxbridgesquash.org.uk
Gardening
Conifers
by Pippa Greenwood
Conifers are a great way to add colour, texture and living sculpture to your garden 365 days of the year. With several hundred different cultivars of conifer to choose from in the UK, there really is one to suit every situation. Dwarf Conifers - There are many conifers which reach a maximum height of 1m (3ft). These are obviously particularly useful for small gardens and will often add a great extra dimension to a rock garden or a small-scale border. They may need an occasional trimming, but generally hold their shape well. Recommended: Picea abies ‘Little Gem’, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Gnome’, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Minima Aurea’, Cryptomeria japonica ‘Vilmoriniana’, Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ Tall and Narrow - Very stylish, many of the columnar or tall, slim conifers look especially stunning when used to create a screen, or to add height to a mixed border or a shrub border. Being rather like a living sculpture they are also good grown as a single specimen tree in a lawn. Recommended: Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata Aurea’, Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’, Thuja plicata ‘Fastigiata’.
Pyramidshaped Conifers - With their relatively wide bases and narrow tops, pyramidal conifers can bring welcome shape, texture and evergreen colour to your garden and if carefully position are often useful to hide an eyesore. Recommended: Picea albertiana ‘Conica’, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Yvonne’ or Thymus occidentalis ‘Yellow Ribbon’ Spherical Conifers - With their prominently rounded shape these conifers naturally produce a sculptured look and are perfect for growing either side of a gateway or house entrance. They also look great in a mixed border, adding colour, texture and interest when many of the other border ingredients are below ground. Recommended: Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Sunset’, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Minima Glauca’, Thuja occidentalis ‘Danice’ Ground-Cover Conifers - Great for hiding low-lying eyesores such as manhole covers, an evergreen groundcover hides them all year long. Low growing conifers also work well for covering steep slopes and edging paths and beds. They will help to keep weeds at bay and are very low maintenance. Recommended: Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Coat’, Juniperus conferata, Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’. Conifers for Containers
- Conifers can look great either on their own (especially when planted with a few small bulbs around their roots, to add splashes of seasonal colour) or in a mixed planting where they help to bring structure, texture and off-season colour. Recommended: Juniperus compressa ‘Compressa’, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Ellwood’s Gold’, Cryptomeria japonica ‘Sekkan-Sugi’ , Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Springtime’, Pinus leucodermis ‘Schmidtii’ Conifer Planting and Growing Tips - Make the planting hole a minimum of 1m wide by 30cm deep and incorporate plenty of bulky organic matter such as garden compost, proprietary planting mix or well-rotted manure. Tease or spread out the roots well and backfill the hole with garden soil mixed with planting compost. Make sure that only the roots are below the soil surface, water in well. Keep the soil moist at all times, especially during late spring and summer when drought is likely. Feed in April using a proprietary fertiliser to keep the growth good and ensure it is a good colour. Trim conifers regularly but remember if you cut back into old or brown growth you’ll end up expose all the old growth as they don’t produce dormant buds. Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening-related items including‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Cards, handmade pottery herb planters, Pippa’s favourite weeding tool, signed books and lots of useful garden items.
Flora
Emma
Due to no fault of her own, Flora is still looking for her forever home. Could anyone help give this beautiful girl a place to live her life happily, with lots of love and TLC? Please do get in touch. Flora and her two kittens came into the RSPCA when someone found them scared and injured on the side of the road. Flora is a tabby and white female around 3 years of age. When she arrived, she was filthy and had several wounds on her side. Despite this, she was constantly purring and very thankful for the human attention. Flora's two kittens were found with her and were only 6 weeks old. Although uninjured, they were very scared and wouldn't let the RSPCA staff near them. After lots of hard work and TLC by the team here, they were absolutely fine and have now found new homes, leaving Flora behind. Could you offer Flora her forever home? Emma is 23 years old white and tabby. Emma is yet another of the many unwanted cats to end up in our care after being rejected by their owners. It's hard to imagine how anyone could not fall in love with this beautiful girl, who is so friendly and adores being fussed. She is semilong haired, so will require some grooming but she doesn't seem to mind this at all. Emma would make such a lovely family member and is just looking for genuine love and care in return. Can you help Emma find the love she is looking for? The RSPCA have many more animals that have been abandoned and are waiting for you. If you can give either of these lovely girls a home then please ring or visit our website to download an application form if you are looking to adopt.
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