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And a very Happy New Year to all of our read ers and advertisers. I hope you’ve had a lovely Christmas break and managed to spend time with friends and family. While you’re reading this, I will be sunning myself (weather allowing) or at the very least, drinking a cocktail or two in Spain. 2014 was a long and challenging year, and whilst we powered on enthusiastically, well most of the time anyway, I realised my head and body both needed a week’s break in order to come back with renewed enthusiasm in 2015. At the time of writing this of course, it’s still De cember and thoughts of Christmas and holidays are future tense. This year, I do think I’m a little more organised than usual and most of the present buying is not only out of the way, but wrapped as well. I’m feeling more than a little smug at this achievement, although it did come at a price. The price being sleep! I was ex changing emails with our Graphic Designer at 4am today and we joked about our new revela tion. Having been doing this now for almost nine years, we missed the most obvious solu tion to keeping on top of workload. Simply don’t go to bed at all and suddenly you have a good seven extra hours in a day :) I’m not sure it’s a way forward long term, but it did the trick this month. Here’s to a happy, organised and sleep filled January! .
Tel: 0800 038 5001 Mob: 07759 536494 In and Around Magazines cover: West Drayton . Iver . Denham . Uxbridge Ickenham . Ruislip Angela Fisher 0800 038 5001 / 07759 536494 info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk
www.inandaroundpublishing.co.uk 4
Iver Heath Residents Association 6 Children’s Puzzle Page 8 Wordsearch 10 Tech: Drop a dress size digitally 12 Recipe: Panner & Mixed Veg Coconut Curry 14 Local Events 20 Party in the Park: The Lesson Is, Never Try 22 Coffee Break Puzzles 24 Around Britain: Dogs 26 Puzzle Solutions 26 Beauty: Look Younger for Longer 28 Working from Home 30 Home & Interiors: Design a Blissful Bedroom 32 Health: Bug Busting Day 34 Shooting Stars Pre School 36 The Richings Players 36 Finance: The Pros and Cons of Equity Release 38 Golden Years: Memories of 50 Years Ago 42 Karen Munro: Careers 44 Reader Holidays 48 Hobbies: Time to Pick Up a Paintbrush 50 Coaching from the Heart 52 Short Story: Percy Comes for Dinner 54 Citizens Advice Bureau 56 RSPCA Re Homing Appeal 56 Richings Park Residents Association 58 Gardening Feature 60 Iver/Iver Heath Schools Community 62 Pets Corner 64 Wildlife Zone 66 Road Test: Audi TT TFSI 70 Clubs, Groups & Classes 72,74,76 & 78 Recipe: Passion Fruit Souffle 73
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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As we begin 2015 the emphasis for January will be on holding a meeting for our mem bers to agree a constitution and to elect a permanent committee. All members will receive an invitation to a meeting on at Iver Heath Vil lage Hall. Prior to this we will circulate a draft constitution for comments and a list of roles and responsibilities for the key roles of the committee. It will fall to this group to agree any additional roles or secondments onto the committee for specific projects.
All the existing committee agreed to hold office only until a new committee is chosen and if they decide to stand they will go through the same process as any other member. Please be aware that only members can vote so if you want a say in this core docu ment join now! For any further information please phone Ann Mayling on 01753 655308 or contact us via our Facebook page.
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Drop A Dress Size Digitally!
It’s that time of year again: everybody’s on a diet and the gyms are packed with people whose memberships will last much longer than their willpower. But there’s no need to take extreme measures if you overdid it a bit at Christmas: a few well-chosen gadgets can make losing weight much easier.
The trick to weight loss is to make little, permanent changes. For example, using an oil mister (from around £9) reduces the amount of oil you use in cooking while a set of measuring spoons and a digital scale can ensure you’re not putting too much of any ingredient into your food. If you can’t bear to give up fried food, go for a low-fat fryer such as Breville’s Halo Health Fryer (£79.99) or Tefal’s ActiFry (£119) which will mean you get all the taste with a fraction of the fat. Gadgets can help you cook healthy meals in other ways, too: if you have a smartphone, an iPod touch or a tablet you can take advantage of stacks of cooking apps ranging from celebrity chefs’ apps to specialist apps such as the British Heart Foundation’s Healthy Heart Recipe Finder, which is free on both iOS 12
and Android. We’d also recommend using a recipe manager such as the fantastic Paprika app to store any good healthy recipes you find online from the likes of the BBC Good Food website. No weight loss programme comes without the recommendation to exercise more, and there are plenty of gadgets designed to help with that too. Fitness trackers can keep an eye on how many steps you take and calories you burn, with devices such as the Fitbit Surge smartwatch (£199) and Fitbit Charge activity tracker (£99) and Nike’s Fuelband (£89) making it easy to track your progress. If you have an iPhone, Nike’s device also enables you to share your progress with friends in private groups. There’s a huge trend for health monitoring in smartphones, with both Google’s Android and Apple’s iPhones offering health tracking apps. In both cases the apps can talk to other devices such as fitness trackers, and there are plenty of third-party apps for recording your food intake, the workouts you do in the gym or anything else you might want to track and record.
How can you tell if your new regime is working? While it’s tempting to climb on the scales every day that’s a bad idea, because our body weight fluctuates quite dramatically from day to day. It’s better to track the longer term trend, and once again technology can help with that: smart scales such as Withings’ wireless scales (from around £80) can help you track your weight loss by storing over 100 readings. The scales are also compatible with smartphones, which can take the readings and turn them into inspiring and motivational graphs. If you really want to see what’s happening to your body, gadgets such as Omron’s Body Logic Fat Analyser (£74) can tell you how much muscle you have, how hydrated you are and how much fat you’re carrying. That’s useful if you’re working out as well as eating well, because muscle weighs more than fat - so your weight might not change but your body composition will. Images left to right: Prepara Tabletop Oil Mister Spray Bottle; Breville Halo Health Fryer; Fitbit Charge and Surge fitness trackers; Omron Body Logic Fat Analyzer
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Paneer & Mixed Vegetable
Coconut Curry Serves 4 Ready in 45 minutes This filling vegetable curry can be made with any mix of vegetables you have to hand. Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread and some cooling natural yogurt. Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add the carrots and boil for 5 minutes until almost tender adding the cauliflower and broccoli florets for the last 2 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Ingredients: • 2 small carrots, peeled and • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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thinly sliced 100g small cauliflower florets 100g small broccoli florets 1 tbsp vegetable oil 225g paneer cheese, cubed 150g mushrooms, wiped and sliced 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 2cm piece root ginger, peeled and grated 1 red chilli pepper, deseeded and chopped, plus extra sliced chilli to garnish 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste 400ml can coconut milk 150g frozen peas 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped Squeeze of lime juice Fresh oregano leaves, to garnish
Heat the oil in a large deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add the paneer and mushrooms and stir-fry over a high heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the onion to the pan and fry very gently for about 10 minutes until soft and golden. Add the garlic, ginger and chilli and fry for a further 2-3 minutes then stir in the Thai paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to the boil then reduce the heat and return the paneer and mushrooms to the pan along with the drained vegetables, peas and tomatoes. Stir well and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes. Add the lime juice and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve garnished with sliced red chilli pepper and oregano leaves.
TIP
Paneer is an Indian vegetarian cheese which has a firm texture and goes particularly well with spices and garlic, chilli and ginger. You can use drained and cubed tofu instead, if preferred.
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Dated Events (Jan15)_Layout 1 18/12/2014 17:14 Page 1
JANUARY EVENTS
Local Events
HUBB Business Breakfast Event Thu 8th January, 8am-9am Bay Lodge, 36 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1PH. Networking with local professionals and in partnership with the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce. ‘The New Pension Landscape’. From April 2015 there will be massive changes to pension legislation, find out how it can improve your retirement. Coffee and pastries. For details email: emma.zovich@ wardwilliams.co.uk
An Evening of Indulgence in aid of Michael Sobell Hospice Wed 11th February, 7pm-10pm The London School of Theology, Green Lane, Northwood, HA6 2UW. Relax and unwind with a glass of bubbly and a range of taster therapies during the evening. Includes live music from the Paul Lipscombe duo. Treatments available include; massages, mini manicures, indian head massage, reflexology, postural analysis, analysis by House of Colour. Stalls offering jewellery, accessories, lingerie, hairdressing, aloe vera, lavender, cupcakes hand made soaps.
January into February 2015 20
The Inlands Waterways Association Tues 13th January, 7.30pm Hillingdon Canal Club (HCC), Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX (opposite the General Elliott pub) Speaker Jon Willis on ‘Crofton Beam Engines’.
Tickets cost £15 including a Bucks Fizz and a goody bag. Tea and coffee also available. For more information or to book a ticket for this event go to www.michaelsobelhospice.co.uk or call 01923 844730. Visit www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk.
Live Jazz in Ickenham with the Karen Sharp Quartet and Friends Sat 24th January, 7.30pm Ickenham Village Hall The Karen Sharp Quartet will be appearing for the first time at Ickenham Village Hall with an all star rhythm section comprising John Critchinson, Dave Green and Steve Brown you can expect swinging, 'in the pocket' jazz at its very best.
DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE! If you would like us to publicise your event in our February issues contact us no later than Friday 16th January.
FEBRUARY EVENTS The Uxbridge Choral Society's Winter Concert Sun 1st February, 7.30pm St. Mary's, Princes, Risborough. Performing Martin How's ‘The Way’. Jeff Stewart will conduct and the concert. Tickets: Adults £12 and £6 for under 12s. Available on the door or by calling 01895 847083 in advance.
Tickets £12 available on the door or online at www.tootsmusic management.co.uk/news-events.
The Uxbridge Choral Society's Winter Concert Sat 31st January, 7.30pm St. Margaret's Church, Windsor Street, Uxbridge. Performing Martin How's ‘The Way’. Jeff Stewart will conduct and the concert. Tickets: Adults £12 and £6 for under 12s. Available on the door or by calling 01895 847083 in advance.
The Inlands Waterways Association Tues 10th February, 7.30pm Hillingdon Canal Club (HCC), Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX. (opposite the General Elliott pub) Speaker Ross Gorbert on ‘Converting a Dutch Pontoon’. For more information email Lucy Smith on middlesex.socials@ waterways.org.uk. Indoor Boot Sale and Community Coffee Morning Sat 14th February, 9.30am-1pm The Village Hall, Ickenham. For more information call Vera on 01895 635224 or Chris on 01895 676900 or you can email ButterfliesIckenham@yahoo.com
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a few) really good people, in it to try and do things
and develop things for their area, but who are Hello, I'm P.J. Gathergood. Thought I'd be sure to open with that after last month, where through whatever fault, my name didn't actually appear on the article. Which is fine with me – a longrunning trait of my life is that I'll willingly put myself forward and do something “visible”, and yet will then loathe any personal attention and focus it brings me. Oddly I was widely recognised from last month's waffle from photo alone... maybe it's my overly long hair, or my apparently “distinct” dress sense! From both things I do around Iver, and also from where I encounter a lot of people working on the canal, it's amazing how many people seem to “know” me, but I haven't got a clue who they are. Chances are I may have met them at some com munity event or other, but sadly I still draw a blank. I'm still pushing for compulsory “Hello, my name is...” badges, with “You likely met me <here>” underneath! Actually, I often seem to be called Canal Boy, or Flame Boy (due to my shamelessly garish ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ jacket that I often wear in Winter), or one or two other names that I best not repeat in these familyfriendly pages. But anyway... Party in the Park. Or not. To be very honest, at time of writing, I'm not sure if there will a Party in the Park in 2015, or if there , who will actually run it. Let me put it another way – remind me never to try and get involved with any thing that relates to local politics. Every couple of years I try to get involved with “doing things for Iver”, of which I believe there should and could be a whole lot more, only to end up regretting it each time. Local politics are a funny business. A microcosm of pettiness, stubbornness and oneupmanship Thisor that project probably won’t happen simply because Gladys is organising it, and Mavis doesn't speak to Gladys after Gladys was very rude about her Victorian sponge cake sometime back in 1983; or maybe a proposed event go ahead but Bert has got to take the cat to the vet Tuesday morning and will have to rush back in time for ‘Bargain Hunt’ as it is. Lots of storms in teacups, infighting, and ways of “this is how it's done” so outdated they could appear on the 'Antiques Road Show'. Kind of like ‘proper’ politics, only with more jars of jam and tombolas. I should point out that local politics are usually made up of one or two (or 22
forced to take a hell of a lot on their shoulders, as the rest are either in it for themselves, in it for po litical gain, or not quite sure why they’re in it in the first place. Maybe the tea and biscuits sounded enticing.
As you can tell, I’m not in one of my better moods writing this month’s article. I love doing things for communities (it’s what I do), in particular my home area of Iver. However over the years I have been involved in trying to start a few much needed local projects and events, and every time have found my fingers being burnt before I’ve barely started. Which is a shame as Iver is such a good place with, generally, a good community and a lot of talent, and a lot of resources and history that could be utilised in so many ways (and is why I was so keen for Party in the Park to effectively “be taken over by the community”). Part of the problem is change, more specifically people’s fear of change. It is one of mankind’s oldest traits, and I myself often loathe it. However with things like PITP, my personal stance is that it can be run fairly simply, basically, straightforwardly things don’t always have to be 100% about hitech this and that. Many things, particularly something as smallvillage based as PITP, are more about engagement. Families getting involved with their area, and each other. Entertaining children, teaching about what they have around them at the same time, and reminding people what's special about Iver. The big fairgrounds and all the fancy other elements are nice, but at the heart of it, the things I just cited are what make such an event – and I’ll dare to say, what was sorely lacking from last year’s cut down event.
However, when any sort of developments or efforts are made proposing Party in the Park or anything similar (and believe me, there have been many proposed attempts over the years for different peo ple, which have been suffocated long before they saw the light of day), there's always the strong streak of “Well we never had it before; we don’t want it nor need it” that rises it's head from some quarters, who will happily drag their heels until the idea is dropped. Quite what satanic rituals they imagine us performing at such events, the mind boggles! But I do know that in one of my other capacities, shadow teaching on the canal (which I hope to one day be able to do paid and full time), a class of 5 and 6 year olds manages to get done things better amongst themselves than some of the squabbling and pettiness I've witnessed so much of lately. So where does that leave us? Who knows. Matt and I, after initially expressing interest in helping run the event only to have the whole thing effec tively dumped on our laps as a result (covered last month), struggled to get a sufficient committee together and it just didn’t happen. In the meantime, alternate efforts to get Party in the Park running have emerged. Which is fine. But begs the ques tion of why there is such problem of communica tions in the first place, when we could pool our resources, what a force we could be. There’s still chance that Party in the Park will go ahead, and I certainly hope so. Quite if I’ll be wanted for it (again, I certainly hope so) remains to be seen. How it will develop should next year's happen, remains to be seen; and how much I’ll feel inspired to want to try and get involved any more. For a long time, Iver has needed a dedicated events and entertainments board, consisting of people like Steve Lewis (who's local contributions I'm a huge fan of) and I'd willingly do all I could for. Yes seeing that the roads are lit and the verges are cut is one thing, but if we ever want to get events such as PITP, or projects for local youth to outlet their talents (beyond sport) or anything else be sides, Iver needs a dedicated entertain ments committee, run by people who actually want to see such events happen! I’ve been quietly bouncing around ideas of various Iver projects last year or two, which have partly taken a very slow route in devel oping due to my own
lack of stable regular income(!), and again partly due to the “uphill battle” of getting anything up and running locally. But I'd still love to, even if some thing simple such as walks of local interest like the clichéd but reliable old “local ghosts and legends” chestnut to start, such as 'the black shadow' some times reported to be seen crossing a bend in Ban gor's Road late at night over the years, evidentially stemming from a carriage crash along there in Victorian times. My favourite tale is the “bench of death” on the roundabout by St. Peter’s church; ageold local myth says that if you dare to sit on this bench, you’ll die within three days. Yeah, more like within three minutes nowadays, as one of the lovely HGVs that have invaded our area take the roundabout too wide and take the bench and you out with it! Oh wait, maybe that's commenting on local politics again. That's a nono. I'd sit on the wall on that one, but it's been knocked down so many times that it barely remains at the moment. If Party in the Park, and my interaction with, does fold, then as a backup I’ll morph this blog into one of just (cheerful!) local interest and of tales I was told in my youth my family have been here for four generations. Which in Iver history, somewhat ranks as newcomers! In the meantime, Matt has asked me to invite you all to the Iver Heath Drama Club, 'Babes in the Wood', in January. As a longtime associate (and former actor with) the drama club, I can very much recommend it. Any comments or suggestions about any other stuff can be sent to me at pjgather good@hotmail.com But right now, I'm tempted to just go and sit on that bench on the roundabout!! (Disclaimer: Actually I'll probably just pop into the Swan instead) 23
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Beauty
Look Younger for Longer - Look after Your Neck and Hands dehydrated. So given that, it’s as important to moisturise your neck as your face, and to extend the application of your daily sunscreen to this area too. Remember to exfoliate your skin regularly - both on your face and neck - as this removes dead skin cells, brightens your skin and improves absorption of your moisturiser. On the subject of daily routines, whilst a regular moisturiser is fine for those looking to prevent rather than cure, if your neck is already heavily lined, you’ll need something stronger. Furthermore your neck requires a different formulation to reverse the signs of ageing than your face, so it’s important to use products specifically designed for the neck, which are generally more concentrated and powerful.
When it comes to looking younger, we all seem to focus our attention on our face yet overlook our neck and hands, even though it’s these areas that tend to age the fastest. So it’s time to start taking notice of these neglected areas to ensure that you look younger for longer. Your Neck
The skin on your neck is thin compared to the rest of the body, it also has fewer oil glands and can easily become 28
Eating a healthy diet is key to looking younger too, as foods rich in anti-oxidants and Omega3 acids have been shown to help skin rejuvenation by boosting collagen production - something that declines as we age. Smoking is not only bad for your health, but it damages collagen and the constant squinting and lip pursing whilst smoking causes lines to form quickly. It’s no surprise then, that the delicate skin under your chin is damaged as a result.
Your Hands
They say that you can tell a women’s age by her hands, so it really is important to look after
yours.
hands are submerged in water; always keep a pair of rubber gloves nearby.
cuticle oil every night. Use a strengthening treatment to help protect your nails from the elements and to give them extra strength. And for a real treat, head to the beauty salon and get a manicure. You’ll feel a lot more enthused about keeping your professionally pampered hands in tip-top condition when they’re looking gorgeous. By Helen Taylor
Winter weather, central heating, contact with water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers all serve to dry out the skin, making your hands look older than they are and feel rough to the touch.
If the skin on your hands is suffering you can be sure that your nails will be too. Nails need extra attention during the winter months and if they are dry, peeling and brittle this is a sign that you need to treat your talons to some serious TLC. Limit the exposure your hands and nails have to the elements by always wearing gloves whenever you step outside in cold weather. The same goes for washing up or any activity where your
Invest in a pair of moisture gloves. Apply an intensive hand cream every night, before bed, and then put the moisture gloves on overnight. You’ll wake up with beautifully soft hands in the morning.
Each time you wash your hands, dry them thoroughly and then apply a hand and nail cream - same goes for when you have used a hand sanitizer. Make sure you rub the product in thoroughly and don’t forget to coat your cuticles and nails too. Keep your nails long and strong by applying
29
Working From Home: Is It For You?
Top 10 Things To Consider Before You Start
Do a search on Google for the specific term “work from home UK” and it will return around 857 million results. It’s clearly a popular subject and since broadband became widely available in 2004, the growth in this market has been phenomenal. Indeed it is estimated that 2.8 Million businesses now operate full time from home; that 1400 people start a business every week; and that home businesses contribute £284 billion to the economy each year. Many, many businesses operate successfully from a spare room; sadly many others fail. So before you take the plunge and give up the day job, consider if your business passes these sanity checks.
Budget for growth
All businesses start from £0 revenue, and most from a negative figure by the time they’ve paid their startup costs. If your business builds up really slowly – say just a few £s every month – you’ll be bankrupt and fed up before it really gets going. You might have left a job 30
with a big redundancy payout or you might actually need the money straight away. But setting up your own business is hard work and if you can’t pay yourself for months, you are likely to become disillusioned.
Watch your overheads
Overheads have to be paid regardless of whether you have any business. If you are paying for stock, leases, loans or equipment rental you need to factor this into your monthly budget.
Is there a market for what you want to sell?
A classic mistake is to think ‘there must be a huge market for this because nobody else does it/makes it’. Possibly, but it’s more likely that there isn’t a demand in the first place. For your first business you really are better to go into a market where you know money is being spent rather than trying to create the market from scratch.
How many customers do you need?
There are so many tales of people who start a business, win one big profitable customer who brings in 80% of the
revenue month after month, only for it to go horribly wrong when the big customer changes supplier. Far better to have lots of customers on your list. If you have fifty customers, even a loss of five of them won’t seriously impact your business. However, clearly it’s going to take a while to build up a base of that many businesses.
Will your customers buy again?
When you get the first few people buying from you, the ideal business model says that sooner or later they’ll want to use you again. There are plenty of people making money where they do have to start again e.g. conservatory sales companies attract very little repeat business, but each sale is very high value. However, for your work from home ’lifestyle’ business, it’s far better to have some customers who come back again and again. It will make your life less stressful and your business more successful.
How will people find out about you? Treat this as a launch and do
as much initial marketing as you can find the time for and can afford. Advertising in this magazine (of course!), notice boards, Google adwords, social media, emailing, networking, the school gates…anything and everything you can think of.
A real danger in your early days is that you chase after every piece of business, no matter how small, and discount like mad to ensure you win it. Be discerning and be firm on your prices. If you have time to spare it’s better to spend it on marketing for better quality leads.
Your own business...but not on your own
Whether you are the most sociable person going, or a bit of a loner, spending all day, every day with nobody to speak to is not healthy. Even if you just need someone to discuss an idea with or some support for what you are doing, contact with other people - ideally doing the same as you - is really important. If you see your customers you have that covered, but if you communicate mostly by email, make the effort to join a few industry forums and local social groups.
Do you have the space?
Try not to let your business spill into the general living space. Not only is this encroaching on your family’s home, but it’ll mean you’ll feel you can’t ever get away from work. A spare room is ideal of course, but if not, then a filing cabinet where you can tuck everything away at the end of the day does at least mark out the boundaries.
Going ahead? So you have your plan in place, here are some early pitfalls to avoid. Don’t chase everything
Don’t be distracted by ‘brand marketing’
A classic mistake made by many new business starters is to spend a fortune headed paper, glossy brochure, top quality business cards or any other costly brand awareness products. Maybe later, but right now focus on the type of marketing which delivers real live leads, rather than expecting people to call because they like your expensive logo.
Finally, a word of warning. If you do start your own business, it’s a legal requirement to register with HMRC as selfemployed – make it top of your action list.
31
GNH_in&around_dps_Jan2015_Layout 1 16/12/2014 15:31 Page 1
In and Around
holidays
Home & Interiors
QUOTE: RF-IA
Design A Blissful Bedroom
By Katherine Sorrell
First, think about how In a bedroom, however, you use your bedroom wear and tear is not – is it just for sleeping, such a factor, spills are or do you listen to not such a risk and bare music, watch TV, make feet are more likely to phone calls or even be the norm. All of which work? You will need means that this is the Champagne Check-in to allocate space for ideal place to give your each different function. toes a treat and opt for EXCURSIONS Escorted Holiday by consider Rail - afternoon departures Then, the a sumptuous, deep-pile INCLUDED atmosphere you want£849pp carpet. That said, natural 8 days, semi all inclusive, from to create – would you Departures: 13 Apr, 1 & 30 May, 6 Jun, 19 & or 25painted Sept &wooden 1 Oct, 2015 prefer a light, bright and floorboards with a few airyinroom, or one is rugs scattered about INCLUDED: Escorted throughout This super holiday, taking the French & that Italian Rivieras, starts with a glass of Bubbly at dark and dramatic? In (on Check-in each side of theSt Pancras • Champagne at London St Pancras famous Champagne Bar soft before an gentle general, and bed in from particular) is (from an • Return rail travel St Pancras afternoon departure on Eurostar to Lille or are considered Ebbsfleet alternative on request) towith Nice masses Paris. After an overnight colours stay, we continue by mosttorestful, and it is• a of character. high-speed train to Nice then Diano Marina 1 night hotel B&B in Paris or Lille on Italy’s Riviera of Flowers, ouridea base to foravoid this loud good • 6 nights in Diano Marina or similar - half Whether you use holiday. Enjoy free drinks every night at the patterns and clashingboard PLuS free drinks 6pm toor11pm every hotel and excursions to Monaco, Eze, curtains, blinds shades. A feature wall Portofino & Dolceacqua. night • Allshutters, excursions •your Transfers abroad windows (perhaps behind the bed should be well-covered, head), with either one both for privacy and Call strong paint colour or to avoid early-morning QUOTE: DG-IA an interesting wallpaper sunlight waking you up. Your01895 bedroom is a private retreat, pattern, can be a great Sumptuous curtains with 33place 33 in which to relax, way to provide interest a 83 special a blackout lining will do without going over the for bookings the trick, as will louvered unwind and express your true top. shutters – which also and information personality. Our tips from expert In high-traffic areas offer an extra element Katherine Sorrell will help you make such as halls and living of security. Roller blinds rooms, carpet (if used are plain and simple, Holidays offered by functional and it as comfortable, at all) needs to be hardand ideal where space is GN Holidays beautiful as possible wearing and practical. restricted, while Roman
RIVIERA OF FLOWERS MONACO & PORTOFINO
Free Drinks
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& Voyages Higher Denham
Get a•ATOL reallY ABTA NoY0291 9362
GOOd niGht’S Sleep RIVERS, BOATS & TRAINS OF THE DORDOGNE
• Choose as big a bed as you can, as disturbance from a partner is one of the most common info@gnholidays.com Escorted Holiday by Rail causes of sleeping complaints. EXCURSIONS
www.gnholidays.com
6 days half board, fromLying £599pp • The mattress should be comfortable and supportive. down, slide the flat of your hand
INCLUDED
Open 9aminto to 5.30pm weekdays the hollow of your back. If it slides very&easily, the bed is too firm; if it’s hard to slide 23 April, 16 inJuly 3 September, 2015
your hand in, the bed is too soft.
9.30am to 12.30pm In the heart of France, the Dordogne region has so much to offer with INCLUDED: Escorted • If Saturdays you and your partner aprefer different mattresses, or are verybeautiful different in weight, you may• Return rail stunning scenic railway, picturesque castles, rivers, and throughout need combination mattress, twotowns. singles zip closed BankaHolidays medieval or hilltop We that stay in thetogether. centre of the famous town of travel from London St Perigueux, and include excursions taking-in: Rocamadour, perched Pancras (from Ebbsfleet on • Launder pillows regularly and replace every few years. request) to Limoges on a hilltop overlooking the Dordogne river; the picturesque • 5 nights half-board stay at Truffadou railway; the beautiful village of La Roque Gageac with a a 3 star hotel in Perigueux cruise on the Dordogne on a traditional flat bottomed boat; and Le • Excursions Gouffre de Padirac to visit the stunning underground caves. • Transfers abroad
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ladder leant against wall linens that are gorgeous to Coach Breaks departing from the uxbridge, Ruislip & Slough for scarves, spare bed linen or look at and enjoyable to touch
blinds pull up in lovely soft folds that give an attractively draped effect.
clothes.
– cool and crisp or cosy and
warm, depending on the time Subtle, flattering lighting QUOTE: Aim forCS2-IA the maximum storage of year. The quickest and OVER is best for a bedroom, and possible: ideally a combination FREE easiest way to put together S 40 if yours is not quite how of floor-to-ceiling fitted DRINKS a gorgeous-looking bed is ONLY you would like it you can wardrobes with free-standing simply to use plain white or make some quick, easy and pieces for character and off-white sheets, pillow cases inexpensive changes such flexibility. If in doubt, the only and a duvet cover, and add as adding a table lamp or two way to calculate exactly how a stunning throw, blanket, in the corners, and fitting a much storage you need is eiderdown or quilt – or several, dimmer switch to a central to take a tape measure and for eye-catching colour and pendant. A strong, bright light, calculate square footage for QUOTE: pattern. Layer texture CW2-IA on on the other hand, is essential long and short hanging, folded texture, plains with patterns, above a dressing table mirror clothes, shoes, blankets, (don’t position it to one side – it modern with vintage – creating linens and other items. Plan a serene and luxurious, the interior& of a wardrobe with AFTERNOON TEA AT will cause awkward shadows).AT indulgent WARNER CORTON, retreat. For bedside reading, a pair of the utmost precision, and look MARCO PIERRE WHITE’S FROGMILL INN SUFFOLK COAST images: Layer bed linen for an swing-arm, wall-mounted lights for gadgets such as tie racks, interesting mix of textures and attractive will free up space on a bedside belt racks and pull-out trays. Great Day Out, £79pp Days Half Boardeffect. + Free Drinks, £259pp This design, of pleats, ruched table – some types4include If you’re really short of space, cotton and grey hand stitching on Departs Monday 16 February, 2015 Departs Friday 6 February, 2015 tiny, adjustable spotlights so clever storage ideas include 100% cotton percale, would work in you can enjoy a novel without under-bed drawers, stacking a traditional modern room. INCLUDED: Visit to Colesbourne Park INCLUDED: Free Bar from 6pm to or midnight everyRuffle disturbing your partner. boxes, canvas “tidies” hung onGarden, Pleat bed linen,byfrom for a pair night for house beers & spirits, wine the£28 glass, the back of including the door, entry plastic Lastly, a bedroom of pillowcases, The French from Bedroom pumped soft drinks & mixers • Entertainment Gloucestershire, • Afternoon tea, to transform shoe racks stacked inside from boring to boudoir, a tribute to Frankie The Fortunes, union Gap and Company, 08456 448022; www. the wardrobe, a bamboo Valli •bed 3 dinners & 3 breakfasts • 3 nights en-suite including a glass of and Prosecco, at the Frogmill Inn, introduce sumptuous frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk. chalet - upgrades available from £284pp • Coach travel & excursions Andoversford • Return coach travel
Warner Leisure Hotels
ENGLAND’S GREATEST SNOWDROP SWINGING SIXTIES SEASIDE GARDEN PARTY
QUOTE: TD3-IA
A
QUOTE: EA3-IA
Take 1 (7-10 yrs) 10.00am - 11.30am - £170 per term
Take 2 (11-14 yrs) 11.30am - 1.30pm - £225 per term
THRIPLOW DAFFODIL & SOUTH Take 3 (15 FESTIVAL - 17 yrs) 1.30pm -EASTBOURNE 3.30pm - £225 per term & LUNCH AT A COUNTRY PUB COAST EXPLORER Great Day Out, £69pp
5 Days Half Board, £229pp
Departs Saturday 21 March, 2015
Departs Monday 23 March, 2015
10/01/15
INCLUDED: Visit to Thriplow Village for the Daffodil
INCLUDED: 4 nights stay at the Shoreview Hotel on
festival • 2-course hot & cold buffet lunch with a glass
Eastbourne seafront • 4 dinners and 4 breakfasts
of wine at the White Horse Hotel, Hertingfordbury
• Visits to Arundel and Brighton • Coach travel and
• Return coach travel
excursions
33
Bug-Busting Day: Say Goodbye to Head Lice
By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
January 31st is the first of this year’s three National Bug Busting Days, when families of all schoolchildren across the UK are supplied with a comb kit to detect and remove head lice hopefully halting them in their tracks.
afraid your unwanted insect passengers will stubbornly refuse to move to your furry friend.
These miniscule insects live in human hair and feed on blood from the scalp, and unfortunately they’re very common, particularly amongst children. Almost as common as head lice myths...
Using insecticides is the best way to prevent head lice. No. Pesticides won’t prevent lice infestation and should be used sparingly. They’re only appropriate if a live louse has been seen on the hair.
THE MYTHS:
Head lice can jump or fly. Fleas, yes. Head lice, no (not without the aid of a tiny trampoline). Head lice can swim. Only if they can find arm bands small enough. Otherwise, no. Head lice love dirty hair. No. They just love hair, full stop. They’re not fussy about length, style or cleanliness. Head lice can be caught from animals. No, only by head to head contact with a person already harbouring them. If you’re infested and bend down next to Fido, I’m 34
You know when you have head lice. Your scalp itches. Not necessarily. The itching is caused by your allergic reaction to lice faeces and bites, and can occur weeks or months after lice arrive on your head (or not at all).
You need to boil wash/dryclean clothes and bedding if you have head lice. There’s no need; only dead or dying lice lose their grip and fall from your hair.
Detecting Head Lice Lice eggs are laid close to the roots of the hair where it’s warmest and stick firmly to the hair shaft, making them hard to remove even when you comb or treat hair. It also makes them hard to spot. Often they’re only noticed as hair grows, moving them away from the scalp. By this time they’re usually nits
(empty eggshells).
Head lice are pale grey and smaller than a pinhead when they hatch and roughly sesame seed size when they’re fully grown, so they’re very difficult to see too. The best way to find head lice is to use a proper head lice comb with a tooth spacing of 0.2-0.3mm, as this will catch even the tiniest louse. It’s more effective on wet hair but can be used on dry hair too. Some people may get an itchy rash around the back of the neck, near the hairline, or have a sore scalp. But don’t presume these symptoms are caused by head lice – always check.
Getting Rid of Head Lice Wet Combing Although wet combing is very efficient it must be done thoroughly and regularly, as eggs can be missed. A female louse can lay eggs at just 9 days old, and those eggs hatch around a week later - so if a few lice or eggs are missed, hair can become infested again very quickly. Shampoo and condition the hair first, leaving the conditioner in the hair, and remove tangles with a normal
comb. Then engage the teeth of the detection comb at the roots and draw the comb right to the ends of the hair on every stroke. Check the comb for head lice after each stroke and remove them by rinsing or wiping the comb.
Relatively new, these work by coating the lice and preventing them from absorbing water, causing them to die. If used properly they seem very effective.
the comb a few days after treatment and again 10-12 days afterwards to make sure it’s worked, as not all treatments kill the eggs. As with any medication, make sure it’s suitable for the person being treated and note any cautions.
Comb methodically, making sure no hair is missed. Clipping sections out of the way is helpful. Then rinse the hair before combing it thoroughly, section by section, again. It’s best to repeat this every three days up until day 15, to ensure newly-hatched lice don’t mature. Electric nit comb These combs claim to kill head lice by delivering a small electric shock. Opinions vary on how well they work. Silicone-based lotions (e.g. dimeticone)
Chemical insecticides (e.g. malathion, phenothrin and permethrin)
Rarely recommended as a first choice now, as head lice are increasingly resistant to them and they can be harmful if used persistently. Health professionals usually recommend wet combing instead. If you’re using these treatments, treat everyone affected at the same time and follow instructions carefully. If the treatment doesn’t come with a detection comb, purchase one so that you can remove dead lice and nits. Always check hair with
Preventing Head Lice
The best way to prevent head lice is regular combing using a proper detection comb, preferably weekly. If you need a product recommendation or are finding lice difficult to eradicate, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice, particularly if you’re treating babies, pregnant or breastfeeding mums, or people with allergies or asthma.
35
Iver Community Childcare are very pleased to announce that Ofsted have recently categorised Shooting Stars PreSchool as a GOOD nursery in all categories. The report highlights how children were “happy and safe in the setting and confident to explore and learn in their environment” and that a “wide range of interesting and challenging ex periences meet the needs of all children.”
School was praised for its “culture of reflective practice and continuous professional develop ment” and highlighted that the “quality of teaching is consistently good” and that “children are inter ested and keen learners”.
The report complimented the strong links Shoot ing Stars PreSchool has with its local school and Children’s Centre and that these links made a “strong contribution to meeting children’s learning needs and preparing them for school.” The lead ership and management of Shooting Stars Pre
We currently have vacancies for children aged 2 5. If you would like to come and see Shooting Stars PreSchool for yourself or would like further information please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01753 654546 further details can be found on our website. www.ivercommunity.org
Congratulations to all of our staff who made this report possible.
The Richings Players presents a musical adaptation of C. S. Lewis's classic children's story about four children evacuated from London during the Blitz to stay with the Professor. Whilst exploring the house they stumble across the wardrobe, a gateway to another world, and the adventure begins. The Land of Narnia is under the spell of the evil White Witch and very quickly they find themselves caught up in a deadly struggle between good and evil. Commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare company, this adaptation was first performed by the Royal Shakespeare theatre and later transferred to the Barbican theatre London. Performance dates are at 7.45pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. 36
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
37
Finance
The Pros and Cons of Equity Release
By Ann Haldon
Types of lifetime mortgage Roll-up: interest is added to the loan, which is repaid on death or if you move into care. There are no monthly repayments to make. Interest-only: you receive a lump sum and pay the interest on a monthly basis. Interest may be fixed or variable, and the original loan amount is repaid on sale of the house.
Equity Release unlocks some of the value in your home, providing a taxfree lump sum or cash facility from which to draw a regular income. It is a way to fund your retirement without having to move from your existing home, and is available to homeowners over the age of fifty-five. Equity release products can be broken down into: • Lifetime mortgages • Home reversion schemes Some lifetime mortgages require a monthly repayment whilst others provide a lump sum that reduces the value of the house over time. The basic premise is that you can take a lump sum, draw a regular income, or both. So far these are all clear benefits, but there are considerable downsides to equity release that need careful consideration. If there is existing borrowing secured against the property, this will 38
need to be paid off using the equity released. The first step in deciding whether equity release is for you, is to find a professional financial advisor with specific knowledge and experience. The advisor and lender must both be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and the lender should be a member of the Equity Release Council.
Lifetime Mortgage
How it works A lifetime mortgage allows you to borrow money against the value of your home, with interest added to the total each month. There are no repayments to meet - you still own your home but the value of it decreases due to the escalating mortgage. In the event of your death or going into care, the house is sold, the loan repaid and residual monies paid to you or your beneficiaries. Most lifetime mortgages provide a guarantee guarding against negative equity should the housing market fall.
Fixed repayment: you take a lump sum from the house, but there are no monthly interest payments to make. A repayment sum is calculated by the lender and agreed with you when the loan is taken out. This fixed amount is repaid on death or if you move to a care home. One of the first decisions to make is whether you want to take a lump sum, a regular income, or a mixture of the two. It’s worth considering the lender’s stability if you choose to take payments at intervals rather than as a lump sum. When Northern Rock collapsed in 2007, their equity release customers were unable to draw any further money from their home equity loan when it was transferred to a new company. On the other hand, you may feel there’s no point taking out a large initial sum and placing a proportion of it into a savings account which pays lower interest than that on your loan. In summary, what are the potential pros and cons of taking out a lifetime mortgage? Pros • Unlocks the value in your home • Several choices of how the
money is taken • Many lenders offer a ‘no negative equity’ guarantee • You can stay in your own home Cons • May affect your eligibility for benefits • Can be expensive in the long-term (there may be other less expensive options) • They are complex financial products which require professional guidance • Reduced inheritance for your beneficiaries
you live in your home rentfree, while others charge a reduced rent. This arrangement continues until you die or move into a care home, at which point the house is sold and the loan repaid.
• Many schemes allow you to live in your home rent-free Cons • You generally only receive between 20%-60% of the market value of your property • These schemes can be costly to set up • They are complex to understand in detail
Home Reversion Scheme
How it works Home reversion means that you sell all or part of your home to a company, which gives you a cash lump sum for its value, or allows you to take a regular income. Some schemes let
Detailed financial and legal advice is essential when considering a product such as this. As with a lifetime mortgage, you’ll be advised to discuss it with your family before proceeding. They need to know where they stand financially, particularly if it will affect their inheritance.
Pros and cons of home reversion schemes Pros • A useful way to get money from your property without having to move out • You may be able to make an ‘inheritance guarantee’ to safeguard a proportion of your home for beneficiaries
Potential costs for both forms of equity release • Legal fees • Valuation costs • Lender administration fee • Financial advisor fees • Buildings insurance The equity released from your home can be used for a range of purposes. Some people use the money for home improvements, others for holidays or to help their children onto the property ladder.
39
eltze estates
A big thank you to
Iver Village Junior School for the fantastic Christmas artwork ď&#x20AC;
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60 High Street Iver Bucks SL0 9NG
Finance
Golden Years
The Pros and Cons of Equity Release
By Ann Haldon
Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning Types of lifetime mortgage Roll-up: interest is added to the loan, which is repaid on death or if you move into care. There are no monthly repayments to make.
Winston Churchill Statue, Parliament Square, London. Jose L. Marin, Wikimedia Commons.
Early in the New Year of 1965, Winston Churchill had suffered a stroke. He never regained consciousness and died on January 24th, aged 90; and though it seems sacrilegious, it’s true that he had rarely been as much lovedRelease during his lifetime Equity unlocks assome he wasofafter death. thehis value in Hated your byhome, miners providing as the Liberal Home a taxSecretary whosum sent or troops to free lump cash Tonypandy to putwhich down ato strike facility from in draw 1910; a blamed (wrongly) for the regular income. Gallipoli disaster in World War I It is a way to fund your and (rightly) for the even greater retirement without having disaster of the return to the gold to move from ayour existing standard in 1925; truculent home, and is available to Imperialist dinosaur in the 1930s; homeowners over the distrusted by the masses in age of fifty-five. 1945; old, sick, and in the way in Equity 1955 –release Churchill had known products can be more brickbats broken down than into: bouquets. But on themortgages 30th January • not Lifetime 1965, the day of his funeral. • Home reversion schemes Then he was every downed Some lifetime mortgages airman, every drowned seaman, require a monthly every tankman burntrepayment alive, every whilstblown otherstoprovide a lump Tommy Hell, every sum thatARP reduces value of exhausted man,the landgirl, the house over time. basic munitions worker... andThe miner. is that you can Hepremise was their suffering andtake their a lump sum, draw a regular victory. income, or both. In the three days his body lay farinthese are all clear in So state St Stephen’s Hall, benefits, but321,360 there are Westminster, people considerable downsides to filed past the catafalque. The equity release that need gun-carriage that bore him, careful consideration. If there pulled by 108 naval ratings is existing borrowing secured with the Earl Marshal at their against the property, this will 42
head, took an hour to make the 2� miles up Whitehall and along the Strand, Fleet Street, and Ludgate Hill to St Paul’s, every inch of the way thronged by silent mourners who had waited hours in needtens to be off using the their of paid thousands in the equity released. freezing cold. At the cathedral steps his wartime comrades The first step in deciding Attlee, Eden, MacMillan, whether equity release isIsmay, for Slim, and you, Alexander, is to find a Portal, professional Mountbatten escorted coffin financial advisor with the specific inside whereand the experience. leaders of 122 knowledge The nations To Be Amust Pilgrim, advisorsang and lender both The Battle Hymn of the Republic, be regulated by the Financial Fight The Authority, Good Fight and Oh Conduct and the God Ourshould Help. And the of lender be athen member the Equity Release Council. short voyage on the launch Havengore from Tower Hill to Lifetime Festival Pier,Mortgage the monstrous dockside cranes each bowing in How it works turn as it passed. Andallows finally the A lifetime mortgage private andmoney the family burial you to train borrow against atthe Bladon, value Oxfordshire, of your home,where with atinterest last hisadded widowtoClemmie the totaland his children Randolph, each month. There areMary no and Sarah had their chance at tears. repayments to meet - you still own your home but the value This was how a nation grieved of it decreases due to the then: not in hysterical escalating mortgage.outbursts, but bound together by protocol, In the event of seemliness; your death or by formality, by as goingdrilled into care, house rigidly as athe platoon on a is sold, the loan repaid parade-ground and thus and united residual monies paid to you or in deed as well as thought. For your beneficiaries. Most lifetime everyone who lined the route or mortgages provide a guarantee watched on television, the grief guarding against negative and the memories were personal; equity should the housing and yet they market fall. were as one.
Interest-only: you receive a lump sum and pay the interest on a monthly basis. Interest may be fixed or variable, and the original loan amount is repaid on sale of the house. • How fitting it was that Fixed repayment: you take Churchill should choose a lump sum from the house, Bladon, the no parish but there are monthly churchpayments of his birthplace, interest to make. A Blenheim Palace, as repayment sum is calculated by hislender burial-place. “In my the and agreed with you beginning is my end. out. In This when the loan is taken my amount end is my beginning,” fixed is repaid on death Eliottoina The orwrote if youTS move careFour home. Quartets; and Eliot had One of the first decisions to died aged 76 at home make is whether you want to in Kensington only 20 take a lump sum, a regular days before Churchill. income, or a mixture of the Both of the two. It’swere worthmembers considering the Order of Merit; both lender’s stability if you choose Nobel Prizes for tohad takewon payments at intervals literature. Eliot, though, rather than as a lump sum. was Northern crematedRock privately at When collapsed Green, and his in Golders 2007, their equity release ashes were buried at East customers were unable to draw Coker in Somerset. But any further money from their he has his slab Poet’s home equity loan at when it was Corner in to Westminster transferred a new company. Abbey, and Churchill’s On the other hand, you may statue is innoParliament feel there’s point taking out Square not sum 200 yards a large initial and placing away, so you a proportion of itcan intopay a savings your respects to in account which paysboth lower one visit, you’ve mind. interest thanif that on ayour loan. •InHappy 50th birthdays to summary, what are the Vinnie Jones Joely potential pros (5th), and cons Hugh ofRichardson taking out (9th), a lifetime Fearnley-Whittingstall mortgage? (14th), James Nesbitt Pros (15th), and Heather Small • (20th). Unlocks the and value in your Cake botox to home you all! • Several choices of how the
money is taken • Many lenders offer a ‘no negative equity’ guarantee • You can stay in your own home Cons • May affect your eligibility for benefits • Can be expensive in the long-term (there may be other less expensive options) • They are complex financial products which require professional guidance • Reduced inheritance for your beneficiaries
Home Reversion Scheme
How it works Home reversion means that you sell all or part of your home to a company, which gives you a cash lump sum for its value, or allows you to take a regular income. Some schemes let
you live in your home rentfree, while others charge a reduced rent. This arrangement continues until you die or move into a care home, at which point the house is sold and the loan repaid. Detailed financial and legal advice is essential when considering a product such as this. As with a lifetime mortgage, you’ll be advised to discuss it with your family before proceeding. They need to know where they stand financially, particularly if it will affect their inheritance. Pros and cons of home reversion schemes Pros • A useful way to get money from your property without having to move out • You may be able to make an ‘inheritance guarantee’ to safeguard a proportion of your home for beneficiaries
• Many schemes allow you to live in your home rent-free Cons • You generally only receive between 20%-60% of the market value of your property • These schemes can be costly to set up • They are complex to understand in detail Potential costs for both forms of equity release • Legal fees • Valuation costs • Lender administration fee • Financial advisor fees • Buildings insurance The equity released from your home can be used for a range of purposes. Some people use the money for home improvements, others for holidays or to help their children onto the property ladder.
43
Karen Munro Careers (Jan15)_Layout 1 17/12/2014 11:35 Page 1
Karen Munro - Career Coach
www.munrocareers.co.uk #@munrocareers www.facebook.com/munrocareers Karen is a professional Career Coach providing individual support in all aspects of Career Development including effective CV Coaching and Interview Skills Techniques, Networking and successful job searching. A member of the Career Development Institute and registered with the Careers Professional Alliance, a qualified Careers Practitioner and Trainer, she works with both private and business clients around Hillingdon, South Bucks and Middlesex. Karen is currently facilitating workshops and offering individual coaching to Military Personnel leaving the Armed Forces at RAF Northolt, helping them through their transition to civilian employment. Karen writes for a number of careers focussed and military resettlement magazines and regularly contributes to ‘In and Around’ sharing her practical experience with her local community. JANUARY is a great time for reflection on the year that has passed. However, it can also be a time to look back with regret about the things you haven't been able to accomplish or achieve and can it can become a difficult time of year for many of us. However, January should be a time to embrace where you are right now. Remember how you got here. Was it through hard work, talent, good or bad luck, playing it safe or perhaps from taking risks? Chances are, it was a bit of everything and it's important to recognise that everything you did had a consequence it got you to where you are right now. It's important to take responsibility for your actions and to learn from any mistakes.
Improving your job may be about a range of things from changing your attitude to work, approaching things differently as well as taking on additional responsibilities to make your job more enjoyable. Remember, "If you love your job, you'll never work another day in your life." If you're looking for a new job, embrace it as a new challenge and use everything you've learnt about yourself over the last 12 months to help define your new job search. Finally, you might not want just a new job, you might want a complete career change. Perhaps the one thing your learnt about yourself over the last 12 months was that you don't actually want to do the same job any more. Changing your career can feel like a huge hurdle and most people will think about it, perhaps even talk about it but will find it more challenging to actually make it happen. Change takes time and passion.
What did you learn about about yourself last year? How can you use it to improve your focus for the year ahead?
Time? Because in order to achieve it you need to map out a path towards your goal and start to break down the steps you need to take to get you there.
January is notorious for being the month when people make a concerted effort to improve things, do things differently or even change direction.
Passion? Because if you really want to take that journey and change your career you have to be passionate about what you want to achieve.
You may be looking to improve your current job, get a promotion or even get a new job.
Wishing all my readers and followers a very happy and prosperous 2015.
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Making peace with the past can help you embrace your future.
Karen
“unlocking your career potential”
P
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holidays
In and Around
QUOTE: RF-IA
Free Drinks RIVIERA OF FLOWERS MONACO & PORTOFINO
Champagne Check-in
Escorted Holiday by Rail - afternoon departures EXCURSIONS INCLUDED 8 days, semi all inclusive, from £849pp Departures: 13 Apr, 1 & 30 May, 6 Jun, 19 & 25 Sept & 1 Oct, 2015 This super holiday, taking in the French & Italian Rivieras, starts with a glass of Bubbly at St Pancras famous Champagne Bar before an afternoon departure on Eurostar to Lille or Paris. After an overnight stay, we continue by high-speed train to Nice then to Diano Marina on Italy’s Riviera of Flowers, our base for this holiday. Enjoy free drinks every night at the hotel and excursions to Monaco, Eze, Portofino & Dolceacqua.
INCLUDED: Escorted throughout • Champagne Check-in at London St Pancras • Return rail travel from St Pancras (from Ebbsfleet on request) to Nice • 1 night hotel B&B in Paris or Lille • 6 nights in Diano Marina or similar - half board PLuS free drinks 6pm to 11pm every night • All excursions • Transfers abroad
Call 01895 83 33 33 for bookings and information
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Holidays offered by GN Holidays & Voyages Higher Denham ABTA NoY0291 •ATOL 9362
info@gnholidays.com www.gnholidays.com Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays closed Bank Holidays
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RIVERS, BOATS & TRAINS OF THE DORDOGNE Escorted Holiday by Rail 6 days half board, from £599pp 23 April, 16 July & 3 September, 2015 In the heart of France, the Dordogne region has so much to offer with a stunning scenic railway, picturesque castles, beautiful rivers, and medieval hilltop towns. We stay in the centre of the famous town of Perigueux, and include excursions taking-in: Rocamadour, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Dordogne river; the picturesque Truffadou railway; the beautiful village of La Roque Gageac with a cruise on the Dordogne on a traditional flat bottomed boat; and Le Gouffre de Padirac to visit the stunning underground caves.
EXCURSIONS INCLUDED INCLUDED: Escorted throughout • Return rail travel from London St Pancras (from Ebbsfleet on request) to Limoges • 5 nights half-board stay at a 3 star hotel in Perigueux • Excursions • Transfers abroad
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Coach Breaks departing from uxbridge, Ruislip & Slough QUOTE: CS2-IA
Warner Leisure Hotels
OVER 40S ONLY
FREE DRINKS
QUOTE: CW2-IA
ENGLAND’S GREATEST SNOWDROP GARDEN & AFTERNOON TEA AT
SWINGING SIXTIES SEASIDE PARTY AT WARNER CORTON,
MARCO PIERRE WHITE’S FROGMILL INN
SUFFOLK COAST
Great Day Out, £79pp
4 Days Half Board + Free Drinks, £259pp
Departs Monday 16 February, 2015
Departs Friday 6 February, 2015
INCLUDED: Visit to Colesbourne Park Garden, Gloucestershire, including entry • Afternoon tea, including a glass of Prosecco, at the Frogmill Inn, Andoversford • Return coach travel
INCLUDED: Free Bar from 6pm to midnight every night for house beers & spirits, wine by the glass, pumped soft drinks & mixers • Entertainment from The Fortunes, union Gap and a tribute to Frankie Valli • 3 dinners & 3 breakfasts • 3 nights en-suite chalet - upgrades available from £284pp • Coach travel & excursions
QUOTE: TD3-IA
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QUOTE: EA3-IA
THRIPLOW DAFFODIL FESTIVAL & LUNCH AT A COUNTRY PUB
EASTBOURNE & SOUTH COAST EXPLORER
Great Day Out, £69pp
5 Days Half Board, £229pp
Departs Saturday 21 March, 2015
Departs Monday 23 March, 2015
INCLUDED: Visit to Thriplow Village for the Daffodil
INCLUDED: 4 nights stay at the Shoreview Hotel on
festival • 2-course hot & cold buffet lunch with a glass
Eastbourne seafront • 4 dinners and 4 breakfasts
of wine at the White Horse Hotel, Hertingfordbury
• Visits to Arundel and Brighton • Coach travel and
• Return coach travel
excursions
Hobbies
Time To Pick Up A Paintbrush
By Kate McLelland
As I walked along the banks of our local river on a Sunday afternoon not so long ago, I noticed two artists, dabbing away at their canvasses with rapt concentration. The object of their attention was a picturesque old water mill, and as I passed each painter I couldn’t resist sneaking a look at their easels to see what they had done.
While I have to admit that neither of them was a budding John Constable, I felt huge admiration for their attempts to capture the lovely rural scene in front of them, using nothing more than a brush and several crumpled tubes of acrylic paint. As children we are all happy to draw and paint but as we grow older we often lose confidence in our abilities. School is not the easiest environment in which to develop creative talent, so it’s not surprising that many of us abandon Art as a subject in our mid-teens. It’s encouraging to learn, however, that 50
art gallery visitor numbers have massively increased in recent years and this seems to have inspired more people to revisit their artistic skills as adults.
Once you have decided to have a go at painting, the first step is to choose the type of paint and brushes you will use. Do you want to create delicate watercolours or big, bold canvases? Do you admire artists who paint with photographic attention to detail or do you prefer abstract art, where the paint can be randomly poured, splashed or dripped onto canvas to create bold shapes and patterns? We’ve all used watercolour paints when young, so many people find it natural to return to that medium as adults. Watercolours may be versatile and easy to apply, but don’t expect instant results: you’ll need to spend time learning and practising the necessary techniques, otherwise your paintings may bear an unfortunate resemblance to the artwork you created back in Class 9C! Acrylic paints are similar to oil paints but easier to use: your work will dry faster and you
won’t need to use solvents to clean your brushes. Acrylics can be mixed with water, so you can either paint with intense colour or dilute the pigment to produce transparent washes. This medium also dries to a robust finish: acrylic paintings can be safely rolled up without the risk of cracking. Oil paints allow you to create wonderfully expressive images, but using oils can be a challenge for a beginner as you will need to dilute the paint with thinners (white spirit or turpentine) as well as adding a medium, such as linseed or poppy oil, to bind the pigments in the paint and help with the drying process.
An oil painting should be built up in layers, using different types of brushes or palette knives to create textures and effects, but you must allow time for the layers to dry: it can sometimes take up to five days for this process and during that period you will be unable to work on the canvas. Fortunately you can now buy specially made fast-drying oils that will be touch dry in 24 hours or less. A basic palette of colours should include cadmium
yellow, yellow ochre, cadmium red, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, titanium white and mars black. All other colours – such as brown, purple and green – can be mixed from those shades. You will find that you use proportionately more white and black paint, so it’s sensible to buy larger quantities at the outset to avoid running out.
get you started. Alternatively you could get face-to-face tuition at an adult education institute (your local library will carry a list of courses). If you fancy getting away from it all to try out your skills, you can search for painting holidays at www.artcourses.co.uk.
make it to Tate Modern! When you first start to paint the important thing is not to set unrealistic goals for yourself. It may be years before you feel confident enough to hang your work in a room, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the process. Follow the example of those riverside artists and make fun and relaxation your primary reason for picking up a paintbrush.
Make sure you have a variety of brushes available: round brushes are excellent for control and accuracy while flat brushes are great for edging and filling in areas. There are some useful online tutorials to help you develop your skills using water paints, acrylics and oils: www. wikihow.com has great stepby-step illustrated guides to
Paints and brushes can be costly. If you are a beginner you may be reluctant to spend a lot of money on materials and equipment so it’s worth checking out Ebay or local boot fairs to see if you can pick up a bargain lot. If you can’t afford to purchase a raw canvas, buy a secondhand block print in a charity shop, paint over the existing image with a plain colour then create your masterpiece. Paying charity shop prices means you don’t have to worry if your artwork doesn’t
If all else fails, it’s a great way to attract attention on a Sunday afternoon!
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Beauty
Ann Rennie is an experienced coach, mentor and trainer. She is based in Iver Heath and works through Skype and by phone with a wide range of clients. She has a corporate background which combines sales, customer service and managing major projects. Her real passion is supporting individuals in making the changes in their thinking and behaviour that produce a transformation in the results they experience. Look Younger for Longer - Look after Your Neck and Hands With qualifications in NLP, sales and retail management and project management she draws on her own experience of what works in the real world with best practice from current research to create So given that, it’sclient bespoke solutions. Her mantra is ‘don’t get it perfect, get it done’ and dehydrated. her focus on taking action led a important to moisturise your to describe working with her as ‘like having your own personal businessas supernanny’.
Does goal setting leave you cold? You are not alone. If you have read anything about goal setting you will have heard about making them very specific and measurable and all those other good things. And it is a great model – but it is only a model! That means that there are groups of people left cold by the process and many who actively avoid it – BUT these people still achieve a lot and get the right things done.
neck as your face, and to extend the application of your daily sunscreen to this area too. Imagine it – then write it down and if you choose to share it then Remember do but many find thatskin they to people exfoliate your prefer not to letregularly anyone in on their at first. - both on dream your face and asunstructured this removes dead It may tumble neck out in -an way but that is brightens yourthat skin fine for now –skin just cells, capture it in a way makes andabove improves absorption of your sense to you and all that excites you. moisturiser.
All of this process is based on you being very clear subject of daily about why youOn arethe doing what you do –routines, your values and the way this shapes your priorities will have whilst a regular moisturiser is to be aligned withfine the for outcome it will fail worse it those or looking to (or prevent will work and you will than be miserable!). rather cure, if your neck is
alreadyaheavily lined,–you’ll need Create vision board whether you something stronger. Furthermore cut words, pictures etc. from your neck requiresand a different magazines have a board formulation to reverse signs that you hang up the in your work or living or youso use one of ageing thanspace your face, of the many available it’s important to use Apps products and have it on for your specifically designed the PC or a screensaver doesn’t neck,tablet whichasare generally more matter. and The powerful. vision board is For example – there are the concentrated covered in pictures of the future big picture thinkers. They are Eating healthyisdiet is key to on youraactivity going to focus not the people you want around to looking younger foods creating over too, the as next year or do the detail and for them it can feel miserable more. For richmaybe in anti-oxidants andexample, Omega- if if they are dragged into it. travelling is key images of shown places you want 3 then acidsput have been to help Then, the vision thinkers who can see what the to visit or if you want a particularby car put a picture skin rejuvenation boosting final outcome is so clearly and those who are highly of the exact model. And, of course-itsomething is not simply collagen production creative with it idea after idea in doyounger, not want material youdeclines might have words or emotions When comes tocoming looking we all thingsthat as we age. to be ‘penned in’ by a process that has them filling on there – happiness, joy or images that represent to focus ourout attention onand our face out seem templates and writing goals, aims those for you. Smoking is not only bad for your objectives. health, but it damages collagen yet overlook our neck and hands, even Write yourself and an action list for the next 4 weeks – the constant squinting though it’sfor these that tend the what do I have found tat all of areas these the linear goalto age ask yourself you need to focus on doing, and lip pursing whilst smoking setting process may not support them. So if you learning, finding or understanding to achieve the fastest. causes lines to form quickly. are one of these people what might work better for things on your plan and trust yourself to come up no surprise that the you? So it’s time to start taking notice of these with a set of It’s actions. Then,then, do them and write delicate skin under your chin another list – keep checking back to your bigisplan neglected areas to ensure that you look I would suggest you write about the vision or ideas damaged as a result. and vision. thatyounger you are drawn towards as there is proven for longer. power in taking the ideas in your head and getting If traditional models goal setting haven’t inspired YourofHands them down on paper. Do it in a way that motivates you – try something different but remember Your Neck They say that you can tell a you – describe not just what you are going to do however you arrive at what to do and how to do it – neckwhile is thin to the rest of the ageand by just her do hands, so but The also skin how on youyour will feel youcompared move towards the key thing iswomen’s to get going it! it also has fewer glands become it really is important to look after yourbody, desired outcome as oilwell as and whencan it easily is completed .
As a lover of structure and process I found the more conventional model very appealing and yet have had to admit it doesn’t work so well for all my clients. This has led me to look around and I think I have an inkling why that is for at least some of them.
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yours. Winter weather, central heating, contact with water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers all serve to dry out the skin, making your hands look older than they are and feel rough to the touch. If the skin on your hands is suffering you can be sure that your nails will be too. Nails need extra attention during the winter months and if they are dry, peeling and brittle this is a sign that you need to treat your talons to some serious TLC. Limit the exposure your hands and nails have to the elements by always wearing gloves whenever you step outside in cold weather. The same goes for washing up or any activity where your
hands are submerged in water; always keep a pair of rubber gloves nearby. Invest in a pair of moisture gloves. Apply an intensive hand cream every night, before bed, and then put the moisture gloves on overnight. You’ll wake up with beautifully soft hands in the morning. Each time you wash your hands, dry them thoroughly and then apply a hand and nail cream - same goes for when you have used a hand sanitizer. Make sure you rub the product in thoroughly and don’t forget to coat your cuticles and nails too.
cuticle oil every night. Use a strengthening treatment to help protect your nails from the elements and to give them extra strength. And for a real treat, head to the beauty salon and get a manicure. You’ll feel a lot more enthused about keeping your professionally pampered hands in tip-top condition when they’re looking gorgeous. By Helen Taylor
Keep your nails long and strong by applying
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Short Story
Percy Comes for Dinner Marjorie daydreamed as she stirred the bubbling pan full of her New Year’s Day casserole. The family were out watching the local rugby match, but would soon be home, cold and famished. She paused at the sound of Great Aunt Sophia making her way downstairs. This year Marjorie had drawn the short straw to have Sophia over for the New Year. She had arrived by train on New Year’s Eve carrying her musty handbag full of mystery false teeth, hairnets and used tissues. Last, but by no means least, in that cavernous bag was the black ceramic pot containing the cremated remains of Percy, her deceased husband. He was her constant companion. There were members of the family who had only ever known Percy as a black ceramic pot. He’d been dead for over twenty years and yet never missed a family occasion. Sophia, besides being rather absentminded, wasn’t really much trouble, and in many ways she tried to be helpful. She always offered to pop the kettle on or butter some bread, and Marjorie knew she should be grateful, but the kitchen was her domain and it felt uncomfortable to have another woman invading it. She was putting the plates in the oven to warm when Sophia came in carrying Percy. “Something smells nice”. She said, “Do you want a hand with it?”. She lifted the casserole dish lid and sniffed. 54
“It’s all sorted Sophia, but thanks anyway”. “Would you mind if I make myself a cup of tea?”. “Let me do it for you Sophie, the kettle’s just boiled”. “I won’t hear of it, you’ve done enough, go and put your feet up”. Sophia began opening and closing cupboards so Marjorie decided to grab a handful of cutlery and beat a retreat to the dining room. Calmly she began to lay out each place setting. “I hope you don’t mind but I’ve added a bit of Percy to your stew dear”. Sophia called through the kitchen door, “It just needed a little something”. “Thank you Sophia”. Marjorie called back. She was slightly annoyed. It wasn’t a stew, it was a casserole, and, interfering with another woman’s recipe was really going too far. She took a deep breath and folded a napkin. Then she stopped. What had Sophia just said?
noticed Marjorie, “What on Earth’s wrong Dear?”. “Tell me you haven’t put Percy in the casserole?”. “Not Percy”. Sophia seemed bewildered. “Why on Earth would I do that, Dear?”. She held up a glass jar that Marjorie recognised from the back of the spice rack. “It was parsley, and just a teaspoon. Here, have a taste”.
She flew back into the kitchen, to find Sophia happily stirring the casserole. Next to the stove was Percy’s pot with the lid askew.
Sophia thrust the same spoon into Marjorie’s open mouth. The casserole now had a distinctly different tang, Marjorie thought, but wasn’t completely ruined. She made a mental note to throw that jar away, judging by the fusty taste it must by months out of date. She heard the front door open and the sound of six pairs of boots in the hall.
Marjorie gasped as Sophia raised the wooden spoon to her lips.
“We’d better start dishing up Sophia”. She said. “Take Percy out of the way”.
“Aunt Sophia stop!”. She shrieked. But it was too late, Sophia slurped down the casserole greedily.
And it was probably for the best that neither lady noticed the seal on the lid of the parsley jar. It had never once been opened.
“Mmm, just what it needed”. She licked her lips, then
By Jackie Brewster
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For more information on adopting please call And the many adorable rabbits at our Branch Re homing Centre, desperate to find loving homes, are no exception. Can you offer the care, attention and special love they deserve? All rabbits need a large hutch and exercise run, big enough for them to stretch out, run, play and keep themselves entertained. They also require cleaning out daily, a special diet to maintain fitness and health as well as lots of handling and attention, to keep them tame and friendly. Please only consider adopting a rabbit, if you have the time to keep their house clean and are willing to spend the time tak ing care of them. With animals of various ages, size, colour and personality available for adoption, we're sure we have to capture everyone's heart. A good home is more than just a hutch. Please help give our animals a future to look forward to.
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Both third runway
expansion plans still include the intention to build over the land between Thorney Mill Road and Iver village with access via our existing roads. The implications for the additional traffic on our roads are horrendous. We challenge this wherever possible and have been attending as many meetings as we can on your behalf. It is also clear that there will be significant increases in airport noise for the whole of Richings Park and we may well come under one of the new flight paths. Any additional information we obtain will be put on our website.
We discovered at the
consultation event that the Department of Transport are considering siting one of their operating depots for the M4 construction work on the old Aggregate Industries site on Thorney Mill Road. This would entail a large number of HGVs using our local roads. We have responded to the consultation to raise our objections.
The
Heathrow Hub proposers ( the extended existing northern runway option with the hub station /T6 at Iver) will be at Richings Park Sports Club on Thurs 15th Jan and the Western Railway Access to Heathrow proposers will be at the Sports Club one during the week commencing 23rd Feb. Details to follow.
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HS2 are now planning to locate the depot for the overnight cleaning and servicing of the Heathrow Express trains on the old Langley oil terminal. This also requires the building of a number of train lines across the narrow strip of green belt between here and Langley. This will result in noise and disturbance for our residents as well as those in Langley.
Is your sleep disturbed by a low rumbling noise coming from Heathrow at night? This ground noise seems to be a particular problem in our area and we have at last persuaded Heathrow Airport Ltd that it is an issue. Please record any instances when you hear this noise on the survey form on our website so that we can let Heathrow the extent of the problem. It is important to record if you sleep is disturbed in the comments box. If you have not already
done so please remember to pay your subscript ions to your road steward or at the Post Office. Details on our website if you lose the envelope delivered to you.
01895 438 811 07825 986 762
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The Truly ‘Green’ Garden
by Pippa Greenwood
There are so many ways in which you can plot and scheme about all that your garden could have to offer in 2015, but there’s one thing I would ask you to consider: take the plunge, ring the changes and ‘Go Organic’. Many gardeners have decided that they really want to concentrate on natural methods of pest control and the use of natural fertilising materials rather than chemical feeds. And they do it because it works and makes life so much better for the other less powerful creatures and plants we share our space with.
Since we moved to our Hampshire garden nearly twenty years ago, I have kept it completely organic and believe me, it really is not difficult. Weed control can certainly be harder as there is no resorting to herbicides such as glyphosate, but if your garden doesn’t have too many persistent weeds, even that should not be too difficult. If you do have an existing problem then make weeding a regular part of your gardening time and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how speedily you start to get on top of it. 60
True, organic gardening does take a bit more planning and forethought. If you grow vegetables you will need to ensure that you rotate your crops. Just divide the space you have into three or four chunks and then ensure that each year you grow related crops together and then the following year, move each group into a new plot. It also pays to ensure that you really do garden as ‘well’ as you can, avoiding too many short cuts and taking the plant’s health and vigour as a prime consideration. In any part of the garden you need to try to choose plants that really are suited to the site as those grown in unsuitable conditions will be more prone to disease and pest attack. Regular patrols to find problems, so that they can be caught at the early stages and dealt with promptly, mean fewer problems in the long-term and should ensure that you catch an infestation of pests or a disease outbreak before it gets too bad. Sprays of certain kinds are ‘allowed’ (those based on soft soap to control certain pests, copper based fungicides to
control diseases etc) but most organic gardeners prefer to avoid them altogether.
I am a great fan of horticultural fleece. Placed over a crop such as calabrese from the moment you plant it out, you should be able to ward off all the common pests including caterpillars, cabbage root fly and aphids. Traps such as submerged beakers of old beer or milk to catch slugs and sticky yellow cards to trap flying pests, all work well. Of course for many pests there are also biological controls available, plus a whole range of controls to stop greenhouse pests. Keeping the soil in good condition is a must and if you don’t already have a compost bin or heap, get on and make or buy one straight away. The choice is up to you, but I strongly recommend it, for a whole host of reasons, only some of which I have mentioned here.
www.pippagreenwood.com to make veg growing easy with ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’. Pippa sends your chosen veg plants to you and each week emails advice and tips for getting the best results; plus lots of great barriers and biological controls
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The school has had a very busy start to the school year and we are delighted that our Year 3 families and children have settled in so well. Both Year 3 classes treated us to a wonderful Harvest Festival Assembly (class Y3T) and Children in Need Assembly (class Y3F). We were delighted to see so many parents attending the welcome meetings at the beginning of the Autumn term and look forward to working with all our families throughout the year. We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Year 5 class teachers, Miss Ryan and Miss Parmar. The school has done a fantastic job of fundraising this term. Our new PTA team have made an amazing start to the year, raising £3934.79 in total this term! Thank you so much to all our parents, carers and the local community for supporting the PTA.
Sport continues to develop at IHJS with the expansion of the afterschool clubs. Also, this term the school has recruited pupils from all year groups for the Iver Heath Junior School football teams. They visited another school and took part in their first competitive matches this term. We are delighted that the Year 5 & 6 team won 60, and the year 3 & 4 team won 50. We would like to say a big thank you to the Frost Partnership as they are providing our school with football goals and equipment, which will enable us to host matches and tournaments at our site. The impact of competitive team events is evident to see in the 62
confidence and sportsmanship displayed by the children during these games. Music continues to develop within the school. Our Year 3 and 4 Christmas production and the Carol Concert were a fantastic success. After the popular visit from a harpist two years ago, a return visit was arranged during the Autumn term. The children were treated to some music and a talk about the instrument. The choir is also taking part in the Wembley Arena “Voice in a Million” event and taking part in the Royal Albert Hall’s Echo project and we wish them lots of luck! The school recently performed at the Iver Village “Christmas Lights SwitchOn” and we are now in very high demand throughout the community! The school is currently further developing its links with Iver Heath Community Library. The school also displays information on the library’s video screen with information about upcoming events and achievements, and some of our pupil’s school work will be displayed at the library. The library now has a noticeboard in the school reception area of the school so that children can see their progress with the library’s “Treasure Trail” reading programme. The aim is to encourage more children to join the reading scheme and the library are delighted that there has recently been a sharp increase in the numbers of our pupils joining the scheme. The Governing Body currently has a vacancy for a Governor and we would like to recruit a member of the community. We welcome interest from anyone, irrespective of age, gender and ethnic group, however as members of ethnic groups are currently underrepresented on the school’s Governing Body, we would encourage enquires from members of this group. Any appointment would be on merit alone. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please contact Denise Parslow, Chair of Governors, on dparslow@bucksgfl.org.uk We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and look forward to an exciting 2015.
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Pets Corner... (Jan15)_Layout 1 18/12/2014 11:09 Page 1
FERRET QUICK STATS: Life span: 7 to 10 years Weaning: 7 to 8 weeks Sexual maturity: 6mths Gestation: 42 days Litter size: 1-18 kits Names: An entire female is called a Jill and a spayed female is called a sprite. An entire male is called a Hob or Hobbles and a castrated male is called a Gib.
Keeping Ferrets... FERRETS are very active animals and need plenty of space and lots of things to keep them entertained. They can be housed as indoors or outdoors, although outdoors may be preferable because of their musky odour.
If they cc are kept outdoors they should be housed on a hard surface or they will burrow out of they enclosure. Ferrets require a warm dry place to sleep. Old clothing is ideal for bedding as they love to crawl through and sleep in the sleeves and trouser legs. Shelves, hammocks and ladders are great additions as are other toys such as balls and tubing. Ferrets need to be handled every day from a young age to keep them tame and prevent them from nipping, a light tap on the nose when they do bite is a suitable method. The correct way to pick up a ferret is by grasping it under its front legs and bringing it in close to your body. As ferrets are very sociable animals they need the company of at least one other ferret. Same sex animals live happily together as well as opposite sexes but are best neutered. Ferrets are carnivores, eating a similar diet to cats. There are a few pet food companies that produce dry ferret kibble which helps keep their teeth in good condition. As a treat, or if you are trying to train your ferret, cat dog treats are suitable. Female ferrets (Jills) are induced ovulators, which means they will stay in season until they are mated. It is recommended that Jills are neutered after they are sexually mature at 6 months. Males are often castrated to reduce aggression and odour from their sebaceous glands. An alternative to neutering is to implant a 64
hormone pellet but this is only temporary and surgical neutering is preferable. Ferrets can suffer from Distemper, however a vaccine is currently unavailable in the UK. Fortunately, as pets they are unlikely to come in contact with disease it is unnecessary to routinely vaccinate them. Ferrets can contract and spread human influenza virus so care should be taken if someone in contact has flu but it is usually self-limiting and not serious. Ferrets don't usually need routine worming but they can suffer from fleas and ear mites. These should only be treated on advice from a veterinary surgeon.
Alice Bowen : Head Nurse www.stmartinsvetclinic.com
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The Wildlife Zone...FP (Jan15)_Layout 1 18/12/2014 11:37 Page 1
THE WILDLIFE ZONE
RARA TROPHY 2014 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.
The Foundation for Endangered Species (FES) can announce that the author and broadcaster Jonathon Porritt has been awarded the RARA trophy for 2014. So what is the RARA trophy, and why did Jonathon Porritt win it? RARA stands for the Rhinoceros Award for Raising Awareness. The RARA goes to someone who has done something special in raising public awareness for wildlife, conservation or the environment. This includes a list of activities such as creative writing, poetry, journalism, broadcasting, photography, art, film, theatre or even IT. The RARA trophy itself (which is permanently displayed at the FES registered office) is a handmade model of the One Horned Rhinoceros, an endangered species that lives in the Indian sub continent. It is made from deadwood that came from Nepal’s Chitwan National Park in a process that is defined as Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development encourages people situated near the edges of nature parks, wildlife sanctuaries and wilderness areas to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. To understand the significance of Porritt’s success, one can compare it with the roll call of previous RARA winners, and the reasons why they won it. 2004. Ted Hughes. The inaugural award was posthumously given to the late Poet Laureate, the 20th century Bard and our greatest ever wildlife poet. His wildlife poetry ranged from insects to jaguars; whilst his prose ranged from children’s tales of whales to ‘The Iron Woman’ (where the heroin was given the mind-set and values of a modern environmentalist, many years before Global Warming issues emerged). 2005. Bill Oddie. For his lifetime publications, presentations, theatre-work and broadcasting in conservation, especially ornithology. His skill is acknowledged in successfully bringing birding into the everyday home and making it a valid family pastime. 2006. Al Gore. For his book and presentations that lead to the film, ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ that destroyed many Western politicians denial of Global Warming, Climate Change etc. 2007. David Chaffe. For his books ‘Stormforce’ and ‘Face to Face with Nature’, as well as his educational talks in schools and on radio. 2008. Jane Goodhall. She is our greatest primatologist, and her scientific work has lead to learning more about humans’ closest relatives, the chimpanzees. Her efforts in public education and raising awareness have helped all great apes gain further public support. 2009. David Attenborough. This was awarded for his life's work and broadcasting expertise. Whilst he has been a major part of the BBC’s natural history unit, he has also created an impressive portfolio of wildlife journalism. 2010. Ian Redmond. He is a one of the leading primatologists and an author of many books. He is a wildlife ambassador and works within some UN organisations. 2011. Heathcote Williams. He won this award because of his amazing poetry as well as his other writing which has been raising awareness about sustainable living. 2012. Jacques Cousteau. He won for marine biology and bringing the subject into people’s homes for the first time in the 1960s. He was still active in the 1990s and even took a leading role in the Earth Summit in Rio. 2013. David Shepherd. He has been our most well known wildlife painter for many decades, as well as being an expert fundraiser and active conservationist. Jonathon Porritt won this award because he is skilled in three facets in the World of Nature. Firstly he is an organiser and director of environmental institutions, having been chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission for nearly a decade, a trustee of the WWF for fifteen years and a director of Friends of the Earth. This proves he can understand the most important environmental issues, their consequences, and how to deal with them in practical terms. He is a writer of articles and a prestigious author of books which are aimed at conserving the environment. In Save the Earth we were given a wake-up call about the planet’s problems. In the first chapter of ‘Taking Stock’ we learn about how the world is in peril and that we must undertake certain practices which will put wrong matters right. Porritt advocates that every one of us should undergo some personal investigation and growth to become aware of the world, rather than being passengers in it, or have a belief pattern in which members of the public believe themselves to be insignificant. We also got an environmental audit of the state of the Earth at the time. This chapter leads onto ‘A New International Order’ and ‘The Way Forward’ in which his long term prognosis specifies what ought to be done. He also makes the point that the consequences of our actions will cause unimaginable problems in the decades and centuries to come. Other books including Capitalism As If The World Matters, Globalisation and Regionalism, and Living Within Our Means, have tackled other issues such as forestry, nuclear energy, civil liberties and population increase. His latest publication The World We Made brings us up to date by investigating many of the important current environmental problems. As a broadcaster Porritt has made television documentaries, has been on many environmental programmes, made radio appearances and has given talks about these issues. The world lost a great man when Sir Peter Scott died, but fortunately people such as Jonathon Porritt have filled some of the void.
The charities’ contact details are www.ffes.org.uk email: info@ffes.org.uk 66
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The third generation of Audi’s fast becoming iconic TT has just landed and everybody knows about it thanks to the truly spec tacular TV ad, which is designed to appeal to the 8 year old boy who lurks inside every car ob sessed man. The original TT arrived back in 1998 and caused an immediate splash thanks to its ultrastylish looks, strong performance and legendary VW build quality.
This latest version is instantly recognisable as a TT; the di mensions, proportions and styl ing cues are nearly identical to the original car but it has been subtly updated and looks as sharp as a Paul Smith suit. The changes are most obvious from the front – I love the razor sharp headlights, angular grill and the cooling vents that would be right at home on a Lamborghini. But, actually, it is when you climb inside that the new TT really bowls you over completely; the interior is simply a wonderful place to be. The air vents look like the turbofan of a Rolls Royce jet engine and the steer ing wheel could have come from a Le Mans racer, but the multi 70
media display where the instru ment binnacle should be is the real star of the show. You can change the display from classic view with prominent speedo and rev counter to something straight out the Starship Enter prise and every piece of infor mation you could possibly desire is available in one place. As you would expect from Audi, the fit and finish of every last bit of plastic is absolutely perfect. At the moment there are just two engines available, a 2 litre TFSI petrol with 227bhp and a similar capacity diesel with 182bhp that is also astonishingly frugal. A blisteringly fast 305bhp TTS version arrives next year. The TFSI is good for 062 in 6 sec onds dead with a top whack of 155mph, more than adequate for most people’s needs. The power goes to the front wheels as standard or Audi’s excellent Quattro 4 wheel drive system is available as a cost option. A slick 6 speed manual gearbox is also standard, with the lighten ing quick flappy paddle version again bumping up the price by some margin. From the outset, motoring jour nalists have criticised the han dling of the TT as uninvolving, probably because of the front wheel drive. For this third gen eration model, the body has lashings of aluminium used in its construction, making it lighter and more rigid than ever before. The steering has been replaced with a setup that is even more
direct, remarkably precise and provides masses of feedback. A Drive Select system comes as standard and offers a Sport mode that firms up the suspen sion and sharpens the throttle response to racing car levels. Despite all this, some journalists still carp on that it’s not as good as a Porsche. Maybe so, but, take it from me, if you want to drive very fast around corners without having to worry about dying in a ball of flaming wreck age, this is the car for you. That traditional Audi Achilles heel, an overly firm ride, is still present but to a lesser extent. The base spec model that I drove is posi tively comfortable, though the S Line version with 19” wheels still hammers over every bump and pothole. One change that won’t be so welcome is the price list. The entry level model comes in at just under £30,000 on the road, £4,000 more than the previous model, and you don’t have to tick many boxes on the options list to push that up towards £35k. On the plus side, the new TT comes very well equipped as standard. Even so, for a car with such stunning looks, potent performance, excellent build quality and that wonderful inte rior, it seems like pretty good value for money. Form an or derly queue please.
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flowers & gardening... iver flower Club The Coppins Room, Iver Village Hall, Grange Way, Iver, SL0 9HW. Meets 4th Thursday of month, 7.30pm. Call Jayne on 07730 249876. Visit: www.bbando.org.uk/clubs/iver
Call Rosemary 01628 776838 www.thefitnessleague.com
class. Shaun Thompson, 07906 087749 www.tauruspt.co.uk
iver Heath garden & allotment Club Iver Heath Village Hall. Every 2nd Monday of the month at 8pm. Call Barbara Thompson Programme Secretary 01895 235213. Contact email address is Ann McCullough Secretary amcc100@gmail.com Hobbies...
bobbin lace Making group Every Thu 7.30pm at Southlands House, The Green, Swan Road, West Drayton. Call Julie 020 8897 9368 or Margaret 01895 851349 Chinese brush Painting group Come and join our friendly group meeting on Saturday mornings. The class is guided by an experienced tutor so no experience required! You will learn how to compose and develop your own Chinese painting style as well as practicing the finer points of Chinese calligraphy often seen on paintings. Find us at Harefield Library, Park Lane Village Centre, Harefield or contact Phyllis Nash on 01895 476 644 / phyllnash@gmail.com inland waterways association Meet 2nd Tues of every month at Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk
ballet Classes Iver Heath Village Hall, Friday 4.457pm. Call L Killian 01753 814280
Hour of Power - Ultimate workout Wed 7pm at the Evreham Sports Centre, Iver. Call 01753 672610.
bokwa fitness tone & Core The latest craze - hits all your fitness targets in one - 07771 872592 learningmoves@hotmail.co.uk
iver Heath drama Club Meet every Wednesday at Iver Heath New Village Hall between 7.45pm & 10pm. Contact Matt Streuli email: matt@ihdc.co.uk or www.ihdc.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 Modern Jive Classes Monday 8-11pm at West Drayton Community Centre Tuesday & Thursday 8-11pm at Uxbridge Civic Centre Beginners Welcome – First Night Entry & Free Lifetime membership with this listing. Contact Alan: 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 www.clubceroc.com email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com donna’s keep fit Iver Heath Village Hall. Call Donna 01753 674945. Tue 9.45-10.45am
adults Zumba Classes Running on Wednesdays 6-7pm at Iver Heath Village Hall, Saint Margaret's Close. Call Diane on 07926 854184
evreham adult learning Centre Please call 0845 045 4040 to book the following… Gentle Yoga Wed 13.30-14.30. Class suitable for beginners to intermediate level. Cost £50 for 10 weeks. Fully qualified Exercise To Music Instructor.
bagot stack (fitness league) Term Time Only. Vyners School, UB10 8AB on Tue 7.30 - 8.30pm. Also in Windsor Monday & Thursday.
fitness Club St Catherine School, Money Lane, West Drayton, UB7 7NX. Thu 6-7pm Circuits, Fitness and Boxercise. £5 a
keeP-fit, danCe & draMa...
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Jazzercise Classes New Denham Community Centre Monday 9.30am-10.30am and Tuesday 6.45pm-7.45pm. Wednesday and Friday 10-11am Denham Village Memorial Hall Village Road, Denham, Bucks. Thursday 6.30-7.30pm. Contact Wendy Whitefoord, Tel: 07803 602142 or email: wendy.whitefoord@btinternet.com www.jazzercise.com
ladies only kickboxing Club Wednesdays, 6.30-8.00pm at Watts Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. First Class FREE! Just turn up or call Instructor Leanne Phillips on 07518 848285 email: leanne @kickboxing-longdon.co.uk www.kickboxing-london.co.uk nordic walking & wellbeing Explore our borough’s green spaces . with 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 St Peters Centre, Iver. Tuesday 7-8pm. Julie Hall 07976 966 583
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keep-fit, dance & drama continued...
Yoga Iver Heath Village Hall Mon 6.30-7.45pm Jonathan Bell 07790 682238
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 or would like to find out more about us, please come along to watch us one evening or visit www.signaturesingers.com
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 richings players Perform three plays each year usually at Iver Village Hall. If you would like to become a member call Adrian on 01753 652843 or www.richingsplayers.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 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.
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ZumBa ® fitness classes Mon & Thurs 7-8pm. St Peters Centre, Iver - all levels welcome! plus INSANITY Mondays & Thursdays 8.15-9pm. £5 per class. Call Rachel on 07745 622011 for info/to book. 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 07735090325 or 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 We’re a friendly group who meet every Tuesday (term time) at Evreham Adult Education Centre, between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. No Auditions. No previous experience necessary. Please contact Sara Adams: sara@ iversingers.com, 07733 466177, or visit www.iversingers.com for more. the Windsor & district Big Bands appreciation Society Meet on 2nd Wed of each month at 7.30pm, Datchet Hall, Horton Rd, Datchet. Meetings feature the music of the big bands of the 40s & 50s Swing era. Two recitals from records, tapes & CDs, along with a raffle and sometimes a live band. If you like to reminisce, do come along and join us! Contact Derek Verrier on 01753 654398
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
Yiewsley & West drayton Band Rehearse every Wednesday and Friday 8-10pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. To join or book the band 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 Wed during term time 6.45-7.45pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. Contact Abi on 07985 302 856 or emailtraining@ywdband.com petS... iver dog training club Meet Tuesday & Friday 6.30-9pm, St Andrews Church, Richings Park. Call Diana 01753 732907 iver Heath fields dog club 'Outdoor Training' every Sat at 10.15am, Wed at 11am call Mike on 01753 817852 or 07795 031335 or see website www.ihfdc.com continued overleaf...
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PRE-SCHOOL & KIDS GROUPS... French for Children with La Jolie Ronde, 5-11yrs. In Iver, Saturdays. Call Estelle 07831 779888 for more details. 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 1218 yrs). Fees £2 per week, courses from £5 for a weekend. Visit us on Facebook, pop-in or email: sloughseacadets@yahoo.co.uk Sticky Fingers Mothers & Toddlers Iver Heath Village Hall, Wed 9.3011.30am. Call Janet Beale 01753 652375 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 educational activities. Iver 76
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 An inspirational full day care nursery for children aged six weeks to five years open from 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday – Friday. Evreham Centre, Swallow Street, Iver, SL0 0HS. Call Susan on 01753 655650 tinytoes@ivercommunity.org SELF DEFENCE... Close Quarter Combat Based in Richings Park. Specialising in speed, strength and conditioning training. All types of pad work combinations. Suitable for Men and Women of all ages. 1-2-1 sessions. Call Mark 07525 366126 email: mj.wilding@hotmail.com Karate (Adults & Children) Iver Heath Village Hall on Tues & Thurs. Kids 7-8pm, Adults 8-9.30pm. Call Sensei R. Baker 07898 946330. Karate Club of Denham / Uxbridge For ages 5 years and up. Sunday 9.15-11am at New Denham Community Centre, Oxford Road. Wednesday 5-7pm at The Greenway, Uxbridge. Call Dominic on 07988 743725 Kung Fu Club West Drayton Great Kung Fu work out for everybody, attractive trainings 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 email kuntao.matjan.uk@gmail.com. SELF HELP... Alcoholics Anonymous Every Sunday, 7.30pm at St Leonards Hall, St Leonards Walk, Richings Park, Iver, SL0 9DD. Contact Howard on 07816 315688 "if alcohol is costing you more than money, you should meet us" Slimming World Tuesday 5.30pm and 7.30pm and Wednesday 9.30am at Evreham Sports Centre, Iver Heath Contact Kate: 07432 107089 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. 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 Iver & District Countryside Assoc., If you enjoy walks in the country and social evenings, why not join us? Call Paul Graham 01753 655183
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social groups continued... 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 on the 1st Monday of the month (exc. BHs). At 2pm in the Community Room, Iver Heath Village Hall. Call Pat Roberts 01753 647674 or email: pat@roberts3011.orange home.co.uk iver Heath community library The library is open on Tuesday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm Thursday 10am-1pm & 2pm-7pm Saturday 10am-1pm We hope that people from all three local areas will join with us to preserve this important local resource. Membership is free. Many of the facilities are free. For details contact us or, alternatively, come to one of our free monthly coffee and cake mornings and discuss with us in person. Tel: 0845 2303232 email: 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 the Secretary on 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
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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 nordic Walking taster session iver Starts Wednesday 30th January, 10am-11am, £5 at Evreham Sports Centre, Swallow Street, Iver, Bucks, SL0 0HS. Session is £5 with poles included. If you would like to book onto the course or require more details call the Evreham Sports Centre on 01753 672 610. pink ladies netball club All levels and abilities welcome. Training takes place at Stockley Academy, West Drayton every Tuesday evening. Senior training 16+yrs 7.30-9pm Back to Netball 16+yrs 7.30- 8.30pm Under 16s - please Rhiannon on 01895 448878 for details email: plnetball@hotmail.co.uk visit www.pinkladiesnetball.co.uk richings park ladies Badminton club Meet at St. Andrews Church Hall, North Park, Iver. Every Monday 24pm except Bank Holidays. Intermediate standard of playing. Call Daphne Wood 01753 653404 for details. richings park short Mat Bowls Richings Park Sports & Social Club Wellesley Avenue. Wed from 4pm. Just turn up - equipment provided. run for life Richings park running and fitness club. Richings park sports club Mon and Thu 6-7pm. With Personal trainer Shaun - sessions includes running, circuits, boxing and various other exercises. Call 07906 087749. running club For Advanced, Intermediate and Beginner. Runs organised in the local area. Free of charge, chance to train with other runners at your level. Call 01753 677 604 for further details.
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