Denham Dec 15 by In and Around Publishing

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    

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Indefinable quality

For expert advice and installation of all Schueco systems: 9 9 9 9

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10/03/2014 11:27

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 



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 And the last magazine of the year! We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading the mags as much as we’ve enjoyed publishing them each month. We consider ourselves to be very lucky to have such supportive readers and advertisers alike. Our magazines could not survive and flourish without all of you. Whilst most months present challenges of some kind or another, be it work or personal, there is no greater sense of job satisfac tion than providing something that our local com munities want and benefit from. As In and Around Publishing enters its eleventh year, we look forward to serving you all in 2016. We’ll be back through your letterboxes in January. Don’t forget, you can always read the latest is sues online at www.inandaroundpublishing.co.uk and why not pop by and give our Facebook page a like too. In the meantime, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year! .

You can advertise in this magazine from as little as    puts your   into all six publications (that’s over 30,000 homes).    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 

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Make Denham more Dementia Friendly 6 Wordsearch 6 The Perfect Christmas Table 10 Denham Parish Council 14 Southlands Victorian Christmas Fayre 18 Puzzle Solutions 18 Children’s Puzzle Page 20 Local Events 22 Coffee Break Puzzles 26 RSPCA Rehoming Appeal 28 Beauty Gifts that won’t break the bank 30 Put Your Skates On 32 Eggnog 32 The Golden Years: Memories of 50 years ago 34 Cake & Bake: Stollen 38 Pets 42 Whch Wine? 42 Motoring: Jaguar FPace 44 Denham Against HS2 46 Wildlife Zone 48 Make Room for Guests at Christmas 50 Citizens Advice Bureau 52 Useful Telephone Numbers 52 Karen Munro Careers 54 Reader Holidays 56 What help is available to first time buyers 58 Which Christmas Tree? 60 Garden Feature 62 Clubs, Groups & Classes 64, 66 & 68 Marmalade & Mustard Glazed Gammon 70

  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.

   

DementiaFriendly communities is a joint initiative between Buckinghamshire County Council and the Bucks NHS Chiltern and Aylesbury Clinical Com missioning Groups of GPs. The aim is to help peo ple with dementia to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible and this can be made possible if people understand more about dementia and make it easier for those living with dementia to remain safe and happy in their commu nity. Nearly 7,000 people in Bucks have been diagnosed with some form of dementia and the number is rising. I’m sure every one of us will know of some one in the family or wider circle who has had to live with dementia. If we can succeed in making our communities more dementiafriendly, in removing the stigma and make local activities more inclusive, then it will be easier for the individual, and their carer, to live well for a longer time.

People who live and work in Denham are invited to a meeting at St Mark’s Hall, Denham Green be tween 4 and 4 pm to learn more about dementia and what they can do to support people living with the disease.

Answers pg 18 6

Denham will be the fifth community to be developed as DementiaFriendly. Stokenchurch, Great Mis senden, Buckingham and Burnham were launched earlier in the year. The County Council has devel oped a toolkit and videos so that residents can understand more about dementia and find out how to make it easier for those living with dementia to remain safe and happy in their community. More information, along with the toolkit, can be found at www.careadvicebucks.org/dementia. Peo ple can also call the County Council on 01296 387821 or email dfcommunities@buckscc.gov.uk

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... 9

  

The Parish Council has been busy planning for Christmas and Cllr Sylvia Jeffries and the events working party have been working really hard plan ning for more Christmas lights across the parish and also organising community events for all residents. We have been excited at the interest and support we have received from resi dents and traders alike for the first Denham Green Christmas Street Fayre. It promises to be a success and, hopefully, enjoyable to all. We would like to thank all those who supported the event especially the busi nesses in Station Parade. Proceeds will be in aid of ‘Iain Rennie Hospice at Home’. We then look forward to

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when we celebrate ‘The First Night of Christmas’ in front of the Christmas Tree on Denham Village Green, organised with the Thames Valley Hospice team. We invite you to join us to sing Carols, eat mince pies and drink mulled wine. Can you think of

a better way to spend a Friday just before Christ mas and also to raise funds for the ‘Thames Valley Hos pice’. We hope to see you all there. Planning for Christmas has not been the only thing we have been thinking about. Our aims and objectives are to continue to make the whole area around Denham a good place to both live and work in. This is not just a given but is something that needs constant thought and commitment. At the same time we have to en sure that, like all families, we live within our means. For that reason we are planning to introduce Com munity Enterprise Schemes where local residents can help us look after the peo ple and areas where we live. The Parish Council will provide necessary tools and equipment for the cut ting of grass verges, clean ing of street and road signs and generally keeping a watchful eye on our neighbourhoods. We also want to take care of vulnerable and lonely people who live in our area and would ask for volun teers to help us identify and assist those residents.

To achieve these aims, we are        , who would like to get involved and has regular time avail able. If you are interested and would like to find out more please contact us by email or letter Denham Parish Coun cil, Council Office, Village Hall, Village Road, Denham UB9 5BN. WE NEED YOU. We want to improve facili ties across all communities within our parish and try to make a difference that is both noticed and appreci ated by all. We have been given a regular page in this maga zine and will take the op portunity to ‘spread the news’ and tell you what we’re doing. But it is impor tant that you communicate back to us to give us your views and thoughts. This is a two way process and you are all invited to join in.                

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 15

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holidays

In and Around Festive Food and Drinks

3 NIGHTS

HALF BOARD-PLUS

179

Free Drinks • Entertainment Over 40s only • £10pp deposit



Carol Singing

 

The First Day of Christmas

Call 01895 83 33 33 for bookings and information Holidays oﬀered by GN Holidays & Voyages Higher Denham ABTA NoY0291 •ATOL 9362

Escorted & River Cruise: www.gnvoyages.co.uk

The Merseybeats

The Pacemakers

The Ivy League

Denham evening to The Beatles. With non-stop entertainment from Friday Village Green

Sunday evening and free drinks every night, this is one party weekend you’re sure to love.

Coach Breaks: 6pm By Emilia Williams, Denham Village, Age 9 www.gnholidays.com INCLUDED: 3 Free drinks per person per night - house beers & spirits, Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays Closed Bank Holiday weekends.

Friday 11th

wine by the glass, pumped soft drinks & mixers • Full 60s theme December entertainment programme • 3 breakfasts & 3 dinners • 3 nights en-suite chalet accommodation - upgrade available • Coach travel and excursions

C s p d s a I l

J S m f s b t p I & • s •

Coach Breaks departing from Uxbridge, Ruislip & Slough

 Thriplow Daffodil Festival & Lunch

Cotswolds Snowdrops & Lunch

Saturday 16 April, 2016 - Quote TH4-IA

Wednesday 24 February, 2016 - Quote CS2-IA

GREAT DAY OUT

£69PP

£79PP

Come with us to the village of Thriplow which, each spring, is swathed in a carpet of daffodils. There’s plenty to see and do, including Heavy Horses giving dray rides, a working ‘Smithy’ on the green, sheepdog demonstrations and much more. You will also enjoy lunch at a country pub. INCLUDED: Visit to Thriplow Daffodil Festival • 2-course lunch at the Red Cow, Crishall • Return coach travel

Come with us to Colesbourne Park in Gloucestershire to see the gardens swathed in millions of snowdrops a sure sign that winter is on the wane and spring is just around the corner. Also enjoy lunch at a super hotel. INCLUDED: Visit to Colesbourne Park Gardens, including admission • 3-course lunch at the Regency Hotel, Cheltenham • Return coach travel

Mamma Mia & Super 70s Party Break

Bournemouth, Dorset & the New Forest

Friday 8 July, 2016 - Quote SS7-IA

Monday 4 April, 2016 - Quote BO4-IA

4 DAYS HALF BOARD

5 DAYS HALF BOARD

£189PP

£269PP

Join us at Pontins Pakefield, on the Suffolk coast, for a Super Summer Party - for over 40s only - to make the most of our favourite season. Our brilliant showbill features 70s themed music and nostalgia, including a screening of Mamma Mia the movie and an Abba tribute band. With non-stop entertainment from Friday evening to Sunday evening and free drinks every night, this is a party weekend you won’t want to miss. INCLUDED: 3 Free drinks per person per night - house beers & spirits, wine by the glass, pumped soft drinks & mixers • Full 70s theme entertainment programme • 3 nights ensuite chalet - upgrade available • 3 breakfasts & 3 dinners • Coach travel and excursions

Come with us to Bournemouth and enjoy the best of Dorset’s coast and country - plus the New Forest. We stay at Bournemouth’s 3-star Piccadilly Hotel and included excursions take in Poole, Christchurch, the New Forest and Lyndhurst. INCLUDED: 4 nights hotel stay at the Piccadilly Hotel, Bournemouth, sharing a twin/double room • 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners • Coach travel and excursions 17

        At the corner of West Drayton Green stands the lovely Grade II listed house known as   Arts Centre and once again it is opening its doors so you can enjoy a feast of goodies, gifts and seasonal fare at its Vic torian Fayre on the   . Following its established tradition of dressing the old house in tradi tional style and encouraging eve ryone to deck themselves in Vic torian period costume, the Fayre has become an established local feature of the Christmas Season. Hot Chestnuts and Hot Dogs will be on sale outside, and once inside, the   will be full of seasonal posies and bowls of bulbs for you to buy and to tempt you to have a flutter on the massive Hamper Raffle of well stocked Christmas hampers wait ing to be won. In the   handcrafted gifts, knitwear and embroideries will inspire you to complete your Christmas present list at less than

shop prices.  you can leave the chil dren in the  to enjoy face painting, crafts and games and of course pay a visit to Fa ther Christmas his special attic room at the top of the house. In the   Bric a brac, books and Tombola stall will in vite children to try their luck while across the landing in the   the history of area will be displayed by members of the  local history Society with hand crafted gifts and cards with views of local scenes on sale

through the front door and stair case, as there is no lift. However wheelchair access to the back of house can be made through the herb garden and patio which gives access to the Refreshment rooms, adult tombola and the   where music will be played through out the day.

 in the Kitchen freshly filled ro l l s , scones, cakes, Do join us at soft drinks, tea the Fayre that is and coffee will unique in style and ensure you wont go bound to put you in the away hungry while across the hall in the   musi mood for a lovely Christmas sea cians will entertain you while you son, please feel free to dress up in Victorian style to add to the enjoy Mulled Wine and music. party atmosphere. Because Southlands is an historic building we regret that access to Free car parking is available on the first floor is only available site.

       

 

Iver Croft, Bangors Road South, Iver, SL0 0AD

 

The Woodfield EST. 1985

A N D C O N S E R VA T O R I E S LT D Manufactureres to trade and retail

WE INSTALL THE HIGHEST QUALITY WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES

WHY REPLACE, WHEN YOU CAN REPAIR? • Windows, doors & conservatory repairs • Leaking or drafty windows repairs • Replacing faulty hinges, locks & handles • Replacement of misted sealed units • All types of glazing repairs • Kitchen & bathroom splash backs • Fixing windows & doors that don’t shut • New door panels and cat flaps fitted



CALL 01895 622 207 NOW FOR YOUR INSTANT QUOTE

www.woodfieldwindows.com

info@woodfieldwindows.com 19

Ltd

 Extensions  Loft Conversions Refurbishments Approved EPDM roofing contractors 20 Year Guarantee

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Local Dated Events (Dec15)_Layout 1 26/11/2015 17:23 Page 1

Local & Festive Events Home & Interiors 

December 2015

Make Room for Guests at Christmas

 

By Katherine Sorrell

to tackle the problem is to A sofa bed, create a separate dining table day bed FREE entry and Massages. EVENTS LIVE MUSIC parking. or futonMore details at– maybe just for kids – using www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk Santa at Smith’s Nurseries Champers Barsurface, anything with a flat –oror simply a call 0203 826 2367. 95 Oxford Road, 184 Field End Road, from a trestle table to a coffee longish sofa New Denham, UB9 4DE. Eastcote, HA5 1RF. Butterflies Community table, surrounded cushions –Coffee will Morning do the Santa will be back in his magical Thu 10th Decby Champers Grotto on selected dates in Christmas Party with Rod Sat 12th on the floor. trick. A December, good December. Please see Smith's Stewart Tribute, Garry Pease. 9.30am-12noon quality airbed website for more information at Sun 13th Dec 2 Tone Christmas Ickenham Village Hall, Any old china www.smiths-nurseries.co.uk is a great Party UB10 8DG. gotDec enough Thu 17th Wayne’s With home-made Christmas Bazaar thing to havecakes,If you haven’t Christmas Partyguests, with Karaoke, Christmas stalls with gifts cards crockery for all your Sat 5th December, 11am-2pm in the back of Quizzies and Games plants raffle and books. A Harefield Infant School, plan ahead and pick up extras aRaising cupboard, Sun 20th Dec Christmas Ska funds for the John UB9 6BT. at car boot sales, charity Party with Jeff Freeman Chilton Craft Stalls, Santa's Grotto, Fun too. If School your for Disabled 27th Dec ‘SimplyIfthe Best’ Children. Admission FREE. shops or Sun vintage shops. Fair - plenty for all the family. living room double tribute act of Tina Turner Christmas Stories and you pick a colour theme and Christmas Market isCarol acting as and Frank Sinatra Concert Sat 5th December, 2pm-5pm mix with some plain white Thu 31st Dec New Year’s Eve aSun temporary 13th December, 4pm Iver Village Junior School, The Ickenham Festive partyyou ‘til 2am. code gold dinnerware, canDress make Bishopshalt School, UB8 3RF. SL0 9QA. bedroom, Community Night Dave Connell. £10. A creative alternative to a a virtue ofwith Handcrafted Items, Raffle, theDJfact that they clear away Fri 11th December, 6pm-9pm traditional carol concert. Grab The Falcon Tombola, Games, Refreshments don’t exactly match. The Around Swakeleys Road, as much some fresh popcorn and enjoy a Village Road, Denham, Santa's Grotto, Face Painting. Ickenham Village Hall, same goes for glasses and show that includes international UB9 5BE. Admissions 50p, u12's FREE. guests The tree is decorated Gelbe Avenueas andpossible Communityso your musicians, short films, carols DJ Rossi cutlery. If Sat all 12th elseDec fails, have a Chamber of Commerce Close, Ickenham, UB10 8DG. have room to put down their and the turkey in the and plenty of Christmas Fri 18th Dec Rat Pack Tribute Christmas Lights Event stack of paper plates to hand A special Christmas celebration warmth. Free Entry, Free Parking luggage, and place a small but are you featuring a side The Swan at Iver Satfreezer, 5th December range of – no one will mind once the Call 01895 233466. lamp near the head of their 2 High Street, Iver, SL0 9NG. Eastcote Field End Road, ready to welcome activities, fun and shopping. out, and at Fri 4th Dec 2 Tone Christmas Eastcote. Drama Groupturkey is dished ‘bed’Events and a spareMavericks throw or Free Family Games and family this withfriends stalls, Father Christmas, Show Christmas Panto presents least you’ll save on washing Sat 12th December, blanket nearby. A box, bag or carol singing and much Katherine more. Thu 10th Dec Motown, Swing ‘The Brothers Claus’ Christmas? up! 10am-12noon. basket into whichSatthey 19th can & Sun 20th December & Soul show Table Top Sale West Square, Iver, SL0 9NW. Sorrell outlines some The Flackwell Heath Fri 18th Dec Mark Kelly stow bedding during the day Mon 7th December, Sun 13th December, Are you sitting Community Centre, entertains with a disco to follow quick and easy ways10am-12noon. to 9.30am-1pm will also help keep things tidy. Bucks, HP10 9LS. comfortably? Christmas Tree Festival St Peter’s Church, Iver, SL0 9JU. Come and see the trees on display throughout the weekend Fri 11th December 10am-6pm with a Christmas Carol Concert performed by young peoples group ‘Triple Threat’ at 8pm (tickets £5). Sat 12th December - Songs of Praise at 6pm. Come and worship with us surrounded by the trees Sat 12th - Sun 13th December. Holy Communion at 9.15am or Family Praise at 11am Entry is free, refreshments at a small charge.

Ickenham Village Hall, create extra space UB10 8DG. visitors. All holiday welcome come along and pick up a festive bargain!

West Drayton Community for Centre, West Drayton, UB7 9JL.

Ickenham Village Hall

Tickets £5, OAPs Free. Raffle, you have a shortage 33 Swakeleys Road,of UB10 8DG Dinner is serveddrink, Snack bar, prizesIfand www.hartentertainment.co.uk Sat 12th Dec, Swing and chairs, consider much more. see An extendable dining tableForisdetailsdining Christmas Favourites The Uxbridge Choral Society www.themavericks.org.uk. investing celebrating in a few Frank inexpensive perfect for accommodating Sinatra's HUBB Festive Lunch Lounging around Annual Carol Concert folding chairs thatAndy youMears could Centenary. Octet Lunch with Santa additional guests. Ideally, Thu 10th December, Sat 12th December, 7.30pm When you’re passing the with Matt Walker Enrico 21st & Tue 22nd Dec 12noon-2pm. hide out of the way when St. Mary's Church, choose one that Mon doesn’t Quality Street around in Tomasso and Mike Hope. Doors Richings Park Sports & Bay Lodge, 36 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1AB. They might require you to store open 7.45pm. Tickets £15. Social Club, SL0 9BN. not in use. Uxbridge, UB8the 1PH. The concert will be conducted by front of Bond film, you’re come in handy forhotpicnics To include & cold snacks £12.50 Networking with local extra loftper head. Includes Jeff Stewart. an Tickets: £12leaf adultsin the going to need somewhere available fromIfPro Music lunch, games and presents. professionals and in partnership and children under 12, £6 next summer, too. you’re or somewhere equally to relax International, Swakeleys Rd, withfor theeveryone Hillingdon Chamber of in the available from 01895 847083. Elves Workshop and not keen on how they look, awkward. Alternatively, you UB10 8DF or on the door on the Commerce. Mulled Wine andsofas and living room. If the Santa’s Reindeer! Festive Coffee Morning in aid of try covering them night. Onlinewith at www.tootsmusic cold festive buffet. Thank you for could enlarge your Wedtable 23rd December Michael Sobell Hospice armchairs are full, bring in management.co.uk/news-events your continued support over the Richings it Park Sports &pillowcases and adding a temporarily by topping with Sat 12th December, 10am-2pm beanbags for the kids and past 12 months. Royal British Legion Iver Social Club, Michael Sobell Hospice Lecture Alternatively, overhanging sheet of SL0 9BN. pretty cushion. on top of Hall, Gate 3, an Heath Church Road, SL0 0RD Thepop First cushions Night of Christmas £6 per child for VIP access. Mount Vernon a flat-topped stool can double plywood (you might want to Sat 12th Dec, Freakqualisers Fri coffee 11th December Christmas fun day with bouncy Hospital, tables and benches to Northwood. asplus a seat time andtoas side get a freaky on table the dance Denham Village Green. castle, stalls and tombola, Christmas cards, gift stalls, protect the table with a pad create a few extra TV-viewing floor with funky, seldomgroovy, dance Come and join us singing carols, attend an elves workshop home-made seasonal favourites, – and handy next to that or cloth first), covered with a spaces. and classic songs. competitive drinking mulled wine and eating meet Santa’s real reindeers! (VIP live entertainment, Children’s used guest bed, too – and will pretty tablecloth or flat Call sheet, bar prices! mince pies - Yum! access). 01753 650801. Reading Corner and Red Cross slide out of the way under the A bed for the night making sure the edges aren’t notthan in Fri use. No guest room? No problem. DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE! If you would like us publicise your event in our January issuestable contactwhen us no later 11th December. tooto wobbly. Another way

Hallway solutions Extra guests means a proliferation of coats, shoes, boots and umbrellas – which can all too easily end up in a messy pile just inside the front door. A simple stacking shoe rack will always come in handy, as will a few extra hooks mounted on the wall. How about a free-standing coat rack? Or, for cheap and instant space-saving, overdoor racks, hooks and shoe organisers can be added anywhere in the house. Eat, drink and be merry No doubt everyone will be doing a little extra eating and drinking at this time of year, so aim to create enough room in your kitchen to store all your festive goodies by clearing out your cupboards and fridge in good time.

Add internal racks, shelves, boxes and baskets so you can stack everything neatly (clear plastic makes it easy to see everything at once). Bathroom bliss Regular de-cluttering is always a good idea in the bathroom – so have a good sort out before your guests arrive and clear plenty of space for them to store their toiletries. If you have really run out of room, look for bath and shower caddies that attach by hook or suction, allowing you to stock all sorts of products out of the way. As a finishing touch, provide clean towels on a separate hook or rail from your own – a

clothes airer that hooks over a radiator is a great gadget for this – and some luxury soaps. Your visitors will never want to go home… ImAgES - Left: Stella sofa bed in Herringbone, £1,340, sofa.com, 0845 400 2222. Above: Homer fliptop kitchen table, £625, Loaf, 0845 468 0698; www.loaf.com.

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10% off Furniture with this advert. between the 18th of December and the 1st of January.

  

Terms & Conditions Apply. See in Store for details

Gypsy

        

                      

  Poor Gypsy’s world has been turned upside down, after losing her home and everyone she loves. She is such a sweet girl who craves attention and loves cuddles – a real little lap dog. However, she is a worrier and can get anxious and very vocal, par ticularly when left on her own. She will therefore need an experienced home with someone who is prepared to put in lots of time and effort to help her overcome her issues, including some work on house training. Gypsy needs to be with someone who is at home most of the time and having lived with a dog before, she would probably enjoy the company of another calm and confident dog to show her the ropes. We will only consider homes for Gypsy in or very close to our Branch area. Do you have the experience, love, and patience to help rebuild Gypsy’s world?

  At the centre we have many guinea pigs that are now looking for a brand new start in life with a loving family. 28

These lovely guinea pigs need a secure and spa cious accommodation providing both shelter and plenty of room to exercise they will need to be indoor to start with. Please get in touch if you can offer any of these guinea pigs a perfect home and a lifelong commit ment to their care  in return they will offer lots of love and fun. Can you offer a forever home to our guinea pigs or rabbits? Thank you for your support . We can’t do it with out you If you think you can offer one of our animals a loving home then please ring RSPCA Hillingdon Branch on or visit our website to download an application form RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston & District Branch Registered Charity No: 263515

Beauty

Beauty Gifts That Won’t Break The Bank by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

  

A gift for your mum Pai have released a limited edition version of their bestselling rosehip Bioregenerate oil, for £22. This oil is the darling of the beauty media and packs a pretty powerful anti-aging punch. It’s the most concentrated rosehip oil on the market, and has been shown to offer visible skin healing benefits, including improving skin firmness, and minimising the appearance of scars, stretch marks, sun damage and fine lines. It also feels lovely to apply. for your sister Neal’s yard uplifting Jasmine & ylang ylang organic Collection includes 30

stoCkiNg fillers If stockings are still the best part of your Christmas morning, you’ll love Narynda’s sample pots. Choose between the Body Care Pack at £5, and the Face Care Pack at £7.50, then just wrap each item separately. They both offer great value for money, and are ideal for a weekend away. Narynda’s products are formulated from some of nature’s finest skin soothers, including oat oil, grapefruit oil and beeswax, so they’re a good choice for sensitive skin.

seCret sANtA The prettily packaged soaps by Akamuti are 100% natural and handmade. The rose Beauty soap Bar contains shea butter, olive oil and cocoa butter, along with luxurious rose oil. A bar costs £4.75 and is a much more thoughtful choice for a coworker than the usual box of chocolates or gift voucher.

for A frieNd Who wouldn’t want to receive the gift of beautiful hair? kms California has released three gift sets this Christmas, each containing a shampoo, conditioner, two styling products and a hair accessory. Choose the desired results from Tame Frizz, Moist Repair and Add Volume. Each set retails at £29.95.

relevant at this hectic time of year, and at £12.50 it won’t break the bank. Handmade in Cornwall by a small family business, B Skincare make seriously luxurious products, at pocket-friendly prices. oNe for the Boys Buying for a man who understands the importance of good skincare? The elemis perfect man giftset should go down a treat. The set comprises Ice Cool Foaming Gel (for shaving), Pro-Collagen Marine Cream for Men, Aching Muscle Super Soak and two sachets of Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks. At £49 it isn’t cheap, but as it includes £77.50 worth of products, it is great value for money.

  

for A pArty host If you fancy giving your host something a bit more imaginative than a bottle of wine or bunch of flowers, a gift set from B skincare is a great choice. The lavender scented B relaxed set is particularly



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  The popular ice rink outside the Civic Centre in Uxbridge is returning. It will include a range of enjoyable themed nights, every Thursday from 5pm, set in the 80s vs the 90s, singalong to Fro zen film theme, Christmas and panto songs.

The rink will be open between 28 November and 3 January 2016 but closed on Christmas Day. Opening hours are 10am to 8pm. (Exceptions: The rink will close at 6pm on Boxing Day and New Year's Eve and be open between 11am and 6pm on New Year's Day)

During peak hours (3pm to 8pm and weekends) tickets cost £7 for adults and £5.50 for children and concessions. During offpeak hours (10am to The council will be freezing prices for the fifth year 3pm Monday to Friday) tickets for adults are £5 running so that residents and visitors can enjoy and £3.50 for children and concessions. There is the rink at affordable price. As there is a roof over a 20 per cent discount for uniformed groups when the rink, people can still skate in rainy conditions. group booking. Councillor Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Community, Commerce and Regeneration, said: "In January this year, there were record numbers of people enjoying the Uxbridge ice rink and we’re delighted that it is so hugely popular. It’s a great way of bringing the family and friends together during the festive season, so whether you’re a pro or a beginner, you’re welcome to come along and try it this Christmas."

 3rd December 80s v 90s 10th December Film Hits 17th December sing along to Frozen film theme 24th December Christmas Cracker All themed events are from 5pm to close To book visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/icerink . You can also book via 01895 558347 or the rink kiosk. 

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Golden Years

Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning During the war, the black-out trumped petrol rationing and 1941 became the worst year on record with 9,196 road deaths. Afterwards, with rationing still in place until 1950 but the streetlights turned back on, the annual death toll fluctuated between 4,500 and 5,500. But from the late ‘50s on, with returning prosperity bringing rising car ownership, new technology producing faster cars, the closure of many branch-lines and factory sidings forcing freight off the rails and on to the roads, and the gradual spread of the motorway network, matters span out of control again.

70mph, and on roads with designated lower limits of their own.

   On 22nd December 1965 Transport Minister Tom Fraser gave us a Christmas present we still use every day – the 70mph speed limit. And not before time, either, because out there on Britain’s roads it was absolute carnage. Back then, there was only one speed limit: 30mph in built-up areas had been the legal ceiling since 1935. Anywhere else, you could go as fast as you liked – and despite the primitive suspension, steering and brakes of the day, and the complete lack of even the most basic safety features (such as seatbelts, for instance), people did. And died. You’d be astonished at the number of road deaths people used to take pretty much for granted. In 1926 when records began, 4,888 people were killed on Britain’s roads. At the time there was a 20mph speed limit, which was scrapped in 1930 as being unenforceable - and perhaps predictably things very quickly got worse. In 1934, with car ownership at only 2,500,000, there were 7,343 road deaths, half of them pedestrians. 34

The total for 1964 was 7,820, the worst since 1934 (barring the blackout years, when more British civilians were killed in road accidents than by German bombs). A series of high-profile pile-ups on fogbound motorways in the autumn of 1965 persuaded the Government to act, and on 22nd December the 70mph national speed-limit was announced as a four-month trial. The results were positive enough to persuade Fraser’s successor Barbara Castle to give it another 15 months; in July 1967 it became permanent, and the only change since then has been the reduction of the national limit to 60mph except on motorways and dual carriageways, where it remains

It would be nice to record that the introduction of the 70mph limit (and the breathalyser that followed in 1967) had a dramatic effect on road safety. No such luck. The grim toll was stubbornly slow to fall and it wasn’t until the 1990s, after the Government adopted more sophisticated and closelytargeted road safety campaigns, that it fell below 3,000 and stayed there. But since 2007, when the number of road deaths fell below 3,000 for the first time ever, there has been a miracle. The figure for 2013 was 1,713 deaths: a record low. There are many reasons for this, not all of them positive: safer cars and better engineered roads, fine; but also far more single-occupancy journeys (hence fewer casualties per crash), punitive insurance premiums that price many younger drivers off the road, and far fewer unaccompanied child pedestrians. How great a part speed limits have played is something to argue about, but the fact remains that for whatever reason Britain is second only to Sweden in the international road safety rankings.

Happy 50tH BirtHdays to Katarina Witt (3rd), Ed Davey (25th), Heidi Fleiss (30th), and Will Carling (31st). Cake and botox to you all!

   Our family, caring for your family when you need it most... Your Local, Independent Funeral Directors Family owned and run by Denham residents, Suzanne and Lee Hearnden-Smith serving Denham and the surrounding areas.

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 Cake 

and Bake

Stollen This spiced and fruity Continental sweet bread is perfect for serving over the festive season with a glass of warm mulled wine.

Ingredients: • 50g butter • 175ml milk • 3 tbsp caster sugar • 375g strong plain white flour, plus extra for kneading • � tsp salt • 1 tsp ground mixed spice • 2 tsp fast-action dried yeast • Zest of 1 lemon • 1 large egg, beaten • 125g raisins • 25g chopped mixed peel • 50g glace cherries, rinsed, dried and quartered • 175g marzipan • Melted butter, for brushing • Icing sugar, for dusting

Makes 10-12 slices Ready in about 3 hours 38

1. Put the butter, milk and caster sugar in a small pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted. Leave to cool for 10 minutes. 2. Sift the flour, salt and mixed spice into a large bowl and stir in the dried yeast. Make a well in the centre and stir in the milk mixture, lemon zest and egg. Mix together with a round-bladed knife to form a soft and sticky dough. 3. Turn the dough onto a well floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. At first the dough will be quite sticky so add more flour as necessary. 4. Flatten out the dough and knead in the raisins, cherries and peel until just combined. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with cling film and leave in a warm place for about 1� hours, or until doubled in size. 5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes, then roll out to a 25cm square. Shape the marzipan into a sausage shape and place down the centre of the dough. Fold one side over to cover the marzipan then repeat with the other side, overlapping in the centre. Seal the ends. Place seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover with oiled cling film and leave in a warm place until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, gas 5. 6. Bake the stollen for 35-45 minutes until golden and sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Brush the hot stollen all over with melted butter and roll in the icing sugar to coat. Leave to cool.

Harefield

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 

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Harefield Village Café has been built on a reputation for excellent food, friendly service and first class hygiene and cleanliness. We are a modern busy café, conveniently located on the high street of Harefield Village. We serve great value set breakfasts all day, lunches and homemade dinners. We also have a variety of kids meals, perfect for the whole family in a friendly warm atmosphere. We can also cater for large orders, parties and special occasions. All our meals are freshly cooked to order using the freshest and finest ingredients.

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Join in the warehouse or online: www.costco.co.uk/membership The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT). Executive Trade Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT). Executive Individual Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. Membership Criteria applies. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made. Costco accepts cash, debit card, cheque or American Express

Seasonal gifts now in!

Costco Hayes Western International Park, Hayes Road Hayes London UB2 5XX

T: 020 8571 8675

E: marketing126@costco.co.uk www.costco.co.uk

Beauty

Beauty Gifts That Won’t Break The Bank by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Beauty gifts need to be a little bit decadent. the recipient should feel truly pampered, and will appreciate that you haven’t just picked up a run-of-the-mill gift set with your supermarket shopping. however, that doesn’t mean that you have to max the credit card out this Christmas. so, here are our top picks for great value skin and body care gift sets, starting from under a fiver. A gift for your mum Pai have released a limited edition version of their bestselling rosehip Bioregenerate oil, for £22. This oil is the darling of the beauty media and packs a pretty powerful anti-aging punch. It’s the most concentrated rosehip oil on the market, and has been shown to offer visible skin healing benefits, including improving skin firmness, and minimising the appearance of scars, stretch marks, sun damage and fine lines. It also feels lovely to apply. for your sister Neal’s yard uplifting Jasmine & ylang ylang organic Collection includes 42

a shower gel and body cream, and is a real bargain at £15. As well as smelling absolutely divine, the products are very nourishing, so are ideal for the cold winter months. Packaged in a pretty gift box, this set is sure to go down a treat. stoCkiNg fillers If stockings are still the best part of your Christmas morning, you’ll love Narynda’s sample pots. Choose between the Body Care Pack at £5, and the Face Care Pack at £7.50, then just wrap each item separately. They both offer great value for money, and are ideal for a weekend away. Narynda’s products are formulated from some of nature’s finest skin soothers, including oat oil, grapefruit oil and beeswax, so they’re a good choice for sensitive skin. seCret sANtA The prettily packaged soaps by Akamuti are 100% natural and handmade. The rose Beauty soap Bar contains shea butter, olive oil and cocoa butter, along with luxurious rose oil. A bar costs £4.75 and is a much more thoughtful choice for a coworker than the usual box of chocolates or gift voucher.

relevant at this hectic time of year, and at £12.50 it won’t break the bank. Handmade www.wheelhousevets.co.uk in Cornwall by a small family business, B Skincare make seriously luxurious products, at pocket-friendly prices.

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for A pArty host If you fancy giving your host something a bit more imaginative than a bottle of wine or bunch of flowers, a gift set from B skincare is a great choice. The Valid until end of April 2016. Only one voucher per transaction not to be usedscented in conjunction with any other offer. lavender This voucher must be presented at reception to claim the offer. B relaxed set is particularly

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 Motoring  Jaguar F-Pace

By James Baggott

the Solihull plant to make the F-Pace, with £120m invested in the project. All terrain: Borrowing tech from its Land Rover siblings, the F-Pace features a clever four-wheel drive system that switches between ice, snow/very wet or sand/deep snow, seamlessly. This may be a crossover, but it’ll still be capable off road.

Jaguar has finally launched its long-awaited SUV contender, the F-Pace. By breaking a world record loop-the-loop the night before the Frankfurt Motor Show, the British manufacturer took the wraps off its most important car for decades in typical big-budget JLR fashion.

was pleased with the short overhangs, the integration of the Jaguar grille and the bonnet bulge. ‘The F-Type has been an inspiration in so many ways,’ he added.

But while the stunt may have grabbed the attention of the social media generation and the headlines from the Germans in their own backyard, it was the car’s details that we were really interested in.

Interior advances: The inside of the F-Pace is a whole new world for Jaguar. A 10-inch touchscreen with a new user interface looks and works brilliantly, while there’s a 100GB SSD hard drive for owners to store music and video, four USB ports and four 12V sockets.

Porsche beater? Jaguar referenced the Porsche Macan no fewer than 10 times in its press presentation, so it’s clear who the brand is targeting. The F-Pace will cost £34,170 when it arrives, which prices it ‘at the heart of the medium SV market and makes it better value than a Macan,’ says Jaguar.

A 12.3-inch digital display sits where the clocks should be. They are represented digitally but all can be changed to display a full screen map for the sat nav. Twitter and Spotify are fully integrated while users can use apps to pre-heat and cool the car, locate it and even to link with an Apple Watch.

Design decisions: Ian Callum said he ‘never dreamed we’d do a crossover SUV’ and that the only reason they did it was because customers wanted one. Callum said he

Material matters: There is more aluminium in the car than any other in its sector –some 80 per cent - while a third of that is from recycled sources. 70 new robots have been installed at

Kitted out: Blind spot detection, closing vehicle alert, lane assist, traffic signal recognition are all standard as is a forward facing camera that can spot pedestrians in places drivers can’t. Occupants can even connect up to eight devices to the car’s WiFi network on the go. Watch this: Sporty types can use a wrist-watch style, waterproof key for times they don’t want to take the original with them. Drivers lock the car by tapping the ‘Activity Key’ against the ‘J’ on the boot. It uses RFID technology and is waterproof to 20 metres. Pulling power: A supercharged 380bhp 3.0-litre V6 petrol will see the Jag hit 60mph in 5.3 seconds while the 300bhp 3.0litre V6 diesel has a whopping 700Nm. Starter’s orders: Customers desperate to be the first to own an F-Pace will be offered a special First Edition. Priced at a whopping £65,275 just 2,000 will be offered worldwide with only 200 coming to the UK. They can have it in any colour they like as long as that’s blue.



  

1  

Dale & Sons Funeral Directors Independent Family Owned Funeral Directors & Monumental Masons

  • Sympathetic, discreet and efficient service, competitively priced • Highly trained staff providing excellent level of personal service

We provide an individual service, tailoring every funeral to the personal needs and requirements of the family. Instalment plans and low cost funerals available. After care service and bereavement counselling if required.

• Private chapel of rest • Pre-paid funeral plans

Join us through December and dedicate a message in memory of loved ones by either lighting a candle or hanging a message on our xmas memory tree

Chrismas Fayre

Sunday 6th December 12- 3pm

GreenAcres Woodland Burial Park, Potkiln Lane, Jordans,HP9 2XB. Free event ,everyone welcome, Santa in the woodland....presents for the children, Bird of Prey Display, Mulled wine and mince pies, Christmas songs, craft stalls, food and refreshments, special guest Steve Turner Saxophonist playing with Madness joining us playing some fantastic music..... The Animal sanctuary UK will be attending with a selection of their rescue animals Sponsored by Dale and Sons Funeral Directors, please call 01895 832220 for more info

01895 832220 (24hr) 22 Penn Drive, Denham, UB9 5JP

Serving Denham, Harefield, Uxbridge, Hillingdon, Ruislip, Northwood, Rickmansworth, Bakers Wood, Chalfont, Maple Cross and Gerrards Cross

The Wildlife Zone...FP (Dec15)_Layout 1 25/11/2015 23:16 Page 1

THE WILDLIFE ZONE

ROBINREDBREAST  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.

FOR many of us our favourite winter and Christmas bird is the robin. Not only is it a cheerful and friendly bird, it has also been planted in our culture that has flowered over many years from various seeds. But there is a third angle to this songbird. The reason why it is a Christmas bird is because the robin has a red breast which originated in the Holy Land at the time of the crucifixion. Jesus’ blood was supposed to have stained the bird and coloured the robin’s famous bib. In medieval times the bird was used as a Christian name, such as Sir Robin in the tales of King Arthur and the great Robin Hood amongst others. Other British medieval folklore grew around Robin Redbreast. The stories signified that the bird was or should be related to Jenny Wren, extending from cousin to fiancé and even as a married couple. Developing from many oral traditions, the poem of Cock Robin was finally written down in the 1700s. The Victorians furthered the tradition by associating the robin with farms and snow which developed into our modern day Christmas image. However for historians these pictures have nothing in common with the Passion which happened in a hot and arid middle-eastern country, two thousand years ago. The robin manages to upset very few people, which in this day and age is an absolute marvel! Moreover many of us are pleased when one turns up and hangs around for a few minutes. These include gardeners tilling the ground, rousing the birds’ prey which lies in beds of soil. Over many years robins have learned to anticipate the gardener’s work and have successfully interpreted this as signs of potential food. Perhaps it is the gardener’s friend which was one of the creatures that helped us dig up the phrase ‘an early bird catches the worm’. But the reason why robins are friendly to homo-sapiens is not because they admire our good looks nor because of our moral or ethical behaviour in the natural world. This friendship is due to their need to catch their necessary daily amounts of food! Surviving in the harsh frosts and snow - and even in the lush summer season is not as easy as it seems to be. Despite being a successful and abundant bird, many robins only survive for one year. Some battling cock robins even kill one another in truly awful fights over territory and the right to mate. In the garden I have often witnessed two males at war. First of all, they posture. This is to demonstrate that one of them is the better and fitter combatant, and that his rival ought to give up before the skirmish begins. When one of them backs down he is still capable of moving on and living elsewhere. Posturing usually takes a few minutes, and is a pre-programmed ritual that all males understand, even if it is their first dual in their first spring. Their natural instinct tells them these signs, what to judge, how to react and what they should to do. The ritual begins with hopping and prancing along in parallel lines when they carefully eye up each other’s size and shape, gauge their physical prowess and decide on their best course of action. If the posturing, threats and showmanship does not frighten off their rival, and both of them fancy their chances of victory, they will attack in earnest. So when I see two robins flapping their wings, ‘singing’ together and rising vertically towards the sky in tandem, I know they are not behaving like sweet birds in a pastoral scene. Jetting upwards in a brawling spiral is unique to robins which can result in death for one and glory for the other. Rarely does the bout end in stalemate. This is because the natural world cannot allow two males to share the fighter’s purse. Only one can inhabit this territory and possess all that goes with it. Fighting takes time, energy and skill, often resulting in injury. This means that both individuals can end up being worse off than before the battle. Moreover in heavier conflicts, more serious damage can be inflicted and death can follow. Therefore throughout the animal kingdom, avoidance is sensible because many species do not fight unless they really have to. Mating, build a nest and finding food for their chicks, whether it is one brood, two or even three, will prove to be taxing enough. At the end of summer many successful parents sustain shabby coats due to these stresses, proving life to have been difficult; even if we believe them to have been ‘happy’. Whilst I have witnessed these vicious life and death battles at Millstream Fork, I have only once had the pleasure of them nesting here. This has been disappointing, and I would like another pair to rear their family on the premises again. As a three or four year old, I had a soft spot for robins when I was first told that they sometimes built their homes in discarded kettles, saucepans and other kitchen ware. I was transfixed with why robins would do this and was wide-eyed at seeing actual photographs of these nests. Decades later I still want to see one of these improvised nests for the first time. Even so the important thing for the robin is the practicability of their home in terms of siting, safety and suitability to raise at least one family of chicks. Realistically I am only too aware that these romantic images and yearnings are for children and disappointed adults.

The charities’ contact details are www.ffes.org.uk email: info@ffes.org.uk 48

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74 Oxford Road, New Denham Uxbridge, Middx, UB9 4DN

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Sunday Buffet

Tuesday Gourmet Night

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Takeaway Offer

Starter Main Course Side Dish Naan or Rice (any seafood £3.50 extra)

Restaurant Offer

15% Off when you order over £25. Collection only

15% Off when you book a table for 4 or more FOOD ONLY

Bring this voucher with you.

Not to be used in Conjunction with any other offer

Not to be used in Conjunction with any other offer 49

Home & Interiors

 Make Room for Guests at Christmas By Katherine Sorrell  

The tree is decorated and the turkey in the freezer, but are you ready to welcome friends and family this Christmas? Katherine Sorrell outlines some quick and easy ways to create extra space for holiday visitors. Lounging around When you’re passing the Quality Street around in front of the Bond film, you’re going to need somewhere for everyone to relax in the living room. If the sofas and armchairs are full, bring in beanbags for the kids and pop cushions on top of coffee tables and benches to create a few extra TV-viewing spaces. A bed for the night No guest room? No problem. 50

A sofa bed, day bed or futon – or simply a longish sofa – will do the trick. A good quality airbed is a great thing to have in the back of a cupboard, too. If your living room is acting as a temporary bedroom, clear away as much as possible so your guests have room to put down their luggage, and place a small lamp near the head of their ‘bed’ and a spare throw or blanket nearby. A box, bag or basket into which they can stow bedding during the day will also help keep things tidy. Dinner is served An extendable dining table is perfect for accommodating additional guests. Ideally, choose one that doesn’t require you to store an extra leaf in the loft or somewhere equally awkward. Alternatively, you could enlarge your table temporarily by topping it with an overhanging sheet of plywood (you might want to protect the table with a pad or cloth first), covered with a pretty tablecloth or flat sheet, making sure the edges aren’t too wobbly. Another way

to tackle the problem is to create a separate dining table – maybe just for kids – using anything with a flat surface, from a trestle table to a coffee table, surrounded by cushions on the floor. Any old china If you haven’t got enough crockery for all your guests, plan ahead and pick up extras at car boot sales, charity shops or vintage shops. If you pick a colour theme and mix with some plain white dinnerware, you can make a virtue of the fact that they don’t exactly match. The same goes for glasses and cutlery. If all else fails, have a stack of paper plates to hand – no one will mind once the turkey is dished out, and at least you’ll save on washing up! Are you sitting comfortably? If you have a shortage of dining chairs, consider investing in a few inexpensive folding chairs that you could hide out of the way when not in use. They might come in handy for picnics next summer, too. If you’re not keen on how they look, try covering them with pillowcases and adding a pretty cushion. Alternatively, a flat-topped stool can double as a seat and as a side table – handy next to that seldomused guest bed, too – and will slide out of the way under the table when not in use.

   

Eat, drink and be merry No doubt everyone will be doing a little extra eating and drinking at this time of year, so aim to create enough room in your kitchen to store all your festive goodies by clearing out your cupboards and fridge in good time.

Add internal racks, shelves, boxes and baskets so you can stack everything neatly (clear plastic makes it easy to see everything at once).

Bathroom bliss Regular de-cluttering is always a good idea in the bathroom – so have a good sort out before your guests arrive and clear plenty of space for them to store their toiletries. If you have really run out of room, look for bath and shower caddies that attach by hook or suction, allowing you to stock all sorts of products out of the way. As a finishing touch, provide clean towels on a separate hook or rail from your own – a

 

  

Karen Munro Careers (Dec15)_Layout 1 25/11/2015 22:47 Page 1

Karen Munro - Career Coach www.munrocareers.co.uk

twitter - @munrocareers facebook - munrocareers

Karen is a professional and qualified Career Coach who provides support in all aspects of Career Development and Transition including effective CV Coaching, Interview Skills and Networking Techniques.

 

A member of the Association of Coaching and registered with the Careers Professional Alliance, she is a qualified Careers Practitioner and Trainer. Karen works with both private and business clients around London and the South East who are looking for career change, direction, motivation and support. She works as an Associate for a number of Outplacement organisations including Right Management and SMP Solutions as well as working directly with Military Personnel leaving the Armed Forces and making that transition in to civilian life. Karen regularly contributes to ‘In and Around’ every month sharing her practical experience and knowledge with her local community.

Being Mindful... AS we come to the end of another year it’s time for us to reflect on what we have achieved and in some cases, what we haven’t. It’s also a time when we start looking at the New Year ahead, thinking about what our goals will be and what difference we want to make. As a Career Coach I see many clients who are looking to set their career goals for the coming year. However, for many of my clients the single most important thing they want every year is to achieve is a good work/life balance. Yet is it often something many of us struggle to achieve - year after year. We live in a world where we are constantly under pressure to deliver, to be more productive and resourceful. A new approach to dealing with this is ‘Mindfulness’. So what is Mindfulness and how can it help you achieve your career goals and give you a better work/life balance in 2016? Mindfulness is described as “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts.” It’s about observation without criticism and being compassionate with yourself. The one thing that’s had the greatest impact on our careers and our lives is new technology. We have super fast broadband, laptops, tablets and smartphones; everything we need to be able to access and process information instantly and constantly. Whilst we can see so many benefits of this we can also feel the disadvantages such as finding time to switch off. If you are self-employed, like me, it’s easy to start checking your emails late at night. Sometimes you can end up saying “yes” to everything because you don’t want to let people down but this can lead to feeling overwhelmed with deadlines and expectations. When we go on holiday, the laptop should have a break too and be left at home, not end up on the beach with us. If you are an employee you can end up taking work home 54

with you or finding the company’s new technology becoming more of a stress factor than a help. Mass emails and being copied in to everything and anything, filing and prioritising them, scheduling appointments, reading important information and articles, working with complex online systems, intranets, digital forms and so on. Mindfulness is about being in the present. Taking time to breathe. Not taking everything personally and bringing control back in to your life. It’s a form of ‘mental training’ – looking at things from a difference perspective and putting yourself back in the driving seat. For example, scheduling yourself some ‘me time’. Time to focus on what you have achieved in your work - but not for the whole of 2015 just today. Switch your phone off for while and do something that will re-energise you. Exercise is a fantastic way to invigorate your body and your mind. If you’re feeling stressed or struggling to complete something, often the best course of action is to walk away from it and return to it with a fresh perspective. Start to avoid negative thoughts when they appear. Look at things from a more positive angle. Rather than focusing on all those things you didn’t get to do this year and worrying about how you are going to achieve those goals for 2016 – just breathe and focus on making the very best of what you do right now! I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and Mindful New Year!

Karen

“unlocking your career potential”

GNH_in&around_dps_Dec2015_Layout 1 16/11/2015 14:47 Page 1

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Finance  What type of financial  help is available for  first time buyers? 

By Ann Haldon

The thought of buying your first home can be daunting, but there’s help available from the government that you may not know about. Equity loans and mortgage guarantees combine within the Help to Buy scheme, which has been a popular option for many people wanting to get their foot on the property ladder. Other possibilities include Shared Ownership schemes and Help to Buy ISA products. Additionally, choosing a fixed rate mortgage deal will help you to budget effectively and provides peace of mind that you can afford the repayments. Here’s how the schemes work: Help to Buy Many people struggle to save enough money for a deposit, and with mortgage lenders being choosy about who they lend to, the property market can seem out-of-reach for first time buyers. The government stepped in to help during 2013 by launching their Help to Buy scheme for new-build homes valued at £600,000 or less in England (up to £250,000 in Scotland and £300,000 in Wales). This enabled would-be purchasers to put down a small deposit of 58

only 5%. There are two parts to the scheme: Equity Loan You only need to find a deposit of 5% as the government loans you the remaining 20%. The loan is offered interestfree for the first five years, with an interest rate of 1.75% being charged in year six on the amount of the original loan. Subsequent annual rate increases are in line with inflation, using the Retail Price Index plus 1%. You’ll be able to repay part of the loan early without penalty if you want, and you can sell your home whenever you like. The repayment figure on sale is based on the property’s value at the time so that the government benefits from its rise in value. Mortgage Guarantee This part of the Help to Buy scheme is available until 31st December 2016 for new-builds and older homes. It is valid for properties worth up to £600,000, and the government provides a guarantee to mortgage lenders for up to 15% of the property value. The scheme is geared towards purchasers with a low deposit,

and is intended to encourage confidence in lenders that their money is safe, increasing the likelihood of them offering a larger number of 95% loan-tovalue mortgages. Shared Ownership The Shared Ownership scheme enables you to own a proportion of your home usually between 25% and 75% of the property’s value. You pay rent to a housing association on the remaining proportion, but at a subsidised rate. Some Shared Ownership schemes also make a service charge, and to be eligible for this scheme your total household income must be £60,000 or less. Shared Ownership helps people to buy their first home because rents are generally low, and are paid in conjunction with a mortgage. The housing association may allow you to purchase more of your home over time – usually up to its full value. This process is called ‘staircasing’ and how much you pay for each additional proportion of your home is based on the property’s value at the time. One of the downsides of this

   

scheme is that the housing association is entitled to first refusal when you sell, for up to 21 years after purchase, even if you own it outright. Additionally, if you don’t own all of the property, the housing association can decide who will be the next purchaser.

Help to Buy ISA The Help to Buy ISA is a new product offered by the government, and is due to be introduced this month (December). If you make a lump sum deposit of £1,000 the government will boost this amount tax-free by up to £250 when you buy your home, plus by another £50 for each further £200 of monthly savings. There is a limit on these tax free bonuses, however, of £3,000. If more than one person is buying a property, the bonuses

are available to each individual. These savings form part of your total annual ISA allowance, but the boost provided by the government may be a huge help if you’re focusing solely on purchasing a property.

Fixing your mortgage rate If you fix your mortgage rate you’ll be able to budget with confidence, and won’t need to worry about mortgage interest rate rises. Interest rates are expected to increase in the spring of 2016, so this is a good time to look for a suitable fixed rate deal. It can be difficult to know for how long to fix your rate, but with increases expected over the next few years a five-year term might be the best choice, even though the rates offered will be higher than deals over two or three years.

Uncertain monthly repayment amounts can be a source of great stress for first time buyers, and sometimes takes the enjoyment out of owning a first home. With a little research and pre-planning, however, you can take advantage of the various schemes available, fixing your interest rate to provide some stability and peace of mind. http://www.moneywise.co.uk/ news/2015-09-09/first-timebuyers-to-get-4000-depositboost http://www.moneysupermarket. com/mortgages/hubs/first-timebuyers/ http://www.moneysupermarket. com/mortgages/first-timebuyers/ http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/ money/mortgageshome/article3177711/Time-start-savingbenefit-new-Help-Buy-Isa.html

Ickenham GARDENING (Dec15)_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 26/11/2015 13:12 Page 1

 GARDENING

Which Christmas Tree? by Rachel Leverton

hen we were kids my brother christened our rather sorry old artificial tree the Silver Lurch, on account of its colour and list. Artificial trees have improved enormously since then but most gardeners do prefer the real thing. There’s something magical about bringing a bit of the outside indoors at this time of year. Unfortunately trees were not meant to live in centrally-heated sitting rooms. It puts them under a lot of stress. So which trees survive Christmas best? Well there are several species available to the British public. The main choices are between pines, spruces and firs. The traditional Christmas tree is Picea Abies, the Norway Spruce. Most popular they may be but they are actually least suited to the conditions inside the average home. Spruces are much more prone to shed needles than firs or pines. Pinus Sylvestris and Pinus Contorta are respectively better known as the Scots Pine and the Lodgepole Pine. Their longer needles hold well but do make hanging decorations a bit tricky for 60

small ﬁngers, which is worth noting if your children like to help. If that’s not an issue the

other trees so expect to pay a bit of a premium. The

Eco-Friendly? For true eco-friendliness buy British-grown trees. Most councils offer a Christmas tree shredding service. The shreddings are then composted. Artificial trees are generally non-biodegradable. Christmas tree farms act as a carbon sink, fixing environmental carbon dioxide. widely spaced branches show off larger baubles very well. The Corsican Pine (pinus Nigra Laricio) is not as common but has similar properties. Firs are the best choice for a British Christmas. If you want the best, and you can find one, plump for Abies Noblilis, the Noble Fir. In its perfect form it’s hard to beat: uniform in shape with more open branches on the top, its flat, short needles have amazing retention properties. It’s trickier to grow well than most

Nordman Fir (Abies Nordmanniana) runs the Noble Fir a close second. It is easily available now as many tree growers invested heavily in the species. They are generally cheaper than the Noble Fir so a good choice if cost is an issue. The Fraser Fir and the lemon-scented Douglas Fir are also worth seeking out.

Once you have your tree, make a fresh cut across its trunk and give it a good drink of tepid water before bringing it inside. Secure it properly in a specially made base which is the right size for your tree! A toppled six foot tree, a couple of gallons of water and a hundred or so baubles make a seriously large mess...I know this to be true because several Christmases ago I was the person clearing it all up at two in the morning...don’t make my mistake! Merry Christmas!

Real tRees now in 

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Growing Fruit Trees by Pippa Greenwood

  

Who doesn’t enjoy sinking their teeth into a delicious, flavour-packed, superbly juicy apple or pear? Mmm! But if you want the ultimate in gorgeous apples, pears, plums or more, then the fruit needs to be freshly picked and sun-warmed - so grow your own and you can also save yourself a few bob, have fun and make some good looking additions to your garden, even when space is limited. There’s no need to have a massive plot or an orchard to grow fruit trees…

You can grow fruit trees in surprisingly small spaces, especially if you don’t grow them in a classic tree shape, but train them. Training them into espaliers (so that they have several sets of horizontal ‘arms’), cordons (as single main stems grown at an angle) or fans (with branches trained into a fan shape) means that you can grow many varieties of apples and pears up against a suitable vertical surface such as a wall, fence or set of sturdy wires. 62

You could also train fruits like apples as ‘step-overs’ - this just means trained so they make a neat edging for a bed or border, about 45cm or so above ground level. A stepover apple basically goes up to a height of about 30cm and is then trained so that it forms two horizontal ‘arms’. They look great when in flower and will even bear a smallish crop of fruit along the arms. Try step-overs around the edge of your vegetable plot or flower bed. Alternatively, why not make a real feature of fruit and use a tree to create a decorative and, later on, a productive arch? Buy an inexpensive bare-root cordon (straight stem) or a ‘whip’ fruit tree of your favourite variety, pair it with another variety that is a suitable pollinator (check with the nursery) and plant one on each side of the arch, training them in as they grow. It will look great, phenomenally pretty when covered in blossom in spring, and after a few years will bear tasty fruit too.

But what if you don’t have any open ground, beds or borders in your backyard style garden? Provided you get the right rootstock (see below) it is quite possible to grow fruit trees in large containers. The container needs to be as big as possible - a half-barrel at least - and must have drainage holes kept clear using a few inches of broken china or ‘crocks’ at its bottom. Good quality loam-based compost such as John Innes No.3 will work well, but help to keep it well aerated and free-draining by adding 2550% multi-purpose loam-free compost. Whatever the size of your garden, but especially if space is short, when you are choosing fruit trees it is essential to get them on the right ‘rootstock’, as this determines the ultimate size and vigour of the tree. The rootstock is the type of roots onto which the chosen variety of apple has been grafted. Apples are particularly complicated and a good nursery will advise you, but

as a rule, for step-overs, cordons, dwarf bushes and trees in containers try the extremely dwarfing but somewhat tricky M27 - but do beware weak varieties or any tree grown on this rootstock in poor soil or not well pampered may well fail. For bush, cordon, espaliers and halfstandard try the easier to look after dwarfing rootstock M26, while for a cordon, an espalier on poor soil, arches and bush trees try the semi-dwarfing MM106.

tree, but it can save you several years work!

don’t delay, get ordering or planting today!

Make sure you choose the varieties you grow so that they are in flower at the same time and thus can pollinate each other - if there is no suitable pollinator in the vicinity you will not get fruit. Check with your supplier who will be able to tell you which ‘pollination group’ each variety is in.

Perfect as a Christmas gift (or as a treat for you!) make vegetable growing fun with Pippa’s unique ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ system. Select the vegetables you’d like to grow at www. pippagreenwood.com and your garden-ready plants will be delivered in May, accompanied by weekly emails packed full of atyour-elbow advice and tips, ensuring great results. There’s a stylish gift card available too for this perfect present! It is great value and various pack sizes are available (e.g. up to 55 plants for just £29), plus that weekly advice.

  

You can either buy one year old ‘maidens’ or ‘whips’ which are small, fairly straight stems and train them yourself, or if you want to save time you can often buy trained or parttrained fruit trees. Obviously you’ll pay more for a trained

At this time of year you can buy fruit trees which are really good value because they are sold ‘bare root’, this just means lifted from a field and not container grown. These are not only inexpensive, but also establish particularly well. Bare root fruit trees are generally available from about November until early March, depending on the weather - so

DENHAM What's On... Dec15_Layout 1 26/11/2015 14:54 Page 1

REGULAR EVENTS... Events at Harefield Community Centre, Priory Avenue, UB9 6AP MON Cameo Club (3rd Mon month) 10am-12pm; Indoor Bowls (Short Mat) 2pm-5pm; Harefield Wine Club (2nd Mon in the month) 7.45-9.30pm; Judo (Seniors not 2nd Mon in month) 810pm. TUES Line Dancing 10.45am1.15pm; Bingo 7.45pm - 10.30pm. WED Fitness, Fun & Dance 10.30am12.00pm; Singing for Fun (1st Wed in month) 1-2.30pm; Judo Club 6.307.45pm; Dancing Club 8.15pm10.30pm. THURS Happy Families Group 9.45-11.45am; Tea Dances 24pm; Whist 7.30-10pm; Ladies Club (2nd Thur in month) 8-10pm. FRI Line Dancing 10.30-12.45pm; Indoor Bowls (Short Mat) 2-5pm. All enquiries to Lynne Mogge 01895 824621 or e: hare fieldcommunitycentre@btconnect.com

Denham History Society Meets 2nd Tues of the month, 7.30pm St. Marks Hall, Denham Green. Call 01895 833989 Pamela@craftygiraffe.co.uk Hillingdon Decorative & Fine Arts Society Enjoy 10 expert lectures a year about art and culture from around Britain. Outings to galleries & places of cultural interest. Receive NADFAS Review, Interested? Come along to a lecture, cost £6. See www.hillingdondfas.co.uk, email: membership@hillingdonfas.co.uk or call Ann Lowe 01895 638147

Memorial Hall. Call Sandra 07867470240 Lisa 07533549072 E: lisa.sandra.fitness@gmail.com Fitsteps Cha Cha, Waltz, Quickstep or Jive at Denham Memorial Hall. Mondays 7pm and Wednesdays 10am. Call 07834 197745. info@limelightdancing.co.uk General Yoga Class Higher Denham Community Hall, Lower Road, Higher Denham, UB9 5EA. Wed 7.30-9pm. Thu 9.45-11.15am with BWY certified teacher tel: 01895 820267

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Beginners Rock ‘n’Roll Jive Classes Every Monday at Harefield Cricket Club, UB9 6NE. Doors open 7.30pm, class 8pm. Fun & friendly, no experience or partner required. 1950s Rock n Roll record hop - 1st Friday of every month at St Mary's Church Hall, Harefield, UB9 6BX. 7.30pm-11.30pm.Call 07947 106607 the rockingrebels@gmail.com www.facebook.com/therockingrebels

HOBBIES... Art Classes Drawing, pastels, oil & watercolour at New Denham Community Centre Autumn, Spring & Winter Terms Tue 1-3.30pm, Wed 12.45-3.15pm and 7.30-9.30pm. Call Tony 0207 243 3787 Art Smart Weekly Art Classes at Denham Village Hall. Drawing and Painting for beginn-ers and Improvers Thursdays 1.30-3.30pm. Tutor Roz Smith call 01494 670372 Chinese Brush Painting Group Meets on Saturday mornings. The class is guided by an experienced tutor so no experience required! You will learn how to develop your own style as well as practicing Chinese calligraphy. Find us at Harefield Library, Park Lane Village Centre, Harefield or call Phyllis Nash on 01895 476 644 / phyllnash@gmail.com Crosier Investment Club Improve personal investment skills. Meets 7.30pm, third Thursday in month at Pinner Village Hall, Chapel Lane, Pinner, HA5 1AA. Call 0208 427 3559, e: secretary@crosierinvestment.org.uk w: www.crosierinvestment.org.uk

Hillingdon Natural History Society Meets 1st Wed of the month, Scout HQ, Gatting Way, Uxbridge. enquiries@ hillingdon-naturalhistory society.org.uk Inland Waterways Associations Meets 2nd Tues of every month at Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk

Uxbridge Craft Market Every Wednesday (9am-5pm) at The Pavilions Shopping Centre Arts, Crafts, www.uxbridge-craft-market.co.uk

KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA... Aerobics Denham Village Memorial Hall. Every Mon and Wed 4.30-5.30pm Call Jean Nisbet 01895 832063 Boot Camp Fun and friendly exercise class held at a private location in Gerrards Cross. Every Mon, Tues, Fri 9.15-10am. Qualified Personal Trainer and Level 3 Contact Julie on 07769 311789 or visit: www.juliegxfit.com Bootcamp Circuit for Adults (Mixed) Wednesdays, 7-8.15pm Denham Village Memorial Hall. Tel: Jayne 07968 361965 Dance, Gymnastics and Free Running Classes By Futunity Uk. Ages 2-adults catered for and all styles of dance from RAD ballet to Zumba. Full class listings at www.futunityuk.com. Call 01895 251224 or email admin@futunityuk.com Fitness League Tone & stretch exercises for the whole body, with dance routines to music for women of all fitness levels. Tue 7.308.30pm at Vyners School, Warren Road, Ickenham, UB10 8AB. Call Rosemary 01628 776838 before coming. www.thefitnessleague.com Fitness Yoga Improve flexibility, strength and balance. Monday 6-7pm at Denham Village

Harefield Amateur Drama Society Tuesday, 8-10pm. Park Lane Village Centre, Park Lane, Harefield. Call Tony on 01895 820672 Jazzercise Classes New Denham Community Centre Mon 9.30-10.30am, Tues 6.45-7.45pm. Wed & Fri 10-11am, Thurs 10-11am. Denham Village Memorial Hall Village Rd, Denham, Bucks Thurs 6.30-7.30pm Wendy Whitefoord, Tel: 07803 602142 e: wendy.whitefoord@btinternet.com www.jazzercise.com Ladies Only Kickboxing Club Wed 6.30-8.00pm, Watts Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. First Class FREE! Call Leanne Phillips on 07518 848285 e:leanne@kickboxinglondon. co.uk. www.kickboxing-london.co.uk Line Dancing At Higher Denham Community Centre, Off Old Rectory Lane, Higher Denham. Mon 7-10.15pm, starts with beginners, then onto improvers and finally from 9-10.15pm, Intermediates. Contact Christina on 07952 815076, email : c.capel477@btinternet.com, website wwww.chalfontlinedanceclub.co.uk or Facebook ‘chalfontlinedanceclub’ Modern Jive Classes (Ceroc) Mon 8-11pm, Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre and Tue & Thu 811pm, Uxbridge Civic Centre. First Night Entry & Free Lifetime membership with this listing. Call Alan: 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 www.clubceroc.com email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com NoBiz Dance Local Musical Theatre school (based in Hillingdon ) classes in all genres of dance (Street dance, Hip Hop, Rhythm Tap, Lyrical, Singing, Drama & Musical Theatre) for children aged 4-22 years. Adult Street Dance Class for more call: Giselle 07525 857171 or Lisa 07777 611012. www.nobizlikeshowbiz.co.uk. continued overleaf...

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DENHAM What's On... (Sep15)_Layout 1 26/08/2015 14:29 Page 2

KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA CONTINUED... Pink Academy of DANCE Classes held daily at New Denham Community Centre. For boys & girls from 2 years to Adults. Call 01895 257553 Admin@pinkacademy. co.uk www.pinkacademy.co.uk or call

mobility and general health. Beginners welcome. Tues 8-9.30pm at Yeading Community Centre, Ditchfield Road, Yeading, Hayes UB4 9BH. Contact David 0751 4998 674 david@zhong-ding.com www.zhong-ding.com

Penny Lane Singing Lessons Monday singing classes 4-5.30pm 7yrs-12yrs and 5.30-7pm 12yrs-18yrs at Harefield Library, Park Lane, Harefield, UB9 6HW. www.pennylanesinging.com or call 07951 294044.

Tea Dance Harefield Community Centre, Priory Ave on Thurs 2-4pm. All welcome. Free car parking. Call John 01895 284428

Stoke Poges Singers A friendly four-part choir singing a wide variety of music. New members welcome (no auditions. The ability to read music is not essential. Rehearsals on Thursday at St Andrews Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges, 7.45pm. Come along or call Naomi on 07831 217575 or Anthea on 01753 662355

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Rockin' 8s Square Dancing Modern American style - every Thurs 8.15pm. New Denham & Willowbank Community Centre, Oxford Road, New Denham. UB9 4DW. Call Jean 01895 622859 or paul@stingproductions.com SALSA (all styles) Every Monday at Uxbridge Community Centre, 32b The Greenway, Uxbridge UB8 2PJ from 7.45pm to 10pm. Come and join Mina Queen Salsa for some amazing fun. Call 07958 578962 or email mina@queensalsa.com

Salsa Classes Every Monday: The Middlesex Arms, Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HG. Beginners class starts 8pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.45-9.30pm Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm Every Wednesday: The WatersEdge, Canal Cottages, Packetboat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. Beginners class starts 7:30pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.30-9.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm Simply Walk Langley & Black Parks Every Monday Langley Park, 10am Thursday Black Park, 10am. Second Sunday of month Langley Park at 11am. See www.friendsoflangleypark.co.uk Social Dancing Ballroom Latin & Sequence Harefield Community Centre, Priory Avenue, Harefield. Every Wed, 8pm. Beginners welcome. Call 01895 634674 Simply Walk in Denham First Sunday of every month. Denham Village Green 10.45am for 11am start. Approx. 90 minute walk, 2.5-3miles. Led by trained volunteers as part of a healthy walk scheme funded by Bucks County Council, local District Councils and Bucks PCT. For details of other walks call 01494 475367 or see www.buckscc.gov.uk/rightsofway Social Line Dancing At St Marys Church Hall, Harefield Last Sat of the month 7.30-10.30pm Tia Chi Chuan Tai Chi is an ancient art which combines deep breathing, correctly aligned posture and relaxation with slow gentle movements. It can help with mental and physical stress, improve balance,

Uxbridge Musical Theatre Ruislip Conservative Club, 56-58, Ickenham Road, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 7DQ. Tuesday 8-10pm. Call Phil Harrison 01895 636367 E mail@umtheatre.co.uk or see www.umtheatre.co.uk Zumba Fitness Every Wednesday 8-9pm at New Denham Community Hall, Oxford Road, UB9 4DW. Call Martine 07788 563572 www.zumbadolls.co.uk Zumba Fitness with Danielle Every Monday 7-8pm at Harefield Baptist Church. Call Danielle 07989 128131. www.zumba-class.co.uk Zumba Gold For Older Active Adults. Every Friday 11am at Higher Denham Community Hall, Lower Road, Higher Denham, UB9 5EA. Call Martine 07788 563572 www.zumbadolls.co.uk Zumba with Ruddy Thurs 7-8pm, St Marks Hall Denham Green UB9 5HD and Sats 9.30-10.30am at Harefield Academy Northwood Way UB9 6ET. Call Ruddy 07901 828051

MUSIC... Drumbeatz Drum tuition for beginners by Melanie Kleyn, qualified HND, now on degree at ACM. Kids 8yrs+, ladies, 3.15-5.30pm or daytime only. Call 07757 635880 Email: drumsmel@gmail.com or text Faraday Country Music Club in Slough SL2 1RN. Country music every Thurs for listeners, western partners, freestyle, line dancers. 8-11pm. 07986 050742 or see www.faradaycountry.co.uk

Sing for Fun - Adults No auditions or previous singing experience necessary. You must just enjoy singing! Higher Denham Community Hall, Wednesday (TT) 2.30-4pm. Call Avril on 07587 175640 The Rock Project Greater London School of Rock & Pop teaching 7-18 year olds to play guitar, bass, drums & vocals. Sessions run Weds at Vyners School, Ickenham and Thursday’s at Nower Hill High School, Pinner. Juniors (7-11) 4.15-6.15pm and Seniors (11-18) 6.30-8.30pm. for more info: Contact Pritpal on 07855 863058 . e: uxbridge@therockproject.com. The Windsor & District Big Bands Appreciation Society We meet on 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm, Datchet Hall, Horton Road, Datchet. Music of the big bands ‘40s & ‘50s Swing era. Two recitals from records, tapes & CDS, along with a raffle and sometimes there's even a live band. Call Derek Verrier on 01753 654398 Yiewsley & West Drayton Band Rehearse every Wednesday and Friday 8-10pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. To join or book the band for an engagement contact Lynne on 07976 824152 or email Lynne@ywdband.com Yiewsley & West Drayton Training Band Open to all ages wanting to learn to play a brass instrument or 'brush up' your skills. Every Wed during term time 6.457.45pm, St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. Contact Abi on 07985 302 856 or emailtraining@ywdband.com

Guitar Lessons Complete beginners welcome. Contact Sam for a FREE lesson 07798 588496 sam@uxbridgeguitarlessons.co.uk

PRE-SCHOOL & KIDS GROUPS

Music Lessons at Little Halings Studio Piano and French Horn lessons with experienced, friendly young female teacher, Victoria Coghlan. At Little Halings Studios in Denham. All welcome. Guitar tuition is also available. Call: 07737 493980 (Victoria) E: victocoghlan@gmail.com

2370 (Denham) Squadron Air Training Corps ATC HQ, Tilehouse Lane, Denham Aerodrome Denham, Bucks, UB9 5DN. Mon and Thurs 7.30-9.30pm. Recruiting 13-17 year old males and females. Call 01895 834522 (Mon & Thu only) continued overleaf...

DENHAM What's On... (Sep15)_Layout 1 26/08/2015 14:29 Page 3

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PRE-SCHOOL & KIDS GROUPS CONTINUED...

2nd Denham Scout Group Scout Hut, The Pyghtle, Denham Green Close, Denham Green Beavers Age 6-8 Thu 5.45-7pm. Cubs Age 8-10 Wed 6.30-7.45pm Scouts Age 10-15 Friday 7-9pm Tel: Linda Batten 01753 892373 Denham & Gerrards Cross Children’s Centre Tilehouse School, Nightingale Way, Denham, UB9 5JL. Free sessions for under 5’s. Messy Play and Stay & Play sessions. Call 01895 835967. Denham Girlguides 1st Denham Rainbows (age 5-7) 4th Denham Brownies (age 7-10) 4th Denham Guides (age 10-14) For more details on meeting times visit www.gxanddenham.cfsites.org Denham Youth Club (ages 8-11 years) Higher Denham Community Hall, Lower Road, Uxbridge UB9 5EA. Thursday 6.15pm to 7.45pm. Call 01895 834313. Slough Sea Cadets Parade nights on Monday and Thursday 7.30-9.30pm at Langley Pavillion, Langley Road, Slough, SL3 8BS. Male & Female Junior Cadets (age 10-12 yrs) and Cadets (age 12-18 yrs). Fees £2 per week, courses from £5 for weekend. Visit us on Facebook, pop-in or email: sloughseacadets@yahoo.co.uk Stars at Knight After school Drama Club for children 7-18 yrs at Southlands Art Centre, 76 The Green, West Drayton. Tel: 0208 841 8940 / 07956 123626 e: starsatknightdrama@gmail.com www.starsatknight-schoolofdrama.co.uk Youths United Senior Youth Group in Denham, at Martin Bakers Social Club. Ages 12-18 years Wednesday evenings 7-309pm. Tel Joyce Haynes 01895 832643

Activities for families with children Children aged 0-5 years offered at The Denham and Gerrards Cross Children’s Centre, Nightingale Way, Denham, Bucks. UB9 5JL. Call 01895 835967

SELF DEFENCE... Karate Club of Denham For ages 5 years and up at New Denham Community Centre, Sundays 9.15-11am also at The Uxbridge Centre, The Greenway Wed, 5pm-7pm Tel: Dominic 07988 743725 Kung Fu Club West Drayton Every Tuesday 5.30-6.30, Friday 7.308.30, Sunday 5.30-6.30. West Drayton Community Centre, Harmondsworth Road, UB7 9JL. Contact Ella: 07702 479 435 or sportsclubuk@gmail.com Shotokan Karate Sports Hall, Tilehouse Lane, Denham for men, women and children age 8+. Monday, 7-8pm. Contact Erin on 01494 758079. See www.chilternkarate.co.uk Silat Kuntao Indonesian Self-Defence Traditional self-defence art from Central Java. Adult classes only. Mon and Wed 8pm-10pm at Denham Village Memorial Hall, Denham, UB9 5BN. Call Philip Davies 07790 496 346

SELF HELP & SUPPORT... Hillingdon Brain Tumour Group Support group held every 2nd Thurs of the month 12.30-2.30pm, Hillingdon Baptist Church, Hercies Rd, Hillingdon, UB10 9LS. Call 01895 637444. Slimming World New Denham Community Centre Tuesday, 10-11.30am. To register turn up at 10am, call Mandy 07879 897578

SOCIAL GROUPS...

Tiny Talk Baby Signing Classes Tuesday classes at St Mary’s Church Hall, High Street, Harefield UB9 6BX at 10am, price £5.00 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. Call Bev Meier 01895 824935 or 0781 8025993

Colne Valley Park Conservation Volunteers Every second weekend of the month. Hands on help to protect the wildlife and landscape of the regional park. For more details contact Steve Ord steven.ord@groundwork.org.uk or call 07718 043080. Denham Lions 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, 8pm at Denham Garden Village, Denham Green. 18+. info@denhamlions.org.uk Denham Wives Group Last Tuesday of each month at St. Mark’s Hall Denham Green 7.15pm. Contact Ann Collins 01895 833820 or acollins683@uwclub.net

Tiny Toes Childcare Full Day Care Nursery. Call 01753 655650 or tinytoes@ivercommunity.org

Friendly Whist Drive Harefield Community Centre, Priory Avenue, Harefield. Every Thurs 7.30pm.

Beginners welcome. Contact Lyn on 01923 820173 Rotaract Club of Langley & Iver Meet at 8pm every 2nd & 4th Tues of the month, the Red Lion Pub, Langley, SL3 7EN. A group of 18-30's. See www.langley-iver-rotaract.org.uk Slough Plus Meet at the Tower Arms in Iver, 4th Wednesday of the month, with weekly events and weekends away. All ages 20's-60's. Visit sloughplus.weebly.com Stoke Poges Bridge Club meet at St Andrew’s Church Hall in Rogers Lane, SL2 4LN on Monday from 1.30-5.30pm for players who want to improve their game. Call 01753 642 438 www.stokepogesbridgeclub.org.uk Uxbridge Conservative Club Bingo, Carpet Bowls, Table Tennis, Lunches, Quiz & Race Nights etc. at 46 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 1PJ. Contact Georgina Baile on 01895 233653 or 07778 348082, visit www.uxbconclub.com Women’s Social Group Social group for women. We meet regularly for coffee, a chat - open women of all ages. Please call Seema on 07730 898635 or email seemaa@seemaa.co.uk

SPORT... Denham Bowls Club Denham Way, Denham, UB9 5AX. Lawn Bowling. Coaching available. Call Brian Simpson (Sec) on 01895 834007 or Jenny Johns on 01895 833845 Denham Cricket Club Playing or social members welcome. Way & Tillard Memorial Cricket Ground, off Cheapside Lane, Denham Village. Tel: Bill Nicholas 01895 834527 Ladies Golf Every Mon & Wed, 10am at Rickmansworth Golf Club new members welcome. Email ladiescaptain@rick mansworthgolf club.co.uk for details. Learn to Sail! We are an RYA approved training centre new members welcome. FREE sailing tasters! www.kingsmeadsc.org.uk Pink Ladies Netball Club Training at Stockley Academy, West Drayton every Tues. Seniors16+yrs 7.30-9pm. Back to Netball 16+yrs 7.30-8.30pm. u16s for details 01895 448878 www.pinkladiesnetball.co.uk Table Tennis Denham Village Memorial Hall Tuesdays 5.30-10pm. Call Richard Cottle on 01895 835292

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28th & 29th Nov 5th, 6th, 12th & 13th Dec Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton, Road Station, Quainton near Aylesbury Bucks HP22 4BY

Marmalade and Mustard

  Ready in 2 hours 45 minutes, plus cooling  Glazed gammon is a

Glazed Gammon 

Serves 6-8

Christmas favourite – delicious hot from the oven as a festive supper or served cold as part of the Boxing Day buffet! Place the gammon joint in a large deep pan with the onion, carrot, bay leaves and peppercorns. Pour over enough cold water to cover the joint.

Ingredients: • 2.5kg smoked gammon joint

Bring to the boil then skim off any scum from the surface using a slotted spoon. Reduce the heat, cover and leave to simmer for 1� hours, topping up the water level as needed.

• 1 onion, peeled and quartered • 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped

Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4. Lift out the gammon from the pan and place in a foil-lined roasting tin (discard the cooking liquid). Leave to cool for 10 minutes. Cut away the skin from the gammon, leaving a thin layer of fat and score the fat into diamonds. Stud the scored fat with the cloves in an even pattern.

• 2 fresh bay leaves, plus extra to garnish • Few black peppercorns • 1 tbsp whole cloves • 3 tbsp shredless orange marmalade, warmed

Mix together the marmalade, honey, mustard and sugar and spoon all over the gammon fat. Roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes, basting regularly with the glaze and pan juices until the fat is golden. Serve hot or cold garnished with fresh bay leaves and orange wedges.

• 2 tbsp runny honey • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 3 tbsp light soft brown sugar • Orange wedges, to garnish 70

TIP

Add 1 tsp each ground cumin and ground coriander or a splash of Tabasco sauce to the glaze for a bit of extra spice, if liked.

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With the festive season upon us and as we wrap up a

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wonderful 2015, we wish to thank each and every one of our lovely customers for joining us this year here at The Swan...

We have our log fire crackling away, the decorations are up, there’s a hint of spice in the air… Topped off with plenty of festive cheer, it’s sure to be a very special Christmas here at The Swan! Don’t worry if you’re running ‘fashionably late’ with your party plans… If you’d still like to join us, please do give us a call or head online to check our last minute availability - and lets get the bauble rolling...

CHRISTMAS DAY & BOXING DAY... If you haven’t already heard… Having been asked many times over the years to open for Christmas Day lunch, we are delighted to announce that this year, we are! Our wonderful kitchen and front of house team shall be serving up a truly delicious five course menu to ensure that the main event is celebrated in true Swan style! If you are enjoying your turkey at home but plan to visit us for that festive tipple, please do pop in and see us on Boxing Day - We’re open for drinks from Noon until 5pm and are also serving a delicious menu until 4pm. We’d be thrilled to see you, so lets make it a Boxing Day date!

Oh and don’t forget!...

NEW YEAR’S DAY With small plates, big plates, delicious puds and a tipple to suit all stages of recovery, post NYE!… there’s no better way to start 2016 than with our famous NYD Brunch! (It’s a busy one, so booking essential) We look forward to celebrating the festive season with you...See you soon! Mark, Tucker & The Team

Back on the menu in the New Year… ~ Join us in January for the return of our Gourmet Burger Evening. Alongside our main menu we’ll be serving up a selection of mouth-watering ‘special editions’ of the old classic… Wednesday’s from 6pm ~ Make Friday fabulous with Fizz & Chip’s! Enjoy a delicious plate

of fish & chips or bangers & mash topped off with a glass of fizz, glass of house wine or a half pint of IPA for £9.75. Friday’s from 3pm - 6pm

The Swan Inn, Village Road, Denham, Bucks, UB9 5BH

01895 83 20 85 | info@swaninndenham.co.uk | www.swaninndenham.co.uk

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AN EXPERIENCED TEAM OF PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS

Clive

Nick

Erica

Dev

Chris

Sandra

Whilst we maybe new to Gerrards Cross – Gibbs Gillespie have been successfully selling & letting properties in the Middlesex, Hertfordshire & Buckinghamshire area for over 25 years. Call us to benefit from a fresh and motivated approach.

72 Magazine Advert 2.indd 1

T. 01753888866 E. gxsales@gibbs-gillespie.co.uk 17/03/2015 13:40