Ruislip April 15 by In and Around Publishing

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 

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 Well, that’s a month of birthday celebrations over, with two short trips to Portugal, another to Yorkshire and a rather mad weekend spent at a Butlins eighties weekend. This is without a doubt, about as much travelling and what could be deemed by some as ex cessive drinking, as Angela would usually fit into six months, let alone one single month. Of course, there is always a price to pay for enjoying oneself too much, so the end of the month swiftly paid her back with two succes sive colds and a complete email breakdown right on deadline. We’re now looking forward to normality and a much more sedate April, which other than trying to catch up on the work front (another penalty to be paid), will probably see us do ing little more than tidying up our gardens at some point whilst intermittently over indulging on Easter eggs and then trying to compensate by working the damage off at the gym. That’s unless the sun comes out of course, in which case, barbecues and beers at the ready. The gym can wait! .

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Finance: Challenger Banks 6 Golden years: memories of fifty years ago 8 Health: Put a Spring in Your Step 10 Coffee Break Puzzles 12 Kids Puzzle Page 14 Wildlife Zone 16 Property News 18 Puzzle Solutions 18 RSPCA 20 Zoe Hart 22 Interiors: Charming Country Style 24 And Another Thing 26 Breakthrough for Sciatica Sufferers 28 Property Matters 28 Writer Way 29 Ruislip Central Horticultural Society 32 Spring Motoring 33 Beauty: Spring into Summer 34 Motoring: 4 x 4s 36 Designer Life 38 Garden Feature 40 Life Begins 42 Reader Travel Offers 44 Karen Munro Careers 46 Hobbies: Time to get that Strictly sparkle 48 Local Telephone Numbers 50 Magazine Pick Up Points 50 What’s On Clubs, Groups & Classes 52, 54 & 56 Wordsearch 53 School Update 55 Local Events 57 & 58

  We are grateful for the support of local businesses whose adverts appear in this publication and whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions, claims made by advertisers or endorse companies, products or services. This publication, its contents and advert designs are © of In and Around Publishing. Any copying or reproduction in part or fully, is strictly forbidden without our prior consent.

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Finance Challenger Banks: What they Bring to a Tired Industry

   

By Ann Haldon

The UK banking industry has been severely damaged by scandals and misdeeds in recent years. The Libor incident when banks falsely manipulated interest rates, plus the infamous PPI mis-selling scandal, are just two reasons for public unease and mistrust. Poor levels of service and low saver rates have compounded a seemingly irresolvable problem, leaving customers with little recognition of the issues the banks were facing, and few alternative banking options.  But help may be at hand. The ‘Big Four’ - Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds – are now facing competition from challenger banks. New entrants to the banking industry include Metro, Aldermore and Charter Savings Bank, plus the re-emergence of an old, familiar high street name. We look a little closer at some offerings from these new banks, and see if they could really be a credible threat to established institutions.

A helping hand from the Payments Council

Although we are told to regularly switch suppliers in order to get the best deal, until recently there has been a general reluctance to switch bank accounts. This has partly been due to the risk of 

direct debit payments going awry during the switching process, but also because of the time taken to carry out the switch - previously as long as 30 working days in some instances. The introduction of a new 7-day account switching service in September 2013, however, has encouraged people to reconsider where their banking loyalties lie, and many have decided that they don’t lie with their current bank. Data released by the Payments Council shows a 12% year-on-year increase in people switching bank accounts during 2014, from 1.03 million in 2013 to 1.16 million.�Additional benefits of this new service include being able to choose the switch date, and a guarantee that customers will receive a refund for any charges and fees arising from errors in the switching process.

An old name on the high street

Not really a challenger bank, but a familiar name with a ‘new’ offering is TSB. Their strap line, “We’re different,” plus market positioning as champions of “local banking” offer a level and type of service once taken for granted when banking was a service industry rather than a huge selling machine. Here are some of the products currently on offer at TSB:

Current account • Classic Plus Account: credit interest rate of 5% variable AER on balances up to £2,000; minimum of £500 per month to be paid in; no monthly fee. Fixed Bond • Fixed interest rate of 1.35% gross/AER on £2,000+ for two years; interest paid monthly or annually. Credit card • 0% interest on purchases for up to 13 months if the 7-day switching service is used.

Metro Bank

Metro Bank operates from ‘stores’ throughout the south-east of England, with the emphasis firmly on convenience for their customers – stores are open 7 days per week, 362 days of the year. They have a familyfriendly policy that includes the Money Zone programme, in which they help children and students to learn about money management. Current account • No monthly fee; MasterCard contactless debit card; free transactions in Europe; cheque books printed while you wait. Fixed term savings • 3-year fixed rate account; annual interest rate of 1.90% gross/AER; choice of fixed rate terms of 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 3 years; interest

paid monthly or annually; minimum lump sum deposit of £500. Credit card • MasterCard contactless credit card; free transactions in Europe; no annual fee.

Aldermore

Aldermore has no branches, choosing to operate online and via telephone banking. This allows it to keep down costs, and its streamlined business model has been marketed towards helping small businesses and homeowners in the UK with savings and mortgage products. Fixed rate savings • 3-year fixed rate account currently offering 2.15% gross/AER annual interest; choice of fixed terms between 1 year and 5 years; a single lump sum deposit of £1,000 minimum; operated via the internet, by telephone, or post.

Charter Savings Bank

Dubbed a “UK bank for UK savers” Charter Savings Bank is another new entrant to the industry offering online and telephone banking services only. The bank is due to launch very soon, and a statement from CEO Ian Lonergan clarifies their aims, “Being granted this licence by the PRA [Prudential Regulation Authority] demonstrates the strength of our offering and the ambitious plans we have to champion savers and help them realise their financial goals.” The above are just a selection of products on offer by the banks mentioned – there are a variety of other accounts and products that may be more suitable depending on your circumstances. Modern IT systems have allowed these challenger banks to compete on a

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different platform to traditional high street banks, which are hindered by outdated infrastructures that are costly to maintain. The absence of bricks and mortar outlets also provides an opportunity to loosen the Big Four’s stranglehold on a banking industry desperate for some fresh competition. �http://www.paymentscouncil. org.uk/media_centre/press_ releases/-/page/3177/ http://www.tsb.co.uk/ https://www.metrobankonline. co.uk/ http://www.aldermore.co.uk/ http://www.chartersavingsbank. co.uk/?gclid=COaHvayfzcMC FeHLtAodMl4Atg http://www.computerweekly. com/news/2240237680/NewK-bank-harnesses-technologyto-compete-with-high-streetgiants

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Golden Years Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning Vampire was the world’s first single-engined jet fighter, the first jet to cross the Atlantic (in July 1948), and the first jet to take off from an aircraft carrier (oh, and to land on one); and in March 1948 it set the world altitude record of 59,446ft. (A few years later a Lightning climbed to 87,300ft!) These achievements were only accomplished on the back of other, less high-profile, advances in fields such as engine technology (English Electric experimented with a rocket-propelled version of the Lightning in the 1950s), avionics, weapons design, navigational radar, and air-to-air refuelling. Even the ejector seat was a British invention. TSR2 was to be the superplane that capped all these triumphs. A Mach 2 all-weather ultra low-level nuclear-capable twoseater penetration bomber and a hyper sophisticated high-level electronic reconnaissance spy-plane, packed with the latest avionics, it was reckoned capable of replacing every strike aircraft the RAF possessed, even the Vbombers. But TSR2’s development

costs overran horrendously; the Navy didn’t want it because it wouldn’t fly off a carrier; constant additions to the original specification handicapped its performance; and its handful of test-flights between September 1964 and March 1965 revealed a host of teething troubles that would be expensive to fix. While in opposition Labour had slated TSR2’s expense; within six months of coming to power they scrapped it. Having promised us the white heat of the technological revolution, Harold Wilson took quite a beating over the failure of TSR2. But he had maths on his side: TSR2 would have cost £16 million per plane and because American planes were built in far greater numbers and were therefore much cheaper, there was no chance of significant export sales. Scrapping it was the right decision. But that announcement in the Commons, mid-afternoon on 6th April 1965, proved the graveside prayer for an independent British military aviation industry. Since then every new RAF combat aircraft – the Jaguar, the Tornado, the Typhoon – has been a multinational effort; only the (comparatively) low-tech Hawk Trainer has been an all-British success story.

  

The introduction of Capital Gains Tax may have been the most significant measure in Jim Callaghan’s Budget of 6th April 1965. But it wasn’t what grabbed the headlines. The media spotlight fell instead on the announcement of the scrapping of Britain’s most glamorous, most prestigious, and most technologically advanced defence project of the time, possibly of all time: TSR2. It’s easy to forget that until then Britain led the world in aviation. Leaving their wartime achievements aside, in the 1940s and ‘50s British aircraft companies came up with the world’s first jet bomber (the Canberra), first delta-winged jet fighter (the Javelin), first and so far only VTOL fighter-bomber (the Harrier), first Mach 2 fighter (the Lightning), and first longrange jet bombers (the Victor, Valiant, and Vulcan). And that’s only the beginning of British aerospace achievements of the period. The De Havilland

On 24th April 1965, 2,000 people gathered at

Malham, Yorkshire, for the official opening of the final section of the Pennine Way footpath by the journalist , rambler, and visionary Tom Stephenson. Inspired by the creation of the Appalachian Way and by the 1932 Kinder Scout Mass Trespass, Stephenson founded the Pennine Way Association in 1938. The 286-mile footpath runs between Edale, Derbyshire, and Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border. 

Happy 50th birthdays to Robert Downey Jr (4th) and Anna Chancellor (27th). Cake and botox to you both!

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Put A Spring In Your Step

 By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk   

Many of us spend a lot of time on our feet (and if we don’t, we probably should). But we often take them for granted and don’t give them the necessary care, leading not only to problems with our feet themselves but potentially ankle, knee, hip and back problems too.

So with the weather improving and long country walks beckoning, here are a few tips to keep the spring in your step.

Practise good foot hygiene

Ideally you should wash your feet every day, but always when they’re dirty or sweaty. In the warm, poorly ventilated confines of socks and shoes, feet can quickly become irritated and sore. Drying them thoroughly is just as important too, especially the area between the toes – it’s often warm and moist there, so it’s a prime breeding ground for fungal infections such as Athlete’s Foot. Some fungal infections also infect the toenails, making them yellowybrown and brittle.

Beware foot bugs

Athlete’s Foot and Verrucas (or more properly, Verrucae) are sometimes contracted from public areas where 

people go barefoot. Verrucae, also known as plantar warts, are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. Swimming pools are the obvious culprit, although today many provide pool shoes or antiseptic foot baths to prevent crossinfection. But areas where people participate in barefoot activities (e.g. yoga or martial arts) pose a risk too, as do communal areas in hotels or spas.

Treat Athlete’s Foot swiftly before it spreads. You can buy anti-fungal treatments for Athlete’s Foot, and caustic gels to treat Verrucae too, although Verrucae sometimes disappear by themselves. If either condition persists, see your doctor. They can refer you to a chiropodist or podiatrist, or offer freezing treatments for Verrucae which may be effective.

Find the right footwear Ill-fitting shoes may cause friction, which can cause blisters or calluses (hard patches of skin), while constant pressure on a certain area of your foot can also cause corns, which can be very painful. These areas of hard skin usually protrude and have a hard core. Poorly

fitted footwear and pointed or heeled shoes can also be to blame for a bunion – a big toe joint that protrudes from the side of the foot. Bunions are the result of the first metatarsal bone and toe bone (phalanx) becoming displaced. Blister plasters will help to protect and heal blisters, while calluses can be tackled with foot files and moisturising creams. Corns and bunions can be more problematic though. Although corn treatments are available over the counter, you may need to need to visit a chiropodist to get rid of them for good, and bunions may require surgery. So it’s always best to eradicate the cause, as well as treat the symptoms, of these problems. Talking of heels – deep down, you know they’re bad for your feet (not to mention your knees, hips, back; shall I go on?). But if you really can’t resist them: • Avoid wearing them all the time (if they’re for a party or meeting, could you wear something lower while you’re travelling there?) • Vary the height of the heels you wear • Buy the lowest heels you can live with

Completely flat shoes aren’t ideal either, and can cause Achilles Tendonitis. Always make sure the back of your leg doesn’t feel strained when buying flat shoes - ensure they provide proper support and are at least a little higher at the heel than at the pad. As for flip-flops: they don’t provide proper support or protection for your feet and are not suitable for everyday wear, whatever the fashion gurus say. Save them for the beach.

Protect your feet when exercising

Wear trainers designed for exercise – don’t be tempted by cheap fashion trainers that don’t offer support or let your feet breathe, as these can cause pain in your back, hips, knees and ankles. Unsupportive footwear and jogging on hard surfaces

can cause heel spurs (small bony overgrowths on the heel bone) and plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the band of tissue under the sole. A proper warm up before exercise will help prevent damage to muscles and tendons.

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Shopping for shoes

When shopping for footwear, always think about how your feet feel – are they sore or too hot at the moment? Don’t shop for footwear in shoes that rub, and to avoid buying shoes that are too tight, shop in the afternoon when your feet will usually have swollen a little. Also, consider what you will be doing and wearing in the type of footwear you’re hoping to buy. If you’re searching for

walking boots, for instance, ensure you take thick socks along on your shopping trip, but if you’re after a pair of glamorous heels you’ll be wearing with tights, make sure that’s what you’re wearing when you try them on.

Remember, corns and bunions can be the result of a biomechanical or orthopaedic problem, so always visit a podiatrist to ask their opinion or ask your doctor, who can refer you to an NHS podiatrist or biomechanics clinic.

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The Wildlife Zone...FP (Apr15)_Layout 1 27/03/2015 10:47 Page 1

In and Around

THE WILDLIFE ZONE

holidays

A RARE BUTTERFLY N Free Drinks Private Charter

many 8otDAYS

people have heard

about one of Europe’s rarest FULL BOARD animals, PLUS FROMeven though it is also

one of the world’s most interesting insects. Recently I led a conservation project toppthe Alvao National Park mountains of northern Portugal where we aimed to improve the habitat quality of the Alcon blue butterfly. The group’s dominant question was, could we really assist this little creature in its desperate fight for survival? Being dedicated conservationists, we deeply wanted to prevent the butterfly from becoming another extinct species. But to do our job really well, and to maximize the results of our efforts, we had to understand the butterfly, what it does, its life cycle, and its preferred habitat. During our research, we learned that the Alcon blue is a smallish and delicate butterfly. The male is light blue which gives the butterfly its English name, whilst the female is brown. Their markings may not be the most spectacular of all butterflies, but they are still beautiful. With the Alvao park rangers we decided on the most important outcomes for our project. Our first priority became clear; it was to stabilize and maintain the Alcon blue’s present population. However, if it was possible, we also wanted to create the best living conditions so that the butterfly would also increase its population in the future. However, not all was straightforward, as the Alcon blue’s life cycle is an intricate one, with each delicate stage being riddled with dangers. It is imperative that each one of these phases is successfully completed every year. The male blue usually emerges in early July. However the timing of its annual appearance can alter depending on changes in climate. Arriving above ground level into a new and mysterious world, and having no parent to teach him, the Sept, 2015the - Quote RN9-IA male22 must investigate plants and meadows alone. Two weeks later, the more sombrely Andy is a Fellow of the coloured female emerges, mates with the males, and starts laying eggs. But the must hurry cruise as they only have four weeksthroughout to live. It is a very short Joinfemale us forbutterflies a scenic, fun-packed INCLUDED: Escorted abroad Linnean Society. He window in which must successfulVan to guarantee thetravel species She instinctively onboard thethey 4-star mpsbeRembrandt • Return rail fromsurvival. St Pancras (from Ebbsfleet writes for many knows that she must lay her eggs only on the Gentiana pneumonanthe which flowers in July. Rijn taking in Cologne, Koblenz, Cochem, on request) to Brussels with coach transfer to Within a few weeks the butterfly eggs have hatched into a caterpillar that eats the Gentiana’s publications, mounts Zell, Rudesheim and Boppard, where you’ll Cologne or return flights withfalls luggage from a developing seeds. When this eating stage of its life finishes, the caterpillar to the ground. photographic see the Rhine in die Flames festival. This However choice ofit UK - supp’t maythe apply • 7-night It is helpless, and will if it is left alone. is airports at this time when local ants, exhibitions, gives Myrmica, become part of the story. The ants are instinctively programmed to take the spectacular pyrotechnics show also full board cruise sharing a twin bed, main deck into their nests where it changes into a pupa. In their subterranean home the ants presentations and caterpillar features an illuminated flotilla of rear cabin - upgrades available • Beer, wine by the will feed on a deliciously sweet liquid secreted by the pupa for the next eleven months. The broadcasts the riverboats. Also enjoyirresistible. the BoppardThis Winesymbiotic glass, andrelationship soft drinks served at lunchunseen and dinner ants find it absolutely continues and 'Andy Mydellton underground Festival until featuring wines summer. from local and from 6pm to midnight at the bar the following Wildlife Zone' radio In late June thelive pupa is still the ants nest, but• Entertainment must soon find• Transfers a way out of its underground abroad vineyards, music andin entertainment. programme. home, or remain there and die. In early July the pupa metamorphoses once again and develops into a beautiful male butterfly. Most, if not all, Alcon blues somehow manage to find their way out. When they emerge, they find themselves in the same flower meadow where they s later developed into caterpillars. The new and eager male age were originally laid GN as Voy eggs and Alcon blues are ready for their part to play in the next chapter of this amazing saga. However, the same problems that faced the previous generations now face the present one. 2015-16 Conservationists think that it is important to monitor this stage of the cycle. One potential Cruis problem isesthat Climate Change has been proven to affect the synchronized timings of both flowers and insects. Therefore it is possible that those same effects could one day be a factor Holidays oﬀered by in this interaction between the Alcon blue and theGNGentiana. Voyages But there are also present day GN Holidays problems to overcome. If the Gentiana is grazed upon by agricultural animals such as goats and cows, then the butterflies’ life cycle would again be fatally broken. Fortunately the National & Voyages Park rangers have already made a practical agreement with the local farmer who owns these 2015-16 Higher Denham Escorted Holidays Therefore the butterflies’ most important extremely rare Gentiana meadows. Sea • River • Air • Rail areas in Alvao are safe from domestic grazing. breeding ABTA NoY0291 •ATOL 9362 Unfortunately another lingering problem remains: if the Gentiana living in 2015 plants, Gentiana these flower meadows are out-grown by other overpowering Escorted & River Cruise: Coach Holidays & Grea could still disappear. Therefore controlling these overpowering plants isOut also t Days www.gnvoyages.co.uk of utmost importance. Despite being in a sweltering 41 degree heatwave, the working party threw themselves into laborious ‘scrub-bashing’ and removed Coach Breaks: huge swathes of overpowering plants. RailIt• Airwas hard physical work. By www.gnholidays.com successfully completing our difficult task we managed to give the butterflies an advantage. Moreover, the same task can now be repeated in the Alvao Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays National Park’s other flower meadows. 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays All in all, this project was not only successful for conservationists, but we also Closed Bank Holiday weekends. managed to help the general public take a greater interest in their surrounding wildlife. But hopefully, the biggest winners in the next few years will be the Alcon blue butterflies ☎01895 83 33 33 themselves.

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.

Call 01895 83 33 33 for bookings and information

£999

   4-star Rhine in Flames & Moselle River Cruise

Escorted Holiday by Rail or Air

B U

Cruises & Escorted Holidays by Rail & Air www.gnholidays.com

Coach Holidays & Great Days Out

Departing from *Greenford, Harrow Ruislip, Uxbridge, Slough Maidenhead & *Staines

*Note: Due to drivers hours restrictions our day tours are not available from Greenford or Staines

Published: 26 January,

2015

The charities’ contact details are www.ffes.org.uk email: info@ffes.org.uk Call for Brochures 

B &

Coach Breaks departing from Uxbridge, Ruislip & Slough QUOTE: BC5/6/7/8-IA

QUOTE: HI5/7-IA



Bourton On The Water & Stratford Upon Avon Afternoon Tea Cruise Great Day Out, £49pp

Prince Of Wales’ Private Garden at Highgrove & Lunch Great Day Out, £89pp

Departures: 14 May, 11 Jun, 30 Jul, 6 & 13 Aug, 2015

Departures: Wed 20 May & Tues 21 July, 2015

INCLUDED: Free time in Bourton on the Water • 1 ⁄ -hour

INCLUDED: 2-hour guided tour of Prince Charles’

River Avon Cruise on the Countess of Evesham with

private garden at Highgrove • 2-course lunch at the

afternoon tea on board • Return coach travel

Hare and Hounds Hotel, Tetbury • Return coach travel

1 2

QUOTE: BU8-IA

Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Gardens plus Tea on the Thames Great Day Out, £89pp Departs Thursday 27 August, 2015 INCLUDED: Admission to Buckingham Palace State Rooms and Gardens • Afternoon Tea on the Thames on the Yacht London • Return coach travel

QUOTE: NQ9-IA

Newquay & the Cornish Riviera Plus the Eden Project 5 Days Half Board, £329pp Departs Saturday 19 September, 2015 INCLUDED: 4 nights stay at the Barrowfield Hotel, Newquay • 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners • Excursions take in St Ives, Looe, Polperro & the Eden Project • Coach travel and excursions 

             Mr Gibbs said: “I was asked to give my profes sional opinion on the issue of property blight caused by HS2 if it goes ahead. I feel desperately sorry for people who are potentially affected. De pending on how close a property is to the sug gested route deems it unsellable or having up to James Gibbs, of Gibbs Gillespie, was called in as 50 per cent reduced from its usual value. a local property expert witness by petitioner, Mike Fosberry, who is part of the campaign to stop the “The level of compen sation currently being multibillion pound scheme going ahead. offered is woeful and review Gibbs Gillespie has offices in several areas poten n e e d s Compulsory tially affected by the proposed rail link which ing. would touch South Ruislip, Ruislip, Ickenham, purchases currently Denham, West Hyde, Harefield and the Chalfonts. do not take into ac count any of the other Mr Gibbs, addressed the High Speed Rail com moving costs such as mittee led by Robert Syms MP and including Sir stamp duty.” Peter Bottomley at the Houses of Parliament, in Westminster.

The coowner of a local estate agency gave his expert opinion to a Parliamentary Select Commit tee last week (Wednesday 11th March) on the ‘devastating impact’ HS2 could have on property values in the areas it touches.

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 

bies are only a few weeks old and still need to be with their mum,” said Sarah. We are looking for kind responsible owners, who are confident handlers and preferably experienced hamster owners as some of the furries haven’t been picked up much before.

It’s hamster city over at RSPCA Middlesex North “They are so very sweet – like little gems. So we West Branch at the moment, where 13 fluffy critters have named them after precious stones,” said have taken up residence. Sarah. They were rescued from a home in Aylesbury by If you, or anyone you know would like to adopt a an RSPCA Inspector from cramped dirty condi precious gem of a hamster please encourage them tions, and the owner simply couldn’t cope. to contact us. Please call    or email “It’s rare we take in animals from so far away, but  if you would like to here at the RSPCA we always do our best to help adopt a hamster today. Thank you. each other out, and so we made space for these little chaps,” said Sarah Parkes, Animal Welfare Officer. The original owner had adopted the hamsters from a pet shop, and due to a sexing mixup they had started to breed. Within the space of twelve months he had gone from two hamsters to thirteen! The hamsters are now in clean cosy cages of their own with a wheel, plenty of food and hidey holes. There are boys and girls of all colours, and even a tiny hamster family of mum and two baby boys. “All of the hamsters are in good health and are looking for a special forever home. Most are ready to go right away, apart from the family as the ba 

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Zoe Hart FP+ (Apr15)_Layout 1 27/03/2015 12:35 Page 1

Age appropriate music Every parents mineﬁeld?  Not any more! ZOE HART an international club DJ since 1999, turned Childrens Entertainer in 2012.

Hi, I’m Zoe and I run a local children’s disco service. In todays world we are constantly bombarded with information and not enough time to absorb and filter it for our children, so I thought I’d help a little, at least in the area that I’m good at. Music!

She is also a qualified yoga teacher and EI and mindfulness practitioner. Her company ‘Hart Entertainments’ provides quality conscious discos for children of all ages in the Bucks, Middlesex and West London areas.

Each month I’ll review a selection of the top 40 hits, detailing the artists and the tracks that have caught mine and the kids attention.

www.zoehart.co.uk - 07747 063 149

YEARS AND YEARS – King

I DON’T MIND – Usher

Lovely tune, really dancey. There’s nothing in the lyrics that the kids can’t hear, but the YouTube video has quite a AGE AGE drugy image. 5-7 16+

HEARTBEAT SONG - Kelly Clarkson A really lovely song, upbeat and positive. The video is beautiful too, all the joys of innocent love and relationships. Great for teenagers who think it’ll never happen for AGE them! 0+

HOLD BACK THE RIVER - James Bay Great track from this 24 year old from Hertfordshire. Add it to your in-car journey playlist and keep your eye on this fabulous AGE young UK talent. 0+

This month’s favourite DOING IT – Charlie XCX featuring Rita Ora Surprise favorite this month from this amazing young lady from Cambridge. With support from her parents since age 14, hers is an inspiring story for any aspiring female vocalist. This track I originally thought was about having sex, but it transpires it’s about two girlfriends getting together and having the best fun ever. AGE Video not age appropriate though (16+).

10+

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Another sensational track from Usher. NOT! I quite like the tune, but then the rude words kick in and it’s all very clear what it’s about. (His girlfriend is an exotic dancer, which he doesn’t mind about, just as long as he gets to call her his b**ch!) I mean really, who wants to be AGE called that as a term of endearment?

18+

LAY ME DOWN – Sam Smith featuring John Legend Beautiful song, sung very soulfully. It’s promoting gay rights marriage, you wouldn’t know that listening to it, it was only because I read Sam Smiths YouTube post that I do know. Nothing AGE inappropriate in the words or the video.

G.D.F.R. Flo Rida featuring Sage the Gemini Not a bad tune, awful lyrics don’t even make sense! They’re objectifying women whatever they’re saying.

AGE

17+

If you want a track reviewed, I do take requests. Just email me at zoe@zoehart.co.uk.

Zoe

References: mtv.co.uk, Wikipedia.co.uk, azlyrics.com, whosay.com, musicinsideu.com, lyricinterpretations.com, songfacts.com, youtube, vevo.

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Home & Interiors Charming Country Style

By Katherine Sorrell

farmhouse practicality, cottage cosiness and country-house comfort, where furniture, fabrics and accessories of all sorts are completely informal, yet somehow seem to work wonderfully together.

and complement them with a large, open dresser. And some distressed paintwork here and there only enhances the overall effect.

  

Cosy, comfortable and oh-so pretty, country style has eternal appeal. Think roses winding around the porch, crackling log fires, chickens in the yard and a Victoria sponge cooling on the range cooker. As interiors expert Katherine Sorrell says, who could resist? Do you dream of escaping the rat race for a rural idyll? Moving to the country may be a fantasy for many of us, but even if you can’t actually make the move, you can evoke a charming country style in your home – wherever it may be. The aim is to create a look that appears to have evolved naturally over time. It’s a combination of 

Overall, choose either off-white or pastel walls, or perhaps a block-printed wallpaper, the latter featuring delicate, trailing florals or something more bold and blowsy. Tactile, natural floor coverings such as sisal, jute or coir have the right kind of honest and hardworking good looks, while rugs are warm and practical, be they oriental, Indian, Middle Eastern, rag, flatwoven or needlework. If they are even a little threadbare, don’t worry too much.

With furniture, keep an eye on balance and proportion. You can put all kinds of styles together if you keep an eye on their size and scale. It might be a Georgian, Victorian or early 20th century piece, antique, junk-shop, hand-me-down or homemade, but it should never look overtly modern and always be sturdy, simple and generously sized. Squashy sofas, generous armchairs, plain wooden chairs, benches and stools, and the occasional wirework or Lloyd Loom piece are all key. Add dining chairs with ladder or spindle backs, plus a scrubbed-pine table,

When choosing fabrics, for curtains, cushions, upholstery, bed linen and so on, don’t go overboard on co-ordination: an informal mix of gently worn patterns gives a lovely effect. Texture is as important as pattern, so opt for a combination that could include florals, tweed, ginghams, stripes, polka dots, paisley, tapestry, embroidery and textured plains such as linen, wool, velvet or mohair. For a hand-made, vintage feel, include some knitting or crochet, too. In style, window treatments should be understated – perhaps a Roman blind with a decorative trim, or a pair of full-length, gathered curtains and a simple pelmet. As for upholstery, ensure it is well-stuffed and comfortable, employing fabric that is warm and welcoming. Piping looks smart and traditional, but the occasional frilled edging can be delightful. Complete the effect with piles of throws,

blankets and cushions of all shapes and sizes. Lighting can make or break a room, and it’s worth remembering that a single central pendant is rarely the best option. To provide more variety and flexibility, add table and floor lamps to brighten corners and illuminate work areas: wrought iron, brass, turnedwood, frilly-edged glass, plaster or ceramic bases, with understated fabric or card shades, are all great choices. A few candles dotted here and there and, of course, the appealing flicker of a real fire, will really enhance the atmosphere.

prints, needlepoint or crossstitch samplers or woodblock illustrations; silverframed family photographs might spread across shelves and mantelpieces. Wicker baskets and wooden boxes make goodlooking storage solutions, while it goes without saying that chintz, blue-and-white or spongeware crockery is just the thing for displaying on the dresser. You could make a display from cooking equipment such as jelly moulds or copper pans, or collections of natural items such as pebbles or pine cones. To finish the whole look off, arrange masses of fresh flowers in informal containers – jam jars, mugs or enamel pitchers, perhaps – to give a fresh scent of the country, whatever your location.

 

As for accessories, any number of extra touches will transform your home into a special country retreat. For walls, it might be watercolour landscapes or botanical

Top left - Alderney Armchair in Design Lab Occipinti Wisteria White and Purple, £635, Sofa.com, 0845 400 2222. Above - Hand-painted kitchen, from £16,000, Rencraft, 01732 762682; www.rencraft.co.uk. Bottom left - Monocle side table, £225, Loaf, 0845 468 0698; www.loaf.com..

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Beauty   And

Another Spring into Summer Thing... by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

f you haven’t already Ah spring… time to scrabble Tom Hughes bookedby yourself in in the loft for skirts and for a post-winter facial, sleeveless dresses, pack the now’s the time to do winter woollies away and so. Cold winds and air maybe the shops his ease. “Tom, I’m even sick of hit wearing tested you before, have I?” conditioning are not the glasses, I want my eyes to see what new trends will “Hello. I’ve just been next door “I don’t think so”. best combination for great lasered. us. YouAnd, shouldof getcourse, them to Co-Op Travel asking about tempt it’s “No. I’d have remembered. looking skin. A facial can done too”. an eye test and they told me to Come not just clothes that change in then”. help to give you your come in here”. “Listen,the the seasons. nearest I’ll get with Make-up Through his enormous lenses ‘glow’ back. Keep the to a laser is watching Star “Tom stop it, he won’t get your his big saucer eyes bored follows its own fashions good work up at home, Wars. Have you seen how silly joke”, Sarah said. into me. Sat in the hot seat, and year there are a few muchthis they charge? It’s eye with an all over exfoliation “Very well sir, have you an I watched as he removed his surprises in store. The lightly watering”. Pleased with my and moisture boost. Think appointment?” glasses and began cleaning little joke, I returned to my bronzed skin and pearly pale scrubs, oils andHenourishing them with his tie. looked “Yes. Mr and Mrs Hughes”. copy of Ford Mondeo Monthly.come And more. we mean eyeshadow that we’ve to upmasks. at me once His all “One moment please. I’ll go Sarah however, was not for eyes Then over.had It’sdisappeared! easy to neglect expect from spring/summer and speak to our Optician”. dissuading. back on went the glasses our hands, lips and feet, so are making an appearanceSarah took her seat while I “OK then, what about contact and...zoom! Thethe huge pupils do give them attention went to examine some frames. again, lenses?”but we’re also seeing returned. they “Whatand do you think of these bright red lips, black eyeliner “No. I’m happy with my darling?” deserve. Try the“Now relax while I dim the splashes oflooking bold colour. glasses. I like over lights”. Mini Pamper Kit “Put them back, you look like them at people. It makes me If I wasn’t nervous beforehand, by Olivier Bonas, Michael Gove”. feel superior”. angerine is a key I was now. with itsashea butter A chubby little man with built colour for spring this “Well you can feel superior enriched hand Letters appeared on the up shoe limped into reception tomorrow, we’ve got a double year. It can be surprisingly whiteboard opposite. My “Mr Hughes?” cream and lip balm. appointment at the Opticians”. wearable if you stick to just torturer settled in besides me, from www. I nodded, gulping£15 nervously. A a splash. I hate Opticians, it’s the fearThink a tangerine a little too close for comfort for fat index finger beckoned me oliverbonas.com of getting the testclutch, wrong and my liking. necklaceinside. or nail feeling stupid. I usually endNot convinced? varnish. “Now can you read left to right, “Come with me dear”. up guessing. AndApricot I don’t like is a good to bottom”. h the joy of top opening a pristine new sitting in the dark either. I looked at Sarah, who alternative. We Dear? particularly eyeshadow “K palette. The Urban Decay no er, Y? urged me to follow saying, “Go The sliding doorslove swished the new Colour Naked 3 Palette“Now wasTom, on many a girl’s don’t guess”. on, we haven’t got all day.... open and we were greeted Crush Nail Varnish in Christmas wish The list last year, but itover, pretty dear”. letter business the by a nice young man who I Apricot Kiss, by The Body much caused a stampede when it was Optician then did something guessed from the green name He paused at the door to his Shop. dryingchamber, and launched outweird. of stock in no atime. really Grabbing torch, badge went by the nameIt’s of quick torture looked me and up was a steal at at £5. and down and said, And for not.... good reason. justto he put Urban his faceDecay right next Adam. I thought I’d put him “I’ve

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 

over ahow smalltofortune we both we use a perfume, the less we frequently know stumbled outside,can nowdetect it. Spring is the perfect time to do palettes. with our twenty twenty treat yourself to a new fragrance; while They vision supposedlywe crave warm, sensual fragrances in combine restored. winter, the new season demands a lighter, colours As we groped way scent. The newly released Guerlain that ourfresher to the car park, I could La Petite Robe is a good contender, really hear people tutting and Outside in reception I found as it teams rose with the freshness of work oh-dearing as we passed. Sarah, relaxing after her bergamot and just a hint of together examination. One elderly lady stopped me raspberry. However, and (unlike cheaper and taking hold of my hand “Well I won’t be going in there if you’re looking for a alternatives) put from said, again. I nearly chinned him.stay I down the highshow-stopper, street, doing our real morning ‘til night. The latest offering thought he was going to throw “Whatever tragedy has best to avoid theunashamedly lamp posts. that’s features array of neutral colours the lips onan me”. happened my loves, Eventually we madeyou it back to feminine, can’t that work on most skin-tones, from remember, time is a great “Tom, he uses an the shop.beat Lancome La shimmering baby to smokey-eye healer”. ophthalmoscope to pink test for “Listen, can Vie we Estchange Belle.our Iris, essentials. Thankfully, has at Sarah, she looked high blood pressure, youthe frenzy I looked minds? jasmine, We just need to buy dope”. orange now died down, and you can pick up at me. Our eyes were both red some normal glasses”. blossom and your newhe palette from told House ofand Fraser streaming. “Oh, well could have “That’s no problem combine sir, but I to patchouli for me”.£38. “I can’t see a blooming thing”. think you’ll have to try next create a fragrance Then it was time for our “Neither can I”. door. This is Co-Op Travel”. that will get heads t is alllenses. too easy to get stuck in a contact Adam “Look this is ridiculous, let’s go demonstrated technique turning. From £45 at perfume rut,the spritzing our ‘signature Follow Tom’s escapades at back”. for putting themafter in. We groomsdaybook.com Debenhams. scent’ on day day. But the more mine, as in right next, and shone it into my eyes. All I could hear and feel was his breath on my cheek. When, for a second, our noses touched, it was all I could do to stay seated.

followed suit. After handing

We retraced our steps

Twitter @groomsdaybook





Property



 I recently noticed a lock up garage in a “much sought after area” for sale for £20,000. It was one of a row of garages, the kind of thing that was popular in the 60s and 70s when car ownership became much more widespread but a lot of houses did not have a garage. This seemed like a lot of money for a ramshackle building not much bigger than a garden shed with no windows and no elec tricity. Besides, who would want to park their car half a mile from where they live? A quick search on Rightmove revealed quite a few old lock ups for sale, many of them in not particu larly desirable areas, all on the market for between £15 and 20,000. There is an explanation for this phenomenon. Many of the areas that have become gentrified over the last 20 years or so have housing stock predominantly made up of terraces that have no off street parking; even the amount of on street parking is limited. For an up and coming young executive with a £50,000 car, the idea of shelling out a fraction of that amount to protect his pride 

and joy is a tempting one. Another growing trend is owning a classic car or track day car that is only used occasionally. Such vehicles really do need to be kept in a garage. If the garage happens to be half a mile away, that isn’t a problem – the owner can drive there in their everyday car. For those looking to make a modest investment in commercial property, a lock up garage makes a lot of sense. The rental income from a single garage is typically £7080 per month. If you paid £15,000 for the property, that would mean a yield of between 5.6 and 6.4%, not bad for a property that requires virtually no maintenance and is not subject to any regulation. Increasingly, lock ups are being demol ished for use as building land. Now is a good time to buy. 

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Recruiting NOW Foster carers and adopters needed  

Find out more at our information events Tuesday 21 April, 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tuesday 12 May, 6.30pm to 8.30pm Civic Centre, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW Please arrive five minutes before the start time.

Book your place today

fost-adopt@ hillingdon.gov.uk 0800 783 1298

www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fost-adopt 

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RCHS FP (Apr15)_Layout 1 27/03/2015 11:22 Page 1

  SPRING IS SPRUNG

Indian Bean Tree (Caltalpa Bignoioides) in a pot, in flower

AS new life starts to erupt all around the garden I thought it would be a great time to tell you about a ‘new idea’ that has taken off within the RCHS. As I mentioned last year, horticultural societies nationally are struggling to recruit up-and-coming young enthusiastic gardeners to take over from the aching back, sore hands, lifting and humping around that we have done for years. Maybe one of the contributing factors is everything is available from wherever, whenever you need it. Just pop on the internet and there you have it, 24 hours later, delivered to your front door, I’m sure it’s even possible to buy an instant garden! Well, I am proud to say that three local schools in Ruislip have found the time to come on board and join the RCHS in our latest venture. Patricia Swindells, who is Show Manager on the Committee of the RCHS, explains about this exciting event... Spring is the time for looking towards the future. Every year the RCHS looks for ideas and initiatives that will benefit not only the existing membership but also the future members who are only just beginning their journey towards becoming enthusiastic gardeners. At the Spring Show (Saturday, March 28th) there was a new category in the schedule: “Spring is Sprung” especially for Primary Schools in Ruislip. The schools have been challenged to produce a display of spring bulbs grown in a wheelbarrow. Three schools took up the challenge: The Sacred Heart, South Ruislip and Lady Bankes Primary Schools. RCHS gave all three schools the same components to work with for this challenge. The pupils will be able to submit photographs of their progress as well as write or draw on the given theme. The Society hopes that this initiative will not only encourage youngsters and their families to become involved with the RCHS but also this will support the Science curriculum in the schools by giving the pupils hands on experience of growing plants. The competition also allows a lot of cross

The RCHS has the great pleasure of welcoming Christine Walkden from BBC1 on Tuesday May 26th at 8pm for an “Evening with Christine Walkden” There a few tickets still remaining priced at £10 each. Call Warren on 01923 451616. 

Indian Bean Tree pruned in early Spring

curriculum work in the areas of Art, Reading, Writing and Mathematics as well as allowing the pupils to experience co-operation in working towards a successful goal. All three schools already have thriving gardens but this competition gives the pupils a particular focus and the chance to measure themselves against others. The Committee hopes that this initiative will be successful and become a regular feature of the Spring Show with more Primary Schools taking up the challenge in future years. There has been a long-standing category that has been open to children of members and non-members who are 12 years and under: that of section I. In this section the entrants can enter any item made or grown by a child who is 12 years and under. This is such a wide category that it should encourage many youngsters to enter. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to encourage and foster the love for all things horticultural within the future generations. The committee is always looking for new ideas that would benefit the Society so if you have any ideas or suggestions then please get in touch with any member of the committee. The schedule for the Summer and Autumn shows in June and September can be viewed and downloaded from the RCHS website http://ruisliphorticultural.org.uk/2015-show-schedule/

GARDENING TIPS Just because you don’t have acres and acres of garden, and rolling pastures where you can create your own forest or parkland does not mean you can’t enjoy the spectacular show of ornamental trees. Did you know that if you prune certain trees back hard, you will in actual fact encourage very large leaf growth. You may sacrifice the flowers of certain trees or large shrubs, however the foliage can be magnificent. I have for example in a pot, admittedly the pot is very large (pictured above), an Indian Bean Tree (Catalpa Bignonioides). I prune this right back at this time of year literally to just over 2 foot high. The result is fantastic large leaves, sometimes reaching 6 inches wide! Another shrub I prune back very hard is my “Smoke Bush” (Cotinus Grace.) Again I loose the “Smoke” effect of the flowers, however the leaves which are a fantastic dark purple will be double the size of a shrub that is left to its own devises. So just because you may have a ‘small’ garden, does not mean you can’t have the ‘larger trees.’ We have had a lot of ‘mail bag’ questions this month of which all have been answered but please keep sending any questions in to rchstalks@gmail.com Join us next month, when we will be bringing you a recipe for ‘Elderflower Cordial’ and advice on making your own.

Warren

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Beauty    Spring into Summer by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk Ah spring… time to scrabble in the loft for skirts and sleeveless dresses, pack the winter woollies away and maybe even hit the shops to see what new trends will tempt us. And, of course, it’s not just clothes that change with the seasons. Make-up follows its own fashions and this year there are a few surprises in store. The lightly bronzed skin and pearly pale eyeshadow that we’ve come to expect from spring/summer are making an appearance again, but we’re also seeing bright red lips, black eyeliner and splashes of bold colour.

angerine is a key colour for spring this year. It can be surprisingly wearable if you stick to just a splash. Think a tangerine clutch, necklace or nail varnish. Not convinced? Apricot is a good alternative. We particularly love the new Colour Crush Nail Varnish in Apricot Kiss, by The Body Shop. It’s quick drying and a steal at £5.

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f you haven’t already booked yourself in for a post-winter facial, now’s the time to do so. Cold winds and air conditioning are not the best combination for great looking skin. A facial can help to give you your ‘glow’ back. Keep the good work up at home, with an all over exfoliation and moisture boost. Think scrubs, oils and nourishing masks. And we mean all over. It’s easy to neglect our hands, lips and feet, so do give them the attention they deserve. Try the Mini Pamper Kit by Olivier Bonas, with its shea butter enriched hand cream and lip balm. £15 from www. oliverbonas.com

h the joy of opening a pristine new eyeshadow palette. The Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette was on many a girl’s Christmas wish list last year, but it pretty much caused a stampede when it was launched and was out of stock in no time. And for good reason. Urban Decay just

know how to do palettes. They combine colours that really work together and (unlike cheaper alternatives) stay put from morning ‘til night. The latest offering features an array of neutral colours that work on most skin-tones, from shimmering baby pink to smokey-eye essentials. Thankfully, the frenzy has now died down, and you can pick up your new palette from House of Fraser for £38.

frequently we use a perfume, the less we can detect it. Spring is the perfect time to treat yourself to a new fragrance; while we crave warm, sensual fragrances in winter, the new season demands a lighter, fresher scent. The newly released Guerlain La Petite Robe is a good contender, as it teams rose with the freshness of bergamot and just a hint of raspberry. However, if you’re looking for a real show-stopper, that’s unashamedly feminine, you can’t beat Lancome La Vie Est Belle. Iris, jasmine, orange blossom and patchouli combine to create a fragrance that will get heads turning. From £45 at Debenhams.

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t is all too easy to get stuck in a perfume rut, spritzing our ‘signature scent’ on day after day. But the more

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Home & Interiors

Motoring Charming Country Style

4 x 4s

By Katherine Sorrell

By James Baggott @CarDealerEd farmhouse practicality,

and complement them with cottage cosiness and a large, open dresser. And country-house someschool, distressed paintwork The extent of your off-roading might simply be bumping upcomfort, the kerb outside but it’s always nice furniture, fabrics here anditthere to know the car of your choice can handlewhere the rough stuff should you ever need to. only enhances and accessories of all the overall effect. are all completely Here we’ve listed our favourite off-roaders.sorts They’re fully equipped to take you off the beaten track When choosing fabrics, informal,when yet somehow should you want them to, but are just as prepared it comes to getting your family home safely on for curtains, cushions, seem to work icy roads. upholstery, bed linen and so wonderfully together. on, don’t go overboard on Honda CR-V Overall, choose either co-ordination: an informal The Honda CR-V makes a great case for family buyers – and it’s off-white or pastel mix of gently worn patterns just as capable of hitting the road less travelled. Stylish looks and walls, or perhaps a gives a lovely effect. Texture new efficient diesel engines, capable of up to 62.8mpg, make this block-printed wallpaper, is as important as pattern, 4x4 extremely appealing. Combine that with masses of boot space, the latter featuring so opt for a combination that foldingdelicate, rear seats for extra flexibility and extensive safety features, trailing florals could include florals, tweed, and it’sorideal for a growing family. something more bold ginghams, stripes, polka dots, and blowsy. Tactile, paisley, tapestry, embroidery Volvonatural XC90 floor coverings and textured plains such New tosuch the market in 2014, already made as sisal, jute orthe Volvo asXC90 linen,has wool, velvet or a massive impression. A striking to amake any Range coir have the right kind and stylish mohair.car For hand-made, Cosy, comfortable and Rover of driver thinkand twice, it’s packedvintage with Volvo’s safety and honest hardfeel, latest include some crash-prevention technology. Spaceknitting is generous inside, too. with In seats working good looks, while or crochet, oh-so pretty, country style rugs arefold warm and practical, window treatments that can in various formations tostyle, suit your needs. It doesn’t has eternal appeal. Think be they oriental, Indian, should be understated come cheap though! – perhaps a Roman blind roses winding around the Middle Eastern, rag, flatwoven or needlework. If they with a decorative trim, or a Mini Countryman porch, crackling log fires, are even little threadbare, of full-length, gathered If you wanta quirky styling but aren’t pair looking for a huge SUV, look don’t worry too much. curtains and a simple pelmet. chickens in the yard and no further than the Mini Countryman. It offers five seats, five doors As forcat. upholstery, ensure and enough space to an swing It might not be theit is furniture, keep eyea very small a Victoria sponge cooling With and comfortable, most practical carproportion. for five adults butwell-stuffed you’ll fit in, while all-wheel on balance and employing fabric that is warm on the range cooker. As drivecan means can take off-road where it’s surprisingly You put you all kinds of this Mini and welcoming. Piping looks capable. together if you keep interiors expert Katherine styles smart and traditional, but the an eye on their size and occasional frilled edging can Sorrell says, who could scale. It might be a Georgian, Suzuki Grand Vitara be delightful. Complete the Victorian orGrand early 20th resist? The Suzuki Vitaracentury will pleaseeffect thosewith buyers looking for value piles of throws, piece, antique, junk-shop,It’s cheaper than most of its rivals and for money and practicality. Do you dream of escaping hand-me-down homethis year’s modelor will be available from £14,000. For their money, the rat race for a rural idyll? made, but itloads should never look owners get of interior space, plus a decent level of safety Moving to the country may overtly and always be and techmodern kit. It’s rugged and performs well off road, but those be a fantasy for many of us, sturdy, simple and generously considering it should opt for the more economical diesel engine. but even if you can’t actually sized. Squashy sofas, make the move, you can generous armchairs, plain Kia Sportage evoke a charming country wooden chairs, benches and The Kiaand Sportage might not offer top-level quality, but it’s still style in your home – wherever stools, the occasional spacious and comfortable enough for driving everyday. Running it may be. The aim is to wirework or Lloyd Loom piece costs extremely reasonable create a look that appears to are allare key. Add dining chairs and those opting for the 1.7-litre have evolved naturally over dieselladder engineorwill be able to achieve a reasonable 54.3mpg. Kia’s with spindle backs, time. It’s a combination of seven-year warranty makes plus a scrubbed-pine table,this car, with prices starting from

 

£17,500, even more appealing.

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Designer Life (Apr15)_Layout 1 27/03/2015 16:23 Page 1

The Power of Listening THESE are some of the things we think and say when we feel unheard. Whether it’s our children, spouse, friends, family, boss, we have encountered not being listened to and know how frustrating that can be at times.

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On the other hand, it could also be us who are not listening…

www.designerlife.co.uk neelam@designerlife.co.uk

Neelam Challoner is one of UK’s leading Life coaches, specialising in Re-designing women’s lives and is the founder and owner of Designer life Coaching and the Author of ‘Successful but Incomplete’. Neelam has coached hundreds of people nationally and internationally since 2004. With over 15 years experience in leadership, she has a flair for getting the best out of people. Her clients range from professionals, high net worth individuals, and solo business owners, to unemployed, single parents and women who have suffered domestic abuse. She has empowered and coached both privately and in the public sector pan London and in the Hillingdon Borough and is relentless on her mission to inspire and motivate people to release their potential and live a ‘Designer life’.

People who listen tend to respond more effectively and tend to offer superior solutions that come from retrieving quality information and facts beforehand, the person, or persons then feel they have been clearly understood and value the opinion. There are times when we don’t listen to our spouse, our children our colleagues or friends… Often we think we are, but we are either distracted or simply don’t know how to listen. Can you think of times when you have not listened to someone close to you? In this respect, listening is a gift, a gift we can give to others. By listening we pay someone a compliment, demonstrating to them that we care about what they have to say. I was reminded recently of the fact that we have two ears and one mouth, which maybe our Creator’s way of saying we should ‘listen more and speak less.’ As a trained and qualified coach one of the things we need to do well is listen. When I first began my training as a Coach I read about the “4 levels of listening” and although there is more detailed information around this subject, I am going to share these simple levels that I learned over 10 years ago which have become very valuable to me, not just in my coaching practice, but in my marriage, with my family and with my friends. THE 4 LEVELS OF LISTENING 1. Cosmetic – looks like you are listening, but you are someplace else, you may say “what did you just say?” 2. Conversational – you are engaged, listening, talking, thinking, listening, thinking, talking etc 3. Active – you focused on what is being said, recording facts and paying attention, processing and clarifying the information 4. Deep – you are focused on the person talking, more than on yourself, you get a sense of who they are, and what they are really saying or meaning, your mind (as the listener) maybe quiet or calm and you are totally present. There are appropriate times to use the different levels of listening, so I leave that up to you to decide which level is best when. “Seek first to understand and then you will be understood” Ref Source; The Coaching Manual by Julie Starr

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Neelam

  

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Grow Your Own 

I’m a great fan of home grown vegetables, particularly as growing my own allows me to choose to eat only organically grown fruit and vegetables, which are free from chemical pesticides. Those of us with a good sized vegetable plot are lucky, but what if you have only a tiny patio garden or backyard? Lack of open ground does not mean that you have to stick to growing flowers - you can brighten up your backyard and your supper table with some good looking vegetables, home grown in containers.

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by Pippa Greenwood   good. In addition, they often seem to contain pretty poor compost and, when it comes to keeping growing bags adequately watered, they are nothing short of a nightmare. If you want something which really looks good, then large flower pots or planters are the best bet. You can use terracotta, plastic or glazed pots, which can always be used for flowers at a later date if you wish. Good drainage is vital, and so make sure that the containers are well supplied with drainage holes, and that you have a layer of broken pots on top.

It is important to use large containers. Smaller ones may look fine but most vegetables need an evenly moist compost around their roots at all times, and so a larger volume of compost is much easier to look after. They will need to be positioned in a sunny spot as vegetables won’t crop well in a gloomy position.

When it comes to compost I find that either a standard multi-purpose or a multipurpose compost mixed with a loam based compost works well, producing good crops and being fairly easy to maintain. You can incorporate some controlled release fertiliser granules or do as I do and just feed regularly with a liquid feed.

Growing bags will do but they don’t exactly look

There are lots of different vegetables that can be

grown in containers but sometimes getting the right variety can make all the difference to how well they perform. Check labels or seed catalogues and you’ll find that those particularly well suited to life in a pot are described as so. If you like home grown beans you can use any variety of dwarf French bean, or if you prefer, a runner. The miniature runner, ‘Hestia’, has pretty red and white flowers and doesn’t need a support to climb. This year, I’m also going to grow some standard varieties of runner or climbing French beans in pots with supports. I’ve chosen a willow obelisk or wigwam (readily available in garden centres) and bamboo canes in the other. When covered in flower it will look really striking.

Cucumbers can be grown in pots; choose a variety such as ‘Patio Pick’ which should manage to crop well despite its small size. Provided you have a large and deep container then courgettes

are also well worth a try, and do remember to keep them really well fed. If you like hot pepper and have a sheltered, warm spot then you can give these a go as well. I’m trying a few, including the crazy looking, heavy cropping ‘Medusa’ and the pretty but hot ‘Etna’. Salad crops, in particular the many attractive red and pink leaved varieties of lettuce, can all be grown in a growing bag or other container, and are guaranteed to look good. For some really wacky colour try growing the richred stemmed Ruby Chard or ‘Bright Lights’ chard with stems in pink, orange, red, yellow and white.

When it comes to maintenance, crops in pots are basically the same as crops in open ground. The main difference is that anything growing in a pot is more reliant on TLC as its roots will not be able to tap into the further reaches of the soil to find moisture and nutrients. Plenty of food and water is a must, and I tend to use a high potash liquid tomato feed, which works a treat.

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Once everything is growing well and cropping, don’t forget to pick patio veg regularly if you want the plants to keep cropping. Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ veg growing system, biological controls, fleece, copper tape and lots more besides.

If you want to keep the contents of newly filled pots free from slug and snail attacks, try using stickybacked copper tape stuck in a complete ring around the top of the pot or planter – these slimy pests hate crossing it.

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 Are You  Living On A  Lonely Planet? by Kate McLelland Most people will experience loneliness at some time in their lives, according to “The Lonely Society”: a report published by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF). The report, based on data provided by over two thousand people, found that 48% of those surveyed believed that Britain is becoming a lonelier place. Most of us understand what it means to feel lonely, whether it’s the small upset we experience when we’re not invited to a party, or the feelings of dislocation and loss we feel when major life changes mean we are no longer surrounded by the ones we love. It’s a typically British trait, but many of us would rather suffer in silence than admit we need some human company. Not wanting to be a burden to others, pride in our own self-reliance and fear of being stigmatised can keep us in isolation and prevent us from reaching out to others. Humans are social animals and in the early days of mankind’s development - as we hunted together in packs and relied on each other for protection from predators - we 

learned that social bonding was essential for survival. This early conditioning has, to some extent, stayed with us right up to the present day: that’s why being alone for long periods of time can have such a negative impact on our health. The work of distinguished neuroscientists such as John Cacioppo at the University of Chicago has shown that the stress of loneliness can directly affect our mental and physical wellbeing, with a cumulative effect on the heart that is the equivalent of a non-smoker taking up smoking. But that’s not to suggest that everyone who spends time alone feels lonely. Depending on your personality and the expectations of social interaction developed during childhood, you may feel quite happy with your own company, consequently avoiding any negative health issues. The MHF is keen to point out that we are all different and therefore loneliness only becomes a problem if we actually feel lonely. However, for individuals who crave companionship, loneliness can be devastating. These days, when more of

us live in small apartments, work at home and shop and socialise online, face-to-face social interaction is becoming increasingly rare. Although loneliness is not an inevitable part of growing old, older people – particularly if they are retired – can feel more isolated, especially if they suffer from ill health or can’t afford to go out. So what’s the best way to overcome loneliness?

Reach out to someone else

The saying “there’s always someone worse off than you” has become a bit of a cliché, but when it comes to loneliness and isolation it’s very likely to be true. Over a third of the individuals surveyed in the MFH report said they had a close friend or relative who was “very lonely”, so a logical first step would be to start with the people that you know. We stiff-upper-lip Brits often pretend that everything is all right when the opposite is actually true, so if an isolated friend or relative tells you they are fine, don’t let that put you off from suggesting a gettogether. If you don’t have any personal

  

contacts who are in need of your companionship, you can always spread the net a little wider. The campaigning and lobbying organisation Campaign to End Loneliness doesn’t recruit volunteers directly but you can visit their website at www. campaigntoendloneliness. org to find information about volunteering opportunities.

Get a new job or share your skills If you are approaching retirement and dreading the day when you’ll swap the friendly banter of your co-workers for the dubious pleasures of daytime television, you will find an outlet for the skills you have acquired during your working life at http://ageinginnovators. org. Opportunities include Life Re-imagined: a web platform that helps people re-evaluate their skills and pursue new

ambitions, and Vintage Communities, which brings people together to find local solutions to local problems.

Find a new love

Whatever your age and circumstances it’s still possible to find love. These days online dating is accepted as one of the best ways to find a partner, particularly one who shares your beliefs and interests. While it’s sensible to keep an eye out for people who may be less than honest, don’t be put off by scare stories in the press: internet dating

is one of the fastest growing, most successful online businesses of the 21st century.  visit If you’re still not sure, www.top10bestdatingsites. co.uk to read reviews written by members of the public who have successfully used these dating sites. Of course, you may need a bit of courage to get started - particularly if you’ve lost confidence in your social skills - but once you’ve rediscovered the art of connecting with others, you’ll wonder why you lingered so long on that lonely planet!

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Bourton On The Water & Stratford Upon Avon Afternoon Tea Cruise Great Day Out, £49pp

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Karen Munro Careers (Apr15)_Layout 1 27/03/2015 09:59 Page 1

Karen Munro - Career Coach

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www.munrocareers.co.uk #@munrocareers www.facebook.com/munrocareers Karen is a professional Career Coach providing individual support in all aspects of Career Development including effective CV Coaching, Interview Skills and Networking Techniques. A member of the Career Development Institute and registered with the Careers Professional Alliance, a qualified Careers Practitioner and Trainer, she works with both private and business clients around London and the South East. Karen also facilitates workshops and offers individual coaching to Military Personnel leaving the Armed Forces at RAF Northolt and works as an Associate Career Coach and Trainer for both Right Management and SMP Solutions. Writing for a number of career focused and military resettlement magazines she regularly contributes to ‘In and Around’ every month sharing her practical experience with her local community.

THROWING out our old and unwanted items, painting and redecorating in brighter and lighter colours. It’s time to shake away the winter, open up all the windows and let the sunshine in. It’s time to make changes. Change is a constant. It’s happening all around us. Change it good. However, sometimes changes happen in our lives that are unwanted and unexpected. Losing your job or being made redundant is a major change. It’s up there with the stress of moving house, getting married, getting divorced and bereavement. In fact losing your job is very similar to bereavement. The five stages of Change... SHOCK! Initially, there is the shock of it happening. Just as with bereavement, sometimes it can be very hard for the news to sink in. In order to move forward it’s so important to try to accept what has happened. You cannot change the situation, so you must accept it and move forward. You need to plan your next career move. DENIAL This is a common feeling when someone loses their job or is made redundant. You want to carry on as normal and maybe things will just sort themselves out. The danger here is you stay in ‘denial’ nothing ever happens. You may feel ‘safe’ in this stage – nothing is happening – but in order to get another job or career you have to let go of this one. After all it let go of you! ANGER You will feel angry. It’s normal. You may feel rejected and unwanted, cast aside. You may take it very personally and feel anger and resentment with the organisation or individuals you worked for. But remember, this anger is not productive and will keep you focussed in the past. You need to start thinking about your future. DOUBT You will worry about what may happen to you. How will you find another job? Where will you work? What are your transferrable skills? Can you try something new? This could be an ideal time to have a few sessions with a Career Coach, to help you identify and answer these questions. ACCEPTANCE Well done! You are moving forward – you are on your way. You need to start putting together an action plan and work towards your goals. Be in control of your future – don’t let it be in control of you. 

Change is normal and every one of us will go through all of these stages at some point in our careers and in our lives. It’s important to recognise them and accept them. It’s more important to remember to keep moving forward. Make sure your taking steps in the right direction - no matter how small the steps are – keep going. Spring is also a time to embrace positive change in your career choices. You may feel it is time to stop rolling along in the same career and routine. However, it is often difficult to know what lies ahead and it can generate a credible fear of the unknown and cause us to refuse to change at all. We may rely on others to help us and tell us what to do. When coaching a client through career change one of the most important messages to relay is that change comes from within. It is never about telling someone what to do, what is right for them, or how they need to change. It has to come from them. A good career coach will guide and help you find the answers you need yourself. They will empower you to recognise what is important to you, what your values and strengths are and help you identify what change you want make no matter how big or small. So, remember, Spring is here and it can be a great catalyst for change. “Find a job you love and you will never work again.” Churchill

Karen

“unlocking your career potential”

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Hobbies It’s Time To Get That Strictly Sparkle 

By Kate McLelland  

With an average audience of 10.7 million viewers for the 11th series, it’s clear that Strictly Come Dancing is still one of Britain’s favourite TV shows. In addition to its UK success, the BBC has sold the format to other countries and the show - renamed ‘Dancing with the Stars’ for overseas audiences - is currently watched by over 250 million people worldwide. It seems we’re all fascinated by the idea of watching someone who has never attempted a Foxtrot, Waltz or Salsa being bullied and cajoled by a ballroom dancing professional until they emerge, like a glittering butterfly from a chrysalis, to strut their stuff on the dance floor with confidence and style. When you see the huge effort it takes to transform a novice into a ballroom star, it’s surprising that most Strictly celebs don’t give up and go home after week one. In fact, most of the well-known faces who sign up for the show seem willing to put up with any amount of hard work and pain in order to achieve their goals. So what is ballroom dancing and why is has it proved so addictive, not only for Strictly’s 

high profile participants but for the many thousands who take part in social and competitive dance events throughout the world?

independently, facing each other in a ‘closed hold’, initially caused outrage because it was thought to encourage scandalous intimacy.

The term “Ballroom Dancing” refers to a set of partner dances that have their roots in Europe, North America and Latin America. In Europe formal dances began to receive recognition in the late 16th century, when a French writer called Jehan Tabourot published a study of the social dances of the day, including popular medieval dances such as the pavane, galliard and branie.

The waltz sounded the deathknell of the old-fashioned sequence dances and by the early 20th century the pattern of modern ballroom dancing had begun to emerge. A new wave of music, inspired by black jazz musicians in America, encouraged the development of a range of new dances including the Charleston, the Black Bottom and the Turkey Trot.

The French enthusiasm for dance continued strongly throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, when Louis XIV decided to found a royal academy of music and dance and ordered its officials to draw up precise rules for the execution of every dance. During this period the Minuet was the height of fashion. This dance required multiple partners, holding hands at a respectful distance, to move together in formation. In the early 19th century the introduction of the waltz, which allowed partners to move

The public was hungry to learn these new dances and so a number of enterprising professional dance teachers made it their business to analyse, write down, publish and teach the new moves. If popular dance was to flourish it was essential that people should be able to learn the right steps, and establishments such as the famous Arthur Murray School of Dance in the USA led the way: bringing dance to the masses. This intense interest in ballroom dance eventually led to competitive events, and the first unofficial world championship

took place in 1909. Nowadays referred to as “Dancesport”, competitive ballroom dancing is recognised by the International Olympic Committee and about 30 countries regularly compete in international competitions. There is even a wheelchair dance sport movement, which is currently growing in popularity.

and audiences for a long time to come. If you’ve been well and truly bitten by the ‘Strictly’ bug, your next step could be to try out some of the dances yourself. Learning to dance is the ideal way to keep fit and ballroom dancing is suitable for people of all ages. If you don’t have a partner, your dance tutor will pair you up with someone of similar ability, so it’s a great way to meet new people who share your passion. Visit www.dancenearyou. co.uk to find the address of a dance studio in your area.

couples to events such as the British National Dance Championships, held in Blackpool’s iconic Tower Ballroom. If you prefer to watch live dance events you can follow what’s happening in your area by visiting www. areyoudancing.com.

  

Ballroom has come a long way in just over a century, although public enthusiasm for traditional ballroom dances waned towards the end of the last century as new dance forms such as Rock and Roll, the Twist and Disco were introduced. The reinvention of the TV show ‘Come Dancing’ as ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in 2004 re-ignited Britain’s interest and its current popularity suggests that modern ballroom dance will continue to excite participants

Dancesport can also be enjoyed as entertainment: many fans follow their favourite competing

Ballroom dance requires a high degree of skill and versatility. It’s attractive and exciting, but it’s also enormous fun, whether you’re dancing or watching others compete. ‘Strictly’ fever is sweeping the nation for good reason and given the renewed interest in ballroom dance at all levels, it’s a great time to get out there and experience that addictive dancefloor glamour for yourself.

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REGULAR & LOCAL EVENTS...

Quiz Night Every Tues & Sunday from 8.30pm at the Coach & Horses, Ickenham

Oaken Leaves English Folk Dance Club Meet every Thursday 8.15-10pm at Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Rd, Ruislip. Call Joan 01895 638008. Events at Eastcote Royal British Legion club, Southbourne Gardens Zumba Tue & Wed 7-8pm £5. Contact Hayley 07835 120642 or email: hayleyzumba@gmail.com Karate for all levels, beginners welcome contact Frank on 078335 33569 Sats 10am and Mons 6.30pm Weekly Quiz Night ! Every Thurs.

Beginners Rock n Roll Jive classes Every Monday at Harefield Cricket Club, UB96NE. 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, UB96BX. 7.30pm-11.30pm. Contact: therockingrebels@gmail.com 07947106607 www.facebook.com/ therockingrebels COMEDY... Comedy Bunker Ruislip Golf Centre Ickenham Road Ruislip HA4 7DQ for more details of visit: www.comedybunker.co.uk Comedy Nights The Empire Comedy Club at The White Bear, Ickenham Road HA4 7DF every Thurs night. Pete 01895 675293 HOBBIES... Brushstrokes Art Classes with Sue Friendly weekly classes with tuition. Beginners welcome. Hayes, Ickenham & Ruislip. Ring Sue 01895 639294 or 07949 805246 Chiltern Aviation Society Meets every 4th Wednesday, Ruislip Methodist Church, Ickenham Road. Call Keith Hayward 01895 637872 Harrow & Hillingdon Geological Society Meet for lectures, 7.30-8pm. Second Wed of each month at Cavendish Pavilion, Field End Road, Eastcote, HA4 9PG. All welcome, visitors £3. Refreshments. Call Jean Sippy on 020 8422 1859 www.hhgs.org.uk

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Hillingdon Arts & Crafts Club Meet every 2nd Friday in The Parlour at the URC Church in Swakeleys Road from 9.45-11.30am. £3pp. Call Sue Williams 07799 054444. Hillingdon Decorative & Fine Arts Enjoy ten expert lectures a year about art and culture from around Britain and further afield. Join outings to galleries and places of cultural interest. Attend special interest study days. Come along to a lecture, cost £6.00. See www.hillingdondfas.co.uk. Tel:01895 635007 or 07526 179 529 E: technical@hillingdondfas.co.uk

Hillingdon Family History Society At Hillingdon Park Baptist Church, Hercies Road, Hillingdon. Research room open (10am – 1pm) every Fri (except the Fri before the first Sat of the month). On the first Sat of the month open 10am – 1pm at Uxbridge Library. Experienced help available. See www.hfhs.co.uk . Contact Mrs P. Reynolds 01895 444442 or email hillingdonfhs@onetel.com Inland Waterways Association Meet 2nd Tues of every month at Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk Ruislip, Northwood & Eastcote Local History Society The Society meets on the third Monday of the month from September to April at St Martin's Church Hall, Ruislip High Street, at 8.15pm. See RNELHS website for details. Susan Toms, 01895 637134 or e: toms.susan@gmail.com Ruislip & District Natural History Society Meet last Monday of the month from Sept to April (except Dec) in Guide Hut near Ruislip Library. Contact: John Matthews 01895 636215. Ruislip Central Horticultural Society Talks and advice for local gardeners. For more info contact Warren Reeves on 01923 451616 rchstalks@gmail.com Ruislip & Northwood Flower Arrangement Society Meet every 1st Tues of the month at the Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Oaklands Gate, Northwood HA6 3AA Ruislip Philatelic Society Meet at South Ruislip Methodist Church, Queens Walk, South Ruislip

HA4 0NL on the 3rd Tuesday of each month except August. Meeting and displays and talks each month and an auction three times a year.7.30pm for 8pm. Tel for details 01895 637283. The Language Clubs of Hillingdon From late Sept until mid-July. Speak some German, Spanish, French or Italian? Want to practise speaking and listening in friendly groups, with recent learners, improvers & native speakers? Join a Language Club! Each Club meets on a different Thursday of the month at 7.45pm in St Giles' Church Hall, Swakeleys Road, Ickenham UB10 8BG. For details: German Club 01895 254 723; Italian Club 020 8863 3468; Spanish Club and French Club 01895 253 472. Uxbridge & Ickenham Floral Art Meets in the village hall, Swakeleys Road. Call 01895 850943 for details. Uxbridge Craft Market Every Wednesday (9am-5pm) at The Pavilions Shopping Centre Arts, Crafts, Gifts and Collectables. www.uxbridgecraft-market.co.uk KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA... Aikido Classes Yeading Community Centre, UB4 9BH. Seniors: Mon & Fri 8-10pm. Juniors (6yrs+) Fri 6.30-8pm. Learn a non competitive martial art. Friendly British Aikido Board registered club, under Sensei Sheppard 6th dan. Full information on www.kuraiaikido.co.uk. Contact Keith Holland 01895 636344 or email kuraiaikido@hotmail.com Argosy Players Theatre Group Meets at Ruislip Conservative Club, Ickenham Road, West Ruislip. Every Thurs, 8pm. Call Call Wendy on 07956 971849 or visit www.argosyplayers. org.uk. Junior section for children from 8-16yrs meets Thursdays from 7-8pm. Classical Pilates Mat classes for beginners through to advanced levels, based in Ruislip. Contact Tonja Osborn 07766 011036 or email TonjaOsborn@gmail.com continued overleaf...

Answers pg 18

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KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA CONTINUED...

Dance, Gymnastics and Free Running Classes By Futunity Uk in Uxbridge Town Centre & Hillingdon Sports & Leisure centre. Ages 2-adults catered for and all styles of dance from RAD ballet,to Zumba. Check out our website for full class listings www.futunityuk.com. Contact 01895 251224 or admin@futunityuk.com

Eastcote Exercise Classes Metabolic workout class, 45 minute stretch class. Mon, Tues & Sat mornings. Contact Virginia King 01895 232551 or email virginiaking@vking2468.freeserve.co.uk Empowering Yoga Fusion of Hatha & Vinyasa Yoga Wed 9.30-10.45am at Windmill Studio Centre, Ruislip Manor. Thur 9.30-11am at St Thomas More Church, Eastcote + classes in Harrow. Free Trial Class contact Joanne 0845 4561336 e:info@empoweringyoga.co.uk Fusion Pilates+ Classes Mon 10-11am, St Lawrence Church, 2 Bridle Road, Eastcote, HA5 2SJ and Wed 8:30-9:30pm, Cannon Lane Methodist Church, Pinner, HA5 1JD. Classes run throughout the year. For details contact Lenka 07929 472 194 or email rybickova.lenka@gmail.com Fitness League Tone & Stretch exercises for women of all fitness levels. Tues 7.30-8.30pm at Vyners School, Warren Road, Ickenham UB10 8AB. Call Rosemary 01628 776838. www.thefitnessleague.com Fitsteps An exercise class with a difference inspired by dances from Strictly Come Dancing. Every Monday 7-8pm. The Conservative Club, 56-58 Ickenham Road, Ruislip HA4 7DG. For more info Call Becca: 07860 353919 Glow Fitness, Food, Friends Classses: Ruislip 6-7.15pm at Field End Junior School, HA4 9PQ . Pinner 6.458pm at Cannon Lane Methodist Church HA5 1JD. Northwood 6-7.15pm at Hillside Junior School, Northwood Way HA6 1RX. Call Sam 01895 460766 or email: sam.simon@glow-fit.co.uk Images School of Dance Fun and friendly dance & drama

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classes for all ages including RAD Ballet & Contemporary dance. Based in Ruislip Manor. www.imagesschoolofdance.co.uk e: info@imagesschoolofdance.co.uk

Irish Dancing Classes For boys and girls from age 5 upwards. Beginners and advanced classes available. Monday, 6pm at Hayes Conservative Club, Church Rd. Wednesday, 6pm at Greenford Visitation Catholic church hall. e: Deirdreosullivan@hotmail.co.uk t: 07956 346383 JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency An explosive and exciting Performing Arts School. Classes available from 2.5 years to adults, male and female at The Windmill Studio Centre. T: 01895 624755 www.thewindmillstudio.com E: thewindmillstudio@gmail.com Jazzercise Dance fitness classes 9.30am and 10.30am every Wed at Ruislip Manor Sports & Social Club, Grosvenor Vale. Call Kelly on 07833 941497 Modern Jive Classes Mon 8-11pm at West Drayton Community Centre. Tues & Thurs 8-11pm at Uxbridge Civic Centre Beginners Welcome – First Night Entry & Free Lifetime membership with this listing. Contact Alan: 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 www.clubceroc.com email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com Passion Dance Group Based at Queensmead Sports Centre & Highgrove Pool. Classes include: Street Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Minie Me’z (3-6 years Ballet, Tap & Street), Kids Parties. We offer Shows, Workshops, Competitions and Assessments, Age 3+ all abilities welcome. Call 07882 413428 Pilates Certified Body Control Pilates Teacher (Registered Exercise Professional Level 3). Beginners matwork classes on Mondays & Thursdays at 1.30pm 2.30pm at the Stables, Manor Farm Ruislip and Monday 9am-10am at the Northwood Methodist Church. Local Beginners / Improvers evening classes starting January 2015. 07771 918240 Ruislip Dramatic Society Meets at South Ruislip Methodist Church. Mon 8pm & Thurs 8.15pm. Call 07854 284508.

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 Wed: 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 The Pilates Club St Giles & The United Reformed Church Halls, Ickenham. Call 07968 920070 www.thepilatesclub.co.uk Wild Forest Gym Outdoor fitness and natural movement training at Grim's Dyke Hotel, Old Redding, Harrow Weald. Also Natural Running & obstacle race training. All abilities. Mon - Fri. Contact Michael 0845 4561336 info@wildforestgym. com or www.wildforestgym.com Yoga South Ruislip Community Association pregnancy yoga classes 9.45-11.15am at Deane Park Hall, Long Drive, South Ruislip. Call Katja on 07951 763851 Yoga with Yolanda At Ickenham Village Hall every Monday from 6.45pm-8.15pm. Mixed group. For details call 07919 243648 MARKETS... Duck Pond Artisan Food & Craft Market and Farmers’ Market Artisan Market - on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 10am-3pm, Farmers’ Market - first Sunday of each month from 10am-2pm. Both at the Great Barn, Ruislip. Free parking. See www.duckpondmarket.co.uk Mad Cat Crafts Wed to Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-4pm at the Great Barn, Ruislip HA4 7SU. www.madcatcrafts.co.uk Northwood Craft Market First Saturday of each month 10am-2pm, Methodist Church Hall, Oaklands Gate, Northwood. www.northwoodcraftmarket.co.uk Ruislip Country Market Every Fri 10-11.30am - car park at St Martins Approach, Ruislip. Fruit, veg, eggs, honey and more... continued overleaf...

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SELF HELP & SUPPORT...

Accord, Ruislip Community Choir Meet every Thursday evening in term time at 7.30pm at Ruislip Baptist Church, Manor Way, Ruislip. No auditions! A great fun choir. Call Chris on 07714 226216. Capital Connection Ladies Harmony Singing Every Wed evening at South Ruislip Community Centre, Deane Park, Long Drive, HA4 OHS. Call Jean on 01895 474877 www.capitalconnection.org.uk Eastcote Choral Society Rehearses every Tuesday from 8-10pm at Ruislip Methodist Church, Ickenham Road. New singers welcome. Call 01895 904556. Ruislip Operatic Society This local theatre group meets every Monday & Thursday at St Martin's Church Hall, 7.30pm. To get involved email: info@ruislipos.org Ruislip Belles and Beaux We are a handbell ringing group. We meet every Monday morning at 10am until 12noon. We meet in the Guide Hut in Ruislip. All are welcome, to get involved email: idoltoad@talktalk.net Showcase Musical Theatre No auditions. We meet every Friday evening at 7.45pm at Hesdin Hall, The Most Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 73 Pembroke Road, Ruislip, HA4 8NN http://showcasemusical theatre.org.uk The Harrow Apollo Male Choir Rehearse every Tues 7.30pm-10pm in the Belmont Room at the Harrow Arts Centre Hatch End. New members welcome. Tel: 020 8959 1244 or www.harrow-apollo-male.choir.org Top Jazz at The Fairway Ruislip Golf Centre, Ickenham Rd, West Ruislip. Normally 3rd Monday of the month. For details: 01895 632394 or www.jazzwestlondon.com

EAR4U Help, support and advice. Meets every Monday at the Orange Couch Café (formerly the D spot), Ruislip Manor from 10am-2pm. Call Ann on 07890 315156 or 01895 672706

PRE-SCHOOL & KIDS GROUPS... Sing & Sign From 6 months Wed at Uxbridge Leisure Centre, Fri at The White Bear, Ruislip. Contact Cathy 07712 047621 or cathyseddigh@singandsign.co.uk SELF DEFENCE... 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 or e: kuntao.matjan.uk@gmail.com.

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SOCIAL GROUPS... Crosier Investment Club Improve personal investment skills. Meets 7.30pm, 3rd Thurs in month at Pinner Village Hall, Chapel Lane, Pinner HA5 1AA. 0208427 3559 e:secretary@crosierinvestment.org.uk w: www.crosierinvestment.org.uk Friends of Shenley Park Improving the wellbeing and maintenance of flower beds, shrubs and the new flower garden and seating area. Lookinf for volunteers to help with action days in the park. Anyone interested please contact Geoff 07931 561020 or Louise 07966 220995 Friendly Rubber Bridge Tuesdays & Fridays, 12noon-4pm at Pinner Bridge Club, 103 Marsh Road, Pinner. For info call Keith 01895 622033 Ruislip Afternoon Group for Women Meets 1st Thursday of every month. Talks, Lunches & outings. Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Road 2-4pm. Call Mrs R Hall pm 01895 633782 Ruislip Common WI All ladies welcome. We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 2pm in Room 1, Methodist Church, Ickenham Road, Ruislip, HA4 7BZ. Visit: ruislipcommonwi.weebly.com Ruislip Evening Townswomen Guild A friendly group of women who meet every 4th Thurs of the month from 7.30-10pm at Ruislip Methodist Church Hall Ickenham Road, Ruislip. Activities: Speakers, Outings, Easy Walking, Social Studies, Music. Quilling, Lunches. For more information call 01895 674717 or 01923 825521. Ruislip Social Club Tropic at Ruislip at Ruislip Social Club Grosvenor Vale Ruislip HA4 6JQ for Fridays and occasional other nights, live bands & tribute bands for more details visit www.tropicatruislip.co.uk contact and ticketline 0208 707 2256 Ruislip WI Fancy something different but not too taxing, yet fun? We meet every 1st Thursday of the month at Upper Room, GAA Sports & Social Club, West End Road, South Ruislip from 7.20pm-

10pm. Kim Murphy 07989 558925 email ruislipeveningwi@gmail.com Women’s Social Group Social group for women in West London. We meet regularly for coffee, a chat and organised trips and welcome women of all ages. Please call Seema on 07730 898635 or email seemaa@seemaa.co.uk SPORT... Back to Netball Thurs 7-8pm at Queensmead Sports Centre £3 per session for more info email sportsdev@hillingdon.gov.uk Badminton Club At St Pauls Church Hall, Tiverton Road, Ruislip Manor. Every Wednesday at 8pm and 10pm. Call Tony or Ann 01895 472578 Badminton Club Every Tuesday evening 7.45 to 9.45 at Vyners School, Ickenham. Interested? Then email John on turksclub@hotmail.co.uk Badminton The Badminton Hall, Kings College Road, Ruislip HA4 7JZ. Tuesday from 10am. Call John 01895 630199 Bessingby Park Bowls Club Every Tues & Thurs, 2-4pm. Call Ian on 0208 582 1801. Bikewise Bike rides from 61 Swakeleys Road. 2nd and 4th Sun of every month. email @bikewisegb.com or 01895 675376. Bowls Deane Park Bowls Club, Bessingby Park, Ruislip. Call Mrs Lathwell on 01895 639489 Dads Army Golf Society Tuesdays & Thursdays at Ruislip Golf Club Come & Join Us!! for more info call Sid on 01895 631489 Ladies Badminton Club Thursdays 2pm-4pm at Eastcote Hockey and Badminton Club, Kings College Road, Ruislip, HA4 7JZ. Call Diane on 01895 634352. Ladies Golf Meets 10am every Monday and Wednesday at Rickmansworth Golf Club new members welcome. Email ladies-captain@rickmansworthgolf club.co.uk for further details. Swakeleys Tennis Club Adult Social Tennis Club in Ickenham. Would suit people returning to tennis after a break, Four days a week all year. Contact Pam 01895 677149 or Ed 01895 635568 www.swakeleystennis.co.uk

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APRIL EVENTS

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Easter Egg Hunt 3rd, 4th & 6th April (closed Easter Sunday) Smiths Nurseries Ltd, 95 Oxford Road, New Denham, UB9 4DE. Free Easter Egg hunt for children, over the Easter weekend. Find all the hidden eggs around the store and win a mini egg. All entries will then be entered into a grand draw for a Fabulous Easter Basket prize worth over £20. For full details see www.smiths-nurseries.co.uk.

Local Events

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Denham Bowls Club Open Day 11th April, 10am-3pm Denham Way, (off Old Mill Road), Denham, UB9 4ED. Everyone of any age is welcome to come along to Denham Lawn Bowls Club to have a look around and have some free coaching. All equipment will be supplied, just wear flat shoes. Tea/Coffee available + bar opens at Midday. Whether you wish to bowl for fun or in competition our members will welcome you for more info contact Jennifer Johns 01895 833845.

Ruislip & Northwood Flower Arrangement Society AGM 7th April, 7pm for 7.30pm Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Oaklands Gate, Northwood, HA6 3AA. No entry charge, refreshments available with a talk to follow. HUBB Business Breakfast Event 9th April, 8am-9am Bay Lodge, 36 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1PH. Networking with local professionals and in partnership with the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce. ‘10 Steps to Better B2B Digital Marketing’ Presentation by guest speaker Elizabeth Malone-Johnstone from Digitise. Coffee & pastries. For details email: helen.thompson@ wardwilliams.co.uk. FREE Meditation Event 11th April, 2.30pm-5pm Ickenham Village Hall, 33 Swakeleys Road, UB10 8DG. FREE event but booking is required. Call 07970 147967 / 0208 574 3699 or visit www.brahmakumaris.org/uk

April into May 2015

Security Bike Marking 11th April Bikewise, Ickenham. Please check before the date if you are considering bringing your bike along as the service is provided by your local PCSO's.

The Inlands Waterways Association 14th April, 7.30pm Hillingdon Canal Club (HCC), Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX. (opposite the General Elliott pub) Speaker Richard Thomas on ‘The Panama Canal’. For details please email Lucy Smith on middlesex. socials@waterways.org.uk. Butterflies Indulgence Evening in aid of "The Little Princess Trust" 16th April, 7pm-10pm The Village Hall, Ickenham, UB10 8DG. Treat yourself to some ‘you’ time. Various treatments, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Indian head massage, Reiki and many more. £10 a 30 minute treatment and Workshops £3 each. To book or need more detail call Vera on 01895 635224. Harefield Amateur Dramatic Society present Bedroom Farce 16-18th April, 7.30pm for 8pm St Marys Church Hall High Street, Harefield, UB9 6BX The classic comedy by Alan Ayckbourn takes place in three bedrooms during one night and the following morning revolves around four married couples. At the beginning of the play, the oldest couple are getting ready to

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go out for a meal to celebrate their wedding anniversary; the youngest couple are about to host a housewarming party, to which the other two couples have been invited. All three preparation are doomed to disaster, by the martial problems of Trevor and Susannah who descend on each couple in turn, leaving chaos in their wake. For tickets contact 01895 253346 or email: janscurr@hotmail.com. Tickets cost £9.50 with concessions on Thurs evening only £7.50. Stamp Fair 18th April, 10am-4.30pm The Ruislip Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Road, HA4 7DQ. We have been in existence for 34 years! Other dates available when required. Beginners of any age most welcome! For further details call 01895 637283.

FREE Family Fun Day 26th April, 2pm-4pm St Leonards Hall, Richings Park, Bucks., SL0 9DD. Hart Entertainments presents a FREE family games event - Bring out the Dads! This fun family games event lasts 2 hours provides a 5 section 'wave of games' flow: 1) Welcome warm up, getting to know each other. 2) Energy busters. 3) Team games. 4) Equipment games. 5) Relaxation, Chillout. Free for all the family, booking is recommended. For more details and to book call 07747 063149 or visit www.zoehart.co.uk.

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APRIL EVENTS Cocktails, Canapes and a Catwalk with Candlelight in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support 30th April, from 8pm at Pinewood Studios Organised by the Gerrards Cross & District Fundraising Group, with Cocktails & Canapes prepared by a local Michelin starred chef. Fashions and accessories from Hush Boutique and Lemmings Menswear. For tickets, £30 each, and more details contact Tracey Boden on 01753 892303 or macmillangxfashionandmore@ hotmail.com or visit the website at www.met1.co.uk/macmillan.

popular ‘home grown’ selection of runner beans, chilli peppers, sweet peppers, tomatoes, hanging baskets etc. Due to unprecedented demand last year for our hanging baskets, we have decided this year to take pre-sale orders. To place an order call Lion David Minchin on 020 8868 0495.

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Local Park & Events April into May continued 

MAY EVENTS Stamp Fair 2nd May, 10am-4.30pm The Ruislip Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Road, HA4 7DQ. We have been in existence for 34 years! This will be a monthly event after June Fair with dates fixed through to the end of the year. Other dates available when required. Beginners of any age welcome! Call 01895 637283. Ruislip & Northwood Flower Arrangement Society Talk 5th May, 7pm for 7.30pm Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Oaklands Gate, Northwood, HA6 3AA. National demonstrator Pat Dibben talks about "The Fascination of Flowers" Cost to visitors £5. Annual Plant Sale fundraising for Ruislip Lions 9th May, 10am-12.30pm Ruislip Rugby Club, West End Road. Ample free parking. Large selection of bedding plants, shrubs, pot plants plus our very

Security Bike Marking 23rd May Bikewise, Ickenham. Please check before the date if you are considering bringing your bike along as the service is provided by your local PCSO's.

LIVE MUSIC EVENTS The Swan at Iver 2 High Street, Iver, SL0 9NG. 10th April Return of 2 Tone 17th April Jump the Gunn 24th April Returning great show with The Flyers

Plant Sale 9th May, 10am-12.30pm Michael Sobell Hospice, Gate 3, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood. This annual horticultural event is once again being organised by our award winning gardening team. Come and buy your Spring and Summer bedding plants, flowers and fruit ‘n’ veg. Entry and parking is free. Refreshments will be available. For more info go to www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk or call 01923 844550. Mind, Body & Spirit Event 9th-10th May, 2.30pm-5pm Watersemeet, Ricksmansworth, WD3 1EH. A relaxing event with something for everyone. Visit the website www.phoenixmbsevents.co.uk On Yer Bike 17th May, 7.30am for 8am Michael Sobell Hospice, Gate 3, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood. Put your fitness levels to the test and take on our 33 mile sponsored bike ride challenge. The route will start and finish at the hospice and takes riders through Amersham, Bovingdon and Hemel Hempstead. Pre-registration £15 or £20 on the day. For more info www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk or call 01923 844829.

The WatersEdge Packet Boat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. 3rd May Join us to celebrate 10 years at The Watersedge - bbq from 2pm with live music from 4pm. The Whip & Collar 135 Swallow Street, Iver Heath, SL0 0HU. 5th April Live Music with Mark Kelly from 4-7pm. 25th April Rod Stewart Tribute. Tropic at Ruislip Ruislip Social Club, Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip, HA4 6JQ 11th April Albie J as Michael Bublé 17th April April Bravado (play Rush) 24th April The Trembling Wilburys 26th April Buddy Holly & The Rat Pack Show For full details and tickets see www.tropicatruislip.co.uk or call 020 8707 2256

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