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10/03/2014 11:27
And a very Happy New Year to all of our read ers and advertisers. I hope you’ve had a lovely Christmas break and managed to spend time with friends and family. While you’re reading this, I will be sunning myself (weather allowing) or at the very least, drinking a cocktail or two in Spain. 2014 was a long and challenging year, and whilst we powered on enthusiastically, well most of the time anyway, I realised my head and body both needed a week’s break in order to come back with renewed enthusiasm in 2015. At the time of writing this of course, it’s still De cember and thoughts of Christmas and holidays are future tense. This year, I do think I’m a little more organised than usual and most of the present buying is not only out of the way, but wrapped as well. I’m feeling more than a little smug at this achievement, although it did come at a price. The price being sleep! I was ex changing emails with our Graphic Designer at 4am today and we joked about our new revela tion. Having been doing this now for almost nine years, we missed the most obvious solu tion to keeping on top of workload. Simply don’t go to bed at all and suddenly you have a good seven extra hours in a day :) I’m not sure it’s a way forward long term, but it did the trick this month. Here’s to a happy, organised and sleep filled January! .
Tel: 0800 038 5001 Mob: 07759 536494 In and Around Magazines cover: West Drayton . Iver . Denham . Uxbridge Angela Fisher 0800 038 5001 / 07759 536494 info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk
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Wildlife Zone
6
Local Events
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Kids Puzzle Page
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Homes & Interiors: Design a blissful bedroom
12
Golden Years: Memories of 50 years ago
14
Road Test: Audi TT TFSI
16
Health: Bug Busting Day
18
Karen Munro Careers
20
Reader Travel Offers
22
Coffee Break Puzzles
24
Beauty: Look Younger for Longer
26
Around Britain Trivia: Dogs
30
Wordsearch
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Recipe: Passion Fruit Souffle
32
Working from home Clubs, Groups & Classes
34 36, 38, 40 & 42
Hobbies: Time to pick up a paintbrush
39
Beer of the Month
45
Garden Feature
46
Puzzle Solutions
47
RSPCA Rehoming Appeal
48
Useful Telephone Numbers
48
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.
The Wildlife Zone...FP (Jan15)_Layout 1 18/12/2014 11:37 Page 1
THE WILDLIFE ZONE
RARA TROPHY 2014 Andy Mydellton FLS (pictured right) is an environmentalist journalist, the founder and leader of the British wildlife charity, the Foundation for Endangered Species. They are members of the United Nations agency UNESCO with Andy Mydellton being Chairman and the Environmental Concern Advisor to the UNESCO Schools Group. Andy is a Fellow of the Linnean Society. He writes for many publications, mounts photographic exhibitions, gives presentations and broadcasts the 'Andy Mydellton Wildlife Zone' radio programme.
The Foundation for Endangered Species (FES) can announce that the author and broadcaster Jonathon Porritt has been awarded the RARA trophy for 2014. So what is the RARA trophy, and why did Jonathon Porritt win it? RARA stands for the Rhinoceros Award for Raising Awareness. The RARA goes to someone who has done something special in raising public awareness for wildlife, conservation or the environment. This includes a list of activities such as creative writing, poetry, journalism, broadcasting, photography, art, film, theatre or even IT. The RARA trophy itself (which is permanently displayed at the FES registered office) is a handmade model of the One Horned Rhinoceros, an endangered species that lives in the Indian sub continent. It is made from deadwood that came from Nepal’s Chitwan National Park in a process that is defined as Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development encourages people situated near the edges of nature parks, wildlife sanctuaries and wilderness areas to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. To understand the significance of Porritt’s success, one can compare it with the roll call of previous RARA winners, and the reasons why they won it. 2004. Ted Hughes. The inaugural award was posthumously given to the late Poet Laureate, the 20th century Bard and our greatest ever wildlife poet. His wildlife poetry ranged from insects to jaguars; whilst his prose ranged from children’s tales of whales to ‘The Iron Woman’ (where the heroin was given the mind-set and values of a modern environmentalist, many years before Global Warming issues emerged). 2005. Bill Oddie. For his lifetime publications, presentations, theatre-work and broadcasting in conservation, especially ornithology. His skill is acknowledged in successfully bringing birding into the everyday home and making it a valid family pastime. 2006. Al Gore. For his book and presentations that lead to the film, ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ that destroyed many Western politicians denial of Global Warming, Climate Change etc. 2007. David Chaffe. For his books ‘Stormforce’ and ‘Face to Face with Nature’, as well as his educational talks in schools and on radio. 2008. Jane Goodhall. She is our greatest primatologist, and her scientific work has lead to learning more about humans’ closest relatives, the chimpanzees. Her efforts in public education and raising awareness have helped all great apes gain further public support. 2009. David Attenborough. This was awarded for his life's work and broadcasting expertise. Whilst he has been a major part of the BBC’s natural history unit, he has also created an impressive portfolio of wildlife journalism. 2010. Ian Redmond. He is a one of the leading primatologists and an author of many books. He is a wildlife ambassador and works within some UN organisations. 2011. Heathcote Williams. He won this award because of his amazing poetry as well as his other writing which has been raising awareness about sustainable living. 2012. Jacques Cousteau. He won for marine biology and bringing the subject into people’s homes for the first time in the 1960s. He was still active in the 1990s and even took a leading role in the Earth Summit in Rio. 2013. David Shepherd. He has been our most well known wildlife painter for many decades, as well as being an expert fundraiser and active conservationist. Jonathon Porritt won this award because he is skilled in three facets in the World of Nature. Firstly he is an organiser and director of environmental institutions, having been chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission for nearly a decade, a trustee of the WWF for fifteen years and a director of Friends of the Earth. This proves he can understand the most important environmental issues, their consequences, and how to deal with them in practical terms. He is a writer of articles and a prestigious author of books which are aimed at conserving the environment. In Save the Earth we were given a wake-up call about the planet’s problems. In the first chapter of ‘Taking Stock’ we learn about how the world is in peril and that we must undertake certain practices which will put wrong matters right. Porritt advocates that every one of us should undergo some personal investigation and growth to become aware of the world, rather than being passengers in it, or have a belief pattern in which members of the public believe themselves to be insignificant. We also got an environmental audit of the state of the Earth at the time. This chapter leads onto ‘A New International Order’ and ‘The Way Forward’ in which his long term prognosis specifies what ought to be done. He also makes the point that the consequences of our actions will cause unimaginable problems in the decades and centuries to come. Other books including Capitalism As If The World Matters, Globalisation and Regionalism, and Living Within Our Means, have tackled other issues such as forestry, nuclear energy, civil liberties and population increase. His latest publication The World We Made brings us up to date by investigating many of the important current environmental problems. As a broadcaster Porritt has made television documentaries, has been on many environmental programmes, made radio appearances and has given talks about these issues. The world lost a great man when Sir Peter Scott died, but fortunately people such as Jonathon Porritt have filled some of the void.
The charities’ contact details are www.ffes.org.uk email: info@ffes.org.uk
Dated Events (Jan15)_Layout 1 18/12/2014 17:14 Page 1
JANUARY EVENTS
Local Events
HUBB Business Breakfast Event Thu 8th January, 8am-9am Bay Lodge, 36 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1PH. Networking with local professionals and in partnership with the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce. ‘The New Pension Landscape’. From April 2015 there will be massive changes to pension legislation, find out how it can improve your retirement. Coffee and pastries. For details email: emma.zovich@ wardwilliams.co.uk
An Evening of Indulgence in aid of Michael Sobell Hospice Wed 11th February, 7pm-10pm The London School of Theology, Green Lane, Northwood, HA6 2UW. Relax and unwind with a glass of bubbly and a range of taster therapies during the evening. Includes live music from the Paul Lipscombe duo.
Tickets cost £15 including a Bucks Fizz and a goody bag. Tea and coffee also available. For more information or to book a ticket for this event go to www.michaelsobelhospice.co.uk or call 01923 844730. Visit www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk.
DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE! If you would like us to publicise your event in our February issues contact us no later than Friday 16th January.
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Treatments available include; massages, mini manicures, indian head massage, reflexology, postural analysis, analysis by House of Colour. Stalls offering jewellery, accessories, lingerie, hairdressing, aloe vera, lavender, cupcakes hand made soaps.
January into February 2015
The Inlands Waterways Association Tues 13th January, 7.30pm Hillingdon Canal Club (HCC), Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX (opposite the General Elliott pub) Speaker Jon Willis on ‘Crofton Beam Engines’.
Live Jazz in Ickenham with the Karen Sharp Quartet and Friends Sat 24th January, 7.30pm Ickenham Village Hall The Karen Sharp Quartet will be appearing for the first time at Ickenham Village Hall with an all star rhythm section comprising John Critchinson, Dave Green and Steve Brown you can expect swinging, 'in the pocket' jazz at its very best.
The Uxbridge Choral Society's Winter Concert Sun 1st February, 7.30pm St. Mary's, Princes, Risborough. Performing Martin How's ‘The Way’. Jeff Stewart will conduct and the concert. Tickets: Adults £12 and £6 for under 12s. Available on the door or by calling 01895 847083 in advance.
Tickets £12 available on the door or online at www.tootsmusic management.co.uk/news-events.
The Uxbridge Choral Society's Winter Concert Sat 31st January, 7.30pm St. Margaret's Church, Windsor Street, Uxbridge. Performing Martin How's ‘The Way’. Jeff Stewart will conduct and the concert. Tickets: Adults £12 and £6 for under 12s. Available on the door or by calling 01895 847083 in advance.
The Inlands Waterways Association Tues 10th February, 7.30pm Hillingdon Canal Club (HCC), Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX. (opposite the General Elliott pub) Speaker Ross Gorbert on ‘Converting a Dutch Pontoon’. For more information email Lucy Smith on middlesex.socials@ waterways.org.uk. Indoor Boot Sale and Community Coffee Morning Sat 14th February, 9.30am-1pm The Village Hall, Ickenham. For more information call Vera on 01895 635224 or Chris on 01895 676900 or you can email ButterfliesIckenham@yahoo.com
Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX Independent School for boys and girls aged 3 - 11
An ‘OUTSTANDING’ School A family-run school with a caring atmosphere. Pupils achieve excellent results in academic subjects, music, sport and drama. For further information, or to arrange a visit, please telephone 01895 234371 Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX - www.sthelenscollege.com
Home & Interiors
Design A Blissful Bedroom By Katherine Sorrell In a bedroom, wear and tear on the flooring is minimal so this is the ideal place to give your toes a treat and opt for a sumptuous, deep-pile carpet. That said, natural or painted wooden floorboards with a few rugs scattered about (on each side of the bed in particular) is an alternative with masses of character.
Your bedroom is a private retreat, a special place in which to relax, unwind and express your true personality. Our tips from expert Katherine Sorrell will help you make it as comfortable, functional and beautiful as possible First, think about how you use your bedroom – is it just for sleeping, or do you listen to music, watch TV, make phone calls or even work? You will need to allocate space for each different function. Then, consider the atmosphere you want to create – would you prefer a light, bright and airy room, or one that is dark and dramatic? In general, soft and gentle colours are considered most restful, and it is a good idea to avoid loud patterns and clashing shades.
Whether you use curtains, blinds or shutters, your windows should be well-covered, both for privacy and to avoid earlymorning sunlight waking you up. Sumptuous curtains with a blackout lining will do the trick, as will louvered shutters. Roller blinds are simple and ideal where space is restricted, while Roman blinds pull up in lovely soft folds that give an attractively draped effect. Aim for the maximum storage possible: ideally a combination of floor-to-ceiling fitted wardrobes with free-standing pieces for character and flexibility. Plan the interior of a wardrobe with the utmost precision, and look for gadgets such as tie racks, belt racks and pull-out trays. If you’re really short of space, clever storage ideas include underbed drawers, stacking boxes, canvas “tidies” hung on the back of the door, plastic shoe racks stacked inside the wardrobe, and a bamboo ladder leant against the wall for scarves, spare bed linen or clothes. Subtle, flattering lighting is best for a bedroom, and you can make some quick, easy and inexpensive changes
such as adding a table lamp or two in the corners, and fitting a dimmer switch to a central pendant. A strong, bright light, on the other hand, is essential above a dressing table mirror (don’t position it to one side – it will cause awkward shadows). For bedside reading, a pair of swing-arm, wall-mounted lights will free up space on a bedside table – some types include tiny, adjustable spotlights so you can enjoy a novel without disturbing your partner. Lastly, to transform a bedroom from boring to boudoir, introduce sumptuous bed linens that are gorgeous to look at and enjoyable to touch – cool and crisp or cosy and warm, depending on the time of year. The quickest and easiest way to put together a gorgeouslooking bed is simply to use plain white or off-white sheets, pillow cases and a duvet cover, and add a stunning throw, blanket, eiderdown or quilt – or several, for eye-catching colour and pattern. Layer texture on texture, plains with patterns, modern with vintage – creating a serene and luxurious, indulgent retreat. Layer bed linen for an interesting mix of textures and attractive effect. The design pictured, of pleats, ruched cotton and grey hand stitching on 100% cotton percale, would work in a traditional or modern room. Ruffle Pleat bed linen, from £28 for a pair of pillowcases, The French Bedroom Company, 08456 448022; www. frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk.
Golden Years Memories of 50 Years Ago
by Ted Bruning
Winston Churchill Statue, Parliament Square, London. Jose L. Marin, Wikimedia Commons.
Early in the New Year of 1965, Winston Churchill had suffered a stroke. He never regained consciousness and died on January 24th, aged 90; and though it seems sacrilegious, it’s true that he had rarely been as much loved during his lifetime as he was after his death. Hated by miners as the Liberal Home Secretary who sent troops to Tonypandy to put down a strike in 1910; blamed (wrongly) for the Gallipoli disaster in World War I and (rightly) for the even greater disaster of the return to the gold standard in 1925; a truculent Imperialist dinosaur in the 1930s; distrusted by the masses in 1945; old, sick, and in the way in 1955 – Churchill had known more brickbats than bouquets. But not on the 30th January 1965, the day of his funeral. Then he was every downed airman, every drowned seaman, every tankman burnt alive, every Tommy blown to Hell, every exhausted ARP man, landgirl, munitions worker... and miner. He was their suffering and their victory. In the three days his body lay in state in St Stephen’s Hall, Westminster, 321,360 people filed past the catafalque. The gun-carriage that bore him, pulled by 108 naval ratings with the Earl Marshal at their
head, took an hour to make the 2� miles up Whitehall and along the Strand, Fleet Street, and Ludgate Hill to St Paul’s, every inch of the way thronged by silent mourners who had waited hours in their tens of thousands in the freezing cold. At the cathedral steps his wartime comrades Attlee, Eden, MacMillan, Ismay, Slim, Alexander, Portal, and Mountbatten escorted the coffin inside where the leaders of 122 nations sang To Be A Pilgrim, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, Fight The Good Fight and Oh God Our Help. And then the short voyage on the launch Havengore from Tower Hill to Festival Pier, the monstrous dockside cranes each bowing in turn as it passed. And finally the private train and the family burial at Bladon, Oxfordshire, where at last his widow Clemmie and his children Randolph, Mary and Sarah had their chance at tears.
This was how a nation grieved then: not in hysterical outbursts, but bound together by protocol, by formality, by seemliness; as rigidly drilled as a platoon on a parade-ground and thus united in deed as well as thought. For everyone who lined the route or watched on television, the grief and the memories were personal; and yet they were as one.
• How fitting it was that Churchill should choose Bladon, the parish church of his birthplace, Blenheim Palace, as his burial-place. “In my beginning is my end. In my end is my beginning,” wrote TS Eliot in The Four Quartets; and Eliot had died aged 76 at home in Kensington only 20 days before Churchill. Both were members of the Order of Merit; both had won Nobel Prizes for literature. Eliot, though, was cremated privately at Golders Green, and his ashes were buried at East Coker in Somerset. But he has his slab at Poet’s Corner in Westminster Abbey, and Churchill’s statue is in Parliament Square not 200 yards away, so you can pay your respects to both in one visit, if you’ve a mind. • Happy 50th birthdays to Vinnie Jones (5th), Joely Richardson (9th), Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall (14th), James Nesbitt (15th), and Heather Small (20th). Cake and botox to you all!
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The third generation of Audi’s fast becoming iconic TT has just landed and everybody knows about it thanks to the truly spec tacular TV ad, which is designed to appeal to the 8 year old boy who lurks inside every car ob sessed man. The original TT arrived back in 1998 and caused an immediate splash thanks to its ultrastylish looks, strong performance and legendary VW build quality.
This latest version is instantly recognisable as a TT; the di mensions, proportions and styl ing cues are nearly identical to the original car but it has been subtly updated and looks as sharp as a Paul Smith suit. The changes are most obvious from the front – I love the razor sharp headlights, angular grill and the cooling vents that would be right at home on a Lamborghini. But, actually, it is when you climb inside that the new TT really bowls you over completely; the interior is simply a wonderful place to be. The air vents look like the turbofan of a Rolls Royce jet engine and the steer ing wheel could have come from a Le Mans racer, but the multi
media display where the instru ment binnacle should be is the real star of the show. You can change the display from classic view with prominent speedo and rev counter to something straight out the Starship Enter prise and every piece of infor mation you could possibly desire is available in one place. As you would expect from Audi, the fit and finish of every last bit of plastic is absolutely perfect. At the moment there are just two engines available, a 2 litre TFSI petrol with 227bhp and a similar capacity diesel with 182bhp that is also astonishingly frugal. A blisteringly fast 305bhp TTS version arrives next year. The TFSI is good for 062 in 6 sec onds dead with a top whack of 155mph, more than adequate for most people’s needs. The power goes to the front wheels as standard or Audi’s excellent Quattro 4 wheel drive system is available as a cost option. A slick 6 speed manual gearbox is also standard, with the lighten ing quick flappy paddle version again bumping up the price by some margin. From the outset, motoring jour nalists have criticised the han dling of the TT as uninvolving, probably because of the front wheel drive. For this third gen eration model, the body has lashings of aluminium used in its construction, making it lighter and more rigid than ever before. The steering has been replaced with a setup that is even more
direct, remarkably precise and provides masses of feedback. A Drive Select system comes as standard and offers a Sport mode that firms up the suspen sion and sharpens the throttle response to racing car levels. Despite all this, some journalists still carp on that it’s not as good as a Porsche. Maybe so, but, take it from me, if you want to drive very fast around corners without having to worry about dying in a ball of flaming wreck age, this is the car for you. That traditional Audi Achilles heel, an overly firm ride, is still present but to a lesser extent. The base spec model that I drove is posi tively comfortable, though the S Line version with 19” wheels still hammers over every bump and pothole. One change that won’t be so welcome is the price list. The entry level model comes in at just under £30,000 on the road, £4,000 more than the previous model, and you don’t have to tick many boxes on the options list to push that up towards £35k. On the plus side, the new TT comes very well equipped as standard. Even so, for a car with such stunning looks, potent performance, excellent build quality and that wonderful inte rior, it seems like pretty good value for money. Form an or derly queue please.
BUCKINGHAM HOUSE LUXURY CARE HOME Gerrards Cross
Happy New Year From Everyone at
Buckingham House Care Home
Off Oxford Road, Gerrards Cross Buckinghamshire SL9 7DP The home provides five-star accommodation for 53 residents each room is en-suite and decorated to a luxurious hotel standard. Buckingham House also boasts a café, 2 dining rooms and a hair and beauty salon, amongst its outstanding facilities.
Tel: 01753 468200 Email: buckingham.house@mmcg.co.uk Web: www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk Nursing Care
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Bug-Busting Day: Say Goodbye to Head Lice By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
January 31st is the first of this year’s National Bug Busting Days, when families of UK schoolchildren are given a comb kit to detect and remove head lice. These miniscule insects live in human hair and feed on blood from the scalp. Unfortunately they’re very common, particularly amongst children. Almost as common as head lice myths... THE MYTHS: Head lice can jump, fly and swim. Not without tiny trampolines or armbands. Head lice love dirty hair. No. They’re not fussy about length, style or cleanliness. Head lice can be caught from animals. No, only by head to head contact with a person already harbouring them. You know you have head lice; your scalp itches. Not necessarily. The itching is a reaction to lice faeces and bites, and can occur weeks or months after lice arrive (or not at all). Don’t presume hairline rashes are caused by lice; check. Insecticides will prevent head lice. No, they won’t, and they should only be used if a live louse is seen on the hair. You need to boil/dry-clean clothes and bedding if you have head lice. There’s no need. Only dead or dying lice lose their grip and fall from your hair.
Detecting Head Lice Lice eggs are stuck firmly to the hair, close to the warm scalp, making them hard to spot and remove until hair growth moves them away from the scalp and you notice nits (empty eggshells). Head lice are pale grey and smaller than a pinhead when they hatch and sesame seed size when fully grown, so they’re difficult to see too. Use wet-coming to find them, using a head lice comb with tooth spacing of 0.2-0.3mm, as this will catch even the tiniest louse (see below). Eradicating Head Lice Wet Combing Although wet combing is very efficient, it must be done thoroughly and regularly as eggs can be missed. At 9 days old, a female louse can lay eggs which hatch around a week later - so if a few lice or eggs are missed, hair can quickly become infested again. • Shampoo, condition and detangle hair first, leaving conditioner in. • Draw the detection comb through the hair from the roots to the ends, checking the comb for lice after each stroke. Remove them by rinsing or wiping. • Rinse hair and then comb thoroughly again. • Repeat every three days until day 15 to prevent newly-
hatched lice maturing. Electric nit combs These claim to kill head lice with a small electric shock. Opinions vary on their effectiveness. Silicone-based lotions (e.g. dimeticone) These lotions coat the lice, preventing them from absorbing water and so killing them. Used properly, they are very effective. Chemical insecticides (e.g. malathion, phenothrin, permethrin) Rarely a first recommendation now, as head lice are increasingly resistant to them and they can be harmful if used persistently. Treat everyone affected at the same time, follow instructions carefully and use a detection comb to remove dead lice and nits. Check hair a few days later and then again after 10-12 days, as not all treatments kill eggs. Preventing Head Lice The best method is regular combing using a proper detection comb, preferably weekly. If you need a product recommendation or are finding lice difficult to eradicate then ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice, particularly if treating babies, pregnant or breastfeeding mums, or people with allergies or asthma.
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Join in the warehouse or online: www.costco.co.uk/membership The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT). Executive Trade Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT). Executive Individual Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. Membership Criteria applies. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made. Costco accepts cash, debit card, cheque or American Express
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Karen Munro Careers (Jan15)_Layout 1 17/12/2014 11:35 Page 1
Karen Munro - Career Coach www.munrocareers.co.uk #@munrocareers www.facebook.com/munrocareers Karen is a professional Career Coach providing individual support in all aspects of Career Development including effective CV Coaching and Interview Skills Techniques, Networking and successful job searching. A member of the Career Development Institute and registered with the Careers Professional Alliance, a qualified Careers Practitioner and Trainer, she works with both private and business clients around Hillingdon, South Bucks and Middlesex.
Karen is currently facilitating workshops and offering individual coaching to Military Personnel leaving the Armed Forces at RAF Northolt, helping them through their transition to civilian employment. Karen writes for a number of careers focussed and military resettlement magazines and regularly contributes to ‘In and Around’ sharing her practical experience with her local community. JANUARY is a great time for reflection on the year that has passed. However, it can also be a time to look back with regret about the things you haven't been able to accomplish or achieve and can it can become a difficult time of year for many of us. However, January should be a time to embrace where you are right now. Remember how you got here. Was it through hard work, talent, good or bad luck, playing it safe or perhaps from taking risks? Chances are, it was a bit of everything and it's important to recognise that everything you did had a consequence it got you to where you are right now. It's important to take responsibility for your actions and to learn from any mistakes.
Improving your job may be about a range of things from changing your attitude to work, approaching things differently as well as taking on additional responsibilities to make your job more enjoyable. Remember, "If you love your job, you'll never work another day in your life." If you're looking for a new job, embrace it as a new challenge and use everything you've learnt about yourself over the last 12 months to help define your new job search. Finally, you might not want just a new job, you might want a complete career change. Perhaps the one thing your learnt about yourself over the last 12 months was that you don't actually want to do the same job any more. Changing your career can feel like a huge hurdle and most people will think about it, perhaps even talk about it but will find it more challenging to actually make it happen. Change takes time and passion.
What did you learn about about yourself last year? How can you use it to improve your focus for the year ahead?
Time? Because in order to achieve it you need to map out a path towards your goal and start to break down the steps you need to take to get you there.
January is notorious for being the month when people make a concerted effort to improve things, do things differently or even change direction.
Passion? Because if you really want to take that journey and change your career you have to be passionate about what you want to achieve.
You may be looking to improve your current job, get a promotion or even get a new job.
Wishing all my readers and followers a very happy and prosperous 2015.
Making peace with the past can help you embrace your future.
Karen
“unlocking your career potential”
GNH_in&around_dps_Jan2015_Layout 1 16/12/2014 15:31 Page 1
holidays
In and Around
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Holidays offered by GN Holidays & Voyages Higher Denham ABTA NoY0291 •ATOL 9362
info@gnholidays.com www.gnholidays.com Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays closed Bank Holidays
RIVERS, BOATS & TRAINS OF THE DORDOGNE Escorted Holiday by Rail 6 days half board, from £599pp 23 April, 16 July & 3 September, 2015 In the heart of France, the Dordogne region has so much to offer with a stunning scenic railway, picturesque castles, beautiful rivers, and medieval hilltop towns. We stay in the centre of the famous town of Perigueux, and include excursions taking-in: Rocamadour, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Dordogne river; the picturesque Truffadou railway; the beautiful village of La Roque Gageac with a cruise on the Dordogne on a traditional flat bottomed boat; and Le Gouffre de Padirac to visit the stunning underground caves.
EXCURSIONS INCLUDED INCLUDED: Escorted throughout • Return rail travel from London St Pancras (from Ebbsfleet on request) to Limoges • 5 nights half-board stay at a 3 star hotel in Perigueux • Excursions • Transfers abroad
I
f
o
•
A
Coach Breaks departing from uxbridge, Ruislip & Slough QUOTE: CS2-IA
Warner
Leisure Hotels
OVER 40S ONLY
FREE DRINKS
QUOTE: CW2-IA
ENGLAND’S GREATEST SNOWDROP GARDEN & AFTERNOON TEA AT
SWINGING SIXTIES SEASIDE PARTY AT WARNER CORTON,
MARCO PIERRE WHITE’S FROGMILL INN
SUFFOLK COAST
Great Day Out, £79pp
4 Days Half Board + Free Drinks, £259pp
Departs Monday 16 February, 2015
Departs Friday 6 February, 2015
INCLUDED: Visit to Colesbourne Park Garden, Gloucestershire, including entry • Afternoon tea, including a glass of Prosecco, at the Frogmill Inn, Andoversford • Return coach travel
INCLUDED: Free Bar from 6pm to midnight every night for house beers & spirits, wine by the glass, pumped soft drinks & mixers • Entertainment from The Fortunes, union Gap and a tribute to Frankie Valli • 3 dinners & 3 breakfasts • 3 nights en-suite chalet - upgrades available from £284pp • Coach travel & excursions
QUOTE: TD3-IA
A
QUOTE: EA3-IA
THRIPLOW DAFFODIL FESTIVAL & LUNCH AT A COUNTRY PUB
EASTBOURNE & SOUTH COAST EXPLORER
Great Day Out, £69pp
5 Days Half Board, £229pp
Departs Saturday 21 March, 2015
Departs Monday 23 March, 2015
INCLUDED: Visit to Thriplow Village for the Daffodil
INCLUDED: 4 nights stay at the Shoreview Hotel on
festival • 2-course hot & cold buffet lunch with a glass
Eastbourne seafront • 4 dinners and 4 breakfasts
of wine at the White Horse Hotel, Hertingfordbury
• Visits to Arundel and Brighton • Coach travel and
• Return coach travel
excursions
Beauty Look Younger for Longer - Look after Your Neck and Hands On the subject of daily routines, whilst a regular moisturiser is fine for those looking to prevent rather than cure, if your neck is already heavily lined, you’ll need something stronger. Furthermore your neck requires a different formulation to reverse the signs of ageing than your face, so it’s important to use products specifically designed for the neck, which are generally more concentrated and powerful.
your nails will be too. Nails need extra attention during the winter months and if they are dry, peeling and brittle this is a sign that you need to treat your talons to some serious TLC.
When it comes to looking younger, we all seem to focus our attention on our face yet overlook our neck and hands, even though it’s these areas that tend to age the fastest. So it’s time to start taking notice of these neglected areas to ensure that you look younger for longer.
Your Neck
The skin on your neck is thin compared to the rest of the body, it also has fewer oil glands and can easily become dehydrated. So given that, it’s as important to moisturise your neck as your face, and to extend the application of your daily sunscreen to this area too. Remember to exfoliate your skin regularly - both on your face and neck - as this removes dead skin cells, brightens your skin and improves absorption of your moisturiser.
Eating a healthy diet is key to looking younger too, as foods rich in anti-oxidants and Omega-3 acids have been shown to help skin rejuvenation by boosting collagen production - something that declines as we age. Smoking is not only bad for your health, but it damages collagen and the constant squinting and lip pursing whilst smoking causes lines to form quickly. It’s no surprise then, that the delicate skin under your chin is damaged as a result.
Your Hands
They say that you can tell a women’s age by her hands, so it really is important to look after yours. Winter weather, central heating, contact with water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers all serve to dry out the skin, making your hands look older than they are and feel rough to the touch. If the skin on your hands is suffering you can be sure that
Limit the exposure your hands and nails have to the elements by always wearing gloves whenever you step outside in cold weather. The same goes for washing up or any activity where your hands are submerged in water; always keep a pair of rubber gloves nearby. Invest in a pair of moisture gloves. Apply an intensive hand cream every night, before bed, and then put the moisture gloves on overnight. You’ll wake up with beautifully soft hands in the morning. Each time you wash your hands, dry them thoroughly and then apply a hand and nail cream - same goes for when you have used a hand sanitizer. Make sure you rub the product in thoroughly and don’t forget to coat your cuticles and nails too. Keep your nails long and strong by applying cuticle oil every night. Use a strengthening treatment to help protect your nails from the elements and to give them extra strength. And for a real treat, head to the beauty salon and get a manicure. You’ll feel a lot more enthused about keeping your professionally pampered hands in tip-top condition when they’re looking gorgeous. By Helen Taylor
Support for those who suffer domestic abuse by Maria Cox Legal Executive, IBB Solicitors maria.cox@ibblaw.co.uk 01895 207834
Christmas is traditionally a joyful time when families come together to celebrate, but it’s a sad fact that it is also a time when domestic violence tends to rise due to increased financial pressures, increased alcohol and drug consumption, increased family pressures and conflict, and increased contact with the abuser who may be at home more for the holiday season. Too many women, men and children will return to work or school in January having had a stressful Christmas break. It can be very difficult for those experiencing domestic violence to access support during the festive period - a period when an abusive partner may be spending more time at home and monitoring their victim’s behaviour more closely than ever.
A recent study commissioned by the Corporate Alliance Against Domestic Violence, a charity that is working with the Government’s health agency - Public Health England (PHE), advised that the onus should be on employers to spot signs of domestic violence and take steps to sensitively approach employees and offer help – or risk being ‘held liable’. Domestic violence can take the form of physical abuse, verbal and emotional abuse, but also financial abuse – which can include controls on what a person can spend, confiscating money they have earned and taking advantage of their financial status by racking up debts in their name, ruining their credit rating or withholding child support.
The advice from PHE urges managers to look out for sudden shifts in behaviour in employees, which could be changes to clothing or appearance, as an attempt to hide bruising or injuries. Many sufferers will consider the workplace as a sanctuary, a place to escape from harm. It is important for businesses to realise that it happens within their workplace. There should be training for those who witness it – with advice given as how to spot and sensitively approach employees who may be suffering. It’s not about the workplace intruding into personal matters but helping to ensure the workplace doesn’t get in the way and can even speed up the process of recovery. Even a small change to an employee’s working week can give them the space they need to seek protection, go to court, arrange childcare, or seek counselling. This extra layer of support is to be welcomed, and raising awareness among employers could make all the difference to those suffering domestic abuse. If you are in immediate danger, always call 999. If you want to put a stop to an abusive situation, we have a specialist team that can help, with warning letters, non-molestation orders, occupation orders, and other legal and practical advice.
You are not alone Our experienced specialists offer support for victims of domestic abuse, and guide you child welfare cases, care and adoption proceedings, and cases relating to where children live or when they visit other family members. Contact us to arrange a meeting: enquiries@ibblaw.co.uk or call 08456 381381
08456 381381 ibblaw.co.uk
Working with Charities Ward Williams Chartered Accountants in association with the Uxbridge Conservative Club held a Charity Race Night on Wednesday 10th December and raised a fantastic £1,200 for the children’s ward (Peter Pan & Wendy Ward) at Hillingdon Hospital (charity number: 1056493, The Paediatric Trust Fund 425). The money raised will pay for an oxygen tank for the Paediatric unit, and food and toys for the children over Christmas. A big thank you to Georgina & Philip Baile, and Mez at the Uxbridge Conservative Club for their time and support in making this event such a success, and to the support of the 40 people who attended the event from various local businesses & organisations; Uxbridge Conservative Club members, Belvoir Lettings, Dale & Sons Funeral Directors, United Tea, IBB Solicitors, Hillingdon Hospital, Hillingdon Chamber, Utility Warehouse, HSBC and Minuteman Press. Ward Williams have a team that specialises in the needs of charities, with 20 years combined experience and extensive knowledge of the Charities Acts and Charities SORP, they can offer charities the following: Preparation of annual accounts in accordance with the relevant Regulations Annual audit and independent examinations Assistance in the completion of Charity Commission annual returns Attendance at Trustee's and audit committee meetings Please contact Colin Hamilton (colin.hamilton@wardwilliams.co.uk) for a free no-obligation meeting or a fixed fee quotation.
GNH_in&around_dps_Jan2015_Layout 1 16/12/2014 15:31 Page 1
holidays
In and Around
QUOTE: RF-IA
RIVIERA OF FLOWERS MONACO & PORTOFINO
Free Drinks
Champagne Check-in
Escorted Holiday by Rail - afternoon departures EXCURSIONS INCLUDED 8 days, semi all inclusive, from £849pp Departures: 13 Apr, 1 & 30 May, 6 Jun, 19 & 25 Sept & 1 Oct, 2015 This super holiday, taking in the French & Italian Rivieras, starts with a glass of Bubbly at St Pancras famous Champagne Bar before an afternoon departure on Eurostar to Lille or Paris. After an overnight stay, we continue by high-speed train to Nice then to Diano Marina on Italy’s Riviera of Flowers, our base for this holiday. Enjoy free drinks every night at the hotel and excursions to Monaco, Eze, Portofino & Dolceacqua.
INCLUDED: Escorted throughout • Champagne Check-in at London St Pancras • Return rail travel from St Pancras (from Ebbsfleet on request) to Nice • 1 night hotel B&B in Paris or Lille • 6 nights in Diano Marina or similar - half board PLuS free drinks 6pm to 11pm every night • All excursions • Transfers abroad
Call 01895 83 33 33 for bookings and information
I
G
i
A
QUOTE: DG-IA
Holidays offered by GN Holidays & Voyages Higher Denham ABTA NoY0291 •ATOL 9362
info@gnholidays.com www.gnholidays.com Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays closed Bank Holidays
RIVERS, BOATS & TRAINS OF THE DORDOGNE Escorted Holiday by Rail 6 days half board, from £599pp 23 April, 16 July & 3 September, 2015 In the heart of France, the Dordogne region has so much to offer with a stunning scenic railway, picturesque castles, beautiful rivers, and medieval hilltop towns. We stay in the centre of the famous town of Perigueux, and include excursions taking-in: Rocamadour, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Dordogne river; the picturesque Truffadou railway; the beautiful village of La Roque Gageac with a cruise on the Dordogne on a traditional flat bottomed boat; and Le Gouffre de Padirac to visit the stunning underground caves.
EXCURSIONS INCLUDED INCLUDED: Escorted throughout • Return rail travel from London St Pancras (from Ebbsfleet on request) to Limoges • 5 nights half-board stay at a 3 star hotel in Perigueux • Excursions • Transfers abroad
I
f
o
•
A
Coach Breaks departing from uxbridge, Ruislip & Slough QUOTE: CS2-IA
Warner
Leisure Hotels
OVER 40S ONLY
FREE DRINKS
QUOTE: CW2-IA
ENGLAND’S GREATEST SNOWDROP GARDEN & AFTERNOON TEA AT
SWINGING SIXTIES SEASIDE PARTY AT WARNER CORTON,
MARCO PIERRE WHITE’S FROGMILL INN
SUFFOLK COAST
Great Day Out, £79pp
4 Days Half Board + Free Drinks, £259pp
Departs Monday 16 February, 2015
Departs Friday 6 February, 2015
INCLUDED: Visit to Colesbourne Park Garden, Gloucestershire, including entry • Afternoon tea, including a glass of Prosecco, at the Frogmill Inn, Andoversford • Return coach travel
INCLUDED: Free Bar from 6pm to midnight every night for house beers & spirits, wine by the glass, pumped soft drinks & mixers • Entertainment from The Fortunes, union Gap and a tribute to Frankie Valli • 3 dinners & 3 breakfasts • 3 nights en-suite chalet - upgrades available from £284pp • Coach travel & excursions
QUOTE: TD3-IA
A
QUOTE: EA3-IA
THRIPLOW DAFFODIL FESTIVAL & LUNCH AT A COUNTRY PUB
EASTBOURNE & SOUTH COAST EXPLORER
Great Day Out, £69pp
5 Days Half Board, £229pp
Departs Saturday 21 March, 2015
Departs Monday 23 March, 2015
INCLUDED: Visit to Thriplow Village for the Daffodil
INCLUDED: 4 nights stay at the Shoreview Hotel on
festival • 2-course hot & cold buffet lunch with a glass
Eastbourne seafront • 4 dinners and 4 breakfasts
of wine at the White Horse Hotel, Hertingfordbury
• Visits to Arundel and Brighton • Coach travel and
• Return coach travel
excursions
What are the options for a parent who’s had a good career, is used to earning a good income but has chosen to give it up in order to have a family? Returning to their old career will bring demands, pressure and they’ll suffer the guilt of the working parent. In part time jobs the hourly rate is poor and paying for childcare during school holidays is expensive. There is a way of building a fulltime income around the family’s needs working with a family run global company in the booming health and nutritionprofession. It has the Investors In People Gold award for training and support, the work is totally
flexible, there’s no pressure and it’s very rewarding. To find out more, please call Leena on
Working From Home: Is It For You? Seven Key Success Factors Do a search on Google for the specific term “work from home UK” and it will return around 857 million results. It’s clearly a popular subject and since broadband became widely available in 2004, the growth in this market has been phenomenal. Indeed it is estimated that 2.8 million businesses now operate full time from home; that 1400 people start a business every week; and that home businesses contribute £284 billion to the economy each year. Many businesses operate successfully from a spare room; but sadly too many others fail. So before you take the plunge and give up the day job, consider if your business passes these sanity checks. Don’t overestimate the growth All businesses start from £0 revenue, and most from a negative figure by the time they’ve paid their startup costs. You might have a startup fund from redundancy or inheritance, or you might actually need the money straight away. Setting up your own business is hard work so make sure it’s going to return a profit before your personal costs overtake you.
Watch your overheads Overheads have to be paid regardless of whether you have any business. If you are paying for stock, leases, loans, equipment rental or staff before you really need to, you can easily find you are working for nothing.
When you get the first few people buying from you, the ideal business model says that sooner or later they’ll want to use you again. For your work from home ’lifestyle’ business, it’s best to have some customers who come back again and again.
Is there a market for what you want to sell? A classic mistake is to think ‘there must be a huge market for this because nobody else does it/makes it’. Possibly, but it’s more likely that there isn’t a demand in the first place. For your first business you really are better to go into a market where you know money is being spent rather than trying to create the market from scratch.
How will people find out about you? Treat this as a launch and do as much initial marketing as you can find the time for and can afford. Advertising in this magazine (of course!), notice boards, Google adwords, social media, emailing, networking, the school gates… anything and everything you can think of.
How many customers do you need? There are so many tales of people who start a business, win one big profitable customer who brings in 80% of the revenue month after month, only for it to go horribly wrong when the big customer changes supplier. Far better to have lots of customers on your list. If you have fifty customers, even a loss of five of them won’t seriously impact you. Will your customers buy again?
Do you have the space? Try not to let your business spill into the general living space. Not only is this encroaching on your family’s home, but it’ll mean you’ll feel you can’t ever get away from work. A spare room is ideal of course, but if not, then a filing cabinet where you can tuck everything away at the end of the day does at least mark out the boundaries. Finally, a word of warning. If you do start your own business, it’s a legal requirement to register with HMRC as self-employed – make it top of your action list.
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REGULAR EVENTS...
Quiz Night Every Tues & Sunday from 8.30pm at the Coach & Horses, Ickenham
Events at Harefield Community Centre, Priory Avenue, UB9 6AP MON Cameo Club (3rd Mon month) 10am-12pm; Indoor Bowls (Short Mat) 2pm-5pm; Harefield Wine Club (2nd Mon in the month) 7.459.30pm; Judo (Seniors not 2nd Mon in month) 8-10pm. TUES Line Dancing 10.45am1.15pm; Bingo 7.45pm - 10.30pm. WED Fitness, Fun & Dance 10.30am12.00pm; Singing for Fun (1st Wed in month) 1-2.30pm; Judo Club 6.307.45pm; Dancing Club 8.15pm10.30pm. THURS Happy Families Group 9.4511.45am; Tea Dances 2-4pm; Whist 7.30-10pm; Ladies Club (2nd Thur in month) 8-10pm. FRI Bridge Club 10.30am-12.30pm; Line Dancing 12.45-3pm; Indoor Bowls (Short Mat) 7.30-10pm. All enquiries to Lynne Mogge 01895 824621 or e: harefield communitycentre@btconnect.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Monday's in Harefield! Every Monday. Beginners Jive Dance Classes 7.45pm. Slow practise session 8.30-9pm Social Rock n Roll 9-11pm. No partner required - no experience necessary! Harefield Cricket Club, Breakspear Road North, Harefield, UB9 6NE. 7.30-11pm £5 entry. Email therockingrebels@ gmail.com or call 07947 106607 www.facebook.com/therockingrebels 1950s Rock n Roll with DJs The Rocking Rebels 1st Fri of every month 7.30-11.30pm. Retro stalls, BYO drinks. St Marys Church Hall, High St, Harefield UB9 6BX. Contact 07951 652083 therockingrebel@gmail.com www.facebook.com/therockingrebels
HOBBIES...
Chinese Brush Painting Group Meet on Saturday mornings. Guided by an experienced tutor. Compose and develop your own style and the finer points of Chinese calligraphy. Harefield Library, Park Lane Village Centre, Harefield. Call Phyllis 01895 476 644 / phyllnash@gmail.com
Hillingdon Arts & Crafts Club Meet every 2nd Friday in The Parlour at the URC Church in Swakeleys Road from 9.45-11.30am. £3pp. Call Sue Williams 07799 054444 Hillingdon Decorative & Fine Arts Society Enjoy 10 expert lectures a year about art and culture from around Britain. Outings to galleries & places of cultural interest. Receive NADFAS Review, Interested? Come along to a lecture, cost £6. See www.hillingdondfas.co.uk, email: membership@hillingdonfas.co.uk or call Ann Lowe 01895 638147 Hillingdon Natural History Society Meets 1st Wed of the month at the Scout HQ, Gatting Way, Uxbridge. enquiries@hillingdonnaturalhistorysociety.org.uk Hillingdon Railway Modellers Club Meet every Thursday, 7.30pm at Yiewsley Baptist Church contact tonymoth@Hotmail.co.uk Inland Waterways Association Meet 2nd Tues of every month at Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk Iver Flower Club The Coppins Room, Iver Village Hall, Grange Way, Iver, SL0 9HW. Meets 4th Thursday of month, 7.30pm. Call Barbara Rhodes 01895 236531 or www.bbando.org.uk/clubs/iver.htm
The Language Clubs of Hillingdon From late September until mid July. Visitors welcome, 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 Society Meets in the village hall, Swakeleys Road. Call 01895 850943. KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA... Aikido Classes Yeading Community Centre, UB4 9BH. Seniors: Mon & Fri 8-10pm. Juniors (6yrs+) Fri 6.30-8pm. Learn a non competitive martial art. Friendly British Aikido Board registered club, under Sensei Sheppard 6th dan. Full information on www.kuraiaikido.co.uk. Contact Keith Holland 01895 636344 or email kuraiaikido@hotmail.com Bagot Stack (Fitness League) Term Time Only. Vyners School, UB10 8AB on Tuesdays 7.30 - 8.30pm. Also in Windsor Monday & Thursday. Call Rosemary 01628 776838 www.thefitnessleague.com Images School of Dance Dance, drama, fun and friendly dance classes for all ages including RAD Ballet & Contemporary dance. Based in Ruislip Manor. www.imagesschoolofdance.co.uk e: info@imagesschoolofdance.co.uk continued overleaf...
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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 - all styles of dance from RAD ballet to Zumba. Check www.futunityuk.com for full class listings. Call 01895 251224 or email admin@futunityuk.com
fitness League Tone & stretch exercises for the whole body, with fun dance routines to music for women of all fitness levels. Tuesday 7.30-8.30pm at Vyners School, Warren Road, Ickenham, UB10 8AB. Call Rosemary 01628 776838 before attending. www.thefitnessleague.com funky rhythms dance & fitness Zumba with Brian (07957 343528) Monday 6.30pm- Swakeley's School for girls, Clifton Gardens, Hillingdon Zumba with elli £5 (07833 690153) Tuesday 8pm- Active4less, 233 High Street, Uxbridge Zumba with Brian Thu 6pm & 7.30pm Watts Hall, Christchurch, Belmont Road, Uxbridge Zumba with Sylvia J £5 (07793 769584) 8pm - Minet Jnr Sch, Avondale Dr, Hayes irish dancing classes From age 5. Beginners & advanced classes. Mon, 6pm at Hayes Conservative Club, Church Rd. Wed, 6pm at Greenford Visitation Catholic Church Hall. Contact Deidre email: Deirdreosullivan@ hotmail.co.uk telephone: 07956 346383 Jazzercise classes New Denham Community Centre Monday 9.30am-10.30am & Tuesday 6.45pm-7.45pm. Wednesday & Friday 10-11am
Denham Village Memorial Hall Village Road, Denham, Bucks. Thursday 6.30-7.30pm. Contact: Wendy Whitefoord Tel: 07803 602142 e: wendy.whitefoord@btinternet.com www.jazzercise.com
Ladies only kickboxing club Wednesdays, 6.30-8pm at Watts Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. First Class FREE! Just turn up or call Instructor Leanne Phillips on 07518 848285 e: leanne @kickboxing-longdon.co.uk www.kickboxing-london.co.uk Line dancing Wednesdays at Uxbridge Community Centre, The Greenway, Uxbridge. New class for absolute beginners is 10.30am-12.30pm, with free tea and biscuits - £3.50 Beginners/easy level 1.45pm-3.45pm - free tea and biscuits - £3.50 Thursdays at Charville Community Centre, Bury Road, Hayes End 8pm10pm for beginners/improvers £4.25, no tea and biscuits, but there is a bar. Call Susan 01895 832837 modern Jive classes Mondays, 8-11pm, West Drayton Community Centre Thursdays, 8-11pm, Uxbridge Civic Centre. Beginners welcome, first night entry and free lifetime membership with this advert. Contact: Alan 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 or email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com passion dance Group Passion Dance Group (Ruislip) Queensmead Sports Centre and Highgrove Pool Classes include: Street Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Minie Me'z (3 - 6 years Ballet, Tap & Street), Kids Parties. We offer Shows, Workshops, Competitions and Assessments.
Age 3+ all abilities welcome. 07882 413428 passiondancegroup@hotmail.co.uk
pink academy of dance Classes held daily @ New Denham Community Centre. Exciting range of classes for boys and girls from 2 years to Adults. Monday - RAD ballet and IDTA Tap Wednesday - Jazz and Festival work Friday - Festival work Saturday - Little feet ballet (2yrs), Ballet, Tap, Disco, Festival work and Adult Ballet and Tap. Contact: Admin@pinkacademy.co.uk www.pinkacademy.co.uk 01895 257553 rockin' 8s Square dancing Modern American style - every Thurs 8.15pm. New Denham & Willowbank Community Centre, Oxford Road, New Denham. UB9 4DW. Call Jean 01895 622859 or email paul@stingproductions.com Salsa! Every Tuesday @ Slug and Lettuce Uxbridge UB8 1LB. No Partner required. From 8.30pm classes for beginners to more advance dancers with ViVaLaSalsa! For more details call 07961 699424 or visit: www.vivalasalsakizomba.com Salsa classes Every Monday: The Middlesex Arms, Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HG. Beginners class starts 8pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.45-9.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm Every Wednesday: The WatersEdge, Canal Cottages, Packetboat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. Beginners class starts 7:30pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.30-9.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm continued overleaf...
Hobbies Time To Pick Up A Paintbrush
By Kate McLelland
As children we are all happy to draw and paint but as we grow older we often lose confidence in our abilities. School is not the easiest environment in which to develop creative talent, so it’s not surprising that many of us abandon Art as a subject in our mid-teens. It’s encouraging to learn, however, that art gallery visitor numbers have massively increased in recent years and this seems to have inspired more people to revisit their artistic skills as adults. Once you have decided to have a go at painting, the first step is to choose the type of paint and brushes you will use. Do you want to create delicate watercolours or big, bold canvases? Do you admire artists who paint with photographic attention to detail or do you prefer abstract art, where the paint can be randomly poured, splashed or dripped onto canvas to create bold shapes and patterns? We’ve all used watercolour paints when young, so many people find it natural to return to that medium as adults. Watercolours may be versatile and easy to apply, but don’t expect instant results: you’ll need to spend time learning and practising the necessary
techniques, otherwise your paintings may bear an unfortunate resemblance to the artwork you created back in Class 9C!
Acrylic paints are similar to oil paints but easier to use: your work will dry faster and you won’t need to use solvents to clean your brushes. Acrylics can be mixed with water, so you can either paint with intense colour or dilute the pigment to produce transparent washes. This medium also dries to a robust finish: acrylic paintings can be safely rolled up without the risk of cracking. Oil paints allow you to create wonderfully expressive images, but using oils can be a challenge for a beginner as you will need to dilute the paint with thinners (white spirit or turpentine) as well as adding a medium, such as linseed or poppy oil, to bind the pigments in the paint and help with the drying process. An oil painting should be built up layer-by-layer, but you must allow time for the layers to dry: it can sometimes take up to five days for this process and during that period you will be unable to work on the canvas. Fortunately you can now buy
specially made fast-drying oils that will be touch dry in 24 hours or less.
Make sure you have a variety of brushes available: round brushes are excellent for control and accuracy while flat brushes are great for edging and filling in areas.
There are some useful online tutorials to help you develop your skills using water paints, acrylics and oils: www.wikihow. com has great step-by-step illustrated guides to get you started. Alternatively you could get face-to-face tuition at an adult education institute (your local library will carry a list of courses). Alternatively you can search for painting holidays at www.artcourses.co.uk. When you first start to paint the important thing is not to set unrealistic goals for yourself. It may be years before you feel confident enough to hang your work in a room, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the process. If you make fun and relaxation your primary reason for picking up a paintbrush, you can’t go wrong.
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KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA CONTINUED...
SALSA (all styles) Every Monday at Uxbridge Community Centre, 32b The Greenway, Uxbridge UB8 2PJ from 7.45pm to 10pm. Come and join Mina Queen Salsa for some amazing fun. Call 07958 578962 or email mina@queensalsa.com
Suzanne’s School of Dance & Drama 69 Swakeleys Road, Ickenham UB10 8DQ. Classes from aged 2 yrs to adult. All types of dance and musical theatre, drama, singing. See website 'suzannes-dance.co.uk' Tai Chi Classes Every Saturday 10-11am at Yiewsley Methodist Church, Fairfield Road, UB7 8EY. Call Dan 07880 601429 The Pilates Club St Giles & The United Reformed Church Halls, Ickenham. Visit www.thepilatesclub.co.uk or call 07968 920070 Yoga with Yolanda Ickenham Village Hall Mons from 6.45 to 8.15. Mixed group. info call 07919 243648 Zumba Fitness Mon 7pm, Wed 10am. Denham Village Memorial Hall. Ian or Suzanne 07545 910058 / 07834 187745. Zumba Fitness Class Mon 6pm, Walter Pomeroy Hall, Royal Lane Hillingdon UB8 3QU. Tues 7.30pm, St Marys Church Hall, Hemmen Lane (off Church Rd, Hayes) UB3 2JQ. No experience necessary. £5. Call Ann-Marie 07701 012927 MUSIC... Accord, Ruislip Community Choir Meet every Thursday evening in term time at 7.30pm at Ruislip Baptist Church, Manor Way, Ruislip. We have over 65 choir members, but will especially welcome new male choir members. No auditions! A great fun choir, if you try us you will want to
stay! Call Chris on 07714 226216.
Drumbeatz Drum tuition for beginners by Melanie Kleyn, qualified HND. 8yrs+. Guitar lessons on site. 3.15-5.30pm or during the day. Text 07757 635880 Email: drumsmel@gmail.com Faraday Country Music Club in Slough SL2 1RN. The best live Country Music every Thursday for listeners, western partners, freestyle or line dancers. From 8 - 11pm. Contact Deb 07986 050742. www.faradaycountry.co.uk Guitar lessons Complete beginners welcome. Contact Sam for a FREE lesson 07798 588496 sam@uxbridgeguitarlessons.co.uk
Uxbridge Folk Club Meets twice a month on a Thursday at Uxbridge RNA, 388a Long Lane, Hillingdon, Middlesex. UB10 9PG (2 mins from Hillingdon Tube Station) and supports all kinds of acoustic music. Also welcomes floor singers and musicians. PRE-SCHOOL & KIDS GROUPS... Yiewsley & West Drayton Band Rehearse every Wednesday and Friday 8-10pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. To join or book the band for an engagement contact Lynne on 07976 824152 or email Lynne@ywdband.com Yiewsley & West Drayton Training Band This is open to all ages wanting to learn to play a brass instrument or those of you wanting to 'brush up' your skills. Rehearse every Wednesday during term time 6.457.45pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. Contact Abi on 07985 302 856 or emailtraining@ywdband.com Sing and Sign Britain’s favourite Baby Signing Classes from 6 months Wed at Uxbridge Leisure Centre, Fri at The White Bear, Ruislip. FREE TASTERS BOOK NOW contact Cathy 07712
047621 or email: cathyseddigh@ singandsign.co.uk Slough Sea Cadets Parade nights on Mon and Thurs 19.30-21.30 at Langley Pavillion, Langley Road, Slough, SL3 8BS. Male & Female Junior Cadets (age 10-12 yrs) & Cadets (age 12-18 yrs). £2 per week, courses from £5. E: sloughseacadets@yahoo.co.uk Stars at Knight After school Drama Club for children 7-18 yrs at Southlands Art Centre, 76 The Green, West Drayton. Tel: 0208 841 8940 / 07956 123626 e: starsatknightdrama@gmail.com www.starsatknightschoolofdrama.co.uk Tiny Talk Baby Signing Classes Friday classes at The Uxbridge Centre, The Greenway, Uxbridge, UB8 2PJ 10.30am, price £5 Pre-paid per family. Call Bev Meier 01895 824935 or 07818 025993 1st Uxbridge Scouts, Beavers & Cubs www.1stuxbridge.com Call 01895 255479 SELF DEFENCE... Shorinji Kempo self defence Practical self defence techniques from this traditional Japanese martial art. Tue 6-7pm children (£2), 7-9pm adults (£5). The Barn, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge. (opp. Brunel Uni). Contact Dan on 07776 421957 or for details visit www.sk.harrow.ac.uk Karate Club of Uxbridge For ages 5yrs and up. Wed 5-7pm at The Greenway, Uxbridge. Call Dominic on 07988 743725 Kung Fu Club West Drayton Great Kung Fu workout for everybody. Training for children & adults Tues 5.30-6.30pm, Fri 7.30-8.30pm, Sun 5.30-6.30pm. West Drayton Community Centre, Harmondsworth Rd, UB7 9JL. Contact Ella on 07702 479435 e: sportsclubuk@gmail.com continued overleaf...
Take 1 (7-10 yrs) 10.00am - 11.30am - £170 per term Take 2 (11-14 yrs) 11.30am - 1.30pm - £225 per term Take 3 (15 - 17 yrs) 1.30pm - 3.30pm - £225 per term
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SELF DEFENCE CONTINUED...
Silat Kuntao Indonesian Self-Defence Traditional self-defence art from Central Java, includes empty hand, traditional weapons, meditation and healing massage. Adult classes only. Mon and Wed 8pm-10pm at Denham Village Memorial Hall, Denham, UB9 5BN. Call Philip Davies 07790 496 346 or kuntao.matjan.uk@gmail.com. SELF HELP & SUPPORT... Hillingdon Brain Tumour Group Support group held every 2nd Thurs of the month 12.30-2.30pm, Hillingdon Baptist Church, Hercies Rd Hillingdon, UB10 9LS. Call Cyril or Becky 01895 637444. Parkinsons UK Society – Uxbridge Support group for sufferers and carers, meet at Christ Church, Redford Way, Uxbridge from 2-4pm on the last Tue of the month. Guest speakers and social outings. Call Mr Neasby on 0208 848 3920 Slimming World New Denham Community Centre Tuesday, 10-11.30am. New joiners turn up at 10am to register Tel: Mandy 07879 897578 Slimming World The Salvation Army, Cowley Road, Uxbridge. Tuesday 7pm. Tel: Nicki 07826 698360 Slimming World Yiewsley Methodist Church, Farfield Rd, Yiewsley. Wed 5pm or 6.45pm. Tel: Nicki 07826 698360 Weight Watchers Christchurch Bailey Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. Thursday 6.30pm. Call 07920 409111. SOCIAL GROUPS... Crosier Investment Club Objectives to learn more about the Stock Market and to improve personal investment skills. Meets 7.30pm, 3rd Thursday in month Pinner Village Hall, Chapel Lane, Pinner, HA5 1AA. Further details 020 8427 3559. Annual Subs £24 (inc. tea/coffees).
secretary@crosierinvestment.org.uk visit www.crosierinvestment.org.uk
Friendly Rubber Bridge Tuesdays & Fridays 12noon - 4pm at Pinner Bridge Club, 103 Marsh Road, Pinner. For further info call Keith 01895 622033
Hillingdon Family History Society Based at Hillingdon Park Baptist Church, Hercies Road, Hillingdon. Our research room is open (10am-1pm) on the first Saturday of the month and on every Friday (except the Friday before the first Saturday). Experienced help is always available. For openings and events see www.hfhs.co.uk. Contact Mrs Pat Reynolds 01895 444442 or email hillingdonfhs@onetel.com Over 60s Social Group Male, Female and couples. Meet fortnightly at various agreed venues. Contact Judith 07980 073170 or Mel 07785 582323 or email: jlholl2014@gmail.com Rotary Club of Elthorne Hillingdon We meet on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm at Uxbridge Cricket Club. Call 01923 829657 for details Rotary Club of Uxbridge We meet on Fridays at 12.40 for 13.00 (5th Friday evening, call Sec on 07910 197201) at The Middlesex Suite, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge. See website www.rotaryclubofuxbridge.org.uk Whist Tuesdays 2-4pm at Uxbridge & District Conservative Club, Fairfield, 46 Harefield Rd, Uxbridge, Middx, UB8 1PJ. Tel: 01895 233653 Women’s Social Group Social group for women in West London. 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... Badminton Club Requires additional players of average standard! Every Tuesday
evening 7.45 to 9.45 at Vyners School, Ickenham. Interested? Email: turksclub@hotmail.co.uk
Play bowls, rugby, squash & tennis at Uxbridge Cricket Club. Bar food available daily. Non-members welcome. Tel: Anne 01895 237571. E: admin@uxbridgecricketclub.co.uk Hillingdon Golf Club All players and new members welcome. 18 Dorset Way, Hillingdon, Middx, UB10 0JR. Call 01895 460035/252718. www.hillingdongolfclub.co.uk Indoor Short Bowls Thursday nights 8-10pm at Uxbridge & District Conser-vative Club, Fairfield, 46 Harefield Rd, Uxbridge, UB8 1PJ. Tel: 01895 233653 New Ladies Netball Team Training Wed 7.30-8.30pm (TT) Ryefield Primary School, Ryefield Avenue, Hillingdon E: glebenetballclub@yahoo.com Old Abbotstonians Rugby Club Youth Section Coaching non-contact (Tag) and full contact rugby for children aged 4-13 years. Training or matches Sundays 10am-12noon at Old Abbotstonians Rugby Club, Pole Hill Open Space, Raeburn Road, Hayes. For details call Colin Lowen on 07798 743041. Pink Ladies Netball Club All levels and abilities welcome. Training takes place at Stockley Academy, West Drayton every Tuesday evening. Senior training 16+yrs 7.30-9pm Back to Netball 16+yrs 7.30- 8.30pm Under 16s - please Rhiannon on 01895 448878 for details email: plnetball@hotmail.co.uk visit www.pinkladiesnetball.co.uk 'The Uxbridge Loiterers' Cycle Club Ring Don on 01895 232752 or Carole on 01895 833249 Uxbridge Squash Club All squash players welcome Uxbridge Cricket Club, Park Road, Uxbridge. Tel: 01895 237571 Visit: uxbridgesquash.org.uk
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The Truly ‘Green’ Garden There are so many ways in which you can plot and scheme about all that your garden could have to offer in 2015, but there’s one thing I would ask you to consider: take the plunge, ring the changes and ‘Go Organic’. Many gardeners have decided that they really want to concentrate on natural methods of pest control and the use of natural fertilising materials rather than chemical feeds. And they do it because it works and makes life so much better for the other less powerful creatures and plants we share our space with. Since we moved to our Hampshire garden nearly twenty years ago, I have kept it completely organic and believe me, it really is not difficult. Weed control can certainly be harder as there is no resorting to herbicides such as glyphosate, but if your garden doesn’t have too many persistent weeds, even that should not be too difficult. If you do have an existing problem then make weeding a regular part of your gardening time and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how speedily you start to get on top of it.
by Pippa Greenwood True, organic gardening does take a bit more planning and forethought. If you grow vegetables you will need to ensure that you rotate your crops. Just divide the space you have into three or four chunks and then ensure that each year you grow related crops together and then the following year, move each group into a new plot. It also pays to ensure that you really do garden as ‘well’ as you can, avoiding too many short cuts and taking the plant’s health and vigour as a prime consideration. In any part of the garden you need to try to choose plants that really are suited to the site as those grown in unsuitable conditions will be more prone to disease and pest attack. Regular patrols to find problems, so that they can be caught at the early stages and dealt with promptly, mean fewer problems in the long-term and should ensure that you catch an infestation of pests or a disease outbreak before it gets too bad. Sprays of certain kinds are ‘allowed’ (those based on soft soap to control certain pests, copper based fungicides to
control diseases etc) but most organic gardeners prefer to avoid them altogether.
I am a great fan of horticultural fleece. Placed over a crop such as calabrese from the moment you plant it out, you should be able to ward off all the common pests including caterpillars, cabbage root fly and aphids. Traps such as submerged beakers of old beer or milk to catch slugs and sticky yellow cards to trap flying pests, all work well. Of course for many pests there are also biological controls available, plus a whole range of controls to stop greenhouse pests. Keeping the soil in good condition is a must and if you don’t already have a compost bin or heap, get on and make or buy one straight away. The choice is up to you, but I strongly recommend it, for a whole host of reasons, only some of which I have mentioned here.
www.pippagreenwood.com to make veg growing easy with ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’. Pippa sends your chosen veg plants to you and each week emails advice and tips for getting the best results; plus lots of great barriers and biological controls
For more information on adopting please call And the many adorable rabbits at our Branch Re homing Centre, desperate to find loving homes, are no exception. Can you offer the care, attention and special love they deserve? All rabbits need a large hutch and exercise run, big enough for them to stretch out, run, play and keep themselves entertained. They also require cleaning out daily, a special diet to maintain fitness and health as well as lots of handling and attention, to keep them tame and friendly. Please only consider adopting a rabbit, if you have the time to keep their house clean and are willing to spend the time tak ing care of them. With animals of various ages, size, colour and personality available for adoption, we're sure we have to capture everyone's heart. A good home is more than just a hutch. Please help give our animals a future to look forward to.
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