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Well, it’s finally here! The last magazine issue of the year and the countdown to Christmas.
Tel: 0800 038 5001 Mob: 07759 536494
Iver Heath Residents Association 6 Dementia Café 6 Children’s Puzzle Page 8 Wordsearch 10 Tech: The best Christmas gadgets for her 12 Recipe: Roast Turkey 14 Wildlife Zone 16 Local Events 22 Party in the Park: Planning for the Unknown 24 Coffee Break Puzzles 26 Around Britain: Extreme Points 28 Puzzle Solutions 28 Beauty: Facial Massage for more beautiful skin 30 The Christmas Truce 32 Home & Interiors: Scandinavian Christmas 34 Health: Eyesight Correction 36 CAMEO 38 Evreham Theatre Club 38 Community Advice Network 40 History: What happened in December 1966 46 Karen Munro: Careers 48 Reader Holidays 52 Hobbies: Fishing 54 Coaching from the Heart 56 Short Story: The Last Present 58 Citizens Advice Bureau 60 RSPCA Re Homing Appeal 60 Richings Park Residents Association 62 Gardening Feature 64 Iver/Iver Heath Schools Community 66 Pets Corner 68 Used Cars: Japanese Muscle 74 Clubs, Groups & Classes 76,78,80 & 82
In and Around Magazines cover: West Drayton . Iver . Denham . Uxbridge Ickenham . Ruislip
In and Around Publishing is coming up to its ninth year very soon and this year has been the busiest yet. With six magazines all now successfully thriv ing and growing and the possibility of more in the new year, stress and excitement are filling the office in equal measures. (Although much of my excitement is the thought of finally going away for a week at the beginning of the new year) With this issue going through the doors, we just have the January issues to get to print, before we can finish our Christmas shopping and start really talking turkey! As ever, it’s been a pleasure serving you all and I should like to thank you for your wonderful sup port. Every month we receive calls and emails from people who are always so enthusiastic about the magazines and it’s those comments that often drive us along when the workload is piling up. We would especially like to thank our advertisers, who continue to provide great services and with out whom, the magazines would not be possible.
I wish each and every one of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year! We’ll be back through your letterboxes in January. .
Angela Fisher 0800 038 5001 / 07759 536494 info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk
www.inandaroundpublishing.co.uk 4
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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We are holding a meeting for members only on at 11:00 a.m in Iver Heath Village Hall. This meeting will vote on the constitution and we will be inviting mem bers to propose committee members for the roles identified. Fully paid up members can vote – and the vote is for each person over 18 in the house hold not just 1 vote per household. This means that this meeting will not be open to the public. In the first week of January we will circulate a draft constitution and the role descriptions of
the committee so that everyone has a chance to read and feedback comments if they wish to prior to the meeting. We will have one more newsletter this side of Christmas and we have a Facebook page up and running.
If you have dementia, or are caring for some Your local café meets on the second Tues one with dementia, you’ll be welcomed at one day of each month from 2pm – 4pm at The of our cafés. Sports Centre, The Evreham Centre, Swallow Street, Iver, Buckinghamshire SL0 0HS. Come along to meet others in a similar situa tion, in a relaxed social setting. You can If you’d like to find out more about the café, spend time sharing information and experi please contact your local Alzheimer’s Society ences, or simply have a cup of tea and a office in Beaconsfield on chat. Friendly Alzheimer’s Society staff and 01494 670909 volunteers will be on hand to give information or email and support, and there will be a range of re southbuckinghamshire@alzheimers.org.uk freshments available. 6
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The Best Christmas Gadgets For Her
Some tech firms haven’t quite got the hang of making products for women: a quick look around the shops shows that for some, making gadgets for girls of any age simply involves taking an existing model and making it pink. Thankfully not everybody thinks that way, and there are lots of decent products around that don’t look like they should belong to Barbie. If the person you’re buying for already has a Kindle, a tablet, a laptop or a smartphone, a luxury case makes a good gift - but beware of supposedly leather cases that come with bargain basement price tags, as that leather is the kind you only find on plastic cows. Think designers such as Barbour (available from John Lewis), or beautiful Italian leather cases from Maxwell Scott. They’re not cheap - Maxwell Scott’s iPad case is £85 - but they’re pretty and useful, as are the £149 luxury iPad cases available from notonthehighstreet.com. If she’s just got herself an iPhone 6, Apple’s £35 genuine leather cases are good value too. One good gift for smartphone or tablet owners is a wireless speaker, such as Bose’s excellent SoundLink Mini (£179), Sony’s SRS-BTM8 12
(£85) or JBL’s Flip (£100). Cheaper speakers are available, but you do get what you pay for.
If she doesn’t already have a tablet, there are stacks of options including the latest iPad Mini (from £229) and the larger, more expensive iPad Air (£399), Amazon’s newly updated Kindle Fire HD (from £79) and a whole bunch of cheap tablets such as the heavily discounted Asus MeMO Pad, which is down to around £80. Don’t forget Tesco’s Hudl, too, especially if you’re a regular shopper: Tesco regularly runs promotions that double your Clubcard points when you buy a Hudl or accessories. Kindles make great gifts too, and there’s a brand new one at the top of the range: the Kindle Voyage (£169) has a better screen and automatic brightness. The Kindle Paperwhite is still a great buy at £109, and the cheapest Kindle is now just £59. Many women’s letters to Santa will include the initials GHD, whose hair straighteners have been tucked under Christmas trees for several years now. The firm’s latest range is the GHD Curve, a collection of curling wands and tongs that cost £110.
For sporty types there are stacks of gadget gifts, such as the Fitbit Flex activity tracker (£75), the Zepp motion sensor for tennis players (£129), Garmin’s Forerunner GPS watches (£89) and the TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch (£149). Don’t forget headphones, either: Philips’ ActionFit Sports (£30), Sennheiser’s PMX 685i Sports (£35), Monster’s iSport Victory (£130) and Pioneer’s SE-E721 (£40) have been specifically designed for runners and won’t pop out or fall off. If you really want to delight a gadget fan, this year’s hot technology is the smartwatch - of which LG’s G Watch R is one of the nicest. The price hadn’t been announced as we went to press but the Androidcompatible smartwatch is likely to be keenly priced. Sadly the one smartwatch many of us were really hoping to see in our Christmas stockings, the Apple Watch, isn’t going to appear in 2014 after all: its launch has been put back to some point in 2015. Images left to right: Maxwell Scott iPad case; Amazon Kindle Voyage (lifestyle press shot); GHD Curve curling wand; Philips ActionFit Sports headphones
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MMC
Roast Turkey
with Leek, Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing
Ready in approx 4½ hours, plus resting time Roasting the turkey in a ’tent’ of buttered foil will
Serves 8-10
keep it moist and succulent. Always allow time for the cooked bird to rest in a warm place before carving.
Heat half the butter and the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the leek and shallots for 6-7 minutes until softened. Remove from the heat and stir in the apricots, breadcrumbs, chestnuts and half the thyme leaves. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper and leave to cool.
Ingredients: • 100g butter • 1 tbsp olive oil
Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5. Line a large roasting tin with buttered foil. Use about one third of the stuffing mix to stuff the neck end of the turkey (press the rest of the stuffing in a shallow ovenproof dish to cook separately). Weigh the stuffed turkey and calculate the cooking time - allow 20 minutes per 450g plus 20 minutes. Place the turkey in the lined roasting tin and smear all over the skin with the remaining butter. Sprinkle over the rest of the thyme leaves and season.
• 1 leek, trimmed and chopped • 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped • 75g ready to eat dried apricots, finely chopped
Cover the turkey with a tent of buttered foil and roast in the preheated oven for the calculated cooking time, basting occasionally. Uncover the turkey for the last 45 minutes until the skin is golden and the juices run clear when a skewer is inserted into the thickest part of one thigh. If the juices still run slightly pink return the turkey to the oven for a further 1520 minutes then check again.
• 150g fresh white breadcrumbs • 100g cooked chestnuts, finely chopped
Leave the turkey, loosely covered with foil, in a warm place to rest for at least 20 minutes. Stretch the bacon rashers with the back of a knife and cut each rasher in half. Wrap the short rashers around the cocktail sausages, securing with a cocktail stick. Place in baking tray and cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drizzle a couple of spoonfuls of juices from the turkey over the stuffing in the dish and cook in the oven at the same time as the bacon-wrapped sausages for 20 minutes.
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • 5.4kg oven-ready turkey, giblets removed • 16 cocktail sausages
Serve the turkey on a large warmed platter with the bacon-wrapped sausages and garnished with fresh herbs. Serve the extra stuffing separately along with all the usual festive vegetables.
• 4 rashers smoked streaky bacon • Fresh herbs, to garnish 14
TIP
For a quick gravy, simmer the roast turkey juices with a splash of red wine and a couple of spoonfuls of redcurrant jelly.
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The Wildlife Zone...FP (Dec14)_Layout 1 25/11/2014 22:46 Page 1
THE WILDLIFE ZONE
PRETTY KILLERS
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.
MOST children are fond of ladybirds and usually continue loving the colourful creatures for many years into adulthood. But despite their benign and friendly reputation they are mass killers and voracious predators, as hostile to their prey as anything we witness on the world’s biggest stage, the Serengeti. Whilst ladybirds are hardly megafauna such as lions, crocodiles or hyena, they are still deadly carnivores in their own diminutive horizons. Ladybirds are small animals, do not carry diseases nor have a reputation as being the harbingers of doom. But their real secret for being liked is that they are inoffensive and very colourful to the human eye. I fell in love with ladybirds when I was a child and first explored the natural world near in the Cotswolds. All around our village the meadows and hillsides were normally full of wild flowers such as cowslips, buttercups, dandelions and daisies. All sorts of flying insects made our playing fields, unkempt areas of grass and ‘sward’ their home. The horticulturalists’ problem is pesticides; modern day insect killers which are rarely discriminate and kill friend and foe alike by exterminating all insects, including ladybirds. The alternative facing gardeners is not to use pesticides at all. Ladybirds are tortoise shell-like beetles. There are about 5,000 worldwide species. Some of Britain’s 40 species of ladybirds are hard to identify without specialist help. For example the common two spot is widespread and grows up to 4mm in length. Individuals vary greatly but usually have one black spot on each red shell, or elytra, which they open out to fly. Most confusingly however, some two spot ladybirds can have more than two spots with some of them having black shells with four or six red spots. These winter individually or in small groups in either leaf litter or in covered areas close to the ground. Another common type is the larger seven spot ladybird which often hibernates in garden sheds or tree bark. They usually emerge in spring so that they can lay their eggs in good time for them to hatch in the following summer months. This happens when the adult female chooses to lay her eggs on or near a prolific aphid colony, so that when the eggs hatch their prey is guaranteed. The larvae will eat hundreds of aphids in about three weeks before they pupate and change into a beautiful flying beetle. Other species include the 22 spot ladybird, which are only two to three millimetres long. The 14 spot ladybird is only slightly larger. These yellow and black ladybirds are generally not as common, or as striking perhaps as the red ones, although I consider them just as beautiful. One reason why many ladybirds have such vivid and striking colours which announce their presence is that they are a defence mechanism - it is a warning to its predators that whilst they can be seen and caught, they do not taste nice. The rarer species of ladybirds in Britain must be actively protected. The Harlequin ladybird is an invasive creature from Eastern Asia. It is a larger creature than British ones, and can look more like what most people think of as a conventional beetle. But as well as eating aphids, they prey on other, smaller ladybirds. I can enjoy some feral animals (ie creatures not native to Britain) which add to our biodiversity. But like many conservationists, I dislike and do not welcome invasive species, which are feral animals that become dangerous to indigenous wildlife. Many conservationist organisations, including the Wildlife Trusts and the Foundation for Endangered Species amongst others would like to receive information about the Harlequin ladybird’s presence. This is because they then could be monitored in any one locality. Consequently our indigenous ladybirds may be able to remain free from their damaging predation. In this way caring gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts would be acting as a kind of wildlife ‘amateur policeman’. This is a growing tendency in Britain, which has gathered pace with programmes such as Springwatch where viewers gathered information about their local wildlife and sent it to the appropriate conservation groups. When everyone participates in wildlife activities, a much better and clearer picture can be painted, resulting in better outcomes. Another way of directly helping these beautiful creatures is by buying or making a ladybird cum lacewing box. These are practical homes for many species depending on where the box is situated; generally speaking lacewings prefer the box lower to the ground, whilst many ladybirds have a liking for them to be higher up. After I placed my own box on the house wall, I noticed a sharp increase of ladybird numbers in the garden, and in particular on the stinging nettle patch which I allowed to grow. Whilst I cannot recommend growing nettles to all gardeners, especially those with children, I can report that I once counted nearly twenty ladybirds including six different species. When I see a Harlequin ladybird, I will act to stifle the danger it poses. But I am also ‘growing’ as many native species as possible. Why? Because I feel the same as many other people probably do, even if some of them have stifled their feelings over the years. Ladybirds are just as beautiful now as they always have been and have a loving place in the wildlife garden.
The charities’ contact details are www.ffes.org.uk email: info@ffes.org.uk 16
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Local Dated Events (Dec14)_Layout 1 26/11/2014 10:24 Page 1
Local & Festive Events
December 2014 into January 2015
DECEMBER EVENTS
Festive Events at Smith’s Nurseries 95 Oxford Road, New Denham, UB9 4DE Thu 4th December, 5.30pm-8.30pm Christmas Shopping Evening 15% off your shopping - save on your Christmas decorations, lights and gifts. 4th-14th December Visit our Christmas Street A mini street of seasonal delights all displayed in beautiful festive cabins! For more details call 01895 233 844, visit us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter
Stardust Big Band Christmas Concert Sat 6th December, 5.30pm-7.30pm The Great Barn, Manor Farm Site, Ruislip HA4 7SU. Guest singer Rebecca Lodge from BBx singers. In aid of the Mayor’s chosen charity Michael Sobell Hospice. Call Manor Farm Library for more details 01895 558234 the great barn is unheated so wrap up warm! Hillingdon Fostering & Adoption events 9th December, 6:30-8:30pm, 18th December, 10am-12noon, 13th January 2015, 6.30-8.30pm. Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW. Interested in learning more about fostering and adoption? Attend one of our free events. To book a place contact 0800 783 1298 or email: fost-adopt@hillingdon.gov.uk for more info visit:www.hillingdon.gov.uk/article/ 24056/Events Christmas Tree Festival St Peter’s Church, Thorney Lane North, Iver SL0 9JU. Come and see the trees on display throughout the weekend Fri 12th December 10am-6pm Sat 13th December 11am-9pm Sun 14th December 12noon-2.30pm Join in the informal carol singing around the trees on Sat 13th at 7pm Come and worship with us surrounded by the trees on Sun 14th - Holy Communion at 9.15am or Family Praise at 11am Entry is free, refreshments at a small charge. Ickenham Festive Community Night Fri 12th December, 6pm-9pm Around Swakeleys Road, Ickenham Village Hall, Gelbe Avenue and Community Close, Ickenham, UB10 8DG. For a great night out featuring a wide range of music, games festive sales plus special
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attractions with many local shops opening late, hospitality and fun plus Christmas themed lights in and around the village. Further information on how you can get involved is on the Ickenham Festival website at www.IckenhamFestival.org.uk. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/IckFest or call or text on 07516 984514. Christmas Fayre Sat 13th December, 12-3pm Denham Village Infant School, Cheapside Lane, UB9 5AE. All welcome! Come and see Father Christmas. Grand Raffle /Auction, Craft Room. Enjoy a cuppa and a slice of cake, plus much more.
Hillingdon Choral Society present ‘Christmas is coming...’ Sat 13th December, 7.30pm St. Paul’s Church, Thurlstone Road, Ruilsip Manor, Middlesex HA4 0BP Conductor: Peter J Williams Organist: Rufus Frowde Solists: Celia Gould & Lynne Hirst Carols old and new, audience participation and Vivaldi’s ‘Magnificat’. Tickets on the door or from Pro Music shop, Ickenham. £12 adults/£3 children. For details call 07941 601966 or visit www.hillingdonchoralsociety.org.uk The Uxbridge Choral Society performing Martin How's ‘Advent Cantata’ Sat 13th December, 7.30pm St. Margaret's Church, Windsor Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1AB. Conductor: Jeff Stewart. Tickets: £12 adults, £6 for under 12s, available on the door on the night or by calling 01895 847083 in advance. ‘Light up a Life’ Ceremonies Sun 14th December, 3.30pm and 5.30pm Michael Sobell Hospice Lecture Hall, Gate 3, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, HA6 2RN. A special event when people come together to celebrate, reflect and remember loved ones who are no longer with us – whether
DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE! If you would like us to publicise your event in our January issues contact us no later than Friday 12th December.
they received hospice care or not. There will be two ceremonies with performances from the Lemon Tuesday choir. Refreshments will be served. Free entry and parking. Pre-booking is essential call 01923 844730 to reserve a place. 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 & pastries. For details email: emma.zovich@wardwilliams.co.uk
LIVE MUSIC EVENTS The Swan at Iver 2 High Street, Iver, SL0 9NG Fri 5th Dec Stealworks return, 9.30pm Other music nights will be available during the festive period, see www.swaniver.co.uk The 3 Steps High Street, Cowley, Uxbridge, UB8 2DX Sat 6th Dec Ska Night with ‘The Skammers’ from 9pm til late Sat 13th Dec ‘The Stiles’ from 9pm til late Sat 20th Dec Live music from the ‘Fantastic Elastic Band’ from 9pm til late Sat 27th Dec Live music from ‘J45S’ from 9pm til late Wed 31st Dec Celebrate NYE with us from 8pm to late. Live music from ‘Two Shades’ with a spectacular Firework Display and Prize Raffle. Entrance by ticket only £5, price includes one free drink per customer The Falcon Village Road, Denham, UB9 5BE Fri 19th Dec Live music with John & Leigh an evening of Rock, Pop, Soul & Swing. The WatersEdge Packet Boat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS Sun 21st Dec Live music from Natalie, Vinnie and friends! A great way to get in the festive spirit! All starts at 8pm. Uxbridge Folk Club Uxbridge RNA, 388a Long Lane, Hillingdon UB10 9PG (2 mins from Hillingdon tube) Thu 11th Dec Folk, Blues and slide guitar with Garry Smith gsgarrymsmith.wix.com/ theslideguy
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Well, this is an interesting challenge. Sitting writing the first instalment of a monthly blog for an event that as yet has no committee or anyone officially running it, uncertain budget, not 100% sure what form it will take, and could quite possibly not hap pen anyway. What am I blabbering on about? I dunno, I was hoping you could tell me, I'm lost already!
her clan, outside what was Platt's Stores, the shop on the roundabout as you turn into Bangor's Road. When it highlighted what a wide interest there is in Iver's surprisingly varied history, I started an on line group sharing local photos and recollections to celebrate our area. It was one of the initial things that led me to work so many of the things I do these days.
Actually, I'm talking about Party in the Park, which is, hopefully, preparing for it's third annual event now. I say “hopefully”... The original 'one off' Party in the Park was held in 2012 to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. It proved popular enough for it to return, in slightly revamped form, last year. In the meantime, it's future as a continuing annual event fell into doubt, for various reasons, which are men tioned in Matt's publicity release elsewhere within these pages. Either way, it has been decided literally in the last 7 days as of writing, that a group of us will attempt to pick up the event, run it as an independent com mittee, and hope to put it on once again next Sum mer, on Saturday 4th July, (which in America is, ironically, Independence Day!). In a way fate may have played it's hand. I worked the day on last year's event with Steve Hay, my local friend, fellow heritage fanatic, drinking buddy, and who is cur rently on the Parish Council. During the 26 sec onds that we actually got to have a conversation on the day between getting hot rods and jungle buses parked on the field and panicking that “the hog roast man still hasn't turned up!!”, we dis cussed even then that PITP really needed to be run by a separate, dedicated committee in order for it to be able to fully evolve and flourish. Little did I know... So anyway, “just who is this person writing this?” I hear you yawn, “and how is he connected to Iver”? Well, I've lived in / around Iver all of my life (my parents are in Langley, but I spent most of my time growing up in Iver with my grandparents, particu larly my Grandma after my Grandpa passed away. My Grandma, Josie, is also sadly gone now, but it was her love for the village along with her almost childlike sense of wonder and “let's have a try anyway” spirit that in recent years has spurred me on to get involved with so many different commu nity projects, both in Iver and further afield. A couple of years ago now, on a whim I posted online an old picture of Josie, along with the rest of 24
Nowadays I can usually be found on or around the Grand Union Canal, typically just a stone's throw away in Cowley. The canal, it's people and it's history has in recent years become my main pas sion, to the extent that one of the several hats I wear is trainee teaching on a floating classroom, the Elsdale II, where we work with various schools and community groups about local history & heri tage, such as the local brickmaking past,, much of which was connected with Langley and Iver (and was why the Slough Arm of the canal was dug). I ended up doing that sort of thing virtually by acci dent, but working with communities on projects is what I thrive on, so when the future of Party in the Park was on the cards, I jumped on board.
We're currently in the early stages of trying to put a committee together just to be able to tackle running the thing; the “Balloon” flyer you'll see elsewhere that I hastily knocked up hopefully attracting some interest at least. One of the first things I did was approach my friend Matt Streuli at the Iver Heath Drama Club. I've known Matt since he was a young boy dressed as a panda in the annual pantomime. Nowadays he often gets involved in the same vein of community events as I do, so I was keen for him to get involved. So in the last few days, it's some how come about that he and I are, for now, some kind of unofficial “lets get this off the ground” tag team, with Steve, still tied to the Parish Council, currently in an advisory role. If Matt gives me any bother it's no problem I still have photos of him dressed in a panda costume to blackmail him with should I ever need to.
event. Suddenly two big Harley Davidsons, with two equally as massive “bearded riders” on top, came roaring up the High Street. For a brief moment I winced and feared some kind of incident, until I saw that the Harley riders had not only slowed right up to allow the senior people to cross safely, but were exchanging cheerful waves with the people in the wheelchairs as they crossed in front of them. For me that kind of summed up the whole event.
...Actually, thinking about it, I don't think the bikers were even part of the event, they just happened to be passing, and that whole memory didn't even take place on the actual site. That was a rubbish So here we are, in at the deep end, hoping (nay, example. Can I start this whole page again? praying) we can get this up and running, but reso lute that we'd “rather have a flippin' good go trying” More next month, when I'll hopefully have some and risk failing, than to not try at all. An event like actual stuff to cover. this really brings people from all backgrounds to gether, even if just for a day. My personal most please e enduring memory of working on last year's event mail pitp2015.com In fullness of time, the event rather sums that whole sentiment up, I hope will have a dedicated Facebook page. In meantime, Steve and I were working on the entrance assisting search for the the Iver Community Action Group parking, just as some senior residents from the and Ivers and Langley Community and Memories local nursing home were being helped across the group for initial coverage and all other things Iver. road, many in wheelchairs, to come and join in the
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Gill Higginson ITEC Of Star Beauty Services Saturday 13th December 2014
Open Day Invites you to a choice of taster treatments and a glass of bubbly and nibbles. Break up shopping and Christmas stress and enjoy a short massage, a mini-manicure or an eyebrow shape, and a free glass of bubbly or your choice of tea and coffee – all for just £10. Pre-book to avoid disappointment and bring this advertisement with you on the day.
Voucher
s
for treat sale to h ments will be on e special p lp you with those r and frien esents for family Christma ds, making your s shopp free and ing stress fun.
Contact me on
01753 650904 or 07710187198 I am based in Iver Heath and have been working from home for 11 years.
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The Stables Gym
Richings Park Golf Club AMAZING VALUE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!
4 MONTHS FOR THE PRICE OF 3 £60 GYM ONLY OR £81 WITH CLASSES ZUMBA SPINNING YOGA PILATES BUMS AND TUMS CIRCUIT TRAINING BOXERCISE DAY £5 WEEK £10 MONTH £20 MONTH WITH CLASSES £27
FREE PARKING !!! FREE PARKING !!! For any further information call 01753 655359 or email stablesgym@richingspark.co.uk
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Beauty
Facial Massage - For Beautiful Skin salon, or you want to keep up the good work between visits, follow our guide to performing an effective massage yourself at home.
Image: Courtesy of Clinique
Most people appreciate the benefits of a neck and shoulder massage to ease tension. But life’s everyday stresses can also build-up in the facial muscles, ultimately resulting in a lined and furrowed brow. A facial massage is a great way to refresh your skin, smooth-out wrinkles and relax. Not only will the ‘down-time’ during the treatment be an instant pick-meup, but it’s a useful tool in the fight against ageing. By relaxing the muscles, your face will appear softened and stresses will be released. The massage will also help to drain fluid build-up from around the eyes, increase blood circulation and make the creams you apply afterwards even more effective because they’ll be more easily absorbed into the skin. The salon is the most effective treatment, particularly because you will be very relaxed. But if you don’t have time to get to the 30
1. After thoroughly cleansing your face, take a moisturiser, face oil or serum and use your knuckles to gently - but firmly - massage the product all over your face, ensuring that you work from the centre outwards to your ears. Do the same for your neck. 2. Next, de-clog your pores by moving your fingertips over the same area - working from the middle of your face outwards and upwards, towards the lympnodes, situated behind under the earlobes - to promote drainage. 3. Use the flat and heel of your thumb and the side of your bent index finger in a pinching flick movement along your jaw line, starting from your chin, then moving to each ear. 4. Move your fingertips in small circular motions all over your face, again starting at the centre and moving outwards and. Do small sections at a time, working from your chin to ear, lip to ear, nose to temple, centre of forehead to hairline. 5. Using your fingertips tap gently around the eye area, apply an eye cream if you wish. Start at the outer
by Helen Taylor
corner and move to the inner, taking care not to be too heavy-handed. Massage around the eye contours to help brighten the eye area, working around the eyes in a circular motion using a light pressure from your fingertips. This will help to reduce puffiness from the eye and drain fluid build-up.
6. Next, tap all over your face using the same action, working again from the centre and moving outwards. 7. Ease tension in your face by stroking upwards from your brow, this will serve to smooth and lift the skin. Do the same for your neck - taking care to move only in an upwards direction. 8. Find the pressure points on your face: Pressure on the third eye - located right between your eyebrows - stimulates the pituitary gland - this helps to enhance the all over condition of your skin. Press on this area for 60 seconds. Located 1cm below the eye socket - right below the iris - the next pressure point will help to reduce blemishes. Press on this point under both eyes for 60 seconds. 9. End your facial massage by pinching your earlobes between your thumb and forefinger. Once you’ve finished your skin should have a pinky flush and a healthy radiant glow and you should feel totally relaxed.
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In and AroundThe Reader Travel
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Home & Interiors
Scandinavian Christmas By Katherine Sorrell
Who doesn’t love Scandinavian style? It combines classic with contemporary, pretty with practical. And it’s the perfect look with which to dress up your home for Christmas
In the Scandinavian countries extremes of landscape, from forests and fjords to boiling geysers and the Aurora Borealis, are all around you. In winter, daylight is fleeting, and keeping warm is a vital part of life. No surprise, then, that typical homes feature thick log walls, small, southfacing doors and windows, and thatched or birch-bark roofs. Inside, vividly coloured 34
decorations in bright, rustic folk style provide relief from the long hours of night and the expanses of snow. Carved wooden spoons, bowls, cups and chests, strongly coloured, woven rugs, blankets and cushions, and beautifully painted furniture in ochres, reds and yellows are the timeless tradition. Appealing as it is, there is much more to Scandinavian style than colourful rusticity, however. What we now called ‘Gustavian’ style became popular in the late 18th century, encouraged by the young King Gustav III of Sweden, under whose patronage the grandeur of Versailles and the skilled creations of master furniture-makers like Hepplewhite and Chippendale were interpreted by native craftsmen in a gentler and more restrained way, blending neo-classicism and romantic Rococo into a unique, northern European decorative style. Think symmetry, pale colours (buttermilk and Baltic blue, grey and peppermint), painted floorboards, ribbons and swags, glass chandeliers, gilding, mirrors and
delicate wooden furniture with tapering legs and subtly carved details. Another major influence, a century or so later, was Swedish artist Carl Larsson and his wife, Karin. In the 1890s the couple decorated their rural cottage, Lilla Hyttnås, in a unique and innovative way, combining folk and Gustavian styles with contemporary European influences: Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau and Japonisme. Light and airy, pretty and functional, the look was all gingham and geraniums, bread crocks and baskets, rag rugs and sprigged china. When Carl’s watercolours of the house were published, the public response, in Sweden and further afield, was overwhelming; his books, in the early 20th century, did a great deal to popularise what we now see as the typically Scandinavian style of easygoing Gustavian, folk arts and an open-plan love of light and space. And what he started, a certain Swedish flat-pack furniture giant continued. Ikea opened its first UK store in 1987 and then – who can forget? – in 1994 launched its Gustavian-style furniture range, accompanied by an advertising campaign that urged us all to ‘chuck out your chintz’. It sold like hot glogg, and the rest is history – now we all crave the clean-lined, bright and uncluttered look, styled with pretty colours and dashes of folk art.
C t f a s d p p r b a o N a c p s a m w A m w c a a C
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
10/01/15
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Eyesight Correction – Making your Options Clear
By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
Whether you have myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia/ hypermetropia (long-sightedness) or presbyopia (diminished close vision, which often affects the over 45s) there are a number of corrective options available. Glasses Most lenses are now made from durable, scratch resistant, lightweight plastics. Special techniques can make lenses lighter and thinner (ideal for high prescription glasses), reduce glare and provide tints or ultraviolet protection. Bifocal, trifocal and varifocal lenses allow one pair of glasses to be used for near and distance vision, while photochromic lenses can instantly turn normal glasses into sunglasses. Pros: good correction. Cons: poor peripheral vision; inconvenience, particularly during bad weather, changing temperatures or playing sports. Contact Lenses Both rigid and soft versions let oxygen on to the eye, keeping the eye healthy and allowing extended wear. Toric lenses to correct astigmatism and bifocal lenses are available too. Soft contact lenses are made from a plastic polymer with high water content. They’re easier to adapt to than rigid lenses and more comfortable, but are easily damaged. Choose daily or monthly disposable versions, or non-disposables (cleaned daily and changed yearly). Rigid gas permeable contact lenses are made from silicone polymers and provide better vision correction of some 36
eyesight problems, and greater durability, than soft lenses. Pros: more convenient than glasses; better peripheral vision. Cons: infection risk (reduced in disposable or rigid lenses). Surgery Vision correction surgery can correct myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia, and generally results seem long-lasting. Complications occur in fewer than 5% of cases and severe vision loss is very rare. Surgery isn’t appropriate for everyone. If you have a medical or eye condition, are taking regular medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss this with your surgeon. LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) A flap of corneal tissue is lifted using a blade or laser. The exposed section is then reshaped using an excimer laser, and the flap replaced. Wave-front LASIK, a more refined version, tackles irregularities in the eye, so that night vision, for instance, can be improved along with eyesight. Pros: Minimal pain; fast healing and vision recovery. Cons: Not always suitable for high prescriptions (the cornea may become dangerously thin). Epi-LASIK An instrument called an epikeratome separates a fine slice of the epithelial (surface) layer of the cornea. The cornea underneath is reshaped with a laser. PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) Overtaken LASIK and LASEK, today PRK is predominantly
used to correct low prescriptions. A layer of epithelial tissue is removed before the cornea is reshaped by laser. Pros: Little corneal tissue is removed, so the remaining cornea is strong. Cons: Healing and vision improvement take longer than for LASIK and LASEK. LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis) The epithelial layer of the cornea is retained as a flap, and the cornea reshaped by laser. Pros: Less discomfort than PRK. Retaining the epithelium may help to prevent complications and speed up healing. A good choice for patients with thin corneas. LTK (Laser Thermokeratoplasty) A holmium laser applies a circle of heat spots to reshape the cornea by contraction. Pros: No cutting; the procedure takes seconds. Cons: Can only correct low hyperopia prescriptions. Effectiveness may reduce over time. Vision Training There are many exercise programs and apps that claim to correct poor eyesight. But most experts agree that there’s no evidence that they work. Before making any decisions, seek advice from your optometrist or eye consultant. By law, your optometrist must supply a written copy of your vision prescription, which can be fulfilled anywhere you choose.
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Those of you who used and loved Corner stone will realise that the closure has left a whole in the hearts of our community. Not only have we lost somewhere to meet, sit and chat we don’t know where to take our stuff!! Many volunteers are missing the com panionship . So let’s put that right.
We are seeking pledges of money or loans at the moment to secure the premises and get the shop set up.
There is a public meeting for you to find out rd Jim Dashper (who used to work in Corner more on Wednesday 3 December at Rich ings Park Sports Club at 8 pm. All welcome. stone 2 or 3 days a week) is looking to head up a similar venture in premises opposite Richings Park Post Office. It will be not for Please contact Jim Dashper on profit. He is being encouraged and sup 01753 572056 or email ported by the Parish Council and Richings cameo.richingspark@yahoo.co.uk Park Residents Association. However, lots of to let him know your pledge. financial support from the community is re quired to get it going.
A return visit to this popular venue to see – a special show of first class entertainment with Christmas in mind – the lunchtime / matinee performance includes a three course traditional festive lunch.
This annual social event which usually takes place in December, has been planned a little later this year to follow Christmas festivities and to brighten up January. Afternoon tea at Richings Park Golf Club is a Members only event and ticket price includes the raffle.
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Afternoon tea at 3.00pm, no transport is provided. Evreham Theatre Club organises approximately twelve outings per year to include musical and dramatic theatre, exhibitions and other places of interest and social events – we already have some interesting plans for 2015 which is the 20th Anniversary year of the Club. All events are advertised to members through the regular Newsletter. New members are welcome, individual £6.00, couples £10.00 (half price from end of June). For further information please contact Pauline Harrison (Secretary) 01753 732019, Heather Golby (Membership Secretary) 01753 541677.
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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 39
CAN is a partnership of local voluntary advice agencies, coordinated by Chiltern Citizens Advice Bureau. The other partners are Age UK Buckinghamshire, Carers Bucks, Mind Buckinghamshire, Bucks Floating Support and South Bucks Citizens Advice Bureau. About 50 stakeholders attended the launch event who will help promote awareness of the CAN service in the community they serve.
On 7 November at Chiltern Citizens Advice Bureau in Iver, the new Community Advice Network was officially launched by Dominic Grieve, MP for Beaconsfield. The Network is a brand new service funded by the Big Lottery to improve access to high quality advice in the Chiltern and South Bucks area. Aimed at people in the local community who don’t know who to turn to for help, the Community Advice Network, known as CAN, offers a gateway, so that residents in our area can ring ONE phone number 0300 323 0121 for help with problems such as debt, benefits, housing, employment, mental health and more. This puts clients through to an adviser who will talk through the problem and refer quickly to the partner organisation who can best help.
Dominic Grieve, MP for Beaconsfield said at the event, “Probably, in terms of free legal advice, this is the single biggest charitable activity taking place in the UK today, in terms of value, although few realise this as it’s people giving up their time rather than their money.” Jan Ashworth, CAN Project Development Manager said: “Thanks to the expertise of our volunteers, staff and partners, the CAN project is already being looked at as a valuable asset to those accessing and using the service who are providing us with very positive feedback.” Advice has a positive impact on our health and wellbeing, reducing stress and anxiety and empowering people to make positive changes to their lives. Call 0300 323 0121 for free, independent, confidential and impartial advice. For more information about CAN visit
The new CAN website and people seeking advice can also send a confidential email to help@canhelp.org.uk.
www.canhelp.org.uk
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eltze estates
Our Christmas & New Year Special Offer Your professional and approachable family run business 42
eltze estates
Are you looking to sell?
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Demand to buy is strong and due to a high volume of sales Eltze Estates are seeking more homes for waiting buyers
Our Christmas & New Year Special Offer
£400 off our selling fee Call us today for your Free Valuation This offer is valid for December 2014, January 2015 & February 2015 for Sole Agencies only
Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year
01753 651652 www.eltze.co.uk
60 High Street Iver Bucks SL0 9NG 43
Smith's FP Editorial (Dec14)_Layout 1 25/11/2014 15:08 Page 1
Not just a Garden Centre...
There are not many independent businesses that have endured over the years and flourished like Smith’s Nurseries Garden Centre, in New Denham. Bertram Thomas Smith, started growing at Smith’s in 1931, it all began with two small greenhouses, an old coal boiler to keep the plants warm at night and ten acres of land, laid out to wallflowers and roses. With perseverance, hard work and a love of all things plants, this was the start of a successful business, which is still going strong over eight decades later!
Currently in the capable hands of Bertram’s Grandson, Norman Smith and with the help of his fantastic team, ‘Smith’s’ is a delight! They’ve come a long way since the early days and now have a fantastic Garden Centre, which really does have it all.
In 1931, it was jus t two greenhous es, some roses and wallflowers...
So what does make Smith’s stand out from the rest? Quite simply, they listen to their customers and
deliver on their promises. “We are very proud of the success we have achieved through our dedication to our customers and our product choices,” as Norman Smith put it. “We have an outstanding team of friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always ready to answer questions and we are lucky to have many loyal and regular customers.” With exceptional quality plants and shrubs, seeds, bulbs, a fantastic array of stone wear, paving and water features, plus superb garden furniture and barbecues, there is everything you would expect from a Garden Centre and more!
not ritage is . n 4 this he ... In 201 rather built upo n, forgotte
Smith’s gives you much more in fact, as there is a great selection of pet care products and the most wonderful range of home wares we have seen. From beautiful table wear, children’s gifts, candles and cushions to cookware and silk flowers. There’s also a selection of china and glass wear, that would rival any department store, plus Bertram’s Café, the ideal place for a light bite or coffee after a great morning’s shop and all with free parking!
Christmas is all wrapped up at Smith’s! So for all your gift ideas this Christmas, the only place you really need to go is Smith’s! Plus this year, on selected days you could bring the children to see Santa in his Grotto and take a trip along Christmas Street, a mini street full of Christmas delights, with activities for kids too! See in store for details. With their huge Christmas shop open now amid a dazzling array of decorations and their top quality real Christmas trees, you may have Christmas covered quicker than you think! Don’t forget to check out the Smith’s website too, for advice and special offers throughout the year at www.smiths-nurseries.co.uk or find them on Facebook or twitter.
Smith’s Nurseries, 95 Oxford Road, New Denham, UB9 4DE (near Uxbridge) 44
45 Smiths_Christmas Ad_A5_1114.indd 1
18/11/2014 14:470018
What happened in...
...December 1966?
By Patrick D Cousins
For billions of children worldwide, from the Twenties until…well, for happy ever after, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a special piece of magic from Walt Disney. Born in December 1901, this entrepreneur, business magnate, cartoonist, animator, voice actor (a big thank you from Mickey Mouse), producer, director and screenwriter spent most of his life not just fulfilling his own dreams but creating dreams for countless generations to come. Part-way through producing The Jungle Book, on December 15 1966, Walt Disney died of lung cancer. According to rumour his body was cryogenically
frozen pending a cure for the disease. Well, who wouldn’t want to believe that Walt Disney is in suspended animation?
1st: Following the declaration of independence from Britain, Rhodesia’s Prime Minister, Ian Smith, and Harold Wilson held talks aboard HMS Tiger, in the Mediterranean, with no positive outcome. 8th: The USA and the USSR signed a treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons in outer space.
21st: Russia launched Luna 13, which made a soft landing on the moon three days later (Is another atmosphere, eg the moon’s, technically ‘outer space’? I just wondered). 23rd: The final episode of Ready Steady Go! was broadcast. This programme had been a regular feature
Petrol was about 5/- 3d a gallon The average price of a house was about £3,840
Three of the bestselling singles this year were: Green Green Grass Of Home, Tom Jones What Would I Be, Val Doonican Good Vibrations, The Beach Boys
of Friday evenings since August 1963 and the viewing figures peaked on 20 March 1964, when the Beatles were interviewed, before performing their then current hit Can’t Buy Me Love, as well as It Won’t Be Long and You Can’t Do That. The first screening of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, starring Clint Eastwood, took place in Italy. American audiences would have to wait another twelve months to see it and it didn’t premiere in London until ’68. This film was memorable as much for its evocative music as anything else.
24th: I bought my first threepiece suit, off-the-peg from Burton, for £14.10/-. It was a bit short in the arms but as long as I kept my hands in the pockets it didn’t show. 31st: I went swimming in the Thames at midnight. Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time. Fortunately I was rescued by a passing police launch and spent the first few hours of 1967 in A&E. My three-piece-suit was ruined.
A very merry Christmas to both of my readers; and please buy my books from Amazon: Rainbows, Dreams and Angels is a double novella and Short Shorts is a collection of short stories and humorous articles. 46
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Karen Munro Careers (Dec14)_Layout 1 25/11/2014 19:53 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 employment including effective CV writing, interview skills training, 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 in to civilian employment. Karen writes for a number of careers focused and military resettlement magazines and regularly contributes to ‘In and Around’ sharing her practical experience with her local community. WELL, I know many of you will be like me and will not be ready for Christmas yet. Nevertheless I would like to wish all my readers and followers a very Merry Christmas! Personally, I can’t believe it’s that time of year again and I seem to say it every year. Where did the year go?
“December, is your time to prepare”! It’s time to update your C.V. How can you improve it and make it stand out? Do you need to get some help to make your C.V to make it better? It’s time to start gathering lots of examples regarding your skills and experience so you can write strong ‘achievement statements’ to include in your C.V as well as to discuss at interview. It’s time to start:
For many of us this is a very expensive and stressful time of year. Everywhere you look there is the constant message to spend money and lavish loved ones and friends with gifts they may not use or want. If you are out of work, or worried about your job security, then looking for a new job during the lead up to and over the Christmas period is almost impossible! Most organisations do very little recruiting at this time of year. It’s a time for winding down, Christmas staff parties and finishing off all those things around the office that no one ever gets time to do. But don’t worry. Because January is just around the corner and it’s notoriously a much busier time of year for recruiting. People tend to make a start on their New Year’s resolutions – “give up smoking, lose weight, get fit, book a holiday and get a better job”! So everything starts moving again in January. 48
• thinking about your career direction • recognising what do you really want to do • planning how you can go about it • putting together a robust Action Plan to map out your New Year and your new job. • researching organisations. Where do you think you’d like to work? • talking to your contacts – and what better time to do that than at Christmas; over some mulled wine and mince pies! • Don’t forget up to 85% of the job market is ‘hidden’. It’s not advertised but filled through word of mouth, friends of friends, networking meetings and speculative enquiries.
“Start networking”! By the time January comes around, you will have done all the ground work and you will be ready to put you plans in to action. Be ahead of the game! Once again, I hope you all have a stress free, healthy and happy Christmas. See you again in the New Year.
Karen
“unlocking your career potential”
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Create a Scandinavian feel this Christmas by combining folk and sophistication, cosy and minimalism. Keep it simple – too much clutter is definitely not a part of this particular look. Your colour palette is, of course, mainly red and white, with green, brown and black for contrast, and the occasional dusting of glitter or artificial snow. Natural accessories such as twigs, branches and fir cones are a great starting point, with generously sized garlands and wreaths made from woven greenery. A sprinkling of metal lanterns with flickering candles creates atmosphere, and a real Christmas tree
is, of course, the centrepiece (clip-on Scandi-style candles optional). In general, materials should be as natural as possible, from bark to hessian, felt to Fair Isle, emphasising all sorts of appealing textures. If you can knit, sew or otherwise make your own decorations, so much the better but, if not, there are plenty of gorgeous accessories in the shops and online created by talented craftspeople. Perfection is not required: simply that appealingly homespun look. A row of knitted stockings, for example, would be just perfect, while linen sacks with
folk-style embroidery are ideal for larger presents. A gingham table runner is delightful, as are wooden or woven willow stars, berry garlands, miniature trees, appliquéd bunting and reindeer baubles. You’ve got the idea? Then raise a cup of schnapps and fill your home with festive Scandinavian cheer. Images: Far left top -Christmas stockings, hand-embroidered on wool felt, £48, Jan Constantine, Tel 01270 821194; www.janconstantine.com; Far left bottom - Embroidered birds stocking, £30, House of Fraser, Tel 0345 602 1073; www.houseoffraser.co.uk; Left bottom - Linen Scandi reusable Christmas crackers, £12.50 each, Kate Sproston Design. Tel 07765 675624; www.katesprostondesign.com; AboveScandi Merry Christmas decoration (set of four) £16, House of Fraser. Tel 0345 602 1073; www.houseoffraser.co.uk.
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In and Around Reader Travel
Mamma Mia & Super 70s Carry on New Year Party From £279 3 nights, Friday 9 January, 2015 PP ●
Warner
Bembridge Isle of Wight
FREE DRINKS
*FREE UPGRADE
SAVE £60 PER COUPLE
Quote BE1-IA Our private party extends the New Year festivities and takes us on a trip down memory lane at our favourite Warner hotel. Enjoy a gala New Year's Eve party with countdown to midnight and great entertainment.
Upgrade from chalet to hotel room included while stocks last - call to book INCLUDED: Free Bar from 6pm to midnight every night for house beers & spirits, wine by the glass, pumped soft drinks & mixers ● Entertainment ● 3 dinners & 3 breakfasts ● 3 nights en-suite hotel accommodation ● Coach travel and excursions
Swinging Sixties Fab Feb Party From £259PP ● 3 nights, Friday 6 February, 2015 £10PP DEPOSIT
6pm to Midnight every night
Mamma Mia the Movie
Abba Rock Stewart & Ultimate Elton tributes Over 40s only Warner
Corton
Suffolk Coast FREE DRINKS 6pm to Midnight every night
The Fortunes Union Gap
Quote CW2-2-IA Great Entertainment, Free Drinks, good food and a super location by the sea near Lowestoft in Suffolk make Warner’s Corton Coastal Holiday Village a great party venue.
INCLUDED: Free Bar from 6pm to midnight every evening for house beers & spirits, wine by the glass, pumped soft drinks & mixers ● Entertainment ● 3 dinners & 3 breakfasts ● 3 nights en-suite chalet - upgrades available ● Coach travel and excursions
Call 01895 83 33 33 Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays. GN Holidays & Voyages www. gnholidays.com • Email: info@gnholidays.com Higher Denham, Uxbridge UB9 5EL
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Frankie Valli & Friends tribute
Over 40s only
ABTA No. Y0291
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Coach Breaks departing from Uxbridge, Ruislip & Slough
England’s Greatest Snowdrop Garden & Afternoon Tea at Marco Pierre White’s Frogmill Inn Monday 16 February, 2015
ht
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GREAT DAY OUT
£79PP
- Quote CS2-IA
INCLUDED: • Entry to Colesbourne Park Snowdrops
• Afternoon tea, including a glass of Prosecco, at the Frogmill Inn, Andoversford • Return coach travel
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£ pp DEPOSIT
Thriplow Daffodil Festival & Lunch at a country pub GREAT DAY OUT
£69PP
Saturday 21 March, 2015 - Quote TD3-IA INCLUDED: Visit to Thriplow Daffodil festival • 2-course hot & cold buffet lunch with a glass of wine at the White Horse Hotel, Hertingfordbury • Return coach travel
Spring Back to the 60s Seaside Party at Pontins Pakefield £10pp DEPOSIT Suffolk Coast Friday 13 March, 2015 - Quote US3-IA INCLUDED: 3 free drinks per person per night - house spirits, wine by the glass, house beer, pumped soft drinks & mixers • Entertainment with The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Tremeloes plus Buddy Holly and Beatles tribute acts • 3 dinners & 3 breakfasts • 3 nights standard en-suite chalet – upgrade available • Return coach travel
4 DAYS HALF BOARD +
£179PP The Swinging Blue Jeans The Tremeloes Buddy Holly & Beatles tributes
3 FREE DRINKS per person per night
Over 40s only
Eastboune & South Coast Explorer 5 DAYS HALF BOARD
£229PP
Monday 23 March, 2015 - Quote EA3-IA INCLUDED: 4 nights at the Shoreview Hotel on Eastbourne seafront • 4 dinners and 4 breakfasts • Visits to Arundel and Brighton • Coach travel and excursions
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£ pp DEPOSIT
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£ pp DEPOSIT
Call 01895 83 33 33 GN Holidays & Voyages, Higher Denham, Uxbridge UB9 5EL
Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays. www. gnholidays.com • Email: info@gnholidays.com
ABTA No. Y0291
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“Hook, line and sinker”, “Cold fish”, “something fishy”, “fishing for compliments”: the British language is peppered with colourful expressions that celebrate our traditional love of fishing. Catching fish with a rod and line may have been a matter of survival for our ancestors, but these days it’s simply regarded as an enjoyable hobby or sport. Angling generates a staggering £3.5 billion a year for the economy, employing 37,000 people across the UK. In a recent report the Angling Trust estimated that over the last two years four million people have gone fishing, and numbers are growing all the time. So if you’ve longed to try your hand at angling, here’s a quick guide to get you started:
What is angling? By definition “angling” is any kind of fishing that uses an “angle” or fish-hook. Over time this activity has evolved into three different types: coarse fishing, game fishing and sea fishing. “Game fishing” is limited to catching trout and salmon, while “Sea fishing” applies to any species of fish that lives in the sea. The term “Coarse fishing” is used for catching any freshwater fish apart 54
Hobbies
Fishing: the hobby that’s just on the tip of your tongue!
from salmon or trout.
What’s it like to go fishing? Angling can be a hobby, a competitive sport or the focus of a relaxing holiday (87% of respondents in a recent survey said that their main reason for fishing was for “rest and relaxation”). While some anglers enjoy getting away from it all, others prefer to go fishing with friends, or chat to fellow fishermen. Angling can also be a gateway to learning about, and caring for, the environment. What does it cost? Fishing can be expensive if you allow yourself to get carried away, buying expensive equipment and accessories. However it’s possible to start out on a relatively modest budget and upgrade over time. You can buy a basic coarse fishing kit, with nets, rods and accessories, for about £60. What do I need? You will need a rod and reel, a line, hooks, bobbers, weights, pliers, a landing net, a small tackle box, a scale and tape measure and perhaps a few lures (unless you are going to use live or prepared baits at first).
By Kate McLelland Do I need permission to go fishing? Over the age of 12 you will need a licence to fish with a rod and line for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt and eel in England (except the River Tweed), in Wales and the Border Esk region of Scotland. You can buy your rod licence at Post Offices: over the phone (telephone 0844 800 5386) or online. Licences can be arranged for short periods of time or for as long as a year. An annual licence currently costs £27 (or £72 if you want to fish for salmon and sea trout). If you are unsure about taking up fishing in the long term, you should probably choose a one day or an eight day licence. However, don’t be tempted to try fishing without a licence: if you are caught, you may face a fine of up to £2,500. When can I fish? The “close season” for fishing is between 15th March and 15th June each year and during that period you are not allowed to fish. The coarse fishing close season applies to all rivers, streams and drains in England and Wales but not most stillwaters (although there are
exceptions). Some clubs and fisheries introduce their own close season rules, so check before you fish.
Where can I fish? There are thousands of rivers, streams, lakes, piers and waterways in urban and rural locations where you can gain some experience. You will find information online at www.rod-and-line. co.uk and www.fish-uk.com or join the Environment Agency’s page on Facebook to discover waterways that have recently been cleared for fishing. If you prefer to wait till the summer you can follow www. nationalfishingmonth.co.uk: a site created to encourage more people to go fishing. Either visit their website or phone (during office hours) on 0333 577 9970.
What do I do once I’ve caught a fish? The anglers’ website www.fishuk.com states that anglers should always return a fish to the water after it has been caught. It recommends laying the fish on an unhooking mat and gently removing the hook (barbless hooks make removal much easier). Fish should be handled as little as possible or they will lose their protective, slimy coating. Never throw one back into the water: instead you should slowly immerse the net and let the fish swim away. Many anglers like to measure their catches, weigh them
or take photographs before putting them back. Anyone who has listened to anglers’ tales about “The one that got away” will know that patience and skill plays a large part in fishing and it may be helpful to learn from an experienced angler when you are starting out: a list of instructors is available at www.fish-uk.com.
As an island nation, it’s hardly surprising that fishing has become embedded in our language and our culture. Angling is growing in popularity, so don’t be a fish out of water: it won’t be long before you are well and truly hooked!
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Ann Rennie is an experienced coach, mentor and trainer. She is based in Iver Heath and works through Skype and by phone with a wide range of clients. She has a corporate background which combines sales, customer service and managing major projects. Her real passion is supporting individuals in making the changes in their thinking and behaviour that produce a transformation in the results they experience. With qualifications in NLP, sales and retail management and project management she draws on her own experience of what works in the real world with best practice from current research to create bespoke solutions. Her mantra is ‘don’t get it perfect, get it done’ and her focus on taking action led a client to describe working with her as ‘like having your own personal business supernanny’.
It is the end of 2014 – in January you may have made resolutions, done a vision board, written down goals or made yourself some promises. How did it go? If you are thinking you failed – stop! You are not alone. Large numbers of resolutions don’t make it past the first week of January, vision boards get put in drawers and forgotten about, goal setting templates get scribbled on and finally get filed in the wastepaper basket. I’m suggesting a different activity to kick off the year and you can begin now. Create a gratitude jar. If you haven’t come across this idea before I have to make it clear I’m just passing on! You will find some ‘directions on how to’ create a gratitude jar which can be very prescriptive but I think take the basic idea and make it work for you. The first thing to do is – ta da. Get a really big jar and lid. That’s it! Then you fill it up with notes throughout the year of things that you loved doing, feel grateful for and anything else that gives you joy – favourite quotes maybe. It can be just for you or it could be for you and your partner or family. Just keep adding things in and then after a period of time dive in and read them again. Some people are quite disciplined – starting on the 1st January through to December 31st and being very specific about what they 56
include even aiming to put 3 things a day they are grateful for in the jar. Others let it develop to work for them. I like to dip in when I have a wobbly day to lift me up or just to get some perspective. You can decorate the jar, label it up and leave it out where you can get to it easily. You can have some beautiful scraps of paper or just what comes to hand at the time. You can write them anywhere and then put them in the jar when you get home. Above all, make it to suit you and your needs. Fill it with what is important to you. And when you need to pick out a few and read them or leave them to the end of the season or year. Do what works for you and enjoy building up a collection of things that remind you of great times, people and things you have done – and you can start right now!
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Short Story
The Last Present
“I’ll lock up while you get the first round in”, Trevor told Barry, scratching his beard.
The boy’s bottom lip began to wobble.
“Aren’t we changing out of our work clothes?” Barry said.
“But I wanted to see Santa”. The boy whimpered. Just what I need, thought Trevor, a blubberer on Christmas Eve.
“Not tonight”. This was his Christmas Eve ritual, the pub regulars expected it. Once Santa and his elf arrived at the bar everyone knew Christmas had finally arrived. Trevor had been the Santa at the precinct grotto for years. The kids he’d once bounced on his knee now brought their own kids to tell Santa what a good little boy or girl they’d been. “Busy year”, Trevor said, “there’s only one present left, we were cutting that a bit fine”. “What’ll happen to it?” Barry asked. He was new to the elf game, slightly scatterbrained, but good with crowd management Trevor thought. “It’ll go in storage until next year”. The grotto was no more than a shed decorated with tinsel, but for the last ten days over-excited kids had been queuing out the door. “Off you trot now, mine’s a pint”, Trevor said switching off the lights. Left to himself, Trevor locked the door and dropped the key in his coat pocket. A job well done he thought. As he turned to go he felt something pulling on coat. “Excuse me Santa is the grotto still open?” a young lad said. He was just a scrap of a thing, Trevor nearly tripped over him. “Sorry lad, we’ve shut up shop”. 58
“Well, you’re seeing me now aren’t you?”. Trevor said and ruffled the boy’s hair. “And get a present”, the boy added. “Well you should’ve come earlier”, Trevor said gruffly. It was more than his job’s worth to let the lad into the grotto without his elf present; health and safety and all that. “I did, but your elf said I had to pay and I didn’t have any money”, the boy said rubbing his eyes. Trevor softened. Poor kid. “Listen lad, don’t cry”. He crouched down, “tell me, have you been a good boy this year?” The boy nodded uncertainly. Trevor chuckled. He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out all his loose change. “Here, find yourself something nice with this”. The boy held out his hand and grinned, “Thanks Santa”. Trevor stood up slowly, his old knees ached. “Happy Christmas”. He waved, and headed towards the pub. There was a cheer from the regulars as he walked in. Barry was standing at the crowded
bar looking sheepish. “Where’s my pint?” Trevor said. “I left my wallet at the grotto”, Barry said. “There’s no pockets in these tights”. “We’d better nip back for it”, Trevor sighed, “I’ve got the key here”. He dug his hand into his pocket, and knew straight away what he’d done. The pocket was empty. “I’ve dropped a real clanger”. He groaned and bundled Barry out of the pub. The boss would have his guts for garters for this. “Oh no!” Barry gasped as they reached the grotto. Trevor was afraid to look. “You’ve left the key in the door”. Barry panted. “Did I?” Trevor could breathe again, “Must have been distracted by that kid.” He scanned inside the shed as Barry retrieved his wallet from behind the inflatable Rudolph. “No harm done”. He smiled, putting the key safely back in his pocket. He was ready for that pint. It was lucky, he thought, that his elf hadn’t noticed the pile of small change where the last present used to be. By Jackie Brewster
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Shadow
Mara
It's a problem shared all over the world. And yet black cats have as much to offer as any other cat. Through no fault of their own, they are overlooked, as most people tend to choose 'prettier' coloured cats. Even black kittens are the last to be adopted, while their more colourful siblings are chosen first. And so, black cats spend longer in homing centres, waiting for someone to see past their colour.... is a female at only 18 months old. Shadow has had far too much experience of being homeless and deserves more from life. Dumped on our doorstep by people who had previously taken her in off the streets, only to find she was not wel comed by the other resident cat, she found herself abandoned again. She is a very sweet and gentle little lady who loves lots of fuss and cuddles and just wants a loving home where she can settle for life. Can you make our Shadow feel loved and wanted again? a female again at such a young age of 7 months old. Mara's try to pretend to be grownup but she is still really just a very outgoing and playful kitten who loves a mad hour to charge around having fun. But when the excitement is over, Mara loves nothing more than to settle down with a cud dle and lots of fuss. She can quite happily amuse herself and would prefer to be the sole centre of attention, but wouldn't mind the company of an other playful cat. Mara would really like to find a home with someone who is experienced with cats and would understand her quirky ways. Please do you have a little space in your heart and on your sofa for Mara? If you think you can offer any of our beautiful black cats a loving home then please ring RSPCA Hilling don Branch on or visit our website to download an application form 60
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We hope you will have a peaceful time over the holiday period. we will once again have a tree by the Residents’ Garden lit up this year and the Parish Council will be putting up new lights around the shops in Richings Park. The lights were turned on at the same time as those across the Parish at the Christmas lights ceremony in Iver Village Hall and will be illuminated until January. We hope you enjoy them.
Is your sleep
disturbed by a low rumbling noise coming from Heathrow at night? This ground noise seems to be a particular problem in our area and we have at last persuaded Heathrow Airport Ltd that it is an issue. Please record any instances when you hear this noise on the survey form on our website so that we can let Heathrow the extent of the problem. It is important to record if you sleep is disturbed in the comments box.
Piling work at the station for the new overhead pylons will be carried out overnight. The last activity caused much of Richings Park and Iver to be woken up because of the noise. South Bucks District Council have requested a noise management plan and we have been pressing for a detailed timetable of the night time working and a wide circulation of this so that residents are at least alerted to it. The next session of works is to take place in December. Any information we get will be posted on our website.
We held the
consultation event on 25th Nov and the outcome is on our website. We have now been advised that there is an consultation event on 6th Dec at Iver Village Hall 10am – 4pm. Other consultation events are scheduled for the New Year and we will let you know the details on our website. 62
This popular event will once again be held in and around our shops on 3rd Dec and your Association will be working with the traders to make it a successful occasion . Please support it and keep our shopping area vibrant.
If you have not already done so please remember to pay your subscript ions to your road steward or at the Post Office. Details on our website if you lose the envelope delivered to you.
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01895 438 811 07825 986 762
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I’m Dreaming Of A Green Christmas by Pippa Greenwood
I love giving presents, whether that gift is a thing of beauty or something totally practical. With gardening as one of the nation’s top pastimes, here are a few ideas for things which I am sure most green fingered friends would be delighted to receive.
If you know a newish gardener then the basic tools are always well received, especially if you choose good quality, sturdy ones. So think fork, spade and rake – yes, they are difficult to wrap but worth the effort. For anyone gripped by the Grow Your Own bug you could give one of my ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood ‘ gift cards – they choose the veg they want to grow and I send them out, at the right time for planting and accompanied by weekly advice and tips emails….it couldn’t be simpler! Find out more at www. pippagreenwood.com Weeding is always an issue so a hoe is useful or for smaller spaces (such as in between plants, in gravel, between paving, or to tackle weeds within planters) try the hand held red-handled weeders – I think they’re indispensable. A few packets of vegetable 64
seeds are always appreciated and most garden centres already have a good variety in stock. If you want to spend a bit more, a heated propagator makes a fantastic gift. With tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and many of the fancier ornamentals needing to be sown soon, it’ll be a gift put to use straight away.
Gardening gloves too are something we can always have more of. Some of the gauntlet style gloves are perfect if you have to tackle a pruning job on a thorny plant or one with really rough or sharp leaves. Alternatively, there are many lower-priced types available with gripping pads on the fingers or with leather toughened strips across the knuckles. Classic greens, ravishing reds or funky florals, gloves are definitely not boring. Birds in the garden not only help to keep pest numbers down, but they also add charm which everybody appreciates. A peanut feeder, nest box or perhaps even a bird table will attract them in and there are many designs available from modern to rustic. For the ‘other half’ who is less inclined to help with the tough jobs in the garden, admit defeat
and give them a garden lounger or even a hammock. As container gardening continues to rise in popularity, another idea is to give a few gorgeous looking containers - either empty for the friend or relative to decide what to put in it themselves, or make them into a complete gift by planting them up with a selection of plants and under planting them with bulbs which you know will bring extra delight next year. Finally, houseplants such as poinsettias, cyclamen, indoor azaleas and jasmines are perfect for providing bright colour indoors at this time of year. But remember when you buy any indoor plant during cold weather, it is essential that you protect it thoroughly on the journey from the shop to your car and from your car into your house as even a tiny exposure to cold drafts and low temperatures can cause damage. Visit www.pippagreenwood. com for a great rate of Gardening-related Gifts including stylish ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ gift cards, Pippa’s favourite weeding tool, signed books and lots of useful garden items for your friends & family…or for yourself!
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News from Iver Village Infant School
In the dark, dark night… As night falls and we fall into a deep slumber, some creatures are just waking up. The children are busy gaining knowledge about how these fascinating animals are specially adapted for the night environment. The children created a lot of questions in order to plan for this topic which will be taught through all the subjects. In Science they are already embracing some of the skills that nocturnal animals need by imitating the darkness of the forest and carrying out touch and sound tasks with their eyes shut. They have created an engaging fact file to learn all about the animals they might see prowling about the local Iver countryside through Literacy. Learning about the fox and bat through a Nocturnal animal comprehension means that they have had to pay close attention to the text or they would have missed the key facts. Our school corridor looks like a woodland and we have developed the shared learning space with the creatures of the night through noises, pictures, name tags and labels and fantastic artwork which the children have created at home. During Design and Technology the children will be building a safe shelter for an animal to sleep when it gets dark. We are also showing a video about some nocturnal animals in action. Pupils find out why Plop, the owl thought the dark was fascinating while learning
many facts on the nocturnal instincts of the owl. All these activities are designed to teach our children about nocturnal animals and the senses they employ to navigate life in the dark.
As our school goes from strength to strength we were very proud of the children and their achievement at the end of the last academic year. Our pupils were all raring to get started in their new year groups in September and our results are above national average in reading, writing and maths. As we all say ‘onwards and upwards’
Hats OFF! Our hat theme was a huge success ending with a fabulous tea party with children wearing hats that they had made or borrowed. Our focus book was ’Alice in Wonderland’ and a huge thank you to
The Richings Players who kindly loaned us the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ costumes.
Over the coming months we look forward to seeing you at our Christmas Fair (22nd November IVJS) and at the ‘Iver Light Turning on Festival’. Mrs Bull and the choir have been practicing Christmas carols and songs from our end of term production. We are looking forward to a performance from our drumming and boomwhackers club, which is new this term.
Sunrise and Sunset Club
The very popular before and after school provision at Iver Village Infant School is called Sunrise and Sunset Clubs. Sunrise Club opens at 7.30am and provides children with a good start to the day (including breakfast) in a caring, inspiring, informative and fun environment. Sunset Club runs from 3pm to 6pm on a day by day basis. Sunset Club provides children with a caring, motivating, educational and enjoyable environment. Each day there are different interests such as Art & Design, Working & Playing Together, Creative Work and Imaginative stories.
Caring, Growing, Learning in the Heart of the Community Iver Village Infant School TEL: 01753655104 66
Grange Way, Iver SL0 9NT www.iver-inf.bucks.sch.uk
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Pets Corner... (Dec14)_Layout 1 25/11/2014 20:50 Page 1
Kidney failure in cats and dogs...
KIDNEY failure can be acute onset or chronic (CKD). Acute kidney failure is relatively uncommon and can result from injury, infection or toxins. Apart from kidney failure due to ingestion of toxins such car anti-freeze, raisins and chocolate (especially relevant at Christmas!), there is little that can be done to pre-empt acute kidney failure and treatment span is usually short. CKD may be as the result of damage to the kidneys due to acute failure or just due to old age. Although dogs can suffer from CKD it is much more common in cats and 30% of cats will die from CKD so this is what we will concentrate on.
For an animal to show signs of kidney failure and for tests to be able to diagnose it, more than ¾ of effective kidney function has been lost. This damage is irreparable so it is of paramount importance to look after the remaining quarter or it will deteriorate rapidly. Classical symptoms of CKD are increased thirst, reduced appetite and weight loss. Unfortunately, pet owners often put these down to old age (which in a way they usually are) and ignore them so by the time the animal is presented it is already in severe kidney failure and treatment will be less successful. If patients are caught early and CKD is treated promptly and correctly, cats can live for several years after first diagnosis. Blood and urine tests are the mainstay of diagnosis although in more severe cases ultrasound or renal biopsy may be indicated, however these are more often of use in acute failure. The most important element of treatment of kidney failure is diet and it is no exaggeration to say the correct diet can be the difference between life and death. Prescription diet suitable for CKD is lower in protein and phosphate. It is most important that this not topped up with normal food or other protein sources, even milk. Many patients will suffer from hypertension (which can cause blindness), dehydration, low potassium and often can become anaemic. Medication is aimed at the above and to help the kidneys function better. This can include tablets to reduce blood 68
pressure and improve kidney function, iron and Vit B injections, potassium supplements and phosphate binders.
It is important that cats especially, receive additional fluids and these can be supplemented by a device implanted into the skin through which fluids can be given easily at home. This can literally be a life saver in severe cases. Regular monitoring is important and blood/urine tests should be performed at least every 3 months so treatment can be adjusted.
M C Atkinson BVSc MRCVs www.stmartinsvetclinic.com
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MMCG FP (Dec14)_Layout 1 25/11/2014 14:23 Page 1
Maria Mallaband Care Group announce launch of new...
Gerrards Cross Care Home Buckingham House based in Gerrards Cross recently hosted its grand opening, where
founder,
Chairman
and
CEO,
Phil Burgan presented Gerrards Cross Community Association with a cheque for £500. Buckingham House is the latest care home launched by Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG) and provides nursing, dementia and residential care for 53 residents. Maria Mallaband Care Group is one of the UK's leading care home providers renowned for offering comfortable, luxurious facilities and outstanding services. Our staff aim to build confidence and promote independence to enable residents to lead a fulfilling life with dignity and respect at all times, ensuring their residents needs come first and foremost. Each bedroom is en-suite and decorated to a hotel standard. The home boasts a number of lounges, 2 dining areas, 2 cafés, library and hair dressing salon, as well as beautifully landscaped gardens and secluded patio area.
If you would like to book a tour of Buckingham House Care Home, or would simply like more information about the home, please call 01753 468200, email: Buckingham.House@mmcg.co.uk, or visit www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk.
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The Americans have a simple formula for muscle cars – big V8 engines, chunky coupé bodies, rear wheel drive. The Japanese, however, take a different ap proach – smaller highly tuned engines, compact bodies and lots of clever engineering. The result is sports cars that will keep up in a drag race but per form much better in the corners. Here’s my pick of the bunch.
The penultimate model in Nis san’s acclaimed Z car range, the curvy styling harks back to the original 240Z but the 3.5 litre V6 is bang up to date, delivering 300bhp and a wonderful metallic howl. The 5.8 second 060 time is respectable without being outrageous while the handling is nearly up there with a Porsche Boxter. This smart allrounder is surprisingly affordable; pick up a 2007 model with 60k on the clock for £7500.
The thinking man’s answer to the Subaru Imprezza WRX, the Evo takes a humdrum family saloon car and turns it into a fire breathing monster by turbo charging the 2.0 litre engine
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within an inch of its life and fit ting 4 wheel drive and some reasonably tasteful spoilers. The stock version produces 300bhp, good for 060 in 4.5 seconds, but tuners can easily uprate that to 460bhp. The real appeal of the Evo lies in the intelligent four wheel drive system which allows unbelievable cornering speeds; this car is really a thug in a suit. Buying one can be a minefield – lots of them have been over tuned, raced or stolen and re covered. There’s also ten differ ent versions to choose from. I found a 2006 Mk IX with only 39,000 miles on it for a relatively pricey £11k.
Arguably the most complete two seater roadster you can buy, the S2000 combines the simple styling of a Mazda MX5 with an amazing, normally aspirated 2 litre engine that revs all the way up to 9000rpm and produces an astonishing 240bhp, good for 0 60 in 6.2 seconds, not to men tion a totally addictive howl. With all that power, the handling can be a bit of a handful but wan nabe racers can have a lot of fun. Throw in Honda’s legendary reliability and build quality and what’s not to like? The car re ceived a minor facelift in 2004
so it’s worth buying one after that year. Expect to pay £7,500 for a pristine 04 car with less than 50k under its belt.
This muscular but curvaceous coupe is possibly the closest Nissan ever got to the American muscle car philosophy – it would stand up well to a Ford Mustang. Power comes from a twin turbo 3.0 litre V6 that kicks out a hefty 300bhp (serious oomph for the time). Despite the cutting edge chassis technology (it had adap tive rear wheel steering) the handling is only average but, with a comfy ride and bags of equipment, it makes an excel lent long distance cruiser. Unloved by Z car enthusiasts, the 300ZX really is as cheap as chips; you can pick one up for under a grand. £4800 gets you a mint 1994 example that has covered a mere 50,000 miles – undoubtedly the cheapest way of getting from 060 in 5 sec onds flat.
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flowers & gardening... iver flower Club The Coppins Room, Iver Village Hall, Grange Way, Iver, SL0 9HW. Meets 4th Thursday of month, 7.30pm. Call Jayne on 07730 249876. Visit: www.bbando.org.uk/clubs/iver
Call Rosemary 01628 776838 www.thefitnessleague.com
class. Shaun Thompson, 07906 087749 www.tauruspt.co.uk
iver Heath garden & allotment Club Iver Heath Village Hall. Every 2nd Monday of the month at 8pm. Call Barbara Thompson Programme Secretary 01895 235213. Contact email address is Ann McCullough Secretary amcc100@gmail.com Hobbies...
bobbin lace Making group Every Thu 7.30pm at Southlands House, The Green, Swan Road, West Drayton. Call Julie 020 8897 9368 or Margaret 01895 851349 Chinese brush Painting group Come and join our friendly group meeting on Saturday mornings. The class is guided by an experienced tutor so no experience required! You will learn how to compose and develop your own Chinese painting style as well as practicing the finer points of Chinese calligraphy often seen on paintings. Find us at Harefield Library, Park Lane Village Centre, Harefield or contact Phyllis Nash on 01895 476 644 / phyllnash@gmail.com inland waterways association Meet 2nd Tues of every month at Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk
ballet Classes Iver Heath Village Hall, Friday 4.457pm. Call L Killian 01753 814280
Hour of Power - Ultimate workout Wed 7pm at the Evreham Sports Centre, Iver. Call 01753 672610.
bokwa fitness tone & Core The latest craze - hits all your fitness targets in one - 07771 872592 learningmoves@hotmail.co.uk
iver Heath drama Club Meet every Wednesday at Iver Heath New Village Hall between 7.45pm & 10pm. Contact Matt Streuli email: matt@ihdc.co.uk or www.ihdc.co.uk
boxfit Saturdays 9.45-10.45am at the Evreham Sport Centre, Iver. An exciting class which uses focus pads and gloves to enhance an excellent aerobic workout. Call 01753 672610 Children's Zumba (Zumbatomic) Classes Wednesdays at 3.30-5.30pm at Iver Heath Village Hall, Saint Margaret's Close. Call Diane on 07926 854184
futunity Street Dance and Hip Hop for children age 7-11 years. Fri's from 4-9pm call Cheryl on 01753 651754 or email childcare@ivercommunity.org Modern Jive Classes Monday 8-11pm at West Drayton Community Centre Tuesday & Thursday 8-11pm at Uxbridge Civic Centre Beginners Welcome – First Night Entry & Free Lifetime membership with this listing. Contact Alan: 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 www.clubceroc.com email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com donna’s keep fit Iver Heath Village Hall. Call Donna 01753 674945. Tue 9.45-10.45am
adults Zumba Classes Running on Wednesdays 6-7pm at Iver Heath Village Hall, Saint Margaret's Close. Call Diane on 07926 854184
evreham adult learning Centre Please call 0845 045 4040 to book the following… Gentle Yoga Wed 13.30-14.30. Class suitable for beginners to intermediate level. Cost £50 for 10 weeks. Fully qualified Exercise To Music Instructor.
bagot stack (fitness league) Term Time Only. Vyners School, UB10 8AB on Tue 7.30 - 8.30pm. Also in Windsor Monday & Thursday.
fitness Club St Catherine School, Money Lane, West Drayton, UB7 7NX. Thu 6-7pm Circuits, Fitness and Boxercise. £5 a
keeP-fit, danCe & draMa...
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Jazzercise Classes New Denham Community Centre Monday 9.30am-10.30am and Tuesday 6.45pm-7.45pm. Wednesday and Friday 10-11am Denham Village Memorial Hall Village Road, Denham, Bucks. Thursday 6.30-7.30pm. Contact Wendy Whitefoord, Tel: 07803 602142 or email: wendy.whitefoord@btinternet.com www.jazzercise.com
ladies only kickboxing Club Wednesdays, 6.30-8.00pm at Watts Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. First Class FREE! Just turn up or call Instructor Leanne Phillips on 07518 848285 email: leanne @kickboxing-longdon.co.uk www.kickboxing-london.co.uk nordic walking & wellbeing Explore our borough’s green spaces . with all round exercise in the open air, 4 week courses various days and locations pre booking essential contact 07771872592 / learningmoves@hotmailco.uk Personal training Looking for some extra help to get fit & into shape? For more info and prices call Rachel on 07745 622011 Pilates Iver Heath Village Hall on Thurs 7pm8pm call Mrs S Webb 01923 721335 Pilates Class St Peters Centre, Iver. Tuesday 7-8pm. Julie Hall 07976 966 583
continued overleaf...
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keep-fit, dance & drama continued...
Yoga Iver Heath Village Hall Mon 6.30-7.45pm Jonathan Bell 07790 682238
Signature a cappella singers We meet on a Monday night at Iver Heath Village Hall, St Margaret’s Close, Iver Heath SLO 0DQ. Time 7.45-10.30 with a ten minute break for a cup of tea, a chat and a biscuit. If you enjoy singing or would like to find out more about us, please come along to watch us one evening or visit www.signaturesingers.com
pinewood fitness The Fitness Room, Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Road, Iver Heath, Sl0 0NH. Mon 20.00-21.00, Wed 19.30-20.30. Booking only. Various Fitness Circuits, Boxercise, Gym Work. £5 a class. Shaun Thompson, 07906 087749 www.tauruspt.co.uk richings players Perform three plays each year usually at Iver Village Hall. If you would like to become a member call Adrian on 01753 652843 or www.richingsplayers.com Salsa classes Every Monday: The Middlesex Arms, Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HG. Beginners class starts 8pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.459.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm. Every Wednesday: The WatersEdge, Canal Cottages, Packetboat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. Beginners class starts 7:30pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.309.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm tap dance Mondays 7.30-8.30pm at Meadows Community Centre, West Drayton. Adult Beginner/Intermediate tap. No exams. Contact 01895 420409 / learningmoves@hotmail.co.uk taurus circuits Pinewood Studio. With Personal Trainer Shaun. Monday 8pm-9pm Booking only 07906 087749 tai chi classes Tues 10am at the Evreham Sports Centre, Iver. Call 01753 672610 tai chi classes Every Saturday 10-11am, Yiewsley Methodist Church, Fairfield Road, UB7 8EY. Call Dan 07880 601429 toddler & Junior fitness fun Junior Trampolining Weds 4.30pm5.30pm held at the Evreham Sports Centre Iver. Call 01753 672610.
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ZumBa ® fitness classes Mon & Thurs 7-8pm. St Peters Centre, Iver - all levels welcome! plus INSANITY Mondays & Thursdays 8.15-9pm. £5 per class. Call Rachel on 07745 622011 for info/to book. Zumba fitness Weds 8-9pm at Langley Grammar School Sport Centre Reddington Drive Langley, SL3 8LL and Thurs 7-8pm at Yiewsley / West Drayton Community Centre, Harmondsworth Rd, West Drayton UB7 9JL. Call Gabriel 07735090325 or gabrielzumba@instructor.net www.gabriel84.zumba.com muSic... faraday country music club in Slough SL2 1RN. Join us for the best live Country Music every Thursday for listeners, western partners, freestyle or line dancers. From 8-11pm. Contact Deb 07986 050742. www.faradaycountry.co.uk
iver Singers Singing for fun We’re a friendly group who meet every Tuesday (term time) at Evreham Adult Education Centre, between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. No Auditions. No previous experience necessary. Please contact Sara Adams: sara@ iversingers.com, 07733 466177, or visit www.iversingers.com for more. the Windsor & district Big Bands appreciation Society Meet on 2nd Wed of each month at 7.30pm, Datchet Hall, Horton Rd, Datchet. Meetings feature the music of the big bands of the 40s & 50s Swing era. Two recitals from records, tapes & CDs, along with a raffle and sometimes a live band. If you like to reminisce, do come along and join us! Contact Derek Verrier on 01753 654398
Stoke poges Singers A friendly four-part choir with about forty members singing a wide variety of music during the year. New members are always welcome and there are no auditions. The ability to read music is not essential. Rehearsals on Thursday evening at St Andrews Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges from 8pm. Come along to a rehearsal or contact Naomi on 07831 217575 or Cheryl on 01753 655682. www.stoke-poges-singers.org
Yiewsley & West drayton Band Rehearse every Wednesday and Friday 8-10pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. To join or book the band contact Lynne on 07976 824152 or email Lynne@ywdband.com Yiewsley & West drayton training Band This is open to all ages wanting to learn to play a brass instrument or those of you wanting to 'brush up' your skills. Rehearse every Wed during term time 6.45-7.45pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. Contact Abi on 07985 302 856 or emailtraining@ywdband.com petS... iver dog training club Meet Tuesday & Friday 6.30-9pm, St Andrews Church, Richings Park. Call Diana 01753 732907 iver Heath fields dog club 'Outdoor Training' every Sat at 10.15am, Wed at 11am call Mike on 01753 817852 or 07795 031335 or see website www.ihfdc.com continued overleaf...
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pre-school & kids groups... French for children with La Jolie Ronde, 5-11yrs. In Iver, Saturdays. Call Estelle 07831 779888 for more details. rainbow guides Iver Heath Scout Hut on Tuesday, 5.30-6.30pm. Call Cindy Gordon 01753 795724 or Tracey Glynn 01895 469804 richings park pre-school St Leonard's Hall, St Leonard's Walk, Richings Park Iver, SL0 9DD. Monday to Friday 9.15am-12.15pm Extended days on Tue, Wed and Fri until 2.15pm. 15 hours funding available for 3-4 year olds per week. 2yr old funding. Call 07712 477848. shooting stars pre-school An innovative pre-school setting for children aged two-five years open from 7.00am – 6.00pm Monday – Friday. Iver Village Hall, High St, Iver, SL0 9NW. Call Rafia 01753 651754 or e: childcare@ivercommunity.org slough sea cadets Parade nights on Monday and Thursday 19.30-21.30 at Langley Pavillion, Langley Road, Slough, SL3 8BS. Male & Female Junior Cadets (age 10-12 yrs) and Cadets (age 1218 yrs). Fees £2 per week, courses from £5 for a weekend. Visit us on Facebook, pop-in or email: sloughseacadets@yahoo.co.uk sticky Fingers Mothers & Toddlers Iver Heath Village Hall, Wed 9.3011.30am. Call Janet Beale 01753 652375 The launchpad A breakfast club for children aged 511 and after school club for Infants. We also offer holiday play schemes. Iver Village Hall, High Street, Iver, SL0 9NW. Call Cheryl on 01753 651754 childcare@ivercommunity.org The pod An after school club for Junior school children combining childcare with specialist educational activities. Iver 80
Village Junior School, High Street, Iver, SL0 9QA. Call Cheryl on 01753 651754 or email: childcare@ivercommunity.org Tiny Talk Baby signing classes Tuesday classes at St Mary’s Church Hall, High Street, Harefield UB9 6BX, 10am, price £5 pre-paid per family. Thursday classes at St Giles' Church Hall, 1 High Road, Ickenham UB10 8LE, 10am, 11.15am and 1pm, price £5.00 pre-paid per family. Friday classes at The Uxbridge Centre, The Greenway, Uxbridge UB8 2PJ, 10.30am, price £5.00 pre-paid per family. Please call Bev Meier to book 01895 824935 or 0781 8025993 Tiny Toes childcare An inspirational full day care nursery for children aged six weeks to five years open from 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday – Friday. Evreham Centre, Swallow Street, Iver, SL0 0HS. Call Susan on 01753 655650 tinytoes@ivercommunity.org selF deFence... close Quarter combat Based in Richings Park. Specialising in speed, strength and conditioning training. All types of pad work combinations. Suitable for Men and Women of all ages. 1-2-1 sessions. Call Mark 07525 366126 email: mj.wilding@hotmail.com
Harmondsworth Road, UB7 9JL. Contact Ella: 07702 479 435 or email: sportsclubuk@gmail.com Martial Arts Bujinkan kuri dojo Unit 21 Bridgeworks, UB8 2JG Tel: 07878 471124. Training: Sun 10.30-12.30pm, Tue 8-10pm, Thu 8.30-10pm www.bujinkankuridojo.co.uk silat kuntao indonesian self-defence Traditional self-defence art from Central Java, includes empty hand, traditional weapons, meditation and healing massage. Adult classes only. Mon and Wed 8pm-10pm at Denham Village Memorial Hall, Denham, UB9 5BN. Call Philip Davies 07790 496 346 or email kuntao.matjan.uk@gmail.com. selF help... Alcoholics Anonymous Every Sunday, 7.30pm at St Leonards Hall, St Leonards Walk, Richings Park, Iver, SL0 9DD. Contact Howard on 07816 315688 "if alcohol is costing you more than money, you should meet us" slimming World Tuesday 5.30pm and 7.30pm at Evreham Sports Centre, Iver Heath Contact Kate: 07432 107089 sociAl groups...
karate (Adults & children) Iver Heath Village Hall on Tues & Thurs. Kids 7-8pm, Adults 8-9.30pm. Call Sensei R. Baker 07898 946330.
coffee shop At St Margarets Church, Church Rd, Iver Heath. Wed 10.45-11.45am. Enjoy a coffee and a chat in a friendly, informal atmosphere.
karate club of denham / uxbridge For ages 5 years and up. Sunday 9.15-11am at New Denham Community Centre, Oxford Road. Wednesday 5-7pm at The Greenway, Uxbridge. Call Dominic on 07988 743725
heathway ladies group Every second Tues of the month at 2pm. You’re welcome as a visitor at the cost of £1.50, as we have a waiting list. Contact Secretary Tricia Cooper 01753 817749 or e: tricia.cooper3@virginmedia.com
kung Fu club West drayton Great Kung Fu work out for everybody, attractive trainings for children & adults on: Tuesday 5.30-6.30, Friday 7.30-8.30, Sunday 5.30-6.30. West Drayton Community Centre,
iver & district countryside Assoc., If you enjoy walks in the country and social evenings, why not join us? Call Paul Graham 01753 655183 continued overleaf...
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social groups continued... iver evening Women’s institute Iver Village Hall, meets 2nd Monday of month, 7.30pm. Call Margaret 01753 653751 for details. iver Heath ladies Meet on the 1st Monday of the month (exc. BHs). At 2pm in the Community Room, Iver Heath Village Hall. Call Pat Roberts 01753 647674 or email: pat@roberts3011.orange home.co.uk iver Heath community library The library is open on Tuesday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm Thursday 10am-1pm & 2pm-7pm Saturday 10am-1pm We hope that people from all three local areas will join with us to preserve this important local resource. Membership is free. Many of the facilities are free. For details contact us or, alternatively, come to one of our free monthly coffee and cake mornings and discuss with us in person. Tel: 0845 2303232 email: lib-ivh@buckscc.gov.uk King's Friends A group of older men and women enjoying life. Contact 01753 651178 for our latest programme. probus club of langley & iver is always looking for new members, we meet for lunch at the Richings Park Sports Club on the last Tuesday of the month (except Dec). We are friendly and attract retired persons of both sexes who usually are from a professional background although there is nothing rigid about background. We normally have a speaker and cover a very wide range of interests. Contact the Secretary on 01753 653571. the rotary club of langley & iver Meets on Thurs evenings 6.45 for 7pm, Richings Park Golf Club. North Park. Iver. SL0 9DL 01753 655370. We are a small friendly club that welcomes everyone, from all walks of life. If you are interested in improving
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the lives of others and have fun doing it, visit www.rotarylangleyandiver.org. uk or email: akahold@hotmail.com Women’s social group Social group for women in West London. Looking to expand your social group and make new friends? We meet regularly for coffee, a chat and organised trips and welcome women of all ages. Please call Seema on 07730 898635 or email seemaa@seemaa.co.uk for more. sport... Back school Small Osteopath lead rehab excercise sessions designed to help strengthen the back with lots of self care advice. Held at Lotus Wellbeing Clinic call 01753 677 604 for further details. Basketball (starting 7th June) Drop-in sessions for adults age 16 and over. Saturdays 12-2pm. £3 per session. At the Evreham Sports Centre, Iver. Call 01753 672610. darts Richings Park Sports & Social Club Wellesley Avenue. Men & Women Players. Tuesday & Thursday Nights. Call Gerry 07957 804204 iver Heath tennis club Church Road, Iver Heath, Bucks. SL0 0RW. New members always welcome, adults and juniors, visit our website for details www.ihltc.co.uk or call John Stephenson 01895 441033 iver Heath Bowls club Interested in playing bowls? Ring Brian Carter 01753 817794 or Hon. Sec. Betty Hemsley 01753 651775 iver short Mat Bowls We are open on Wednesdays 2-5pm & 5-10pm in Iver Village Hall, experience not necessary. Age 18yrs+. Cal Bob 01753 654049 or Ron 01753 819644 or Mary 01753 654765 iver Veterans golf society For men and women over 60. We meet every Tuesday morning at Iver
Golf Club. Handicap not necessary. Regular competitions held at Iver and other courses. You do not need to be a member of Iver Golf Club, just come along and play and make some new friends. Special rates for IVGS members. Contact: 01753 654246 nordic Walking taster session iver Starts Wednesday 30th January, 10am-11am, £5 at Evreham Sports Centre, Swallow Street, Iver, Bucks, SL0 0HS. Session is £5 with poles included. If you would like to book onto the course or require more details call the Evreham Sports Centre on 01753 672 610. pink ladies netball club All levels and abilities welcome. Training takes place at Stockley Academy, West Drayton every Tuesday evening. Senior training 16+yrs 7.30-9pm Back to Netball 16+yrs 7.30- 8.30pm Under 16s - please Rhiannon on 01895 448878 for details email: plnetball@hotmail.co.uk visit www.pinkladiesnetball.co.uk richings park ladies Badminton club Meet at St. Andrews Church Hall, North Park, Iver. Every Monday 24pm except Bank Holidays. Intermediate standard of playing. Call Daphne Wood 01753 653404 for details. richings park short Mat Bowls Richings Park Sports & Social Club Wellesley Avenue. Wed from 4pm. Just turn up - equipment provided. run for life Richings park running and fitness club. Richings park sports club Mon and Thu 6-7pm. With Personal trainer Shaun - sessions includes running, circuits, boxing and various other exercises. Call 07906 087749. running club For Advanced, Intermediate and Beginner. Runs organised in the local area. Free of charge, chance to train with other runners at your level. Call 01753 677 604 for further details.
2014 11:27
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