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This month sees the official end of British Sum mertime, so don’t forget to put your clocks back an hour on Sunday 25th. Now, having reminded you all, I just hope I remember. Unlike last year when I got up as usual and wondered why the shops in Uxbridge weren’t open and the place was like a ghost town! And, speaking of ghosts, Saturday 31st is of course Halloween. Love it or loathe it, you can either choose to fill the cup boards with sweets at the ready, draw the curtains and feign absence, or take my preferred option and nip down the pub for the night. Anyway, I’ve had quite enough of this horrible weather, so I’m off to pack my suitcase and hope fully track the sun down else where for a week. In the meantime, Jackie’s in charge and I’m on a mission to buy flip flops. .
You can advertise in this magazine from as little as puts your into all six publications (that’s over 30,000 homes). for all six publications
Local Events 6 Golden years: memories of fifty years ago 8 Wordsearch 10 Pets 10 Beauty: Tresses that Impress 12 Kids Puzzle Page 14 Coffee Break Puzzles 16 Hillingdon Family History Society 18 Struggling with debt what are your options? 20 Guy Wilson: Autumn & Dark Nights 22 Interiors: Eco Homes 24 71 Young Adult & Children’s Authors 26 RSPCA Rehoming Appeal 28 Halloween 32 Local Telephone Numbers 34 Magazine Pick Up Points 34 Understanding the Power of Your Pension Pot 38 Cake & Bake: Halloween Macaroons 40 Motoring: BMW X1 42 Ruislip Central Horticultural Society 44 Garden Feature 46 Reader Travel Offers 48 Buying OffPlan 50 What’s On Clubs, Groups & Classes 52, 54 & 56 Situations Vacant 58 Puzzle Solutions 58
Tel: 0800 038 5001 Mob: 07931 368151 In and Around Magazines cover: West Drayton . Iver . Denham . Uxbridge Ickenham . Ruislip Angela Fisher 0800 038 5001 / 07759 536494 info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk
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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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OCTOBER EVENTS Talent Show in aid of Michael Sobell Hospice 2nd October, 7.30pm Watersmeet, Rickmansworth, WD3 1EH. This event is being held as part of Hospice Care Week. To book go to www.watersmeet.co.uk.
For more details and bookings call 01753 677604.
Brainbox Quiz Night in aid of Michael Sobell Hospice 21st October, 7.30pm Michael Sobell Hospice Lecture Hall (Gate 3), Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, HA6 2RN. Show off your general knowledge skills at our popular annual Quiz Night Tickets cost £16 and include a fish and chip supper (veggie option available). Max 8 members per team. There will be a licensed bar. Book online at www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk or call 0203 826 2367.
Talk by Sean Kelly author of ‘Home Bases’ 6th October, 7pm-8.30pm South Ruislip Library. Memories & Stories about the military bases around the area. Admission free call 01895 556536 to book or for info: www.hillingdon.gov.uk/culture
Local Events
HUBB Business Breakfast Event 8th October, 8am-9am Bay Lodge, 36 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1PH. Networking in partnership with the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce. Coffee & pastries. We would be delighted if you could join us, to book helen. thompson@wardwilliams.co.uk Charity Comedy Night 9th October, 7.30-9.30pm Denham Village Memorial Hall Denham, UB9 5AE. In aid of FODVIS (Friends of Denham Village Infant School). Comedians Tom Price, Stuart Laws and James Veitch there will Bar. Tickets £10 contact Wendy on 07826 685098. Canals from the Air 13th October, Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Rd, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX. Inland Waterways Association presents a talk by Tony Conder. middlesex.socials@waterways.org.uk Annie Get Your Gun 14th-17th October, 7.30pm Saturday Matinee, 2.30pm Winston Churchill Theatre, Pinn Way, Ruislip, HA4 7QY. Tickets from £10. Box Office; 020 8207 2340/ 01895 349521. boxoffice@klosmusicaltheatre.co.uk
October into November 2015
Mindfulness Training 16th October, 6pm-8pm Lotus Wellbeing Clinic, Richings Park, Iver, Bucks, SL0 9AU. Free 20 minutes taster sessions.
Ruislip Stamp Fair 24th October, Ruislip Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Road, Ruislip, HA4 7BZ. Call 01895 637283 for details. Outdoor Artisan Market 25th October, 10am-4pm Black Park, Slough, Bucks. SL3 6DS. Local specialist foods. Lunchtime Classical Concert 28th October, 12.15pm St Martin’s Church Hall, corner of Eastcote Road and High Street, Ruislip, HA4 6DG, Come along and enjoy! Heathway Ladies Winter Bazaar 31st October, from 2pm Iver Heath Village Hall. Entry 50p; cakes, tombola, bottle, jewellery, cosmetic, book, toys,craft & other stalls, Giant Raffle. Come and grab a bargain. Creepy Crafts for Halloween 31st October Black Park, Slough, Bucks. SL3 6DS. Join us to make creepy crafts , marshmallows and hot drinks. Sausage & Cider Festival 30th-31st October 3 Byron Parade, Uxbridge Road, UB10 0LZ. For more details call 0208 573 1525 or visit www.byronsurban farmshop.co.uk
LIVE MUSIC EVENTS The Swan at Iver 2 High Street, Iver, SL0 9NG.
9th October The Flyers 16th October Glen Cooper 23rd October 2Tone 31st October Halloween Fancy Dress with DJ and cash prizes Champers Bar 184 Field End Road, Eastcote, HA6 1RE. 11th October Jeff Freeman 18th October 2Tone 25th October The Joe Fryd Show 1st November Marky Dawson 5th November Sixities, Sparklers and Music from 7pm The Watersedge Packet Boat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. 16th October Swing & Soul Night - all the greats from Stuart Wilson & Teeray. Nick Mills Blue Note Project Ickenham Village Hall, 33 Swakeleys Road, Ickenham. 24th October £12 available at the doorin advance online at www.tootsmusicmanagement.co. uk/news-events or at Pro Music International, Swakeleys Road, Ickenham.
NOVEMBER EVENTS Fireworks Extravaganza! 5th November, Gates open 5pm Harefield Infants & Junior School, Music, Food & all the fun of the fair! Tickets £6 adult, £4 child Info: friends.harefieldinfants@hot mail.co.uk Guy Fawkes Night Fireworks Display 5th November, starts 7.15pm Richings Sports Club, Wellesley Avenue, Richings Park, SL0 9BN. Firework display set to music. Licensed bar. Entry costs: Over 18s £6; 5-18 years £4; Pre-school Free.
DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE! If you would like us to publicise your event in our November issues contact us no later than Friday 16th October.
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Golden Years Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning that had been built on top of a neighbouring telephone exchange in 1947, and which was now in danger of being overshadowed by the many much taller office-blocks that were at the planning stage. But performing the official opening made a great photo-opportunity for such an avowed moderniser as Wilson.
was crowned by a restaurant that revolved at a snail’s pace, taking 22 minutes to complete a circuit without causing a ripple on the surface of the diners’ glasses of Blue Nun. To novelty-hungry Londoners it was a sensation: more than a million people visited the Tower in its first year and 100,000 dined in the restaurant.
At 177 metres tall (191 if you include the antennae), and on foundations rammed 53m deep into the clay beneath Maple Street, Fitzrovia, it was London’s tallest building until the NatWest Tower was completed 15 years later. The slim, elegant, green-glass shaft with its 29 microwave dishes and 16 storeys packed with mysterious technology was visible from almost everywhere in London, and was utterly unlike anything Londoners had ever seen. Serene and unmoving it may have appeared but it was actually frenetically busy: TV shows, radio programmes, longdistance telephone calls, air traffic control data and military traffic – all began their silent and invisible journeys round the country from this point.
Then in October 1971, the IRA set off a bomb in the gents’ loo on an observation deck underneath the restaurant. Noone was hurt and no structural damage was done but security was ever afterwards a concern. In 1980 the tower was closed to the public. Ostensibly this was on security grounds, as the Troubles were intensifying; actually, though, the newlycreated BT (after which the tower was renamed) saw a great deal less trouble and more profit in operating the upper stages as a swish venue for corporate functions than as a downmarket tourist attraction; it’s rather telling and perhaps indicative of the times that even though the Troubles are ancient history now, the tower has never reopened.
Exactly 51 weeks after coming to power with a majority of four, Harold Wilson seized a very public opportunity to prove that when he said he was going to reforge Britain in the white heat of the technological revolution, he meant it. For on 8th October 1965 he cut the ribbon on perhaps the most visible manifestation in Britain of the new world of high-tech telecommunications: the Post Office Tower. Not all was as it seemed, of course. First, Harold Wilson had absolutely nothing to do with the tower’s creation: it was first proposed in 1954; construction started in June 1961; and it was topped out in July 1964, three months before the general election. Secondly, the microwave technology it existed to support was not quite white-hot: the purpose of the tower was to replace an array of microwave antennae
But this was the ‘60s, when the concept of modernity was as much cultural as technological; and culture in the ‘60s was a democratic affair. Not only was the tower entirely designed by the in-house architects at the Ministry of Works, not only was it entirely publicly funded (to the tune of £2.5 million), and not only was it open to the public, but the whole thing
Happy 50tH BirtHdays to Ardal O’Hanlon (8th), Luke Perry (11th), Steve Coogan (14th), and Steve Lamacq (16th). Cake and botox to you all!
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Answers pg 58
I’m here when people need me
A lot of people need us. That's why our volunteers are always around to give anyone who is struggling to cope the space and time to talk.
Find out about joining us
01895 255987 samaritans.org.uk recruitment@hillingdon sessions Upcoming information ember 2015 18 October 2015 and 6 Dec
HILLINGDON A charity registered in England and Wales no. 267858 (Hillingdon).
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Whether long, short or in-between, afro, curly, wavy or straight, our hair is one of the first things people notice about us. The right style can detract from imperfections, and tells the world a little something about our personality. It can make us more self-assured; more confident in the workplace and social situations. And, of course, it’s not just about the cut; having the right tools in your arsenal at home can make all the difference.
Looking for a salonstyle deep conditioning treatment? Try Philip Kingsley Geranium & Neroli Elasticizer, £31.50, a preshampoo conditioning treatment that contains neroli, geranium, lavender, rose and orange I have a confession – until recently I didn’t own oils. The Elasticizer has been around for a few a hairbrush. I just used my daughter’s, which years now, and has won numerous awards and is shaped like Hello Kitty, but does the job. accolades. This new version looks set to be Thankfully, now I am the proud owner of a Wet just as successful, as it leaves hair soft, bouncy Brush, the US’s bestselling hairbrush, which and easier to style. While you can just apply it a detangles wet or dry hair like a dream. few minutes before showering, for best results My daughter is also a fan, as it doesn’t lather it on before bed. It may seem pricey, but pull as much, which is a little goes a long way, so you’ll get a fair few Departures in November & December 2015 - Quote: TC-IA making mornings rather weekly treatments from each jar. more pleasant. The Choose from three exclusively-chartered, festive party river cruises on board Intensive conditioning Wet Brush costs Call tend to work markets along the way. the popular mps Princess treatments visiting magical Christmas £11.99 from www. best if you Sample the legendary ‘Gluhwein’ andcover shopup tillwith you drop as you discover the cultbeauty.co.uk. 01895 a shower cap. Of course, magic of the festive season in Belgium, Holland and Germany. If83 you 33 only make you could just pick up a simple 33 one change to your haircare regime, swap to a gentler, more natural see-through one for a couple of for bookings Dinantcontain & Three pounds, Countries Christmas Markets shampoo. Most high street● shampoos but how much more fun is this one Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which can -strip your Dinant Namur - Liege - Aachen - Maastricht - Valkenburg– Brussels from The Vintage Cosmetic Company? and information hair of essential oils, leaving it limp and lifeless. Departs 24th November 2015 - 5 days from £529pp A gentler alternative is Holidays offered by Green People Quinoa ● Three Countries Christmas Markets & Artichoke Shampoo GN Holidays Lot of brands have limited edition Maastricht and ConditionerLiege - Monschau - Valkenburg – Brussels & Voyages products out for breast cancer (£9.95 each),28th which are Departs November 2015 - 4awareness days fromat £429pp Higher Denham the moment. One of designed to nourish and our favourites is ABTA NoY0291 •ATOL 9362 protect damaged hair. ● Germany and Belgium Christmas Origins Pink Ribbon MakeMarkets A and artichoke Escorted & River Cruise: The quinoa Maastricht - Aachen - Antwerp - Bruges – Brussels Hand Difference Rejuvenating leaf work together to www.gnvoyages.co.uk condition, minimise frizz, Treatment, It’s really Departs 1st December 2015 - 4 days £19.50. from £429pp rich, with extracts of Rose of strengthen and protect Coach Breaks: Jericho and St meadowfoam seed to Brussels or PRICE INCLUDES: Return rail travel from Pancras or Ebbsfleet radiation. www.gnholidays.com from UV so ideal for dry, dehydrated return flight from Heathrow -oil, supp’t may apply • 3 or 4-night full-board cruise on Curly and coily haired women have Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays hands. What’s more, from board mpsof Princess bed, rear cabin on£5 main deck - upgrades 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdayswith the cause to celebrate, release Avedasharing a twin each sale will be donated Closed Bank Holiday weekends. available Beer, wine by the glass & soft drinks served at lunch, dinner and from Be Curly Co-Wash, £17.50, which •cleanses to The Breast Cancer hair, while preserving moisture and minimising 6pm to midnight at the bar • MorningResearch coffee andFoundation. afternoon tea • Buffet breakfast frizz. The key ingredients are babassu andorganic lunch • Dinner served at your table • Late night snacks • Captain’s dinner • Entertainment • Transfers abroad • Services of the GN Voyages team on board
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We Love the 60s Spring Party Weekend - Pontins Pakefield, Suffolk Coast
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River Avon Christmas Lunch Cruise & Festive Stratford upon Avon
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Join us for a visit to Birmingham’s German Christmas Market - the largest outdoor festive market in the UK and Worcester’s Victorian Christmas Fayre. INCLUDED: 1 night stay at the Hilton Hotel, Bromsgrove • 1 dinner and 1 breakfast • Christmas Market visits • Coach travel and excursions
Bath Traditional Christmas Market & Lunch Fridays: 4 & 11 December, 2015 - Quote FB12-IA
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Come with us to the Georgian city of Bath and visit the traditional Christmas Market set against the backdrop of the 19th century Abbey and enjoy lunch at the Regency-style Francis Hotel.
Little Venice Christmas Tea Cruise & London Lights
A Very High Tea!! Spinnaker Tower & Gunwharf Quays Festive Shopper
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Come with us to Little Venice for a relaxing canal cruise to Camden Lock and enjoy a festive afternoon tea - plus a tour through London’s Christmas Lights. INCLUDED: Little Venice cruise on the My Fair Lady (2-hr GN private charter) with mulled wine, sandwiches, hot mince pie, tea or coffee, Christmas cracker & decorations • London Christmas lights tour • Return coach travel
INCLUDED: Visit to Bath Christmas Market • 3-course lunch at the Francis Hotel • Return coach travel
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Enjoy a Great Day Out in Portsmouth including a Very High Tea with a great view and free time in Gunwharf Quays - packed with choice for Christmas shopping. INCLUDED: High Tea with a glass of Prosecco at the Café in the Clouds - 105 metres up the Spinnaker Tower • Festive shopping time in Gunwharf Quays • Return coach travel
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
Although we as a society can help with tracing your ancestors wherever in the U.K. they come from it always helps to search local records for background information. As an example we recently helped a visitor to our research sessions who had a family connection with Ickenham. We have access to the records of Ickenham Church School for the period 1873 to 1929 and we found for this visitor the following entry:
gave hope to many families of a better life as a result of education. Money was obviously in short supply so a calculation had to be made between; sending a child or children to school which would cause an outlay of coinage against putting the child or children to menial seasonal tasks on the land such as picking up acorns, nuts etc, haymaking, harvesting potatoes as well as bird scaring and beating, all of which meant an inflow of cash. The latter would incur the wrath of the school attendance officer and loss of marks for the child. Of course this was not the only reason for non attendance. Illness was a major cause of absenteeism: scarlet fever, mumps, measles being rife and on occasion the odd case, either proved or suspected, of smallpox.
As you can see these records fill in details of life at that time that are missing from the cold facts provided by census records and birth/marriage/ death certificates. So if you decide to look into your family’s history, even if you have only minimal information, why not come along and see if we can help you to ‘fill in the blanks’, we might even discover another unusual name for you. The majority of families were employed on the land but the existence of a school in the village
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Join in the warehouse or online: www.costco.co.uk/membership The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT). Executive Trade Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT). Executive Individual Membership is an additional £30 (plus VAT) upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner. Membership Criteria applies. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made. Costco accepts cash, debit card, cheque or American Express
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Finance What are Your Options when You’re Struggling with Debt?
By Ann Haldon
Knowing how to deal with debt, and understanding the options available, can relieve some of the pressure when creditors are relentlessly pursuing you for money. A range of formal debt solutions exists in England and Wales that consolidate your debt down to a single monthly payment. They can help you to avoid bankruptcy, and although remaining on your credit file for six years, allow you to make a fresh start once repaid. A licensed Insolvency Practitioner (IP) is often appointed to negotiate with creditors on your behalf, and ensure that the debt solutions are administered correctly. Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) An IVA is legally binding and usually lasts for around five years. Your appointed IP will negotiate terms with all unsecured creditors, 75% of whom have to agree to the IVA before it can go ahead. Who might use it? This solution is intended for people with unsecured debts. These might include credit card bills, personal loans, overdrafts and store card arrears, but would not involve secured borrowing against an asset such as a house or car.
Advantages • Interest and charges are frozen • Creditors cannot chase you for payment • No legal action can be taken against you • Once repaid, your remaining debts are written off
Disadvantages • An IVA remains on your credit file for six years from its start date • Your job may be affected • If you miss payments, your creditors may enforce bankruptcy • Costs for an IVA can be high, often around £4,000, and form part of your monthly instalment Debt Relief Order (DRO) Debt Relief Orders are intended for people with minimal assets and a low income. They offer relief from creditor pressure for a period of time, generally 12 months, and are negotiated on your behalf by a licensed IP. Who might use it? If your debts are less than £15,000 and you don’t own your own home, a DRO might be suitable. Also, your assets should total less than £300, with residual income being £50 or less. A DRO currently costs £90. It’s worth noting that the
eligibility criteria for a DRO changes on 1st October 2015 when the debt limit is increased to £20,000. The allowable value of assets also rises to £1,000. Advantages • You do not have to make any repayments to the debts included in the Debt Relief Order for a fixed period of time – usually one year • This offers you time to improve your financial situation • Your creditors cannot pursue you for debt during this time • All debts included in the DRO are written off if your circumstances have not improved at the end of the term Disadvantages • Interest and charges continue to be added • A Debt Relief Order remains on your credit file for six years • It is recorded on the Individual Insolvency Register, which is available for public view • It may affect your job if you work in the legal or financial sectors, the police or prison service Debt Management Plan (DMP) A Debt Management Plan is not legally binding and involves paying back all of your debt,
but over a longer period of time. None of the debt will be written off at the end of the term, and your DMP provider will deal with creditors on your behalf. Who might use it? If you can afford to pay your household bills but are struggling to keep up with credit card or store card bills, for example, a DMP may be suitable. Advantages • Your DMP provider will deal with creditors on your behalf • You are able to repay your debts in full, which may have less impact on your credit file • You make a single consolidated payment to cover the debts included in the plan Disadvantages • Interest and charges may be added • It still has an effect on your credit file, even though you
are not writing off any debt • If you don’t keep up repayments, you may be forced into bankruptcy Bankruptcy As a measure of last resort, bankruptcy writes off your debt and allows you to start again. It usually lasts for one year, after which time you will be discharged and can begin to rebuild your credit rating.
Who might use it? If debts are greater than your total assets including home and car, and you cannot afford to keep up repayments, bankruptcy may be your only option. Additionally, one of your creditors may force you into bankruptcy through the courts. Advantages • All debts are written off • There is no more creditor pressure • You can start afresh financially
Disadvantages • You will lose your home and other assets • Your job may be affected • You will find it difficult to obtain borrowing for some time • Bankruptcy will have a serious adverse effect on your credit file Factors including whether you have a regular income, your line of work, total level of debt and assets, all have an influence on which of these solutions would be most appropriate. https://www.gov.uk/optionsfor-paying-off-your-debts/ individual-voluntaryarrangements http://www.stepchange. org/Debtinformationandadvice/ Debtsolutions/Individual voluntaryarrangement.aspx
Guy Wilson PT FP+ (Oct15)_Layout 1 21/09/2015 19:04 Page 1
Guy Wilson, Personal Trainer offers 1-2-1 Personal Training, small group training, TRX (suspension) training, Padwork, HiiT, Indoor cycling programmes and outdoor cycling roadcraft
Autumn and dark nights LIKE it or not Autumn is here and the evenings are starting to close in - but don’t let all the benefits of your healthy summer go to waste. Simply adjust your routine to stay active. Autumn can be an breathtaking time to exercise, the colours of the trees have changed, the sun sits lower in the sky – it can be amazing and invigorating to train outdoors. Healthy workplace...
We naturally start to slow down and ‘hibernate’ over the darker months so it’s more challenging to get outside in the evenings especially if the weather isn’t that great. If you can, change your 0 747 5 747 407 routine and exercise at lunchtime. The new routine could be www.facebook.com/ something as simple as a daily walk, maybe you can raise the guy.wilson.5220 game and have a run or take a 30 or 45 minute class (you could Guy@GuyTWilson.com even ask for a class to be run at your workplace). If you have a shower at work (not a luxury everyone has) then make the most of it, then you can spend your evenings at home in the warmth without feeling guilty! To get motivated try buddying up with someone at work – you can encourage each other, which is very handy on days you don’t feel like exercising. Studies show that exercising at lunch time makes you far more productive in the afternoon and less likely to feel that afternoon slump – it works for me too! Switch off the TV... If there is no time to exercise at work then exercise when you get home in the evening or even before work if you can get out of bed early enough! It’s a tough ask, but ideally in the evening exercise before you get home, sitting down is the danger zone and switching on a TV is the death Nell of any exercise, or it is for me personally. So no TV unless of course you are putting on an exercise DVD! Until next time!
Guy
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Home & Interiors Eco Homes
By Katherine Sorrell ventilation in the loft to avoid condensation. There is a range of insulation materials, but natural materials, such as sheep’s wool or hemp, tend to be better for older properties, as they absorb water vapour and release it. Check your loft regularly for signs of condensation, mould and small animals. Step Four - Windows Windows can leak a lot of heat, especially if they are old and single glazed, and short of double glazing, draught proofing is the answer. For a longerterm solution you will need to cut in a rebate and fit either compression seals (hinged windows) or wipers (sashes). Alternatively, secondary glazing will dramatically improve both air tightness and heat loss, and there are clear panels that fix to the window frame with a magnetic strip. Alternatively, use thick, lined curtains, hung close to the wall, or timber shutters - which are more effective than double glazing. Step Five: Doors To make external doors airtight, adjust as necessary for a good fit, add draught proofing (as for windows) and cover keyholes, letter slots and cat flaps. Use a ‘sausage dog’ at the bottom or hang a long, thick curtain from a hinged rod. Step Six: Floors Ventilation below your suspended timber floor evaporates moisture from the timber and supporting structures, so don’t block up external air grilles. To make the floor itself airtight, a fitted carpet with a thermal underlay is perfect, or for timber boards seal gaps around skirting boards with foam strips, silicon
mastic or slivers of matching timber. If the boards have gaps, use fillets of balsa wood or lengths of string, which you can stain, glue and push into place. If you can get below the boards or are planning to lift them, consider adding insulation underneath. Step Seven: Walls It is usually straightforward to insulate modern cavity walls but older, solid walls are more of a problem. Modern systems may trap moisture and cause damp, but one option is to add timber panelling inside, leaving an air gap behind. It may also be possible to add external or internal insulation, but be sure to get impartial advice. Quick Tips • Installing shutters can reduce heat loss by 60%. For efficiency, they should meet with a rebated edge and include a brush strip or rubber seal. • A thick rug helps to reduce draughts through gaps in floorboards. • Adding a pelmet to a window treatment helps to reduce draughts and stop warm air disappearing behind your curtains or blind. • Place radiators on internal walls rather than below windows, where their heat can disappear more easily.
A few simple measures to update your property can make an enormous difference, says Katherine Sorrell. Step One – Get to know your home Knowing what your home is made from, how was it originally built, and what changes have been made will make it easier to work out how you can ecoimprove it. Step Two – What are its weak points? Obvious problems are rattling, draughty windows, gaps around the edges of the front door and heat escaping through the roof. To help target improvements where they are most needed, commission a professional test for air tightness and heat loss. Best done on a cold, clear winter’s night, it is non-invasive and should cost around £300. Step Three – The loft A top priority for ecoimprovement, with 300mm of quilt insulation recommended, though there should be some
Main Image - Adding a portiere rod is a great way to insulate a draughty exterior door. Hang heavy, floor-length curtains, ensuring that there is enough stackback space for the door to be opened easily. If possible, use an insulating lining and heavy fleece interlining – bearing in mind that the pole will need to be able to support the weight. 12mm self-closing button portiere in beeswax, from £44.10, Jim Lawrence, 01473 826685; www.jim-lawrence.co.uk.
71 Young Adult & Children’s authors Halfterm Wednesday 28 October 2015 Uxbridge
YA Shot is a new notforprofit organisation about to put on its inaugural event involving 71 top Young Adult and Middle Grade authors in a programme of over 30 panels and workshops on half term Wednesday, 28th October, in the centre of Uxbridge at the Civic Centre, Waterstone's Uxbridge and Uxbridge Library. The event is run in partnership with Hillingdon Borough Libraries, and is supported by an Arts Council Grant. If this year is a success, we hope to make YA Shot an annual event and its Year Long Legacy Programme an ongoing project. Ultimately, we hope to become a charity and branch out around the country. From Adventure to Historical Fiction, Fantasy to Crime, and Comedy to Horror & Dystopia there are events for readers of all interests, including panels on mental health, darkness in young adult fiction, hopeless romance and diverse lives, and workshops on promoting diversity, getting started with vlogging, creating fantasy worlds, using showing rather than telling tactics to create compelling characters, and tips from a former script agent turned author on rounded characters. YA Shot is committed to promoting reading for pleasure, creative writing and aspirations to careers in the Arts. Ticketsales to the YA Shot event will support a YearLong Legacy Programme providing 35 free author events to Hillingdon Borough Libraries, who will then invite in local primary and secondary schools, with priority going to disadvantaged schools, so that 1500 extra students across the
Borough will have the opportunity to meet an author and be inspired about reading and writing. The evidence about the importance of author visits is incredibly compelling: a major survey by the Society of Authors recently showed that they have a profound and lasting impact on all areas of educational achievement and development, as well as empathy, social skills and social engagement. All pupils in schools that organised a visit were positively engaged including (and particularly) reluctant readers and those with Special Educational Needs. However, with cuts to library funding in schools and the public sector, author visits are a luxury that only some can afford – but often it’s those schools and students most in need who don’t have access. We want to help fill this gap and provide young people with the opportunity to go experience a huge book event – but locally and affordably. Day tickets are £20 for an adult, £15 concession, £25 for one adult and one child 7 11 (£20 concession adult plus child), £30 for one adult and 2 children 711 (£25 concession adult plus 2 children).
there are no additional charges whatsoever.
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RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston & District Branch Registered Charity No: 263515
It has been a long hard summer but at last the kitten numbers are diminishing. This leaves us with lots of single cats, many of them mummies of kittens long gone and fed up with waiting in cages for someone who never comes!
If you have lots of love and the perfect home to share with Sparkle, please get in touch.
1 YEAR – FEMALE BLACK / WHITE / GINGER – DSH
Holly is another of our young mums who has raised her litter of kittens at our Centre this Vital to our finances to pay veterinary and summer. All of her babies have now found boarding fees are our charity shops. Could lovely homes, so her work is done and now you volunteer a few hours a week to help? it’s her turn to find fun and happiness in a new home. A final plea – grateful as we are for your lovely donated goods, if its broken we can’t She is a lovely affectionate girl, who wants a sell it, if you have done a boot fair and not family of her own, just to dote on her and sold it, we won’t be able to either. Now give her all the fuss and cuddles she enjoys charged £160 per ton for rubbish disposal at so much. She does however need a home the dump, sorry if we have to turn unsaleable without young children or other cats / dogs. goods away. Could you give Holly a loving home for life? Can you offer a forever home to our lovely girls please? 8 MONTHS – FEMALE GREY/WHITE – DSH Thank you for your support . We can’t do it Sparkle is a strikingly beautiful girl, who sadly without you. became a very young mum at the age of 8 months, while really still very much a kitten If you think you can offer one of our animals a loving home then please ring RSPCA herself. She is very playful and friendly, and Hillingdon Branch on loves nothing more than a good game. Like or visit our website most youngsters though, she also loves a fuss and cuddle, and would settle down well to download an application form. with a family that would meet both her cuddly and playful needs. We are looking for a RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, King home for Sparkle, without young children or ston & District Branch other cats.
SIXTH FORM
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The UCL Academy Sixth Form 2016/17 Open Events Tuesday 3 November 2015, 5.00pm - 7.00pm Saturday 14 November 2015, 10.00am - 12.00pm
• Chemistry • Biology • Physics • Computer Sciences • Engineering • English • Mathematics • Humanities • Languages • Art • Music • Physical Education
Take full advantage of our partnership with UCL: Mentoring with UCL undergraduates; talks and seminars with world class lecturers; and much more! We also have an exciting new opportunity to study a BTEC National Diploma in Sport in partnership with Tottenham Hotspur Find out more at www.uclacademy.co.uk/sixthform or call 0207 449 3080
The UCL Academy Adelaide Road, London NW3 3AQ Tel: 020 7449 3080 Email: admissions@uclacademy.co.uk www.uclacademy.co.uk/sixthform
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Ickenham HALLOWEEN (Oct15)_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 21/09/2015 23:34 Page 1
n e e w o l l Ha
THERE are big tubs of pumpkins outside the supermarkets, along with costumes, fake blood and multi-packs of sweets in the aisles. Halloween is almost upon us. But why do we celebrate it, when did trick or treating start, and what’s the point of carving pumpkins? As many people know, Halloween is short for All Hallows’ Eve. All Hallows’ Day (also known as All Saints’ Day) was an important occasion in the early Christian calendar and is still recognised by many Christians today. It is a national holiday in some predominately Catholic countries and is seen as a time to recognise and remember saints. It is believed that many Halloween traditions pre-date Christianity, and actually date back to the ancient Gaelic festival Samhain, which was held to mark the transition from harvest time to winter. Samhain was seen to be a time when the boundaries between worlds, particularly those of the living and the dead, were loosened, enabling spirits to cross through into our world. Bonfires were lit to cleanse the air and offer protection. People would often dress up as evil spirits in order to appease the ‘real’ spirits into not harming them, their families or their livestock. The ‘evil witch’ may have its roots in the Pagan goddess, The Crone, who was celebrated at Samhain for her wisdom and nurture of the Earth. In the Middle Ages, poor people would visit homes, offering to pray for the dead on All Soul’s Day
(November 2nd), in exchange for food. This is likely where trick or treating started. Trick or treating may also be related to ‘guising’, a tradition where children would dress up and perform a song, dance, or other entertainment in exchange for a sweet treat Pumpkin carving is believed to date back to the 1800s. Originally, turnips were carved and a candle placed inside. It appears that these lanterns served numerous purposes: to frighten spirits away; to guide travellers home safely; and simply to light the way in a time before street lights were commonplace. Pumpkins started to replace turnips when Irish immigrants took their Halloween traditions with them to America. Pumpkins were easier to acquire there than turnips, and soon became more popular as they are usually larger and much easier to carve! In recent years, pumpkin carving has become something of an art form, with elaborate designs often replacing simple grotesque faces. Black cats, spiders and bats are common Halloween symbols, and likely relate to the idea of a witch’s ‘familiar’ – an animal that was said to be a demon in disguise. Halloween is now celebrated in numerous countries across the globe, although it is particularly popular in the United States. Samhain itself is also still celebrated by pagans and wiccans around the world. Kate Duggan
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Understanding The Power Of Your Pension Pot by Kate McLelland It’s now six months since UK residents aged 55 or over became able to access the money in their pension pots and spend or invest it as they wish. Previously pensioners had been offered little choice other than buying an annuity, but on April 6th 2015 older people suddenly found themselves confronted by a bewildering range of options. The idea that pensioners can use their accumulated savings for any purpose (even to “get a Lamborghini” according to the famous quote by pensions minister Steve Webb) has proved controversial, but many older investors have welcomed the changes. Create a plan that works for you Savers now have three main choices when it comes to their pension pot: • You withdraw part or all of your pot right away (you will pay no tax if withdrawing up to 25%, but tax liability kicks in after that). If you choose not to withdraw it all at once, you’ll have six months to plan how you want to spend or invest the remaining sum.
• You don’t withdraw anything, leaving your pension pot invested until you need it. The pension fund provider may charge a management fee but you won’t pay tax while the sum remains untouched, and if you die before the age of 75 you can pass it on tax-free. • You buy an annuity – this is an insurance policy that guarantees you a regular income for the rest of your life, no matter how long you live. Alternatively, some pension providers will allow you to withdraw your pension pot cash in small, regular chunks over time. You can even mix and match some of the options above to create a plan that’s right for you. What the rest of us are doing You may have read media reports claiming that pension pot savings have been used to fund everything from luxury cruises to facelifts, but a close examination of the evidence so far suggests that far from splurging it all on a sports car or the holiday of a lifetime, most people are choosing to
invest their pensions wisely. Richard Butcher, of Pitmans Trustees, which provides independent pension advice, thinks most individuals have reacted “sensibly”, by paying down debts and mortgages or carrying out home improvements. Although many older investors have found the opportunity to access pension funds liberating, others have become increasingly confused about the options available to them and confidence tricksters have been quick to capitalise on their uncertainty. How to spot a pension scam “Free pension reviews”, “oneoff pension investments”, “pension loans” and upfront cash offers that promise quick returns may seem tempting, but if you put your money in the wrong hands you can lose a lifetime’s savings in a moment. Scammers typically promise sky-high returns from overseas investments or innovative money-making schemes. They may also offer extra tax savings or claim to know of loopholes that can increase your tax-
free allowance. They may also claim that they can help you unlock your pension before the age of 55.
available on the company website are a mobile phone number and a PO box address
The marketplace is currently overflowing with businesses eager to benefit from your pension, so how do you tell a scammer from a legitimate company?
• The business doesn’t want, or allow, you to call them
The Money Advice Service website (www. moneyadviceservice.org. uk) has published some guidelines to help you stay safe.
You should exercise caution if: • You receive a phone call, text message or doorstep visit out of the blue from someone offering to help you with pension investments • The only contact details
• You are put under pressure to make a decision right away Fraudsters often go to a lot of trouble to persuade you that they are genuine, with convincing websites and highly plausible salesmen. It’s not unheard of that they claim to be part of the government-backed “Pension Wise” service set up to offer impartial advice to investors. Check the facts before you sign Contact the Pensions Advisory Service for advice on 0300 123 1047 if you’re at all nervous about signing up with a company. If you are
unsure about the status of the firm you are dealing with, you can check whether they are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (www.fca. org.uk or call 0800 111 6768). Finally, if you think you have detected a scam, you can call the police’s ActionFraud service on 0300 123 2040 to report it. Investing wisely for retirement has never been more challenging – or more potentially rewarding – than it is now, but you must ensure that your decisions are based on the best possible advice. Where better to start, then, than the government’s own pensions advice website, www.pensionwise.gov.uk? There’s a lot to learn, but getting the right guidance will help you enjoy the happy, secure retirement you have worked so hard to achieve.
Dream
Health Understanding Psoriasis By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk World Psoriasis Day takes place on 29th October to raise awareness and increase understanding of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis affects around 1.8 million people in the UK; more than 2% of the population. Yet it’s poorly understood, and sufferers can find their self-esteem and quality of life profoundly affected by it. What is PsOriasis? Psoriasis is often thought of as a skin condition, but it’s actually an immune disorder that predominantly affects the skin. The most common symptom is crusty, flaking, red patches of skin with a silvery, scaly surface that typically appear on the scalp, lower back, elbows or knees, although they can appear elsewhere. Severity varies from person to person and many sufferers have periods where their psoriasis calms down, alternated with periods when they experience ‘flare-ups’. tyPes Of PsOriasis Some people may begin with one type of psoriasis that transforms into another. The most common types are: Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) This accounts for around 80% of cases, causing dry, red lesions with a scaly, silver
surface, known as plaques. These plaques nay be itchy or sore, and affected skin at the joints may crack and bleed. Nail psoriasis About half of psoriasis sufferers find it affects their nails, causing discolouration, loosening or small dents. In severe cases, nails may crumble. scalp psoriasis This causes red patches with thick silver scales over selected parts of the scalp or the whole scalp. It may cause severe itching or temporary hair loss, but equally it may cause little discomfort. Guttate psoriasis Guttate psoriasis is more common amongst children and teens, commonly occurring after a streptococcal throat infection. It causes tiny dropshaped sores on the chest, arms, legs and scalp. Often it disappears completely after a few weeks, but may sometimes transform into plaque psoriasis. Inverse (flexural) psoriasis This causes large, smooth red patches in skins creases, e.g. at the groin, armpits, under the breasts and between the buttocks. Friction and sweating make it worse. Pustular psoriasis Pustular psoriasis is a rare form that causes pus-filled blisters (pustules). Generalised
pustular psoriasis (von Zumbusch psoriasis) affects a wide area and quickly causes pustules that contain white blood cells, often in cycles of a few days or weeks. It can cause fever, weight loss and fatigue at the beginning of the cycle. Palmoplantar pustular psoriasis affects the palms and soles, causing pustules that gradually become brown, scaly spots, which later peel off. Pustules may reappear every few days or weeks. Acropustulosis affects fingers and toes, causing pustules that burst, leaving bright red areas that later become scaly or ooze, potentially leading to painful nail deformities. erythrodermic psoriasis Erythrodermic psoriasis is rare, affecting nearly the whole body, and can cause intense itching or burning. Your body may lose proteins and fluid, leading to complications such as infection, dehydration, heart failure, hypothermia and malnutrition. PsOriatic arthritis (Psa) Psoriatic Arthritis causes tenderness, pain and swelling in the joints and connective tissue. It’s most common in the hands and feet, but can also affect the knees, ankles, hips and lower back, and although it’s more usual for it to occur after skin psoriasis appears,
it may occur beforehand, and seems more common in those with nail psoriasis. A rheumatologist will perform blood tests to confirm psoriatic arthritis.
lesions. Symptoms are usually worsened or initiated by a trigger, which can include some medications (including lithium, anti-malarials, antiinflammatories, ACE inhibitors and beta blockers), stress, throat infections, excessive alcohol, skin injuries, smoking, hormonal changes and other immune disorders.
tried first, including emollients and anti-inflammatory creams such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, Dithranol, Calcineurin inhibitors and coal tar. If these aren’t completely effective or your psoriasis is severe, you may receive phototherapy, which involves exposing your skin to specific types of ultraviolet light. Severe cases may also be treated with oral or injectable medications.
WhO caN Get PsOriasis? Men and women can suffer with psoriasis at any age, but it appears more often between 15 and 30 years old and at 50 to 60 years old. A direct genetic link hasn’t been discovered, but it seems that a combination of genes may cause a hereditary disposition to it, as one in three people with psoriasis have a relative with the condition. What causes PsOriasis? Psoriasis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, accelerating their usual three to four week renewal cycle to three to seven days and causing a build-up of skin cells that creates psoriasis
hOW is PsOriasis DiaGNOseD? Usually psoriasis can be diagnosed by visual examination, but sometimes a small biopsy (skin sample) is necessary to confirm psoriasis and determine the exact type. You may be referred to a dermatologist (or rheumatologist if your doctor suspects you have psoriatic arthritis).
hOW is PsOriasis treateD? Topical treatments are usually
PsOriasis suPPOrt the Psoriasis association: http://psoriasis-association. org.uk/ Email: mail@psoriasisassociation.org.uk Telephone: 08456 760076 (local rate) Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis alliance (PaPaa): www.papaa.org Email: info@papaa.org Tel: 01923 672837 9:30am - 4:30pm weekdays
Cake
and Bake
Halloween Macaroons For the ultimate Halloween sweet treat why not have a go at making a batch of French Macaroons?
Ingredients: • 230g icing sugar, sifted • 75g ground almonds • 2 large egg whites • 50g caster sugar • Orange and black food colouring gel • 55g unsalted butter, softened • � tsp vanilla extract
Makes 16 Ready in 1 hour, plus cooling
TIP The filled macaroons will keep in an airtight box in the fridge for 2-3 days. Stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
1. Place half the icing sugar and all the ground almonds in a food processor and process for 30 seconds, or until fine and powdery. Sift the mixture into a mixing bowl, discarding any tiny pieces of almonds left in the sieve. Set aside. 2. Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until softly peaking. Gradually whisk in the caster sugar, to make a firm and glossy meringue. Whisk in enough of the orange food colouring gel to colour the meringue deep orange. 3. Fold one third of the icing sugar mixture into the meringue using a spatula. Repeat with another third of the mixture. Finally add the last third and continue to cut and fold the mixture until it forms a shiny and thick batter that falls in a slow ribbon when the spatula is lifted. 4. Line 2 large baking sheets with baking paper. Spoon the mixture into a large piping bag fitted with a 1cm plain piping nozzle. Pipe 32 discs of the mixture onto the baking sheets, each with a diameter of 3cm. Lift the nozzle at the top of half the piped discs to create a small point. Leave for 30 minutes to allow the macaroons to dry and form a slight crust. Preheat the oven to 160°C / Fan 140°C / Gas Mark 3. 5. Bake, one sheet at a time for 10-15 minutes, or until the macaroons have a crisp shell and the frilly bases don’t stick when gently lifted from the paper. Leave on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. 6. To decorate, dip the tip of a fine paintbrush into the black food colouring gel and paint pumpkin faces on the 16 pointed macaroons. 7. To make the filling, beat the butter, remaining icing sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Place all the undecorated macaroon shells flat-side up on a board. Pipe a small mound of the buttercream onto each shell then gently sandwich together with a decorated shell, pressing down gently.
Motoring BMW X1
By James Baggott What’s the spec like?
What is it?
This is the totally revised BMW X1. Gone are the weird looks of the last model and in comes a fresh, chunky design that makes it look like a shrinkwrapped X5, but in a good way. One in 10 BMWs sold was an X1 at the height of its success and it was continually in the top three most popular cars sold by the manufacturer, so this new model has a lot to live up to. Aimed at “young, sporty” buyers, the maker believes this is a lifestyle vehicle that can be used every day.
What’s under the bonnet?
There is one petrol engine and three diesel options. The former xDrive20i has 190bhp, 280Nm of torque and can hit 62mph in 7.4 seconds. Diesels come in 18d, 20d and 25d variants. The sDrive18d is front wheel drive only, the latter two four-wheel drive like the petrol. We’d pick the £30,630-priced xDrive20d, though. Why? Well it comes with four-wheel drive, is £6k cheaper than the top-of-therange model and still performs well.
Standard equipment is plentiful. Navigation, DAB radio, 40:20:40 split rear seat (with handy buttons to fold them flat from the boot), alloys and an automatic opening and closing boot that you can operate with a wave of your foot, are all included. As you move up the range, larger alloys, different trims and LED headlights are added, while the M Sport adds a smart styling pack too. On the options list is a heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon speakers and a head-up display, plus lots more.
What’s it like to drive?
Frankly, quite brilliant. For what is essentially a small SUV it belies its size on the road. Bumps are soaked up beautifully and the ride is plush. The high seating position is excellent and commanding and the diesel engine and automatic gearbox work seamlessly. It’s a very competent package and feels decidedly premium. BMW has worked hard on the chassis for this new X1 and it shows.
Any rivals?
Plenty. Direct rivals come in the shape of the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA, although we’d argue not quite as good looking as the Beemer. But
then cast your net further afield and you could include the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and recently launched Renault Kadjar in the same bracket. Those latter options lack the cache of the BMW’s premium badge, but offer considerably better value for money. The verdict We loved the BMW X1. The last one passed us by somewhat – we felt the looks were strange and out of proportion, and it seemed to lack the style we’d come to expect from BMW. This new model is much better, though. The chunky looks make it really stand out on the road – even if it does look like a miniature X5 (but that’s no bad thing) – and the interior is a lovely place to spend time. As you’d expect it feels premium, rides beautifully and has an impressive amount of standard kit. We’d go as far to say that if you’re looking for a premium SUV with diminutive dimensions, this should be at the top of your shopping list.
The Knowledge Model: BMW X1 xDrive20d Price: £30,630 Engine: 2.0-litre diesel Power: 188bhp, 400Nm Max speed: 136mph 0-62mph: 7.4 MPG: 57.6 Emissions: 128g/km
RCHS FP+ (Oct15)_Layout 1 22/09/2015 10:14 Page 1
The Great Autumn Show 2015... Winners.
THE GREAT AUTUMN SHOW AS we draw closer to the end of 2015, and the Hydrangeas from last month have all but disappeared, we were given a final reminder of the fantastic brilliance of Mother Nature, along with the great talent of our society members at the Great Barn Ruislip, where we held our last show of the year, the RCHS Great Autumn Show. This month I have asked Patricia Swindells, the society Show Manager to report on the happenings of the day which was enjoyed by over 200 local people! Before any show the weather report becomes compulsive reading. Will it rain or will there be sunshine? At the beginning of the week the forecast was not looking good. However, apart from a short shower, the sun came out and set the scene for a glorious day and a superb show. The show attracted more entrants and more entries across most of the categories. It is always a good sign of the health of the Society when new members feel able to enter and, in some cases, win against established contributors. One such recent member is Patricia Wright who won the Maurice Osborne Cup for the Best Exhibit in the Pot Plant Class, another is Rod Pengelly who won prizes for his roses and took the Founders Cup for the best exhibit in the show! So there is really no excuse for not entering. The judges were impressed with the overall standards, with the Dahlias and Roses attracting high praise for the quality of the exhibits. There was a large selection of fruits and vegetables on display which obviously benefited from the warm spring and wetter summer. The Handicraft section drew appreciative comments regarding the time and effort that had been put in to the production of all the articles. It is obvious that handicrafts of all descriptions are thriving in Ruislip! The strange and wonderful exhibits of the Cacti and Succulents showed the devotion of the growers who have to wait many
FORTHCOMING EVENTS 20th October Talk by the Head Gardener from Hever Castle 17th November Talk by Crown Estate Head of Savill Gardens Full details of all events are available at www.ruisliphorticultural.org.uk
years before getting a specimen that can be shown. It is pleasing to report that there was an increase in the numbers entering the Floral Art section and in an attempt to tempt even more there was an exhibition of displays to illustrate what can be achieved with material from the garden and to dispel the notion that this is an expensive hobby. The Society would like to encourage more entrants for the Photographic and Domestic sections to ensure a wider participation. There was a fantastic turnout of Ruislip residents throughout the afternoon – no doubt enticed by the excellent refreshments provided by the Society volunteers as well as the fantastic show! They stayed on for the presentation of the prizes. Mr Graham Goode, RCHS committee member, presented the prizes. He has been a member for 25 years though he admitted that it was his wife’s involvement that ensured his involvement. The Vanessa Goode Cup for the best exhibit in the Pelargoniums is awarded in her memory in the Summer Show. The Chairman of the Society, Viv Ash, thanked Graham for presenting the prizes. It was pleasing to hear the comments that many of those who visited the Show made with regard to how good the show looked; the standard of the exhibits; the friendly atmosphere and how they enjoyed that such a fantastic venue, as the Great Barn, was being used for a genuine community event that could be enjoyed by all. All in all the Autumn Show was a great success which bodes well for the 2016 season. If you have any questions on the shows that we hold then please get in touch with Patricia at www.ruisliphorticultural.org.uk Next month the RCHS Mailbag returns, please email any horticultural related question in to the team here at the RCHS to rchstalks @gmail.com and we will feature it in the next article.
Leaf Litter Are you surrounded, engulfed and swamped with huge quantities of fallen leaves? Whether they come from trees in your own garden or from a neighbour, the deluge of leaves that falls in autumn is often enough to get level headed, treeloving gardeners eyeing up chainsaws! At this time of year most of us are feeling as if we are being buried alive by falling leaves. Yes, the vast majority of leaves that are dropping from our own and our neighbours’ trees are pretty enough, and for a while their bright reds, yellows and oranges look stunning both on and off the tree. The problem is that it seems as if there is a virtually endless supply of them and after that initial flurry of pretty colour, the positive feeling soon starts to diminish. Leaves that are allowed to build up in your garden can cause problems - on the lawn they smother the turf grasses, often causing patches of die back, largely due to lack of light and oxygen. If the crowns of
the less tough herbaceous perennials or alpines are covered in a soggy blanket of leaves, they too start to deteriorate. So, like it or not, you need to do something - and the sooner you get started the better!
A spring-tined rake is perfect for raking leaves off the lawn, and can even work quite well on a gravel drive (provided you don’t rake too deeply and end up ploughing up the stones too!). If you have a lot of lawn or a lot of leaves (or worse still, a big lawn and lots of leaves too) then the easiest way to deal with them is to mow the lawn. Provided you keep the hopper or grass-collector on the mower, when you empty it out you’ll have a fantastic mix of grass clippings and chopped leaves. On beds and borders you’ll usually end up hand picking, or if time and energy is in short supply you could invest in a leaf vacuum or a leaf blower (and this can, of course, be used on most drives and paths, and lawns too). Great, so you spend a lot of time and effort collecting
by Pippa Greenwood
up all these leaves. Then what? Don’t take them to the tip or make a bonfire: make leaf mould. It is as easy as anything and makes a fantastic soil mulch or conditioner…for free! Leaves are best rotted down on their own (they take longer to decompose than the rest of the stuff in your compost heap and need less air and warmth), so make yourself a simple and inexpensive leaf mould bin. Just drive four stakes into the ground to make the corners of a square, and then attach chicken mesh around the outside to make a cage. Stack the leaves in, tread or firm them, add some water if they are dry, then more water if the weather remains dry…and then leave them be. If you can chop larger or tougher leaves (like horse chestnut) up first, they’ll rot down much faster - either mow them with the lawnmower or ‘chop’ them with a sharp spade. It is worth avoiding very spiky leaves (the spines seem to withstand rotting and get you later!), and any that are very leathery and tough - mainly
P
evergreens such as holly, laurel and camellia, or those from sycamore and plane. If you want to speed the process up you can add a leaf mould activator, which is available from garden centres.
the idea of black plastic, then there are now some lovely jute mesh bags which can be crammed full of leaves and act as a perfect container whilst the leaf mould is forming, but will eventually rot down and add to the useful material you produce. You can see these on my website www. pippagreenwood.com/ products.
If space, time or money is short then you can also make leaf mould in a bin liner or other bag. Choose a good quality bin liner - not a really thin one - and cram it full of leaves, again adding water and/or activator if you wish. Then stab a few holes in the bag with a garden fork, loosely fold over the top and weigh it down with a brick. Bin liners full of leaves can be hidden anywhere that you have the space - perhaps behind the shed, garage or greenhouse. If you don’t like
Whichever method you use you should have a useable product in 12-18 months, but leave it a bit longer and it will be even better! Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for
gorgeous gardening things including the unique ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - you choose the vegetables you’d like to grow and Pippa sends garden-ready plants as well as weekly advice and tips emails to you. Plus Nemaslug, signed books, jute composting bags and lots more besides.
holidays
In and Around
Call 01895 83 33 33 for bookings and information
4 TO 5 DAYS
FREE DRINKS ENTERTAINMENT PRIVATE CHARTERS
FULL BOARD PLUS FROM
£429pp
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C in P IN & Fu d av
Three Countries Christmas Markets River Cruise Parties by Rail from London or Air from Heathrow
ABTA NoY0291 •ATOL 9362
Escorted & River Cruise: www.gnvoyages.co.uk Coach Breaks: www.gnholidays.com Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays Closed Bank Holiday weekends.
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Departures in November & December 2015 - Quote: TC-IA Choose from three exclusively-chartered, festive party river cruises on board the popular mps Princess visiting magical Christmas markets along the way. Sample the legendary ‘Gluhwein’ and shop till you drop as you discover the magic of the festive season in Belgium, Holland and Germany.
● Dinant & Three Countries Christmas Markets Dinant - Namur - Liege - Aachen - Maastricht - Valkenburg– Brussels
Departs 24th November 2015 - 5 days from £529pp
Holidays offered by GN Holidays & Voyages Higher Denham
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● Three Countries Christmas Markets Maastricht - Liege - Monschau - Valkenburg – Brussels
Departs 28th November 2015 - 4 days from £429pp
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● Germany and Belgium Christmas Markets Maastricht - Aachen - Antwerp - Bruges – Brussels
Departs 1st December 2015 - 4 days from £429pp PRICE INCLUDES: Return rail travel from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Brussels or return flight from Heathrow - supp’t may apply • 3 or 4-night full-board cruise on board mps Princess sharing a twin bed, rear cabin on main deck - upgrades available • Beer, wine by the glass & soft drinks served at lunch, dinner and from 6pm to midnight at the bar • Morning coffee and afternoon tea • Buffet breakfast and lunch • Dinner served at your table • Late night snacks • Captain’s dinner • Entertainment • Transfers abroad • Services of the GN Voyages team on board
C to a IN p p •L
Coach Breaks departing from Uxbridge, Ruislip & Slough We Love the 60s Spring Party Weekend - Pontins Pakefield, Suffolk Coast
Friday 11 March, 2016 - Quote PS3-2-IA
4 DAYS HALF BOARD PLUS
£179PP
d . e
Come with us to Pontins Pakefield for an over 40s party including The Merseybeats, The Ivy League, The Pacemakers and free drinks every night. INCLUDED: 3 free drinks per person per night - house beers & spirits, wine by the glass, pumped soft drinks & mixers • Full 60s theme entertainment programme • 3 breakfasts & 3 dinners • 3 nights en-suite chalet accommodation - upgrade available • Coach travel and excursions
River Avon Christmas Lunch Cruise & Festive Stratford upon Avon
Thursdays: 3 & 10 December, 2015 - Quote FS12-IA
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
& Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre Saturday 28 November 2015 - Quote BG11-IA
2 DAYS HALF BOARD
£99PP
Join us for a visit to Birmingham’s German Christmas Market - the largest outdoor festive market in the UK and Worcester’s Victorian Christmas Fayre. INCLUDED: 1 night stay at the Hilton Hotel, Bromsgrove • 1 dinner and 1 breakfast • Christmas Market visits • Coach travel and excursions
Bath Traditional Christmas Market & Lunch Fridays: 4 & 11 December, 2015 - Quote FB12-IA
GREAT DAY OUT
GREAT DAY OUT
£69PP
£69PP
Enjoy a River Avon cruise with a traditional 3-course Christmas lunch and see Stratford upon Avon decorated and lit for Christmas. INCLUDED: Free time in Stratford-upon-Avon • 3-hour cruise on the Countess of Evesham • 3-course traditional Christmas lunch on-board - starter, main course and dessert • Return coach travel
Come with us to the Georgian city of Bath and visit the traditional Christmas Market set against the backdrop of the 19th century Abbey and enjoy lunch at the Regency-style Francis Hotel.
Little Venice Christmas Tea Cruise & London Lights
A Very High Tea!! Spinnaker Tower & Gunwharf Quays Festive Shopper
Tuesdays: 8 & 15 December, 2015 - Quote XL12-IA
GREAT DAY OUT
£59PP
Come with us to Little Venice for a relaxing canal cruise to Camden Lock and enjoy a festive afternoon tea - plus a tour through London’s Christmas Lights. INCLUDED: Little Venice cruise on the My Fair Lady (2-hr GN private charter) with mulled wine, sandwiches, hot mince pie, tea or coffee, Christmas cracker & decorations • London Christmas lights tour • Return coach travel
INCLUDED: Visit to Bath Christmas Market • 3-course lunch at the Francis Hotel • Return coach travel
Wednesday 9 December, 2015 - Quote SP12-IA
GREAT DAY OUT
£69PP
Enjoy a Great Day Out in Portsmouth including a Very High Tea with a great view and free time in Gunwharf Quays - packed with choice for Christmas shopping. INCLUDED: High Tea with a glass of Prosecco at the Café in the Clouds - 105 metres up the Spinnaker Tower • Festive shopping time in Gunwharf Quays • Return coach travel
Elliott & Co Editorial (Oct15)_Layout 1 21/09/2015 21:08 Page 1
PROPERTY UPDATE from
OUR PROPERTY EXPERT
The popularity of
buying off-plan
With the recent increase in property prices, we have once again seen house builders building large developments with a view of selling them before construction has completed. The trend of buying a home off-plan, which became popular at the height of the last property boom, appears to be increasing as the economy improves. Buyers agree the price, typically pay a 10% deposit, and then have to wait up to a year until the home is finished. ADVANTAGE OF AN OFF-PLAN
DAVID HARTNETT BSC MARLA MNAEA
Elliott & Co Estate Agents
The reason many people like to buy off-plan is in the hope that the property will be worth more when it's completed. This works especially well in a buoyant market. It seems logical that if you were to sign a contract to buy a property at today’s prices, it should be worth more when the building process is finished at a certain time in the future. Benefits to buying off-plan: • When buying off-plan today you are securing the price of that property at today's prices. by the time the property is completed there is a possibility that it will have risen in value. Sometimes a remarkable return on your investment may be made. • During the build process, you are allowed to pay in instalments before it is finished. • Whether you plan to re-sell or live in the property, one of the biggest advantages of buying off plan is selection. In most cases you can select the ideal unit to suit your budget. • There are normally incentives offered by the house builder to entice a deal. At Elliott & Co we work with several house builders who are keen to work with potential buyers in designing their own home. We also currently have a large range of off-plan apartments to suit everyone’s budget. Call today to speak to one of our highly trained members of staff.
If you would like a free no obligation appraisal of your property speak with David, call Elliott & Co on 020 8842 3333.
RUISLIP What's On... (Sep15)_Layout 1 26/08/2015 15:58 Page 1
REGULAR & LOCAL EVENTS...
Quiz Night Every Tues & Sunday from 8.30pm at the Coach & Horses, Ickenham Oaken Leaves English Folk Dance Club Meet every Thursday 8.15-10pm at Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Rd, Ruislip. Call Joan 01895 638008. Events at Eastcote Royal British Legion club, Southbourne Gardens Zumba Tue & Wed 7-8pm £5. Contact Hayley 07835 120642 or email: hayleyzumba@gmail.com Karate for all levels, beginners welcome contact Frank on 078335 33569 Sats 10am and Mons 6.30pm Weekly Quiz Night ! Every Thurs. Beginners Rock ‘n’ Roll Jive classes Every Monday at Harefield Cricket Club, UB96NE. Doors open 7.30pm, class 8pm. Fun & friendly, no experience or partner required. 1950s Rock n Roll record hop 1st Friday of every month at St Mary's Church Hall, Harefield, UB9 6BX. 7.30pm-11.30pm. Contact: therockingrebels@gmail.com 07947106607 www.facebook.com/ therockingrebels
COMEDY... Comedy Bunker Ruislip Golf Centre Ickenham Road Ruislip HA4 7DQ for more details of visit: www.comedybunker.co.uk Comedy Nights The Empire Comedy Club at The White Bear, Ickenham Road HA4 7DF every Thurs night. Pete 01895 675293
HOBBIES... Brushstrokes Art Classes with Sue Friendly weekly classes with tuition. Beginners welcome. Hayes, Ickenham & Ruislip. Ring Sue 01895 639294 or 07949 805246 Chiltern Aviation Society Meets every 4th Wednesday, Ruislip Methodist Church, Ickenham Road. Call Keith Hayward 01895 637872 Harrow & Hillingdon Geological Society Meet for lectures, 7.30-8pm. Second Wed of each month at Cavendish Pavilion, Field End Road, Eastcote, HA4 9PG. All welcome, visitors £3. Call Jean Sippy on 020 8422 1859 www.hhgs.org.uk Hillingdon Decorative & Fine Arts Enjoy ten expert lectures a year about art and culture from around Britain and further afield. Join outings to galleries and places of cultural interest. Attend
special interest study days. Come along to a lecture, cost £6.00. See www.hillingdondfas.co.uk. Tel:01895 635007 or 07526 179 529 E: technical@hillingdondfas.co.uk Hillingdon Family History Society At Hillingdon Park Baptist Church, Hercies Road, Hillingdon. Research room open (10am – 1pm) every Fri (except the Fri before the first Sat of the month). On the first Sat of the month open 10am – 1pm at Uxbridge Library. Experienced help available. See www.hfhs.co.uk . Contact Mrs P. Reynolds 01895 444442 or email hillingdonfhs@onetel.com Inland Waterways Association Meet 2nd Tues of every month at Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk Ruislip, Northwood & Eastcote Local History Society The Society meets on the third Monday of the month from September to April at St Martin's Church Hall, Ruislip High Street, at 8.15pm. See RNELHS website for details. Susan Toms, 01895 637134 or e: toms.susan@gmail.com Ruislip & District Natural History Society Meet last Monday of the month from Sept to April (except Dec) in Guide Hut near Ruislip Library. Contact: John Matthews 01895 636215. Ruislip Central Horticultural Society Talks and advice for local gardeners. For more info contact Warren Reeves on 01923 451616 rchstalks@gmail.com Ruislip & Northwood Flower Arrangement Society Meet every 1st Tues of the month at the Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Oaklands Gate, Northwood HA6 3AA Ruislip Philatelic Society Meet at South Ruislip Methodist Church, Queens Walk, South Ruislip HA4 0NL on the 3rd Tuesday of each month except August. Meeting and displays and talks each month and an auction three times a year. 7.30pm for 8pm. Tel for details 01895 637283.
The Language Clubs of Hillingdon From late Sept until mid-July. Speak some German, Spanish, French or Italian? Want to practise speaking and listening in friendly groups, with recent learners, improvers & native speakers? Each Club meets on a different Thursday of the month at 7.45pm in St Giles' Church Hall, Swakeleys Road, Ickenham UB10 8BG. For details: German Club 01895 254 723; Italian Club 020 8863 3468; Spanish & French Club 01895 253 472.
Uxbridge & Ickenham Floral Art Meets in the village hall, Swakeleys Road. Call 01895 850943 for details. Uxbridge Craft Market Every Wednesday (9am-5pm) at The Pavilions Shopping Centre Arts, Crafts. www.uxbridge-craft-market.co.uk Wednesday Stitch Club 10-12noon at Hillingdon Tennis Club. All abilities / work Call sue 0208 868 8052.
KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA... Aikido Classes Yeading Community Centre, UB4 9BH. Seniors: Mon & Fri 8-10pm. Juniors (6yrs+) Fri 6.30-8pm. Learn a non competitive martial art. Friendly British Aikido Board registered club, under Sensei Sheppard 6th dan. See www.kuraiaikido.co.uk. Contact Keith Holland 01895 636344 or email kuraiaikido@hotmail.com Argosy Players Theatre Group Meets at Ruislip Conservative Club, Ickenham Road, West Ruislip. Every Thurs, 8pm. Call Call Wendy on 07956 971849 or visit www.argosyplayers. org.uk. Junior section for children from 8-16yrs meets Thurs 7-8pm. Classical Pilates Mat classes for beginners through to advanced levels, based in Ruislip. Contact Tonja Osborn 07766 011036 or email TonjaOsborn@gmail.com Dance, Gymnastics and Free Running By Futunity Uk in Uxbridge Town Centre & Hillingdon Sports & Leisure centre. Ages 2-adults catered for and all styles of dance from RAD ballet,to Zumba. See www.futunityuk.com. Call 01895 251224/admin@futunityuk.com Empowering Yoga Fusion of Hatha & Vinyasa Yoga Wed 9.30-10.45am at Windmill Studio Centre, Ruislip Manor. Thur 9.30-11am at St Thomas More Church, Eastcote + classes in Harrow. Free Trial Class contact Joanne 0845 4561336 e:info@empoweringyoga.co.uk Eastcote Exercise Classes Metabolic workout class, 45min stretch class. Mon, Tue & Sat. Contact Virginia King 01895 232551 or email virginiaking@vking2468.freeserve.co.uk Fitness League Tone & Stretch exercises for women of all fitness levels. Tues 7.30-8.30pm at Vyners School, Warren Road, Ickenham UB10 8AB. Call Rosemary 01628 776838. www.thefitnessleague.com continued overleaf...
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RUISLIP What's On... (Oct15)_Layout 1 22/09/2015 00:13 Page 2
KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA CONTINUED...
Fusion Pilates+ Classes Mon 10-11am, St Lawrence Church, 2 Bridle Road, Eastcote, HA5 2SJ and Wed 8:30-9:30pm, Cannon Lane Methodist Church, Pinner, HA5 1JD. For details contact Lenka 07929 472 194 or email rybickova.lenka@gmail.com Glow Fitness, Food, Friends Classses: Ruislip 6-7.15pm at Field End Junior School, HA4 9PQ . Pinner 6.458pm at Cannon Lane Methodist Church HA5 1JD. Northwood 6-7.15pm at Hillside Junior School, Northwood Way HA6 1RX. Call Sam 01895 460766 or email: sam.simon@glow-fit.co.uk Highgrove Pool Club A programme for over 55’s with a social area with coffee & teas included, for info contact Angelo Pignone email: angelo. pignone@all.org / 01895 630753 www.better.org.uk/highgrove Images School of Dance Fun and friendly dance & drama classes for all ages including RAD Ballet & Contemporary dance. Based in Ruislip Manor. www.imagesschoolofdance.co.uk e: info@imagesschoolofdance.co.uk Irish Dancing Classes Aged 5 upwards. Mon, 6pm at Hayes Conservative Club, Church Rd. Wed, 6pm at Greenford Visitation Catholic Church hall. e: Deirdreosullivan@hotmail.co.uk t: 07956 346383 JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency Classes available from 2.5 years to adults, male and female at The Windmill Studio Centre. www.thewindmillstudio.com E: thewindmillstudio@gmail.com Jazzercise Classes Ruislip Sports and Social Club, Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip. Mon 6.45-7.45pm; Tue 7-8pm; Wed 9.30-10.30am. Pinner Methodist Church, Love Lane, Pinner. Mon 8-9pm; Thu 7-8pm. St. Lukes Hall, Love Lane, Pinner. Wed 7.45-8.45pm; Sat 9am-10am. St. Lawrence's Church Hall, Bridle Rd. Pinner. Fri 9.30am. Contact Tina Durkan 07904 221191 email tinadurkan@googlemail.com facebook.com/jazzerciseNWLondon Modern Jive Classes (Ceroc) Mon 8-11pm at Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre. Tues & Thurs 8-11pm at Uxbridge Civic Centre. First night entry & Free Lifetime membership with this listing. Contact Alan: 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 www.clubceroc.com email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com
Passion Dance Group At Queensmead Sports Centre & Highgrove Pool. Street Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Minie Me’z (3-6 years Ballet, Tap & Street), Kids Parties. We offer Shows, Workshops, Competitions and Assessments, Age 3+ all abilities welcome. Call 07882 413428 Pilates Certified Body Control Pilates Teacher (Registered Exercise Professional Level 3). Beginners / Improvers classes at the Stables, Manor Farm, Ruislip. Mon 1.30-2.30pm, Thu 1.30-2.30pm and Sat 9.30-10.30am. Call Elizabeth Roberts for further info: 07771918240 Ruislip Dramatic Society At South Ruislip Methodist Church. Mon 8pm & Thurs 8.15pm. 07854 284508. Salsa Classes Every Monday: The Middlesex Arms, Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HG.Beginners class 8pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.45-9.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm. Every Wed: TheWatersEdge, Canal Cottages, Packetboat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. Beginners class starts 7:30pm. Improvers/ Intermediates: 8.30-9.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm Sanders Street - Authentic Street Dance Specialising in street stance for special needs. Sanders Pandas class, Age 5-11 Wed 5.30-6.30pm at Guide Hall, Community Close, Ickenham. Email info@sandersstreet.co.uk or call Crissy on 07799874003 www.sandersstreet.co.uk Summer Yoga Classes At Cavendish Pavilion, Field End Road, Eastcote and Ruislip Golf Club, West Ruislip. For details call 01895 675426 email jackie@yogawithjackie.co.uk or visit www.yogawithjackie.co.uk The Pilates Club St Giles & The United Reformed Church Halls, Ickenham. Call 07968 920070 www.thepilatesclub.co.uk Wild Forest Gym Outdoor fitness and natural movement training at Grim's Dyke Hotel, Old Redding, Harrow Weald. Also Natural Running & obstacle race training. All abilities. Mon - Fri. Contact Michael 0845 4561336 info@wildforestgym. com or www.wildforestgym.com Yoga South Ruislip Community Association pregnancy yoga classes 9.45-11.15am at Deane Park Hall, Long Drive, South Ruislip. Call Katja on 07951 763851 Yoga for All Gentle yoga suitable for all. Voluntary contribution. Thurs 4.30pm to 5.30pm at
Gateway House, inside North Harrow CAR PARK opposite THE GYM, Pinner Road, HA2 7TA email prabhu.shah@gmail.com Yoga with Yolanda At Ickenham Village Hall every Monday from 6.45pm-8.15pm. Mixed group. For details call 07919 243648
MARKETS... Duck Pond Artisan Food & Craft Market and Farmers’ Market Artisan - on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 10am-3pm, Farmers’ - first Sunday of each month from 10am-2pm. Both at the Great Barn, Ruislip. Free parking. See www.duckpondmarket.co.uk Mad Cat Crafts Wed to Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-4pm at the Great Barn, Ruislip HA4 7SU. www.madcatcrafts.co.uk Northwood Craft Market First Saturday of each month, 10am-2pm, Methodist Church Hall, Oaklands Gate, Northwood. www.northwoodcraftmarket.co.uk Ruislip Country Market Every Fri 10-11.30am - car park at St Martins Approach, Ruislip. Fruit, Veg, eggs, honey and more...
MUSIC... Accord, Ruislip Community Choir Every Thurs evening (TT) at 7.30pm, Ruislip Baptist Church, Manor Way, Ruislip. No auditions! A great fun choir. Call Chris on 07714 226216. Capital Connection Ladies Chorus Singing barbershop harmony and rehearsing every Wednesday evening. Join us at South Ruislip Community Centre, Deane Park, Long Dr, HA4 0HS. For more about joining and bookings visit www.capitalconnection.org.uk or call Vicky 07852315124. Eastcote Choral Society Rehearses every Tuesday from 8-10pm at Ruislip Methodist Church, Ickenham Road. New singers welcome. Call 01895 904556. Hillingdon Choral Society Rehearsals Monday evenings in term time 7.45-9.45pm at Ickenham United Reform Church, Swakeleys Road, Ickenham. Call 01895 234380 or email: orpms@xsco.net Ruislip Operatic Society This local theatre group meets every Monday & Thursday at St Martin's Church Hall, 7.30pm. To get involved email: info@ruislipos.org continued overleaf...
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RUISLIP What's On... (Oct15)_Layout 1 22/09/2015 00:13 Page 3
MUSIC CONTINUED... Ruislip Belles and Beaux A handbell ringing group. Every Monday 10am until 12noon. In the Guide Hut in Ruislip. Email: idoltoad@talktalk.net Showcase Musical Theatre No auditions. We meet every Friday evening at 7.45pm at Hesdin Hall, The Most Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 73 Pembroke Road, Ruislip, HA4 8NN http://showcasemusical theatre.org.uk The Harrow Apollo Male Choir Rehearse every Tues 7.30pm-10pm in the Belmont Room at the Harrow Arts Centre Hatch End. Tel: 020 8959 1244 or www.harrow-apollo-male.choir.org The Rock Project Greater London School of Rock & Pop teaching 7-18 year olds to play guitar, bass, drums & vocals. Sessions run Weds at Vyners School, Ickenham and Thursday’s at Nower Hill High School, Pinner. Juniors (7-11) 4.156.15pm and Seniors (11-18) 6.308.30pm. for more info: Call Pritpal 07855 863058. uxbridge@therockproject.com. Top Jazz at The Fairway Ruislip Golf Centre, Ickenham Rd, West Ruislip. Normally 3rd Monday of the month. For details: 01895 632394 or www.jazzwestlondon.com
PRE-SCHOOL & KIDS GROUPS... Sing & Sign From 6 months Wed at Uxbridge Leisure Centre, Fri at The White Bear, Ruislip. Contact Cathy 07712 047621 or cathyseddigh@singandsign.co.uk
SELF DEFENCE... Silat Kuntao Indonesian Self-Defence Traditional self-defence adult classes only. Mon and Wed 8pm-10pm at Denham Village Memorial Hall, Denham, UB9 5BN. Call Philip Davies 07790 496 346 or e: kuntao.matjan.uk@gmail.com.
SELF HELP & SUPPORT... EAR4U Help, support and advice. Meets every Monday at the Orange Couch Café (formerly the D spot), Ruislip Manor from 10am-2pm. Call Ann on 07890 315156 or 01895 672706
SOCIAL GROUPS... Colne Valley Park Conservation Volunteers Every second weekend of the month. Hands on help to protect the wildlife and landscape of the regional park. For more
details contact Steve Ord steven.ord@ groundwork.org.uk or call 07718 043080. Friends of Shenley Park Improving the wellbeing and maintenance of flower beds, shrubs and the new flower garden and seating area. Looking for volunteers to help with action days in the park. Please contact Geoff 07931 561020 or Louise 07966 220995 Friendly Rubber Bridge Tuesdays & Fridays, 12noon-4pm at Pinner Bridge Club, 103 Marsh Road, Pinner. For info call Keith 01895 622033 Northwood Hills Friendship Group A friendly group which meets every Monday 9.30am-2.30pm in Northwood Hills URC Hall, Joel St, Northwood Hills HA6 1NL. Open to anyone over 60 who would like to make new friends. Part of a local Live at Home Scheme. A light lunch is served & half days are an option. Call 01923 842494. www.mha.org.uk/ community-support/live-home/northwood Ruislip Afternoon Group for Women Meets 1st Thursday of every month. Talks, Lunches & outings. Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Road 2-4pm. Call Mrs R Hall pm 01895 633782 Ruislip Common WI All ladies welcome. We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 2pm in Room 1, Methodist Church, Ickenham Road, Ruislip, HA4 7BZ. Visit: ruislipcommonwi.weebly.com Ruislip Evening Townswomen Guild Women who meet every 4th Thurs of the month, 7.30-10pm, Ruislip Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Road, Ruislip. Activities: Speakers, outings, easy walking, social studies, music, quilling, lunches. 01895 674717 / 01923 825521. Ruislip Social Club Tropic at Ruislip at Ruislip Social Club Grosvenor Vale Ruislip HA4 6JQ for Fridays and occasional other nights, live bands & tribute bands for more details visit www.tropicatruislip.co.uk contact and ticketline 0208 707 2256 Ruislip WI Fancy something different but not too taxing, yet fun? We meet every 1st Thursday of the month at Upper Room, GAA Sports & Social Club, West End Road, South Ruislip from 7.20pm-10pm. Kim Murphy 07989 558925 email ruislipeveningwi@gmail.com Women’s Social Group Social group for women in West London. We meet regularly for coffee, a chat and organised trips and welcome women of all ages. Please call Seema on 07730 898635 or email seemaa@seemaa.co.uk
SPORT... Back to Netball Thurs 7-8pm at Queensmead Sports Centre £3 per session for more info email sportsdev@hillingdon.gov.uk Badminton Club At St Pauls Church Hall, Tiverton Road, Ruislip Manor. Every Wednesday at 8pm & 10pm. Call Tony or Ann 01895 472578 Every Tuesday evening 7.45 to 9.45 at Vyners School, Ickenham. Interested? Email John on turksclub@hotmail.co.uk The Badminton Hall, Kings College Road, Ruislip HA4 7JZ. Tuesday from 10am. Call John 01895 630199 Bessingby Park Bowls Club Every Tues & Thurs, 2-4pm. Call Ian on 0208 582 1801. Bikewise Bike rides from 61 Swakeleys Road. 2nd and 4th Sun of every month. email @bikewisegb.com or 01895 675376. Bowls Deane Park Bowls Club, Bessingby Park, Ruislip. Call 01895 639489. Bowls Mill Bowling Club, Manor Farm Green, Ruislip. Call Mr Gibson 01895 636106. Dads Army Golf Society Tuesdays & Thursdays at Ruislip Golf Club Come & Join Us!! Call Sid 01895 631489. Ladies Badminton Club Thursdays 2pm-4pm at Eastcote Hockey and Badminton Club, Kings College Road, Ruislip, HA4 7JZ. Call Diane on 01895 634352. Ladies Golf Meets 10am every Monday and Wednesday at Rickmansworth Golf Club new members welcome. Email ladiescaptain@rickmansworthgolf club.co.uk for further details. Short Mat Bowls Club Oak Grove Eastcote Sundays to Thursdays from 1.15 to 3.15pm for more info call 01895 676085 or 01895 673770 Eastcote Community Assoc. Swakeleys Tennis Club Adult Social Tennis Club in Ickenham. Would suit people returning to tennis after a break, Four days a week all year. Contact Pam 01895 677149 or Ed 01895 635568 www.swakeleystennis.co.uk Cannoncroft Table Tennis (Mixed Doubles) Club We are seeking new members of a reasonable standard. We play at Eastcote Community Centre on Thursdays from 810pm, Oct to May. Call Derek 07793 727259.
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