k
I hope you all had a lovely Easter break and managed to take time out to spend with family and friends and to do things you enjoy doing. If, for any reason you didn’t, then fortunately we don’t have too long to wait before the next short break. With Bank Holidays on 5th and 26th May, let’s hope for some more sunny weather, and maybe even the odd barbeque or two. There’s lots on things on locally this month, so if you’re at a loose end, check out our Park and Local Events pages for some ideas. We’ve also set up our facebook page, so that we can remind you of events and special offers throughout the month. Please do pop along to our page and give us a Like! As a thank you, one lucky random Liker will win £100 when we reach 400 Likes. In the meantime, do continue to keep in touch with us, either by telephone, email or facebook and let us know what’s going on where you are. We always do our very best to print your events and local information, and also to share it with other readers via our facebook page. .
Sleep: You can do it with your eyes closed
8 & 10
Karen Munro Careers
12
Interiors: Hotel Style Bathrooms at Home
14
Beauty: Age Proof Your Hair
16
Road Test: Mini Cooper
18
Finance: Buying a New Car
22
Reader Travel Offers
24
Coffee Break Puzzles
26
Kids Puzzle Page
30
Computer Helpdesk
32
Pets Corner
34
History: What Happened in May 1979
36
Wordsearch
38
Clubs, Groups & Classes
40, 42, 44 & 46
Puzzle Solutions
6
Parks & Local Events
49
Garden Feature
50
Useful Telephone Numbers
52
RSPCA Re Homing Appeal
52
Tel: 01895 835907 Mob: 07759 536494 In and Around Magazines cover: West Drayton . Iver . Denham . Uxbridge Ickenham . Ruislip Angela Fisher 01895 835907 / 07759 536494 info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk
www.inandaroundpublishing.co.uk
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.
Sleep: You Can Do It With Your Eyes Closed By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
Sleep is supposedly involuntary. So we take it for granted when we can sleep, and often ignore it when we can’t. But we shouldn’t. Research has proved that sleep is as important to our health as diet and exercise. Lack of sleep affects memory, mood, concentration and reaction times, and long-term it can affect language processing, planning abilities and our sense of time. Some sleep disorders can contribute to serious health problems. So what stops us getting the sleep we need, and how can we improve the quantity and quality of our sleep? Our sleep has recurring cycles of around 100 minutes, starting with Non-REM sleep. Non-REM (non rapid eye movement) sleep progresses from Stage One (light sleep), through Stages Two and Three (when heart rate and breathing drop) to Stage Four’s deep sleep (when bed-wetting, night terrors or sleepwalking occurs). REM (rapid eye movement) sleep (dream time) follows. Our brain is active, breathing and blood pressure rise, and our eyes move; but we can’t move our bodies. Afterwards, the cycle restarts. Sweet Dreams aren’t made of this. Enemies of good sleep include pain; the need to urinate; stress or depression; the menstrual cycle (hormonal changes affect temperature
and melatonin production), the menopause and snoring. There are also sleep disorders, including night terrors; sleep walking, talking and paralysis; teeth grinding; restless limb syndrome; and the more serious sleep apnoea (which can starve the brain of oxygen).
To help you sleep soundly: • Eliminate Physical Factors Cure snoring with nasal strips, sprays or minor surgery. See your doctor about physical or mental health issues and sleep disorders; they may recommend Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or sleeping tablets. PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome) treatments may help if you sleep badly before a period. • Drink Warm Milk - Eat a carbohydrate-rich snack beforehand to improve the efficacy of the milk’s tryptophan (a raw material for the sleep hormone melatonin). Milk may help by making you feel warm and full too. • Don’t Go to Bed Hungry Avoid large, late meals but have a light snack if you’re hungry. • Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine in the Evening, and Stop Smoking - Caffeine is a stimulant and will keep you awake. Alcohol makes you sleepy, but impairs sleep quality – as does nicotine. • Get enough Sunlight and Exercise - Light and exercise help regulate our body clock and mood, so try to spend
time outside and get regular exercise. • Avoid Light in the Evening However, bright light before bedtime will suppress melatonin secretion, so dim the lights. Either avoid TVs, laptops, tablets and smart phones within two hours of bedtime, or turn down their brightness settings (some screens have a night mode). • Establish a Routine Establish a relaxing routine before bed. Avoid watching TV in the bedroom or reading anything too emotionally charged or terrifying. • Make your Bedroom a Haven - Avoid using your bedroom as a work or dump space; clutter will nag to be cleared up. Ensure your bedroom is well ventilated, dark, and not too hot or cold. Consider earplugs to eliminate noise, and invest in a really comfy mattress (try before you buy). • Declutter your Brain Download your brain by jotting down tomorrow’s jobs and any worries (particularly therapeutic if you write a positive action beside them). • Have A Warm Bath Before Bed - Add relaxing bath oils, too. • Try not to worry about it Worrying about lack of sleep could start a vicious circle. If you can’t sleep, leave the bedroom and do something absorbing but calm: read a magazine or do a jigsaw until you feel sleepy.
Local Parks & Events (May14)_Layout 1 19/04/2014 08:57 Page 1
may park EvEnts PAT Dogs Walk Mon 5th May, 10am-1pm Black Park Car Park Raise sponsorship for PAT Dogs Join the sponsored 3 mile walk to raise money for the “pets as therapy” charity. Contact the event organiser on 01753 531584 for a walk joining pack.
Local Park & Events may into June
Mini-Beast Hunt Wed 28th May, 1pm-2pm or 3pm-4pm Black Park Visitor Centre £4.50 per kit Hunt for creepy crawlies in Black park with the help of our rangers, using your mini-beast kit. Book an hour long slot and meet us at the visitor Centre. Film Walk Thurs 29th May, 2pm-3pm Langley Park Café £5 adult; £3 child; £4 cons; £14 family a great chance to see some of the locations in Langley park that have been featured in popular films and view screen shots from the productions.
Vestry Teas Sun 11th May, 2-5pm St Mary's Church, Denham Village Funds raised in aid of Denham village Infant school. all welcome. Illustrated Talk Wed 14th May, 1.45pm Winston Churchill Hall, Ruislip Hillingdon DFas invite you to hear an illustrated talk on the life and work of Jacob Epstein. next talk will be in June on ‘masterpieces of medieval Westminster’. tel. 01895 239100, or text 07905 349139 for further details.
5k Cross Country Wed 14th May, 7pm start Langley Park £5.50 (members); £7.50 (non-club) On day entry +£2 First in the three-part race series. the course is one lap of scenic parkland. parking included. visit www.fabian4.co.uk for full details and registration. Bird Watching for Beginners Wed 21st May, 10am-12pm Langley Park Café £4.50 adult; £2.50 child; £3.50 cons; £12 family a great chance to learn about the variety of birds that live here. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Film Walk XC Bike Racing Youth & Novice Sat 31st May, 1pm start Black Park Car Park From £5 First in a weekend of racing hosted by West Drayton mountain Bike Club. For full details please visit the website www.blackparkraces.co.uk.
may EvEnts
Bushcraft Walk Bushcraft Walk Mon 26th May, 2pm-5.30pm Black Pine’s Camp £22 adult; £17 child Join andy on an interactive walk to learn the secrets of the forest and uses for natural materials. Finish at Black pine’s Camp to put your new knowledge into practice. max ratio of 1 adult to 2 children. Over 12s only.
Meditation Taster Class Sun 4th May, 5.30pm-7pm Ickenham Village Hall Increasing your self-esteem - a lighthearted spiritual talk with guided meditation, open to everyone wanting to deepen their meditation experiences. Free monthly classes, booking required - 020 8574 3699 or 020 8578 8625. Organised by the Brahma kumaris www.brahmakumaris.org/uk Race Night Fri 9th May Harefield Infant School For ticket information please visit www.facebook.com/HarefieldFriends
Charity Craft Fair & Family Fun Day Sat 17th May, 11am-4pm Iver Village Hall Craft stalls, charity stalls, face painting and much more! North London Military Wives Choir with Leslie Phillips & Guests Sat 17th May, 2pm Gerrards Cross Memorial Hall, 8 East Common, Gerrards Cross, SL9 7AD
Leslie Phillips a wonderful afternoon with music and smiles. tickets £15 per guest including afternoon tea and cakes presented on behalf of the B600 Foundation call 01923 264119 or 07779 299531
continued...
Local Parks & Events (May14)_Layout 1 19/04/2014 08:57 Page 2
may EvEnts continued Uxbridge Choral Society Spring Concert Sat 17th May, 7.30pm St. Anselm's Church, Station Road, Hayes, UB3 4DF Puccini 'Messe di Gloria' and Rutter 'Feel the Spirit'. Conductor: Jeff stewart. tickets: £12 and children under 12 £6, on the door or by calling 01895 847083.
Local Park & Events may into June continued
Bike Club. For full details please visit www.blackparkraces.co.uk.
including Harry Potter and James Bond. Join us for a walk around Black Park to look at some of the popular locations and see screen shots from the productions.
JunE EvEnts
Open Farm Sunday Sun 8th June, 10.30am-5pm Rowley Farm Free event see the animals on Rowley Farm and learn where your food and milk comes from. there will be guided tours, tractor rides and games too. Park in Black Park Car Park and follow the signs.
School Summer Fete Sat 7th June, 1pm-4pm Iver Heath Junior, St Margarets Close, Iver Heath SL0 0DA Come and have some fun! 1940's Afternoon Tea Party Sat 7th June, 2pm-4pm Ickenham Village Hall With music from that period tickets. £5 from flowline Hairdressers. Butterflies supporting local childrens charities.
Ruislip Central Horticultural Society Tues 20th May We are proud to present Bob Flowerdew (from BBC Gardeners Question time) giving a talk on ‘no Work Gardening!’ for more info on this or any of our events and tickets please call Warren Reeves 01923 451616 rchstalks@gmail.com new members are most welcome. Denham Village Fayre Mon 26th May, 10am-4pm Village Road, Denham Village Fairground attractions, Bee Keepers, Classic Cars, morris men Plants, Books, toys, Games and many stalls and refreshments.
Art in the Churchyard Mon 26th May, 10am-4pm Denham Fayre, Denham Village all paintings originals by local artists, they are all for sale so you can buy what you see Oil – Watercolour – Pastel. Come and browse our gallery (inside the church if the weather is poor).
JunE PaRK EvEnts XC Mountain Bike Racing Sun 1st June, 10am start Black Park From £10 Part two of the weekend’s racing hosted by West Drayton mountain
5k Cross Country Wed 11th June, 7pm start Langley Park £5.50 (members); £7.50 (non-club) On day entry +£2 second in the three-part race series. the course is one lap of scenic parkland. Parking included. visit www.fabian4.co.uk for full details and registration.
Lea Barn Equestrian Sun 22nd June, 10am-4pm Langley Park, Free event Walk down through Langley Park to George Green Field and watch the horses in action. For more information, visit www.leabarnequestrian.co.uk Bushcraft & Survival Day Sun 22nd June, 10am-4pm Black Pine’s Camp, £65 Join Ranger andy to learn bushcraft and survival skills in the inspiring surroundings of Black Park. With a relaxed and friendly approach, resident bushcraft and survival expert andy, will share his knowledge and skills. you will leave with a fresh outlook and new understanding of the world around you. you’ll enjoy a day of practical skills, exploring your potential and enhancing your ability to deal with the unexpected. Film Walk Sun 29th June, 2pm-3.45pm Black Park Visitor Centre £5 adult; £3 child; £4 cons; £14 family Black Park has played host to a great number of major film, television and music productions over the years,
‘A Girls' Night Out’ author event Mon 9th June, 7.30pm-10pm Compass Theatre, Ickenham Featuring best selling female authors: Lisa Jewell, Jenny Colgan, Rowan Coleman and alex marwood. Doors open at 6:30pm. tickets: £7 includes free paperback book. available from Ickenham Library. My Writing Life Thurs 12th June, 7pm-8pm Ickenham Library Free event. an evening with local author Jason Rohan. ticket required please collect from Ickenham Library. Family Fun Day Sat 21st June, 12-5pm St Marks Hall, Greentiles Lane, Denham Green, UB9 5HT Come join us for stalls, games, music, bbq etc. all proceed to go to Cancer Research. For more info or if you would be interested in having a stall, please call nicky on 07944 458147. Summer Fayre Sat 28th June, 12-3pm. Denham Village Infant School Bouncy Castle, Grand Raffle, Giant tombola. arts & Crafts stalls, refreshments with home made cakes. and lots more entrance by Donation.
Film Walk
m
Karen Munro Careers (May14)_Layout 1 18/04/2014 22:42 Page 1
Karen Munro - Career Coach www.munrocareers.co.uk / Twitter - @munrocareers / Facebook - munro careers
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 Careers Professional Alliance, a qualified Careers Practitioner and Trainer, she works with both private and business clients around Hillingdon, South Bucks and Middlesex. Karen is currently facilitating workshops and offering individual coaching to Military Personnel leaving the Armed Forces at RAF Northolt, helping them through their transition to civilian work. Karen writes for a number of careers focussed and military resettlement magazines and regularly contributes to ‘In and Around’ sharing her practical experience with her local community. BReAKINg the ‘age barrier’ in the employment market can be daunting for people over a certain age. So what can you do about it? Firstly, if you are worried employers may discriminate against you due to your age, don’t give them reason to. Don’t put your age or your date of birth on your CV. It is not best practice to have personal information on a CV and an employer does not need to know when you were born. Their primary focus is to find out if you have the right skills and experience to do the job better than any of the other applicants. Only go back around 10-12 years on your CV starting with you most recent. Keep it relevant too. Going back to jobs you did after you left school will not only highlight your age, but will not be relevant to your most recent experience or what you are applying for now. There is also no need to put the year you went to School, College or University. Employers will not be interested in your pre-GCSE qualifications such as O levels or CSE’s and this will only highlight your age further. If the job description says GCSE English is a requirement, you can put ‘educated to GCSE standards, including English’ instead. or you could look at re-training. Getting a qualification will help you to prove your skills to an employer and shows you have the right skills
for the job. It will also show you are being pro-active by keeping your skills up-to-date and you are willing to learn new things, demonstrating you have the right attitude for the job. Government-funded online courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications in Maths, English and IT skills. If you want to go on courses but are worried about the cost, have a look at the Government 24+ loans. Visit www.learndirect. com for further details. Remember, it really doesn’t matter how old you are, because there’s never been a better time to learn! The key thing to remember is that, with age comes experience and this is something that sets you apart from other jobseekers. Try to be even more proactive in understanding a potential employer’s needs and show off your skills. Identify what they’re really asking you and remove any hint of concern. Your best approach to finding opportunities may be through networking. Contact friends, friends of friends, family, contacts you have from previous jobs, social or community groups. Ask them to let you know if they hear of any positions. Working on a voluntary basis is a fantastic way to meet new people, network and find paid employment. Opportunities to ‘shadow’ people at
work in your desired sector for a day or two could be ideal. Make the same suggestion direct to employers. During your ‘shadowing’, ask which jobs in their organisations (and outside it) need people with the kind of experience you bring and in the specific areas you hope to work in. Finally, be aware Age Discrimination is now recognised through legislation, so employers are no longer able to recruit people using age as a deciding factor. If you feel a company has discriminated against you due to your age, you are within your rights to contest it. However, ask yourself this; do you want to work for a company that discriminates candidates due to their age? Take it as a gift that you found out before hand as who would want to work for a company with those values! Move onwards and upwards and find an age-friendly company that you really want to work for and who really values you for what you can do and not your age.
“Age is only a barrier – if you let it become one.”
Karen
Anon
“unlocking your career potential”
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Slimm
Home & Interiors
ByKatherine Sorrell
Hotel Style Bathrooms at Home
heating or perhaps a dual basins? Moving existing plumbing will be expensive but if the oo la of yo current bathroom really isn’t working for you, this cost could be worth it in the long run.
Flooring
The best hotel bathrooms are superbly planned to make the most of what is often a small s ace a they offe efficie cy a i l e ce f om e oo heating to tactile taps, monsoon showerheads to gleaming glass. And that’s not even to me tio the most atte i of lighting schemes and the ffiest of ffy to els ll this a mo e is hy e fi it so pleasurable to stay in a hotel. By taking some of the essential elements that we have outlined below, you too can transform a boring room into a true bathing beauty.
Planning
A well-designed bathroom feels comfortable and convenient no matter how large or small. If you are rethinking your entire room, decide on basic layout issues at the start. Should the WC be in a separate room, for example? Do you need to knock down or add partition walls? Or would you like a alk i sho e e oo
ath oom oo s must be non-slip, easy to clean and comfortable underfoot and most importantly, mustn’t mind getting wet. While the upmarket hotel bathroom uses expensive stone or marble tiles, lookalikes made from ceramic or porcelain are a cheaper option. i yl oo i also m ch less e e si e comes i a ast range of colours and patterns. If you want to go green, think am oo hich looks simila to timber, but loves humidity; at al e a aila le i gorgeous textures and colours; co k hich o comes i a range of fashionable shades; a li ole m ma e f om renewable resources.
Storage
Great storage is just as important in a bathroom as any other room in the house; sometimes even more so. Fitted storage, either from a bathroom supplier or made for you by a joiner is ideal if you can afford it. Alternatively, a wooden chest or blanket box, for example, could double as both a seat and towel store, while a wall-mounted shelf could be the perfect place to stack lotions and potions. In
a large bathroom, a chest of drawers keeps all your bits and bobs in one place, while in a small room a metal rack on wheels combines both function and style.
Lighting
Give your bathroom a boost with a new lighting scheme. l ays se fitti s esi e for wet and steamy conditions, and combine task lights (for shaving and putting on makeup) with general background light. Downlights set into the ceiling are a great start, or else ceiling tracks with directional spotlights, which a e i e e si e to fit f yo ’ e renovating the whole bathroom, it may be possible to install two lighting circuits: one for working lights and the other, on a dimmer switch, for soothing, ambient lights.
Accessories and extras
ick fi es fo ti e ath ooms include changing a dated pair of taps for some modern ones, installing a glass shower screen to e lace a a y ol c tai or jazzing up your windows with some eco ati e i o film Add a large mirror which helps to increase the feeling of light and space in the room, and can become a focal point. Small storage items, such as wicker baskets, pretty ceramics or bright plastic tubs, bring texture, colour and interest. Of course a e set of ffy co o i ati towels, in clean, bright hotelhite is the fi ishi to ch House by John Lewis Mode short shelf, £30, box shelf £40; House by John Lewis bamboo three-tier bathroom shelf, £80, bath linen, from £1.50, pedestal mirror, £15, Bobble bathmat, £15; gloss single mirrored bathroom cabinet, £50; Lascelles Swiss clock, £40, all John Lewis, 08456 049 049; www.johnlewis.com.
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Beauty Age-Proof Your Hair
By Helen Taylor
Always Be Aware of Your Hair Try to limit extrinsic damage. Lay off the heated styling tools; prevent your hair from being frazzled by the sun by applying a deep conditioner to the lengths and ends when you’re on the beach; and cut right back on products that can dry your hair, like hairsprays. You’re probably all too aware that you need to look after your skin if you want to stay looking younger for longer – but have you ever thought that you might need to age-proof your hair as well? Hair, like skin, suffers two types of ageing: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic ageing is the effect of everything that your locks are exposed to, like heat-styling, sun damage, and colouring. Intrinsic ageing comes from below the scalp and reveals the signs that your hair is past its prime: reduction in melanin, decline in sebum production, and a change in hair diameter. What that means is that greys start to appear, the shine starts to disappear, and your hair loses its bounce. Hair growth also begins to slow over the years, so it’s harder to achieve the length you loved when you were younger. Ageing a natural process, but there’s plenty you can do to slow it down.
Reconsider Your Colour Although you might colour your hair to hide greys, choosing the wrong hue can be very ageing. An all-over colour can be hard to wear as you get older. Instead of opting for a block shade, choose a base colour that’s no more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural hue, and add highlights. Not only will your hair look younger, your face will too. Condition, Condition, Condition Smother the lengths and ends of your hair with a rich deepconditioning treatment once or twice a week. Try hair oils and products that are specially formulated for ageing, thinning, or dried-out hair. Try a New Hairstyle It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, but o t of ate atte i styles really do make you look a lot older than you are. That’s why it’s important to take a fresh look at yourself every so often. Talk to your stylist, or try a new
salon. The opinion of someone who doesn’t already know you and your hair can result in a fantastic new look. Any hairdresser worth their salt can advise on what styles work best for thinning or ageing hair, but generally it’s worth considering the following: Length – Long locks look lovely if they’re bouncy, thick, and full of life, but if that’s not the case then they really aren’t worth holding on to. Chopping lo hai i to a atte i l t midi-cut is a quick way to create more youthful-looking hair. Ridding your tresses of dead split-ends improves condition, and a blunt cutting technique will create the look of fullness. Frame Your Face – Try a fringe, or have some soft layers added to the styling around your face. This lifts your features and makes you look younger. A Professional Opinion is Best Although it’s normal for your hair to show signs of change such as thinning over the years, it’s worth seeing your GP if you notice any sudden changes. Hair loss can be caused by ho mo e eficie cies lo thyroid levels, for example a eficie cy in nutrients, stress, and the side-effects of various medications. So if you’re in doubt, ask your doctor’s advice.
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The thing I’ve always liked about the BMW MINI is that, unlike the other retro cars, the New Beetle and the Fiat 500, you are just as likely to see a man behind the wheel as a woman. This is because the MINI is not just a triumph of style over substance. Both the W and the Fiat are dynamically worse than the mainstream hatchbacks they are based on. The MINI isn’t based on another car, it is a one of a kind, and underneath those cute as a button looks and retro interior lies a well built, well engineered BMW that is fantastic to drive, even if it does fall down on overall practicality. Almost thirteen years after the first new MINI hit the showrooms, the Mk III has arrived. To be honest, the Mk II was just a minor facelift of the Mk I but this is an all new car. Is it a step change improve ment on the previous model, or is it a flabbier, woollier version with some new technology scat tered around the place Well, it is certainly bigger longer, wider and roomier although, through the miracles of BMW engineering, it is slightly lighter than the previous model. In appearance it is very obviously a MINI but there are significant changes from the outgoing model, including reworked rear lights, a crease running the length of the side pan els and some major changes to the front end. The headlights are much bigger than before, the bonnet is longer and there is a more significant front over hang to accommodate improved crash protection. To my eye, the longer bonnet spoils the proportions and I’m not wild about the trout pout front grill, but it certainly hasn’t metamorphosed into an ugly duckling. The interior maintains its retro flourishes but gets some new, very comfortable seats and better qual ity materials. The speedo has been moved to the top of the steering column so you can actually see it and the dinner plate sized dial in the centre of the dash now houses the satnav and ancillary func tions, all of which can now be controlled via BMW’s user friendly iDrive system. However, the back seats are still too cramped and the boot is still titchy, if a little deeper.
The engine line up has been completely replaced with a pair of 1.5 litre diesels, two triple cylinder turbocharged petrol engines and a 2 litre turbo for the hot hatch Cooper S. The diesel had become the big seller in the last generation Cooper but I think this new 1.5 litre triple could change all that. It produces a healthy 134bhp, enough to punt this little car from 0 62 in 7.9 seconds and onto 131mph. You can rev it till it screams but there’s plenty of torque available from low down in the range and, better still, it is extremely refined and capable of 61mpg on a run. The suspension is another area that is much im proved. The old Cooper was painful on any kind of bumpy road, particularly if fitted with 17 wheels, but this one is smooth and compliant, a dramatic improvement. The handling is even better than before and the MINI retains its sharp turn in, pre cise steering and high levels of grip. It is still easy to keep in line when everything goes pear shaped too in short, it’s a whole lot of fun to drive. I have to say BMW have done a great job with this car. It still has all the things that made the original car such a hit, retro styling, a great driving experi ence, BMW build quality and a reasonable price tag, but every single aspect of it has been im proved, in the case of ride comfort by a consider able margin. Yes, the back seats are only suitable for kids and the boot is tiny, but I doubt if this will put off many potential buyers. Coming to a drive way near you soon!
CHANGES TO PENSIONS Trivial commutation - lump sum increases to £30,000 The trivial commutation limit will increase from £18,000 to £30,000. This means that a member can, from age 55, take all his pension benefit as a lump sum provided that his total savings in registered pension schemes do not exceed £30,000. Small lump sums - payments of up to £10,000 allowed Current legislation allows lump sums of up to £2,000 to be paid as authorised payments, regardless of the value of other pension savings, in certain circumstances. The limit for all these payments will be increased to £10,000. These payments will continue to be subject to taxation. Changes to drawdown rules Individuals taking capped drawdown are currently restricted to taking 120 per cent of the value of an "equivalent annuity" each year. This is to be increased to 150 per cent for all drawdown pension years starting on or after 27 March 2014. This means some individuals may not be able to take advantage of this for a number of months, depending on the date on which they were first entitled to a drawdown pension. Additionally the minimum secured pension required to enter into flexible drawdown is reduced to £12,000 from £20,000 per annum. Whilst these increases in flexibility are welcome, they increase the need to seek independent financial advice and exercise caution when considering retirement planning. Ward Williams Financial Services Ltd. Registered in England No. 04359977. Ward Williams Financial Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority www.wardwilliamsfs.co.uk 01895 236335
Buying a New Car
The average householder doesn’t usually have enough spare cash to enable them to walk into a car showroom and make an outright purchase. et as c e t fi es a e showing healthy growth in the new car sales market, it’s clear that the money is being raised one way or another. In fact over the last 12 months the number of vehicles obtained si a fi a ce a a eme t has risen by 27%, whereas the number bought outright was below 15%. Information from the Finance & Leasing Association puts this trend down to the postrecession realisation that we have to stick within our budgets and manage our cash o s the ma o ity of fi a ce eals come ith fi e i te est ates e ca o e s k o e actly what their monthly/weekly repayment costs will be for the lifetime of the arrangement. t the e a e ma y fi a ce options available and many terms to understand and this can be pretty confusing for a prospective buyer.
Not just monthly payments
There is much to consider he looki i to a fi a ce
plan, and a low monthly repayment alone is not enough information on which to base your decision. For e am le ma y fi a ce agreements have a mileage limitation, with penalties for going over this. Some manufacturers will charge more than others but the average pricing is between 5p and 20p for every mile you e cee o o l o a ly es ise at st ho ma y miles you do so it’s important to be realistic – you don’t want to fi yo self i the ositio of avoiding using your vehicle for the last few months of your a eeme t st to a oi the penalty.
Contracts Bank loan: You can seek a loan agreement from your bank for the purchase of a vehicle, which will give you the sum outright. If you are successful then the car will be your own and it will be the bank you owe the money to. Your success in sec i e so al fi a ce will depend on your credit rating, employment status and ability to prove you can repay the money. As with all loan agreements it is important to look for any small print, and to
check you aren’t signing up for payment protection insurance (PPI) unless you want it. Hire Purchase (HP): You will usually have to put down a deposit and then you will the balance in instalments over 12 – 60 months. Because you are repaying the full value of the car, the monthly payments can be high, especially if your deposit was small. Although this sounds similar to a bank loan, the dealer will usually organise hire purchase for you which can make it less hassle. Be warned though that you will ot o the ca til the fi al payment, so the vehicle can be repossessed if you don’t keep up with the repayments. On the other hand, as this i es the fi a ce com a y some security, it can be easier to get a hire purchase agreement than it is to get a bank loan. Personal Contract Purchase (PCP): This is a variation of hire purchase but rather than paying for the car in full, you agree to pay the difference between the sale price and the estimated value at the end of the agreement period. This will usually mean the monthly payments are lower. At the end of the agreement you
have three choices: just hand the car back; trade-in using the residual value as a deposit on a new model or pay the fi al al e i f ll a alloo ’ payment) and keep the vehicle. You could of course look at taking out a bank loan to meet the balloon payment. Personal Leasing: Essentially you are just hiring the car for the duration of the agreement. The servicing and maintenance will be included (but not insurance). You will agree a limited mileage. At the end of the agreement, you hand the car back - it never belongs to you. Be aware though that as with any hire car, if you send the vehicle back with a scratch, a dent, or damaged upholstery, there are likely to be penalties to pay.
Credit rating
Who to use
Your credit rating will always be checked for any loan, hi e chase o fi a ce arrangement and those with poor credit may either be ef se fi a ce o ill fi themselves paying a higher interest rate. For e am le o a ca fi a ce a eeme t with no deposit
When looking into where to o tai a fi a ce a eeme t using a company with a car showroom and brand name will give you more protection than a private person or an internet agency. In the former case the contract will be two sided whereas less scrupulous companies can apply fees, charges and new rules and regulations throughout the agreement and, as this will have been a private transaction, it is unlikely you will be able to do much about it.
and a duration of 60 months with a car value of £5,000, someone ith a celle t e it ati will pay £5748.75; change the buyer to one with a Poor e it ati a they co l pay up to £9248.75 for the same vehicle.
A new car is likely to be the second highest value purchase you ever make after your home, so take your time to ensure that you are getting value for money, both in the car itself and in the repayment method.
In and Around Reader Travel Free Drinks
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20 September, 2014 - Quote TR9-IA Come with us to incomparable Tuscany. The Tuscan seaside town of Forte dei Marmi has been described as the region’s Beverly Hills and here we enjoy free drinks every night at our hotel. We will visit Lucca,
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27 Jul, 17 Aug & 5 Oct, 2014 - Quote DC-IA Join us for a majestic cruise on the famous Blue Danube. With a tremendous variety of scenery, historic cities, romantic towns, superb architecture
Ports of call include magnificent Vienna and Budapest with overnight stops.
to visit Portofino.
INCLUDED: Escorted throughout abroad
near Nice & 6 nights in Italy with 6 buffet breakfasts,
• Return flights with luggage to Munich from Heathrow & Gatwick - supplement may apply • Overnight hotel B&B in Germany • 7-night full
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board cruise on the MS Serenity sharing a standard
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6 dinners & Free Drinks from 6pm to 10pm every
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night • Excursions & transfers abroad
• Entertainment • Transfers Munich-Passau-Munich
•
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Pisa, Florence and Portovenere - with access to
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ABTA No. Y0291
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Coach Breaks departing from Uxbridge, Ruislip & Slough Blenheim Palace Flower Show & Lunch
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GREAT DAY OUT
£79 PP
Friday 20 June, 2014 - Quote BP6-IA
A Very High Tea!! Spinnaker Tower & Portsmouth Harbour Cruise GREAT DAY OUT
£59PP
Thursday 3 July, 2014 - Quote SG7-IA
INCLUDED: Entry to Blenheim Palace Flower Show,
INCLUDED: Entry to Spinnaker Tower with High Tea in the
including house and grounds • 2-course lunch at The
Café in the Clouds • Free time in Gunwharf Quays • 45-
Windmill, Burford • Return coach travel
minute Portsmouth Harbour cruise • Return coach travel
Highgrove - Prince of Wales Private Garden & Lunch
Glorious Goodwood Ladies Day
GREAT DAY OUT
£89PP
GREAT DAY OUT
£79PP
Friday 4 July, 2013 - Quote HG7-IA
Thursday 31 July, 2014 - Quote GO7-IA
INCLUDED: 2-hour guided tour of Prince Charles’ gardens
INCLUDED: Entry to Goodwood’s Lennox Enclosure •
at Highgrove including the wild flower meadow • 2-course
Bucks Fizz Brunch at a country pub - glass of Bucks Fizz, full
lunch at the Hare & Hounds Hotel • Return coach travel
English breakfast, tea or coffee • Return coach Travel
Tall Ships Festival at Greenwich with 2-course Lunch GREAT DAY OUT
Paddlesteamer PS Waverley Isle of Wight Cruise
£69PP
GREAT DAY OUT
Saturday 6 September, 2014 - Quote TS9-IA
£89PP
Friday 19 September, 2014 - Quote PS9-IA
INCLUDED: Visit to Tall Ships Festival at Greenwich with
INCLUDED: PS Waverley Cruise from Portsmouth to
time to explore • 2-course lunch in central London
Yarmouth or The Needles • Option to have some free time
• Return coach travel
in Yarmouth • Return coach travel
Call 01895 83 33 33 GN Holidays, 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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HILLINGDON TORIES PUT 200,000 JOBS AT RISK
Hillingdon Tories & Mayor risk residents’ jobs with Heathrow closure plans.
(c) revedavion.com
In recent weeks, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Hillingdon Council Leader Ray Puddifoot have continued to push their ‘vision’ for a future for Hillingdon without Heathrow Airport. The pair support the closure of Heathrow Airport in favour of Boris’s latest vanity project for an airport in the Thames Estuary that would cost the public over £100bn. The ‘vision’ outlined by the Tories would put up to 200,000 jobs at risk and have a devastating impact on Hillingdon’s economy.
!
Hillingdon Labour Party oppose any plans to expand Heathrow. We have consistently opposed expansion of the airport but recognise the vital role the airport plays in our local economy. On the issue of Heathrow expansion, Labour are on the side of Hillingdon residents. We want a better Heathrow, not a bigger Heathrow.
!
A Labour run council would cut councillor allowances saving £250,000 for tax payers. We would tackle rogue landlords ensuring better homes for all. We would protect and improve services for the elderly, disabled and most vulnerable. We would work with businesses to create hundreds of jobs and apprenticeships for our young residents. And we would do this all while keeping council tax low to put more money in your pocket, not the pockets of councillors and costly consultants.
!
On May 22nd, you can send a message to the Mayor and the Tories. The fringe parties such as the Lib Dems and UKIP cannot win in Hillingdon. Only a vote for Labour can beat the Tories. Promoted by Aidan Bell on behalf of Hillingdon Labour Party both at ! The Labour Hall, Pump Lane, Hayes, UB3 3NB
Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX Independent School for boys and girls aged 3 - 11
A family-run school with a caring atmosphere. Pupils achieve excellent results in academic subjects, music, sport and drama. Please telephone 01895 234371 to make an appointment
An ‘OUTSTANDING’ School Parkway, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB10 9JX - www.sthelenscollege.com
In and Around Reader Travel
Free Drinks
We’ve all got used to spam, the daily deluge of emails offering prescription meds, pornography, hot share tips and so much more that even the best filter can’t eradicate entirely. There has always been a more malicious subgenre of spam known as phishing. These emails usually purport to come from your bank or another financial services company and a common ploy is to claim that you have been locked out of your account and need to enter your account details, username and password to reactivate it. While this might seem an extremely unsubtle approach, it is surprising how many people have fallen for it over the years. Tens of millions of pounds have been stolen using Escorted Holiday by Rail this technique.
Tuscany Coast & Country Explorer 8 DAYS
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common is to take control of the computer so that it becomes part of a botnet. A botnet, short for robot network, is a network of computers that is controlled by a master server via the malware. The botnet can be used to launch Distributed Denial of Service DDoS attacks against the IT servers of large organisations. In such a situation, numerous computers connect to a server simultaneously and use up all the bandwidth, meaning legitimate users cannot access the system. DDoS attacks have been launched by national governments against intelligence or commercial targets, by hacker groups such as Anonymous to promote their own agendas and by cyber criminals as straightforward blackmail. This type of Escorted Fly Cruise malware usually takes control of the host computer’s email server in 9 Dorder AYS FROM PP for to recruit more computers the botnet. The malware may also spy on 17 theAug host& computer and- Quote use keystroke 27 Jul, 5 Oct, 2014 DC-IA logging software to extract sensitive financial information. Join us for a majestic cruise on the famous Blue
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FROM Phishing attacks have fallen off PP SEMI -ALL-INCLUSIVE markedly in the last couple of years, for several reasons. 20 September, 2014 - Quote TR9-IA Firstly, internet security for bank accounts has greatly improved Comebanks with usnow to incomparable Tuscany. The Tuscan most offer a security ToDanube. download theamalware onto variety their computer, the device that generates a unique number every time With tremendous of scenery, seaside town of Forte dei Marmi has been described you log on. Without the device it is virtually email recipient must usually click on a link within historic cities, romantic towns, superb architecture impossible to access At enjoy the same the email. As I said, internet users are a lot less as the region’s Beverly the Hills account. and here we free cultural Europe’s longest river time, large scale financial criminals have found it naand ve than theyjewels, used to be andsecond the spammers have drinkstoevery at our data hotel.from We will visit Lucca, easier stealnight financial overseas call had to be much more river inventive in making the offers an incomparable cruising experience. centres. There is now a virtual market in stolen emails appear genuine. Nobody is Vienna going toand be Pisa, Florence and Portovenere - with access to Ports of call include magnificent financial information. Internet users have also fooled by an email from a financial services become savvyis when comes to Budapest with stops. stunningmuch Cinquemore Terra. There also theitopportunity organisation theyovernight don’t even have an account with unsolicited emails there are very few people na ve anymore, so Escorted now thethroughout emails come from courier INCLUDED: abroad to visit Portofino. enough to hand over their bank details in response companies who couldn’t deliver a parcel, or from to a badly worded email supposedly from Nat West • Return flights with luggage to Munich from INCLUDED: Escorted throughout • Return travel HMRC querying your last tax return, or from Bank these days. Finally, spam filters arerail certainly Heathrow &House Gatwickregarding - supplement may applylodged Companies a complaint notfrom perfect, but they are a lot more effective than London St Pancras • 1 night hotel B&B in or against your business the list goes on. A • Overnight hotel B&B in Germany • 7-night fullrecent they used to be. Only a small proportion of the near Nice nights in Italyitwith 6 buffettobreakfasts, example that has attracted widespread outrage spam sent& 6out makes through people’s board cruise on the MS Serenity sharing a standard purported to be from the NHS. It said that following inboxes. 6 dinners & Free Drinks from 6pm to 10pm every en-suite,blood outside twin - upgrades a recent test, thecabin count of whiteavailable blood cells Ever adaptable, the spammers have changed their suggested a high •risk of cancer in the recipient and • Entertainment Transfers Munich-Passau-Munich night • Excursions & transfers abroad line of attack. The aim of most malicious spam that they should contact their GP via the attached these days is not to sell dodgy meds or stocks, or form!! Spammers, they must be among the top ten even to con people into giving up sensitive financial most despicable groups of people on the planet. GN Voyages data. Instead it is to lodge malicious spyware onto the recipient’s computer. This malware can perform ABTA No. Open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturdays. GN Holidays, Higher Denham a variety of Uxbridge unpleasant tasks but onewww. of gnvoyages.co.uk the most • Email: info@gnvoyages.co.uk Y0291 UB9 5EL
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GREAT DAY OUT
£79 PP
Friday 20 June, 2014 - Quote BP6-IA
A Very High Tea!! Spinnaker Tower & Portsmouth Harbour Cruise GREAT DAY OUT
£59PP
Thursday 3 July, 2014 - Quote SG7-IA
INCLUDED: Entry to Blenheim Palace Flower Show,
INCLUDED: Entry to Spinnaker Tower with High Tea in the
including house and grounds • 2-course lunch at The
Café in the Clouds • Free time in Gunwharf Quays • 45-
Windmill, Burford • Return coach travel
minute Portsmouth Harbour cruise • Return coach travel
Highgrove - Prince of Wales Private Garden & Lunch
Glorious Goodwood Ladies Day
GREAT DAY OUT
£89PP
GREAT DAY OUT
£79PP
Friday 4 July, 2013 - Quote HG7-IA
Thursday 31 July, 2014 - Quote GO7-IA
INCLUDED: 2-hour guided tour of Prince Charles’ gardens
INCLUDED: Entry to Goodwood’s Lennox Enclosure •
at Highgrove including the wild flower meadow • 2-course
Bucks Fizz Brunch at a country pub - glass of Bucks Fizz, full
lunch at the Hare & Hounds Hotel • Return coach travel
English breakfast, tea or coffee • Return coach Travel
Tall Ships Festival at Greenwich with 2-course Lunch GREAT DAY OUT
Paddlesteamer PS Waverley Isle of Wight Cruise
£69PP
GREAT DAY OUT
Saturday 6 September, 2014 - Quote TS9-IA
£89PP
Friday 19 September, 2014 - Quote PS9-IA
INCLUDED: Visit to Tall Ships Festival at Greenwich with
INCLUDED: PS Waverley Cruise from Portsmouth to
time to explore • 2-course lunch in central London
Yarmouth or The Needles • Option to have some free time
• Return coach travel
in Yarmouth • Return coach travel
Call 01895 83 33 33 GN Holidays, 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
Goddards Pet's Corner...FP (May14)_Layout 1 18/04/2014 05:37 Page 1
Pet’s corner
Arthritis it looks different in cats & dogs...
Arthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints, something seen in a damaged joint after surgery or as part of the ageing process. While we cannot reverse this painful process, there are things we can do to slow it down and minimise the discomfort. cats and dogs have very different symptoms, and cats give very little indication of a problem - this is not because it is less painful for them, but simply because of their secretive nature. Typical symptoms in dogs include: difficulty with stairs or getting in and out of the car, slow to sit or stand, stiff when rising, difficulties on slippery floors, reluctant to walk as far, restlessness (need to change position more often when sleeping) and sometime lameness. It is unusual for dogs to cry or be unable to walk until very late in the disease. In cats, the signs are harder to spot: Most typically, cats stop jumping to high places they used to love, or start to divide their jump up (instead of a single jump onto a window sill or counter, they will jump onto a lower sofa first and then jump across for example). They battle to groom as well, and the matted, greasy coats in older cats are a telltale symptom. They can sleep more, hesitate before jumping, avoid using a cat-flap in preference for an open door and can become poorer with a high-sided litter tray (or stop covering their stools with litter). They lose their lithe, fluid walk and their steps can look stilted. Most cats do not show stiffness or lameness until late in disease. There are several ways we can slow down and treat arthritis. Weight loss: This is key! A small weight loss is often of greater benefit than a dose increase of medication. Overweight arthritic animals are harder to diet, as they cannot do more than low to moderate exercise. Be very careful with treats and portions, and speak to your vet about a weight reduction diet food if needed. nutraceuticals: Chondroitin sulphate and Glucosamine are commonly used supplements that increase joint fluid, lubricating cartilage for better function. They have no side effects and can be used long-term, often delaying the need for medication. These are not prescription only, and many variants are marketed for cats and dogs, with little regulation. Although they all contain the same active ingredients, not all products are refined enough to be absorbed equally well by cats and dogs. It is worth asking your vet for help choosing an effective product. It takes about six weeks to see any effect, but there is also an injectable version which works a little faster. These are not pain killers, and are not a substitute for anti-inflammatories in later disease. Diets: There are several prescription diets designed for cats and dogs with joint disease. They include the nutraceutical additives mentioned above, as well as high levels of omega three fatty acids (fish oils are the best source of these for cats and dogs) which have anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-inflammatories: There are several types on the market, and one suitable for most patients. They come as liquids and palatable tablets, so are generally well tolerated by fussy pets too. These reduce the pain associated with arthritis, and also stop the inflammatory process that leads to ongoing cartilage destruction, slowing the process down. Never use a human anti-inflammatory- pets break drugs down differently to us and are easily poisoned by most of the human preparations. Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and acupuncture are all good too. Many insurance companies will cover these treatments, and they are increasingly easy services to access. Goddards practices now offer all three of these services.
Lee-Ann Higgins BVSc MRCVS www.uxbridge.goddardvetgroup.co.uk
64 The Greenway Uxbridge Middlesex UB8 2PL 01895 233095
What happened in... ...May 1979?
Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s fi st oma ime i iste o 4th May 1979 he as e he o a y y a ite i the o iet e s a e e ta his mo ike as mea t to e e o ato y t it o e a ythi t he i acle of he time i office as he he o a y o e e the ask o ce to etake the alkla s afte the isla s ha ee i a e y e ti a he esi e i ha i set a eco as the lo est se i ime i iste of the th ce t y 1st: he e est sectio of the o o e o the ilee i e as o e e e te i f om ta mo e to ha i oss it as f the e te e i th ee sta es c ossi the hames at fo oi ts efo e te mi ati at t atfo
8th: t a o t m a ta i i e o a a k o osite ool o ths i a cheste otice smoke comi f om the sto e a e o te it to his office y fo o’clock the o st fi e isaste si ce ha claime te li es ifty th ee eo le e e take to hos ital i cl i si fi eme e emy ho e ho ha esi e as lea e of the i e al a ty th ee yea s ea lie e t o t ial at the l ailey acc se of attem te m e e as also acc se alo ith fo othe me of co s i acy to commit m e ll fo efe a ts e e ac itte o of e that yea 12th: he i al at em ley ha ee ema ka le ith se al’s t o oals to
Average price of a house was about £13,650 A gallon of petrol was about 85p
Three of the bestselling singles this year were: Bright Eyes
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Patrick D Cousins is the author of Rainbows, Dreams and Angels, a double novella set in east London between the Thirties and Sixties. And you can read Patrick Cousins Short Shorts on your Kindle.
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UX8 What's On... (Apr14)_Layout 1 21/03/2014 17:48 Page 1
regular events...
Quiz night Every Tues & Sunday from 8.30pm at the Coach & Horses, Ickenham events at Harefield Community Centre, Priory avenue, uB9 6aP Ladies Singing For Fun, 1st Wednesday in the month 1-2.30pm Zumba every Tuesday evening from 6.15-7.15pm. Mixed abilities. A fun & lively class. No need to book in advance, contact Jean: 01895 823496 or Gwen: 01895 822320 rock ‘n’ roll Monday's in Harefield! Learn to Dance 1950's Rock n Roll Jive! Every Monday. Absolute Beginners Jive class 7.30-8.30pm Slow practise session 8.30-9pm Social Rock n Roll 9-11pm No partner required - no experience necessary! Harefield Cricket Club, Breakspear Road North, Harefield, UB9 6NE. 7.30-11pm £5 entry. Contact therockingrebels@gmail. com or call 07951 652083 www.facebook.com/therockingrebels 1950s rock n roll with DJs the rocking rebels 1st Friday of every month 7.3011.30pm. Retro stalls, BYO drinks. St Marys Church Hall, High St, Harefield UB9 6BX. Contact 07951 652083 therockingrebel@gmail.com www.facebook.com/therockingrebels HoBBies... Chinese Brush Painting group 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 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 Hillingdon arts & Crafts Club Meet every 2nd & 4th Friday, 9.30-
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11.30am in Ickenham and at The Fabric Warehouse, Cowley. For info call Sue Williams on 07799 054444 Hillingdon natural History society Meets 1st wed of the month at the Scout HQ, Gatting Way, Uxbridge. enquiries@hillingdonnaturalhistorysociety.org.uk
inland Waterways association Meet 2nd Tues of every month at Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk iver Flower Club The Coppins Room, Iver Village Hall, Grange Way, Iver, SL0 9HW. Meets 4th Thursday of month, 7.30pm. Call Barbara Rhodes 01895 236531 for more details. Club’s Programme can at www.bbando.org.uk/clubs/iver.htm uxbridge & ickenham Floral art society Meets in the village hall, Swakeleys Road. Sales table & raffle. Call 01895 850943 for details keeP-Fit, DanCe & DraMa... Bagot stack (Fitness league) Term Time Only. Vyners School, UB10 8AB on Tuesdays 7.30 8.30pm. Also in Windsor Monday & Thursday. Call Rosemary 01628 776838 www.thefitnessleague.com Modern Jive Classes Mondays, 8-11pm, West Drayton Community Centre Thursdays, 8-11pm, Uxbridge Civic Centre. Beginners welcome, first night entry and free lifetime membership with this advert. Contact: Alan 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 or email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com Dance, gymnastics and Free running Classes By Futunity Uk in Uxbridge Town Centre & Hillingdon Sports & Leisure centre. Ages 2-adults - all styles of dance from RAD ballet to Zumba. Check www.futunityuk.com for full class listings. Call 01895 251224 or email admin@futunityuk.com
Fitness league Tone & stretch exercises for the whole body, with fun dance routines to music for women of all fitness levels. Tuesday 7.30-8.30pm at Vyners School, Warren Road, Ickenham, UB10 8AB. Call Rosemary 01628 776838 before attending. www.thefitnessleague.com
Funky rhythms Dance & Fitness Zumba with Brian (07957 343528) Monday 6.30pm- Swakeley's School for girls, Clifton Gardens, Hillingdon Zumba with elli £5 (07833 690153) Tuesday 8pm- Active4less, 233 High Street, Uxbridge Zumba with Brian Thu 6pm & 7.30pm Watts Hall, Christchurch, Belmont Road, Uxbridge Zumba with sylvia J £5 (07793 769584) 8pm - Minet Jnr Sch, Avondale Dr, Hayes irish Dancing Classes For boys and girls from age 5. Beginners and advanced classes available. Monday, 6pm at Hayes Conservative Club, Church Rd. Wednesday, 6pm at Greenford Visitation Catholic Church Hall Contact Deidre email: Deirdreosullivan@ hotmail.co.uk telephone: 07956 346383 Jazzercise Classes New Denham Community Centre Monday 9.30am-10.30am & Tuesday 6.45pm-7.45pm. Wednesday & Friday 10-11am Denham Village Memorial Hall Village Road, Denham, Bucks. Thursday 6.30-7.30pm. Contact: Wendy Whitefoord Tel: 07803 602142 e: wendy.whitefoord@btinternet.com www.jazzercise.com ladies only kickboxing Club Wednesdays, 6.30-8pm at Watts Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. First Class FREE! Just turn up or call Instructor Leanne Phillips on 07518 848285 e: leanne @kickboxing-longdon.co.uk www.kickboxing-london.co.uk continued overleaf...
UX8 What's On... (May14)_Layout 1 18/04/2014 15:31 Page 2
keep-fit, dance & drama continued...
Line dancing Wednesdays at Uxbridge Community Centre, The Greenway, Uxbridge. New class for absolute beginners is 10.30am-12.30pm, with free tea and biscuits - £3.50 Beginners/easy level 1.45pm-3.45pm - free tea and biscuits - £3.50 Thursdays at Charville Community Centre, Bury Road, Hayes End 8pm10pm for beginners/improvers £4.25, no tea and biscuits, but there is a bar. Call Susan 01895 832837 passion dance Group Passion Dance Group (Ruislip) Queensmead Sports Centre and Highgrove Pool Classes include: Street Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Minie Me'z (3 - 6 years Ballet, Tap & Street), Kids Parties. We offer Shows, Workshops, Competitions and Assessments. Age 3+ all abilities welcome. 07882 413428 passiondancegroup@hotmail.co.uk pink academy of dance Classes held daily @ New Denham Community Centre. Exciting range of classes for boys and girls from 2 years to Adults. Monday - RAD ballet and IDTA Tap Wednesday - Jazz and Festival work Friday - Festival work Saturday - Little feet ballet (2yrs), Ballet, Tap, Disco, Festival work and Adult Ballet and Tap. Contact: Admin@pinkacademy.co.uk www.pinkacademy.co.uk 01895 257553 rockin' 8s Square dancing Modern American style - every Thurs 8.15pm. New Denham & Willowbank Community Centre, Oxford Road, New Denham. UB9 4DW. Call Jean 01895 622859 or email paul@stingproductions.com Salsa! Every Tuesday @ Slug and Lettuce Uxbridge UB8 1LB. No Partner
required. From 8.30pm classes for beginners to more advance dancers with ViVaLaSalsa! For more details call 07961 699424 or visit: www.vivalasalsakizomba.com Salsa classes Wed (beginners) 7.30-8.30pm. (Improvers / intermediate) 8.309.30pm. Watersedge, Packet Boat Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 2JS. Contact: 07843 698954
SaLSa (all styles) Every Monday at Uxbridge Community Centre, 32b The Greenway, Uxbridge UB8 2PJ from 7.45pm to 10pm. Come and join Mina Queen Salsa for some amazing fun. Call 07958 578962 or email mina@queensalsa.com Suzanne’s School of dance & drama 69 Swakeleys Road, Ickenham UB10 8DQ. Classes from aged 2 yrs to adult. All types of dance; ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, street and musical theatre, drama, singing. See website 'suzannes-dance.co.uk' tai chi classes Every Saturday 10-11am at Yiewsley Methodist Church, Fairfield Road, UB7 8EY. Call Dan 07880 601429 the pilates club St Giles & The United Reformed Church Halls, Ickenham. For further info visit www.thepilatesclub.co.uk or call 07968 920070 uxbridge musical theatre Ruislip Conservative Club, 56-58, Ickenham Road, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 7DQ. Tuesday 8-10pm. Call Phil Harrison 01895 636367 Email: mail@umtheatre.co.uk or see www.umtheatre.co.uk Yoga Monday nights 6.45 till 8.00pm at Uxbridge & District Conservative Club, Fairfield, 46 Harefield Rd, Uxbridge, Middx, UB8 1PJ. Tel: 01895 233653 Zumba fitness Mon 7pm, Wed 10am. Denham
Village Memorial Hall. Ian or Suzanne 07545 910058 / 07834 187745.
Zumba fitness class Mon 6pm, Walter Pomeroy Hall, Royal Lane Hillingdon UB8 3QU. Tues 7.30pm, St Marys Church Hall, Hemmen Lane (off Church Rd, Hayes) UB3 2JQ. No experience necessary. £5. For details call Ann-Marie Samuels 07701 012927 muSic... drumbeatz Drum tuition for beginners in a rehearsal studio in Denham by Melanie Kleyn, qualified HND, now on degree at ACM. Children over 8yrs, anyone keen to learn. Guitar lessons on site. Approx. 3.15-5.30pm or during the day. Text 07757 635880 Email: drumsmel@gmail.com 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
Guitar lessons Complete beginners welcome. Contact Sam for a FREE lesson 07798 588496 sam@uxbridgeguitarlessons.co.uk Yiewsley & West drayton Band Rehearse every Wednesday and Friday 8-10pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. To join or book the band for an engagement contact Lynne on 07976 824152 or email Lynne@ywdband.com Yiewsley & West drayton training Band This is open to all ages wanting to learn to play a brass instrument or those of you wanting to 'brush up' your skills. Rehearse every Wednesday during term time 6.457.45pm at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. Contact Abi on 07985 302 856 or emailtraining@ywdband.com continued overleaf...
Slimming World UX8 FP (May14)_Layout 1 19/04/2014 10:03 Page 1
Chocolate brandy pots
Additional images are available from the TIPSS downloads, Ingredients please ensure the appropriate • 35g dark chocolate, captions (from the word roughly chopped document) are used with them. • 175g quark
• ½ tsp vanilla extract • ½ 175g pot Muller Light Vanilla yogurt
Method • 1 tbsp sweetener
• 2 cherries
• ½ tsp brandy
• Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of lightly simmering water and heat for 8-10 minutes or until melted, taking care that the base of the bowl does not touch the water. • Put the quark in a blender or food processor with the sweetener, brandy and vanilla extract. Scrape in the melted chocolate and blend until smooth.
• Transfer this mixture into four small dessert glasses or ramekins, spoon over the vanilla yogurt and top with a cherry. Top with a dusting of cocoa powder and icing sugar.
Serves 2 • Ready in 20 mins
• These chocolate pots are even tastier after a bit of time in the fridge so, if you can, make them in advance and chill until you’re ready to eat.
UX8 What's On... (May14)_Layout 1 18/04/2014 15:31 Page 3
pre-school & kids groups...
self help & supporT...
sing and sign Britain’s favourite Baby Signing Classes from 6 months Wed at Uxbridge Leisure Centre, Fri at The White Bear, Ruislip. FREE TASTERS BOOK NOW contact Cathy 07712 047621 or email: cathyseddigh@ singandsign.co.uk
hillingdon Brain Tumour group Support group held every 2nd Thurs of the month 12.30-2.30pm, Hillingdon Baptist Church, Hercies Rd Hillingdon, UB10 9LS. Call Cyril or Becky 01895 637444.
slough sea cadets Parade nights on Mon and Thurs 19.30-21.30 at Langley Pavillion, Langley Road, Slough, SL3 8BS. Male & Female Junior Cadets (age 10-12 yrs) & Cadets (age 12-18 yrs). £2 per week, courses from £5. E: sloughseacadets@yahoo.co.uk Tiny Talk Baby signing classes Friday classes at The Uxbridge Centre, The Greenway, Uxbridge, UB8 2PJ 10.30 am, price £5.00 Pre-paid per family. Call Bev Meier 01895 824935 or 07818 025993 1st uxbridge scouts, Beavers & cubs www.1stuxbridge.com Tel: 01895 255479 self defence... shorinji kempo self defence Practical self defence techniques from this traditional Japanese martial art. Tue 6-7pm children (£2), 7-9pm adults (£5). The Barn, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge. (opp. Brunel Uni). Contact Dan on 07776 421957 or for details visit www.sk.harrow.ac.uk karate club of uxbridge For ages 5yrs and up. Wed 5-7pm at The Greenway, Uxbridge. Call Dominic on 07988 743725 kung fu club West drayton Great Kung Fu workout for everybody. Training for children & adults Tues 5.30-6.30pm, Fri 7.30-8.30pm, Sun 5.30-6.30pm. West Drayton Community Centre, Harmondsworth Rd, UB7 9JL. Contact Ella on 07702 479435 e: sportsclubuk@gmail.com
parkinsons uk society – uxbridge Support group for sufferers and carers, meet at Christ Church, Redford Way, Uxbridge from 2-4pm on the last Tue of the month. Guest speakers and social outings. Call Mr Neasby on 0208 848 3920 slimming World New Denham Community Centre Tuesday, 10-11.30am. New joiners turn up at 10am to register Tel: Mandy 07879 897578
the month at 10.00am. Call Ann to reserve a space 01753 655308
hillingdon family history society The Society exists for anyone with an interest in family history. Based at Hillingdon Park Baptist Church, Hercies Road, Hillingdon. Our research room is open (10am-1pm) on the first Saturday of the month and on every Friday (except the Friday before the first Saturday). We have a wide variety of records, and experienced help is always available. Once a month, usually on the 3rd Thursday evening, there are general meetings with a speaker. For openings and events see www.hfhs.co.uk. Contact Mrs Pat Reynolds 01895 444442 or email hillingdonfhs@onetel.com
slimming World The Salvation Army, Cowley Road, Uxbridge. Tuesday 7pm. Tel: Nicki 07826 698360
rotary club of elthorne hillingdon We meet on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm at Uxbridge Cricket Club. Call 01923 829657 for details
slimming World Yiewsley Methodist Church, Farfield Rd, Yiewsley. Wed 5pm or 6.45pm. Tel: Nicki 07826 698360
rotary club of uxbridge We meet on Fridays at 12.40 for 13.00 (5th Friday evening, call Sec on 07910 197201) at The Middlesex Suite, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge. See website www.rotaryclubofuxbridge.org.uk
Weight Watchers Christchurch Bailey Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. Thursday 6.30pm. Call 07920 409111.
social groups... crosier investment club Objectives to learn more about the Stock Market and to improve personal investment skills. Meets 7.30pm, 3rd Thursday in month Pinner Village Hall, Chapel Lane, Pinner, HA5 1AA. Further details 020 8427 3559. Annual Subs £24 (inc. tea/coffees). secretary@crosierinvestment.org.uk visit www.crosierinvestment.org.uk damsels in success Group coaching for women. Meets at Ruislip Golf Club on the first Wed of
Whist Tuesdays 2-4pm at Uxbridge & District Conservative Club, Fairfield, 46 Harefield Rd, Uxbridge, Middx, UB8 1PJ. Tel: 01895 233653 Women’s social group Social group for women in West London. 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 seema@seema. co.uk to find out more
continued overleaf...
UX8 What's On... (Mar14)_Layout 1 20/02/2014 16:15 Page 4
Sport... Badminton Club Requires additional players of average standard! Every Tuesday evening 7.45 to 9.45 at Vyners School, Ickenham. Interested? Then email John on turksclub@hotmail.co.uk play bowls, rugby, squash & tennis at Uxbridge Cricket Club. Bar food available daily. Non-members welcome. Tel: Anne 01895 237571. E: admin@uxbridgecricketclub.co.uk Hillingdon Golf Club All players and new members welcome. 18 Dorset Way, Hillingdon, Middx, UB10 0JR. Call 01895 460035/252718. www.hillingdongolfclub.co.uk
Indoor Short Bowls Thursday nights 8-10pm at Uxbridge & District Conser-vative Club, Fairfield, 46 Harefield Rd, Uxbridge, UB8 1PJ. Tel: 01895 233653 New Ladies Netball team Training Wed 7.30-8.30pm (TT) Ryefield Primary School, Ryefield Avenue, Hillingdon E: glebenetballclub@yahoo.com old Abbotstonians rugby Club Youth Section Coaching non-contact (Tag) and full contact rugby for children aged 4-13 years. Training or matches Sundays 10am-12noon at Old Abbotstonians Rugby Club, Pole Hill Open Space, Raeburn Road, Hayes. For details call Colin Lowen on 07798 743041.
pink Ladies Netball Club All levels and abilities welcome. Training takes place at Stockley Academy, West Drayton every Tuesday evening. Senior training 16+yrs 7.30-9pm Back to Netball 16+yrs 7.30- 8.30pm Under 16s - please Rhiannon on 01895 448878 for details email: plnetball@hotmail.co.uk visit www.pinkladiesnetball.co.uk
'the Uxbridge Loiterers' Cycle Club Ring Don on 01895 232752 or Carole on 01895 833249 Uxbridge Squash Club All squash players welcome Uxbridge Cricket Club, Park Road, Uxbridge. Tel: 01895 237571 Visit: uxbridgesquash.org.uk
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Water, Water, Everywhere
by Pippa Greenwood
A water-feature adds magic to any garden. The sound of tinkling water and the movement of light on its surface can be just the fi ishi to ch yo ee eithe for a patio or for a much larger garden. There’s a plentiful choice of water-features of all shapes, styles, and sizes; but before you commit yourself, what are the main points to bear in mind? First, position. For moving water, your feature will use an electric pump, so there has to be a power-point nearby – something often overlooked. Do you want an eye-catching centrepiece for a formal garden, or just the music of running water as the soundtrack to your alfresco Sunday lunch? In either case, you need to consider carefully the appropriate position.
Water-features can turn bright green in summer due to the build-up of algae. You can go a long way towards preventing this by positioning them away from direct sunlight. Make sure they’re well away from deciduous trees, too, as falling leaves will clog everything up. For smaller spaces you’re best off with a self-contained feature. There are lots of lovely ones available such as terracotta or glazed pot stacks with the water continuously
pumped from one container to another, so you’ll only need to top it up in the hottest weather.
Spouts and fountains are great f s itti fish f o o gargoyle adds a touch of art – or humour – while oxygenating a pool, reducing algae and keeping the pond-life happy. If you want moving water but perhaps have toddlers, a millstone with a low, centrallypositioned jet is both beautiful and safe. Plants are integral to any o face oati la ts such as waterlilies not only look gorgeous but their leaves also shade the water – again, reducing algae. Waterlilies need still water, so are best avoided if you have a fountain; but a single spitting feature at one end of the pool shouldn’t create too much turbulence.
Plants around the edges of a pools and ponds are called marginals and do best in shallower water or boggy ground. Use plenty: they look gorgeous, they hide the liner and they’re a haven for wildlife. Marginals to consider i cl e yello o e e ma sh marigold (caltha palustris); hite o e e o a m calla palustris); miniature reed-mace (typha minima); pale blue water forget-me-not (myosotis scorpioides); and purplebloomed water and bog iris
(eg iris laevigata). You’ll need about two plants per metre. For a more formal look choose shapely rushes or ferns. Water-features attract wildlife, and in summer you might e isite y a o ies o may ies i s may also come to drink and bathe. And even a small pond needs a safe exit-route in case hedgehogs pop by for a drink and tumbles in. A shallow beach of pebbles should do the trick.
If your feature has a sizeable surface, net it in the autumn to catch falling leaves. Garden netting stretched taut is ideal. Remove it as necessary to tip off the leaves. Left in the water they’ll both clog the pumps and produce methane, which is toxic. In winter, don’t let the waterfeature freeze up. If extreme cold is forecast smaller features are best emptied, and the pump cleaned and stored in the shed. Fish need an ice-free area on the surface or they’ll be killed by methane building up under the ice. Floating a football on the surface helps. Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ for the AskPippa Q&A service, Nemaslug, natural pest controls and lots more besides!
The RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston District Branch have a huge number of rabbits being brought into the centre as unwanted Easter presents or because the children have lost interest. Owning and caring for rabbits can be great fun and very rewarding, but it’s a big responsibility and a long term commitment in terms of care and cost. Typically, rabbits live for 8 12 years, but some may live for longer. Rabbits are active animals so they need to be able to hop, run, jump, dig, stand fully upright on their back legs, and stretch out fully when lying down. If you think you can offer one of these amazingly cute rabbits a happy loving homing then please ring the RSPCA Hillingdon Branch on
to download an application form. Peanut male 12 weeks right Poppy female 12 weeks middle Penny female 12 weeks left Peanut, Poppy and Penny are gorgeous little cross breed bunnies. They came to us very small and vulnerable, looking for TLC. They have been given lots of love and attention and have been closely worked with in a foster home, so they are now very friendly and well handled. These beautiful bunnies are looking for a home preferably with another rabbit, or as a pair or a trio. As with all rabbits, they will need a large run and a large hutch where they are able to exercise, stretch and express normal behaviour. Have you got a place in your heart and your home for these friendly siblings
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Emotional cruelty to children set to become a crime by Liz Fitzpatrick Partner, childcare team IBB Solicitors elizabeth.fitzpatrick@ibblaw.co.uk 01895 207857
The Government is considering making emotional cruelty to children a criminal offence. Under the plans, parents who deny their children affection face prosecution for the first time. It will also make it a criminal offence to do anything that deliberately harms a child’s “physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development”.
Parents found guilty under the proposed law change could face up to 10 years in prison, the maximum term in child neglect cases. The change will update existing laws in England and Wales, which only allow an adult responsible for a child to be prosecuted if they have deliberately assaulted, abandoned or exposed that child to suffering or injury. It is believed that new measures will be introduced ahead of the next election, possibly in the Queen’s Speech. A monumental step forward The new offence follows a campaign for a “Cinderella Law” from charity Action for Children. Sir Tony Hawkhead, the chief executive of Action for Children, has declared that the change will be a “monumental step forward for thousands of children”. He went on to comment “We are one of the last countries in the western world to recognise all forms of child abuse as a crime. Years of campaigning have been rewarded, the Government has listened and this law will change lives”. The reforms were also backed by MPs, with Conservative MP Robert Buckland noting that the
current law is based largely on legislation first introduced 150 years ago. However, he stressed that the new law will not criminalise parents for being nasty, but for their criminal behaviour. “This proposal is not about widening the net, it’s about making the net stronger so that we catch those parents and carers who are quite clearly inflicting significant harm on their children, whereas they should be nurturing them and loving them”, he stated. The right to grow up in a safe environment Commenting on the proposals, Nick Clegg, the Deputy PM, sounded a note of caution, warning that the changes must not lead to families being “micromanaged in their living rooms”. He says that the new rules must strike the right balance between state intervention in family life and child protection. Discussing the changes, a spokesman for the Ministry of Justice said: “The government believes protecting children from harm is fundamental and that child cruelty is an abhorrent crime which should be punished. Every child should be able to grow up in a safe environment – we are considering ways the law can support this”. For further information contact a member of the IBB Childcare team, which deals exclusively with child welfare cases, and cases relating to disagreements between family members, such as where children live or when they visit other family members. It has extensive experience in representing children either directly or through a Children’s Guardian.
We are family If you are concerned about the care of a child in your family, we can advise you on your options. Our experienced specialists will guide you through child welfare cases, care and adoption proceedings, and cases relating to where children live or when they visit other family members. We can also represent children direct, or through a Children’s Guardian. Contact us to arrange a meeting: enquiries@ibblaw.co.uk or call 08456 381381
08456 381381 ibblaw.co.uk
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LONDON BUCKS HERTS MIDDX
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If you are thinking of renting, buying or selling a property please call us and experience our award winning difference. Uxbridge Sales 01895 272742 Uxbridge Lettings 01895 252542 Denham 01895 835835
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