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And the last magazine of 2016. Of course we will all still be busy here this month working on the January issue. As ever, I will be desperately trying to fit in Christ mas shopping and putting up the tree, although I need to find someone tall enough to actually extract it from our loft first. Being a mere five foot tall does not come without some challenges! So, whether you have found 2016 to be a particu larly good or bad year, it is rapidly coming to an end and we can all look forward to a much needed break from work and quality time with family and friends. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our readers and advertisers for your continued support over the last eleven years and to wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas, whatever you may be doing. We’ll be back through your letter boxes in January! Until then, have a wonderful time over the festive season. .
You can advertise in this magazine from as little as puts your into all six publications (that’s over 30,000 homes). Tel: 0800 038 5001 Mob: 07759 536494 In and Around Magazines cover: West Drayton . Iver . Denham . Uxbridge Ickenham . Ruislip Angela Fisher 0800 038 5001 / 07759 536494 info@inandaroundpublishing.co.uk
www.inandaroundpublishing.co.uk
Golden Years: Memories of 50 years ago 6 Cake & Bake: Mincemeat & Apple Mini Strudels 8 Tech: Trends for 2017 10 Hobbies: Why collectors love the vinyl vibe 12 Interiors: A Rustic Christmas 14 Motoring: Golf GTI Clubsport S 16 Coffee Break Puzzles 18 Short Story: Christmas is Crafty 20 Health: Six tips for surviving Christmas 22 Beauty: PartyPickMeUps 26 The Wildlife Zone 28 RSPCA Rehoming Appeal 30 Local Events 32 Different types of debt & how to deal with them 34 Puzzle Solutions 35 Pets Corner 36 Why does your cat spray? 37 Garden Feature 38 Clubs, Groups & Classes 40, 42 & 44 Smart Phoneys: Beware the bad apps 41 Wordsearch 46
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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Golden Years
Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning
While the day after Boxing Day may be of no more significance to most of us than an opportunity to recover from – or perhaps to continue in – the season’s excesses, to lovers of extreme sports it’s an anniversary of some importance. For December 27th 1966 was the occasion of the first documented descent of the world’s most spectacular pothole (or open-air pit cave, to use the jargon). The three American cavers who descended the Basement of Swallows or Sotano de las Golondrinas – TR Evans, Chas Borland, and Randy Sterns – were not so crass as to announce it as a discovery: local people had been aware of its existence for countless generations, because every morning just after dawn the thousands upon thousands of swifts and green parakeets which roosted in its safe depths flew up en masse, and every evening just before dusk returned in even more spectacular fashion, diving head-first into the 49 x 62m opening. Besides, this part of Mexico – the San Luis Potosi region – was already well known for its sotanos, bell-shaped potholes caused when the roofs of limestone caves scooped out by underground rivers finally collapsed. What was unusual
here was the size of the thing. At 515m the Basement of Swallows is not the deepest pot-hole in the world. But the 376m drop from the uphill lip of the opening to the cave floor is the deepest vertical pitch known to speleologists – and the 330m drop from the downhill lip is pretty impressive, too! (The remaining 140-odd metres comprises a series of tunnels and chambers in the cave floor collectively known as the Crevice). The deepest such pitch in the UK, Yorkshire’s Gaping Gill, is a mere 110m; and the difference between the two would be even greater if the floor of the Basement of Swallows weren’t many metres deep in possibly 100 million years of guano. The first descent of the cave predated the popular emergence of extreme sports by more than a decade: the acronym BASE (buildings, antennae, spans, earth) wasn’t coined until 1978 even though parachutists had been leaping off skyscrapers, cliff-edges and bridges for quite some years by then. But news of its wondrous dimensions soon spread throughout the caving world, and before long more and more potholers were making their muddy way up the narrow unmetalled track from the nearest town, Aquismon. You might not think that rappelling down 370 metres of rope, frantically squirting it with water to prevent the friction melting it, is an enjoyable way of spending a few minutes, but these people did; they weren’t even deterred by the knowledge that the handover-hand climb back up might take even a fit person an hour
or more. To the Huastec people of the district this was an unmixed blessing: previously subsistence farmers, they now had a tourist industry to keep supplied with food and souvenirs. Soon the muddy track was fringed with kiosks of all descriptions and the impromptu camp-sites were knee-deep in litter which the tourists couldn’t take away and the locals had no means of disposing of. The authorities did their best to prevent damage: they metalled most of the track, and they persuaded the cavers to start their descent from a designated part of the cave entrance, which they obligingly equipped with ringbolts, and only to go down into the dark once the birds had gone out for the day. Then things got crazy. First, someone flew a hot-air balloon into the cave. Then the BASE jumpers arrived. Jumping the Basement of Swallows was reputed to be one of the sport’s hottest highs, but when tour organisers started installing electric winches to haul their customers out again, the authorities put their foot down. In 2002 BASE jumping was officially banned. And nobody, it seems, took any notice...
Happy 50tH BirtHdays to to Les Ferdinand and Sinead O’Connor (8th); Ian Paisley Jr (12th); Dennis Wise (16th); Keifer Sutherland (21st); and Martin Offiah (29th)..
Cake and botox to you all!
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Mincemeat & Apple Mini Strudels These delicious sweet and buttery mini fruity strudels make great festive puds over Christmas. You can prepare them a few hours in advance, cover and chill in the fridge and bake just before serving.
Ingredients: • 8 tbsp luxury mincemeat • 1 small cooking apple, peeled and coarsely grated • 8 sheets filo pastry, each measuring 18x31cm • 50g unsalted butter, melted • Filo pastry stars, to decorate (see Tip) • Icing sugar, to dust • Whipped cream or brandy butter, to serve
Makes 8 Ready in 35 minutes
1. Preheat the oven to 200C, Fan 180C, Gas Mark
6. Mix together the mincemeat and grated apple. Take one sheet of filo pastry and brush with some of the melted butter.
2. Place a spoonful of the mincemeat mixture along
one short end of the sheet of buttered pastry. Fold in a little of the pastry along each long side then roll up to enclose the filling. Place seam side down on a large greased baking tray.
3. Repeat with the rest of the pastry sheets and
mincemeat mixture to make 8 mini strudels in total. Brush with any remaining melted butter.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes
until the pastry is crisp and golden. Cool for 5 minutes then halve and serve with filo pastry stars and dust liberally with icing sugar. Serve with whipped cream or brandy butter.
TIP
To make the stars, fold a spare sheet of filo pastry into three. Stamp out tiny stars using a small star-shaped cookie cutter and brush with a little melted butter. Bake as above but for only 4-5 minutes until crisp and golden.
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Tech Trends For 2017
Virtual worlds, super smartphones and home hub hype
In 2016 we saw all kinds of bright ideas in technology: duallens cameras in smartphones, virtual reality headsets, new versions of Windows and the end of the headphone socket in iPhones. Here are the key trends we think will be driving the technology you buy, use or crave in 2017. Online TV Getting TV over the internet isn’t new, of course, but it’s changing. In October, it emerged that Netflix is now offering half the amount of titles it offered in 2012. That’s because it - and its rival Amazon - is more interested in making its own programmes than in buying other people’s. From Amazon’s Jeremy Clarkson vehicle The Grand Tour to Netflix’s The Crown, some of the most exciting TV isn’t being broadcast anywhere but online. That trend’s going to accelerate in 2017. The days when online TV services resembled a particularly bad video shop’s bargain bin are disappearing fast. 4K HDR TV Television manufacturers persuaded us to upgrade from CRT TVs to flat screens, and then from standard definition TVs to high definition TVs. They tried again with 3D, without much success, and the next big home entertainment hype is
over 4K and HDR televisions. 4K, also known as Ultra HD or UHD for short, has four times the number of pixels than full HD, so it delivers really sharp images - provided you have a 4K source. There aren’t many of those around just now: Netflix has a little bit of 4K content, but most broadcasters are still on HD rather than 4K. The most recent PlayStation and Xbox One offer 4K gaming, although once again that depends on having games optimised for the resolution. It might be worth waiting to see whether 4K succeeds or if it’s another 3DTV. While 4K offers more detailed images, HDR offers more drama. It’s short for High Dynamic Range, and you might have encountered it in your smartphone’s camera: HDR delivers deeper shadows and brighter highlights than normal photography, and it’s the same with HDR TV. Virtual Reality 2017 will decide whether virtual reality is the next big thing. VR headsets from Facebookowned Oculus, Google and Sony hit the virtual shelves in late 2016, but it’s what happens this year that will seal the format’s fate: without compelling games to play or experiences to experience, those headsets could turn
out to be very expensive paperweights. The technology is really impressive, but so was 3D TV. Super smartphones After a minor revamp in 2016, the 2017 iPhone is rumoured to be a dramatic upgrade with new screen technology and the same great cameras currently limited to the big and expensive iPhone 7 Plus. We might even see wireless charging too, something Apple’s rivals have offered for some time. Apple isn’t the only phone firm out there, of course. Samsung’s Galaxy S8 should be impressive too, and hopefully less prone to battery explosions than this year’s Galaxy Note 7. Home Automation Whether it’s Microsoft’s Cortana, Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa, this may be the year when we spend more time talking to our tech than tapping on its screens. Virtual digital assistants in our phones and in home hubs have the potential to automate everything - assuming they can finally understand non-US accents, that is.
Images L to R: Netflix online video; Sony HDR TV; iPhone 7 Plus; Amazon Echo Dot home hub
Hobbies Why Collectors Love The Vinyl Vibe By Kate McLelland
In recent years there has been a revolution in the way we buy and listen to music. Thanks to new technologies we are now able to play the music we love wherever, and whenever, we want to hear it. With so much emphasis on the streaming of music from services such as Spotify, iTunes and Tidal, the use of minidisks, cassettes and CDs now seems strangely oldfashioned. After all, when you can stream everything you could ever wish to hear direct to your mobile phone, tablet or laptop, who needs a physical format? In spite of all this ingenious and accessible technology, it seems many of us actually prefer to do it the “old school” way. One of the most surprising trends of the 21st century has emerged from music fans who appear keen to turn back the clock. Collecting vinyl records has become something of a cult interest and collectors cite the “authenticity” of analogue sound, the tactile quality of vinyl and the availability of album cover art and liner notes as reasons why they
prefer vinyl recordings to digital music files or CDs. Starting your collection Many vinyl enthusiasts start out by taking on someone else’s collection, often in the form of a gift or inheritance from a family member. Chances are that these records will not be rare items, but they will at least provide the basis for a larger collection. Darren Yeats, a founder of the Edinburgh-based record store Voxbox Music, says that car boot sales, charity shops, record fairs and specialist vinyl stores are the best places to start digging around for additional records. You might even come across a rare release as you browse. Yeats says the aim should be to buy items that are in good or excellent condition, pointing out that “If [records] are not immaculate, you will usually have to play them at least once to properly assess the condition.” He advises buying albums by artists that you like, regardless of their potential resale value. That way, if the record’s condition turns out to
be less than perfect, you will still have a piece of music you enjoy. Once you’ve acquired a few records, you’ll need to decide how to play them. Vintage equipment can be hard to repair if there’s a problem, so most collectors opt for a modern, portable player (£50 - £100) or a modern turntable that can be linked to a computer (from £80 - £120). How will i know if a record iS valuable? As with any collectable item, rarity is the main driver for pushing up value. Certain packaging characteristics, such as foil-stamp numbering on the jacket (001/500), different coloured pressings, misprints or famous or controversial images/text can add to the value. Records that have been withdrawn or censored should also be on the collector’s radar, as this indicates that a smaller number will have been sold. David Bowie’s third album, “The Man Who Sold the World”, is a good example of the way a collector can combine knowledge of an artist’s back-catalogue with
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an understanding of current market trends in order to sell at a profit. Branded as ‘controversial’ following its release in 1970, UK sales of Bowie’s album were initially poor, although the record was re-released and re-mastered during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Due to the rarity of those original pressings, the market price shot up to over £1,000 when the artist’s death was announced earlier this year.
and exchange information with other vinyl fans. Record Fairs are also great places to browse and chat with other enthusiasts. Go to www. recordfairsuk.co.uk to find dates of fairs taking place in your area.
vinyl releases are less than ten years old, it’s still possible to find albums that are highly collectable. Bands such as Radiohead, the Arctic Monkeys and Keane released very limited numbers of vinyl pressings and many of these discs are now selling for between £50 and £100 each.
How do i build up my collection? Online sites recommended by collectors include classic uk 45s – which specialises in 45 rpm releases from the ’50s and ‘60s; planet earth records (an online record store with thousands of rare vinyl records) and discogs. com – where you can buy records at relatively low cost
don’t forget contemporary vinyl When talking about vinyl records, it’s easy to focus on vintage collections and forget that many of today’s artists are releasing tracks (or re-releasing past work) on vinyl. These records cost more to buy, but music fans attest that vinyl produces a clearer, more accurate sound (that’s apparently because the grooves are able to capture the music’s waveforms more precisely). Although many contemporary
Vinyl is a gateway to a whole world of music enjoyment. As a collector you’ll have the opportunity to find out about interesting but little known artists, as well as learning more about the artists you already admire. Best of all, you’ll be able to connect with the large and diverse community of vinyl fans who are eager to share their knowledge: so get out there and start collecting today.
Home & Interiors Finance
By Ann Haldon
How Different Types Of Debt AndBy To Deal With Them A Rustic Christmas Katherine Sorrell
unSecured loanS a reservoir of water – it could need one or two Unsecured lending includes litres every day. (Tip: the Nordmann Fir holds its credit card borrowing, payday needles really well.) Decorate generously, but loans, store cards, personal don’t overload your tree, and keep to a limited loans and catalogue debt, and colour scheme (white, red, green and brown are this is not secured on an asset. all great), using natural materials (see box). And, and store if you wish to addcredit a touchcards of sparkle, twinecards the Thewhite UK’s fairy total lights. credit card debt tree with small, plain has risen to £65.5 billion in Feeling inspired? 2016, Spendaccording a weekend to making the Money decorations with the family. Garlands of popcorn, Charity, equating to £2,426 per nuts and paper strings of angels or snowflakes, household. Taking this figure or even gingerbread stars, all lookand adorable, as an example, assuming and can be used everywhere in the home. your credit card has an average Instead of shiny baubles, how applied, about cutting interest rate it would simple shapes from felt25and blanket-stitching take years and 6 months to them around the outside? making wreath repay it inOrfull if you a only paid using clippings from garden? Similarly, the the minimum amount eachyou The temptation to borrow Secured loanS createon wonderful decorations using sprigs month.¹ money is all around us. Despite This type of loan iscan secured of evergreens, ivy,Making pine cones (you could spray the minimum repayment the credit crunch, we still live an asset, such as the mortgage them with artificialfor snow), rose hips, dried seed too long causes a rapid in a consumerist society where on your home. If you fall behind heads and twigs (try lashing them together into decline into unmanageable credit card companies extend on these repayments your a star shape). Or debt, dry slices of apple and also orange particularly if you your limit unprompted, and home could be repossessed, so and tie them together with gardener’s string, have other borrowing to payday lenders target those this is the number one priority adding cinnamon contend sticks and star anise. It will with. least able to pay extortionate debt above all others. look and smell gorgeous. Of course, if you’re Personal loans interest rates. Repossession worstofcase time, all these and more can be found the simplest of festive decorations can is ashort Personal loans from the bank The fact that many people scenario, however, and most in the shops, along with all sorts of irresistible sometimes be the most appealing, says will have a fixed rate of interest need to borrow simply to lenders will initially be open to decorations such as birch bark candle holders, interiors expert Katherine Sorrell so you know how much you’ll pay their bills and meet the driftwood trees and needlefelted and negotiation. They won’t wantChristmas to need to pay each month, and Who doesn’t love a natural And knittedbut owls, ever-increasing cost of livinglook at home? lose you as a customer, youreindeer and robins. the exact duration of the loan. especially at Christmas, when present-buying, means it can become draining do need to be proactive about In many respects these loans When it comes to wrapping presents, choose hosting guests, generally with them, and and stressful justshopping, to stay cooking and communicating easier to manage than brown paper and are string, or lengths of fabric rushing around can all get a bit too much. afloat. When you owe money demonstrate that you take the which rathercards, than foil thatcome can’twith be Keeping yourcompanies, decorationsitsimple and rustic seriously.and cotton ribbon,credit to numerous situation a temptation to build upand more recycled. Use cardboard luggage labels is not only attractive and on-trend, but it also can be difficult to know how overmight time.enjoy potato There are many debt bearcharities in mind that debt children makes life easier and can be extremely costbest to deal with your debts in the UK that will printing help youthe plain paper for a little are embellishment Personal loans generally effective. Unpretentious and understated, natural - the pressure becomes – white paint looks fantastic against the brown. work out a budget if you need offered for larger purchases, decorations suit every home, large or small, overwhelming when you’re As for receiving presents, nothing nicer guidance in this area, and however,there’s such as a car or modern or traditional, and make a fabulous, simply trying to pay them off. than a row of knitted stockings hanging by the some may even contact the refurbishing a kitchen for timeless alternative to commercialised glitz and fire, perhaps with example. some printed hessian sacks To help you get more lender on your behalf. It’s glitter. – widely these days – for larger gifts. control and understand the important to let your lenderavailablePayday loans The centrepiece of this look, ideally, is a real ramifications of failing to repay, know an amount you can afford Payday are targeted tree, which is best bought from a good local Fresh flowers are fabulousloans at Christmas – a at here’s a little more detail about and provide them with those who needsoon smalltoamounts stockist. Choose one that’s as freshtoasrepay, possible, gorgeous reminder of springtime come. the various secured copy of to back to carry the end of your make a newforms cut atofthe bottom, and a display in your budget Hyacinths are classic (andthem theirtoscent will fill and unsecured borrowing. up.holds the month, and are often a stand (a wicker basket is perfect) itthat home), as are amaryllis and poinsettias. They
used to particularly pay bills and meet in all look special other liabilities. danger white, of course.The Wrap pots of these typestied of loan in the in hessian with lies string extremely highof rates ofinto interest or pop groups them applied. a wicker basket; you can decorate the tops of the pots If you know that you’ll be able with silver moss. to pay the loan off when it’s Because a look due, they this mayisbe a good last where is more,alaying resort, less but missing payment the festive table send is easy. will very quickly youAinto linen place mats, to a debtrunner spiral or that is difficult plain white china, clear escape. glass (recycled and robust Mail catalogues or cutorder crystal for a twinkle, Catalogue you companies tend whichever prefer) and to attract new customers simple decorations such withbowls introductory low interest as of pine cones rates or no interest or oranges studdedinitially. Repayments are made over a with cloves, and specified period perhaps a vase – usually 20 or 40 and if you don’t full of weeks, evergreens, fall behind, using twigs and boughs.a mail order catalogue can be a flexible way Cosy, welcoming to spend. and unpretentious. The problem Finally, add is that if you miss evensmall one payment, a candles,
higher interest rate will come and tall, in rows along into effect which be as mantelpieces, in thecan centre as 40% APR. Other of much the dining table, on simple charges will also be applied iron candelabra, in advent by the –company, including displays anywhere their late payment feeswill and a charge flickering glow make you for chasing debt. feel happy.the Alternatively, tea lights look pretty inside old As with some credit card jam jars, whichyour is safer if you limit companies, spending have young children around. may be increased regularly Pop a mince in purchasing the oven to tempt youpie into and heat some mulled more. On the face of it,wine buying on theahob, and here it is from catalogue company –seems a verylike merry Christmas. a good idea, but Mainneed Image: these other factors to Log battery candles withFurther star be taken into account. design, £12 each, problems can also arise if you The Contemporary Home, are an agent 02392 for the469400; catalogue. www.tch.net acting aS a catalogue Image on left: agent Intricateagent star, £8, Being a catalogue Jenny Walsh involves collecting money Design, 0868 from your customers 773293;and www. remitting itjennywalshdesign. to the company. But what happens if one of your com customers doesn’t pay – are
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You should keep separate accounting records for all your customers, and if they miss a hessian payment, send off the details to the catalogue company. When twigs, branches and you first became an agent, you boughs may have signed ribbon a separate linen and cotton credit agreement with the Brown paper and string company, but should also make greenery andaberries from sure there’s credit agreement the gardenyourself and each between customer. Moss dried, sliced apples andto take The catalogue are likely oranges steps to recover any missed payments,sticks whether they are Cinnamon and star your own or your customers’, anise but it’s possible that if a signed gingerbread agreement between yourself felt and the catalogue company hyacinths, amaryllis and doesn’t exist, they may not have white poinsettias the authority to collect the debt. Candles ¹http://themoneycharity.org. Pine cones uk/money-statistics/
Motoring
By James Baggott
Golf GTI Clubsport S
WHAT IS IT? It’s the fastest front-wheel-drive car around the Nürburgring, a stripped-out hardcore celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Golf GTI and a limited edition collector’s piece all in one. The Golf GTI Clubsport S is the result of asking engineers to do what they can to cement the GTI’s name in the hot hatch pantheon. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? Lifting the Golf’s bonnet will reveal the same two-litre, turbocharged petrol you’ll find elsewhere in the Golf range – notably the Golf GTI and Golf R. In this application it’s been tuned up slightly, producing 306hp – broadly similar to the Golf R’s output but with a different exhaust system freeing up a couple of horsepower. That’s paired with the six-speed manual gearbox for weight purposes, as the extra few kilos of the dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) would work against the weight-saving nature of the Clubsport S. WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? The GTI Clubsport S is a topspecification Golf and it comes with the appropriate bells and whistles.
The infotainment system is Volkswagen’s Discover Navigation with a 6.5-inch colour screen - but you can upgrade to the Discover Pro for £1,325, which adds a larger screen and DAB radio. You’re missing one or two things – not least of which are the rear seats, replaced with a faux strut brace and cargo net. Cruise control is absent, unusually, leading to an oddly sparse suede steering wheel. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? It drives exactly as you’d expect the car that set the fastest front-wheel-drive lap of the Nürburgring ever to drive. It’s really very savage in a straight line, barking through the exhausts with every upshift, and scrubs off speed no less impressively. The sticky Michelin Pilot Cup tyres offer huge amounts of grip, too. On the mixed and drying roads we used, the Clubsport S exhibited a little torque steer if you gave the car some stick, but far less than you might expect. Otherwise, it’s a very neutral car to drive on the road. WHAT DOES THE PRESS THINK? AutoExpress reckons that the Clubsport S has ‘even more involvement and surprising refinement’, while Autocar thinks that it’s ‘by a nose, the very best fast Golf you can buy’. WHAT DO WE THINK? It seems odd to turn a car with such broad credentials into a
two-seater sports car, especially as the rear compartment trim is still present, but you can’t really ignore the way it drives. The Golf R might be a safer bet for all-weather performance, but the Clubsport S makes a great case for itself on dry roads and doesn’t feel as wrung out as other front-wheel-drive offerings of similar power outputs. Losing the rear seats makes the Clubsport S a bit of a tough sell when silhouette rivals retain the family usability and two-seat competitors are commonly less expensive, but as all of the UK’s allocation of 150 have already been sold, it’s almost a moot point. Model: Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S Price: £33,155 Engine: Two-litre, four-cylinder petrol Power: 306hp, 380Nm Max speed: 165mph 0-60mph: 5.7s MPG (combined): 40.4mpg Emissions: 172g/km TARGET BUYERS The performance car enthusiast who loves the Golf but wants a sports car. THE RIVALS Honda Civic Type R, Porsche Cayman, Ford Focus RS KEY SELLING POINTS 1. Limited edition cachet 2. Unflappable cornering manners 3. Usable real-world performance DEAL CLINCHER It’s no harder to live with than any other Volkswagen Golf
Sorry Santa, you’ve got work to do. Come and see for yourself why people in Hillingdon come to Ryefield Court first when choosing a care home. Even Santa. Arrange your viewing today.
Chauffeur-driven car | Cinema room | Bistro & bar | Private dining | Hair salon and spa Library | All-inclusive pricing | Inspired & stimulating events 50% higher staffing than average | Paying above the living wage follow the events at the home on facebook.com/ryefieldcourt
Short Story
Christmas is Crafty
“We’re doing Christmas differently this year,” Carol announced, carrying in huge shopping bags. “Roger, stop what you’re doing and give me a hand with this tree.” Jonty wagged his tail. He knew all about Christmas, because it happened once every seven years. Roger would set up a tree in the lounge and then climb the creaky loft ladder for the box of decorations. The pair of them would coo over the little snowmen decorations made from cotton wool and toilet roll tubes, the doily angels, and the crepe paper snowflakes that they would stick to the patio doors. Carol would get nostalgic and ask Roger to pour her a sherry and put on a Slade CD. And Jonty would lie under the coffee table, waiting patiently for a mince pie to fall on the floor. “I’ve been to this stall called Christmas is Crafty,” Carol said, unpacking the contents of her bags. “It’s inspired me.” “I like Christmas just the way it is,” Roger said, but judging from the smells coming from Carol’s shopping Jonty wondered whether Christmas had been vastly improved. “Look at all the adorable new decorations I’ve bought,” Carol said. “Everything is handmade.” “All the stuff before was handmade, by the children,” said Roger.
“The kids are all grown up now Roger; it’s time to move on,” Carol said, opening a box of dried clementines which had been studded with cloves and tied with sticks of cinnamon. “These things are handmade but better, you know, professional.” Jonty game them an appreciative sniff. “Honestly Jonty, get your nose out and give me some space,” Carol said. “Look at these Roger, good enough to eat?” Jonty’s ears pricked up. Carol showed them a box of gingerbread men delicately decorated with raisin buttons. Then she unravelled a raffia rope threaded with colourful popcorn, and a dozen huge pine cones sprayed with silver and gold. “The theme is Rustic Cottage,” Carol said. “You’ve got to have a theme.” “I thought we already had a theme,” Roger said glumly. “Do stop sulking,” Carol said. “You decorate the tree, while I do a spot of stencilling on the patio doors.” Jonty settled into his place beneath the coffee table. Roger hung the new decorations in silence, while Carol sprayed the glass on the patio doors so that it looked like snow had drifted up the panes. Jonty waited for the sherry and Slade but they
never came, in fact Carol went up to bed early, leaving Roger to lock up. Though Jonty regretted his lack of mince pie, he reminded himself that Christmas was different this year, so he waited in his basket until he heard sounds of snoring from the bedroom above. Then he padded into the lounge, a firm plan already in his mind. First he licked the snow off the patio doors. It tasted pleasantly of soap. Next a well-aimed leap from the back of the sofa brought the fir tree down. He then crunched his way through the gingerbread men and the clementines. They smelled better than they tasted. The raffia strings of popcorn proved interesting; he found there was no stopping once he’d begun, and it was necessary to eat the whole chain right to the end. Then he chased the pine cones across the floor. Finally, tired and queasy, he chewed them all up as well, just for fun. Feeling thankful for Carol, he dozed amid the wreckage of this wonderful new type of Christmas. Then he thanked Roger for kindly leaving the lounge door open; something that Roger had never once, in all Jonty’s days, done before. By Jackie Brewster
PROTECT YOUR HARD EARNED ASSETS AND HOME
With some simple planning we will ensure that they are fully protected so that your loved ones receive their rightful inheritance. Please consider the following five questions: 1. Have you made a will, if so when was it reviewed? 2. How can I protect my children’s inheritance? 3. How do I protect my home and assets from care costs? 4. How can I preserve my business assets for my family? 5. What if I am unable to manage my affairs?
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Health
By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
Six Tips for Surviving Christmas
Christmas is just around the corner, and for many of us, it’s a special time to get together with our loved ones that brightens up the darkest time of the year. Unfortunately, ‘the season to be jolly’ is often fraught with pressure to produce the perfect celebration, family tensions and the temptation of too much food and alcohol. So how can you survive Christmas? 1. Be Prepared Start adding a few Christmas items to each shopping list now, saving you the stress of that massive shopping expedition when shops are busiest. Only the freshest of items need to be purchased just before the big day. Bake, prepare and freeze as much as possible in advance and get others to help you, so that everyone has more time to relax together on the day. 2. Go Easy on the Alcohol Alcohol is a calorieheavy appetite stimulant increasingly linked to serious
health conditions. It also lowers our inhibitions and affects our judgment, so beware: Christmas Day isn’t the best time to voice longstanding gripes. If you can’t resist a tipple, consider the festive occasions coming up and decide on your limits for each one, ensuring you don’t exceed the recommended weekly maximum of 14 units (now applicable to men and women). Never drink on an empty stomach and aim to have a soft drink (preferably water) for each alcoholic drink to help your body cope with alcohol’s toxins and its dehydrating effects, which cause hangover symptoms. Alcohol absorption depends on speed of intake and your size, age, weight, metabolism and what else you’ve consumed, so no set amount guarantees you’re under the legal drinkdrive limit (and Scotland’s limit is considerably lower than the rest of the UK’s). Any amount of alcohol affects your judgement and
reactions. 3. Remember: Christmas Is About Everyone If possible, try to resolve family conflicts before the big day (or persuade people to agree a temporary truce). If you’re chief organiser, consider what everyone (including yourself) wants most from their Christmas, but remind them that everyone’s vision will be different. Compromises will be required. Try to find one or two things everyone can enjoy together, but let people have their own space too. Unfortunately, the sexist stereotype of the exhausted woman who rushes around to prepare everything while everyone else relaxes, is one perpetuated by many Christmas adverts, which portray it as comical and the norm. Don’t let it be. Ensure everyone helps, whether it’s by laying the table, topping up drinks or preparing vegetables. 4. Be Shrewd with Food Keep a few quick-to-prepare items in stock to feed unexpected visitors, but don’t buy huge quantities of food. You can always top up, if necessary, after Christmas Day; the shops will be open. Food poisoning isn’t festive, so ensure all cooks wash and dry their hands. Germs love damp. Frozen foods should be properly defrosted and either cooked thoroughly, or refrigerated, immediately (particularly large poultry or joints of meat). Keep raw foods separate from cooked,
and chilled items in the fridge right up until they’re required. Remember to leave enough room in the fridge for cold air to circulate. Chill leftovers rapidly and eat them within two days (reheating thoroughly when necessary). Don’t leave buffet foods out for more than 4 hours. Healthy festive food swaps: • Remove the skin and avoid butter basting your turkey (removing around a third of its calories and half its fat). Skim off fat from meat juices before adding them to the gravy. • Choose low-salt gravy mixes and keep the saltshaker off the table. • Swap: o sausage meat for vegetarian sausage mix. o goose fat for healthy oils o traditional mince pies for lattice, filo or open-top
versions o brandy butter or cream for low-fat custard or crème fraiche o breaded or battered snacks for homemade, marinated savouries o high-fat dips for homemade ones with yogurt or crème fraiche o crisps, salted nuts and chocolate for plain popcorn, rice cakes, pretzels, unsalted nuts and homemade chocolate-covered fruit (preferably using dark chocolate) 5. Stay Festive Fit Include some normal meals, at normal times, to avoid stomach problems (and weight gain) caused by too much rich food, sugar and salt. An alarming amount of people are admitted to hospital over the festive season because of the sheer quantity or unhealthy nature
of what they’ve eaten. Keep portion size sensible and stop eating just as you start time for to feel full. It takes your stomach to tell your brain it’s full. Ensure you get a good night’s sleep whenever possible, and keep moving; a walk will burn calories and provide the daylight and fresh air necessary to keep you feeling good, physically and mentally. 6. Finally... Keep It in Proportion Christmas Day is only one day; most festivities are centred on just one week out of 52. If the turkey’s burnt, try to laugh about it; it’s not what matters most. Keep celebrations simple, focusing on what makes you and your nearest and dearest happy, and ignoring traditions that none of you enjoy. It’s your Christmas. Relax and enjoy it!
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Health Beauty
If your hair is looking a bit frazzled and fed up with all that styling, try treating it to By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk an Ouai Treatment Masque. It takes just 10 minutes for the treatment to soothe and restore your weary locks, by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk leaving them smoother and reactions. shinier after just one use. A Is 3. Remember: Christmas pack of eight sachets will set you back £25, so About Everyone Feeling a bit partied out and ready to If possible, tryyour to resolve it’s not cheap, but worth having in beauty just curl up with Netflix and a mug of hot conflicts before the arsenal for big nightsfamily out. See www.spacenk. chocolate? Our beauty picks this month big day (or persuade people com. to agree a temporary truce). will soon have you back on your feet If you’re chief I don’t know whether theorganiser, eyes truly and ready to hit the town. consider what everyone are the windows to the soul, but (including yourself) wants First up, Urban Veda’s Radiance Body they’re certainly a tattle tale when most from their Christmas, Ritual collection. Just opening the drawstring itbut comes to late remind themnights. that bag is a treat. The products all smell amazing everyone’s vision will be Try Anatomicals different. – they’re packed with nourishing, fragrant Puffy Compromises the Eye Bag willSlayer be required. ingredients, including orange oil, turmeric and WakeTry Upto find one or two things everyone papaya, so it’s like breathing in the scent of Under Eye Patches. can enjoy together, but let holidays. With a body scrub, body wash and Threehave pairstheir costown around people space Christmas justjust around health It also body lotion, isyou needthe to light a candle to conditions. £6 from Amazon or www.glossybox.co.uk. They too. lowers our inhibitions and corner,a and forspa many of us, it’s a create home experience. Unfortunately, theto sexist feel incredibly soothing, and do seem affects our judgment, so special time to get together with stereotype of the exhausted And they really do leave reduce swelling in just half an hour. beware: Christmas Day isn’t our loved ones that brightens woman rushes around your skin and spirits Cover any remaining darkwho circles the best time to voiceup longup the darkest time of the year. to prepare everything while feeling rejuvenated. standing gripes. If you can’t with Dry Eye Concealer, £11.95, Unfortunately, ‘the season to everyone else relaxes, is resist a tipple,from consider the £34.99, www.skinshop.co.uk. While the by many be jolly’www. is often fraught with one perpetuated festive occasions coming up quite as flawless as pressure to produce the perfect urbanveda.co.uk. coverage isn’t Christmas adverts, which and decide on your limits for celebration, family tensions and portrayup it as and the some concealers, it makes forcomical it each one, ensuring you don’t Looking the temptation of tootomuch food norm. Don’t let it be. Ensure by helping to moisturise and repair exceed the recommended and alcohol. get some everyone and helps, whether it’s skin.ofIt14 also goes on smoothly weekly maximum units by laying the table, topping of that summer glow back? Green So how can you survive (now applicable to men andattention to fine lines, doesn’t draw up drinks or preparing one of Christmas?People’s Self-Tan, £21, is women). puffy eyes or dry skin.vegetables. You can also the best fake tans on the market. Never drink onuse an the empty Dry Eye Concealer to 1. Be Prepared 4. Be Shrewd with Food stomach It’s easy to Christmas apply, and develops into and aim to have a Start adding a few calm and cover smallKeep patches a few quick-to-prepare drink (preferably water) natural lookinglist tan within soft three items toaeach shopping of eczema and other items in stock to feed for each alcoholic drink to hours. Asthe an stress added bonus, it now, saving you areas of irritation. unexpected visitors, but help your body cope with of that massive shopping doesn’t have that typical fake tan don’t buy huge quantities of alcohol’s toxins and its expedition when shops are rosehip smell, and it contains Sometimes afood. spritz of can perfume is all You always top up, dehydrating effects, which busiest. Only the freshest of oil to moisturise as it tans. As necessary, Christmas you need toifperk yourselfafter up before cause hangover symptoms. items need to be purchased Day;heels. the shops will be open. Alcohol absorption depends withthe anybig fake pulling on your Jo Malone just before day.tan, you’ll want Food poisoning isn’t to leaveand at least Bake, prepare freeze24ashours on speed of intake and are known for their quirky fragrance festive, so ensure all cooks between removalinand application. your It’s size, age, weight, combinations, muchhair as possible advance and their latest wash and dry their hands. metabolism and what else and get others to help you, also a good idea to exfoliate with a good cologne, Basil andlove Neroli, is no Germs damp. Frozen you’ve consumed, so no that everyone hasMassage more bodysoscrub beforehand. in a set amount guaranteesdifferent. It’sfoods got that lovely should be freshness properly time to relax together on the light body lotion, and give it time to sinkyou’re under the legal drinkdefrosted either cooked of neroli, with a herby and twist. Playful day. thoroughly, orjust refrigerated, drive limit (and Scotland’s in. Then work some extra moisturiser into and warm, the fragrance seems to 2. Go Easyelbows on theand Alcohol immediately (particularly your knees, other ‘knobbly’limit is considerably lower improve as the night goes on. Expect Alcohol is a calorielarge poultry or joints of bits, to help avoid darker patches. Seethan the rest of the UK’s). plenty of compliments. £43 for 30ml, heavy appetite stimulant meat). Keep raw foods Any amount of alcohol www.greenpeople.co.uk. increasingly linked to serious separate from cooked, affects your judgement www.jomalone.co.uk. and
Six Tips for Surviving Christmas Party Pick-Me-Ups
and chilled items in the fridge right up until they’re required. Remember to leave enough room in the fridge for cold air to circulate. Chill leftovers rapidly and eat them within two days (reheating thoroughly when necessary). Don’t leave buffet foods out for more than 4 hours. Healthy festive food swaps: • Remove the skin and avoid butter basting your turkey (removing around a third of its calories and half its fat). Skim off fat from meat juices before adding them to the gravy. • Choose low-salt gravy mixes and keep the saltshaker off the table. • Swap: o sausage meat for vegetarian sausage mix. o goose fat for healthy oils o traditional mince pies for lattice, filo or open-top
versions o brandy butter or cream for low-fat custard or crème fraiche o breaded or battered snacks for homemade, marinated savouries o high-fat dips for homemade ones with yogurt or crème fraiche o crisps, salted nuts and chocolate for plain popcorn, rice cakes, pretzels, unsalted nuts and homemade chocolate-covered fruit (preferably using dark chocolate) 5. Stay Festive Fit Include some normal meals, at normal times, to avoid stomach problems (and weight gain) caused by too much rich food, sugar and salt. An alarming amount of people are admitted to hospital over the festive season because of the sheer quantity or unhealthy nature
of what they’ve eaten. Keep portion size sensible and stop eating just as you start time for to feel full. It takes your stomach to tell your brain it’s full. Ensure you get a good night’s sleep whenever possible, and keep moving; a walk will burn calories and provide the daylight and fresh air necessary to keep you feeling good, physically and mentally. 6. Finally... Keep It in Proportion Christmas Day is only one day; most festivities are centred on just one week out of 52. If the turkey’s burnt, try to laugh about it; it’s not what matters most. Keep celebrations simple, focusing on what makes you and your nearest and dearest happy, and ignoring traditions that none of you enjoy. It’s your Christmas. Relax and enjoy it!
The Wildlife Zone...FP (Dec16).qxp_Layout 1 28/11/2016 21:53 Page 1
THE WILDLIFE ZONE
SQUIRRELS
Andy Mydellton FLS (pictured right) is an environmentalist journalist, the founder and leader of the British wildlife charity, the Foundation for Endangered Species. They are members of the United Nations agency UNESCO with Andy Mydellton being Chairman and the Environmental Concern Advisor to the UNESCO Schools Group. Andy is a Fellow of the Linnean Society. He writes for many publications, mounts photographic exhibitions, gives presentations and broadcasts the 'Andy Mydellton Wildlife Zone' radio programme.
TO some people grey squirrels are pests or pesky. Moreover they are a North American invasive species that is replacing our own red squirrel. Yet ‘greys’ still manage to get friends. So why is this?
Some people design their wildlife gardens to help all local wildlife. This is because they see all animals as equal but different, and as valid strands in the web of life. Furthermore, many conservationists believe that all animals have their place in the appropriate habitat without being classified as either good or bad. Usually negative terms are often imposed on animals from a human perspective, each tag depending on our own values and wishes.
The squirrel gets its name from the Latin word meaning ‘shadow’ caused by its large bushy tail curling up over its back when it eats. The tail is also an important tool in the squirrel’s spectacular acrobatics of leaping across voids and scurrying along branches. Moreover the grey squirrel has proven itself to be a winner! It is hardy enough to live as far north as the Arctic Circle, and has evolved over the millennia to survive really harsh conditions. It has also had to fend off other animal competition. I have just returned from the USA and seen the North American red squirrel* bully the ‘grey’, despite the red squirrel’s diminutive size. We can still see some of the ‘greys’ instinctive behavioural patterns here in the UK. Previous generations of squirrels have learned to grab what food they could in order to survive in their original cold and hostile environments. Excess food was buried to create a larder for leaner times and to prevent rivals from eating this precious food. When the grey squirrels bury nuts and then either die or simply forget where they have buried them, new saplings emerge, maturing into life-giving trees. This is an important part of a forests overall natural regeneration. This tactic was so successful that nowadays the squirrels living in warmer climes still practice the same survival techniques. At Millstream Fork we see squirrels instinctively burying their excess food in the lawn, flower beds, and even in the flower pots and tubs. Much of this food is usually peanuts that they have gymnastically prized from the bird feeders. May it be that some of these ancient survival strategies lead them into fighting members of their own family? This year I have had four squirrels in the Millstream Fork wildlife garden where I saw them chasing one another across the lawn, backwards and forwards along the path and over the patio, with the losers having to leap into the hedging trees, fleeing their aggressor. This is probably because Millstream Fork is a valuable food source right inside their territory where the alpha male and female must protect their natural rights as they see them. Would I want to see the demise of the grey squirrel? Never… Not unless I am guaranteed the pleasure of having our own red squirrel in their stead. *The North American red squirrel is a smaller species than the European red squirrel.
The charities’ contact details are www.ffes.org.uk email: info@ffes.org.uk
Registered Charity No: 263515
Roxy & Loki ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.’ Trips off the tongue, doesn’t it? Surely one of the most suc cessful advertising slogans of all time. Would you believe that despite this, every single year the RSPCA is inundated with calls from people who have received pets for Christmas, only to find within days or weeks that once the dust has settled they are either unable or unwilling to look after them? There is still much work to be done to get the mes sage across that although a puppy may look cute on December 25th, this is a huge decision and must never be taken lightly. Cost is an important factor. Can you afford a dog? We’re not talking about the amount of money you’ll be handing over the day you take your new canine family member home – that’s just the begin ning. You’ll need to pay for vaccinations; puppies need their initial vaccinations and all dogs need a yearly booster. Once they’re old enough, puppies will need to be neutered, and the costs for this can run into the hundreds depending on the size of the animal and the veterinary practice. Then there’s microchipping – a legal requirement, which will set you back roughly £15 – plus the essential flea and worm treatments, up to £200 per year. Pet insur ance is a must, to cover you for unforeseen events, and this will run into the hundreds depending on the policy you take out. You’ll also need to buy dog toys and accessories such as collar, lead, dog bed, poo bags, and pay for things such as training ses sions and grooming salons, perhaps a dog walker if you are unable to take the dog out for any reason. And this is all before we’ve even mentioned food. Dogs don’t live on thin air and you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of £5001000 annu ally on food, depending on your individual dog.
Laura
training, veterinary care, companionship and pro tection. Are you prepared to spend the next 1015 years of your life taking care of your dog? A dog is a lifelong commitment and an enormous responsi bility. To those prepared to invest the money, time and effort, there is nothing more rewarding. But please remember: animals are family members who should be loved and respected – they are not ‘gifts’ to be traded around Christmas time. If you’d like any advice on dog ownership or want to find out more about adopting a rescue animal, pop into our Hillingdon Clinic’s open day on Saturday 3rd December 2016 10am3pm at 16 Crescent Parade, Hillingdon UB10 0LG (01895 231435).
Roxy (female, tan and white) and Loki (male, black and white) are two delightful 4 yearold Jack Russell terriers. This lovely pair are very affectionate but still need some toilet training, and their new owner(s) would ideally have prior knowledge of the breed to bring them on. Roxy and Loki need a fairly active home without cats, ideally with no children under the age of 8. They are both quite independent characters so we may consider homing them separately. Roxy and Loki are longing for a new start in life and a lifetime of love and caring. Can you offer them the future they deserve?
Laura was found by a canal with her three kittens, who she has raised in our care. Her off spring have now found new homes, and it is Laura's turn to find happiness in a new life. This beautiful girl is 2 years old, affectionate in nature and quite a little character. She can be pretty vocal at times and has an incredible purr! Laura would prefer a family home with no other cats but may live with a dog. Do you have the purrrfect home to offer Assuming you’re fortunate enough to be able to Laura? afford all of the above, there is still plenty to con Visit www.rspcahillingdonclinic.org.uk to view all of sider. A dog relies on you for everything – food, our animals and download an Adoption Application water, shelter, leadership, exercise, grooming, form.
Dated Events (Dec16).qxp_Layout 1 29/11/2016 17:27 Page 1
december events
German Christmas Fair at Southlands Arts Centre
4th December, 11am-4pm 75 The Green, West Drayton. enjoy christmas crafts, music, children's activities, Father christmas, roast chestnuts, hot wurst and sauerkraut, gluhwien and winter warmer beer in West drayton's own traditional German christmas.
HUBB Festive Lunch
Local Events
8th December, 12noon-2pm Bay Lodge, 36 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1PH. mulled wine, cold festive buffet and networking with local professionals - in partnership with the Hillingdon chamber of commerce. thank you for your continued support over the past 12 months. to book email: helen.thompson@wardwilliams.co.uk or visit www.wardwilliams.co.uk
Christmas Tree Festival St Peter’s Church, Iver. come and see the trees on display throughout the weekend. entry to the tree Festival is free, refreshments available at a small charge. 9th December 10am-7pm, 10th December 11am-8pm 'Festive table decoration making' 2pm4.30pm and ‘songs of Praise’ at 6pm. 11th December, 10am & 12noon-2pm come and worship with us surrounded by the trees at morning Praise, 10am.
Ickenham Festive Community Night
december 2016
Please send your details to be included in the January issues by Wednesday 14th December.
Free Food Tasting
9th December, 6-9pm Featuring a wide range of music, activities, fun and shopping.
Uxbridge Choral Society's Carol Concert 10th December, 5pm and 7.30pm St. Margaret's Church, Windsor Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1AB. Accompanied by the Oak Farm Junior school choir. tickets: Adults £7 and under 12’s £4. Available from www.uxbridgechoralsociety, any choir member or on the door.
10th December, 11am-3pm Iver Flowerland, Norwood Lane, SL0 0EW. come and sample a huge array of fabulous christmas Fayre. santa’s Grotto and elf Workshop for the kids.
Hillingdon Canal Club Christmas Social 13th December, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX. mince pies, mulled wine and waterways Quiz.
live music events Champers Bar 184 Field End Road, Eastcote, HA5 1RE. 8 Dec Glen leon as tom Jones 18 Dec 2 tone christmas elf Party 22 Dec 'the Freaky dukes' Christmas Eve Party with dJ louis Wells New Year’s Eve Party with dJ dave connell
The Falcon Inn Village Road, Denham, UB9 5BE. 9 Dec tiny tina blues band 17 Dec dJ rossi
The WatersEdge Packet Boat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. 9 Dec diamond nights tribute 17 Dec Frank sinatra & tina turner tribute 21 Dec the uK's no. 1 Gary barlow tribute 23 Dec Festive Party New Year’s Eve dJ from 9pm and 4 course luxury menu
The Swan at Iver 2 High Street, Iver, SL0 9NG. 8 Dec nicky b show 9 Dec 2 tone 17 Dec Grant chambers 21 Dec Kids christmas Party, 3-5pm 22 December ‘elvis’ is in the building Christmas Eve carols in the High street plus mulled wine with free mince pies New Years Eve super light show experience
Home & Interiors Finance
By Ann Haldon
Different Types Of Debt AndByHow To Deal With Them A Rustic Christmas Katherine Sorrell
unSecured loanS a reservoir of water – it could need one or two Unsecured lending includes litres every day. (Tip: the Nordmann Fir holds its credit card borrowing, payday needles really well.) Decorate generously, but loans, store cards, personal don’t overload your tree, and keep to a limited loans and catalogue debt, and colour scheme (white, red, green and brown are this is not secured on an asset. all great), using natural materials (see box). And, and store if you wish to addcredit a touchcards of sparkle, twinecards the Thewhite UK’s fairy total lights. credit card debt tree with small, plain has risen to £65.5 billion in Feeling inspired? 2016, Spendaccording a weekend to making the Money decorations with the family. Garlands of popcorn, Charity, equating to £2,426 per nuts and paper strings of angels or snowflakes, household. Taking this figure or even gingerbread stars, all lookand adorable, as an example, assuming and can be used everywhere in the home. your credit card has an average Instead of shiny baubles, how applied, about cutting interest rate it would simple shapes from felt25and blanket-stitching take years and 6 months to them around the outside? making wreath repay it inOrfull if you a only paid using clippings from garden? Similarly, the the minimum amount eachyou The temptation to borrow Secured loanS createon wonderful decorations using sprigs month.¹ money is all around us. Despite This type of loan iscan secured of evergreens, ivy,Making pine cones (you could spray the minimum repayment the credit crunch, we still live an asset, such as the mortgage them with artificialfor snow), rose hips, dried seed too long causes a rapid in a consumerist society where on your home. If you fall behind heads and twigs (try lashing them together into decline into unmanageable credit card companies extend on these repayments your a star shape). Or debt, dry slices of apple and also orange particularly if you your limit unprompted, and home could be repossessed, so and tie them together with gardener’s string, have other borrowing to payday lenders target those this is the number one priority adding cinnamon contend sticks and star anise. It will with. least able to pay extortionate debt above all others. look and smell gorgeous. Of course, if you’re Personal loans interest rates. Repossession worstofcase time, all these and more can be found the simplest of festive decorations can is ashort Personal loans from the bank The fact that many people scenario, however, and most in the shops, along with all sorts of irresistible sometimes be the most appealing, says will have a fixed rate of interest need to borrow simply to lenders will initially be open to decorations such as birch bark candle holders, interiors expert Katherine Sorrell so you know how much you’ll pay their bills and meet the driftwood trees and needlefelted and negotiation. They won’t wantChristmas to need to pay each month, and Who doesn’t love a natural And knittedbut owls, ever-increasing cost of livinglook at home? lose you as a customer, youreindeer and robins. the exact duration of the loan. especially at Christmas, when present-buying, means it can become draining do need to be proactive about In many respects these loans When it comes to wrapping presents, choose hosting guests, generally with them, and and stressful justshopping, to stay cooking and communicating easier to manage than brown paper and are string, or lengths of fabric rushing around can all get a bit too much. afloat. When you owe money demonstrate that you take the rathercards, than which foil thatcome can’twith be Keeping yourcompanies, decorationsitsimple and rustic seriously.and cotton ribbon,credit to numerous situation a temptation to build upand more recycled. Use cardboard luggage labels is not only attractive and on-trend, but it also can be difficult to know how overmight time.enjoy potato There are many debt bearcharities in mind that debt children makes life easier and can be extremely costbest to deal with your debts in the UK that will printing help youthe plain paper for a little are embellishment Personal loans generally effective. Unpretentious and understated, natural - the pressure becomes – white paint looks fantastic against the brown. work out a budget if you need offered for larger purchases, decorations suit every home, large or small, overwhelming when you’re As for receiving presents, nothing nicer guidance in this area, and however,there’s such as a car or modern or traditional, and make a fabulous, simply trying to pay them off. than a row of knitted stockings hanging by the some may even contact the refurbishing a kitchen for timeless alternative to commercialised glitz and fire, perhaps with example. some printed hessian sacks To help you get more lender on your behalf. It’s glitter. – widely these days – for larger gifts. control and understand the important to let your lenderavailablePayday loans The centrepiece of this look, ideally, is a real ramifications of failing to repay, know an amount you can afford Payday are targeted tree, which is best bought from a good local Fresh flowers are fabulousloans at Christmas – a at here’s a little more detail about and provide them with those who needsoon smalltoamounts stockist. Choose one that’s as freshtoasrepay, possible, gorgeous reminder of springtime come. the various secured copy of to back to carry the end of your make a newforms cut atofthe bottom, and a display in your budget Hyacinths are classic (andthem theirtoscent will fill and unsecured borrowing. up.holds the month, and are often a stand (a wicker basket is perfect) itthat home), as are amaryllis and poinsettias. They
used to particularly pay bills and meet in all look special other liabilities. danger white, of course.The Wrap pots of these typestied of loan in the in hessian with lies string extremely highof rates ofinto interest or pop groups them applied. a wicker basket; you can decorate the tops of the pots If you know that you’ll be able with silver moss. to pay the loan off when it’s Because a look due, they this mayisbe a good last where is more,alaying resort, less but missing payment the festive table send is easy. will very quickly youAinto linen place mats, to a debtrunner spiral or that is difficult plain white china, clear escape. glass (recycled and robust Mail catalogues or cutorder crystal for a twinkle, Catalogue you companies tend whichever prefer) and to attract new customers simple decorations such withbowls introductory low interest as of pine cones rates or no interest or oranges studdedinitially. Repayments are made over a with cloves, and specified period perhaps a vase – usually 20 or 40 and if you don’t full of weeks, evergreens, fall behind, using twigs and boughs.a mail order catalogue can be a flexible way Cosy, welcoming to spend. and unpretentious. The problem Finally, add is that if you miss evensmall one payment, a candles,
and tall, in rows along higher interest rate will come mantelpieces, in thecan centre into effect which be as of much the dining table, on simple as 40% APR. Other iron candelabra, in advent charges will also be applied displays anywhere their late by the –company, including flickering glow make you for payment feeswill and a charge feel happy.the Alternatively, tea chasing debt. lights look pretty inside old As with some credit card jam jars, whichyour is safer if you limit companies, spending have young children around. may be increased regularly Pop a mince in purchasing the oven to tempt youpie into and heat some mulled more. On the face of it,wine buying on theahob, and here it is from catalogue company –seems a verylike merry Christmas. a good idea, but Mainneed Image: these other factors to Log battery candles withFurther star be taken into account. design, £12 each, problems can also arise if you The Contemporary Home, are an agent 02392 for the469400; catalogue. www.tch.net acting aS a catalogue Image on left: agent Intricateagent star, £8, Being a catalogue Jenny Walsh involves collecting money Design, 0868 from your customers 773293;and www. remitting itjennywalshdesign. to the company. But what happens if one of your com customers doesn’t pay – are
you ultimately liable for the money they owe? IngredIentS
You should keep separate for a natural accounting records for all your ChrIStMaS customers, and if they miss a
hessian payment, send off the details to the catalogue company. When twigs, branches and you first became an agent, you boughs may have signed ribbon a separate linen and cotton credit agreement with the Brown paper and string company, but should also make greenery andaberries from sure there’s credit agreement the gardenyourself and each between customer. Moss dried, sliced apples andto take The catalogue are likely oranges steps to recover any missed payments,sticks whether they are Cinnamon and star your own or your customers’, anise but it’s possible that if a signed gingerbread agreement between yourself felt and the catalogue company hyacinths, amaryllis and doesn’t exist, they may not have white poinsettias the authority to collect the debt. Candles ¹http://themoneycharity.org. Pine cones uk/money-statistics/
Pets Corner... (Dec16).qxp_Layout 1 28/11/2016 21:33 Page 1
Diet & Food...
Avoiding Christmas Dietary Hazards
IT'S time for the seasonal warnings but rather than trot out just the usual stuff about dietary indiscretions, at risk of pontificating about diet two months running, I thought I'd illustrate this with some actual cases.
fatal but even if not all will cost a lot to treat let alone considering the discomfort to the patient. And don't forget the risk of lily poisoning in cats from festive decorations - all parts of the lily plant are poisonous to cats.
CASE 1 : A dog which had eaten two lamb samosas she had stolen, suffered from life threatening onion poisoning. A compound in onions and garlic damages the red blood cells and this dog developed such severe anaemia only a blood transfusion donated by her sister saved her life. As it is she has also suffered from liver damage and although currently doing well on supportive therapy for her liver, this damage may well be permanent. OK, lamb samosas are not on many people’s Christmas dinner list but many foods which may be attractive to dogs if left out with access to them do contain onions so this is a general warning. Although cats are bit more fastidious about what they eat, onions are even more toxic to them. CASE 2 : A cat which was playing with a ribbon removed from a present managed to swallow all one metre of it. She was unable to keep any food down and left alone this would not have been passed and could have caused a life threatening obstruction in the intestine. Fortunately timely surgery to remove the ribbon from this cat’s stomach saved her from more serious consequences but left her owner with rather a large bill. Cats are attracted to tinsel and other decorations and can swallow these. I've even seen a cat electrocuted from chewing through the electric wires of Christmas tree lights. CASE 3 : A dog which had eaten a whole Christmas pudding suffered from severe bloat and a gastric torsion (twisted stomach) which required high risk emergency surgery to correct. In some ways this dog was lucky because if we hadn't removed the contents of its stomach during the procedure it could have suffered from poisoning from the sultanas and raisins in the pudding which can cause kidney failure. There is only space for these 3 actual case studies but every year vets also see cases of chocolate and nut poisoning and animals suffering from severe gastroenteritis and acute pancreatitis from over-indulgence on turkey. That is without worrying about turkey bones that can cause serious obstructions. Many of these cases are
Finally, even if your pets survive all these hazards, be wary that lack of exercise due to shorter walks on winter days can cause them to pile on the pounds so think about feeding them less and go easy on the titbits and treats. There's no need to be paranoid and you can still enjoy Christ-mas with your pets but just be cautious.
M C Atkinson BVSc MRCVs www.stmartinsvetclinic.com
Gardening Gifts by Pippa Greenwood brilliant presents, so why somebody if they garden not choose a couple of on chalk, unless you know
It is not that long until Christmas now, and although I am the first to admit that I haven’t done a great deal of Christmas shopping, this year I’m making a plea for useful presents - and maybe a bit less soap and slippers! If you’ve any gardening friends, whether they’ve been full-on gardening for years or have just been bitten by the gardening bug, it is so easy to get them a present they’ll really enjoy and find useful. A trip to any good local garden centre will reveal plenty of potential gifts in a wide range of prices, sizes and shapes that will suit anybody from the complete novice to the most experienced gardener. Another option is to take a look on the internet and get some gorgeous gardening gifts delivered right to your door. Houseplants can make
really good-looking ones? At this time of year there are plenty, such as the indoor cyclamens and azaleas or a flamboyant poinsettia or a gorgeous Christmas cactus, which look fantastic whilst in flower - but don’t forget that lots of the foliage houseplants look great, too. Make sure that you keep the plants at their best by placing them in a suitable position before you give them away, as they could otherwise suffer quite quickly. Outdoor plants are also an ideal choice, but before you purchase a gift for someone’s garden make sure that you know that the plant you are choosing will go to a suitable home. There is no use buying a lime-hating plant such as a Pieris, rhododendron, Camellia or azalea for
that they have a supply of ericaceous compost and a good sized pot to hand too! Of course, that could also be a present from someone else if you plan carefully. If you’ve time to create a pot of winter flowering bedding plants, perhaps under-planted with a few small bulbs such as crocus or miniature daffodils, this will make a lovely instant garden impact present for anyone, whatever the size of their garden. Despite the huge quantities of Christmas paraphernalia in garden centres at the moment, any half decent centre will still have a good range of winter bedding plants and winter interest plants available. Anyone with an interest in growing vegetables would enjoy one of the many gardening books on
the subject, or perhaps a ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Voucher Card – this will allow them to select the vegetables they’d like to grow from the range I offer at www. pippagreenwood.com. Then, in the spring, we send them garden-ready plants accompanied by weekly advice and tips emails from me. Pretty well every gardener I know loves to encourage birds into the garden, so how about a bird box or feeder or maybe even some bird food? Bird feeding equipment and supplies now take up plenty of space in garden
off-season warmth). Gardeners love practical So rather than rushing out things so a good hoe and buying something that like my favourite, the ‘will do’ as a gift, take a SpeedHoe, will always be moment and see what you welcome, or how about can find which will really some Micromesh-covered bring a smile to someone’s or polythene-covered face! EasyTunnels, perfect for protecting crops throughout the growing season next year? A raised bed kit is a great gift idea, too, allowing people to grow gorgeous centres, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
the weather and provide
vegetables even if their own soil isn’t ideal. Some kits even come with the option to add crop covers made from fine mesh (to keep pests out) or polythene (to protect from the worst of
Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com and book Pippa for a gardening talk or peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items, including Nemaslug to control slugs, pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, pull-out EasyTunnels, ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Voucher cards, signed books and lots more besides.
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HOBBIES...
Afternoon Leisure Painting Monday 2pm to 4pm and Wednesday 1.30pm to 3.30pm. The advanced and fundamental concepts of art in any media. Enthusiastic people welcome. Southlands Arts Centre 01895 632171
Crafty Cards Have fun creating your own cards. 2nd and 4th Friday, 10am to 12noon. Contact 01753 652 459 Craft Evening Group Tuesday 7.30pm. Members own projects and workshops to share experience and further skills at Southlands Arts Centre. Tel: 01895 442980 Handicraft - Morning Group Tuesday 10am to 12 noon, needlecraft and any handicraft with material. Paper 3D decoupage, patchwork, cross stitch, soft toys etc., at Southlands Arts Centre. Tel: 01895 442910
Knit & Knatterers Hand and Machine Knitting, Crochet 2nd & 4th Monday of the month 7.309.30pm at Southlands Arts Centre. Tel: 01895 421777 Les Artists - Evening Wednesday 7.30pm to 9.30pm. A mixed ability class for still life, portraiture etc. All welcome at Southlands Arts Centre. 0208 797 4635
Yiewsley Angling & West Drayton Fishing Clubs Thurs 8-10.30pm, Yiewsley & West Outline Theatre Group Drayton Community Centre. At St. Matthews Church, Yiewsley. Every For more details call 01895 443423 Tue 7.30-9.30pm. All welcome from 8yrs+. See www.outlinetheatre. co.uk or KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA... call Robert Jones on 01895 446352 Painting Group - Morning Tues 10am-1pm. Experienced watercolorists very welcome at Southlands Arts Centre. Tel: 01895 421328 Spinning & Weavers Group Tues 7.30-9.30pm at Southlands Arts Centre. Tel: 01895 443481
The Language Clubs of Hillingdon From late Sept until mid-July. Visitors welcome, Speak some German, Spanish, French or Italian? Want to practise speaking and listening in friendly groups, with recent learners, improvers & native speakers? Join a Hillingdon Family History Society Language Club! Each Club meets on a At Hillingdon Park Baptist Church, different Thursday of the month at 7.45 Hercies Road, Hillingdon. Research pm in St Giles' Church Hall, Swakeleys room open (10am-1pm) every Fri (except the Fri before the first Sat of the Road, Ickenham UB10 8BG. For details: German Club 0208 429 1921; Italian month). On the first Sat of the month Club 020 8863 3468; Spanish Club and open 10am-1pm at Uxbridge Library. French Club 01895 253 472 Experienced help available. See www.hfhs.co.uk . Contact Mrs P. Uxbridge Chess Club Reynolds 01895 444442 or email Meet at the Ivy Leaf Club, 1st floor, 8 hillingdonfhs@onetel.com Wellington Rd, UB8 2AP. Every Wed, 7.30pm. All welcome. Parking, bar, tv. Hillingdon Railway Modellers Club Tuition available. Free initially, then Meet every Thursday, 7.30pm at cheap membership. Info: Peter Lord at Yiewsley Baptist Church. Contact peter-lord@tiscali.co.uk and 01895 tonymoth@Hotmail.co.uk 236973 or just turn up! Hillingdon Natural History Society Uxbridge Craft Market Meets 1st wed of the month at the Every Wednesday (9am-5pm) at The Scout HQ, Gatting Way, Uxbridge. Pavilions Shopping Centre Arts, Crafts, enquiries@hillingdonGifts and Collectables naturalhistorysociety.org.uk www.uxbridge-craft-market.co.uk Inland Waterways Association Wednesday Stitch Club Meet 2nd Tues of every month at 10-12noon at Hillingdon Tennis Club . Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, All abilities, Tutorial, White work, gold Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. work, crewel work etc. Your choice! Call middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk sue 0208 868 8052. Iver Flower Club West Drayton & District The Coppins Room, Iver Village Hall, History Society Grange Way, Iver, SL0 9HW. Meets The society meets on the last 4th Thursday of month, 7.30pm. Tuesday of each month Sep-May Call Jayne on 07730 249876. (excluding Dec) at St Martins www.bbando.org.uk/clubs/iver Harlington Locomotive Society Every Thursday, 8pm at the club in High Street, Harlington, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 5ET. For details call Peter Tarrant on 01895 851168
Church Hall, Church Road at 7.30pm. Each month there is a talk of either local or national interest. During the summer months a programme of visits and walks are arranged. Membership £8 per year. Call either Diane 07599 730640 or Cyril 07704 837042 for details.
Clubbercise class Mondays at Iver Village Junior School, High St, Iver, SL0 9QA. Term-Time, 18.10 to 19.00, £5 PAYG, for anyone from the age of 16 up! Contact Liz on 07795 512938. Come and Glow with glow-sticks in the dark to 90s anthems upto present-time music. Dance, Gymnastics and Free Running Classes With Futunity Uk in Uxbridge Town Centre & Hillingdon Sports & Leisure centre. Ages 2-Adults. All styles of dance from RAD ballet, Contemporary & ISTD Tap to Break Dancing, Street Dance, Hip Hop & Zumba. Check out our website for full class listings, www.futunityuk.com. Contact Futunity Uk Head Office 01895 251224 or email admin@futunityuk.com Fitness Club St Catherine School, Money Lane, West Drayton, UB7 7NX. Thursday 6-7pm. Circuits, Fitness and Boxercise. £5 a class. Shaun Thompson, www.tauruspt.co.uk Tel: 07906 087749 Irish Dancing classes Children age 5 upwards. Beginners and advanced classes. Monday, 6pm at Hayes Conservative Club, Church Rd Wednesday, 6pm at Greenford Visitati on Catholic church hall Contact Deidre e: Deirdreosullivan@ hotmail.co.uk t: 07956 346383 Ladies Only Kickboxing Club Wednesdays, 6.30-8.00pm at Watts Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. First Class FREE! Just turn up or call Instructor Leanne Phillips on 07518 848285 e: leanne @kickboxing-longdon.co.uk www.kickboxing-london.co.uk
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KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA CONTINUED...
Line Dancing Thurs 12-2pm. St Martins Church Hall, Church Road, West Drayton. Call Susan 01895 832837 susanwynne376@gmail.com
Linedance for Improvers Tuesdays 12-2pm Royal British Legion, Station Road, West Drayton. Call Instructor Ann 0791 435 8050
Linedancing Tuesday evenings 7.30-10.30pm. Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre. Call Ann on 0791 435 8050 Modern Jive Classes (Ceroc) Mondays, 8-11pm, Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre Thursdays, 8-11pm, Uxbridge Civic Centre. Beginners welcome, first night entry and free lifetime membership. Contact: Alan 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 or email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com.
Nordic Walking & Wellbeing Explore our borough’s green spaces . with all round exercise in the open air 4 wk courses various days and locations pre-booking essential contact 07771 872 592 / learningmoves@hotmailco.uk Pilates and Tai Chi Fit courses Tuesdays 7.30-8.30pm, Yiewsley and West Drayton Community Centre. Contact Penny 07771 872592/01895 420409; learningmoves@hotmail.co.uk Pinewood Fitness The Fitness Room, Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Road, Iver Heath, Sl0 0NH Mon 20.00-21.00, Wed 19.30-20.30 Booking only. Various Fitness Circuits, Boxercise, Gym Work £5 a class. Shaun Thompson, www.tauruspt.co.uk 07906 087749 Salsa Classes Every Monday: The Middlesex Arms, Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HG. Beginners class starts 8pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.459.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm. Every Wednesday: The WatersEdge, Canal Cottages, Packetboat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. Beginners class starts 7:30pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.30
9.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm
Tai Chi Classes Sat 10-11am, Yiewsley Methodist Church, Fairfield Road, UB7 8EY. Call Dan on 07880 601429 to book. Tai Chi Fit Designed for modern life. Wed 09.3010.30am. Yiewsley and West Drayton Community Centre UB7 9JL. Contact Penny 07771 872592/01895 420409; learningmoves@hotmail.co.uk Tap Dance Mondays 7.30-8.30pm at Meadows Community Centre, West Drayton. Adult Beginner/Intermediate tap. No exams. Contact 01895 420409 / learningmoves@hotmail.co.uk. Weekly Tea Dance 2pm to 4pm at Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre please call 01895 422776 for info. Yoga for All Wednesday 7.30-9.00pm Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre. Priya 01895 440712
Zumba 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. All welcome. £5. Ann-Marie Samuels 07701 012927 Chair exercise and Fitsteps/Zumba for over 55’s Monday mornings at Yiewsley & West Drayton community Centre Chair exercise is from 10.30am to 11.15am followed by tea/coffee, then Fit steps/Zumba from 11.30am to 12.15pm. £1 per class for info: 01895 443423 PRE-SCHOOL & KIDS GROUPS... Mobile Disco for Children A mobile disco available for hire, for children of all ages call Zoe on 07747 063149 for details. Slough Sea Cadets Parade nights on Mon and Thu 19.30-21.30 at Langley Pavillion, Langley Road, Slough, SL3 8BS. Male & Female Junior Cadets (age 10-12yrs) & Cadets (age 1218yrs). Fees £2pw, courses from £5. Email: sloughseacadets@yahoo.co.uk
Stars at Knight After school Drama Club for children 7-18 yrs at Southlands Art Centre, 76 The Green, West Drayton. Tel: 0208 841 8940 / 07956 123626 e: starsatknightdrama@gmail.com www.starsatknight-schoolofdrama.co.uk
MUSIC... Faraday Country Music Club In Slough SL2 1RN. Join us for the best live Country Music. From 811pm. Call Deb 07986 050742 www.faradaycountry.co.uk Guitar lessons Complete beginners welcome. Contact Sam on 07798 588496 sam@uxbridgeguitarlessons.co.uk Learn to Play in a Rock Band At a professional recording studio taught by expert musicians. Open to 7-18 year olds, we teach guitar, bass, drums and vocals in small groups and as a band. Sessions will run after school at R'n'R Studios, Uxbridge starting October. Contact Conor for details on 07946 402797 or email wlsr.uxb@gmail.com
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 Open to all ages wanting to learn to play a brass instrument or to 'brush up' your skills. Rehearse every Wed (TT only) 6.45-7.45pm, St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. Contact Abi on 07985 302 856 or emailtraining@ywdband.com PETS... Iver Dog Training Club Every Tue and Fri 6.30pm-9.00pm at St Andrews Church, Richings Park. Call Diana 01753 732907. Iver Heath Fields Dog Club 'Outdoor Training' every Sat at 10.15am, Wed at 11am. Call Mike on 01753 817852 or 07795 031335 continued over...
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SELF DEFENCE...
& West Drayton Community Centre. Call Sarah on 0208 569 0181
Close Quarter Combat Based in Richings Park. Specialising in speed, strength and conditioning training. Pad work combinations. Suitable for men & women of all ages. 1-2-1 sessions. Call Mark 07525 366126 e: mj.wilding@hotmail.com Karate Club of Denham For ages 5 years and upwards. Sundays 9.15-11am at New Denham Community Centre, Oxford Road. Call 07988 743725 Karate Club of Uxbridge For ages 5 years and upwards. Wed 5-7pm at The Greenway, Uxbridge. Call 07988 743725 Heathrow Boxing Club Men & women, boys & girls Junior Boxing Club: Tue & Thu, 5pm. Senior Boxing Club Mon, Tue & Thu, 8pm. 422 Bath Road, Longford, Middlesex, UB7 0EB. Tel: 0208 123 1271. Martial Arts Bujinkan Kuri Dojo Ninjutsu and Bujutsu, Unit 21 Bridgeworks, UB8 2JG. Tel: 07878 471124. Training: Sunday 10.30am-12.30pm, Tuesday 8-10pm, Thursday 8.3010pm www.bujinkankuridojo.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.
Probus Club of Langley & Iver is always looking for new members, we meet for lunch at Pinewood Hotel, George Green, Uxbridge Road, Slough on the last Tuesday of the month (except Dec). We are friendly and attract retired persons of both sexes who usually are from a professional background although there is nothing rigid about background. We normally have a speaker and cover a wide range of interests. Call Maureen Richardson 01753 819456.
Shorinji Kempo Self Defence Learn the practical self defence techniques of this traditional Japanese martial art. Tue 6-7pm children (£2), 7-9pm adults (£5). The Barn, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge. Call Dan 07776 421957. www.sk.harrow.ac.uk Silat Kuntao Indonesian Self-Defence Traditional self-defence, includes empty hand, weapons, meditation and healing massage. Adult classes only. Mon and Wed 8pm-10pm at Denham Village Memorial Hall, Denham, UB9 5BN. Call Philip Davies 07790 496 346 or kuntao.matjan.uk@gmail.com.
Slimming World The Salvation Army, Cowley Road, Uxbridge. Tuesday 7pm Tel: Nicki 07826 698360 New Denham Community Centre Tuesday, 10-11.30am. Tel: Mandy 07879 897578 Yiewsley Methodist Church, Farfield Road, Yiewsley. Wednesdays 5pm or 6.45pm. Tel: Nicki 07826 698360 Friday mornings at Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre call Sandra for info: 07766 250 612 SOCIAL GROUPS...
Colne Valley Park Conservation Vols Every second weekend of the month. Hands on help to protect the wildlife and local landscape. Contact Steve Ord. steven.ord@groundwork.org.uk or call 07718 043080. Harlington Women’s Institute Every 1st Wed of month, 7.309.30pm at Landsdown House, St Peter's Way Hayes UB3 5AB. Call Sarah Wilson 0208 759 0019 Inspirations Spiritualist Group Spiritualist group for like-minded people. Weekly services with a guest Medium every Thursday at The Walter Pomeroy Hall, Royal Lane, Hillingdon, UB8 3QY. 7.15pm for 7.45pm start. Admission £5 Concessions £4.50 Accompanied Children u16 - FREE. Enqs: 07968 039426 or 0208 841 4901.
SELF HELP & SUPPORT...
Over 60s Social Group Over 60s Singles Group meet fortnightly at various agreed venues. Judith 07980 073170 Mel 07785 582323 judithholl07@hotmail.co.uk
Alcoholics Anonymous Meet every Sunday, 7.30pm at St Leonards Hall, St Leonards Walk, Richings Park, Iver, SL0 9DD. For more call Howard 07816 315688. Glow Fitness Every Thursday 10-11.30am, Yiewsley
Over 65s Wellbeing Sessions Every Friday from 1:30-3:30pm. Creative art & craft activities & chair & standing exercise for over 65s at Yiewsley Cornerstone Centre, 74 Colham Ave. Yiewsley UB7 8HF. Sessions free. Call 01895 458310 www.yiewsleycornerstone.co.uk.
Southlands Ladies Group Talks, outings, own evenings. Mon fortnightly. Call 01895 445766 Senior Citizens Welfare Association Monthly social on the 4th Wed of every month, with tea/raffle /tombola /bingo and regular outings at Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre 01895 443423 for info.
Veterans Breakfast Club runs to help Armed Forces Veterans in West London and surrounding areas. Comrades from all Services to get together on the last Saturday of the month at the Good Yarn Public House, Uxbridge High Street, UB8 1JX from 09:30-11:30hrs. Contact: Iain Henderson, Iain115@aol.com (exRAF) or Lorraine Reed 07976 398533, lorraineareed@gmail.com Women’s Social Group Looking to make new friends? Social group for women. Call Seema 07730 898635 or seemaa@seemaa.co.uk SPORT... Hayes & Harlington Road Runners Includes beginners sessions for anyone looking to start running. Every Wed, 8pm at Hayes and Harlington Community Association, Albert Road, Hayes. E: jack.nisbet@talk21.com www.hhroadrunners.com. Ladies Golf Meets 10am every Monday and Wednesday at Rickmansworth Golf Club new members welcome. Email ladies-captain@rickmansworthgolf club.co.uk for further details. Uxbridge Squash Club All welcome. Uxbridge Cricket Club, Park Rd, Uxbridge. E: squash@ uxbridgesquash.org.uk or visit: www.uxbridgesquash.org.uk.
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The Relationship Between Exposure to Chemicals and the Development of Industrial Diseases
by Alan Jolliffe Senior Litigation Executive, Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Team IBB Solicitors alan.jolliffe@ibblaw.co.uk Chemicals and other hazardous substances such as asbestos and lead have been responsible for human disease for thousands of years. However, since the Industrial Revolution, cases have become prolific, with hundreds of people suffering every year from occupational diseases caused by chemicals. Hazardous substances are used in many industries from hairdressing to pest control. If their exposure is not carefully controlled, people run the risk of developing a serious disease. Most people do not realise that even if the use of chemicals (including dyes and solvents) is necessary to complete tasks throughout the course of their working day, an employer can be ordered to pay compensation if staff suffer injury or harm as a result of using particular substances. To fulfil their duty of care around hazardous substances, employers must apply principles of good practice alongside ensuring that
0333 123 9099
enquiries@ibbclaims.co.uk
Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) are not exceeded. Exposure to substances that can cause occupational asthma, cancer, or damage to genes that can be passed from one generation to another, must also be reduced as low as is reasonably practicable. If an employer fails to meet this standard of care and causes harm to an employee or member of the public, they can be liable for compensation. At IBB, our industrial injuries team, led by Alan Jolliffe, has the expertise and knowledge to advise and represent you if you believe exposure to chemicals or other hazardous substances at your place of work has caused you to become ill or suffer skin irritations. Let us help you seek compensation by phoning us on 0333 123 9099 or emailing us at enquiries@ibbclaims.co.uk. Any discussions we have with you will be in the strictest of confidence.
Making a compensation claim could be the first step towards seeking justice, and give you the support to cope. Call us today for free initial advice to discuss the possibility of claiming compensation.
Answers Pg 35
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EST. 1985 EST. 1985
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