Living In Barnes, East Sheen & West Putney - Jan/Feb 19

Jan/Feb 2019

HEALTH & WELLBEING

start afresh

Taking a gap year - aged 53

A second career in your 50s?

And...

• Make the most of small spaces • Restaurant review: OKA • Local talk

Connecting Connecting local local people people to to local local life life

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Welcome...

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o, hello 2019! It's great to be looking forward to the year ahead. Most of us have a wish list, plans we would like to achieve or resolutions we'd like to keep. And a good way to start is by keeping healthy both physically and mentally. Our Health Focus this issue aims to help you do just that, so read more from pg 29.

Local resident, Nicholas Waite, decided to take a gap year, cycling 7,000 km from Spain to the northern-most tip of Norway. His journey started in the sunny surroundings of southern Spain and ended working his way up (and down, just as scary) snow capped mountains and through ferocious Arctic storms. Read more about his story on pg 14.

Whether it's through circumstances or choice, it's not always the easiest decision to change career when you're over 50. There is still a reluctance on the part of employers to take on those who are in their later years, but find out who took up the challenge of changing direction on pg 23.

Huge congratulations to Jackie Petersen, who won the £100 M&S voucher from our Sept/ Oct competition and to Leah Han who won a full roast dinner for four from The Ginger Pig competition in our Nov/Dec issue.

Pippa, Editor

Connecting local people to local life

Contents 7 11 13 14 16 19

Homes & Interiors: Making the most of small spaces Creating a home bar Gardening: Plans for the year ahead Local people: A gap year - aged 53 Local Talk Restaurant review: OKA

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23 29 38

A career change in your 50s Health Focus: Physical and mental wellbeing What's On

Business Profile 27 Colin Ferns

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Contact us:

Also: Living In Richmond, Kew & East Twickenham

Editor & Publisher: Pippa Duncan Sales: Caroline Clark T: 020 8878 1890 E: pippa@livinginmagazines.co.uk Published independently by: Living In Magazines Ltd Mar/Apr copy deadline: 5 February @LivingInMagazinesRichmond

Contributors: Valerie McBride-Munro, Katherine Sorrell, Alison Runham, Kate McLelland

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Pippa Duncan

Photo:anniearmitage.com

Living In Magazines

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Connecting local people to local life - 020 8878 1890

small is beautiful

homes & interiors

Make the most of your small spaces to create a beautiful home

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make them incredibly functional.

Adding internal drawers, shelves, baskets, hooks and so on will enable every bit of space to be put to good use.

mall may be beautiful, but living in a small space is not always easy. Our tips will help you make the most of every room, no matter what its size.

Photo: rational.de/en

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Are you making the most of every 4 Aim high.

In a child’s centimetre of bedroom, your space? The 'Get clever with colour. Pale for example, a highbest way to tell is by drawing a scale plan colours appear to recede and sleeper bed can and checking for increase the sense of space...' include a desk, sofa or play area beneath. areas that could Why stop at the be improved. normal height when bookcases, kitchen Could relatively simple changes, such as cupboards and wardrobes can all be built repositioning a radiator, re-hanging a door or right up to the ceiling, adding some vital extra moving the furniture, make a big difference? storage space? You just need to remember to plan for somewhere to store a ladder or step 2 Storage is vital. In fact, it is often the case stool, too. that losing a little floor area to create builtin storage will actually make the room seem Get clever with colour. While pale colours more streamlined and therefore larger. Think 5 appear to recede, and thus increase the bookshelves and cupboards in the living room, sense of space, darker colours absorb light wall-to-wall wardrobes in the bedroom, floorand therefore appear more enclosing. So, to-ceiling shelving in the study and a tall coat for a bright, airy, open look, opt for a unified, cupboard in the hall. Add storage into any pale colour scheme. Paint built-in storage and ‘dead’ space you can, whether it’s in chimney radiators the same colour as the walls to make alcoves, around a bed head or above a them disappear. doorway. Wall racks and hooks on the backs of doors are invaluable.

Use mirror and glass to open up a room.

6 Think about light sources – whether Whatever storage you buy or build, 3 sunlight through windows or light fittings don’t forget to design their interiors to Find more great Homes & Interiors articles at livinginmagazines.co.uk

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– and place mirrors so that they bounce the light around. And choose glass or acrylic when possible for furnishings or accessories so as to create that barely-there look.

Photo: ikea.com/gb

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While it is not always necessary to opt for small-scale pieces, select furniture carefully, avoiding deep, squishy upholstery, fussy details and bulky outlines.

Simple, lightweight styles have the least impact in a small space, and anything raised on slender legs will make the room seem larger (because there is more visible floor area).

When appropriate, look out for compact, folding, wheeled, extending, dual-purpose or wallmounted furniture, each of which can provide great solutions for different space problems. The only condition is that it must be comfortable, fulfil its function and suit your overall style.

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Decide on one design style and make sure it is cohesive throughout. Employing complementary (pale) colours, interesting natural textures and subtle patterns will generate a sense of harmony and understated visual appeal.

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If you are working on a renovation, then larger-scale alterations may be achievable, even if you cannot enlarge your square footage.

Consider replacing bulky radiators with underfloor heating, going open plan, enlarging windows, replacing doors or walls with glass to allow light to flow from room to room, or even – if height allows – adding a mezzanine floor level.

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In a small home there is simply no room for excess clutter. It can be really hard to get rid of stuff, but if you don’t use it regularly, you’ll have to be ruthless. Sort it into boxes or bags marked for rubbish, recycling, giving away, mending or storing elsewhere.

Aim to do one room per week, or a few minutes a day – then get into the habit of keeping on top of it so it doesn’t build up again.

Katherine Sorrell is the author of 17 books on design and interiors

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Cupboards

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Kitchens Shelving ●

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why go out, when you can create your own bar?

From a drinks trolley to a full-on basement hideout, what could be more fun than serving up cocktails in your very own home bar, asks Katherine Sorrell

Left: Hand-made cocktail glasses, £24.95, annabeljames.co.uk Below: 1920s inspired gold and glass cocktail shaker, £25.50, audenza.com Right: Built-in champagne bar, Hartford kitchens by Tom Howley, tomhowley.co.uk

Bottom left: Leopard print tray, £29, frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk Below: Pascali bar cabinet, £619, Atkin and Thyme, atkinandthyme.co.uk

Left: Luxe Jacques bar cart, £1,450, with Barbell ice bucket, £298, and barware set, £198, jonathanadler.com Above left: The teapot contains a filter basket which is perfect for infusing tea leaves or gin flavourings. G&Tea cocktail set, £30, redcandy.co.uk Please mention Living In Magazines when contacting advertisers

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go NATIVE

gardening

It’s the time of year when we reflect on what’s gone by and what’s to come in the garden

© Valerie McBride-Munro 2019

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hile the forecasts remain gloomy about global warming, there are some signs of hope for your garden. The message is that if we use more native plants, we could reap some big benefits.

We know that bees are having a hard time at the moment, with entire colonies collapsing. Insects are the foundation of our ecosystem and the UN has warned that 40% of all pollinators – particularly bees and butterflies – risk global extinction. By selecting insect friendly plants we can help to And sticking with moonlight, if you spend redress the balance. a lot of night time in your garden, flowers If we are trying to encourage more wildlife and plants that glow at night will bring your into the garden, then we must be a little more garden to life. Light coloured plants such relaxed about being too tidy. Let a small part as lamb’s ear, white echinacea, go wild to support insect life. You white muscari or any other could also allow part of the 'Light coloured white flower will reflect lawn to forego its regular plants such as lamb’s ear, moonlight and give the haircut and, inserting native self-seeding white echinacea, white muscari night garden a lovely glow. plants such as poppies or any other white flower will You can also protect and daisies will enhance reflect moonlight...' your revelers from biting the effect. insects with white marigolds, lavender and rosemary.

Follow the moon Another new discussion that has appeared in The Garden Media 2019 Garden Trends Report - a Minted And while we’re talking trends, it appears weighty tome that I have been reading - is that that in the US mint is now being hailed as in the States more gardeners are following the great multi-tasking plant - as a feed for the age-old belief that phases of the moon chickens, warding off biting insects, aiding can affect plant growth. According to an Old Farmer’s Almanac tradition, here’s how it works: digestion, freshening the breath, raising mental awareness and increasing heart vitality.

Plant annuals and vegetables that bear crops All I can advise is please put this easy to grow above ground during the waxing moon – plant into a pot and then plant both in the that’s from the day the moon is new to the day ground. Otherwise your mint will take over. that it is full. Plant flowering bulbs, perennials, biennials and vegetables that bear crops Valerie McBride-Munro is a qualified below the ground during the waning moon – horticulturist offering a plant problem from the day after it is full to the day before it solving service. Tel: 020 8892 9243 is new again.

Please mention Living In Magazines contacting advertisers Find more great gardening articleswhen at livinginmagazines.co.uk

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a local life...

Taking a gap year - aged 53 Despite two reconstructed knees and a spinal operation, local resident Nicholas Waite decided to cycle 7,000 km from Spain to Norway

'A

builder who we employed to renovate our house once said: "Anything is possible if you have enough time."

With those wise words resonating in my head I set off on April 6, 2018 to cycle solo the 7,000 km (4,300 miles) from Europe’s southernmost point (Tarifa in southern Spain) to its most northern point, Nordkapp in far north Norway.

'Enjoying a mature ’gap year’ from the frantic pace of the corporate world, I had decided on this trip to immerse myself in Europe at a slower pace than driving or flying and to raise as much money as possible for the Nepal Youth Foundation charity.

'My route would take me up the east coast of Spain into France and then on to Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and finally Norway. I would be on the road for 84 days, of which 73 were spent cycling.

'When I finished, the two most common questions asked were ‘what was the highlight?’ and ‘what did you think about?’. Answering the first was easy. It was the people I met.

The warmth of hospitality and generosity extended to me by complete strangers was immeasurable and without exception. As, too, was the inspiration I drew from my interaction with fellow travellers. None more so than two particular characters. One was a blind German man who, with the aid of a friend riding in front of him, was cycling a Trike (bicycle with three wheels) 500 km, ‘just because,’ he said, ‘life needs to be lived’.

'The other was a paraplegic lady who I came across in Norway. She was roller skiing down the road, pushing herself with her arms, whilst sitting atop a small platform attached to her two skis.

'Both experiences made me pause and reflect that whatever pain or tiredness I was feeling was put into context by these two.

'And what did I think about on the trip?

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Well, not a lot.

I was usually concentrating on counting the miles until the top of the next hill or concentrating on staying alive on the way back down.

But, being a keen photographer, I was always scouting the terrain for a decent photo.

'I never pondered too long on how far I had to go and nor did I get struck by the supposed ‘white light’ of revelation as to what I was going to do career wise once I finished the ride. In contrast, I found myself in an almost meditative trance most days,

Connecting local people to local life - 020 8878 1890

'I found myself in an almost meditative trance most days, absorbing everything around me through sight, sound and smell...' absorbing everything around me through sight, sound and smell. Lowlights were few, if any. Yes, the weather in the far north of Norway was at times challenging. - but I was inside the Arctic Circle.

'Of course, none of this would have been possible without the understanding and support of my wife, Kathryn, who came out to meet me on several occasions during the ride and was there at the end when I rolled into Nordkapp in the middle of one of the fiercest storms to hit the area during the entire summer. Family and friends. The existence of both during my trip awakened me to the belief that it’s not so much the experience itself, but who you share it with that is more enduring.'

You can read more about Nicholas's cycle ride at thelaeman.com

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local talk... barnes

• What do you think?

The Barnes Philosophy Club meets once a month to listen to topics as diverse as The Earthly Paradises of William Morris (Jan), The Barbie’s Bar (Feb) and Hijacked in Heterotopia? The Ethics of Facebook (Mar).

Second Tuesday of each month, 7.309pm, The Coach & Horses, High St, Barnes. barnesphiloclub.blogspot.com

east sheen • Local Sheen images on Facebook How have our local streets and landmarks changed over the decades and centuries? There are various groups on Facebook which not only feature photos of places in the past, but also of locals, some of whom you may recognise. And you can add your own of Sheen, Mortlake and Barnes. Visitthe Facebook page @Barnes.memoriesandphotos. You can also search through old photos of Sheen, Mortlake and Barnes on the Barnes and Mortlake History Society website – www.barnes-history.org.uk

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Below left: White Hart Lane, Mortlake.

Sainsburys is now where the Mobil garage was on the left.

Above: Sheen Lane, East Sheen

putney • Le Fez returns Yes, Putney’s hottest night spot (!) has been reincarnated!

The nightclub of choice when I was younger (well, it was the only one…), its charm kind of faded away. But relaunched at the beginning of December

by DJ Nick Grimshaw, the club offers cabaret, comedy, disco and a girls’ night only - all a decadent setting. Ahh, the good old days…

• Comedy at the Pantry 19 Jan Need a little light-hearted relief after the trials of Christmas? Pop along for some comedy at the Putney Pantry, with comedians old and new, many from TV shows such as Live at the Apollo.

Putney Pantry Café Bar, opp. St Mary’s Church, Putney High St SW15. Doors open at 7pm, acts 8pm. Tickets from £12. putneycomedyclub.co.uk.

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NOW OPEN Book your table: www.harbourhotels.co.uk/the-gate

THE GATE. KITCHEN, BAR, TERRACE RICHMOND HILL, RICHMOND UPON THAMES, SURREY, TW10 6RP E : THE GATE@HARBOURHOTELS.CO.UK T: 020 8939 0390

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restaurant review

OKA

This is Pan Asian food with a modern twist and deliciously fresh a real gem in a great location, says Caroline Clark

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ith OKA restaurants in Soho, Chelsea and Primrose Hill they know what they are doing and aren’t we lucky to have one close by!

Imogen, a close friend who has eaten at Nobu, no less, was well qualified to join me. We were warmly greeted by Myatt and Anna with several full tables – a great sign for a Monday evening. The décor, lighting and well-spaced tables create an intimate atmosphere by night, as well as relaxed for lunch.

Whilst loving Asian food, I’m not an expert, so it was fun to taste many Asian cuisines and sushi. To begin, we shared soft shell tempura crab (£12.50) with lime mayo and jalapeno dips - the jalapeno, not too hot, a divine match for the light crispy crab.

By contrast, hamachi carpaccio (£12.50) thinly sliced yellowtail was delicately sweet, light and tender, it literally melted in the mouth. Moving to sushi, we chose a speciality - red dragon roll (£12.50, pictured) with panko crusted prawn, fresh mango topped with tuna tartar and a sashimi - hamachi tataki (£13.50), seared yellowtail fillet on shredded cucumber with truffle oil. We were wowed by the stunning presentation, flavours and freshness – this is creative sushi, far superior to the sushi we are used to.

Having sampled the fish and seafood, the Mongolian rack of lamb (£18.50) with garlic fried rice and kimchi took me to a different part of Asia and I wasn’t disappointed.

A generous four cutlets

'We were wowed by the stunning presentation, flavours and freshness...' of beautifully tender, marinated lamb with a gentle heat, the rice a perfect balance. Imogen chose a lighter dish of grilled miso salmon salad (£15.50) on baby gem with avocado, cherry tomatoes, mandarin segments and kizami sesame dressing - a lovely mix and feast for the eyes.

Asian desserts can be limited but there was a wide choice. We kept the light theme going with mango lychee cooler (£5.95) - coconut ice cream on homemade almond crumble and scoops of mango sorbet and green tea macha ice cream (£3.75) – indulgent and far better than macha as a tea! Imogen’s lemon and fresh ginger tea (£2.50) had lots of ginger chunks. I, on the other hand, having been restrained with one glass of wine, succumbed to the Espresso Martini (£8.50) which was silky smooth and very moreish…

There are many vegetarian dishes, a well put together wine list, cocktails and a kid’s menu – great to start them on their culinary Asian journey.

Bookings: 020 8741 8577 88 Church Road Barnes SW13 0DQ okarestaurant.co.uk

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Second chance careers:

changing direction in your 50s It's not easy to start a new career in your 50s - but finding a new direction later in life can work, writes Kate McLelland

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urning your back on a career path you’ve worked hard to establish isn’t easy at any time of life but switching jobs in your 50s and 60s can be particularly daunting. At a time when one in four people between age 50 and the state pension age is out of work, it’s encouraging to hear about people who have successfully re-invented their careers, gaining a new lease of life.

Jo Good (pictured) is best known for presenting a successful show on BBC Radio London, but she recently took the bold decision to step away from the microphone and try her luck as a YouTube vlogger.

Vloggers (short for ‘video-bloggers’) post videos of themselves on the internet, hoping to build up an audience. While researching YouTube vloggers, Jo was struck by how few offered vlogs designed for older people. So, last year, she set up her own YouTube channel: Jo Good – Middle Aged Minx.

‘It’s the raw, unedited, rough round the edges way of recording my daily life that attracted me to vlogging,’ Jo explains. ‘I’m really trying to prove that a 63-year-old has a life worth watching.’ Although Jo’s subscribers can be counted in their thousands rather than millions, her strategy is clearly working.

Her growing list of followers – mainly aged between 50 and 70 – prove that there’s an appetite for vlogs designed to appeal to an older audience.

While Jo made a conscious decision to forge a new career, 59-year-old Matthew Holderness was forced into change when ill health meant he had to leave the teaching job he loved.

‘My condition made it hard for me to find a conventional job, so I decided to focus on my transferable skills instead,’ he says. ‘As an English teacher my work was mainly focused on creative writing, so I thought about how I could use that commercially.’ Matthew

signed up to a freelancers’ website, offering his services as a copywriter and quickly got clients. Now he works full time for a digital marketing agency.

‘Although I operate from home, I feel globally connected. It’s a very different life.’

Age discrimination in the workplace is still an obstacle, but if you are over 50 and considering a different field of work, the advice is to research your chosen path carefully, retrain if necessary and try to gain some handson experience before committing. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help.

A guide to finding work at over 50 is available on the Shaw Trust’s website, while Age UK offers further guidance for older jobseekers.

Perhaps the last word should go to Debra Bednar-Clark, who left a high-profile career at Facebook to become a leadership developer and coach. ‘You are the totality of your experiences,’ she told US media site, nextavenue. ‘The key to success and fulfillment in your career is taking everything you’ve learned over the course of your life and bringing it to your next role.’ shaw-trust.org.uk/Services/Fifty-Plus ageuk.org.uk

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Answers: pg 37

Y T R O U G

3 Letters GOT GUT You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the GUY letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns OUR OUT are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a ROT normal everyday word.

3 letters: 14 4 letters: 9 5 letters: 2 6 letters: 1 RUG RUT

TOG TOR TOY TRY TUG YOU 4 Letters GORY GOUT

Read with Children Doorstep Library brings the joy of reading into homes of families in disadvantaged areas throughout Hammersmith & Fulham. We operate a team of volunteers who read with the children, lend them books, befriend the families and offer support.

Volunteer 3 hours a week to share your love of books If you are proficient in English and want to share a passion for reading, please email us at enquiries@doorsteplibrary.org.uk www.doorsteplibrary.org.uk 020 8870 1476 Registered Charity: 1158197

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GYRO ORGY ROUT TOUR TROY TYRO YOUR 5 Letters GOUTY

GROUT 6 Letters YOGURT

love learning FRENCH French is a beautiful language – and it can be easy to learn!

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onjour! My name is Stéphanie Paillasson and, together with my team of handpicked tutors, we offer fully tailored French language tuition in and around the Richmond area. Founded in 2008, we have helped hundreds of clients to reach their goal of learning and improving their French.

My qualified native French tutors are highly experienced in teaching individuals and groups of all ages and abilities, whether to learn French for business, travel, exams or just for fun.

I know that learning a language can be a challenging and dry experience, but our tutors develop a fun and supportive environment to help you learn and exceed your expectations and we have the track record to prove it!

Our clients have busy schedules, so we believe in flexibility - offering teaching at home or at the office - as well as distance learning over the internet.

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• Make travel more enjoyable • Improve the chance of entry to college or university • Understand a foreign culture • Be more competitive in the job market Stéphanie Paillasson stephanie@french-tuition.co.uk 07502412296 french-tuition.co.uk businessfrench.biz

'Learning French with my tutor is a pleasure. She uses a mixture of conversation, responding to questions that arise from day to day life and text books, in a way that makes the learning feel easy.’

Nick, Richmond 'My daughter is in Year 9 and has been having French lessons through Stephanie's company for nearly a year now. This has really helped her grasp the fundamentals and given her much needed confidence before embarking on her French GCSE.' Frances, Kew ‘I have been enjoying French conversation classes for nearly a year. Stephanie is an excellent and able teacher. She makes each lesson educational, instructional and enjoyable. Above all Stephanie makes learning fun. She is very encouraging when one struggles and makes you think about the language from a fresh perspective. Stephanie prepares thorough, bespoke lessons. I would thoroughly recommend her for all levels of ability.'

Susan, Chiswick

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Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Answers pg 37

Review Of The Year 1. When he was born in April, what position did Prince Louis of Cambridge take in the line of succession to the British throne?

2. Ingvar Kamprad, who died in January at the age of 91, is best remembered for founding which business in 1943?

3. Which country hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics?

4. After over two decades on the BBC, what was broadcast on ITV for the first time in April as part of an advert break during an episode of Britain's Got Talent?

5. In January, the results of Donald Trump's first medical since becoming US President revealed that he was taking a drug called finasteride to try to prevent what?

6. In June, which country officially lifted a ban meaning that there were no longer any countries in the world where women were forbidden to drive motor vehicles?

7. Which song did Theresa May briefly dance to as she stepped onto stage for her keynote speech at the 2018 Conservative party conference?

8. Following their wedding in May, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle became the Duke and Duchess of where?

9. In June, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, became only the second ever elected head of government to do what while in office?

10. In July, which song dropped from number one to number 97 to set a record for the fastest ever fall from the top of the UK singles charts in a single week?

26

Connecting local people to local life - 020 8878 1890

Only the best Colin Ferns started working for Mercedes as a 16-year-old apprentice.

Thirty-eight years later he is still passionate about them

C

olin Ferns has run his own independent Mercedes service and repair shop in Richmond for 22 years. Here he talks about his love for these great cars.

Why did you first work with Mercedes?

Since I was a child I have been passionate about all mechanical things. I joined Mercedes as an apprentice and have worked exclusively with that brand ever since. It is a pleasure for me to work with a product that embodies engineering excellence in the way that Mercedes does.

We take pride in our work and can do anything from tyre pressures to engine rebuilds, accident repair and full restorations. We enjoy a worldwide reputation for our work on the ubiquitous Pagoda models.

Do you prefer working on new or old models?

Both! We are fully equipped to deal with all models, including the latest. Our technical equipment and information is leased to us

by Mercedes in Germany which enables us to keep track of any new developments such as software upgrades or recalls. Maybachs and AMG cars are consequently no problem for us.

Why do you think Mercedes owners like coming to an independent firm like yours?

The primary reasons are to save money and get a more efficient and personal service at the same time. The savvy customer realises that when they want an expensive cup of coffee, they go to CostaBuck but for a professional service at a reasonable price they come to us.

We use genuine parts which come direct from Mercedes; the only small exceptions are if we fit a repaired exchange part rather than a new one direct from Mercedes, such as a radiator.

We are unique in that we only deal in the one brand which enables us to have dedicated equipment, tooling and, most importantly, familiarity with the product to extraordinarily high levels.

Is their warranty affected by coming to you?

Not at all. Since 2003 European law has made it illegal for manufacturers to insist that you take your car to an authorised agent for servicing in order to comply with the terms of the warranty. The only condition that has to be met in order for your warranty to be unaffected is that the service(s) are carried at the prescribed times using manufacturer’s instructions and parts. Naturally, all of our customers will benefit from such service when having their cars serviced by us but at around 40% saving over main dealer prices. All services are logged on the Mercedes central database where required.

How do you compare in price?

Mercedes dealerships are currently charging £168 per hour including VAT for labour. We only charge £115.20. One lady was recently quoted £7,500 by Mercedes after mis-fuelling her car. She came to us and saved over 90%!

What is the most difficult thing about running a business in Richmond?

Space. Cars need space and space is so valuable to developers that it is impossible for us to expand due to the unavailability of viable sites. This also limits employment opportunities.

You can see Colin in action at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnOkfL_vsoE

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27

Eec%ve Wellness

Looking for more energy in your day?

Need help with some permanent healthy lifestyle changes?

Contact me for a free 30 minute consulta%on on how I can help you get more out of life.

07914 109905 doug@dougroweďŹ tness.com

28

Connecting local people to local life - 020 8878 1890

Exercise - the most effective drug ever?

health

Why not start the New Year feeling happier and healthier than you did last year? A little exercise can have huge benefits for your physical and mental health, writes Alison Runham

‘I

f exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented,’ says health promotion consultant, Dr Nick Cavill.

That’s true, because the benefits of exercise go way beyond what many people think of as simple ‘fitness’.

Physical health benefits

Exercise can actively help you to prevent disease and debility. Research has proved that regular exercise: ► Lowers your blood pressure (and in turn lowers your risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease) ► Increases the mass and strength of muscle (including the heart) and cardiovascular endurance ► Increases flexibility and helps to prevent strains and injuries ► Helps regulate hormones that control your appetite, body clock, sleep and blood sugar ► Helps control weight ► Helps prevent some cancers (reducing colon cancer risk by up to 30% and breast cancer risk by up to 20%) ► Helps prevent some diseases, including Type II diabetes and Alzheimer’s (reducing dementia risk by up to 30% and delaying decline in sufferers, and reducing Type II diabetes risk by up to 50%) ► Helps strengthen your bones and prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis ► Helps you handle the physical exertion of daily activities and improves your balance, helping to prevent falls ► Helps ease pain through the release of endorphins ► Improves bowel function and helps prevent constipation ► Reduces your risk of early death from

'By reducing your risk of early death from preventable conditions and falls, exercise can increase your longevity, too...' preventable conditions and falls However, it can do a lot more than just improve your physical health.

Mental health and wellbeing benefits Regular exercise can help in many ways:

Improve your mood The endorphins released when you exercise can lift your mood and also increase your energy levels.

Increase your self-esteem Not only can exercise improve your fitness and appearance, making you feel better about yourself, it can also give you goals, a routine and a sense of achievement. These factors can work together to increase your self-esteem.

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29

'Ecotherapy is becoming more widely used as research proves the benefits of being out in the countryside...'

However, any exercise you do can take you away from your day-to-day concerns and give you time to focus on you, rather than your family, your work or your worries.

The need to focus on your exercise can be a welcome distraction and give your brain a break.

Improve the length and quality of your sleep Poor sleep can contribute significantly to physical health issues and depression, anxiety, poor memory and concentration. Exercise can improve your sleep patterns.

Improve your mental health Exercise is good for your mental health.

Alongside its effects on your mood, selfesteem and sleep patterns, it’s also been proven to help alleviate anxiety, stress and mild to moderate depression.

One study showed that just 10 minutes of brisk walking can increase mental alertness, energy and positivity, while another found that increasing your activity levels from zero to exercising at least three times a week can reduce your risk of depression by almost 20%.

Improve your sex life Research shows that more active men and women have more sex. By improving your selfesteem, fitness and flexibility, regular exercise may increase your desire for, and enjoyment of, sex. Studies have shown that regular exercise may enhance arousal for women and that men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than men who don’t.

Give you ‘time off’ You may not think of exercise as relaxing, but it can be. Not all exercise involves getting hot, sweaty and out of breath (although you do need to do some activity every week that makes you feel this way.). Tai chi, pilates and yoga are all more relaxing forms of exercise.

30

Give you the chance to get outdoors Ecotherapy is becoming more widely used as research proves the benefits of being out in the countryside. You may not always be able to exercise in a rural spot but getting outside to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine is great for your mental and physical health; some sunshine is necessary for us to produce Vitamin D which, among other things, is essential for absorption of calcium and good bone health.

Put more fun in your life Experiment with different forms of exercise and you may discover one that you actually find fun, whether that’s country bike rides, Zumba or a sport. This makes exercise something you look forward to, rather than a chore.

Improve your social life and family life If you join exercise classes or activity groups, you will benefit from the positive effects that socialising can have on your health and wellbeing. There may be related social activities and you could make new friends.

You can also exercise with your family and, if you have children, becoming fitter will help you to take part in more of their fun and games. Team sports can also provide a sense of belonging and motivate you to improve and help your team become successful.

Zumba, tennis, surfing, swimming, rowing, boxing, karate, netball, pilates, ballroom dancing… there are many types of sport and exercise, so keep an open mind and try out several to find something you enjoy.

Connecting local people to local life - 020 8878 1890

Eyes right

Barnes Nineteen is a new optician in Barnes, offering a personal service and beautiful eyewear

W

e endeavour to combine the highest standards for your optical needs with the finest eyewear.

Our aim is to ensure our patients always receive a one to one personal service from the beginning of their journey right to the end.

With over 30 years’ experience between us, we believe streamlining clinical findings with bespoke products to satisfy individual needs in a friendly and relaxed environment is extremely important.

Eyewear is the ultimate accessory in your wardrobe to get you noticed the way you want.

We pride ourselves in stocking the most exclusive range of spectacle frames and sunglasses, as well as a comprehensive selection of lenses to serve your needs.

We look forward to meeting you soon. barnesnineteen.com Please mention Living In Magazines when contacting advertisers

31

At the SUMMIT Summit Wellbeing in Sheen offers a range of treatments to prevent and relieve injury

A

t Summit Wellbeing we offer more than you might think. Our chiropractor, osteopath, sports therapists and pilates instructors are all trained in a variety of evidence-based therapies, offering 30 or 60 minute appointments, including: • Manual Therapy: joint mobilisation and manipulation • Soft Tissue Treatments: trigger point, active release and instrument assisted techniques • Dry Needling/ Medical Acupuncture • Kinesio Taping • Radial Shockwave Therapy • Injury Rehabilitation & Postural Strengthening What is Shockwave therapy? It’s a wellestablished treatment technique, using acoustic waves, with increasing evidence for

treating long-lasting elbow, shoulder and hip conditions and plantar fascia pain. It’s a great option if you’ve had pain for months or years, despite rest and rehab exercises.

Look for a clinician who offers multiple, evidence informed treatments and gives you a suitable period of time for each session. You should be educated and reassured after your first visit with some exercises to do at home.

Ricky Davis Chiropractor and Co-Author of Osteopathic & Chiropractic Techniques For Manual Therapists teaches manual therapy to physios, osteopaths and chiropractors and has recently opened more hours in East Sheen after leaving Pure Sports Medicine in the City.

Get £20 off your first session with this article!

Call: 020 3150 1533 www.summitwellbeing.co.uk

SUDUKO

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9.

You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up. Have fun!

ANSWERS: pg 37

32

Connecting local people to local life - 020 8878 1890

Getting fit - the right way

business profile

Need to exercise but find trouble sticking to it? Read our 10 top tips!

D

o your New Year’s resolutions include getting fitter after indulging yourself over the Christmas period? January is the most common time to join a gym or start a fitness regime, but statistics show that very few of us ever keep it up! A recent shocking statistic showed that 40% of middle-aged adults take less than 10 minutes continuous brisk walking per month!

Why is exercising important?

We know that exercising is good for your mental health and well as physical health. The over 50s lose 2% of muscle power each year unless they take positive steps to combat this.

This is why elderly people can become prone to falling.

Read our great tips on how to keep going: Manage your expectations - it apparently takes about 66 days to form a new habit, so you need perseverance. It’s good to know that if you can keep going for about 9 weeks you are likely to have embedded that new habit for life!

Exercise snacking - some recent research showed that doing 6 lots of 5-minute bursts of exercise is just as good at reducing blood sugar and fat levels as doing 30 minutes of continuous brisk walking. This is great news for those who are time poor.

Get an exercise buddy - the thought that you might be letting someone down means you are much more likely to commit to something regularly.

Join a class - for similar reasons joining a class can make exercising more fun and sociable. It also pins you down to a time each week and having paid for something in advance will make you more likely to commit.

Get a personal trainer - some people like the one on one attention and motivation that a Personal Trainer can bring. Your trainer can keep your routine fresh and challenging.

Diarising your exercise – can help prevent other things taking over.

Get it done early - it’s so easy to put things off as the day progresses so get your exercise done early before you get busy and distracted.

Work exercise into your daily life – walking to work is a great opportunity to listen to books or podcasts. Alternatively, cycle to work or walk your children to school.

Sign up for a charity event - there’s nothing like a good cause to spur you on and it’s nice to share the experience with others!

Broadcast your exercise resolutions to friends - this makes it much more likely you will stick to it.

At Physio on the River we offer 33 classes of Pilates, Yoga and Dance, Tone and Stretch classes every week. We also have two physios who are qualified in personal training. Dave or Richard can make sure you are exercising safely.

If you have a physical health issue that is preventing you from exercising, one of our team of physios can help you back to fitness.

Just call 020 8876 5690 or drop in for a chat.

Physio on the River, The Old Ticket Office, Barnes Bridge, Barnes. physio-on-the-river.co.uk We are celebrating 25 years in business!

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33

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Connecting local people to local life - 020 8878 1890

Academic & All-round Excellence

Visitor events throughout the year

(by appointment, see website for details) Scholarships and bursaries available Entry at 11, 13 and 16 22 route coach service 27 acre campus

Hanworth Road, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 3HD • 020 8979 9273 www.hamptonschool.org.uk • admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk Please mention Living In Magazines when contacting advertisers

35

useful numbers doctors surgeries/hospitals

schools

Barnes Surgery Chartfield Surgery Danebury Ave Essex House Surgery Sheen Health Centre Seymour House The Surgery Kingston Hospital Queen Mary’s Hospital

Barnes/Mortlake Barnes Primary 020 8876 7358 Lowther Primary 020 8748 3984 St Mary Magdalen’s Catholic 020 8876 6679 St Osmund’s Catholic 020 8748 3582 East Sheen East Sheen Primary 020 8876 7484 Sheen Mount 020 8876 8394 Putney All Saints C of E 020 87885196 Hotham Primary 020 87886468 Oasis Academy 020 7884 6000 Our Ladies of Victories Catholic Primary 020 87885196 St Mary's C of E 020 87889591

020 8748 7574 020 8788 3252 0844 477 3782 020 8876 1033 020 8876 4086/8876 3901 020 8940 2802 020 8748 1065 020 8546 7711 020 8487 6000

clubs, groups & societies Barnes Community Association 020 8878 2359 Barnes Literary Society 020 8876 3817 Barnes & Mortlake History Society 020 8878 3756 Barnes Music Society 020 8876 1563 Barnes WI barneswi.co.uk FiSH Neighbourhood Care Scheme (For help and to volunteer) 020 8876 3414 Friends of Barnes Common 020 8392 2566 Friends of Palewell Common 07771 970017 Friends of Richmond Park 020 8549 8975 Mortlake with East Sheen Society 020 8876 7744 Mortlake Community Association 020 8487 5500 Neighbourhood Watch 020 8247 5807 OSO Community Arts Centre 020 8876 9885 Putney Music putneymusic.org.uk Putney Bridge Club 020 8892 9429 Putney Scouts 5thputneyseascouts.btik.com Putney Society putneysociety.org.uk Putney Theatre Company 07900 216 197 Richmond Orchestra 020 8876 4728

sports clubs & activities 144 (Richmond) Squadron Air Cadets Barn Elms Sports Centre Barnes Sports Club Barnes Runners Pools on the Park Putney Leisure Centre Rocks Lane Tennis & Football Ctr Sheen Common Bowling Club Shene Sports & Fitness Centre Sheen Shufflers

020 8940 2223 020 8876 7685 020 8876 1270 020 8241 6574 020 8940 0561 020 8785 0388 020 8876 8330 020 8878 6279 020 3772 2999 020 8876 6819

council Richmond Council Wandsworth Council Crimestoppers

36

08456 122 660 020 8871 6000 0800 555 111

Secondary Schools ARK Putney Academy Christ’s Grey Court Richmond Park Academy

020 878 83421 020 8940 6982 020 8948 1173 020 8876 8891

local police Barnes Police Station Richmond Police Station (8am-8pm) Putney Safer Neighbourhood Teams East Sheen Mortlake & Barnes Barnes Putney

020 8392 1212 101 101 07879 433 391 020 8721 2007 07768 178 731 0208 247 7860

libraries Castelnau Mon, Tues, Fri 9.30am-6pm, Weds 10am7pm; Thurs & Sun closed. Tel: 020 8734 3350 East Sheen Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9.30am-6pm; Weds 10am-7pm; Sat 9.30am-4pm, Sun 1-5pm.

Tel: 020 8734 3337 Putney Mon, Weds, Thurs 9am-8pm, Tues closed, Fri 9am-2pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm.

Tel: 020 8871 7090

recycling Richmond Borough (Townmead Rd) Opening Times Mon 10am - 6pm; Tues-Sat 8am - 6pm; Sun & Bank Hols: 9am - 4pm. Closed: 25, 26 Dec, 1 Jan. Richmond residents only. Last admission 15m before closing time.

Wandsworth Borough (Smugglers Way) Mon-Fri 9am - 4pm; Sat 8am - 6pm; Sun 8am - 5pm If you have a club, society or association that you would like listed here please email me the details at: pippa@livinginmagazines.co.uk

Connecting local people to local life - 020 8878 1890

Index of Local Businesses Appliances Coopers Audio Visual Lasyl Basements GP Basement Beds Westend Beds Bookkeeping MK Bookkeeping Builders/Extensions DPSCO Carpet Cleaner Right Clean Carpenter Dave Casswell Yellow Chisel Car Services Colin Ferns - Mercedes Care in the Home Amber Home Carers Curtains & Blinds Curtain Call Drama Classes Stage Coach Dry Cleaner Hamlyns

Fireplaces Chiswick Fireplace Flooring ASC Flooring Gardening Auntie Planty Grout & Tiles Grout Health & Wellbeing Summit Wellbeing Heating Engineer David Harris

S U D U KO

22 2 6 5

Insurance Shene Insurance Lifestyle Oh Darling Lofts & Extensions Loft Solutions

26 32 21

Martial Arts Pee Wee/Funakoshi

28

Networking The Sheen Network

34

Opticians Barnes Nineteen Blink Optics

31 17

24 3 10 12 10 39 28

Personal Trainer Doug Rowe Fitness Physiotherapy Physio On The River Plumbing & Heating Mortlake Plumbing & Heating

28 33 10

10 40 32 20 12 12 8 43

Restaurant Annapurna The Gate

15 18

School Hampton Security Be Safe Engineering Solicitors D & G Family Law Therapies (physical) Summit Wellbeing Tuition French Tuition

35 9 24 32 25

Windows Ayrton Bespoke Privett

6 8

10

FUN QUIZ:

1. Fifth 2. Ikea 3. South Korea 4. The National Lottery results 5. Hair loss 6. Saudi Arabia 7. Dancing Queen 8. Sussex 9. Give birth 10. Three Lions

TRIAL ANSWERS: 3 Letters: GOT, GUT, GUY, OUR, OUT, ROT, RUG, RUT, TOG, TOR, TOY, TRY, TUG, YOU 4 Letters: GORY, GOUT, GYRO, ORGY, ROUT, TOUR, TROY, TYRO, YOUR 5 Letters: GOUTY, GROUT 6 Letters: YOGURT

Disclaimer: While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information in this magazine is accurate, the Publisher cannot accept, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The Publisher accepts no responsibility for the claims made by contributors in advertising content or Business Profiles or for loss arising from non-publication of any advertisement.

Reproduction of text, images or artwork is strictly prohibited without prior permission of the Publisher.

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37

what's on LOCALLY Martyn Young

31 Jan Poignant and expressive lyrics has made Martyn Joseph a popular musician over his 30 year career. He’s sold more than half a million records and 32 albums and played thousands of live performances. While he has his own distinctive sound, Martyn has been compared to Bruce Springsteen and has built a great reputation as a mesmerising live performer.

Half Moon Putney. Tickets £17 adv/£20 door. tickets.halfmoon.co.uk. Door from 7pm.

18+ only.

Leave to Remain 18 Jan - 16 Feb

Obi and Alex are a young gay couple enjoying London life. But when there is a problem with Alex’s visa it highlights vulnerabilities in the relationship and their pasts. Should they get married – and what about telling their families. Told through a blend of movement, drama and song, Leave to Remain is a tale of love in a time of uncertainty.

Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL. Tickets £10-£42.

Box office: 020 8741 6850. lyric.co.uk

Closer

19-23 Feb Patrick Marber’s play of deceit, insecurity and desire, a tale of four people – Dan, Larry, Alice and Anna – who become entangled in a web of lies. Witty, obscene, modern and slick, Closer takes an honest look at sexual jealousy and lust.

Putney Arts Theatre, Ravenna Road, Putney SW15 6AW. Tickets from £10. Box office: 020 8788 6943. putneytheatrecompany.org.uk 38

Connecting local people to local life - 020 8878 1890

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39

Where children become everything they can be Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

stagecoach.co.uk/kew 020 8487 1456 40

Kew@stagecoach.co.uk

local people local life - 020 8878 1890 are operated under franchise and are independently Stagecoach Performing Arts is the Connecting trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Artsto Limited.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.