RH16 Uncovered January 2016 Issue

RH16 & RH17 EDITION - JANUARY 2016 - ISSUE 34 Delivered to 24,000 homes & businesses in the RH16 & RH17 postcodes

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Simply complete our reader survey on page 16 to be entered into our prize draw to win one of six prizes of £100 in Marks and Spencer vouchers

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Cannot pay tax bill Question: I’m self employed and I’ve only just prepared my tax return. As a result, I’ve only just found out that I haven’t put enough aside for my tax liability. What should I do - should I put off filing my return until I have the money for my tax bill?

Answer: Your balancing payment for this year (2014/15) and if applicable, an instalment for next year (2015/16) are due by 31stJanuary 2016, together with your tax return.

If you are struggling to pay your tax, you should call HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) Business Payment Support Service (BPSS). HMRC will ask you probing questions about the business and your cashflow, to ascertain why you can’t pay your tax. If they think you genuinely cannot pay your tax they may grant you an extension to settle your taxes in or agree a payment plan. However, they will not reduce the amount outstanding and they will still charge you interest.

Even though you can’t afford to pay your tax, you must make sure you still file your return before 31st January 2016. Otherwise, you will be charged an automatic late filing penalty of £100 and the penalties will mount up the longer the delay in filing the tax return. Furthermore, the BPSS will only consider making arrangements where the tax is not yet overdue - so do not leave it too long to speak with them.

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Hello and Happy New Year to all of our readers!

We can’t start without saying Happy New Year! We’re all trialling new year’s resolutions in the office, which include (among others) going outside for walks more, eating less sugar, seeing friends we haven’t seen in ages and trying to be more organised. They’re all pretty standard - let’s just see how long they last!

As it’s the beginning of 2016, we’ve found some incredibly inspiring stories to shout out about, as well as profiling some groups and societies in the area who are looking for a bit of extra help - I mean it’s the beginning of the new year, so the perfect time for you to do your bit.

On top of this we are running our Reader Survey again this month, so why not take 5 minutes with a cup of tea to complete it and be in with a chance of winning one of six £100 Marks and Spencer’s vouchers?!

Can’t be bothered to pop to the post box with it? – No problem!

You can complete it online at www.rhuncovered.co.uk too!

Have a great month!

The RH Uncovered Team COMMUNITY 6

Community News

HEALTH 20 Detoxing & Fasting: The facts Behind the Truth HOMES 22 Five Ways to Make Money from your Home GARDENS 28 Sowing Time

What’s on in January

16th January 2016, Saturday, 10.30am - 3.30pm, National Trust Sheffield Park and Garden Volunteer Recruitment Fair, Would you like to know more about volunteering at Sheffield Park and Garden? Come and join us at our recruitment fair and learn what is involved in becoming a member of our dedicated volunteer team.

For further information please email; Rick Boulding at Rick.Boulding@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01825 790231 21st January 2016, Thursday, 2.30pm, Mid Sussex Association National Trust Lecture - Japanese Gardens an Appreciation, Meeting at Clair Hall, Haywards Heath, RH16 3DN, (Main Hall). Association supports local National Trust properties. Please ring Anne Tucker 01444 455803 or Judith Kew 01444 441128. Our Membership Secretaries, for Membership Forms or just come along and try us out at one of our lectures. We would be pleased to welcome you. This season our Membership is £6.00, plus £3.00 per lecture. Non-members pay £5.00.

PUBLISHED BY Mantra Magazines Ltd CONTACT Unit 32, Rowfant Business Centre Wallage Lane, Rowfant, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4NQ WEBSITE www.rhuncovered.co.uk

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A Walk To Remember: From Brighton To Oxford in 48 Hours O

n 5 March 2016, nine friends in Haywards Heath are taking on the challenge of trekking from Brighton to Oxford in 48 hours. That’s the equivalent of four marathons in two days.

Matthew Smith, Bobby McAdam, Tristan Powell, Tommy Lehkyj, Ed Long, Amir Nazari, Saeed Nazari, Harry Smith and Kiran Dalmond are raising money for a very special cause.

Matt said he wanted to do as much as possible to help his sister, so sat down with a couple of friends to set themselves a challenge - showing people the distance they are willing to go to get people to donate.

“Walking over a hundred miles from Brighton to Oxford in two days felt like the perfect way of demonstrating that,” he said.

“Earlier this year my little sister Eloise was diagnosed with Autonomic Nerve Dysfunction,” Matt told RH Uncovered.

“This means that her nerves are slowly dying. She has also been diagnosed with Posturialtachycardia syndrome, ‘PoTs’, meaning that sitting up and standing up causes her dizziness and often means that she will faint.

“As a consequence of this, Eloise is unable to take food orally, she is fed via a tube directly into her small intestine.”

All the donations from the boys’ walk will help fund Eloise’s private treatment and contribute towards all the work involved on her road to recovery.

“I’m most looking forward to raising as much money as possible to enable Eloise to receive the specialist treatment she needs.

“She still has a long journey ahead of her, so knowing this will make a difference is real motivation.”

Matt ran the London marathon last year and at the end, said he was missing four toe nails and a nipple.

“I’m not looking forward to what I will missing at the end of 100 miles!” he added.

Two army medics have volunteered their time to meet all the boys at the check points to make sure they’re uninjured and in a good condition to keep going.

“I want to get Eloise to a point where she can continue to live her life like everyone else,” Matt added.

“She is only 22 years old and all this started when she had just turned 20.

“She was unable to have a 21st birthday party and spent last new years eve in UCL hospital and it breaks my heart knowing she wishes she could be doing the same things as everyone else so it only feels natural to do whatever I can to help her get to that point again.”

Is it going to be easy? Perhaps not - but definitely worth it.

To donate to the cause and sponsor the boys on their walk, please visit http://gogetfunding.com/for-squeeze-4-marathons/.

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News In Brief: Fundraising and Talks Swoove Fitness Raising Money For Kangaroos

Swoove Fitness - the physical and vocal exercise classes created by local woman Esther Featherstone - is raising funds for local children’s charity Kangaroos, which provides leisure activities for disabled children and young adults in Mid Sussex. Esther launched Swoove, a mix of Zumba and singing, with an aim to raise one million pounds for a variety of local charities.

She approached Kangaroos recently with regards to producing a fitness DVD. Esther has released a Swoove Fitness DVD and will be donating a proportion of the sales to Kangaroos.

The official launch class was held on 20th September 2015 in Lindfield Primary School, where Kangaroos Fundraising’s communications and admin officer, Samantha Norgate, tried out swooving for the first time! The Swoove Fitness DVD is available to buy for £14.99 from the Kangaroos new office and the team are happy for people to pop in - Kangaroos Office, Maxwelton House, Boltro Road, Haywards Heath RH16 1BJ or you can purchase from www.swoovefitnessfund.com.

Haywards Heath’s U3A Meeting Update Haywards Heath and District U3A - a society for people no longer in full time employment - is holding an open meeting on Tuesday 19th January from 20-4.30 pm at Clair Hall in Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath.

Their speaker is Angela Sexton, a retired mathematics teacher who will be giving a presentation on the intriguing topic “Mathematics in Nature”.

The group also holds coffee mornings for members in the Community Room at the Methodist Church in Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, from 10-11.30am.

These are open to all members and guests. The entry fee including refreshments is 50p. The next coffee morning will be on 29 January 2016. To find out more about what the group does and their meetings in 2015, visit www.haywardsheathu3a.org.uk.

New Year Joy: Three Local Resolutions To Take In 2016 It’s really easy to adopt New Year’s resolutions that everyone else chooses - losing weight, doing more exercise, finding a new job that you love. But will you actually keep them? Finding more specific, smaller challenges are resolutions more likely to be kept.

Here are three things we’ll be trying to do more of this year – how about giving these a go?

a venture out into Danehill. All of these places are in RH16 and RH17 yet some of us have never been.

3. Try a new skill Love cheese? Head to Horsted Keynes to the High Weald Dairy to learn a bit more about cheese making at the lovely small family business. Yum!

1. Walk in undiscovered local gardens Many studies have shown how walking improves happiness, reduces anxiety and stress and is great for mindfulness meditation. Sussex has beautiful countryside yet when you live there all the time, it’s easy to stay indoors and not venture outside. High Beeches Gardens is a place we would recommend - it’s smaller than your usual National Trust gardens but beautiful, with small corners to discover as you walk round.

2. Venture to the unknown… nearby I’ve spent time finding new areas in our communities this year and have come across some beautiful places, including Sabrina’s Sweet Things gorgeous tea room in Handcross, a wonderful walk in Wivelsfield Green and

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Our Community Writer Amy Packham enjoying afternoon tea at Sabrina’s Sweet Things

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Dolphin House, 33 Muster Green, Haywards Heath, RH16 4AL Free parking available on site

Introducing The Mid Sussex District Scouts: Fun, Exploring And Travelling The World

T

he Scouts has long been known as helping young people in the UK enjoy new adventures, but every local group is different. The Mid Sussex District Scouts want people to know exactly what they get up to and find those who are looking for the same type of adventure.

“We held our annual Escape and Evasion event near the end of last year which included over 250 people on a night navigation exercise. Almost every month sees a new and exciting activity to get involved with.”

Some of the young people involved in the association have travelled the world as Scouts including, Africa, We chatted to Robin Springer, who has been a member Iceland, Switzerland, Japan and many more. But it’s of the Scout association since he was six, about what not just for the young people - adults wishing to get your local Scout group does for the community. involved in international events are also welcome to enjoy these opportunities.

The Mid Sussex District Scouts was formed in 2010 as part of a restructure of West Sussex Scouts.

The Scout association also runs award schemes with young people getting the opportunities to gain badges “We started as a District of 14 groups covering an area and awards they can be proud of. But, as the need for of Hurstpierpoint, Cuckfield, Scaynes Hill, Ditchling and more scouting in the District grows, so does their need everything in between!” said Robin. for support.

“Shortly after starting we saw an immediate need for “That doesn’t just mean weekly sessions with young the 15th group based in Bolnore Village and we worked people, even if you’re only able to get involved 1 hour a with the local community to open a new group, this month,” Robin explained. has grown from strength to strength, and we opened a second Beaver Colony in October 2015.”

“There’s a place for you in Scouting. We look for people to support behind the scenes, perhaps in an admin The different groups are separated depending on role? their ages, and there are a lot more groups than you probably realise. There is a Beaver Colony (aged 6-8) a “Adults also have the chance to gain extra skills and Cub Pack (8-10) and a Scout Troop (aged 10-14). Robin experience as instructors and such, with our extensive says as groups grow, they often open second sections adult training support. allowing for the reduction in waiting lists.

“If you’re up for a challenge, why not get In addition to the sections based at group level, they involved?” Contact the team through recruitment@ also have two older sections, Explorer Scouts (aged 14- midsussexdistrictscouts.com.

18) and Network (aged 18-25) based at District level.

“We have 5 Explorer Units with approximately 80-90 young people total and a Network that is in it’s infancy but is growing strong,” added Robin.

So what do they actually do? The simple answer: a lot.

“As well as exciting and adventurous activities being run at all sections across the groups, we also run a very active district calendar with activities like Raft Races, Hiking Challenges, Archery and Shooting competitions,” said Robin.

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The Rotary Club Of Cuckfield And Lindfield:

From Fundraising To Youth Work C

ommunity service is the traditional and well known face of Rotary. The first ever Club was founded in Chicago in 1905.

Since then, around 1.2 million men and women belong to more than 28,000 Rotary Clubs in virtually every nation in the world. The vision?

To create a better world by giving Rotarians the opportunity to use their passion, energy and professional expertise as part of a global network of friends.

“I have been a member of this Club since May 1997, carrying out many of the varied roles within the Club,” Trevor Clapp told RH Uncovered.

“I was President in the years 2002/2003. At present, I am the Press Relations Officer. One of our principal objectives in 2016 is to increase our membership, particularly but not exclusively, our younger membership from thirty to fifty years old.”

Trevor said their principal fundraising event each year since 1998 has been The Sponsored Darts Marathon - an event that has raised a whopping £140,000 to date.

“This is being run again over 2015/2016.

Public Houses, Social Clubs, Churches, Businesses and other individuals will take part.

It is a highly popular event and great fun! After eight highly successful years and, again in 2016, our Foundation Committee is also organising a Silent Film Night to be held in March 2016.”

On the Community and Vocational front, Trevor said they raise funds on Bonfire Night in Lindfield, run a coconut shy or a mulled wine stall, help with reading lessons in local primary schools or participate in our Christmas and other collections mainly in Cuckfield and Lindfield. There will undoubtedly be many more.

In 2016, the International Committee is planning a visit to Berlin in conjunction with our link Rotary Club of Karlstadt Arnstein in Germany. The Club is also involved with a school in Haiti, where they are sponsoring a teacher.

Trevor said their Youth Service Projects team is running a “Youth Speaks” competition for the local college and schools in the immediate area. Whilst this competition provides the opportunity for local success for the boys/girls teams, the category winners progress to a District level and, if successful, to a National level.

If anyone is interested in joining the Rotary Club of Cuckfield & Lindfield , please ring 07866 536277 or email jaimewallden@mansellmctaggart.co.uk If anyone would like further information, visit their website www.rotarysussex.org

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01342 718348

Behind The Scenes: Scope Haywards Heath And How You Can Help Out The national charity Scope exists to make the UK a place where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else. Even at a local level you can still be a part of the national charity. Scope charity shops help raise millions of pounds to fund their work with disabled people and families.

Nicole Handley took over as manager of Scope on South Road near the end of 2015, and she’s determined to give the shop a new outlook, urging volunteers to come forward.

We chatted with Nicole about what goes on behind the scenes and how people can help out.

“We are staffed by a combination of paid staff and volunteers and are slowly building an amazing team,” Nicole told RH Uncovered.

“Our volunteers are all ages and abilities - secondary school and sixth form pupils participating in Duke of Edinburgh Awards and completing work experience, retired ladies and gentlemen, mums and dads who come while their little ones are in school, those between jobs looking for retail experience to help enhance job prospects and also those looking to give something back.

“We are also supporting three volunteers to complete an NVQ in retail.”

Nicole said there are a range of responsibilities front and back of house, so there’s something for everyone. Some of the volunteers come for two hours once a week, others for three or four hours.

“We can’t run the shop without them and they are our most valuable resource,” added Nicole. “By giving your time you can really make a difference, there are lots of ways to get involved.”

You can do things like helping customers, working on the till, window dressing and displays and sorting donations and steaming. They’re especially short of weekend staff, too.

If you aren’t able to volunteer but still want to help out, Nicole is encouraging people to think of them when you’re haven a clear out of unwanted items. She said: “Every bag donated raises about £20 to fund our vital work with disabled people and their families.

“All donations to Scope shops raise vital funds.

Not only that, but donations help to reduce landfill at the same time! We love: clothes, shoes, handbags, jewellery, CDs and DVDs, homeware and mobile phones - we recycle these.”

If you want to find out more about volunteering, call Nicole at 01444 443351 or visit the shop on South Road.

New Grant Funding Available To Improve Business Broadband Connectivity In West Sussex £225,000 is being made available as part of a pilot grant project to improve connectivity for groups of businesses in West Sussex that are without access to superfast broadband.

The new pan-West Sussex scheme will support the installation of a superfast connection for groups of businesses not planned for inclusion in either the commercial or publicly-funded rollouts of broadband infrastructure.

Minister for the Digital Economy, Ed Vaizey, said: “This is fantastic news for businesses in West Sussex.

Government is already investing more than £8 million to take superfast broadband to around 50,000 more premises in the county, and this extra funding will help even more local businesses benefit from all that superfast speeds have to offer.”

About The Grant

Business estates or clusters of businesses in West Sussex have until 15 January 2016 to apply to the new Digital Connectivity Grant Programme which will provide up to

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40 per cent of the capital costs of getting connected.

The funding comes from Coast to Capital’s Local Growth Fund under their ‘Growth is Digital’ priority project.

Ron Crank, Chief Executive, Coast to Capital, said: “I am pleased to see the launch of these grant pilots through our Growth Deal funding. It is essential that all our businesses have the best connectivity and access to the fastest and latest digital technologies.”

To be eligible, groups of businesses must not have current access to superfast broadband services nor be included in the planned delivery of the publicly funded roll out by Better Connected, a partnership of West Sussex County Council, BT and BDUK (the government department responsible for broadband delivery). Rural West Sussex Partnership, South Downs National Park Authority, Gatwick Diamond Initiative and Coastal West Sussex Partnership have developed the programme supported by West Sussex County Council.

Find out more at www.coast2capital.org.uk, or email broadband@southdowns.gov.uk

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15

Win a £100 voucher

to spend at Marks & Spencer 2016 reader survey

Tell us what you think about RH Uncovered magazine and you could win ONE of SIX - £100 Marks & Spencer vouchers!

We would like to know your view of the magazine so that we can make it a must-read for you every month. With your help, we would like to be your first choice as a “go-to-guide” for all things local whether it’s community news, finding a trade person or learning something new from a local expert.

Think RH Uncovered is great?

Think it could be better?

Got something to get off your chest?

Now is your chance to let us know what you think, we’d love to hear from you!

Please complete the survey opposite or alternatively visit our website at www.rhuncovered.co.uk/readersurvey2015.

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Survey closes: 15/02/2016

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2016 reader survey

How do you use your RH Uncovered magazine?

What regular features do you read / like?

 Read it cover to cover  Dip in and out  As a trade directory only

 Health  Gardens  Children  Motoring  What’s On

How useful to you and your family is RH Uncovered ?

 Extremely  Very  Sometimes useful  Not at all How long do you keep each issue of RH Uncovered?

 All the time  Not at all

………………………………… ………………………………… …………………………………

Do you feel that the level of community content in RH Uncovered magazine is:

…………………………………

 Not enough  About right  Too much

Is there anything you don’t like about RH Uncovered?

How often have you contacted advertisers in our magazine this year?

 No (tick box)  Yes, please state below

 Until the next issue arrives  A couple of weeks  Few days  Once  Tends to go straight in the bin  4+ times How often do you refer to RH Uncovered each month?

 Homes  Style  Leisure  Recipes  Community

Is there anything else about the magazine that you like or think we should include in future?

 2 or 3 times  Never

Please state if you have visited RH Uncovered on:

 Regularly  Our website  Facebook  Twitter

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………………………………… ………………………………… ………………………………… ………………………………… …………………………………

Interests: (tick as many as you like)

 Home ideas / DIY  Sport / Fitness  Gardening  Arts / Books / Theatre  Travel

 Beauty / Fashion  Local community  Leisure  Film  Baby / Childcare / Parenting

 Cars / Motoring  Health  Food & Drink  Education  Crosswords / Puzzles

Other (Please specify) ……………………………………………………………………………………

Name: Gender: Telephone:

M

F

Address:

Postcode: Email:

What is your age bracket?  Under 25  25 to 39  40 to 55  Over 55 How many people live in your household: _______ Adults _______ Children age 4 and under _______ Children age 5 – 10 _______ Children age 11-18 Preferred method of contact: Email SMS (text) Phone Post

Please do not pass my details on to a third party

Please post your entry to – RH Uncovered, Reader Survey, Unit 32, Rowfant Business Centre, Wallage Lane, Rowfant, West Sussex, RH10 4NQ

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17

Prolific magazine publisher seeks friendly and talented

SUPERSTARS

to join our growing business If you want to work flexible hours, work with lovely people in a vibrant office, then one these jobs could well be the job for you!

2015 was a fantastic year here at RH Uncovered and we want 2016 to be even better...

Maybe YOU can help?

It’s our tenth year in publishing and right now we deliver a whole lot of magazines. This year we want to deliver over 1.5 million.

That’s where you come in.

If either of the following job roles sound right for you, then you should get in touch by sending your CV and a covering letter through to nikki@mantramagazines.co.uk

Advertising Executive

Community Journalist

Do you LOVE talking to people?

Do people instantly WARM to you?

Are you a budding wordsmith looking to make a living from writing?

If so, then this role could well be the right one for you.

If that’s the case, and you’ve got the talent to back it up, then we should talk!

We’re looking for at least two new staff to join our ambitious team here in Rowfant, and we’re happy to hire four if the right people apply.

We’re currently on the lookout for some writers on the ground in the areas we distribute our magazines in.

What sort of people should apply for this role?

Simple really – people people.

If you’re comfortable talking to clients and prospects on the telephone, confident in your ability to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones and excited about the prospect of joining a busy team and contributing ideas towards the growth of the business, then this is the role for you.

The ideal candidate will probably have some experience in print media, but we’ll consider every CV that catches our eye.

What can we offer you in return for your services? LOTS! For a start, we’re big on flexible hours!

We like our staff to work at least 20 hours a week, but if you’ve got to take the kids to school and pick them up, then this job is still very much within your grasp.

(In fact, some of our most successful advertising execs are part-time mums).

Secondly, as long as you work the 20 hours per week, you’ll get five weeks of paid holiday. We like our staff to rest and relax and recharge their batteries, so there won’t be any moaning from us when you take your holiday.

As you’d expect, on top of your basic salary we offer a generous un-capped commission scheme with this role. For the right person with the right motivation, this is the perfect reward for hard work.

So what do you say? If you’re a people person who craves flexibility and true enjoyment in your work, and you’ve got the skills to build rapport, convince and persuade, then you should apply for this role right now.

Send a fun, personal covering letter along with your CV to nikki@mantramagazines.co.uk now and we’ll be in touch.

As our magazine revolves around high quality content, it’s vital that what we produce hits the spot with our target market, and that’s what you’d be tasked with delivering.

Right now we’re especially interested in writers with local knowledge of Haywards Heath, Reigate and Uckfield, but we’re always on the lookout for writers throughout Surrey and West Sussex, so if that’s you, get in touch!

You’ll need to have a keen interest in your local community and great people skills, as you’ll be liaising with community groups and uncovering stories for the magazine, but above all else, you need to be able to write!

The right person for this role would be a high-calibre writer who’s able to work independently, organise their own time and work to strict deadlines, and it’s a fabulous opportunity for the right person to increase their experience and make a living doing what they love.

We’re willing to offer flexible hours and consider a whole variety of different arrangements, from part-time to freelance to full-time; the right person really can map out how THEY want the role to work.

If you’re a graduate looking for some experience, or a current writer looking for something stable, then this role is perfect, and applying is easy too: Send us a copy of your CV along with a sample of your writing work (don’t forget to make it a good one) to nikki@mantramagazines.co.uk If we like your stuff, we’ll invite you in for an interview.

Detoxing & Fasting – The Facts behind the Fads

J

anuary. Dark days plus lots of ‘fancy food’ and alcohol have made us feel fat and sludgy.

So, bombarded with more dietary information than ever we rush out to spend our gift vouchers on books about ultimate diets and detox plans.

But will they really make us healthier or slimmer?

Detoxing

There are numerous ‘detox diets’ that either tell you to restrict or eliminate certain foods, or advocate eating just one type of super food to flush you clean.

But many experts say that your body already has the tools it needs to detoxify itself. The kidneys, liver, colon and skin all work together to remove unwanted substances from our body.

Much of the detox hype sounds seductively plausible.

When we’re told that our bodies are full of undesirable substances that reduce our immunity, slow our metabolism and make us retain water and weight. But the British Dietetic Association has pronounced the concept ‘irrational and unscientific’.

Does it work? You may lose a lot of weight at first, but it can be hard to maintain as you are not fundamentally changing the way you eat. There does seem to be a connection between calorie consumption and lifespan but whether fasting gives the same results as daily moderation has yet to be proved.

However if having a couple of semi-fasting days a week doesn’t make you feel ill and you don’t compensate by eating unhealthily on the other days, there’s no harm doing it.

So what should I do?

Eat a healthy and varied diet • Choose natural foods not manufactured ones.

Eat plenty of vegetables of different colours, moderate amounts of fruit and lean protein.

• Avoid sugar as it disrupts your natural appetite control and is known to be highly addictive.

Artificial sweeteners may have no calories, but it doesn’t help you to break the habit.

The headaches, fatigue and other symptoms you may experience after a few days on a detox diet are not caused by toxins now released into your bloodstream.

• Watch your carbohydrates. Potatoes, bread and In reality, these symptoms are usually caused by your cereal are pretty tasteless without added fat or body reacting to sudden deprivation of a substance sugar and that alone can cause you to take in your body is a little too used to – such as caffeine, sugar more calories than you intended. or alcohol.

• Cut out or reduce alcohol. Most experts agree that Fasting a little does no harm, but stick to the unit limits Intentionally going without food is not new. People of 2 per day for women and 3 per day for men. have been fasting for religious purposes for thousands Remember these are limits, not targets! of years and there are long held beliefs that it can improve various medical conditions and general health.

• Drink water. Hopefully we all now know this Many of the recent trendy fasting schemes don’t really ask you to fast at all, just to restrict your food intake on certain days or for a short period of time.

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doesn’t mean drinking 8 glasses per day, but ensure your intake is not all caffeinated (if you usually drink lots of caffeine, reduce slowly).

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HEALTH

so much more than just a magazine !

RH Uncovered Magazine

www.rhuncovered.co.uk

@RHUncovered

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Five ways to make money from your home

Forget cash in the attic – there’s money in every brick, stone or tile of your house, and even in the garden and garage. Katherine Sorrell explains how to make pounds from your property.

RENT A ROOM: One in ten homeowners now earns extra cash by letting a spare room to a lodger, according to Santander. You can also rent to commuters, Mondays to Fridays.

How much can I make? Average weekly rent from a lodger is around £90, says spareroom.co.uk.

Pros: You can make up to £4,250 a year tax-free under the Government’s Rent a Room scheme. A good lodger can be a friend, share the housework and keep an eye on the place when you’re away.

Cons: A bad lodger can be a nightmare – in your space, may not pay the rent and hard to remove.

Home insurance may go up.

Need to know: Obtain references, and have a written agreement about rent, bills and how the house is shared. www.landlordzone.co.uk is a good source of information. You may need permission from your mortgage lender and, if you have one, your leaseholder.

Tenants should obtain permission to rent a spare room from the landlord.

RUN A B&B: Worth considering if you have a spare room or two and live in a desirable area.

How much can I make? Depends on location, number of rooms, quality of accommodation and food. About £35 per room per night is a minimum.

Pros: Meet interesting people. Open when it suits you.

Cons: Early starts and lots of cooking and cleaning.

Upfront costs to convert your home. Then there’s marketing, insurance and book-keeping.

Need to know: You may need planning permission, or alterations to meet building regulations. Tell your mortgage lender. Don’t be overly optimistic: start by aiming for a 35-40% occupancy rate.

BE A MOVIE LOCATION Your home could be a star. All sorts of properties are used, from council flats to country estates.

How much can I make? From about £500 per day for stills photography to £2,500 for a big-budget movie.

Pros: Interesting and excellent money.

Cons: Not a reliable source of income. Could be lots of disruption, and neighbours may object.

Need to know: Most demand is for large houses with good parking within the M25. Signing up with an agency is free, but you’ll pay a commission.

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This Cornish townhouse is registered as a location with Shootwest

RENT YOUR PARKING SPACE: Rent your drive or garage to a commuter people attending the theatre or a sports event. Advertise in the local paper or online.

How much can I make? You could earn more than £200 a month, depending on your proximity to offices, train/tube stations, stadiums and so on, and what local parking and restrictions there are.

Pros: Extra money for very little effort.

Cons: Getting rid of someone who stops paying but continues to park could be tricky.

Need to know: You can’t rent out a resident permit holder space, and tenants with a parking space can’t rent it out. Draw up a simple contract, tell your home insurer, and check that the parker has insurance in case he damages your property while behind the wheel.

RENT OUT THE WHOLE HOUSE You could move out of your property (live with family or friends, or rent somewhere cheap) and turn it into a holiday home in the summer. If you live near a venue for sporting events or festivals you could rent it out to visitors. Or you could even rent it to long-term tenants.

How much can I make? Depends on the size and location of your house: a two-bed Cornish cottage, for example, should make more than £500 a week in the summer.

Pros: Good money.

Cons: Cost of decorating and maintenance. Lots of organisation, from clearing out the house and marketing, to dealing with changeovers.

Need to know: Obtain public liability insurance and comply with fire regulations (Visit England’s Pink Book is helpful, at www.visitengland.org). Tell your insurer and declare your income to the taxman.

01342 718348

HOMES

NEED A PLUMBER? FROM A LEAKY TAP TO A NEW BOILER OR BATHROOM ● ● ● ● ●

Service Maintenance Repair Installations Emergencies

Free Estimates No Job Too Small

Boilers supplied and fitted from £1800 including VAT Want peace of mind with your new boiler?

We can offer a 8 year guarantee on all Worcester Bosch Greenstar boilers

REGISTER 305867

Tim Burberry Plumbing & Heating 01342 719891 / 07811 682747 www.timtheplumber.co.uk

@rhuncovered

www.rhuncovered.co.uk

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Reliable Local Handymen Retired police officers in Mid Sussex are pioneers in an ambitious national network of highly vetted handymen launched by ‘Blue Local Handymen’.

Helping to combat the ongoing problem of cowboy builders and dodgy tradespeople, local retired police officers with a passion for home maintenance are taking up tools to provide peace of mind to the residents and businesses of Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill.

Typically police officers retire after 30 years service and a huge number are still eager to continue playing an active and productive role in their communities. All of the handymen prove themselves capable and experienced in indoor and outdoor home maintenance works before joining the network and carry recent Enhanced CRB (Criminal Record) Checks.

Managing Director, Nick Orde-Powlett, hopes that the company’s rigorous selection process will bring security and peace of mind to people in Sussex: “Our vetting process is second to none.

All of our handymen are friendly retired police officers with many years working in the community under their belt – they understand peoples’ concerns and fears better than anyone else and they genuinely care.“

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Local Sussex Handyman Tony states: “I started my Police Service in Mid Sussex and assisting the residents was part of my life for 30 years until I retired. Working as a Blue Handyman, providing a range of skills with the security of using a retired Police Officer is giving me the opportunity of giving something back to the residents of Mid Sussex again.”

More information can be found on the website www.trustinblue.com and bookings can be made either by calling freephone 0800 255 0 255 or emailing helpdesk@trustinblue.com

01342 718348

HOMES

Aerialbeam is a family run business based in Mid-Sussex, founded in 1971. We are specialists in all aerial and satellite installaton work including all repairs and additional points.

We provide a friendly yet professional service, so contact us now to discuss your situation in more detail and see how we can help you. All our work is fully guaranteed for 12 months including parts and labour  Digital Aerials  Satelite Installation  FreeSat Installation  Freeview TV Aerials  HD boxes  DAB & FM Aerials  Network Cabling

A Name You Can Trust

01444 242 324

aerialbeam@btinternet.com

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS

AERIAL-BEAM-QTR-DEC-2015.indd 1

12/11/2015 10:38:00

BROKEN OR DAMAGED?  All types of locks  Misted sealed units  Handles for windows & doors  Window & door hinges  Patio door wheels & tracks  Cat flaps & letter boxes

01342 318246

www.asgoodasnew.co.uk Local family business Free quotation - No call out charge

@rhuncovered

Professional Prompt & Friendly Service

Checkatrade Registered Fully Insured - Free quotes

Chimney services include:

• Re-pointing • Replacing • Re-builds • Removal • Re-seating pots • Vents & Cowls • Lead flashing • Smoke testing • Scaffolding service In partnership with

0797 4208 628 - 01342 716680 sussexchimneys.co.uk

sussexchimneys@gmail.com Sussex Chimneys Ltd, Unit 58, Rowfant Business Centre, Wallage Lane, Rowfant, RH10 4NQ

www.rhuncovered.co.uk

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Painting and Decorating

For all your Domestic & Commercial Painting & Decorating needs Whether you need a single door painted, damaged paintwork or wallpaper repaired, or a whole room or house redecorated you can rely upon me to provide a professional, trustworthy and skilled service to you.

Call now for a free estimate

Mob: 07810 752608 Tel: 01444 443972

Carpentry & Joinery

Adrian Inman

Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning

HOMES

Renu Your Bath Baths restored to NEW without removal.

One day service.

Any colour.

Get a FREE online quote at www.renubath.co.uk or call 01342 324 577

Heating Services

STORAGE HEATERS FROM

STOR A HEAT

THE STORAGE HEATING SPECIALISTS WE FIT New & replacement storage heaters at competitive prices WE OFFER A free, no obligation survey from ex seeboard, e.d.f. advisors, all with a minimum of 15 years experience WE CAN Carry out EPC's - Energy Performance Certificates SO DON’T PAY Electricity board prices - ring for a FREE survey

01342 714972 ▪ 07827 815900 ▪ www.storaheat.co.uk

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 Rapid dry cleaning system  Stain-guard treatments

0800 644 2004 07979 665 740

www.carpetman-sussex.co.uk carpetman-sussex@hotmail.co.uk

Bespoke joinery company with 35 years experience

 Windows & Doors  Kitchens  Orangeries  Conservatories  Bi-folding door systems  Cabinets  Wardrobes  Staircases  Listed / Heritage Replications

01342 832638 07767 112621

info@hayterandsmythejoinery.co.uk

Garage Doors

Bathroom Restoration

Adrian@acinman.co.uk www.acinman.co.uk

Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning

FREE SURVEY & QUOTE

Quality roller doors Quality garage doors in Steel, Timber & Fibreglass controls & GARAGE Remote conversions to existing doors Repairs & servicing Large selection in stock Est 1980

GM DOORS

East Grinstead 01342 311 550 Engineer 07776 256562 www.gmgaragedoorsltd.co.uk

Showroom Unit 4, Ivy Dene Ind Estate, Ashurst Wood,RH19 3TN 24hr Lock Locksmith

LEE’S LOCKS - 24 HOUR EMERGENCY LOCKSMITH

fully insured! no call out charge! no vat! free estimates!

Locked out? Door Jammed? Lost Keys? Need Extra Security?

Locks Supplied, fitted and Fully Guaranteed 01444 484 119 - 07921 068 564 - lee@lees-locks.com credit / debit cards accepted

Have you liked our facebook page yet?

Like We post community updates throughout the month

www.facebook.com/RHUncovered

01342 718348

Sowing Time N

ow that January is here it’s a perfect time to start sowing seeds in trays and pots.

But how do you make sure that yours germinate and produce seedlings and then plants which thrive and grow well?

A shopping list for first time sowers should be: • Good quality seed and cuttings compost.

• Some seed half-trays, which are about 5” x 8”.

• A heated propagator, a clear propagator lid to go over the trays or a small unheated propagator.

• A dibber to make it easy to transplant the seedlings into a new home.

• Some small pots into which you can transplant the seedlings.

If you buy seed and cuttings compost it’s rarely necessary to sieve it as it has a very fine and even texture. However, if you’re using multi-purpose compost, you’ll need to either break up any lumps carefully with your hands or sieve it.

Depending on the types of seeds you have chosen, you will need to sow them at different depths.

Some seeds are tiny and are best scattered over the surface. Other seeds are best sown in drills.

Once they are in place, in most cases you need to cover them with compost to the required depth.

However others germinate best if allowed access to daylight and should be sown on the surface. With these it’s advisable to cover the surface of the tray with cling film to stop it drying out too rapidly.

I like to put the seeds in place and then moisten the compost. Place the seed trays in a sink or tray containing about 1cm of water and allow the compost to soak up the water. Once the compost is just moist you should stand the trays in a position where any excess water can drain off. Then, if necessary, put the trays in a heated propagator.

Always watch the seed trays carefully and check them regularly to ensure that the compost is adequately moist. Once the majority of the seedlings have appeared, it’s usually not long before you need to prick them out. Generally this is carried out when the first true leaves appear. When the seedling first comes above ground you will see the ‘seed leaves’ which are relatively sturdy looking and rounded in shape. Then above this come the first true leaves which are typical of that particular plant.

When pricking out, handle the seedlings very carefully, never by their stems or true leaves, but always by the seed leaves. Before you start to ease them out, make sure that the compost is adequately moist, so that the roots move readily without damage and that you have already prepared pots for transfer. To avoid rotting, always transplant seedlings so that they are at the same depth as they were in the seed tray.

If you find that your seedlings have become rather leggy and drawn, this is usually because they’re not receiving enough natural light; move the trays onto a south or west facing windowsill.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening items including ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’.

Choose the veg you’d like to grow and they’re sent to you ready to plant, accompanied by weekly advice emails from Pippa.

When it comes to watering the seeds, use mains water as water butts may harbour some of the disease-causing organisms which cause damping off, the fatal condition where the seedlings appear to suddenly flop and keel over.

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01342 718348

GARDENS

Tree Care & Preservation

All aspects of Tree Surgery Free Quotations & Advice Tree Reduction • Tree Removal • Planting Woodland Management • Hedge Cutting

Tel: 07930 418 728 / 01273 673 122 info@rootsupwards.co.uk www.rootsupwards.co.uk

@rhuncovered

www.rhuncovered.co.uk

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GARDENS

BEADELL TREE SURGEONS

All Tree Work & Fencing Undertaken Quality Assured ♦ Fully Insured ♦ 15 Yr’s Exp. “No Hedge Too Small, No Tree Too Big”

Call Danny on 07850 027806 or 01444 810 179

James Ledger Tech Arbor A, RFS cert.Arb. BSc. Ag. Tel 01342 844 044 Mobile 07766 736 970 ledger_arb@yahoo.co.uk www.jledgertreesurgery.co.uk  Tree Surgery  Stump Grinding  Hedge Cutting Professional Arborist  Woodland Conservation Tree Inspections & Surveys  All Work to BS3998 Fully Insured to £5m  Free Quotes

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Pest Control

Tree Surgeons

Heath Pest Control discreet solutions to your pest problems

Gareth Hards 01444 473979 07794 528664

gareth@heathpestcontrol.co.uk www.heathpestcontrol.co.uk

01342 718348

professional services & INDEX

Contact us on t: 01444 480606 e: info@ellismotors.co.uk w: ellismotors.co.uk for more information or to make a booking Unit 12 Sheddingdean Business Centre, Burgess Hill, RH15 0PZ

• Servicing • Repairs • MOT’s

£35

The Jolly Tanners What’s on in January Saturday 16th January 9pm Rock’n’Roll Saturday 23rd January – 7pm Burns Night

Excellent home cooked food & fine ales available.

01444 400 335

The Jolly Tanners, Staplefield, West Sussex

DO YOU NEED SOME “ME TIME?”

The Style Lounge is your local hair and beauty salon offering a huge range of hairdressing, and beauty therapy services.

Located just off the A272 with plenty of free parking. Get £5 off your first service with this ad. Limited to first 20!

01444 410576

www.hair-n-beauty.co.uk @rhuncovered

Accountants, Tax Assist Accountants (Haywards Heath) , 3 Aerial Installers, Aerialbeam, 25 Bathroom Restoration, Renubath, 26 Carpentry & Joinery, Hayter and Smythe, 26 Carpets & Flooring, Carpet Man Sussex, 26 Conservatories, Unbeatable Conservatories, 27 Cosmetic Surgery, The McIndoe Centre, part of Horder Healthcare, 11 Doctor’s surgery, Cuckfield Medical Practice, 21 Domestic appliances, Carters Direct, 2 Double Glazing, As Good As New, 25 Double Glazing, Cloudy 2 Clear , 7 Driveways, New Look Driveways Ltd, 30 Driveways, Resin Drives, 32 Driveways, Vintage Driveways, 29 Garage doors, G.M Garage Doors, 26 Garage Services, Ellis Motors of Burgess Hill, 31 Garden Buildings & Conservatories, Cousins Conservatories & Garden Buildings, 5 Hair & Beauty Salon, The Style Lounge, 31 Handyman, Blue Local Handymen, 24 Hearing Care Centre, Action For Deafness, 21 Heating Services, Storaheat, 26 Kitchen and Bathroom Services, Dream Doors Interiors Ltd, 15 Locksmiths, Lees Locks, 26 Mobility & Care Centre, Bathe in Safety, 21 National Trust Property, National Trust Nymans, 13 Opticians, Dolphins Optometrists, 9 Painter and Decorator, Adrian Inman, 26 Pest Control, Heath Pest Control, 30 Plumbing and Heating, Tim Burberry Plumbing & Heating, 23 Property Refurbishment & Construction, Baileybridge Property Refurbishment & Construction, 15 Public House and Restaurant, The Jolly Tanners, 31 Roof & Gutter Cleaning, Tilley & Co, 25 Satellite/TV, Norsat, 23 Scaffolding, Sussex Chimneys (East Grinstead Scaffolding), 25 Taxi Services, AV Cars, 1 Tree Care, Bartlett Tree Experts, 29 Tree Surgeons, Beadell Tree Surgeons, 30 Tree Surgeons, J Ledger Tree Care, 30 Tree Surgeons, Roots Upwards, 29

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