Omni Local Kingston Mother's Day Edition 2017 by Omni Local

Supporting Local Business & Local Charities

Kingston | Surbiton | New Malden

Issue No. 50

Mother’s Day Edition

THIS MONTH • Celebrating Mothers Everywhere! • Check out this month’s Competition! Page 40 Image courtesy of Klicksmart Photography - www.klicksmartphotography.com Get in touch by calling 020 8123 8156 or email info@klicksmartphotography.com

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

Happy Birthday to Us! As of this month, we are now 5 years old!! So we’d like to take the opportunity to give a massive thanks to everyone who has supported us since we started up - from the advertisers to the readers; the editorial providers, Omni networking members and of course our dream team behind the scenes! We really couldn’t have gotten to where we are without you all behind us.

Contents:

There is lots for us to look forward to throughout the next year with an exciting Summer packed with events, our networking groups growing and growing and tons of plans to excel even further. We are now up to a whopping 13 live Omni Local Business Networking groups, with another 6 locations on the way soon! OLBN is blowing up and becoming more and more successful, with great feedback from members and the brilliant opportunity to network over a delicious breakfast. Find out all you need to know to try us out or regularly attend our fortnightly meetings by registering via www. omnilocalbusinessnetworking.com. We’ve got a great competition for you on page 40, courtesy of “Cook” in Surbiton, plenty of tips and advice for making your Mum’s day this Mother’s Day and so many fantastic businesses for you to call! If you happen to get in touch with any of our local advertisers, please let them know that you found them through Omni Local! Please also remember to visit www.omnilocal. co.uk/directory to see how easy it is to list your business and to be discovered by people within the area at the touch of a button Please take a look at our advert for more information and leave any feedback if you have used any of the local businesses services! We want to wish all the Mums, stepmothers and grandmothers out there a really Happy Mother’s Day! Read on for our ideas on how to spoil her this month, because she deserves it! To sum things up, we would like to say another huge thank you to you all! We hope you have enjoyed our 5 year journey as much as we have, and may we continue to grow with your support! Kind regards, The Omni Local Team.

OmniLocal Ltd. Office 3 - C/O Big Yellow Storage Units 1-3 Wyvern Estate, Beverley Way, New Malden, Surrey KT3 4PH Tel: 0207 183 0404 Email: sales.omnilocal@gmail.com

www.omnilocal.co.uk

Local Business Focus Lorraine Tarbitten - Synergy

Community Section This Months Charity – Momentum Community Person - Bond To Kingston Police Advice Kingston Rotary Love Kingston Local History

6-13

Arts Section Kingston Artists Open Studios

Home Section Keep your Home in Top Shape

Cooking Corner Recipes from EatWright

Gardening Section Janet Bacon Garden Design

Health & Beauty Beauty Tips Untangle Your Life

20-21

This Months Special Feature Mother’s Day Celebrations

22-23

Places to Go Rose Theatre Listings Local Events At the Cinema – Kong: Skull Island Out Now on DVD – Doctor Strange

24-26

The 6 Creative What Makes a Great Website?

DIY Section Jobs to do Around the Home

Synergy Section The LP Partnership

Accounting & Finance Goddards Residential Accountant

Local Trades Section Use One of our Excellent Local Trades

Travel Section Planning a Cruise

Games & Puzzles Section Crossword Sudoku Word Search Monthly Competition & Review

38-40

LOCAL JOBS

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

LOCAL BUSINESS

This section is all about local business owners who support Omni Local, and we would like you to get to know these hard working, dedicated people. This month I am talking to Lorraine Tarbitten from The LP Partnership/Synergy Worldwide

Supplied by: Lorraine Tarbitten - Synergy

Bringing Health, Vitality and Opportunity Become an

Take on a new venture and create your own ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƐĞĐƵƌŝƚǇ͘ ĞĐŽŵĞ ŽƵƌ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ ĂŶĚ ĐƌĞĂƚĞ ǇŽƵƌ ŽǁŶ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ŽĨ EĂƚƵƌĂů EƵƚƌŝƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ EĂƚƵƌĂů dŚĞƌĂƉŝĞƐ ƚŽ ƉƌŽŵŽƚĞ ǁĞůůͲďĞŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ůŝĨĞ ůŽŶŐĞǀŝƚǇ ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ĞǆƚƌĂ Žƌ ŵĂŝŶ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ͘

Q1: Hi Lorraine. How long have you been in the LP Partnership now? A1: Since about 2009 when I was inspired to follow a holistic approach and learnt many healing modalities, due to family genes and losing my Mum and other family members to breast cancer. Also seeing my Dad decline with numerous conditions and having so many drugs and interventions. I began with Synergy Worldwide in September 2015 after a really bad phase of ill health following surgery and infections. The products and the company matched my values and is a great add on to my business.

&Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ >ŽƌƌĂŝŶĞ Ăƚ͗

lorraine@the-lp-partnership.com 07737 548 132

Q2: What do you enjoy most about working in this type of industry? A2: I love being involved in my business as I hear so many amazing testimonials where the products have had a beneficial impact and enhanced the lives of my many customers. Also, it’s not for everyone, but I love the Multi-Level-Marketing side of the business which basically means you get to work with people you love to work with, and spend time helping people in their business, meeting so many new contacts through networking. Interacting with people is what I do best, which is why my holistic business works so well. Q3: What kind of services does The LPP have to offer? A3: It supplies the highest-quality supplements in the World, some based on Nobel Prize Winning Research and has a patent pending. Synergy focuses on top-toe core health, everyone can try the products with a money back guarantee. From a spiritual aspect, we offer one to one sessions that can help to remove emotional, physical or spiritual blocks.

www.the-lp-partnership.com Q4: What is your usual clientele? A4: My clientele is anyone who needs any support! I have had clients from childhood to mature adult hood. I can also measure arterial age of a person, (I have an arterial age of 43yrs & am really 51yrs) And after 3 months of taking the Synergy products you can normally see their arterial age coming down. Generally, my clientele consists of individuals, but I do see an opportunity to support the well-being of individuals within small, medium and large businesses. Q5: Great! What is the best way for readers to get in touch with you? A5: Email: Lorraine@the-lp-partnership.com or phone: 07737 548132. Please visit the website for more information: www.the-lppartnership.com

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

CARE IN THE COMMUNITY

Vascular Dementia Vascular dementia occurs when there is a problem with the supply of blood to the brain through the vascular system. Damage to the vascular system causes cells to die. This in turn brings about certain behaviours:-

THIS MONTH’S Supplied by: CHARITY Katy Spragg

•Difficulties with walking and unsteadiness •Visual misperceptions •Hallucinations •Problems with continence •Seizures difficulty walking and unsteadiness you could go to a chair aerobics group together or ask a caregiver to take your loved one to a local group. Even chair exercise will help with functional movement and will also keep the brain active.

•Depression •Lack of concentration •Communication problems It is extremely important for someone living with vascular dementia to keep their routine going as much as possible. Help them to maintain their hygiene eg shaving and clothing style (if they have always worn a shirt and tie do not put them in a track suit every day).

There are two local groups that provide chair aerobics within a safe environment for people living with dementia. Golden Memory Club, Hampton Hill – 020 3893 0010 Greenwood Centre, Hampton Hill – 020 8979 9662

Keep traditions going and try to give nutritional meals. It is also vitally important to keep including your loved ones as much as possible in family events. Exercise is an activity that can be done together. If there is

Homelink, Whitton – 020 8255 1992 Please join us at the next Golden Memory Club on Wednesday 08 March. For more information please contact 020 3893 0010. Golden Memories is a cafe for people in Richmond Borough living with Dementia, and for their Care Givers. It’s a place where they can socialise in a friendly, relaxed, safe environment and enjoy activities such as quizzes, chair aerobics, singing, art etc. Care givers may leave their loved ones in a safe environment or may choose to stay and enjoy the cafe with them from 2-4pm.

To advertise in Omni Local call Felicity on 07900 312634

OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

COMMUNITY PERSON

Tania Gallagher

Supplied by: Tania Gallagher

In October 2016 I was asked to become the Chair of The Weir Archer Academy, a charity close to my heart. The Weir Archer Academy was formed in 2013 and was the vision of David Weir CBE and his coach Jenny Archer MBE to improve participation in disabled sport and be a dominant feeder club for Paralympic athletics. My daughter Olivia, who was born at 24 weeks, weighing 1lb 11 oz has athetoid cerebral palsy and is also registered severely sight impaired and deaf. In 2014 she was lucky enough to attend an Academy Open Day held at Kingsmeadow Stadium. At the time of joining she was very unhappy at school, due to being bullied and was struggling to come to terms with her disabilities and where she fitted into society.

equipment repairs, communication, tea and coffee duties on a cold winters evening and of course fundraising.

The Academy has given her the opportunity to take part in sport, which is good for her health and to benefit from the social side of being part of a team. My daughter is not alone and many of the other athletes at The Academy have similar stories which is why, as a group of parents we are passionate about helping David and Jenny fulfil their dream. Everyone that works within the Academy and Athletics Club does so on a voluntary basis including the coaches and we are lucky enough to have a group of cyclists that support the athletes every week during training at Richmond Park. Many parents travel in excess of 2 hours to attend the Academy at Kingsmeadow Stadium as the opportunity to access disability sport is limited. I believe this is why everyone involved is willing to contribute by helping in some way, whether that is with

We have supported the local SEN Sports Day and some of our athletes have visited schools with Jenny Archer to raise awareness of disability. I am one of the lucky parents who has seen how The Academy has changed my daughters life and how it has also given me a wonderful support network of friends. To continue to grow and be able to give other young people the opportunity to take part in disabled sport we need to raise more funds. Each racing chair costs around £5,000 and even the specialised gloves that are needed are £150 a pair. We are constantly looking for local support and this year we are upgrading our Academy website and would welcome any sponsorship. In David and Jenny’s words, we are one big family and I feel proud and honoured to be asked to support the Academy going forward. www.weir-archer-academy.com

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

POLICE ADVICE

Advice for Carers of People Living with Dementia

Supplied by: Alison McWinnie - MET Police

More than 115 people attended our January Dementia Evening. Feedback on the event has been excellent with multiple requests to run a similar event again. Against this background, I thought it might be helpful to outline some safety advice for Carers of People living with Dementia, who may start to ‘walk about’.

of the day, suggest to them that you take a walk together. 10. Consider completion of the Herbert Protocol Form (available through NHW). Keep it in a safe place with a recent photograph – ready to hand to police should the person go missing. Store a recent photograph electronically eg on your phone.

Prevention and Advice 1. Put signs on the doors stating that they are not exits, thereby encouraging them not to leave 2. Consider pictorial references or signs to rooms. Black writing on a yellow background has been identified as the easiest to understand

If Someone Living with Dementa goes Missing: 1. Call the police on 999 immediately 2. Have a completed Herbert Protocol form recent photograph to give to police. 3. Inform the police if the person has been reported as missing before.

3. Inform your neighbours, friends, local shopkeepers that they have a tendency to walk about. Ask them to contact you immediately if they are seen out alone.

4. When the person returns try not to show them that you have been worried. Kingston Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association

4. Consider joining Kingston Borough Neighbourhood Watch and get to know your local Police Team.

C/O Kingston Police Station 5-7 High Street Kingston Upon Thames Surrey KT1 1LB

5. Ensure the person carries ID and details of a person who can be contacted if they get lost. This can be sewn or printed into a jacket, back of their collar or a handbag.

Email: Kingston.NHW@met.police.uk

6. Consider using devices which alert you when doors are being opened eg bells over door handles, door chimes, pressure and motion sensors.

@KingstonNHW

/KingstonNHW

This page is sponsored by Nolt Security:

7. Encourage the person to carry a switched on mobile phone with them; this may help locate their whereabouts. [Eg Find my Friends App by Apple.] GPS locators can be built into watches or stitched into clothing. 8. Consider storing certain items out of view, eg car/house keys, coats and hats, as this may reduce their impulse to leave. 9. If the person gets restless towards the end

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

LOCAL CHARITY

THIS MONTH’S CHARITY Supplied by:

When Kingston teenager Ciara Lewis was diagnosed with leukaemia last April it was the third time in three years that the family had been hit by cancer. With the support of local children’s charity Momentum this brave family are finally piecing life back together again.

Yvonne Winborn - Momentum

break at one of Momentum’s New Forest log cabins.

“The past few years have been a rollercoaster. My poor mother cared for my dad until he died, and then just as she was getting things together I found out I had breast cancer. And then her granddaughter was diagnosed with leukaemia. It was just dreadful,” recalls Helen Lewis.

Helen said: “I can’t even put into words what that break meant to us all. For just a few short days we were a normal family again.”

The last few years have pushed the Lewis family to their limits, but Helen, who is a teacher at Alexandra School in Kingston, says that the support of close friends, family and charities, including Momentum, has helped to pull them through. Helen recalls the day that Ciara, now 17, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. “It all happened so quickly,” she said. “One minute Ciara was at school and the next she was rushed into hospital and placed in isolation.”

Ciara has fought through three courses of chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant and life-threatening infections, but her condition is now stable. Helen said: “Cancer tears your family apart. Momentum was there when I needed them the most. I offloaded over the phone, I cried, I was able to talk to people who really understood what I was going through.” Little touches are what Momentum is all about. Helen said: “We were sent so many letters and sweet gifts, a ukulele for Ciara which she absolutely loves and a course of golf lessons for her brother, little things to cheer us all up on dreadful, dark days. I cannot fully express how much Momentum has supported us in every way.”

A desperate search was on for a donor match as Ciara desperately needed a bone marrow transplant. Then, during her second round of chemotherapy Ciara became dangerously ill with an infection that led to pneumonia. Helen said: “At that point we thought we had lost her. Ciara spent a week in ICU, on a ventilator and sedated. It was the longest week of our lives.”

If you would like more information on how you can support Momentum visit www. moment-um.org

Ciara pulled through, and in the summer a donor match was finally found. Ciara spent many weeks in isolation but when she was allowed out for a few days Ciara, her parents and her 15-year-old brother, enjoyed a day trip on Momentum’s canal boat, and in the summer they took a

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

KINGSTON ROTARY

Kingston Rotary

Supplied by: Janet Bacon - Kingston Rotary

Our experience and skills in community work and volunteering place us in an ideal position to work with organisations such as local businesses, charities, universities, and schools. We have four Rotary Clubs within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. These are Surbiton, New Malden, Kingston Riverside and Kingston but we all work together and carry out projects and competitions as Royal Borough Rotary. What are we up to with Schools? This year we will be doing mock interviews and business games, running competitions in speaking, writing and cooking. We will be speaking at school assemblies, building up our RotaKids and finding youngsters to take part in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (a leadership development programme lasting a few days). Mock Interviews – we work with Kingston College, Hollyfield School, Chessington Community College and Coombe Boys School to undertake CV workshops and then carry out mock interviews with the students to assist them in their further studies or search for work. Junior Business Games – we work together with SATRO to assist the children run a bookmark manufacturing business for a day. In non-friendship teams they name their company, assign roles, manufacture and sell bookmarks, buy supplies and run bank accounts. They are tasked with creating, designing and selling, organising a team and trying to make profits. We run annual national competitions for young people up to the age of 18 to develop their skills in public speaking and presentation at our Youth Speaks competition and showing off their culinary skills at our Young Chef competition. Contestants learn how to cook a healthy three-course meal, develop food presentation and organisational skills and learn about hygiene. Our RotaKids Club is for 7-12 year olds. This year they raised money with a ‘money snake’ and the crowning glory was a walk with an older person to raise funds for the Mayor’s charity. As a reward for their efforts, 5 pupils and their classroom assistant Miss Luka were entertained at the Mayor’s Parlour. We will be sponsoring two places on this year’s RYLA - a leadership development

program which focuses on secondary school students, university students, or young professionals. RYLA events are typically 3–10 days long and cover a variety of topics including Leadership fundamentals and ethics, Communication skills, Problem solving and conflict management, Community and global citizenship. If you wish to nominate someone to take part in this event or to find out more please visit http://kingstonrotaryclub.org.uk/projects/ new-generations. Elsewhere we will be involved in Kids Out, reading in schools and judging Young Enterprise. School students are fun, enthusiastic and full of energy and curiosity. Matching that with our own expertise and interest in their futures is a great way to show Rotary in action. If you would like to help your local community, why not think about joining our Rotary Club. To find out how you can join, visit www.kingstonrotaryclub.org.uk or email membership@kingstonrotaryclub.org.uk.

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

LOVE KINGSTON

Ride for Kingston

Supplied by: Leanna Carl - Omni Local

If you love cycling and also love living, working or learning in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, the Prudential RideLondon Surrey 100 may be the perfect challenge for you. Celebrating the legacy for cycling created by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Prudential RideLondon follows a 100mile route on closed roads through the capital and into Surrey’s stunning countryside. With leg-testing climbs and a route made

including a cycling jersey, location en-route

famous by the world’s best cyclists at the

for refreshments and your supporters and

London 2012 Olympics, it’s a truly spectacular

pre-event meet-up. This is a truly awesome

event for all involved. The route is perfect

experience and we’d love you to be part of

for both club and recreational cyclists over

the team. Grab your place now with our 2017

the age of 18. Slower cyclists can enjoy a

team.

challenging ride while faster riders will relish

The 100 mile route, which comes through

the opportunity to pit themselves against the country’s top amateurs.

Kingston twice, follows the London 2012

As well as the personal challenge of completing

through the capital and into Surrey’s stunning

the route, participants’ involvement will benefit

countryside. With leg-testing climbs and a

the local community as Love Kingston supports

route made famous by the world’s professional

local charity and community projects in the

elite, it’s a truly spectacular event for all

borough.

involved.

We’ll make sure you have what you need

If you enjoy road cycling and can confidently

Olympic cycling route on closed roads

complete the 100 miles within 8 hours, then join the Love Kingston team. It doesn’t matter how much you raise, as long as you’re willing to get involved! This is a fantastic opportunity to ride in this famous race. For more information visit www.love-kingston.org.uk.

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

LOCAL HISTORY

Queen Anne Many visitors to Kingston (and indeed several of its residents!) are surprised to see a statue of Queen Anne dominating the Ancient Market Place.

Supplied by: Mike Seigel - Kingston Tour Guides

Unlike Queen Victoria, who reigned more than a century later and for so much longer and who has so many statues round the country and what used to be the empire, Queen Anne has very few statues anywhere! So we should feel especially privileged to have such a splendid one of her in Kingston. The statue dates to 1706 and was recently re-gilded to its current splendour in honour of our Queen’s Diamond Jubilee five years ago. Queen Anne was the last Stuart monarch, ruling from 1702 to 1714, and she is probably best remembered for her many failed pregnancies and her large size – poor lady suffered from gout, dropsy and undoubtedly what today would be called obesity. Yet she was a very conscientious monarch, attending regular meetings of her Privy Council, even on Sundays. It was in her reign that the War of the Spanish Succession was fought against the French, with remarkable victories such as the Battle of Blenheim which led to the queen’s gifts to her general, John Churchill. She made him Duke of Marlborough and allowed him to build Blenheim Palace, where nearly two hundred years later Winston Churchill was to be born. From this there is a connection linking Queen Anne with one of our tour guides! She created the first Duke of Marlborough, and more than a century later the fifth Duke entertained the Duke of Wellington, victor of Waterloo, at Blenheim Palace. The Duke

became Prime Minister to King William IV who happened to speak to the young George Ayliffe one day while visiting Bushy Park. Some seventy years later George Ayliffe was a senior trustee in the Kingston Lodge, where a man named William Florence was assistant secretary. His granddaughter, Pat Harding, attended a course on the history of Kingston in 2000, run by our very own John Pink. John has enjoyed tracing this link stretching all the way from Queen Anne to himself, and thus the Kingston Tour guides can boast of a “special relationship” with Queen Anne! If you are interested in learning more about the history of our town, why not join one of our tours, led by specially trained volunteers? The charge is £5 per adult - or you can arrange a special tour for you and your friends at a time to suit you. For further information please visit our website www. kingstontourguides.org.uk

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To advertise in Omni Local call Felicity on 07900 312634

OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

ARTS

Come up and see my etchings (and maybe make some of your own)!

Supplied by: Caroline Calascione - KAOS

Have you ever wished you knew more about the intriguing and complex process of etching as practiced by many great artists including Durer, Rembrandt, Goya and more recently David Hockney, Norman Ackroyd and Grayson Perry? Etching is a printmaking technique that uses chemical action (usually acid on metal) to produce incised lines in a metal printing plate which then hold the applied ink and form the image. Etching was used for decorating metal from the 14th century, but was probably not used for printmaking much before the early sixteenth century. Since then many etching techniques have been developed. Etching is an intaglio technique. This means that ink is held in the etched lines on the plate and printed on presses with heavy steel rollers. KAOS artist/printmaker Peg Morris has recently started work at Kew Art Studios as the Print Technician for their Open Access Print Studio. This wonderful facility, housed in a Victorian school building was set up in 1980 by printmaker Sally Hunkin and other artists. It offers a fully equipped etching and screenprinting studio as well as work spaces for resident artists. The studios are run as an educational charity and offer workshops and longer courses in drawing, tapestry, screen printing and etching. If you are completely new to etching or you are returning to it after a long break, Peg will be running two weekend workshops ‘Introduction to Etching’ on February 25th/26th and March 11th/12th followed by a twelve week course on Wednesday evenings from April 19th from 7-10pm. These courses will cover the basic processes involved in etching; plate preparation, use of hard and soft grounds, aquatint, inking, wiping, chine collé, two-plate printing and editioning. For further details see the Kew Studios website www.kewstudio.org or Peg’s website www.pegmorris.com. Experienced printmakers can join as Printmaking Members after an induction 15

session and sessions can then be booked online. Peg studied Fine Art at Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology in the 1980s and then studied etching at Putney School of Art for many years. She is a founder member of KAOS. She exhibits her prints at the Southbank Printmakers Gallery in the vibrant Gabriel’s Wharf on the banks of the Thames in London and is also a member of Richmond Printmakers. She opens her studio in Latchmere Road in Kingston every summer and exhibits widely including twice in Oldenburg, Germany. www.kingstonartistsopenstudios.co.uk

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

The Cooking Corner Fish Stew Serves 4 Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

400g white fish of your choice 200g salmon steaks 100g cooked prawns 250g chestnut mushrooms, thinly sliced 200ml soy milk 2 tbsp corn flour Ground black pepper Himalayan salt 1 tsp ground nutmeg juice of one lemon 500ml fish stock (made from one stock cube, maximum of 0.5 carbohydrates per 100g) 1 celery stick, finely chopped 1 leek, the white part only, finely chopped 3 tbsp flat leaf parsley, finely cut 3 tbsp olive oil

Method: 1. Pre-heat oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas mark 3 2. Heat 2 tbsps of olive oil in a frying pan, add the leek and celery and fry for 1 minute and set aside. 3. Make the fish stock and poach the salmon and white fish in the stock till cooked. 4. Lift the fish out of the stock and place in an oven proofed dish. 5. Strain the stock and reserve. 6. Heat the remaining olive oil in a frying pan, add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.

7. Mix the soy milk with 100ml fish stock in a small sauce pan and heat on a medium heat. 8. Mix the corn flour with 1 ½ tbsp cold water and add to the soy milk mixture. 9. Simmer till the sauce starts to thicken. 10. Add pepper, salt and nutmeg to taste. 11. Place the fish in an oven proof dish, add the prawns, leek and celery, and mushrooms and cover with the sauce. 12. Place in the oven for 10 minutes. 13. Drizzle the fish with the lemon juice and garnish with the chopped parsley. Nutritional value per person: Carbohydrates: 2½ Vegetable portion: ½ Protein portion: 1½

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

GARDENING

Gardening in Spring

Supplied by:

Spring usually arrives by mid-March Janet Bacon and the frequent sunny days provide the opportunity for an increasing range of gardening tasks which means it’s time to get busy. Spring Pruning Pruning certain shrubs hard in spring encourages vigorous new growth which can provide more colourful stems that brighten up the garden in winter or larger leaves for textural interest in the summer. The shrubs I would suggest for colourful winter stems are varieties of dogwood (Cornus) or willow (Salix) and those for larger leaves are Indian bean tree (Catalpa), Cercis, Cotinus, Eucalyptus, Paulownia, and elder (Sambucus). as scooped out half orange, grapefruit or melon skins, laid cut side down. Jars The best time to prune is before the part-filled with beer and sunk into the leaves begin to appear on the stems, soil are also quite effective but you this will not only make sure you do not must check and empty these regularly, damage the new growth but allow you to preferably every morning. Moistureenjoy the colourful stems for as long as absorbent minerals can be placed possible. Young plants need to establish around plants to create slug barriers and for a year or two before you start hard again these are available by mail order pruning, after that you can prune the or from garden centres. stems down to 5-7.5cm (2-3in) above the ground the first time. In subsequent Nest Boxes years, cut back annually or every few Now is a good time to put up a nest years to the previous stubs. Apply a box to encourage more birds into your balanced general-purpose fertiliser each garden. Make sure that you site your box spring to encourage stem and flower out of the prevailing wind and strong growth. sunlight. It should be about 1-3m above Spring Slug Control the ground, ideally on a tree trunk, but a wall or shed is fine, too. Look Slugs can cause damage throughout for somewhere that is hard for cats or the year on a wide range of plants, but squirrels to reach and be sure to position seedlings and new growth on herbaceous it away from bird tables and feeders, as plants in spring are most at risk. The they’re busy areas. best way to reduce their impact is to use either biological control or preventative To get in touch, please email j.bacon@ measures to protect the most vulnerable tiscali.co.uk or call 020 8393 7970. plants. Biological control comes in the form of ‘Nemaslug’, this is a form of a microscopic nematode or eelworm that is watered into the soil and available by mail order of was from some centres. This article supplied by garden Leonie Wright from Eat Wright. Preventive measures consist of barriers, traps, moisture-absorbent minerals or if you have a garden pond then frogs and toads do the work for you. Barriers are copper tapes around pots or traps, such 17

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

Visit our new showroom:

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www.tayloredroomsolutions.co.uk

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

HOME

Getting on Top of Things During this time of year, as the weather begins to change it is harder to know how to keep your home in top shape. Why not devote your Sunday afternoon or a bank holiday Monday to sorting things out - even if it means just breaking down your list of to-dos for when you’ve got a little extra time or can get some extra help from your family members or even a professional. Decluttering helps to destress. If your environment is cluttered, your mind will be cluttered. It’s a lot harder to find what you need and feel like you have the space to get things done when your workspace is crammed with junk that you’ve never gotten around to sorting out or throwing away. The simple solution is to bag and pile everything up into organised categories and see how much you can stand to lose along the way. Many of us are guilty of hoarding or saying “I’ll donate those clothes at some point” and never getting it sorted. Set yourself a time and date to have these things taken care of and stick to it.

Supplied by: Leanna Carl - Omni Local

week, or even create a regularly updated rota for you and your adult roommates to make sure everyone is pulling their weight. Just be sure to discuss the conditions and the frequency requirement of certain jobs before expecting everyone to stick to it.

You could even make some money in the process of clearing out by selling your old items onto someone else through sites like eBay. There could be piles of valuable treasures lurking behind the messes or stashed away in a box somewhere. Do some good for someone else or for your wallet by passing things on that you no longer need. If you haven’t seen something in months or forgot you even had it, chances are you don’t actually need it. Get some help from those you live with. If you’re either a parent or you share a place with friends, try to create a solid system that everyone can follow to keep things in order. Start a job rota system for your children which rewards their efforts with pocket money or allows them to pick meals for the 19

You’ll find it a lot easier to stay on top of the tidying up when you’ve got others to lend a hand as well - not to mention cleaning up after everyone else can really create a tense environment and cause stress between housemates. Don’t let everything fall on you, but try to oversee if you want to keep things fair on everybody.

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Mum Makeover This month, why not do something different for the woman you’ve known all your life? Give her a makeover! Whether that means a full face of makeup she’s never dared to wear, or putting together a fab new outfit for her to wear on her special day, make her feel like a celebrity for a moment. Colour choices - You may or may not be overly confident in your makeup skills or fashion sense, but you know your mum. Think about what shades suit her skin tone and hair colour... emphasise the hints of green in her eyes or shades of red in her hair by trying out bolder colours and thicker eyeliners, just to show her she can mix things up the next time she’s going out. When it comes to eyes, its easier to get away with unusual eyeshadow colours if you line the eyes with a good black eyeliner. Professional help - Alternatively, if you’re not much of a makeup artist and don’t feel inspired, why not make an appointment with your local beauty salon or spa and see what she’s looking for? Feeling good on the outside also helps us to feel good on the inside, so if you spend time enjoying the outdoors, tasting great food and enjoying some therapeutic rejuvenation, you’ll both feel bright eyed and bushy tailed! Inner makeover - You could also splurge on some essentials like moisturisers, night creams and leave in hair conditioners to give her a pampering at home that’ll keep her feeling youthful and vibrant. It is always important to keep skin hydrated and keep hair nourished so see what’s on the market

Supplied by: Leanna Carl - Omni Local

that’ll help to take care of her outside as well as the inside. Hair - If you’re feeling a little daring, why not offer her an at home hair colouring or cut as well? Freshen up any grown in roots and stress-induced greys with rich, deep hues that’ll have her feeling like she’s doing hair commercials (just make sure you get an approved colour before you start!). If this alarms you at all, book a professional hairdresser instead. You can even have some hairdressers come to her house! Fashion - Alternatively, take her for a shopping trip this mothers day and remind her of how great it feels to spoil yourself with some new clothes. Don’t pressure her into wearing something she isn’t comfortable with, but make suggestions if she’s feeling adventurous and wants to step outside her comfort zone just a little bit. We all like a vote of confidence. Do your part to make sure she feels special and that she’s glamorous and gorgeous enough to go bigger.

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Reframing Lent Seeking inspiration for this article, sunshine, snowdrops, daffodils and blue tits inspecting the bird box in my garden all turned my thoughts to Spring and new starts, and my spirits soared. Then I remembered Lent with its fasting, suffering and penitence and wham - my mood dropped like a portcullis. “Why do I have this negative attitude towards Lent?” I wondered and set out to investigate. I discovered that sugary pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and Mardi Gras (literally “Fat Tuesday”), with its carnival and feasting, symbolise how our ancestors used up rich foods in one glorious blow-out before Lent. Little positive PR for austere Lent to be found there! Then I read how the Greeks approach things slightly differently. Lent starts two days earlier on the Sunday evening with a service at which people bow to each other, asking for forgiveness for their shortcomings in the previous year. In this way everyone starts the next day, called Clean Monday, with a clear conscience and renewed feelings of love from, and towards those around them. I read elsewhere that the logic for choosing what we take on during Lent is not only to make up for what we regret having done or not done in the past but also to help us grow as people. Lent, if you will, is about character building. Here was the positive spin I sought. We forgive others of their failings and are forgiven in return. We stop beating ourselves up about the past. We choose something for the 40 days of Lent that will be tough, yet means something to us so we come out as better people. Think then of something you have been meaning to do to improve your health and wellbeing, banish your personal critic (what’s done is done, move on) and with a clean

Supplied by: Claire Dyson - Untangle Your Life

slate commit to that something for 40 days. If your mind has gone blank, here are some ideas: Eat fresh foods rather than all the packaged stuff Vow to leave work at the office Be kind to yourself (whatever that means to you) Reduce or eliminate added sugar Raise your heart rate for 15 minutes daily Stretch muscles and creaking bones by taking up a class or sport Reduce nicotine intake Watch TV or downloads for an hour less a day, talking to friends and family instead I wish a purposeful, determined Lent to one and all. www.untangleyourlife.co.uk

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

SPECIAL FEATURE

Shout-out to All the Mums Out There!

Supplied by: Leanna Carl - Omni Local discounted day at the spa. Or alternatively, you could take up a day long course together, such as a cooking or dance class. You can either have a day just the two of you or get your siblings together as well, or just make it a day with the kids where everyone gets involved. When in doubt, there is always the cinema or a show at the Rose Theatre! Leave plenty of time for her. Spend the whole day (if you can) showing her how much she means to you, by engaging in fun, memorable activities and talking about the things you can’t talk about with anyone else. One of the best ways to spend your time is reminiscing about the good old days. Bust out the family albums, share stories from your childhood and you’ll feel so much closer to her just by chatting with each other on the same level, as adults and proud family members. Whether she’s looking to go somewhere exciting or enjoy a nice meal out somewhere, or she just wants to relax at home over a cup of tea/coffee - schedule it in and put the rest of the world and your worries on standby.

Many of us are looking for ways to spoil the most important women in our lives - our Mothers! But the question is - how? Not all Mums are the same and the most important part of gift giving and celebrating is the thought behind it. Hopefully we can at least help with the brainstorming with our tips on showering her with the praise she deserves. Plan a surprise. Things can always get in the way of your plans, from cancellations to traffic, sold out items and last minute ailments...but the earlier you start planning and the more effort you put into your gift or event - the less chance there is of things falling short. It’ll also help you avoid the stress of getting everything together on the day. Things like ordering cards or flowers online can really set your mind at ease and allows you to personalise and get things ready in advance.

Document everything. You’ll know this to

Take her out! Many places in the local area offer great Mother’s Day special offers, whether it includes a delicious free meal or a

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

alongside your mum will definitely bring back memories or create new ones.

be true if you end up spending time going through family photos - but everyone loves having visuals when they’re feeling nostalgic and it can be a lot of fun when you’ve got all those treasured photo albums to look back on, or when you’re looking to plan your next holiday or day trip together. Why not get the camera out for the occasion? Or go the extra step and get an official family photographer to capture the day’s events? You’ll be happy you did when you look back years from now. Be thoughtful, not frivolous. Even if you’re just taking her for a day in the park or for a day at the museum, you will have so many opportunities to talk about anything, plan for the future and generally enjoy each others company - and this isn’t going to cost you a bundle. You could also save spending money in a restaurant or on going out and create a delicious home-cooked dinner for her at home, or of course by bringing her a nice breakfast in bed. Whether you’re a whizz in the kitchen or not, the thought behind it will definitely be appreciated. For many, cooking

Take the reins. The best thing you can do to make the day special is to keep her from doing anything strenuous, routine and mundane. This means getting her to put her feet up while you plan out the fun you’ll be having, or you and yours prepare the dinner. Don’t have Mum washing up and making hot beverages for everyone - make her feel like a queen! It isn’t often people get to feel a sense of adoration and complete relaxation, so why not show them how that feels on this special occasion? Don’t leave things there! Although Mother’s Day is a great chance for everyone to celebrate their mothers and spread some love, it will really mean the world to her if you don’t completely switch off once the holiday’s over. Give her a day to remember, but don’t forget that as the one who gave you life and who will always have a deep connection with you - it is so important that you stay in regular communication with her and do your best to show what she means to you. Whatever your situation, she is the most important woman you’ll have in your life, so do your part whenever you can and hopefully you’re children will do the same for you. Have a Happy Mother’s Day everyone!

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

JAZZ AT THE ROSE

HEART OF DARKNESS

Tue 7 Mar – Tue 6 Jun

Sun 26 Mar

Kingston University free lunchtime jazz continues with talented jazz pianist Meredith White who brings a wide range of repertoire and styles to the classic jazz piano trio format delivered with a depth of expression and creativity. Meredith is joined by drummer Paul Cavaciuti and bassist Dave Jones, each bandleaders in their own right, who compliment and support while bringing a unique voice to their roles.

Adapted by Ciaran McConville This new adaptation of Heart of Darkness is set against the backdrop of the War on Terror. A troubled young woman journeys upriver in a desolate war zone to find the infamous Kurts. The further she gets from civilisation, the harder it is to distinguish between nightmare and reality, past and present, righteousness and evil.

MY BRILLIANT FRIEND

YOU SAY YOU WANT A REVOLUTION: REBELS 1996-70

Sat 25 Feb – Sun 2 Apr

Sun 26 Mar

Adapted by April De Angelis

Presented by Rose Youth Theatre

Directed by Melly Still

Five extraordinary years of war, technology and revolution in which a generation changed the world. From the advent of the credit card to the lunar landing, from the Tet Offensive to Woodstock, from Twiggy to the Beetles, these were years that were defined by youth and transformation.

Starring Niamh Cusack and Catherine McCormack, this modern family saga chronicles the lives of friends, Elena and Lila, following them from their childhoods in a poor, tough neighbourhood of Naples, through passionate love affairs, burgeoning careers and family struggles. But even as life repeatedly tries to pull the two in separate directions, Elana and Lila remain inextricably bound to one another. 24

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

In The Cinema

(Scan the QR Codes to see the trailers)

Kong: Skull Island

Supplied by: Leanna Carl British SAS Captain, James Conrad (Played by The Avengers’ Tom Hiddleston) heads to Skull Island with his team of explorers, including photojournalist and peace activist Mason Weaver (Brie Larson), as well as United States Army Lieutenant Preston Packard (Samuel L Jackson). Although their aim is to further understand the science/possible magic of the island, their attempts prove dangerous for the team and those who inhabit the island. The dangerous conditions and extraordinary creatures the team are faced with are stranger and more treacherous than any of them could have possibly anticipated.

Everyone’s favourite over-sized ape is back on the big screen and faced with even more conflict and excitement than before. As it seems that the army is looking to attack Skull Island, where Kong resides - the island dwellers and unusual creatures instinctively fight back at those daring enough to visit the location themselves. This includes our leading team of unlikely visitors.

Things take a more bizarre turn when the team meet stranded World War II Lieutenant, Hank Marlow (John C. Reilly) who has spent an astounding 28 years on the island, befriending natives and learning the behaviour of the creatures that reside. Can our team find out everything they need to know and escape the island in one piece?

Out on DVD

Doctor Strange better than most – he tries everything he can think of to cure his healing hands, with the aid of his partner and fellow surgeon Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) which soon leads to a quest and finds him in Kamar-Taj, Nepal. He studies under the influence of The Ancient One (played by Tilda Swinton) to learn about interdimensional travel and spells.

The exciting new Marvel development is now available on Blu Ray and DVD! Starring Sherlock favourite, Benedict Cumberbatch as the highly skilled neurosurgeon, Doctor Stephen Strange. Stephen is tragically caught in a horrible car accident which leaves him unable to continue with his practice. Refusing to give up what he loves and what he does 25

Soon enough, he begins to discover the darkness of the world, and finds himself in charge of protecting the world from a deadly enemy set on destroying everything. Can he regain his strengths, learn new skills and save everyone? This movie is ideal for comiclovers, action fans and thrillseeking, but isn’t suitable for young children.

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

EVENT LISTINGS

Local Events Golden Memories Café (Fortnightly on Wednesdays from 1st March 2017) £2 per person to include all refreshments Golden Memories Cafe is a café for people in the Richmond Borough living with Dementia, and for their Care Givers. It’s a place where they can socialise in a friendly, relaxed, safe environment and enjoy activities such as quizzes, chair aerobics, singing, art etc. Care givers may leave their loved ones in a safe environment or may choose to stay and enjoy the café with them from 2-4pm. Call 07428 755 254 or email katy@ fitnessfromtheheart.co.uk for more information. Location: The Greenwood Centre, 1A School Road, Hampton Hill, Hampton TW12 1QL. Feel Good Fridays (Weekly) From £5 per hour Drop-in sessions for over 60’s Yoga from 12pm – 1.30pm and Chair Yoga from 2.45pm. Therapeutic Massages 9 – 5 for ½ hr. Put yourself in safe hands for the cure and prevention of pain through remedial massage therapy. Call 07958 459 725 for more information. Location: Surrey House, Eden Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1ER The Live Playlist (Every Thursday night) Free Entry Join Pizza Express Kingston for delicious food and a collection of vibrant, energetic music and popular song covers from top musicians. Music starts from 8pm. Call 020 8546 2245 or visit www. pizzaexpresslive.com Location: 41 High Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1LQ Try Energy Healing & Reiki (Every Thursday afternoon) Donations Welcome Energising the body, releasing tension and stimulating self-healing with experienced and qualified therapists. All welcome from 1:30pm - 3:30pm. Call 07814 914 163 or pop into the Healing Trust for more information. Location: 2nd Floor, United Reform Church, Eden Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1HZ (opposite old post office)

Outside the Box Comedy Club (Fortnightly on Mondays from 6th March 2017) See website for prices Showcasing the best UK and International comedians, including some huge TV names. Previous acts have included Bill Bailey, Jimmy Carr and Robin Williams. Head to your local for some top comedy performances. Book tickets at: www. outsidetheboxcomedy.co.uk. Location: The Fighting Cocks Pub, 56 Old London Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 6QA Kingston Debating Society (Every Thursday evening in January-March and October-December) Free for first two visits Discussing topics as varied as the latest political issues, science, the arts, history, television, sport...the list is endless! You are guaranteed a civilised and absorbing evening, listening to the main speakers, and having your chance to speak for up to ten minutes. Visit www.kingstondebating.org.uk for more information. Location: Methodist Church Hall, Kingston upon Thames, Avenue Road, off Fairfield South, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2UJ. YMCA Youth Dance Company (Weekly from Thursday 16th February - 21st April 2017) Call for prices Are you 12 to 18 years old, do you love to dance? the YMCA run professional training and performance opportunities in a fun and encouraging environment. Meeting at 5pm7pm every week. Call 020 8339 7311 or email annaLharris@ ymcalsw.org for more information. Location: Holy Cross School, New Malden KT3 5AR. Kingston Vegan and Yoga Fest (Saturday 25th March 2017) £5 Entry fee This is the 2nd festival, with the first including 500 people and the Mayor and MP of Kingston. Attend FREE yoga sessions, workshops, meditation sessions, talks and vegan cookery demos, as well as live music. Try vegan food and shop for vegan products and services from over 50 colourful stalls. All proceeds go to charity. Visit www.yogaveganfest.com for more information. Location: Kingston College, Kingston Hall Road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2AQ.

To advertise in Omni Local call Felicity on 07900 312634

OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

What makes a good website?

THE 6 CREATIVE Supplied by: Louis Spackman

Websites are one of the most important things to get right for any business. A good website has great content and is regularly updated, intuitive, easy to use and has good visitors/customer conversion rates. However many businesses struggle to build and maintain a successful website because they lack the knowledge required. The following tips can help you make your next website work harder to win new customers while maintaining your current client base:

customers will be searching in google to find you, making yourself look unique.

Responsive design Make sure that your website has a responsive design that looks good, not just on your computer but also on a tablet or mobile as well. Great content This could be in writing, photographs or video. Content is key now, and if you have good content you will get regular customers. BBC reckoned that spelling mistakes on their website ended up costing them millions in lost sales. It is important to have a nice conjunction of photography, videos and detailed writing on your website. Website visitors are primary hunters, they hunt for information and if you don’t give them what they want they will go elsewhere. Call to action buttons. It is essential that your website has clear visible call to action buttons that allow your customers to buy either your service or product without having to look hard to find exactly what you want. SEO This means search engine optimization. This is essential if you want a lot of traffic to your website. Make sure you use clever keywords to help promote your website. There is no point using keywords that are already being used by big companies. Instead, try and think outside of the box and think about what your

Graphic design Today is all about looking good. If your website doesn’t look appealing, the chances are you are going to turn off potential clients. A website that looks synthetically pleasing is a big help towards ensuring a customer trusts you to fulfill what you promised. These are just a few pointers for you to consider for your next website. It is essential that you work with a web designer that knows his stuff. The right web designer will oversee your project layout and help design right through towards helping with your SEO score. Sometimes it pays to work with someone that is as passionate about your business as you are! At The 6 Creative we work with industry expert web designers that are ready to talk to you and take your project to the next level. We are passionate about businesses and will help plan and develop a fantastic website that showcases your work. We look into making sure that your website is responsive and has great outstanding graphic design, is Google friendly, easy to use and has superb, easy to access call to action buttons for potential buyers, as well as a layout which can help you get in touch with experts to help you develop the right content. Check out our website today: www. the6creative.com

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

TRAVEL MOTORING SECTION

Car Care and Maintenance

Supplied by: Leanna Carl - Omni Local

When did you last clean the inside of your vehicle? Not counting the times you’ve removed takeaway containers or wrappers, it might have been a while... but its important not to forget things like this as you and your car will be in better health with regular cleanings. Anything that is left unseen to for a while can harbour tons of germs but we don’t always stay conscious of this because its easier to assume our phones, beds or sofa cushions are fine, as they’re not easy to clean. If you have children or regularly drive your family members around it is all the more crucial that they are in a safe and comfortable

paper towels, as they can leave scuff marks.

environment, so don’t skip maintenance

You also need to be cautious with leather

checks and freshen ups.

steering wheels and shifters, as they may

It is hard to know the best methods and

become slippery or sticky, which won’t help

products to use in really giving your car a

when you’re driving! An easy fix is to simply

thorough clean. After all, you wouldn’t want

use a slightly dampened towel on areas like

to damage anything or end up with the

this. Using a soft brush attachment, try to

end result being worse than before. If your

gently vacuum any seat crevices or floors to

interior consists of leather, it can be even

remove any crumbs or dust.

more of a challenge. Leather is very delicate,

You can use the same cleaning products on

and will require specially formulated leather

the carpeting of the car too, or even laundry

cleaning supplies.

detergent to remove stains and dirt tracked

Some leather cleaning products can make

in. Try not to use too much water on the

the leather go tacky, or become sticky to the

carpeting either, as you’ll want to dry it out

touch, whereas others could make it a lot

as soon as possible to avoid mould or damp

shinier or slippier. Always ensure you use any

smells in your car. The important thing is

new products on a small area of a car seat, to

that you make the time for it and get all the

guarantee that you get the result you were

necessary equipment.

looking for. Always use a soft clean towel

Always be sure to take good care of your vehicle. Quality control is essential.

or rag when wiping down seats - never use

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

TRAVEL

Planning a Cruise A lot of people plan holidays for the Summer, but it doesn’t always cross people’s mind to opt for a cruise...and why not? There are so many reasons to consider them, from seeing more of the world to enjoying the journey and planning is easy. Some of the things to think about first are:

Supplied by: Leanna Carl - Omni Local

When do you want to go? Most Southern hemisphere locations like New Zealand and South America have a lot warmer temperatures throughout the Winter. Not to mention the sights along the way can become more appealing at certain times of year, for example Eastern Canada is best suited to an Autumn cruise, while the leaves change colour. Figure out what interests you What are you looking for in a cruise? Are you the type to get out and do some backpacking, soak up some culture and see the wonders of the world, or do you prefer a lounging holiday full of tanning, relaxing and pampering? Are you going for the journey or the destination? Check what’s waiting at the end of your trip and make sure it’s something that interests you, or you won’t feel you got your money’s worth. Think about the extras Don’t forget to account for things like spending money, port fees, additional taxes and any activities you’ve got planned. Create an itinerary if you can and stick to it. You also need to plan out how exactly you’re going to make it to the starting/end port once you’re ready to set sail. Do you need a car, train or plane to get to where you need to be, and 29

how much time is it going to take out of your holiday days you’ve got booked? Whatever you do, always look for the best deals available early, and get in touch with your local professionals for advice. Why not contact Not Just Travel and see what they can do for you?

www.omnilocal.co.uk â&#x20AC;¢ Edition 50

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames â&#x20AC;˘ March 2017

LOCAL TRADES

All of us at Omni Local encourage you to do your absolute most to support your local businesses wherever possible. We are passionate about helping smaller businesses in and around Kingston, just as they do for us. Having a town full of unique, high-quality, artisanal and local establishments can really help to enrich and improve our community; through the provision of brilliant service to Surrey-based residents. Local companies continuously add a more personal feel to the area. Each and every advertiser featured in this issue of Omni Local are proof in themselves that so many excellent businesses in Surrey can contribute to your needs in the best possible way, offering perfect service with a smile every time they are needed. We just want to help you locate them! There could

still be a very long line of establishments out there who are not often mentioned in local publications as often as others. Our aim is to try and change that, by helping our readers see what excellent services are available near to them, but we could use some more help! If you know of any LOCAL trades businesses that have yet to feature in Omni Local, and you feel they deserve a mention in our magazine, please do not hesitate to send us their company details. Maybe youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve used a local service recently and you feel that they should get a mention? If so, please let us know about it and we will do our best to provide support and assist them in promoting their business. Contact John on 07898 870 870 or email sales.omnilocal@gmail.com

EBL Extension Build London www.eblondon.co.uk 0208 970 78 78

call the experts

HOW WILL YOU

CHANGE YOUR SPACE?

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

STILL WAITING FOR BUSINESS TO COME TO YOU ?

Bringing Health, Vitality and Opportunity Become an

lorraine@the-lp-partnership.com 07737 548 132

DO SOMETHING AND A D V E R T I S E IF YOU DON’T YOUR COMPETITORS WILL.

Call us now 020 7183 0404

www.the-lp-partnership.com

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

SYNERGY SECTION

The LP Partnership

Supplied by: Lorraine Tarbitten - Synergy

Synergy Worldwide are now bringing you Elite Health Purify kit, a 7-day Program to transform your Microbiome (Gut Bacteria). They state that Elite health is ‘The pinnacle of wellness, where age does not dictate ability. Scientifically Elite health is optimal metabolic function, the state in which all our body systems are performing efficiently.’ Which sounds like a great place to be. I completed the Purify Kit and was amazed at how I felt; my yo-yo dieting has stopped; my energy has increased and it transformed the shape of my body. I feel that this was due to the amount of swelling and bloating that had disappeared. Did you know that we have 100 trillion cells on us and in us, and 90 trillion of them are bacteria, fungi and microflora, only 10% of the cells contain our own DNA! We start out with certain types of good bacteria as a baby and then I believe that becomes wiped out over time due to Anti-biotics, other medicines that we may need during our lifetime, pollution, bad eating habits, less nutrient filled foods and possibly the amount of processed foods that we consume. If you google any research on the Microbiome, there are research papers stating its link to Obesity, Crohns, many other digestive disorders, Parkinson’s (which was even discussed on the BBC) and many more.

even identical twins only share many of the same species, not all. There are so many new diseases being reported, so if we could start out with a fresh set of the good species of bacteria in our gut it may prevent so many more in the future. And who knows what benefits every individual could feel right now? The Purify Kit contains 5 products with clinically formulated nutrition for the microbiome, so if you are working towards Elite Health why not try it now. To find out more contact – Lorraine@the-lppartnership.com 07737 548132 www.the-lp-partnership.com

The obesity aspect struck a chord for me, as I was 1 of 9 children and the only one that was over-weight, and I was also the only one that had two surgeries and required anti-biotics as a child. I wonder if my good bacteria were wiped out? Another interesting fact is that they have found over 10,000 species in the microbiome and we all have our own unique set of bacteria; no one has the exact same match,

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

RESIDENTIAL ACCOUNTANT

Tax Credits

Supplied by: Goddards Accountants Kingston Ltd

Are you entitled to Child Tax Credits; and if so, are you claiming them? If your child is under 16, or under 20 and in eligible education or training you may be eligible for Child Tax Credits.

of others receiving the Child Tax Credit, but This will depend upon you household income

then having it “clawed back” when HMRC

and whether or not you have Childcare Costs.

realise they got it wrong.

If you are eligible you get £545 per year per

In addition, you need to renew you claim for

child, but with a maximum of £2,780 per

Child Tax Credits every year if you wish to

child, unless the child is disabled then the

keep getting them.

maximum is £3,140.

However if you are on a low income you may

If your household income is £16,105 or below

be eligible for their “childcare element” of

you get maximum credit; but for every £1

Working Tax Credits.

over this earnings level you lose 41p credit.

Unfortunately anyone having childcare

However if you claim Universal Credits, then

after April 2017 will find that the support

you cannot claim Child Tax Credits.

is limited to 2 children; and you will not be

Not surprisingly, many people fail to claim as they find the system confusing; or have heard

able to claim the family element.

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

DIY

Garden Lights

Supplied by: Leanna Carl - Omni Local

We all love to spend time in the garden, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine - or for family gatherings and parties. With less daylight this time of year and all those bank holiday BBQ days coming up in a few months, it may be worth installing some outdoor lighting for when the night rolls in. Here’s where to start if you feel like taking it on yourself. What you may need: Lawn Edger - Wire Cutters - Tape Measure - Garden Lights Method: 1. Figure out where you want the lights to

the cables you’re purchasing need to be.

go. It might help to sketch out a basic plan of your garden so you can figure out which

3. Whether you want some uplighting,

areas you’d most like to illuminate, and

downlighting, spread lighting or cross

which areas might appreciate an artistic

lighting, there are many options for you

silhouette or colorful glare. Remember to

to choose from. Floodlights are better for

keep the power supply within reachable

eliminating darker areas, whereas tier lights

distance of an indoor outlet if necessary. An

are best used for walkways, as they make

alternative method of lighting could be using

it easier to pass through. You could even

solar lamps, but this isn’t as dependable or

consider adding some colour for some mood

effective as installing your own low-voltage

lighting and effects. Prepacked light sets and

lights.

accessories are your easiest option.

2. Measure things out. Use a tape measure

4. It is important that you find waterproof

to map out where abouts the wiring for your

cables for outdoor lighting, but you can also

new lights is going to be positioned. Make

use a lawn edger to cut into the ground far

a note of all measurements taken and mark

enough to bury cables and cover them over.

each location using stakes, or any other

Low voltage cables can also be covered over

items. Alternatively you could mark out

with wood chips or decorative stones and

the entire set-up with a long piece of cord

foliage. If you’re creating a custom light

or rope. Simply lead the cord around your

set, you need to ensure that you follow

garden in the desired area to visualise the

instructions to the letter, as electricals can

end result, and to work out exactly how long

be tricky and unsafe when wired incorrectly.

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • March 2017

PROPERTY

Pocket Homes Arrive in Kingston

Supplied by: Hannah Godwin - Pocket Living

26 one and two bedroom homes coming soon on Cowleaze Road Innovative housing developer Pocket Living is building its first scheme in Kingston. Pocket has been building compact homes across London for well over a decade, their homes are carefully designed from the inside out for the way Londoners live today. Pocket apartments are for local people to own and enjoy living in (not investors), and thanks to the fantastic roof terrace, homeowners can quickly form a strong community. The new homes are on Cowleaze Road, just three minutes from Kingston Station, and will provide 21 one bedroom apartments and 5 two bedroom apartments. The handsome four storey brick building has been designed by award-winning architects Haworth Tompkins. There is a spacious roof terrace for all residents to enjoy and well-designed landscaping in the communal areas. Striking supergraphics guide you around the interior and there is ample secure cycle storage. The apartments have been thoughtfully designed with fully fitted kitchens, wet-room bathrooms and clever storage solutions. Pocket’s one bed homes are sold at a 20% 37

discount to the local market price, because they’re just for first time buyers. These apartments enable young professionals from the local area to put down roots and get onto the property ladder. These homes launch for sale in March, with the building completing later this year. To register your interest sign up at www. pocketliving.com or call the Pocket Sales team on 0203 713 9278.

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames â&#x20AC;¢ March 2017

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

COMPETITION REVIEW

Cook A rather different review for you this month – remarkable ready made meals for your freezer from a living wage employer. Food that tastes as if prepared by a top restaurant, beautifully presented, amazing flavour and easy as pie to cook – yet do-able prices! As you can see, I was impressed by my first ever meal from ‘Cook’; the only hitch being so much choice in the shop and on-line. Freezers full of delicious meals for 1, 2 or 4 servings. With numerous options for vegan, gluten free, vegetarian, low calorie, kids and baby food and those who eat everything, I finally decided on my choice, straight from the freezer and popped in the oven and microwave. Having recently been to Morocco I chose Moroccan Spiced Lamb Tagine, I think maybe Cook should go to Marrakesh to teach them how to prepare it, it was so tasty. The vegetables – braised red cabbage, peas & leeks in lemon and herb butter were extremely tasty and went perfectly with both the succulent Salmon & Asparagus Gratin and Tagine. (useful having so many single portions available, no need to compromise for different preferences or allergies). The Winter Pudding (summer pud but with delicious full, dark berry fruits) went down a

treat, as did the really Sticky Toffee Pudding. To enable you to try out their range, Surbiton ‘Cook’ have a special offer in March - 3 meals of 2 servings (6 servings!) for just £18, ie Just £3 per head & a Special Mother’s Day Offer! Save the scrum of going out, amaze mum and produce a restaurant quality meal at home with little effort. Thanks very much to all the chefs who prepared our meals; they were delicious. I will be returning! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR LAST COMPETITION WINNER > SARAH GAULT! WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR WONDERFUL FREE BOOKS FROM THE STORY POT.

To advertise in Omni Local call Felicity on 07900 312634

OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames â&#x20AC;˘ March 2017

JobSpot Fantastic opportunities for graduate calibre or equivalent candidates who are looking to develop a career within administration. We have many varied local positions available. Full training provided. Email: ashleigh.field@absolutelyrecruitment.co.uk Call: 020 8546 8686 Our client requires a finance coordinator to manage the supplier, purchase ledger and expense management functions to support the finance team activities. Must be well educated and local to the Leatherhead area. Email: simon.duckworth@absolutelyrecruitment. co.uk Call: 020 8546 8686 We require an outgoing salesperson to work for our client, a successful and fast growing property investment company. This is a fantastic opportunity working 100% qualified hot leads, no cold-calling and huge earning potential! This is a permanent position and is predominantly home-based. Email: simon.duckworth@absolutelyrecruitment. co.uk Call: 020 8546 8686

Calling all temps full and part time- all levels required for immediate bookings in the local area. Competitive rates! Email: sophie.oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sullivan@absolutelyrecruitment.co.uk Call: 020 8546 8686 Our client is an award winning property company who work in the local surrey area. Due to substantial growth our client is looking for a sales administrator to work with the sales team and enhance their service. Email: noelle.bretagne@absolutelyrecruitment.co.uk Call: 020 8546 8686 Our client requires an experienced lettings negotiator, preferably from an estate agency sales background that would like to develop their career and earning potential. The successful candidate will be working within a dynamic team and contributing to the success of the organisation. Email: noelle.bretagne@absolutelyrecruitment.co.uk Call: 020 8546 8686

Send us your job listing for free. Just call us: 0207 183 0404

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 50

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames â&#x20AC;˘ March 2017

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