The Suburb Circular - Jan 2016 by The Suburb Circular

www.thesuburbcircular.co.uk

1 18/12/2015 6000 copies litchfields_suburb_circular_v4_print.pdf distributed door to door in Hampstead Garden Suburb

12:59

january 2016 | ISSUE 8

successfully selling for over 26 years

INSIDE

FOOD & NUTRITION • Home & Garden • Education & politics • health & Fitness • AND MUCH MORE...

inside

Contents january 2016

Food & Nutrition

4 Fresh Wholefood 6 Winter Cabbage, Chorizo & Celeriac Soupe

Education & Politics

7 Politics Matters with Andrew Dismore AM 8 FunTech – Tech Skills; Crucial for Children?

Beauty & Fashion

10 Successful Dating with Sophie Personne

IT & Computing

12 FREE PC Tips with Simeon Sherman

Gifts & Events

14 Caring for your Flatware – La Belle Table

Beauty & Fashion

18 It’s all Child’s Play – Sue Gascoyne 19 Bolly

Home & Garden

22 Money Matters by Martin Lewis 24 Do Plants Lie? by Sally Tierney 26 On Your Plot – Planning Ahead

Motoring & Travel

29 Auto-Biographies by TimBarnes-Clay

Property & Finance

30 Council Tax Matters – James Walker

020-3659-2399  info@thesuburbcircular.co.uk www.thesuburbcircular.co.uk No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the prior permission of the publishers. While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the editorial content no responsibility can be taken for errors and omissions. The views expressed in the magazine are not those necessary those of the publishers. Readers are strongly advised to check information published with individual advertisers and take legal advise where appropriate, before entering any transactions.

The team EDITORIAL Editor Sarah Klein

Contributors Sheineez Barber Andrew Dismore AM La Belle Table Sophie Personne Sue Gascoyne Simoeon Sherman David Hillel Burns Sally Tierny Martin Lewis TimBarnes-Clay James Walker

Advertising

Eli Cohen 020-3659-2399

DESIGN & PRODUC TION

Jon Hart www.jonhart.carbonmade.com www.thesuburbcircular.co.uk

r o t i d e e h t m o fr

Dear Readers

to the weather, but I can’t help know that I do go on about !I was d the month of December exclaim how amazingly mil now So ember. It was splendid! can’t recall such a mild Dec ... way that I’ve got that out of the oad arrived back from being abr Many of you would have just t eren diff how me d always amaze during the winter break. It’s The n. trai via g ellin n to those trav air travellers are treated tha of extrac, and yet there is this sort esti dom be n flight could eve ed to that par com feet 00 bience at 40,0 friendly and respectful am which le cast New to a recent trip of a train ride at 5 feet. It was plane a as ch mu as t fare had cos reminded me about this. My seem sn’t doe this yet , Destination ride to an average European ‘flair the s hap Per . staff eanour of the to be a factor as regards dem the in ent min pro so el, which was and style element’ of air trav g if you exist, which is quite amazin still to ears 60’s and 70’s, app think about it… py New Wishing you all a very Hap

Year!

Until next month,

Sarah

www.thesuburbcircular.co.uk

food & nutrition

fooD matters Do you constantly feel fatigued and never have enough rest? Do you feel your health is taking a hit due to your busy work schedule? Do you want to improve your diet and nutrition intake but don’t have the time?

he truth is, in today’s world, people live such hectic and fast paced lives, and one of the first casualties of this lifestyle is people’s health and, specifically, the way they eat that can have many consequences. The good news is that our business was established to make it easy for people to eat healthy so they can feel more energetic and live stronger and healthier, without spending hours in the kitchen and studying nutrition. What is Fresh Wholefood? We are a meal delivery and private chef service. Our food is all vegan, organic, unrefined and unprocessed. Fresh Wholefood was created with the vision of bringing the best quality, strengthening and energising foods to people who are inspired to feel great and use the gift of focus and energy to create success in their lives. How did you come up with the idea? We personally have seen in our own lives how good-quality food has transformed our health. There is so little understanding of this in our community and we saw how little nourishing food there really was out there for people to buy if

the Suburb Circular • january 2016

they can’t or don’t have time to make it themselves. How does it work? Our meal delivery service runs from Monday to Friday. We deliver to your door between 6am and 9am. Breakfast, lunch, detox drink and a healthy snack. Our food is vegan, unrefined, unprocessed, kosher and organic. Our menus change regularly to ensure that the food is seasonal and exciting. Our chefs have been highly trained in the art of healing nutrition and take time and care to make sure that the meals are balanced and nutritionally dense. Our private chef service is personalised to whatever is needed. What makes it unique? There are many caterers and restaurants but none of them are focused on the health benefits and nutritional quality of the food like we are. When we prepare meals we keep in mind the exquisite balance that is needed in order to nourish your cells and immune system. We put a lot of thought into creating meals that are healing for the body and truly energising.

Our meals are acid/alkaline balanced, anti-inflammatory, very high in micro-nutrients and phyto-nutrients. We take into consideration food sensitivities, and the importance of repairing and rebuilding the digestive and intestinal flora How do people sign up to the meal delivery service? At the moment we are taking orders via email and phone. We will be launching our new website in the next few weeks so people can create their own profile and do everything online. We currently deliver all over North, North West London and the West End. For more information you can contact us via email: info@freshwholefood.uk Phone: 020 7101 3535 or via our website: www.freshwholefood.uk

Fresh. Whole. Beautiful. Our kosher organic vegan fresh meal delivery service is simply beautiful. All our ingredients are unrefined and responsibly sourced from top quality producers. Our dishes and menus are prepared by experienced whole food chefs, and we deliver to your home or office, Monday to Friday between 6am and 9am. The secret is out. Give it a go. Revolutionise the way you eat.

Special January 2016 offer! We’ll bring you breakfast, lunch, a healthy snack and a detox drink for 20 days at only £18 per day. That’s a total of £360 instead of the usual £470, a discount of over 20% ! Sign up at www.freshwholefood.uk, email us at info@freshwholefood.uk or simply call us on 0207 101 3535.

food & nutrition

Winter cabbage, chorizo and celeriac soup with baked sage croutons Serves 6-8 Takes 15 minutes to make, 40-45 minutes to cook Easy

NUTRITIONAL INFO PER SERVING Calories Fat Protein Carbohydrates Salt

376kcals 22.9g (11.7g saturated) 4111g 33.6g (5.7g sugar) 1.3g

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 red onion, thinly sliced 2 bay leaves 4 garlic cloves, sliced 200g cooking chorizo, peeled and cut into small chunks ½ tsp cumin seeds ½ celeriac, peeled and cut into 1cm chunks ½ savoy cabbage, thinly shredded (discard the stem and outer leaves) 400ml can chopped tomatoes 12 fresh sage leaves, finely shredded 30g salted butter, at room temperature 16 baguette slices 200ml crème fraîche Small handful of fresh flatleaf parsley, roughly chopped

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C/ fan140°C/gas 3. Heat half the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium-high heat and cook the onion, bay leaves and garlic for about 6-7 minutes until golden, stirring frequently.

the Suburb Circular • january 2016

This Flavourful Cabbage, Chorizo And Celeriac Soup Recipe Is Perfect In Cooler Weather – It’s Chunky And Hearty. 2. Add the chorizo and cumin seeds and cook until the fat runs out from the chorizo. Add the celeriac and cabbage, stir well, then add the tomatoes and 400ml water (use the can as a measure). Bring to the boil, cover with a tight-fitting lid, then lower the temperature. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Meanwhile, place the sage and butter in a bowl and add the remaining olive oil. Mix together well and use to butter the baguette slices on one side. Place on baking trays and cook in the oven for 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp.

4. Stir the crème fraîche into the soup and bring back to a rapid simmer. Season well and ladle into warmed soup bowls. Serve with one crouton in the bowl and the other to the side, and scatter with the parsley.

TIPS

• Freeze the soup at the end of step 2. Defrost fully before continuing from step 3. • You might want to skip more liquid with soup, but a glass of a fresh, tangy Chilean Pinot Noir is a good match.

education & politics

matters Andrew Dismore AM Labour London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden

The EU Conundrum

n the near future, we will take the biggest decision affecting our country’s future: the European Union ‘in or out’ referendum. In the 1975 vote, I was a young student who voted ‘no’. 40 years on, we have a very different world. It would be much more momentous to leave an EU, that is now 28 members strong, at a time when our much smaller globe is increasingly interdependent. . Basing the economics of the argument solely on our gross annual contribution is misleading as it ignores all we get back. We sell to Europe 45% of our £226 billion exports. In contrast, our 2014 sales to emerging market countries accounted for just 8.5 per cent of exported goods. An annual average of £26.5 billion of inward investment comes from EU countries. Companies

from outside Europe invest here, especially in London, because we are a gateway to continental EU. The independent Centre for Economics and Business Research put the value to our economy of exports to the EU at £187 billion in 2014, rising to £277 billion by 2030.

serious crimes in Britain and then fled to Europe have been arrested under the European Arrest Warrant. One of them was Hussein Osman, the terrorist involved in the 14/7 attempted bomb attack in London, caught in Italy and brought back to Britain within days.

The same report estimates that 3.1 million jobs in the UK are linked to our trade with Europe and that a further 790,000 could be created by 2030 through opening up European markets in tourism, digital services and energy.

EU immigration is not due to some fictitious ‘pull’ of the benefit system. EU migrants come here to work. Where would we be without Polish tradesmen or the French, Spanish & Italians who staff so many of London’s cafes and restaurants?

When I was an MP I rebelled against the whip by voting for an ‘in/out’ referendum These big figures translate into average family savings of around £450 a year due to lower prices, achieved through the strength we derive from being part of the biggest consumer market in the world. The EU is important for our security too. The European Arrest Warrant gives us the ability to keep our streets and homes safer. 400 people who have committed

When I was an MP I rebelled against the whip by voting for an ‘in/out’ referendum because, as a democrat at heart, I believe we must settle this argument once and for all. The referendum is not about any figleaves the Prime Minister may achieve by way of concessions to cover the embarrassment of the Conservatives’ internal divisions, or the Europhobia of their extreme right. It’s more important than that. The focus has to be on growth, jobs, security and the terrible damage it would do to the UK’s economy if we leave, not the future of the Conservative Party. Once people focus on the risks of ‘Brexit’, when the referendum finally comes, I believe we will see a majority, including me, voting ‘no’ to keep Britain in the EU. www.thesuburbcircular.co.uk

education & politics

Why are tech skills We asked Sheineez Barber, Managing Partner at FunTech, who offer computing courses for children in Hampstead Garden Suburb, Falloden Way, to share her insights on the importance of your child being Tech Savvy.

ake a moment to consider how much Tech you interface with every day at home, work, or socially. Whilst these Tech devices are geared to allow us to manipulate or consume information with ease, there is an enormous industry behind the scenes that create them. It doesn’t matter which industry your child decides to pursue as a career as technology is going to be a part of their lives and, in my view, it is unequivocal that the better prepared your child is the greater success they will have. I am often asked if I would recommend that their child studies Computing at university.

My answer is; only if they want a pure career in Computing, otherwise no. I think a solid foundation in computing before entering university is crucial; making sure you have the essential application skills, which for me are: Graphics, Animation, Website Design, Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Databases - all

I think a solid foundation in computing before entering university is crucial

at an advanced level. After that, I would recommend being able to code to Object Orientated level … and, not surprisingly, these are the courses that we have developed for youngsters at FunTech. We have the Creative Tech, Advanced Tech and Pure Coder Series… once you have these under your belt, you are ready to go and explore any career you want. I have been teaching now for 20 years and so many of our youngsters return telling me that encouragement to follow this path was one of the best aspects of their education. Ex FunTech students are now consultants in the city, software engineers for leading aerospace companies, innovators in the fashion industry, business entrepreneurs and a whole lot

what our students say:

PRITPAL: I didn’t believe I could get to Oxford, but FunTech encouraged me to apply and prepare myself for interviews. I was amazed when I got a place to study Chemistry. After this I knew I had to get a first, which I did, and haven’t looked back since. I am 28 years old and very nearly on a 6 figure salary. I attended FunTech for 7 years and this was the best preparation for my career.

the Suburb Circular • january 2016

education & politics

more… Tech is something that you interface with, and the ability to code a quick app or create a website is power to the elbow in many fields. But to come back to the question about universities, I say you should seek to achieve 3 things: 1) opt for a subject you are interested in 2) go to Oxbridge

or a Russell Group university 3) come out with a first as this will stay with you for the rest of your life. If you haven’t decided your career path then go for a pure subject such as Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry or Biology. These are undoubtedly tough subjects, but achieve a first and you will have an excellent future ahead of you.

what our students say:

CHRIS: I am the first member of the family to go to university. When Shen suggested university, I told her it was not for the likes of me. Over time she persuaded me to apply to see if I could get a place but that this did not mean that I actually had to go! I ended up studying Chemistry at Manchester, got a first and went on to do my masters and am currently studying for a Phd. The computing skills I learnt at FunTech have been invaluable, and I think all children should have the same opportunity that I did. It was expensive for my parents as my father is a plasterer and my mother a dinner lady, but it really was the best investment that they made for me. I attended from the age of 9 through to 18 and loved every week.

what our students say: JESSIE: I started attending FunTech at the age of 6 and left when I was 17. Without FunTech I would not be studying Maths at Oxford where I am in my first year. FunTech’s method of teaching is amazing as it helps you develop belief in yourself and to achieve so much more. I was always ahead of the curve at school, which was an independent school with a good Computing department. However, they really couldn’t cover what FunTech taught. I find that I can code apps to help demonstrate my maths models, which of course is always impressive for my tutors… if I had the choice again to go to FunTech or not, it would be a resounding and repeated yes, yes, yes!

TECH COURSES for Kids & Teens BOOK ONLINE

FunTyper

TechStarter

FunTyper TechStarter FunTyper TechStarter TotalTech CreativeTech FunTyper TechStarter

TechStarter TotalTech CreativeTechA LevelTechPro TechPro TechPro PureCoder GCSE GCSE PureCoder GCSETotalTech GCSE GCSE TechPro TechPro chStarter TotalTech CreativeTech TechStarter TotalTech CreativeTech TechStarter CreativeTech AS SEEN ON

WE ACCEPT

CHILDCARE VOUCHERS

WELCOME

Childcare Vouchers

Recommended by the BBC

Years’ Experience

funtech.co.uk

PureCoder GCSE GCSE A Level PureCoder Level PureCoder GCSE A Level Don't take our word for it, A read the BBC news article here.

TotalTech TotalTech TotalTech

Level A Level AAALevel Level

Pupil Tutor Ratio

Structured Learning

Locations across UK

01628 621215 or 621216 www.thesuburbcircular.co.uk

Cr C

Beauty & Fashion

Successful

dating

How To Read The Signs: By Sophie Personne - www.successful-dating.com

t is often a struggle to work out whether someone likes you or not when you start dating. It is actually normally quite easy to read anyone if you have no interest in them whatsoever but the minute you decide you like the person, it feels like it’s impossible. We are our own worst enemies in that respect as our emotions totally muddy our perspective and rationality. It is worth reminding ourselves that our gut instincts will tell us all we need to know... and we can always rely on that, although we may not always listen and just see what we want to see. You also have to believe that you can read the signs, as if you keep on saying to yourself that you can’t, you will indeed never be able to. So here are a few tips to help. First of all, it is easy to tell if someone is interested in you or not by the way they talk to you. If they are trying to fuel the conversation with pertinent questions and want to find out more about you, you will just know that they do. You can just tell if there is a genuine interest by what they ask and how they interact with you. The speech and tone of voice will also give clues as to whether they mean what they say.

the Suburb Circular • january 2016

You can just tell if there is a genuine interest by what they ask and how they interact with you

that will speak volumes. Mirroring for instance shows how someone naturally likes you and that you are on the same level. But it’s worth bearing in mind that one size does not fit all and there may be some variables depending on the person and their cultural background or upbringing.

It is important to look at the overall picture too. There are a few elements of body language

A general good sign to look out for is whether someone is smiling or not. A genuine smile is easy to recognise. If you also look at the person’s general posture, you

Beauty & Fashion control too much of your own body language, as this normally results in giving out a lot of mixed signals.

will get more clues. Personal space, especially in the UK, is normally something that people respect and we only get closer to those we like. Another good indicator is to actually look into their eyes. Not only is it the window to the soul but you will be able to determine from the way they look back at you. Also, when someone is interested, their pupils will be normally be dilated (word of warning, this also happens when drugs or drinks are consumed). Always communicate eye to eye, there’s nothing worse than trying to have a conversation with someone who isn’t looking at you.

It is worth noting to always say what you mean and not use hints. It’s especially important at the early stage of dating where you are only getting to know each other as it is all too easy to get misunderstood. Moreover, remember that the other person may also be trying to read you so make sure you are you and be natural. Don’t try too hard to come across as you feel they may want you to, remain true to yourself and do not try to

Reading the signs isn’t actually as difficult as you may think. Just remember to try not to read too much into things either, you are only getting to know the person at that point and we all have quirks... Enjoy the process.

www.thesuburbcircular.co.uk

it & computing

5 free & Easy steps Simeon Sherman, Managing Director of Econ-IT

o you ever wonder why the PC, that was so fast the first time you used it, has become so slow? A PC is a bit like a filing cabinet: it fills up over time and isn’t always kept organised. The more you have in your filing cabinet, the longer it will take each time you need to find something. Clearing out any unwanted documents, and arranging the ones you want to keep, will help you find things faster. So too with a PC: the cleaner and more organised the computer, the faster it will operate. It’s true that your PC will degrade over time, but with a bit of spring cleaning and some quick, easy tips you can improve the performance of your computer without having to buy a new one or calling out an IT Expert. Here are our five easy steps to speed up your PC and help it operate faster. 1) Remove any unwanted programs or programs that you never use. These include games, toolbars and programs that have become redundant or obsolete. To do this, follow the Start Menu to Settings and then to Control Panel. Proceed by clicking on Uninstall a Program. Identify

the Suburb Circular • january 2016

which programs you don’t need any more and right click on them. Click on Uninstall to remove the program from your computer. 2) Empty your Recycle Bin The likelihood is that everything in here is no longer needed, and what’s inside has been accumulating for a long time. Emptying the Recycle Bin requires two clicks, but first, check inside to make sure there’s definitely nothing you may later need. Having checked, right click on the Recycle Bin icon and then Left Click on Empty Recycle Bin. 3) Run a Disk Cleanup A disk cleanup is like getting rid of all the junk that’s somehow accumulated in your filing cabinet. Doing this will free up some much needed space. To run a Disk Cleanup, click on the Start Menu, type Disk Cleanup in the search bar at the bottom and hit Enter. The Disk Cleanup program will now search your computer for anything that it doesn’t need, and which can be deleted. Once this finishes click on Clean up System Files (pictured) which will run a secondary scan. When this is done click OK.

4) Run Disk Defragmenter In simple terms, running Disk Defragmenter is like reorgnaising your filing cabinet. Over time, files have not necessarily been put back in their correct place. Having things in the right order means finding your documents quicker. Disk Defragmenter is used to reorganise your hard drive so that finidng information on your hard drive takes as little time as possible. To Run Disk Defragmenter, click on the Start Menu, type Disk Defragmenter and hit Enter. Click on Defragment Disk (Pictured). This will then run the Disk Defragmenter program. 5) Scan for Malware and Viruses If your computer is unprotected, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very easy for malware and viruses to infect your computer. Econ-IT recommends Symantec

Anti-Virus, which can be purchased at cost through any IT Company or Reseller. For a free alternative, you can download Malwarebytes from https://www. malwarebytes.org/antimalware/. This program will find most malicious software hiding inside your computer which could be slowing it down.

To run Malwarebytes, download the program from the link above and follow the instructions to install. Once installed, hit the Scan Now button. This will initiate an automated scan, clearing out any hidden and unwanted software.

For more information please see Econ-ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website: www.econ-it.co.uk

20% Off

all Consultations during January

www.thesuburbcircular.co.uk

gifts & &events Business Finance

Caring for

your flatware

When it comes to flatware, some metals require more care than others. Sterling silver and silver plate tarnish, whereas vermeil, gold electroplate, stainless steel, and pewter are comparatively easy to care for. Cleaning silver Tarnish is created by warm air, dust, and sunlight. Heated air contains a small amount of carbon and sulphide, which react chemically with the surface of silver and cause tarnish to develop. The best way to diminish tarnish is the daily use of silver. Repeated washings keep silver tarnish-free up to 6 months. After that it may require polish to improve the sparkle. Flatware should be stored

sideways, all pieces next to each other. When flatware is stored in a stacked position, the weight of the top pieces scratches the bottom utensils. Wash sterling silver in hot, soapy water, followed by a hot rinse and hand drying. Sterling silver is a soft metal, softened further when subjected to the heat of the dishwasher drying cycle, and handwashing is recommended. Never wash silver and stainless steel together. An electrolytic

reaction occurs when silver and stainless steel are washed together. Ions of silver disassociate, transfer to stainless steel, and leave silver articles pitted. Removing wax from silver is sometimes necessary with candlesticks, but it breaks off quickly when silver is placed in the refrigerator. Any remaining wax washes off in hot soapy water.

For help making your table look fantastic, call us on 02084581331 Wewww.labelletable.co.uk are Expanding! La Belle Table is now operating online

www.labelletable.co.uk Sign up on our website to receive offers and updates

We can be contacted for appointments or queries

020 8458 1331

labelle.table@yahoo.co.uk

We are Expanding! La Belle Table is now operating online

www.labelletable.co.uk

We can be contacted for appointments or queries

020 8458 1331

labelle.table@yahoo.co.uk

the Suburb Circular â&#x20AC;˘ january 2016

ISRAEL: GET CONNECTED

CENTRAL LONDON, SUNDAY, 17TH OF JANUARY 2016 11:00-17:00

ALIYAH PANEL WITH OUR

Kids Activ ities Avail abl Th e I e W i t h s ra S co u e l i ts!

EXPERTS – 13:15-14:45

ALIYAH EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET EXPERTS FROM ISRAEL TO HEAR AND ASK ABOUT: • ALIYAH PROCESS AND BENEFITS • ABSORPTION PROGRAMMES FOR YOUNG OLIM • THE ISRAELI JOB MARKET • UNDERSTANDING ISRAELI TAX • THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN ISRAEL AND MUCH MORE…

HIGHER EDUCATION

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

MASA PROGRAMMES

RETURN TO ISRAEL

TRAVEL

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION PLEASE CONTACT: ISRAELGETCONNECTED@GMAIL.COM OR 02083715288

The Emunah

Musician OF THE YEAR

Singer OF THE YEAR

CLASSICAL MUSICIANS • MUSICAL THEATRE SINGERS OPEN TO SOLO PERFORMERS AGED 8 -18 HOW TO ENTER: DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORMS AND RULES AT WWW.EMUNAH.ORG.UK OR CALL 020 8203 6066 FOR DETAILS. APPLY BY TUESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2016 HEATS: MANCHESTER: THURSDAY 28TH JANUARY 2016 LONDON: SUNDAY 7TH FEBRUARY 2016

FINALS AND SHOWCASE CONCERT: SUNDAY 20TH MARCH 2016

THE STEVEN ISSERLIS CUP FOR THE USE OF MUSIC FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES, WILL BE AWARDED AT THE SHOWCASE FINAL.

www.emunah.org.uk | 020 8203 6066 Follow British Emunah on British Emunah Fund - Registered charity number 215398

It’s Your Af f air! The Jewish Wedding Bat & Bar Mitzvah Exhibition Sunday 17th Jan 2016 The Hilton Watford

Now in our

On A41 opposite Costco WD25 8HA

10:30am - 4:30pm For more details call 0208 or 07758

20th Year

953 8444

887 549

or email debbie@its-your-affair.co.uk

EVERYTHING FOR YOUR SIMCHA UNDER ONE ROOF! • Bridal Wear • Caterers • Flowers • Balloons • Photographers • Bands • Party Planners • Invitations • Videos • Entertainers • Photo Booths • Menswear • Gift Lists • Chuppas • Venues • Hair & Beauty • Magicians • Decorations • Discos • Wine • Kippot • Benchers - and much more!

FREE ENTRY FREE PARKING KOSHER FOOD PRIZE DRAWS, AND DISCOUNTS

Business HEALTH &&FITNESS Finance

IT’S ALLchilds play By Sue Gascoyne, www.playtoz.co.uk

January Blues

icture a grey January day and kids going crazy from being cooped up indoors. Children it seems are immune to ‘bad weather’, but without sun or snow to tempt us out of our cosy centrally heated homes, we adults sometimes need a nudge. If you’re looking for some inspiration on those cold grey January days, then mother of two and author Sue Gascoyne is on hand with some tried and tested fun ideas for things to do outdoors:

• Make a mud pit as this is great for splashing in; experimenting with consistency for creating mud pictures; mixing up hearty concoctions with old pots and pans; and of course, making mud pies.

• Use icicles as magic melt in your hand pens!

• Make ice sculptures to hang on the trees. Simply arrange holly and other foliage or sliced citrus fruit in transparent plastic takeaway containers. Add a loop of string for hanging, fill with water, put the lid on and leave to freeze overnight. Freezing accentuates the colours in the leaves, berries and fruit creating a truly mesmerising display guaranteed to melt even the frostiest heart!

• Go puddle jumping as there’s something irresistible about cracking the glass-like layer of ice on a puddle. Add powder paints for some fun welly printing!

• Collect sheets of ice form a puddle and add slowly drops of food colouring to watch the colour spread like fingers through the ice.

• Fill an old ice cube tray with mud and leave outside overnight to freeze. Turn the mini bricks out for lots of building fun. Add small toy animals for firing imagination. • If you don’t fancy getting messy, make frozen mini ice bricks instead to build igloos with or to create a polar landscape complete with frozen shaving foam snow, glass cubes, a safety mirror and polystyrene pieces. • If it’s damp and cold outdoors then why not create a fire pit for charcoal making, toasting of marshmallows and warming chilly fingers by the fire? Share a flask of hot chocolate for the best snack ever! • Go on a family walk, armed with a list of things for you all to spot. Include a mix of unusual as well as unexpected things that will add challenge and excitement.

the Suburb Circular • january 2016

HEALTH & FITNESS • In Winter-time birds can really struggle to find enough food to eat so why not make bird cakes and encourage an interest in bird spotting? Heat up some lard and carefully mix with bird seed. Use the warm mixture to fill coconut shells, small terracotta plant pots or recycled yoghurt pots. (You will need to make a small hole in the bottom of the containers and insert and knot a loop of string to hang it.) Once set cut away the plastic containers if used, then hang in a position where you can spot which birds it attracts. Children can create a tally to record and identify the winged diners or why not get involved in a national Birdwatch campaign.

what are you waiting for, the outdoors awaits! • If your New Year’s resolution was recycling more why not upcycle your old dead Christmas tree into a didgeridoo? You’ll need to be patient as the wood needs several months to dry out, but what an awesome project to do with an adult. If that’s too much machinery and time you could craft a bird feeder instead. Simply cut the tree into smaller pieces, about 30cm long would work well. Drill out

the trunk to create a hole for the bird seed and prepare to watch the birds flock to your garden sculpture. If these projects have wet your creative appetite there’s always coaster making or sculptures, to give you a head start on Christmas presents! One of the best things about getting cold outdoors is the pleasure of warming up afterwards with a cup of hot chocolate and a roaring fire. There’s nothing like the tingle of cold cheeks to make you feel alive, so what are you waiting for, the outdoors awaits! For fun sensory play activities, Sue’s latest research, resources and training go to www.playtoz.co.uk. sue@playtoz.co.uk 01206 796722

bolly A

by David Hillel Burns

few years ago I went to one of the poorest cities in Latin America, to work for eyesight in the Andes nearly three miles above sea level. I may have been the highest optician in the world. Hummingbirds hovered outside the window of my makeshift consulting-room. But, the standard of living was low. There was little in the way of State help, schools often had no chairs for the children or glass in the windows, the railways were abandoned and roads crumbled in the rain. Many people there had poor

eyesight because they could not afford specs. A newspaper cost half a typical day’s wages while specs were dozens of times as much, so sharp eyesight was out of reach for many people. The price of simple spectacles, compared to the UK, was ten times the proportion of income, with no State help. At a football international, arrangements in the huge stadium seemed a little careless. My ticket, stamped “original”, was sold to me at the gate by a tout, for a high unguarded ledge seat. The overcrowding was scary. And yes,

few of the spectators wore specs. Finchley, on the other hand, has fewer hummingbirds. Enjoy better vision!

David is always happy to answer questions from local people about eyesight. You can email him on David@Davidhillel.co.uk 119 East Finchley High Road 020 8444 2233

www.thesuburbcircular.co.uk

home & garden

Boiler Installation Boiler Breakdown Specialists Boiler Servicing All Central Heating Works All your Plumbing Problems Solved

Household tips

Mob: 07736472701 Office: 020 8342 8559 info@gasforce.co - www.gasforcelondon.co.uk

Open those bottles

If you have a bottle or a jar with a lid that just will not budge (nailvarnish bottles are often good culprits), try wrapping some elastic bands around the top. This will give you much better grip on the lid and should help you prise it open.

My Dream KITCHEN

Established since 1998 with 3 Showrooms

0800 018 5658 5 The Market Place Falloden Way Hampstead Garden Suburb NW11 6LB spiro@MyDreamKitchen.co.uk - www.MyDreamKitchen.co.uk 20

the Suburb Circular â&#x20AC;˘ january 2016

winter sale

NOW ON UP TO

50% OFF

53-57 WATFORD WAY NW4 3AX LONDON PARKING AT REAR WWW.FURNITURELONDON.COM FIND US ON INSTAGRAM

mobilidomani mobilidomani L U X U R Y ILNUTXEUR RI O STERIORS Y RI N

home & garden

Matters Winter by Martin Lewis @moneysavingexpert

Dust off your long johns, grab a cup of Bovril and snuggle up with my checklist to keep your costs down and the heat up.

Save £250+ on energy bills Winter is of course the highest-use energy period. So the key is to ensure you’re on the cheapest possible deal – that may be changing tariff with your existing provider, it may be switching. The move across takes 17 days, so do it now to ensure you’re on the right deal before the cold snaps. Those who worry about this, don’t – it’s the same pipes, gas, meter and safety, and you don’t lose supply. The only difference is price and customer service. But savings can be huge. About 70% are on their provider’s standard tariff

the Suburb Circular • january 2016

– across the big six this is an average of £1,095/year based on typical usage. Yet the cheapest open market’s deal is around £830 a year – that’s £260 a year saved, much of that in the winter months. However, as your exact cheapest depends on what you use and where you live – to find out, always do a comparison. Just make sure you select ‘all tariffs’ on a comparison site. You can use my www.CheapEnergyClub. com which also gives switchers up to £30 cashback and then monitors you tariff after to check no one beats it, or any Ofgem.gov.uk approved comparison site.

Switch energy now and you could get £100s back If you pay by direct debit, it’s likely you’re in credit after the low-use summer. Most providers give it back automatically, but if they don’t, call and ask. If you’ve switched in the past five years, your old supplier may still owe you too. Asking for it back is simple and here’s a success to encourage you: “The balance owed to me from 17 months ago (which they never got back to me about) was £1,364.22. A brilliant result but I do feel an idiot for not knowing how much I’d overpaid, so I urge everyone to do the same as me and check.” – Col.escargot.

Free winter car check Halfords.com is offering a free £15 winter car check, which includes checks to your battery, bulbs, wiper blades, oil and screenwash levels. You don’t need to book in advance, though you can online if you want, and the check should take about 15 minutes. There is no obligation to buy anything, but be prepared that staff might try to upsell you. The winter car check is on until spring 2016.

’The balance owed to me from 17 months ago was £1,364.22’

Are you entitled to any extra winter help? Winter is a tough time for many as the cold sets in. But there are funds which may help… a) Winter fuel payments. If you were born on or before 5 January 1953 (and met other qualifying criteria throughout the week commencing 21 September 2015), you’re eligible for the up to £300 winter fuel payment. If you get certain benefits, eg, state pension, pension credit or jobseeker’s allowance, you’ll usually get it automatically – otherwise you may have to claim it. You do that by calling 03459 15 15 15. b) Cold weather payments. Anyone on certain benefits, eg, specific income support, jobseeker’s allowance, pension credit, gets £25 for every seven days where there are subzero temperatures. It’s paid automatically from 1 November 2015. c) Choosing between heating and eating? If you’re seriously behind, or in general financial hardship, you may be eligible for special tariffs/help. Try the HomeHeatHelpline.org.uk on 0800 33 66 99.

Do you know where your water cock is? Everyone should know

where their main water offswitch is, otherwise known as a stopcock. Frozen pipe bursts create an average of £4k of damage, worse if you can’t find the off switch as your home floods. So if you don’t know, spend five minutes now finding out – typically it’s under the kitchen sink, in the boiler cupboard, or outside.

Full service car breakdown cover £41, basic for £16 – and if you’re renewing, haggle Problems are more likely in winter and the consequences are more severe. For breakdown, home start and onward travel cover, AutoAidBreakdown.co.uk charges £41/year, though if it sends a truck and driver you pay, then reclaim. Or if you’ve got cover and are at renewal, haggle. In a recent poll I conducted, 84% of AA and 78% of RAC customers who tried got lower rates, like Graham did: “Thanks for the haggling advice. Just spent five minutes on the phone to the RAC and got my renewal slashed from £252 to £151. Just over £100 for about five minutes’ work – that’ll do nicely!” Full help to do this in www.mse. me/breakdown

For basic policies, buy through a cashback site like Topcashback. co.uk or Quidco.com and you can reduce the cost, eg, RAC basic is £27.99 a year and you get around £12 cashback, AA is a little more.

Free loft/cavity wall insulation, open to all Energy firms face sanctions if they don’t meet Eco quotas, so some, eg, British Gas.co.uk, EDFEnergy. com and Npower.com give free insulation to anyone in England, Scotland or Wales with a suitable home (you don’t have to be their customer or on a low income). If you paid for this commercially, it could cost around £700. The savings can be huge. The Energy Saving Trust estimates you’ll see a reduction in bills of £300 a year compared with a typical uninsulated home. On average it takes 3-4 weeks to book a survey and a further two weeks for the insulation to be fitted (though it can take longer).

www.thesuburbcircular.co.uk

home & garden

Grassroots

By Sally Tierney, www.yorkshiregardendesigner.co.uk

The plant doesn’t lie

our garden is like an open book, if you know how to read it because the plants that grow there can tell you so much about the underlying soil conditions. It’s these conditions that will determine whether your garden is an enjoyable place to be in or if it becomes a mess and burden.

There are several ways of determining what is happening underground in your garden but the most accurate involves sending a sample to a soil analysis laboratory who will test for fertility, minerals, drainage capacity and the pH (‘possible Hydrogen’), which is whether the soil is acidic, neutral or alkaline. They take time, cost money and you do have to have some scientific knowledge to interpret the results so a much easier, quicker and sometimes more relevant way to find out

what is to spend a little time in the garden with your eyes open. What you are looking for is the plant that has naturalized successfully and you will recognize it because it is the most plentiful. It is probably small, unobtrusive and be low on the ground. There might also be more than one because individual plants are always part of bigger colonies but just start with

A P PLE C O N S TR U C TIO N & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Exceptional Build Quality Over 40 Years Experience in the Building Trade

All aspects of work undertaken including Extensions, Renovations & Loft Conversions. A rc h ite c tu ra l S e r v ic e s A v a ila b le O n ly in - h o u s e P ro fe s s io n a l Tra d e s m e n a re A s s ig n e d G o o d U n d e rs ta n d in g & R e la tio n s h ip w ith th e H G S Tru s t Work is fully Guaranteed & Insured Please Contact A d a m OFFICE: for a Quotation 24

the Suburb Circular • january 2016

01483 281515

MOBILE:

07956 254 522

home & garden one until you get the hang of the process. Take this plant and find out what it is, by looking on the internet or asking someone. Once you know what it is, find out, in as much detail as possible, what conditions it likes to thrive in because those are the ones you currently have in your garden. Sometimes that particular environment is just the one you want but more often you will find that you need to change something to improve the growing conditions. A good example to give you is moss. Moss is much berated when it starts to take over your lawn but it is there because the conditions within the lawn encourage it to be there. There are many products on the market for getting rid of the moss from your lawn but until you

change the underlying conditions, the moss will always come back – without fail. Moss only moves in because it can.

Moss only moves in because it can So what does the presence of moss tell you? It tells you a number of important bits of information about the site and the soil. ■ It’s too shady for the grass to thrive. ■ The soil pH is too acidic ■ The soil is too wet ■ The soil is most likely to be compacted.

• H.G.S offer a comprehensive range of services for all of our clients. • We offer a wide range of manufacturing services which includes: stained glass, leaded lights, copper lights, renovation of metal casement windows, joinery and glazing for period windows and doors.

All these conditions will weaken the growth of the grass and favour the growth of moss so it should be no surprise to find it there. You now have an idea as to what needs to be done and it is surprising how easy and straightforward some of the remedial actions are. Observing your garden in this way may seem time consuming and laborious at first but once you get the hang of it, you will be amazed how much more you will begin to see. In fact, you will wonder how you missed it in the first place. This is an extract from Sally Tierney’s forthcoming book ‘Your Enjoyable Garden - The 3 essential steps to start and keep a garden that is always enjoyable and beautiful’, available January 2015.

Recom by the mended Ha Garde mpstead n Sub urb Trust

• Our fully insured craftsmen offer a reliable fixing and glazing service.

HGS Joinery & Glazing. 1181 Finchley Road, London NW11 0AA Tel: +44 20 85360300 • E-mail: edgospel@aol.com

www.hgsjoineryandglazing.com

www.thesuburbcircular.co.uk

home & garden

on your Plot Planning for the year ahead

ew flavours compare with that of fruit freshly picked from the garden. Much of the fruit available in the shops (particularly the supermarkets) has been grown for it’s ability to travel well rather than it’s flavour and may have been picked well before it’s arrival on the shelf. If you fancy apples from your own tree, or a bowl of raspberries fresh from the garden, now is the time to act. If you’re new to veggie growing then this is the ideal time to start planning for the year ahead. Think about what space you have available for your crops and plan what you would like to grow and where. Gardening may be the last thing on your mind in the cold weather but this is the perfect time to plan what to grow and where this season. It’s easy to get carried away when looking at catalogues or impressive displays of seed packets - but remember that it only makes sense to grow what you are likely to eat! If that still leaves you with a list that exceeds the space available then it may be wise to trim back on crops that take up a lot of space or are easily and cheaply available from local sources (potatoes perhaps?). Think about concentrating on plants that will

the Suburb Circular • january 2016

crop quickly allowing the space to be used again. Remember also that you can use patio containers and grow bags to add extra growing space. Once you have your list split your available space into 3 (or 4) areas and then group your crops together by family so that they can be rotated around the areas in a 3 or 4 year cycle. Group the cabbage family together, then the onion family along with the pea and bean family, and finally potatoes, tomatoes and the carrot family. This is a great time of year to seriously consider making some raised beds, if you don’t already have them. Make sure that they are not too wide for you to easily reach the middle from either side and that there is sufficient room for easy access all the way around. The deeper you can make them the better and higher beds will mean less bending when you are planting out seedlings, harvesting or weeding. If you have large areas of bare soil, awaiting planting, then you may like to think about covering them with black plastic, or cardboard,

Jobs for January Plan your crops Protect crops against the cold and from pests such as pigeons Sew lettuces indoors Start rhubarb crowns

to protect the soil against the harsh January weather. Crops still growing, such as purple sprouting broccoli, will benefit from protection against hungry pigeons - try covering with wire mesh, fleece, or some homemade bird scarers (try stringing up some old CD’s). For those who are keen to get sowing, you can try a few lettuces. Start off on a bright, sunny windowsill, thinning down when they are large enough to handle. Grow on in frost free conditions such as a shed, or polytonal before finishing off under cloches. .If you haven’t already planted shallots then it’s not too late to think about it, but don’t put them in when the ground is too wet or they may rot. Start saving empty egg boxes ready to chit your seed potatoes before planting. Just pop them into the egg boxes, sprout end up in a cool but frost free place and wait for the shoots to appear. You’ll also find the boxes useful for starting tiny seedlings off in months to come as they grow they can be planted straight out with no disruption as the box will simply rot down. And finally, if you have space, you may like to think about starting off some new rhubarb crowns towards the end of January.

motoring & travel

auto-biographies all new jaguar xf - first drive: By tim barnes-clay @carwriteups

hether driving at 70mph, or sat still waiting for a shamble of sheep to move, the XF looks after you. The soft leather seats, the hushed cabin, the excellent brakes and, even the sound system, make you feel as though a palace has been given four wheels. Pure performance aside, handling is stunningly good. Indeed, the 2016 XF offers the fun already available from the Jaguar XJ, mainly due to its precise steering, lack of body roll and excellent traction. The specification levels of the new XF are lavish. The cabin is a seamless blend of contemporary

luxury materials and finishes, traditional Jaguar craftsmanship and state-of-the art tech, with features such as a reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, laser head-up display and an InControl Touch Pro premium infotainment system. What’s more, stereo camera technology enables autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist systems. Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist takes the stress out of motorway driving in stop-go traffic by tracking the vehicle in front, at a safe distance. In summary, this new XF is loaded

FAST FACTS • Max speed: 155 mph • 0-62 mph: 5.3 secs • Max. torque (lb.ft): 332 • CO2: 198 g/km • Price: £49,950 with a host of awesome tech, making the driving experience as luxurious and as exciting as possible. The Jaguar’s cabin is sophisticated and sturdily built and the car is rapid, whichever model you opt for. Indeed, the Jaguar XF 380PS S model, driven for this review, is as fast as you are ever likely to need.

www.thesuburbcircular.co.uk

property & Finance

property Council Tax: By James Walker, www.resolver.co.uk

his month I’ve been contacted by Paul, who has just bought a doer-upper home that’s going to be empty while he renovates it. He wants to know whether he’s going to be entitled to any discount. The issue here is that many rules surrounding council tax are set by the individual local authorities concerned, so what discounts – if any – are available is hugely variable. That’s why I thought it was worth going through the potential discount options. Remember, though, that you always need to contact your local council to find out precisely what rules apply to you. Possible discount options Some property is exempt from council tax. You may be able to get a discount, for example, if you have a second home or an empty property – it’s up to your council to decide. Councils can charge extra council tax for empty properties, however. You might be eligible pay less council tax for a property you own or rent that’s not your main home. Councils can also give furnished second homes or holiday homes a discount of up to 50%. Contact your council to find out if you can

the Suburb Circular • january 2016

get a discount - it’s up to them how much you can get. Empty properties You’ll usually have to pay council tax on an empty home, but your council can decide to give you a discount - the amount is up to them. You’ll need to contact your council to ask about a discount.

You may be able to get a discount if you have a second home or an empty property – it’s up to your council to decide. Your council can charge up to 50% extra Council Tax if your home has been empty for 2 years or more (unless it’s an annexe or you’re in the armed forces). If you’re selling an empty property on behalf of an owner who’s died, you won’t

have to pay council tax for up to 6 months from the day you get probate (the right to deal with the estate). Council tax banding All homes in the UK have a council tax banding that is determined by the Valuation Office. The bands are based on the value of the property in April 1991. When do you pay council tax? You’ll usually have to pay Council Tax if you’re 18 or over and own or rent a home. A full council tax bill is based on at least two adults living in a home. Spouses and partners who live together are jointly responsible for paying the bill. You’ll get 25% off your bill if you count as an adult for council tax and either live on your own or no-one else in your home counts as an adult. Council tax discounts You’ll usually get a 50% discount if there is no-one living in your home, including you, who counts as an adult. Full-time students You won’t have to pay any council tax if everyone in your home, including you, is a full-time student.

MAKE YOUR DREAM COME TRUE A rare opportunity to acquire an immaculate luxurious 6 bed detached house

Winnington road N2 Offering *Entrance Hall *Kitchen/Breakfast Room *Dining Room *Reception Room with Terrace *Drawing Room *Study *Master Bedroom 2 En Suite Bathrooms *Five further Bedrooms (all with en suite bathrooms) *Three further Bathrooms *Basement Gymnasium and Spa with Sauna, Steam Room *Jacuzzi and Shower Room *Utility Room *Garden *Ample Space for Parking

Price ÂŁ7.99m

To Reserve a Viewing Please Call David on

020 3308 2907

successfully selling for over 26 years

instruct us to sell your house litchfields have been successfully selling homes in hampstead garden suburb for over 26 years call us on 020 8458 5000 and our expert staff will guide you to ensure the best price for your property

sold

ossulton way, n2

telephone | 020 8458 5000

email | sales@litchfields.com

web | litchfields.com