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Life
ehl
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A progressive day and boarding school in Surrey for children from 3 to 18 | Refreshingly different since 1925.
July 2020 Issue 181 eh’s independent community magazine
This Month...
Lockdown Stories • Plastic Free July Will you help get Fleet back on its Feet?
PUT LIFE IN YOUR LOFT
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Contents... 8
6 38
Special Offers 5 | Neale Turk FREE 30 minute consultation 36 | Ovenclean Summer offer
Lockdown Stories 10 | Community Spirit in Action 22 | What a difference a virus makes! 31 | Royal Surrey pop up clinics providing life-saving healthcare to the homeless during Covid-19
24/25
Features 6 | ehl meets… 8 | Plastic Free July
July 2020 39 | Honey Lettings: Virtual Viewings 40 | Rosie’s Good Reads
10 | Community Spirit
Every Month
in Action
4 | Editor’s Note
13 | Painful Shoulder?
14 | Elvetham Heath Primary School News
16 | Queen Bee 28 | Better Photography with Kim 29 | Taxing Times 32 | Revitalise Your Life
20 | Elvetham Heath Parish Council 24/25 | Community Notice Board
33 | Emotional and Practical
26/27 | Church on the Heath
Support in Challenging Times
36 | Health & Fitness Classes
34 | Will you help get Fleet
41 | Useful Numbers
back on its Feet?
42 | Index of Advertisers ehl July 2020 | 3
Hello...
e maga ittl
Published by the Big Little Magazine Company, Gateway House, 8 Kings Parade, Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 3AB Tel: 01252 711810 E: alex@biglittlemagazineco.uk www.biglittlemagazineco.uk Printed by JMG Creative Print Limited, 35 Bishops Way, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 3EH *The ehl is delivered to all homes in Elvetham Heath and pick up points have been temporarily suspended.
You will notice that our ‘Where’s Charlie’ competition is missing this month. Unfortunately shops had not been re-opened by the time we went to print but fear not, Charlie will be back in August!
This magazine is printed on paper which comes from a sustainable source.
We also now offer a FREE listing on our Bounce Back Directory listing on our website for any local independent business. Email your logo, website address and Coronavirus related update to be included.
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www.facebook.com /ElvethamHeathLife
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Until next month,
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It is going to take a long time until businesses recover so I would like to urge you to Live Life Local and ITY UTIL KERS WOR support our amazing SES NUR retailers, trades and independent businesses more than ever. MI
YEARS
Copy deadline for August issue: 3rd July 2020 Copy deadline for September issue: 31st July 2020
Although we were unable to publish our magazines I still wanted to continue to champion local businesses and the community and when I stumbled across the idea of running a raffle to support our local independent firms, the Fleet Community Raffle was born. But more about that on page 34.
SRER
Here at BLMC HQ we had been preparing for our big 15th Birthday Celebrations in May but sadly we were not able to produce our May and June issues! I did not feel like celebrating as you can imagine but I am so grateful for all our readers and customers that make these magazines possible. We now publish Elvetham Heath and Fleet Life monthly and Wellesley Life bi-monthly, and hope that they will continue to connect our community and the businesses in the area.
15
g big l tin
Personally, I’ve been really struggling to process what’s going on and I’m sure I’m not alone. I think I’ve probably been going through the stages of grief and behavioral change all at the same time. There was the denial, the anger, the bargaining, the depression and finally acceptance. To be fair, I am still far from accepting home schooling whilst working from home but I have been lucky that my daughter in Year 6 is now back at school and my son is continuing his college work online. I am not saying I am on top of things and thriving in the ‘new normal’ but I have certainly adapted.
At the beginning of lockdown we were half way through distributing our April issue when we had to stop. However, with government guidelines changing we were able to get all our April copies out and through your letterboxes at the end of May but for obvious reasons they were not available at our pick up points.
celebra ny
What a difference a couple of months makes! Life as we know it has changed and I’m not sure it’s going to be the same for many months to come.
e compa zin
S
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ehl July 2020 | 5
ehl meets... Nicky Bond, Vice Chairman of Elvetham Heath Parish Council and care assistant a small residential care home here in Fleet. Please tell us about your background – childhood, education, career etc I was born and raised in Frimley, attending Grove School and France Hill School. When I left, I started as a shop assistant in Allders of Camberley, first on the soft furnishing department before moving to the small electrical and luggage department. I moved to Fleet in the late eighties with my husband and became a childminder whilst my son was small. I have also worked as an office manager for a recruitment company before changing careers to become a care assistant. How did you come to be Vice Chairman of Elvetham Heath Parish Council? I first became a Parish Councillor around nine years ago in response to an advert I saw – I had previously been on the committee for a residents’ association when we had lived in Church Crookham so I decided to apply. As it was still very new at that time, it was a good opportunity to have a say in how the Parish Council would be run to serve the residents of Elvetham Heath, where I have now lived for the last fifteen years. How has Covid-19 impacted you at the Parish Council? At the present time during the pandemic, we, like everyone
6 | ehl July 2020
else, are having to adapt to the guidelines in place. We have had to cancel some of our planned events for this year like the Fete and Concert but are hoping we will be able to go ahead with these next year.
and telephone calls. We have also been grateful to the local companies that supplied the home with PPE and face shields.
Why did you decide to change careers to work at a care home?
My son is 22 years old and was due to graduate from Portsmouth University this year. The pandemic has meant he’s not had the year he’d envisaged and has had to complete his final studies and exams online – transforming my kitchen table into his work desk and taping revision notes to the kitchen wall.
I started working in the care home almost eight years ago and it is a role I really enjoy. I have the privilege of caring for some wonderful people and have always enjoyed listening to the residents’ life stories and some of the things they have done/places they have lived or visited. Being a care assistant is not always an easy role and it can be physically and mentally tiring at times, but it never ceases to amaze me how sometimes the smallest action or deed makes you realise you are doing a good job and that the people you are caring for generally do appreciate all you do. How has it been at the care home during the Coronavirus pandemic? During lockdown, it has been very difficult for some of the residents not to see their families and I know they are hoping it won’t be too long before they can see them again. Some of our residents have embraced technology by using Skype to have conversations with their loved ones and have also had lots of cards, letters
You’re also a mum of one how has lockdown affected your family life?
What do you love about living in Fleet? I really enjoy living in Fleet, in particular, the many areas of green space we are fortunate enough to have nearby. You do not have walk or drive far to appreciate some lovely countryside and wildlife and I especially love seeing the red kites flying above Elvetham Heath. The town has some wonderful independent shops and I can usually find the items I require without having to travel too far. We also have some wonderful restaurants and it has been good to continue supporting them during lockdown. Interview by Emily Gregory of Baby Love Photography, www.baby-love-photography.com
Maternity, Newborn, Family & Cake Smash Photographer
Website: www.baby-love-photography.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/babylovephotography2014 Email: baby_ love _ photography@hotmail.com Telephone: 07891 908319
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Get the Scoop... This is an incredibly IMPORTANT month in the fight against waste calendar. It is PLASTIC FREE JULY! During the month, we challenge you to go single use free cold turkey to highlight a) what can be done b) to encourage you to take stock of what you are already doing/areas that could be improved upon and c) to engage you with where there are real issues with industry and ask you to challenge them on it. However, I am very aware that for many people this is a massive task and incredibly overwhelming so if you only choose one or two of these suggestions for this month – that’s still an amazing step forward. The world thanks you. ✔ Boxes you’re already doing ✸ Boxes you’re going to attempt Leave boxes that are for another time! Carry reusable shopping bags (leave some in your boot or on the back of your front door to remind you). Give up bottled water (and other bottled drinks) – Putting it in an open jug in the fridge
Plastic Free July makes the ‘taste’ go away if that’s your concern. Take a water bottle with you. Take a reusable coffee cup with you. Let go of frozen ready meals (even one less a week is a bonus). Enjoy an ice cream in a cone instead of a wrapped one or look for choc ices which are paper wrapped. Ask take away venues to use your containers. Don’t use plastic produce bags. Take your own to the shops made of organic cotton (or make your own from fabric scraps).
teeth (Toothtabs/Toothpaste in glass jars, bamboo toothbrush/mouthwash tablets/plastic free floss. Take your own containers to a butchers instead of buying prewrapped meat. Choose glass milk bottles. Clean with white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda (refill at a zero waste shop). Use glass/aluminium /bamboo packaged cosmetics. Make your own lunch instead of buying convenience sandwiches. Use beeswax/vegan wraps instead of cling film. Make ice pops/lollies. Make your own yogurt.
Get local fruit and veg – box deliveries are great at the moment.
Buy from market place, ebay or second hand shops.
Make your own bread/buy it from the newly baked and unwrapped section or from one of the two fab markets we have in town.
Request plastic free gifts – vouchers, experiences, any of the above you don’t own to help you!
Use natural cleaning cloths instead of synthetic ones. Use shampoo/conditioner bars (or go ‘no poo!’). Switch to a safety razor (far cheaper). Use plastic free sanitary products (cloth sanitary towels/menstrual cups).
Use stainless steel straws.
Wrap in 100% paper, old fabric scraps and washi or paper tape. Learn to fix, mend, repair, reuse, upcycle items. Use your local Zero Waste Shop!
Choose toilet paper which isn’t wrapped in plastic.
Kate
Change to plastic free
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ehl July 2020 | 9
Lockdown
Stories Back in the early days of lockdown, as we were only just all becoming aware of the acute shortage of PPE, a small group of resident
Community Spirit in Action
staff at Frensham Heights School near Farnham began to work together (remotely!) to do their bit to support our NHS and other front line health care workers. From an initial donation of the school’s protective equipment and supplies grew the most amazing volunteer community of nearly 400 people, many of whom have
been sent across the country to
no connection to the school
health care workers and also
other than a desire to join together to help.
individuals caring for family members. The team at Frensham Heights
Together this volunteer community has produced 1049 pairs of scrubs, 2985 hats and 2747 scrub bags and face masks. The team at school have also produced 1564
have been overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity of spirit. It has been a huge privilege to be able to coordinate such an effort and we were thrilled when the Countess of Wessex visited the school in early June
plastic visors using school 3D
to work alongside some of our
printers. These along with the
volunteers and talk to them
scrubs and other items have
about their amazing work.
10 | ehl July 2020
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Shoulder Pain Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy is one of the most common conditions affecting the shoulder accounting for between 30 – 70% of cases. remembers the small size and scale of tendons that are being exercised. At the clinic using established software packages we devise individual exercise programmes based on each
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Elvetham Heath Primary School News At the time of writing this article life is very different in school since lockdown began in March. We found out that schools would be closed when the rest of the country did – watching it on the television. Since then we have opened for children of key workers, then made changes to the physical space to enable children from Year R, 1 and 6 to return to school. Each of these changes and
ours have had to overcome.
are hopeful that we have all of
updates has been a challenge,
At the same time as all of the
the children and staff back to
but thanks to the fantastic staff
unknowns, we were still liaising
school in September (obviously
and governors at the school,
with the various secondary
if the government allow that
we have managed to make
schools our Year 6 children
to happen). Children are
changes to what we usually
are moving on to, held virtual
amazingly resilient and I’m
do on a day to day basis in
meetings with the nurseries
looking forward to having the
school. Each time, we have
about the children moving up
school filled once again with
only heard about it via the
to start school in Reception
their optimism and energy.
television briefings.
in the new academic year,
We have provided home learning activities for all of the children and ensured that staff have monitored online learning, as well as organising staff rotas to be in school and creating
interviewed using social distancing for new staff for September, organised food bags and vouchers for those who needed them, this list goes on!
risk assessments and cleaning
Another challenge was that
schedules. We even set up a
some of our staff were not
Youtube channel featuring the
available to work at school
staff so the children could see
due to shielding – some even
some familiar faces!
contracted the virus. It has even
Although it has been extremely challenging, we are thankful that our parents have been so
affected our office team – only two out of our team of five were able to come in to school.
supportive and understanding
Despite all of the doom and
of the difficulties schools like
gloom of the lockdown, we
14 | ehl July 2020
Mrs Robinson Headteacher
Hello
and welcome back!
Hello and welcome to my column about beauty, health and wellbeing These last few months have been very strange times and now more than ever our own health and wellness is top priority. When you look at the figures about who is more susceptible to catching this virus - diabetics, those with high blood pressure and obesity - we now know that even small regular changes in diet and exercise can help to change all of these conditions for the better. Has lockdown changed your life?
salon, that my new hours will have
Have you any new regular habits
to accommodate my new exercise
or hobbies?
regime! How things change, but
I think this time has definitely changed my exercise habits for the better. I have been walking
it is now more important to me to stay as good as I feel right now, and stay healthy.
with my husband almost every
It’s really never too late to start
morning for the last 11 weeks,
moving, even if it is just a gentle
which I have never made time
walk to begin with. I have lots of
for before. It has been a very
friends who are doing the ‘couch
lovely and necessary part of
to 5k’ challenge, which builds up
my day, listening to the birds
your stamina over 9 weeks, and
the last 11 weeks. Hasn’t it made
and appreciating the beautiful
eventually you are running 5k.
you feel more relaxed about
sunshine! We have even heard
Not for me, I’m afraid!
being you? I’m sure your skins are
the elusive cuckoo many times!
It’s also important to look after our
Exciting! And what about your beauty regimes? I have probably put some on mascara about 5 times in
blooming being totally natural.
And I have also re-discovered
mental health, which for me hasn’t
Let’s focus on all of the positives
my love of dance fitness and
been the easiest time. I have been
have been joining online zoom
that have come out of this
studying a diploma in meditation,
classes with Kate Shaw in her
which is something I have never
challenging time. No one can
Dance Shed in Farnham. Great
tried before, and have found
fun! When you dance in front of
it very interesting and useful. I
your telly no one can see you; so
do intend to develop some new
very different from the pressure of
wellbeing treatments which will
going to a dance class in a hall.
include guided meditations.
ever take away the precious times we have had with our loved ones. Stay safe and well, love,
Carol xxx
I thoroughly recommend it! And you can sing if you like! At the time of writing this, hairdressers and beauty salons
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Noticeboard
Fleet Library
& Learning Centre Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: “Staff across Hampshire Library Service are doing fantastic work in using social media to provide engaging and fun activities for children and families online. There are all kinds of activities on offer via the @HantsLibraries Facebook page, including recorded Storytime readings, Baby Rhyme Time, Virtual Construction Club, Code Club and Mini Craft Corner.” “Hampshire Libraries also has many e-books, audio books and magazines available for free download. I would encourage everyone who lives, works or studies in Hampshire to sign up to be a library member so that they can start enjoying these brilliant resources.” To access the free digital resources from Hampshire Libraries, visit https://www.hants. gov.uk/always-open-online where you can also find links to the social media sites. Membership is available for free to anyone who lives, works, or studies in the county. Fleet library is also producing content for families on Facebook – for more information like and follow https://www.facebook.com/fleetlibraryhants/ Hampshire Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge webpage available from early June: www.hants.gov.uk/summer-reading-challenge
With many summer holiday activities now uncertain, one thing’s for certain – children can still get their noses into a good book! The annual Summer Reading Challenge in Hampshire’s libraries is coming – and this time it’s digital. The aim is to read any six books, with children receiving a medal and certificate when they cross the finish line. Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: “We are looking forward to the 2020 Summer Reading Challenge, with its ‘Silly Squad’ theme, beginning for Hampshire’s young readers.
Staff are working hard to get the digital content and activities easily available to everyone online. The annual challenge is a fantastic way for Hampshire school pupils to boost their reading through the holidays, and dive into their own fictional and non-fictional adventures at the same time.” In the meantime, visit the Reading Agency’s website to find out more: https://readingagency.org.uk/ news/media/the-summer-readingchallenge-is-asking-the-nation-tojoin-the-silly-squad.html Hampshire Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge webpage available from early June: www.hants.gov.uk/summerreading-challenge, including details of how participants/finishers will be automatically enter into a prize draw to win a Samsung Galaxy tablet.
Fleet Library & Learning Centre, 236 Fleet Road, Fleet GU51 4BX. Located inside The Harlington. Call 01252 612709 for course bookings. All library enquiries call 0300 555 1387. www3.hants.gov.uk
Phyllis Tuckwell is holding two virtual quizzes in July; the dates are 8th July and 22nd July. There is a whole range of virtual fundraising activities which people can do themselves:
www.pth.org.uk/ virtualfundraising Fleet Life ehl July 2020 | 25 27
COVID-19: The church continues to be alive and active with prayer, worship, study and community life online. The building remains closed except for Foodbank collections (10am - 12pm). For more information, visit our website or contact the office. Below are details of our usual regular activities programme and organisers, which we hope will resume as soon as circumstances allow. MONDAY Coffee Bar All welcome U3A Line Dancing Contact 08458 723623 www.fleetU3A.org.uk Bumps and babies Coffee and chat for parents or mums-to-be. Just come along Little Lambs For mothers/carers and children up to age 3 U3A Painting Group Contact 08458 723623 www.fleetU3A.org.uk TUESDAY Coffee Bar All welcome U3A French Group Contact 08458 723623 www.fleetU3A.org.uk U3A Creative Writing Group Contact 08458 723623 www.fleetU3A.org.uk Youth Café An after-school café for young people 11+, term-time only. Just drop in or contact Yener: youth@churchontheheath.org.uk Guides Contact eighthfleetguides@gmail.com WEDNESDAY Coffee Bar All welcome Zumba Gold Latin dance moves, party atmosphere. For the active older adult generation. Contact Daphne daph@zumbafitnessfleet.co.uk CAMEO Coffee, cake and friendship, table tennis and board games, for over 55s. Contact Phil and Dee 691944 (first and last Wednesday of the month) Hearing Champions NHS Hearing Aid Clinic for advice, re-tubing, battery issue (monthly, 2nd Wednesday). Contact Stephen 810852 Lunch All welcome, sign up in Church (monthly, 2nd Wednesday) Oasis A monthly support group for parents with children with special needs. Contact diana.parenting@gmail.com U3A Reading Group Contact 08458 723623 www.fleetU3A.org.uk (monthly, 1st Wednesday Rainbows Contact elvethamrainbows@hotmail.com Brownies Contact ehbrownies@hotmail.co.uk
01252 400236
U3A Health and Wellbeing Group Contact 08458 723623 www.fleetU3A.org.uk (monthly) Vibe youth group (10–14yrs) Contact Yener: youth@churchontheheath.org.uk Guides Contact elvethamguides@hotmail.co.uk THURSDAY Coffee Bar All welcome Ladies’ Group Contact Ruth 622846 Pilates Contact pilateswithannemarie@gmail.com U3A Ukulele Group Contact 08458 723623 www.fleetU3A.org.uk Gospel Choir Contact Sophie at cothgospel@gmail.com NCT Antenatal Class Contact Tara 020 8752 2476 Positive Parenting Courses Contact Diana 679249 FRIDAY Coffee Bar All welcome Sing & Sign Helping baby to ‘talk’ through singing, music and signing. Contact singandsignfarnham@gmail.com Noah’s Ark Parent and toddler group. Contact Office 400236 (term-time only) Slimming World Contact Katarina 07977 407736 SATURDAY Men’s Breakfast Contact Office 400236 (monthly, 2nd Saturday) Coffee Bar All welcome Pit Stop Social for Dads and Kids: bacon rolls and time out together (monthly, 1st Saturday) Contact Yener: youth@churchontheheath.org.uk SUNDAY Services and groups currently meet online churchontheheath.org.uk Information correct at time of going to press.
' God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.' Psalm 46:1
office@churchontheheath.org.uk
churchontheheath.org.uk
Although we have now passed the peak of Covid-19, this is an extract from a letter I wrote to the church a few months ago, reflecting on questions of faith in the light of the pandemic.
Where is God?
When it comes to belief in an all-powerful and loving God in a world where there is suffering, Christians find themselves confronted with a dilemma that has no easy answer. Theologians have a word for it. Theodicy. And it's what all of us engage in whenever we ask the question, 'Why has God allowed this to happen?' Where do we believe God is in coronavirus? Did he cause the virus? Is it part of his will and part of his plan, or is it something he weeps over and longs to see wiped from the earth? Or... is it both? In a recent Church Times article, priest and medical doctor, Alison Gray, makes the point that viruses are part of God's good creation. 'Bacteria and viruses are essential for life on earth... they are important in controlling the bacteria population ... and are important in the cycles of death and decay... a tiny percentage can cause human disease.' So we have the paradox of something that is both necessary (designed by God?) yet potentially dangerous to humankind. This isn't just about coronavirus, of course. Throughout history, plagues have caused the death of millions. It's just that now, in the West, we have been so well protected that this is hitting us, collectively, harder than we have ever been hit before. But be it corona, cancer or cholera, how do we accommodate the existence of sickness and disease within our understanding of faith and the teachings of the bible? I'm going to be completely honest and say: I don't know. And I say that because that's the truth – I don't know. But there are things I believe and have found to hold true over the years, so I offer these to you now in the hope that they may be of help. 1 You can believe in a loving and all-powerful God in a world where there is suffering. No, it doesn't make complete sense. Yes, it is a mystery, but many spiritual truths derive
01252 400236
their power from paradox. So despite my questioning and wrestling, I really do believe that God is both good and almighty. 2 We can be open to and grateful for the good that can come from suffering. Not always (there is, after all, a degree of suffering from which we can see no good thing emerge), but sometimes – often, in fact. Often, through suffering, walls come down, impossible situations change, lives are transformed, relationships are healed, new vocations are found, inspiration leads to new discoveries, and people turn to God. 3 We can know that God himself, through Christ, chose to suffer. This, for me, is the biggest one – that the creator of the universe should choose to live our life and die our death and make himself known to us, so that in and through every experience, we know he understands. Through our suffering, he is with us and willing us to become more like Jesus in faith and character. 4 It's all in the Bible – read the book of Job. The best exploration of theodicy and the dilemma of suffering is found in the book of Job, right there in the middle of our Bibles. That Job can rail at God, accuse him of all sorts of injustice and questionable behaviour and yet, in the end, to be found to have spoken truth is the biggest relief. These points help me carry the tension and live with the not knowing. I hope they help you, too. Rev Patrick Butler
office@churchontheheath.org.uk
churchontheheath.org.uk
Better Photography
with Kim
Hi, I’m Kim from Kim Byrne Photography and welcome to this series of Better Photography. Continuing with composition this month we’ll look at simplicity and how this can bring focus to your subject, removes distraction and how it can help bring balance to your images by simplifying the subject and removing unnecessary elements from the frame. What is Simplicity? Simplicity in photography is the same as minimalism. It focuses on only keeping what is absolutely necessary in the frame. You could easily be fooled in to thinking that simple compositions are easy and not really thought out, but quite the opposite is true. All photography says something. The photographer has a message for the viewer and simplicity will help you relay your message. When using simplicity, you need to be aware of anything in the frame that might be distracting e.g. try to
July Photo Challenge keep the background simple and uncluttered. If it still distracts try changing your position, get closer to fill the frame. Another advantage of filling the frame with your subject is that it draws the viewer’s eye to exactly what you want them to see. This can strengthen your image. Remember that another key component in a simple image is the lighting so look at the direction the light is falling on your subject. Does it create shadows to give depth, is it backlight that creates a halo effect (this is called a rim light)? The way the light falls on your subject can remove distraction and help to simplify your image.
At the time of writing we are restricted by the amount of time we can spend outside and with people who aren’t part of our household. So, this month’s challenge is to look around the house and garden and see what you can photograph while keeping things simple, clear and uncluttered. But don’t forget to include the things you’ve learnt over the last couple of months too. Part 1 – Think about what you want to photograph and once you’ve identified your subject look at it over the course of a couple of days and note if it changes at different times of day as the light changes. Notice what’s in the background, what you want to include and just as important what you want to exclude. Part 2 – Get your camera but before you take any shots practise looking through the viewfinder and getting your framing right. Move around your subject to see how it looks in the frame from different angles and when you’re ready start taking your images. If you’ve got kids at home then make it a family affair and include the kids, they can use a phone if you don’t have a spare camera or you could all share the same camera. Who will take the best pictures and what will their prize be? Have fun and don’t overthink it.
Kim Byrne
www.kimbyrnephotography.co.uk 28 | ehl July 2020
Taxing Times I have always been employed, but I am now considering
of the duties of the employment’. This harsh test contrasts with that for the self-employed, whose expenses need only be laid out ‘wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the trade’.
The system for taxing the selfemployed is radically different from that for employees and company directors. The main distinctions are as follows.
There will nearly always be expenditure, that is partly business and partly private, such as motoring; with the increase of working from home, council tax and fuel bills will also need to be apportioned (although where office use of home expenses are claimed some care must be taken as to not trigger a tax charge on the sale of your home at a later date).
Basis of assessment
Payment of tax
Generally, employees are taxed on income received during a tax year. The self-employed are assessed on the profits of the accounting period, which ends in the tax year, with special provisions for the opening and closing years of businesses. Profits are calculated as the income receivable, less expenses incurred. It is important to carefully consider the accounting year end date as there may be opportunities to defer tax. The year end date does not have to be the same as the tax year (year to 5 April).
Employees will not normally have to make payments on account of income tax unless they have substantial untaxed income. They do, however, pay tax and National Insurance contributions as they receive their income under the PAYE system. The self-employed pay at least some of their tax and National Insurance contributions in arrears, generating a cash flow advantage.
becoming self-employed and starting my own business. How will my income be taxed and when do I pay it?
Deduction of expenses For employees, the test is whether the expense was laid out ‘wholly, exclusively and necessarily in the performance
fluctuating profits. It is therefore important to plan quite carefully and consider making claims to reduce payments on account where profits are reducing. Tax Return The mechanism for communicating your business profits to HMRC is via the annual tax return. This return will include all your personal income and not just the profits from your business. The final deadline for submitting your tax return is 31 January following the end of the tax year. Once you start your business you should register with HMRC straight away, they will then send you a notice to complete a tax return at the appropriate time. Tim Neale, Partner If you would like to discuss your own situation call 01252 960 500 to arrange a free 1 hour appointment or email info@kirkrice.co.uk. Please note: information is given for general guidance only and specific advice should be taken before acting on any suggestions made.
Those setting up in business on their own account should have regard to the following: Tax is due twice per year on 31 January and 31 July. The 31 January tax payment can be quite high, particularly where a business has rising profits year on year. Problems can also arise where the business has
Kirk Rice Accountants and Financial Advisors Victoria House, 178-180 Fleet Road, Fleet GU51 4DA Tel: 01252 960 500 Email: info@kirkrice.co.uk www.kirkrice.co.uk
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Lockdown
Stories An innovative outreach project has been launched by clinicians at Royal Surrey to screen and treat the local homeless community for hepatitis C and liver damage.
Royal Surrey pop up clinics providing life-saving healthcare to the homeless during Covid-19
Homeless people are historically at a much higher risk of contracting hepatitis C, a blood borne virus that can cause liver damage, as well as being less likely to access essential healthcare. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, homeless people across Surrey have been housed, giving clinicians much needed access to this group. Royal Surrey doctors and nurses have taken advantage of the opportunity by working with the Hepatitis C Trust to set up this potentially life-saving service. So far the team has screened over 100 patients for hepatitis C and liver damage, treating those who need it. Romanie Westwood, Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Trust has been instrumental in providing this service and said: “Hepatitis C can cause many serious health problems and although the prevalence of this disease in the general Surrey
population is relatively low, the risk of hepatitis C to the homeless population can be up 20 times higher. “The team has worked closely with the Hepatitis C Trust to provide essential care to this historically under-cared for population.
“By working alongside the Royal Surrey pop up clinics, our Peer Support Workers have been able to reach and support some of the most marginalised and hardest to engage people within our society.
Rachel Halford, Chief Executive Officer of the Hepatitis C Trust said:
“This has been a unique window of opportunity where we have been able to provide education and awareness about hepatitis C to stop transmission and support those who have been diagnosed to access the short course of treatment needed to cure hepatitis C.”
“In what has been the most extraordinary and difficult of times for many, it has been fantastic to turn restriction into something positive.
These vital pop up clinics are based throughout the Guildford and Woking areas and will continue for the foreseeable future.
“The project has been hugely rewarding in a time where everything feels quite bleak.”
ehl July 2020 | 31
It’s so good to be back! This month we’re talking about the importance of having fun
Revitalise Your Life
and simple pleasures.
By Jenny Thomas, TEDx Speaker & Coach at Revitalise Coaching
Didn’t lockdown teach us a
Welcome to July’s column helping you to revitalise your life!
lot? We all had to act quickly and make massive changes in a very short space of time. But what did we learn from it? I was really surprised by a few things that came to light for me – how little I had been recognising the pleasures from the small things in life and how we are just as susceptible to burnout even when we’re working from home. I was reminded that coming from a place of fear and worry can make you act and behave in a way that may not be in your best interests. Like most of the population, I was worried about being able to financially support myself. I reverted to old behaviours and threw myself into marketing my business and planning alternative ways to earn a living. I was full steam ahead for a whole month, including weekends. Fortunately, it paid off and I had one of my best months ever! But there was a cost and a valuable learning for me. I’ve been through a burn out before and I spent the first 2 years in my business helping others to recognise it, recover and make changes in their working lives to create more balance and wellbeing. Pushing myself like this – digging deeper and striving for more – was feeling very familiar and definitely not in a good way! My guides and angels were giving me clear guidance in my daily meditations to ‘have more fun’. ‘Have more fun?! I don’t have time for that!’ was very much my
32 | ehl July 2020
first thought. I paid attention to the guidance though and started making more time to do more fun stuff. Not that it was possible to go and do much lol! We’ve all had to get inventive at home haven’t we? I found simple pleasures – baking and sharing it with my neighbour, FaceTiming friends and family (why don’t we do that anyway?), watching the birds in the garden, finding little things online I could send in the post to people, writing little stories, taking my meditation practice outside in the amazing sunshine we had. Simple pleasures that encouraged me to slow down and lean into positive, loving vibes instead of the fear and worry made the world of difference to my wellbeing, flow of my business and outlook for the future. It also gave me much needed headspace to reflect, review and reset. It’s a self-coaching practice we can all do where you ask yourself 3 simple questions: 1. What needs to stop? 2. What needs to start? 3. What needs to stay? Don’t over think it or try to come up with your ‘forever’ plan. Just go with what comes to mind, for now.
I thought more about the guidance of ‘having more fun’ and it got me thinking about applying more of that principle to my business and my work, especially as it is my main focus in my life; it’s my baby. It’s not just about having fun and doing fun things for me, it’s also about having more of a sense of fun in how I do things. My long term goal involves a lot of activities I’ve never done before and it feels scary and impossible a lot of the time, but if I go with the mindset of anything is possible and approach each new step with one of curiosity and wonder, knowing that I’m always safe and well, how much more fun would that be? And when we’re having more fun, we’re happier aren’t we? And when we’re happier, anything seems possible! Take care and have fun,
Jenny www.revitalisecoaching.co.uk Jenny Thomas Intuitive Coach Tel: +44 (0)7725 795563 jenny@revitalisecoaching.co.uk
Emotional and Practical Support in Challenging Times The last few months have seen us all adapting to new ways of managing our home and work lives, as we strive to contain the spread of Coronavirus. Local charity Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care (PTHC) is working with the NHS to help tackle the pandemic head on, with its medical and nursing teams providing 24-hour front line care to its patients and their families, both at the Hospice and in patients’ own homes. However, it is not only clinical care which the charity provides – it also offers counselling, social work advice, welfare support and pastoral care, through its Patient & Family Support team, which is continuing to provide its services throughout the pandemic. The Patient & Family Support team offers practical and emotional help to Phyllis Tuckwell’s patients and their families. Its Social Workers and Benefits & Entitlements Officers advise on welfare and benefits issues, ensuring that its patients and their families are still able to receive the ongoing practical and financial support they need, and helping them to apply for other items, such as blue badges for their cars, where appropriate. During the pandemic they are also helping vulnerable patients to register for shopping and prescription deliveries, and offering regular phone calls to those who are self-isolating. The charity’s Counsellors are also offering telephone support to patients and families, including newly bereaved families of its
patients. The team has created a support pack tailored to dealing with bereavement during the pandemic, and has extended access to its bereavement services to include other families of patients who have been referred to PTHC by the NHS. Phyllis Tuckwell’s Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy team are focusing mainly on the Hospice’s In-Patient Unit, visiting patients every day and offering support calls to families where appropriate. Members of the team are able to sit and talk with patients, and read out messages which their loved ones have sent them when they are unable to visit due to coronavirus restrictions. Patients can talk to friends and relatives on phone or video calls any time they want to, and those with a TV in their room can bring
Phyllis Tuckwell has found ways of connecting patients and their families during the Coronavirus pandemic. in photographs which can be uploaded and shown on their TV screens on a loop. Families are offered comfort pebbles, one of which can be kept by the patient and the other taken by their loved ones, or can take home a vigil candle from the chapel, as a way of keeping a link with the Hospice and their loved one. By adapting quickly to new ways of working, Phyllis Tuckwell has been able to continue to provide the compassionate supportive and end of life care which it is so well known for locally, supporting its patients and their families throughout these challenging times. If you would like to find out more about Phyllis Tuckwell and the services it offers, please visit www.pth.org.uk.
Will you help get Fleet back on its Feet? There are small business owners all over the country struggling to survive during this lockdown and government support might not be enough to see them through the pandemic. After a halt in trading, most businesses in our community have now re-opened but the financial impact has been devastating. Many small business owners believe that if they can survive, it could take them 5 years to fully recover.
We are all linked to our small local businesses – from supply chains and meaningful employment opportunities, to customers – independent firms foster our local economy and support our community. I believe we can all do our part to save our local businesses and help get Fleet back on its feet, which is why I’m hosting the Fleet Community Raffle as a personal project.
How does it work? It’s really simple – our local businesses offer prizes for you to win and the sale of raffle tickets
pays for the prizes. Tickets are just £1 each so you can support the cause as much as you are able. For every 50 tickets sold, we’ll add a new donated prize so the more tickets are sold, the more prizes are up for grabs. Once all 500 tickets are sold, we’ll draw the raffle and all the monies raised will go directly to the participating businesses. We’ve also introduced instant win prizes if we get donations from businesses who don’t wish to be reimbursed.
How do I buy tickets? If you are on Facebook find us @FleetCommunityRaffle and click on the ‘Book Now’ button. This will take you to our raffle site where you can purchase your tickets. If you are not on facebook go online to www.raffall. com/20613/enter-raffle-towin-fleetcommunityrafflehosted-by-alexandrawachter.
How else can I help? This really is a community effort to support our independent
businesses in Fleet so please help raise awareness of the raffle by liking our FB page and sharing our posts so we can spread the word. And remember, now we can all shop for non-essential items, choose local wherever you can. When we spend money at a privately owned local business, that money goes to pay an employee in our community who in turn is likely to spend money at another local business. The more we can support each other, the quicker our local economy will recover.
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Local Health & Fitness Classes To list your class in both ehl & Fleet Life for just £10 per month email katie@biglittlemagazineco.uk Class Name
Day
Time
Venue
Teacher
Contact Details
9.30 - 10.30am
Contact Andrea
Andrea Bremner 07721 881021 or
Fitness Free Power
Mon
Walking class
for update
andrea@andreabremner.co.uk
Please contact Babs
Check www.innerfocus
Mindfulness n/a
Inner Focus
n/a
Counselling - on-line sessions available
Babs Freeman
for more information
counselling.co.uk or call Babs on 07749 342040
Tai Chi Jing Sung Tai Chi
Tue
7.30 - 8.30pm
Contact Gordon
Gordon Hardless 01252 628334 or
for update
ghardless@gmail.com
Qigong Fleet Qigong
Mon
1.15 - 2.15pm
Contact Kevin for update
Kevin Chapman fleetqigong@gmail.com
for Health and Wellbeing Fleet Qigong
Mon
for Health and Wellbeing Fleet Qigong
Thu
7.30 - 8.30pm
Contact Kevin for update
7.15 - 8.15pm
Contact Kevin for update
Chartered Accountant practising in Fleet and London Let me assist you with: Self Assessment Tax Returns Revenue & Customs Investigations Tax Planning & Advice Accounts Preparation Personal & Limited Companies VAT & PAYE Matters Making Tax Digital By appointment on Freephone 0800 644 3500 or email davidaccountant@btinternet.com
or 07786 526361
Kevin Chapman fleetqigong@gmail.com
for Health and Wellbeing
DAVID STONE
or 07786 526361
Kevin Chapman fleetqigong@gmail.com
or 07786 526361
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ORRAI NE LL L CA
&Lettings
LANDLORDS by Lorraine Hutley
VIRTUAL VIEWINGS
01
2019 ďšş 2020
252 622052
The internet has proved to be one of the saviours during this pandemic and the ability to work from home has saved many businesses. Browsing on the web for anything and everything has become the norm including property. Static photos of a property may give an idea but a full video walk around provides the potential tenant with far more information.
LETTING AGENT IN FLEET
In the past, having advertised a property and found interested tenants, we would organise a physical viewing. Potential tenants will often request viewings to compare with other properties, get an idea of what they could let or simply to browse. Depending on the property we could carry out multiple viewings before a suitable tenant is found. Often, the properties are occupied by the current tenant or owner and viewings can be disruptive. With the Corona-COVID 19 pandemic requiring minimum contact between people we are now trying to minimise the risks. As well as the standard photos we are now providing a video walk around of the property. Properties that may not have great kerb appeal are suddenly promoted by the ability to take a look from the comfort of the sofa. When potential tenants respond to our adverts we ask that they watch the video in full. If the potential tenant is still keen we would ask that they drive by the property to get a feel for the area. If they still wish to proceed a basic application form is completed and they are then proposed to the Landlord. If they are suitable for the property and meet the referencing criteria we proceed with the physical viewing. We have found the new system to be very successful and, in most cases, only one physical viewing has resulted in applicants signing up for a tenancy. Although technology is great it doesn’t replace the personal interaction needed to assess an applicant. At Honey Lettings we pride ourselves on placing the right tenants in properties. Landlords often ask what we think about a tenant and this information is often gleaned during the physical viewing. Conversations with the applicant about their current position, why they are moving and previous issues may indicate a tenant with issues or that they would be ideal for the property. Moving forward Honey Lettings have signed up to use the very latest virtual tour technology. Using an amazing camera and sophisticated software we will be offering virtual guided tours of properties. The specialist camera not only gathers 360 degree images it also takes measurements as it goes. Honey Lettings will be able to walk tenants around the property via a Zoom type connection to allow the agent to discuss the property with the potential tenant. This is the technology of the moment but like many things at the moment, it may prove to be a great success and a great resource for the future. Honey Lettings are able to move quickly to adopt the new technologies when required maintaining the first-class service our landlords have come to expect. Based in the heart of Fleet, Honey Lettings specialises in lettings and property management. For friendly, knowledgeable advice on property letting call Honey Lettings. No houses to sell just homes to let.
& 01252 622052
LETTINGS
WWW.HONEYLETTINGS.CO.UK
ehl July 2020 | 39
Rosie’s Good Reads Taking A Chance On Love by Erin Green is a contemporary novel following three women and their different views on relationships. Finding the right person to bring into their lives feels impossible until a unique way to select a potential Mr Right comes along.
Behind Enemy Lines by Sally Malcolm is a fan fiction story which follows ten years after STARGATE SG-1: Fragile Balance. If you liked the television series, then fan fiction is a way of extending the whole experience. I enjoyed meeting some of my favourite characters once more in this story.
Dark Magic by Tom Williams is a paranormal novella. The stage magicians of the Maestros of Magic show have mastered their craft, so they’re mystified about how their competitors, the Carnival of Conjurers, are successfully pulling in the crowds at their West End gigs.
Night Service by John F. Leonard is a horror novella. A fun horror story that kept me turning the pages in its unravelling of unexpected developments and wellpainted atmosphere. Warning! This could be the last bus that you ever catch!
Bury The Deep by James Oswald is an Inspector McLean crime fiction novel. Set in Scotland, this story begins with a missing person: Anya Renfrew has worked as a loyal and reliable police administration assistant for many years, but when she doesn’t turn up at work, the amount of access that she has to securely held information is as much a concern as her absence. 40 | ehl July 2020
For more book reviews
Rosie blogs at
www.rosieamber.wordpress.com/ Twitter @rosieamber1
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Numbers
0800 800 151 0800 111 999 0845 46 47 111
Local Numbers CAB 01252 617922 Fleet Library & Learning Centre 01252 612709 EH Parish Council 01252 819204 Hart District Council 01252 622122 Hart Leisure Centre 01252 629974 Police Station 0845 0 45 45 45 (Non emergency number)
From as LITTLE as ÂŁ45+VAT you can have your message hand-delivered to a BIG audience.
01252 811009
Transport National Rail Enquiries StageCoach (bus)
0845 7484950 0870 6082608
Hospitals Spire Clare Park Fleet Com. Hospital Frimley Park Hosp.
01252 850216 01252 813800 01276 604604
Schools All Saints Junior School Calthorpe Park School EH Primary School Fleet Infant School Tavistock Infant School
01252 01252 01252 01252 01252
615428 613483 622205 613582 616778
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ehl July 2020 | 41
Index
Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your ehl Advertising
Councils
Big Little Magazine Company 17
Elvetham Heath Parish Council
Accounting Services David Stone
36
Doors
Kirk Rice LLP
29
Acorn Ironmongery Ltd
Inner Focus Counselling 20
Starfish Admin Services
35
Keen Electrics
Power Walking
Two Guys Kitchens & Bathrooms
22
Beauty Treatments Queen Bee in the Woods
16
The Elvetham
44
Design Room
19
Signature Shutters
23
Car Dealer Charvil Car Centre
12
Car Servicing Fleet Service Centre
30
Frensham Heights Luckley House School
38
Yateley Manor
37
Riordan Jewellers Ltd
Phyllis Tuckwell
33
Churches 26/27
Cleaning Phone Joan Ltd
30
Village Cleaning Services
35
35 9
Two Guys Kitchens & Bathrooms
11
Revitalise Coaching Computer Maintenance Problem PC
42 | ehl July 2020
35
West Green Fruits
Fleet Qigong
36
Schools Primary School
Neale Turk LLP
14
5
Watson-Thomas 21
Jing Sung Tai Chi Tree Services Cedardale
Letting Agents
Tyres & Exhausts
Phone Joan
19
Qigong
Big Little Magazine Company 41
Loftplan Designs 32
Pick your own
Leaflet Distribution
Honey Lettings
13
Tai Chi 22
39
30
36
19
Roadwheel Tyre & Exhaust Ltd.
19
Windows & Conservatories Hart Windows & Glazing LTD 4 3
Loft Conversions Coaching
Physiotherapists
Solicitors
Lifestyle Management
Clothing Women’s Experience
15
Kitchens & Bathrooms Acorn Ironmongery
7
Elvetham Heath
Jewellers
Dream Doors
Charities
1
12
Photography
Hart Physio 5
Independent Schools
Blinds & Curtains
Paving
Baby Love Photography 36
Hotels Hook House Hotel
Oven Cleaning
R. Gold 35
Fitness
Bathrooms
36
Ovenclean 36 35
Electricians
Admin Services
Church on the Heath
Mindfulness
2
Yoga Isvarayoga
Marketing Clever Fox Communications 19
Zero Waste Shop
Lisa Christmas
Fleet Scoop
41
36
8
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