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 

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

 Well, whilst March seems to have flown by, for me personally, it was quite a packed month of birth day, Mothers Day and Easter celebrations. Not to mention the copious amounts of chocolates that are still hanging around the house and threaten ing to sabotage my diet at any given moment. I think I’ve probably spent half the month eating super healthily and the other simply packing my face with chocolate and cake.

On the positive front, I did complete the annual deconstruction of my garden, which simply means clearing it of dog bones and debris, before giving the grass its first cut of the year. Not a major achievement for most people, but for me it’s a big tick off my list of things to do. Now if I could just put the list away and not keep adding things to it, I might actually stop it going onto two sheets of paper. In fact, if I keep going at the rate I am, I’ll be able to paper the living room with it.

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History: Golden Years Memories of 50 yrs ago RSPCA Rehoming Appeal

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Children’s Puzzle Page

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Interiors: Planning a Master Bedroom

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Motoring: Range Rover on Test

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World Book Day at St Helen’s

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Karen Munro Careers

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Mole Watch

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Recipe: Chicken in Red Wine

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Local Events

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Beauty: Spring is in the Air

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Puzzle Solutions

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As ever, I stand in awe of those who seem to achieve everything on their list and still have time to spare. Any time management tips, always very welcome. .

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MAY COPY DEADLINE 21ST APRIL We are grateful for the support of local businesses whose adverts appear in this publication and whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions, claims made by advertisers or endorse companies, products or services.

This publication, its contents and advert designs are © of In and Around Publishing. Any copying or reproduction in part or fully, is strictly forbidden without our prior consent.

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Golden Years

Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning hovercraft would ride that made it more efficient still. At last, a craft that would rise clear out of the water!

Cockerell’s design won the support of the National Research Development Council, which licensed his 1955 patent to a number of builders including Saunders-Roe; and on 11th June 1959 the four-seater 28mph SR-N1 (Saunders Roe Nautical 1) was launched. The craft was then shipped to Calais and on 25th July made the first Channel crossing by hovercraft.

It wasn’t the first into service, though – that honour went to the rival Vickers-Armstrong 3, which started a scheduled ferry service across the Dee between Rhyl and Wallasey in July and August 1962. The second, launched in the same year, used a new Saunders-Roe hovercraft, SRN2, to cross the Solent between Ryde and Southsea – a service that still runs today, albeit with rather more modern craft!

But the Channel was the challenge, both technically and commercially. It was open sea, the weather could be rough, and hovercraft had not so far proved themselves terribly robust (the VA-3’s career was ended by a storm). But the potential pickings were rich: international travel was becoming more affordable and more popular, and Dover and Folkestone were at full stretch. So, on that April day 50 years ago, the 38-seater SR-N6 raised itself up on its rubber skirt (an improvement designed not by Cockerell but by a naval officer called LatimerNeedham), trundled down the Ramsgate beach that would be the service’s home for the next 16 years, and set off on

the 40-minute, 35-mile journey to Calais. Connecting coaches would take passengers on to Paris for £3.7s.6d or Brussels for £2.7s.6d.

Cheaper and faster they might be, but cross-Channel hovercraft never really challenged the ferry’s supremacy. Like the British airliners, the Trident and the VC-10, there wasn’t enough demand for them to justify a permanent production line: the later models even had to cannibalise each other for spare parts. The oil crisis of the early ‘70s made them less competitive; the opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994 proved a fatal blow. The last two were retired in September 2000, just a year after the death of their inventor.

Hovercraft are, of course, still in use around the world as coastal search and rescue vessels, as military transport and assault craft, as buses using frozen Alaskan rivers in winter, although they’ve never eclipsed conventional vessels as was once hoped.

But the field in which they have proved most successful is one that Cockerell probably never expected: gardening. For in 1964 a Swedish engineer, Karl Dahlman, saw an early hovercraft in action...and invented the Flymo.

   

The cleverest inventions often fail at what they’re intended to do but then go on to succeed brilliantly elsewhere. I could write a list, but seeing that 6th April 1966 is perhaps the most significant date in its history, let’s focus on one outstanding example: the hovercraft.

We tend to think of the hovercraft as a product of our own age, and indeed it is; but the advantages of minimizing or even eliminating contact between hull and water have long been obvious. The first patent in hovercraft design was taken out by John Thornycroft (as in Vosper Thornycroft) way back in 1877 - but his was the age of steam, and no suitable engine existed.

Once petrol engines were available, designers became interested in contactless or reduced-contact motorboats again - but now their inspiration was aviation technology, and between 1915 and 1940 prototypes of various steppedhull and hydroplane coastal craft were built in Austro-Hungary, Finland, the USSR, the USA amongst others.

World War II put a stop to these developments, but in the 1950s a Norfolk boatbuilder, Christopher Cockerell, decided to revisit Thorneycroft’s patent.

Light but powerful engines were plentiful, and Cockerell was also able to design a way of swirling the air cushion on which his 6

Happy 50tH BirtHdays to

Chris Evans (1st), Teddy Sheringham (2nd), Lisa Stansfield (11th), and Phil Tufnell (29th)

Cake and botox to you all!

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The RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston and District Branch Registered Charity No: 263515

Thank you for your support .

We can’t do it without you!

It is with great sadness we have to TINY TIM & TINA 12 WEEKS OLD announce that our Crescent Parade This adorable pair actually came to us separately. furniture and children’s shop will be Tiny Tim was found in a back garden and Tina was closing by the end of June this year. an unwanted pet, at such a young age these ador

able kittens are looking for a forever home. They do love each other’s company and they can be a Our fashion and general shop further along the bit mischievous, but they love a fuss and the atten parade at no 12/13 will be staying very much open, tion. Could you offer this lovely pair a forever extending its rear area to accommodate children’s home? wear and electrical. Furniture will transfer to our large Ashford Middlesex store.

Bringing a new kitten home is exciting, but it’s a big commitment. You’re providing a cat with a loving It has been impossible to make ends meet of late home for the next 14+ years of their life. They on the furniture, very labour and vehicle intensive need lots of time and attention so the decision to and competition with corporate discount stores get a new feline family member should never be hard to compete with. Profits have dropped and taken lightly. the sad decision not to renew the lease has been reached by the Trustees.

Wherever your kitten comes from, it should be sociable and brighteyed with no visible health There will be a limit to the amount of children’s problems. A kitten also shouldn’t be taken away toys and clothes we will be able to accept – any from their mother until they are eight or nine weeks ideas welcome!! old. Getting your girl cat spayed protects her from getting pregnant, your cat will need to go the vet to We would love to hear from anyone willing to offer have a simple operation called spaying. It’s impor some voluntary hours in our main shop on Cres tant to have her spayed before she is fourmonths cent Parade, anything from 2.5 hour shifts. old to protect her from getting pregnant while she's still a kitten herself. You may have heard that it’s Our charity shops are our lifeline to animal welfare, good for cats to have a litter of kittens before they without the income from our shops we would not are spayed  but this isn’t true. Once she has been be able to help the 10k+ animals that come spayed your kitten will be able to do all the things through the Hillingdon clinic each year. Local ani cats enjoy doing, like going outdoors, climbing mals rely on the success of these shops so any trees and playing. help anyone could offer would be appreciated.

If you think you can offer one of our animals a In the interim period the furniture shop will only be loving home then please ring RSPCA Hillingdon open occasionally as voluntary staff are available.

Branch on 01895 833417 or visit our website Many thanks for your understanding and support. www.rspcahillingdonclinic.org.uk to download an application form 8

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Home & Interiors

  

Planning A Master Bedroom

Your bedroom is a highly personal space, but if you are considering selling, or simply want to enhance your property’s value in the long term, you’ll also need to design it so it has general appeal, says Katherine Sorrell.

Your first consideration when planning a master bedroom, large or small, should always be comfort. Zone the space according to how you use it – sleeping, dressing, exercising, checking your laptop, reading – and, if it helps, draw a scaled plan of the room so you can play around with the layout. It’s nice to have your bedhead opposite the window, 12

for example, with a bedside table each side; remember to allow enough space (experts recommend at least 450mm) around the bed to give you room to change the sheets.

To create calm and order while minimising clutter, try to include as much storage as you can squeeze in. A whole wall of fitted wardrobes, with well thought-out internal drawers and divisions, is a great option, and you can add free-standing pieces such as chests of drawers and blanket boxes for character and flexibility. Given enough floor space, it may also be possible to create a separate dressing area, using a tall bedhead, a bookcase or wide wardrobe as

By Katherine Sorrell

a partition.

We can’t escape technology anywhere, and although watching TV is not necessarily conducive to a good night’s sleep it is still a lovely idea to include a TV in the bedroom – ideal for a languorous Sunday morning lie-in with croissants, coffee and a newspaper. If you don’t want to look at a blank screen the rest of the time, fitted furniture manufacturers can provide cupboards from which TVs pop up or slide out, while music specialists offer all sorts of sleek and goodlooking speakers and sound systems. You will probably also want a place to connect and site a landline phone, a small desk on which to pop your computer, e-reader or tablet, and somewhere to plug in a charger for your mobile.

Even in a bedroom, you can’t have too many plug sockets.

Luxurious, wall-to-wall carpet is always a good idea for a master bedroom, and pure new wool has just the right warm, soft, snuggly-toe feel.

Choose a high quality underlay for extra bounce and softness.

That said, you could combine underfloor heating with engineered wooden boards and beautiful rugs for a more traditional look with plenty of character – and still enjoy warmth underfoot. The latter option, though only possible if you are undertaking major renovations, will also save the space that would have been otherwise taken up with a radiator.

Well-designed lighting is

a t d i l c w b a d a a l a fl r s h o s o T b t i c b

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an asset in any room, and the master bedroom is no different. A central pendant is fine for general, overhead light, but you can be more creative elsewhere by adding wall-mounted reading lights beside the bed, a bright, adjustable light above your dressing table and perhaps a table lamp or two to create a gentle glow. Such layers of light will provide a pleasing ambience and give you great flexibility. Conversely, for restful darkness while you are sleeping, ensure your curtains have a good blackout lining, or else choose well-fitting shutters – which will help block out noise, too.

The days of carefully matched bed linen and window treatments are long gone, yet it is still important to get this combination right. When the bed is plain, some pattern

at the window is lovely, and vice versa – simply avoid two patterns that clash. Plain curtains can look absolutely beautiful if made from a generous amount of fabric, hung from a pole with pretty finials at the ends, and finished with an edging of ruffles or a contrast border. If privacy is a problem, it may be necessary to add sheer or lace curtains, either full-length or covering the bottom half of the window only.

Considering adding an ensuite? Once a luxury, these days they are virtually a necessity, and will certainly make your home more saleable – and may even add value, too. If you have enough room for a walk-in wardrobe, there’s probably enough space to convert to an en-suite, though if you want a proper bath you’ll need to allow a

little more room. Alternatively, you could knock through and steal a little space from an adjacent room. When space is tight, compact fittings can be effective, but do make sure they are practical for regular use. While any arrangement is possible in theory, the least expensive place to install an en-suite bathroom is close to other plumbing, particularly the soil pipe. And, because the room leads directly off the bedroom, install low-noise sanitaryware and lights on dimmers, with a high-powered extractor fan that’s controlled separately from the light.

 

Image - Soft carpet, sumptuous curtains and a deeply buttoned headboard all add up to a sense of luxury.

Huntington bed, £1,175, Sweetpea & Willow, tel 0345 257 2627; www.sweetpeaandwillow.com.

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 Motoring  Range Rover on Test By James Baggott Finding Nemo could work his fishy magic at keeping the Are We Nearly There Yets at bay until at least Dover.

It’s the dreaded question that anyone even remotely connected to cars fears more than any other: what’s your favourite car?

But finally I might have the answer: the Range Rover. Not the Sport or Evoque but the good old fashioned, full fat Rangie.

A looming family holiday looming involving a 1,500-mile trip gave the perfect excuse to borrow the car, and after two 13-hour shifts behind the wheel I can honestly say there’s nothing else I’d rather have been in.

Here’s why. First, it’s super comfortable. The front seats in our Range Rover were heated and cooled and had more adjustments than a home hi-fi amplifier from the 1980s. The huge armchair like seats with cushioned headrests never dulled a muscle and left us with no aches and pains.

With a five-year-old on board, the £7,300 entertainment pack (yes, you read that right) was a blessing. Two 10.2-inch rear screens and wireless headphones meant 14

The multimedia system might be showing its age a little but it works well. It takes seconds to hook your phone up for music streaming, the satnav might look a little dated but it got us to France, Switzerland and home without fail and it’s simple to set a DVD running for the rear occupants while listening to Dad FM in the front.

Then there’s the size – I know Range Rovers are massive, but when it comes to getting a ski trip’s worth of luggage inside, it coped admirably.

Despite using up the entire boot space there was ample room inside – enough to curl up for a snooze in the back and enjoy the equally cosseting rear seats when my wife drove.

For its size it’s no slouch. Our test car had the delightful 4.4-litre SDV8. Despite only returning 26mpg, with a top speed of 135mph and a 060mph time of 6.8 seconds, it’s brisk enough for French Autoroutes. It piles on speed in a smooth and linear fashion, quietly and without fuss, whilst adding to the feeling of luxury travel.

However, what really sets the Range Rover apart are the

little touches. Things like the soft-close doors, the illuminated logos projected onto the floor by the wing mirrors at night, and the front seat armrests that adjust to the perfect height.

I love the fridge in the centre console, the cameras all around the car that make it a doddle to park, and the split tailgate that automatically opens and closes at the touch of a button.

But above all it’s the fact that despite all this luxury and Rolls Royce-rivaling opulence, it’s still so utterly capable off road. As we arrived in Villars, Switzerland, the snow was falling heavily and cars were being abandoned up the mountain as snow chains failed to do their jobs. But not the Range Rover. A flick of the all terrain response button to its Snow & Ice setting and away we went.

So there you have it. The one car I would buy if I had to live it with it for the rest of my life.

Just as long as I could afford the £109,710 for the pleasure…

The Knowledge Model: Range Rover Autobiography Price: £109,710 (with options) Engine: 4.4-litre SDV8 Power: 339bhp / 740Nm 0-60mph: 6.8seconds Top Speed: 135mph CO2: 219g/km Economy: 33.6mpg

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WORLD BOOK DAY at ST. HELEN’S COLLEGE

Pupils and staff at St. Helen’s College primary school in Parkway, Hillingdon have had a colourful and educational time celebrating World Book Day today (Thursday, 3rd March 2016). Pupils were encouraged to dress as characters from the clas sics, and there were plenty of characters from books such as Robin Hood, Alice in Wonderland and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. There was even a (female) Hamlet! Several of the children from Years 2 to 6 stood up spontaneously during assemblies and spoke as their characters, including Hamlet delivering some of the famous ‘To Be Or Not To Be’ soliloquy!

game of croquet during their PE lesson to extend the Alice in Wonderland theme!

A superb day was had by everyone, with pupils really benefiting from discussion of the stories they and their friends love. The children also brought in good quality second hand books for a huge school wide book swap.

Mrs. Savage, English Coordinator, said, ‘We love World Book Day here at St. Helen’s College and enjoy taking the opportunity to stretch the children’s imaginations even further, introducing them to books they might not otherwise discover, and bring Visiting author Marcia Williams ran workshops with ing their learning to life with costumes, assemblies children throughout the school, and Oak Farm Li and workshops’. brary visited the very youngest children in Nursery for story time. There were World Book Daythemed assemblies and an ‘Extreme Reading’ photo com petition, for which pupils had to send in photo graphs of themselves reading in extreme places.

The children sent photographs of themselves read ing in trees, in museums, while on pogo sticks, while washing up and many more. One of the most amazing was this photograph of Jasmine (Year 2) reading underwater!

Some classes enjoyed a ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’, during which they promoted books which they had read and enjoyed, and catering staff themed the lunch time service around Alice in Wonderland too, with ‘Eat Me’ and ‘Drink Me’ signs and colourful cupcakes on offer for dessert, served by The White Rabbit! Pupils from every class at Upper School visited Lower School children as ‘reading buddies’ and read to them, which was a super experience for both age groups. Year 6 even participated in a

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Karen Munro Careers (Apr16).qxp_Layout 1 29/03/2016 14:45 Page 1

Karen Munro - Career Coach

 Finance

www.munrocareers.co.uk

twitter - @munrocareers facebook - munrocareers

Don’t be Taken In By The Pension  Scammers By Ann Haldon

Karen is a professional and qualified Careers Practitioner and Trainer who provides support in all aspects of Career Development and Transition including effective CV Coaching, Interview Skills and Networking Techniques.

A member of the Association of Coaching and registered with the Careers Professional Alliance, she works with both private and business clients around London and the South East who are looking for however, especially in an unscrupulous individuals career change, direction, motivation and support.

industry with suchRight complex criminal groups area number of organisations She works as an and Associate Career Coach for including Management, advantage lackofofthe MODproducts.

Personal Career taking Management Ltd andofisapart contract providing career support and regulation the industry, guidance to Military Personnelwithin transitioning in to civilian life. watcH out for tHese

plus anand uncertainty about howsharing her practical knowledge and wealth of Karen contributes to ‘In Around’ every month common pHrases used best to community. invest such a large experience with her local By tHe scammers Specific phrases have been used by conmen to garner interest in their schemes, and to motivate their victims into taking action. They include: • ‘legal loophole’ to avoid paying tax on pension withdrawals if you’re under 55 • ‘sophisticated investor’ • suggesting you invest in an ‘alternative’ area or those ‘not traditionally available’ • ‘free pension review’ or a ‘free transfer of your pension pot’

amount of money.

Inefficient systems also form part of the problem, enabling conmen to set up these rogue pension schemes. HM SPRING is here and it’sregulations that time of year when and Customs are not Since new pension Revenue wewere all start updating things, such aspension spring regulators, but having introduced in 2015, cleaning our house, putting winter conmen have been usingaway the all ourintroduced a ‘fit and proper clothes, throwingto out ourpeople old and unwanted new freedoms target person’ test in 2014, they have items, painting and redecorating in brighter andattempted to control the approaching retirement.

One of at least lighter colours.

It’s timetelling to shake away the winter, for fraudulent activity. the scams involves those potential open up the all the andalet the sunshine in. under agewindows of 55 that ‘legal HMRC has the power to deloophole’ allows them access It’s time to make changes.

Change is aregister constant. or It’s refuse to register to their full with no it good.

Change happening all pension, around us. a new pension scheme, but requirement to pay tax on the said they should At the end of last year I also consideredsome what have needed By telling you about a free money withdrawn (in reality, a “Find a joboryou love and review, you responsibility for changing in my life. So, this year I set take aboutmore winning pension government rate of up to 55%). is happening to victims, will never work again.” and securing new business contracts, what increasing my scammers may be attempting Pension monies are then than chasing them for tax private coaching practice and on a more rather personal note, Winston Churchill to obtain personal and financial moved into (not an alternative moving home too far though!). So, Ipayments. am also going information. ‘Guaranteed level scheme run byofthe fraudsters, through a period change and as I type this month’s of investment’ is also a phrase wHat exactly are tHe with savings either being stolen boxes! article I am surrounded by packing to watch out for, as are timenew pension freedoms?

When coaching a client career change or severely diminished after limitedthrough offers and any form one of a daunting prospect and it is no often Change can be There’s longer a the most important to make relay is that change extortionate charges are made of messages pressure to you sign much easier for us to stick with the status quo andto buy an annuity requirement comes from within. for the doing ‘service’. quickly, i.e. before you’re able continue what we are doing and keep everything with your pension savings It is never about to someone someone what to To and make matters worse, HM However, access telling other professional safe within our own limits. if we to never in order fund retirement, do,option. what is rightadvice. for them, or how they need to Revenue andtoCustoms has we canalthough push ourselves make change also become it is still an change.

They have to want it and embrace it in order stale, de-motivated enthusiasm. been sending outand billswetocan lose ourSome people choose a staged project Bloom create it. reclaim tax on the amounts incomechange drawdown,towhich Many companies who have not embraced taskforce withdrawn, leaving victims A good career coach will taskforce guide a client to help involves purchasing stocks and have ended up falling victim to it – a strong company A new has been setthem of the scam with no pension they need themselves.

They will find theinanswers up and embrace will always be looking to change, growshares and cashing them by the government and savings and in large-scale debt important empower the client toNational recogniseCrime what Agency is important to new initiatives.

It is therefore equally we, as of time. over a period the to in some cases. them, what their values and strengths are and help individuals do the same.

Others prefer to invest in combat the problem of pension them identify what change they want to make, no How can tHe to conmen at home or abroad, fraud. A ‘perfect storm’ of new Don’t allow change become more of property a challenge or how big or small. a operate threat. Useso it to achieve more and bring youannew effectively? earning incomematter from renting pension regulations, lack of So,and remember, Spring is here –about what where changes experiences and adventures.

Although younger people out their investment, awareness toare you to make? reinvest, and the fact that large a clear target for pension benefiting from thegoing increase It are is difficult to know what lies ahead and it can scammers, those aged in its capital value. People sums of money are involved, generate a credible fear 55 of and the unknown, which over arecauses also under searching has enabled scammers to inevitably us tothreat. refuse to change at all. for We the best return on With no rely restrictions onto how their get away with too many may on others help us and tellpension us what savings are now even savings can be used, more vulnerable to“unlocking conmen, your career sophisticated topension do. potential”cons.

Time for a change?

Karen

18

It’s hoped that Project Bloom will bring awareness to the issue, however, and specific advice is offered to anyone concerned about their pension.

You need to be wary of: • Anyone offering a ‘free pension review’ or access to your pension pot if you’re under the age of fifty-five • Offers of help to obtain a pension statement, or to provide a tracing service for lost pensions • An alternative investment product for your pension pot that seems too good to be true

systems and procedures that include glossy brochures and polished, well-rehearsed speeches. This makes the entire con appear legitimate unless you’re aware that this type of fraud is taking place.

offering free advice. They may be able to gain access to your personal information in this way, and then contact you directly via phone or email.

Bringing awareness of what’s happening is key to combating crimes like this, and hopefully Project Bloom will help to prevent more people suffering the devastating loss of their retirement income.

carefully, to ensure that the site is legitimate and not part of the fraudsters’ arsenal of tricks.

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The Pensions Advisory Service provides free advice if you’re worried about potential scams, or to discuss your pension options in general.

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/ money/investing-pensions/ 30 OXFORD ROADpension-liberation-scamThose involved in Project victims-facing-huge-tax-billsBloom include the National 11364036908047 NEW Crime Agency,DENHAM Serious Fraud Office, HMRC, The Pensions http://www.thisismoney.

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Beauty Spring Is In The Air 

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Spring is a great time to clear out the makeup bag (or overflowing cupboard in my case) and treat yourself to a few new goodies.

How pretty is this new palette from Paul & Joe? Teaming an eye shadow duo with a powder blush, the palette is available in two shades: Papillons de Printemps and Floral Nectar (pictured).

Retailing at £28 each, they’re not cheap, but the colours are easy to apply and you’ll be the envy of the other bathroom mirror hoggers on a night out. If you really want to splash out, Paul & Joe have also released some new lipsticks, in three vibrant spring shades.

Many people find that they need to buy a new foundation for spring/ summer, as their skin loses its winter hibernation paleness. (Or that’s my excuse anyway.) The 20

new Aqua Glow Serum Foundation by Stila combines foundation with a treatment serum.

It gives great, natural looking coverage, while hydrating and softening skin. 94% of testers reported dramatically improved skin tone. If you can’t wait to take your makeup off at the end of the day because your face feels dry and uncomfortable, you need to try this foundation. It contains hyaluronic acid and other ingredients that help to keep skin hydrated for up to 12 hours after applying it. Available in 10 shades, the Aqua Glow Serum Foundation retails at £34.50.

If your hair is looking a little ‘meh’, but there’s still weeks to go until your next trip to the salon, try a KC Color Mask. Available in 14 shades, including platinum, golden copper, plum and coffee, these masks revitalise coloured hair. A small amount helps to maintain the hair colour and add brightness, while a larger amount can deepen the colour intensity. Just apply to freshly washed hair, comb through, leave for up to ten minutes and wash out.

They’re particularly useful

for toning down brassy tones in blonde hair, and giving depth to darker shades. The masks also contain Pro-Vitamin B5 and keratin derivative, to help repair the cuticle.

Prices start from under £5.

Spring demands a lighter, fresher fragrance, and Yardley London has just released the perfect one. English Daisy is reminiscent of a wildflower meadow – floral, but not too sweet.

It’s unashamedly girly, with notes including hyacinth and white rose, warmed with sandalwood and musk.

And, at just £19.99 for 50ml, it’s a bit of a bargain. Team it with the English Daisy body lotion, £6.50 and embrace the warmer weather.

I’m finding that the sun’s reappearance means it’s a lot easier to drag the kids out for a walk (although it’ll be a while before we’re out of our wellies I reckon). Along with wet wipes and plasters, the one thing I always take with me is Pure & Light Organic’s Essential Family on-the-Go Cream. It’s packed with plant-derived vitamins, and helps to treat everything from insect bites and bruises to eczema.

The 18 natural active ingredients include soothing calendula, hydrating shea butter and nourishing avocado. Priced at £15, it’s available from www. pureandlightorganic.eu and www.lovelula.co.uk.

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Will removal of white lines really improve road safety?

by Caroline Dunne Consultant IBB Solicitors caroline.dunne@ibblaw.co.uk

 

Opinion is divided on the removal of white lines from the centre of roads despite trials showing that motorists drive slower once the lines are removed. Pilots in Wiltshire and Derby have shown a reduction in speeds and fewer accidents.

The scheme has also been piloted by Transport for London who reported a reduction of 13% in speeds on roads where the white line had been removed.

It is not suggested currently that white lines are removed from busy fast roads, but instead where the roads are quieter and already subject to a lower speed limit. Research has shown that, where there are fewer road markings, drivers are more cautious – which in turn leads to safer roads.

or without white lines, drivers should always drive to the conditions of the road and well within the speed limit” The AA has also voiced strong opposition to a more widespread removal of white lines, calling for road markings to be stepped up rather than decreased.

Other road safety experts are concerned that the lines’ removal could affect anti-accident technology in some vehicles.

“Far from talking their use down we should be talking it up,” said Paul Watters of the AA. “They have a vital role in keeping road users safe.

Gary Rae, campaigns director for BRAKE has expressed concern at the plans stating:

“Of course there should be places where they can be dispensed with and this has largely worked, but unlike road signs, markings are already less intrusive but still help road users.”

“While crashes at lower speeds can mean fewer deaths and serious injuries this data only seems to look at a possible reduction in average speed and not at the number and nature of collisions…. With

Contact IBB Solicitors’ road traffic team for advice on road traffic legal matters.

03456 381381 (office hours) 0330 999 4 999 (out of hours)

Your best defence Points on your licence can affect your whole life.

If you are convicted of a motoring offence by the court, you will have a criminal record. This applies to all sentences available to the court, including fines. This means you will have to declare your record for a period of five years if you apply for a job, and it will certainly affect cost of your insurance.

If you have been charged, seek legal advice immediately.

Contact Caroline Dunne, Consultant, on 01895 207214 or caroline.dunne@ibblaw.co.uk

22

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Michael Sobbell Hospice FP+ (Apr16).qxp_Layout 1 29/03/2016 12:59 Page 1

 

Join our walk of support...

Sign up and book online today for the 6th Annual Michael Sobell Hospice ‘Ladies in the Night Walk’ sponsored by Savills estate agents, which will take place on Friday 10th June 2016 at 10pm. This is the biggest event in the hospice’s fundraising calendar and gives members of the community a chance to have fun and support a great local cause. Last year, 1,100 of the charity’s supporters walked through the night to raise an incredible £126,000 for patient care at the hospice. This year the hospice hopes to smash that amount and raise £150,000.

Walkers can choose from either a 5½ or 9 mile route. The event will start at the hospice in Northwood with a fun warm up session on the lawn followed by a magical moonlit walk through the local area including Northwood, Moor Park and

Northwood Hills before returning to the hospice for a well-deserved breakfast. Men, women, children (aged over 11) and pooches are welcome. Registration is £20 per person (before 3 June), £25 thereafter or on the day and includes a t-shirt, fundraising pack and breakfast. You can come with a friend or bring a team of people from your family, school, workplace or community group.

Last year over 60 teams took part, the largest being West Lodge Primary School with 68 walkers.

Maybe you can beat this figure this year? One of the West Lodge Team members Anne said, “Having never taken part in anything like this before it was a challenge, but I managed the full distance and had the most amazing night with some wonderful people and all for such a worthy cause. I can’t wait to sign up again for next year!”

So what are you waiting for? Join us - you CAN make a difference...

Register online at www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk or call 0203 826 2367 for an entry form and join us for this fantastic community event and help make a difference to local people with life-limiting illnesses. Walkers are asked to raise sponsorship for this event. Michael Sobell Hospice needs to raise £1.6 million every year to maintain its current level of patient care.

24

Micha

Michael Sobbell Hospice FP+ (Apr16).qxp_Layout 1 29/03/2016 12:59 Page 2

  

25

Dated Events (Apr16).qxp_Layout 1 29/03/2016 16:44 Page 1

APRIL EVENTS Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland 5th - 9th April Compass Theatre, Glebe Avenue, Ickenham, UB10 8PD. Clifford Hume is starring as the Queen of Hearts in the newly refurbished theatre.

For tickets and more info 01895 250615 or visit www.hillingdontheatres.uk Ruislip Stamp Fair 9th April The Ruislip Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Road, HA4 7DG. For details call 01895 637283.

Local Events April 2016 26

Swim-a-thon in aid of Michael Sobell Hospice 17th April, 9.15am-12.30pm St Helen’s School, Northwood.

Support your local hospice join our first ever Swima-thon. Free entry and free parking. Details from Laura Kaye 01923 844906 or e: lkaye@michael sobellhospice.co.uk Lunchtime Classical Music Concert 27th April, 12.15pm.

St Martin’s Church Hall, corner Eastcote Road and High Street, HA4 6DG. Valentin Schiedermair (Piano).

Veterans Breakfast Club 30th April The Good Yarn pub, High Street, Uxbridge.

All Veterans and Military personnel welcome.

 

Ickenham & Swakeleys Horticultural Society Spring Show 9th April, from 2.30pm Ickenham Village Hall, UB10 8FU. Free entry to see stunning spring flowers and enjoy teas and homemade cakes For more details visit the website www.ickenham-horticultural.org.uk and tweet @IckenhamGarden.

Hillingdon Canal Club Talk 12th April Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX. Andrew Taylor, Waterways Chaplaincy – talks about ‘The Role of the Waterways Chaplaincy’. Email: middlesex.socials @waterways.org.uk for details.

HUBB Business Breakfast Event 14th April, 8am-9.30am Bay Lodge, 36 Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1PH. Networking in partnership with the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce. In this presentation : ‘Living & Working with Autism’. To book email: helen.thompson@wardwilliams.co.uk or visit : www.wardwilliams.co.uk The Hardy Plant Society Middlesex Group Plant Sale 16th April, 10am-2pm The Community Hut (previously Manor Farm Hall), St. Martin’s Car Park, Ruislip, HA4 8BD. Free entry. A fine selection of both usual and unusual plants which you will not find in garden centres. Advice available if required. Contact Brian Franklin on 01923 236043 or go to our website www.hardy-plant-middlesex.org.uk

ADVANCE NOTICES

Uxbridge Choral Society & Aylesbury Choral Society 22nd May, 7pm Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Botwell Lane, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 2AB. Together performing Verdi’s ‘Requiem’. Tickets: £12 (under 12’s £6) on the door or from www.uxbridgechoralsociety.org.uk Ladies in the Night Walk 10th June, Walk starts 10pm Register for the 6th Annual Michael Sobell Hospice ‘Ladies Night Walk’ (sponsored by Savills Eastate Agents) online at www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk or call 0203 826 2367 for an entry form and join us for this fantastic community event.

LIVE MUSIC EVENTS The Swan at Iver 2 High Street, Iver, SL0 9NG. 2nd April Michael Bublé tribute 8th April Solace 15th April The Flyers 22nd April 2 Tone show 29th April Introducing ‘Neighbourhood Noise’ The WatersEdge Packet Boat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. 29th April The Ramblers The Whip & Collar Swallow Street, Iver, SL0 0HU. 29th April Mark Kelly, from 9.15pm

Please send us your details to be included in the May issues by Friday 15th April.

27

Beauty    Spring Is In The Air

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Spring is a great time to clear out the makeup bag (or overflowing cupboard in my case) and treat yourself to a few new goodies.

How pretty is this new palette from Paul & Joe? Teaming an eye shadow duo with a powder blush, the palette is available in two shades: Papillons de Printemps and Floral Nectar (pictured).

Retailing at £28 each, they’re not cheap, but the colours are easy to apply and you’ll be the envy of the other bathroom mirror hoggers on a night out. If you really want to splash out, Paul & Joe have also released some new lipsticks, in three vibrant spring shades.

Many people find that they need to buy a new foundation for spring/ summer, as their skin loses its winter hibernation paleness. (Or that’s my excuse anyway.) The 28

new Aqua Glow Serum Foundation by Stila combines foundation with a treatment serum.

It gives great, natural looking coverage, while hydrating and softening skin. 94% of testers reported dramatically improved skin tone. If you can’t wait to take your makeup off at the end of the day because your face feels dry and uncomfortable, you need to try this foundation. It contains hyaluronic acid and other ingredients that help to keep skin hydrated for up to 12 hours after applying it. Available in 10 shades, the Aqua Glow Serum Foundation retails at £34.50.

If your hair is looking a little ‘meh’, but there’s still weeks to go until your next trip to the salon, try a KC Color Mask. Available in 14 shades, including platinum, golden copper, plum and coffee, these masks revitalise coloured hair. A small amount helps to maintain the hair colour and add brightness, while a larger amount can deepen the colour intensity. Just apply to freshly washed hair, comb through, leave for up to ten minutes and wash out.

They’re particularly useful

for toning down brassy tones in blonde hair, and giving depth to darker shades. The masks also contain Pro-Vitamin B5 and keratin derivative, to help repair the cuticle.

Prices start from under £5.

I’m finding that the sun’s reappearance means it’s a lot easier to drag the kids out for a walk (although it’ll be a while before we’re out of our wellies I reckon). Along with wet wipes and plasters, the one thing I always take with me is Pure & Light Organic’s Essential Family on-the-Go Cream. It’s packed with plant-derived vitamins, and helps to treat everything from insect bites and bruises to eczema.

The 18 natural active ingredients include soothing calendula, hydrating shea butter and nourishing avocado. Priced at £15, it’s available from www. pureandlightorganic.eu and www.lovelula.co.uk.

 

Spring demands a lighter, fresher fragrance, and Yardley London has just released the perfect one. English Daisy is reminiscent of a wildflower meadow – floral, but not too sweet.

It’s unashamedly girly, with notes including hyacinth and white rose, warmed with sandalwood and musk.

And, at just £19.99 for 50ml, it’s a bit of a bargain. Team it with the English Daisy body lotion, £6.50 and embrace the warmer weather.

29

 Finance  Don’t be Taken In By The Pension  Scammers By Ann Haldon



unscrupulous individuals and criminal groups are taking advantage of a lack of regulation within the industry, plus an uncertainty about how best to invest such a large amount of money.

Since new pension regulations were introduced in 2015, conmen have been using the new freedoms to target people approaching retirement. One of the scams involves telling those under the age of 55 that a ‘legal loophole’ allows them access to their full pension, with no requirement to pay tax on the money withdrawn (in reality, a rate of up to 55%).

Pension monies are then moved into an alternative scheme run by the fraudsters, with savings either being stolen or severely diminished after extortionate charges are made for the ‘service’.

To make matters worse, HM Revenue and Customs has been sending out bills to reclaim tax on the amounts withdrawn, leaving victims of the scam with no pension savings and in large-scale debt in some cases.

How can tHe conmen operate so effectively?

Although younger people are a clear target for pension scammers, those aged 55 and over are also under threat.

With no restrictions on how pension savings can be used, 30

Inefficient systems also form part of the problem, enabling conmen to set up these rogue pension schemes. HM Revenue and Customs are not pension regulators, but having introduced a ‘fit and proper person’ test in 2014, they have at least attempted to control the potential for fraudulent activity.

HMRC has the power to deregister or refuse to register a new pension scheme, but some have said they should take more responsibility for what is happening to victims, rather than chasing them for tax payments. wHat exactly are tHe new pension freedoms?

There’s no longer a requirement to buy an annuity with your pension savings in order to fund retirement, although it is still an option.

Some people choose a staged income drawdown, which involves purchasing stocks and shares and cashing them in over a period of time.

Others prefer to invest in property at home or abroad, earning an income from renting out their investment, and benefiting from the increase in its capital value. People searching for the best return on their pension savings are now more vulnerable to conmen,

however, especially in an industry with such complex products. watcH out for tHese common pHrases used By tHe scammers Specific phrases have been used by conmen to garner interest in their schemes, and to motivate their victims into taking action. They include: • ‘legal loophole’ to avoid paying tax on pension withdrawals if you’re under 55 • ‘sophisticated investor’ • suggesting you invest in an ‘alternative’ area or those ‘not traditionally available’ • ‘free pension review’ or a ‘free transfer of your pension pot’ By telling you about a free pension or government review, scammers may be attempting to obtain personal and financial information. ‘Guaranteed level of investment’ is also a phrase to watch out for, as are timelimited offers and any form of pressure to make you sign quickly, i.e. before you’re able to access other professional advice. project Bloom taskforce A new taskforce has been set up by the government and the National Crime Agency to combat the problem of pension fraud. A ‘perfect storm’ of new pension regulations, lack of awareness about where to reinvest, and the fact that large sums of money are involved, has enabled scammers to get away with too many sophisticated cons.

I w i a c Y •

•

•

T p w o o

a a O s

It’s hoped that Project Bloom will bring awareness to the issue, however, and specific advice is offered to anyone concerned about their pension.

You need to be wary of: • Anyone offering a ‘free pension review’ or access to your pension pot if you’re under the age of fifty-five • Offers of help to obtain a pension statement, or to provide a tracing service for lost pensions • An alternative investment product for your pension pot that seems too good to be true The Pensions Advisory Service provides free advice if you’re worried about potential scams, or to discuss your pension options in general. a sopHisticated approacH One of the problems is that scammers set up sophisticated

systems and procedures that include glossy brochures and polished, well-rehearsed speeches. This makes the entire con appear legitimate unless you’re aware that this type of fraud is taking place.

 

Bringing awareness of what’s happening is key to combating crimes like this, and hopefully Project Bloom will help to prevent more people suffering the devastating loss of their retirement income.

Those involved in Project Bloom include the National Crime Agency, Serious Fraud Office, HMRC, The Pensions Regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, and the Department for Work and Pensions. watcH out for fake weBsites Fraudsters are even setting up fake websites with names very similar to legitimate bodies

offering free advice. They may be able to gain access to your personal information in this way, and then contact you directly via phone or email.

It pays to check the web address you’re typing in very carefully, to ensure that the site is legitimate and not part of the fraudsters’ arsenal of tricks. http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/ money/investing-pensions/ pension-liberation-scamvictims-facing-huge-tax-bills11364036908047 http://www.thisismoney. co.uk/money/pensions/article3419232/Should-pensionscam-victims-let-tax-bills.html http://www.thisismoney. co.uk/money/pensions/article3397828/Three-tell-tale-signsduped-pension-fraudsters.html

31

UX8 What's On... Apr16.qxp_Layout 1 29/03/2016 17:10 Page 1

regular events...

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Quiz night Every Tues & Sunday from 8.30pm at the Coach & Horses, Ickenham

events at Harefield Community Centre, Priory avenue, uB9 6aP MOn Cameo Club (3rd Mon month) 10am-12pm; Indoor Bowls (Short Mat) 2pm-5pm; Harefield Wine Club (2nd Mon in the month) 7.459.30pm; Judo (Seniors not 2nd Mon in month) 8-10pm. tues Line Dancing 10.45am-1.15pm; Bingo 7.45pm - 10.30pm. WeD Fitness, Fun & Dance 10.30am-12.00pm; Singing for Fun (1st Wed in month) 1-2.30pm; Judo Club 6.30-7.45pm; Dancing Club 8.15pm-10.30pm. tHurs Happy Families Group 9.45-11.45am; Tea Dances 2-4pm; Whist 7.30-10pm; Ladies Club (2nd Thur in month) 810pm. FrI Line Dancing 10.3012.45pm; Indoor Bowls 7.30-10pm.

Call Lynne 01895 824621 or email harefieldcommunitycentre@btconnect.com rock ‘n’ roll Monday's in Harefield!

Every Monday. Beginners Jive Dance Classes 7.45pm. Slow practise session 8.30-9pm Social Rock n Roll 9-11pm. No partner required - no experience necessary! Harefield Cricket Club, Breakspear Road North, Harefield, UB9 6NE. 7.30-11pm £5 entry. Email therockingrebels@ gmail.com or call 07947 106607 www.facebook.com/therockingrebels 1950s rock ‘n’ roll with DJs the rocking rebels 1st Fri of every month 7.30-11.30pm.

Retro stalls, BYO drinks. St Marys Church Hall, High St, Harefield UB9 6BX. Contact 07951 652083 therockingrebel@gmail.com www.facebook.com/therockingrebels lessons in love Six workshops to help you deal with matters of the heart. Every Tuesday 7-9:30 call Keeley on 07923 074304 or visit www.key4change.com Wednesday stitch Club 10-12noon at Hillingdon Tennis Club.

All abilities. All work. Call sue 0208 868 8052.

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HOBBIes...

Chinese Brush Painting group Meet on Saturday mornings. Guided by an experienced tutor. Compose and develop your own style. Harefield Library, Park Lane Village Centre, Harefield. Call Phyllis 01895 476 644 / phyllnash@gmail.com

French sessions in Iver French Intermediate Class with French Native Teacher meets every Tues -Iver Village Hall 7.30-9.30pm from Sept 22nd 2015 Call: 07940 281233 e: c.marionnet@blueyonder.co.uk Hillingdon Decorative & Fine arts society Enjoy 10 expert lectures a year about art and culture from around Britain. Outings to galleries & places of cultural interest. Receive NADFAS Review, Interested? Come along to a lecture, cost £6. See www.hillingdondfas.co.uk, email: membership@hillingdonfas.co.uk or call Ann Lowe 01895 638147 Hillingdon natural History society Meets 1st Wed of the month at the Scout HQ, Gatting Way, Uxbridge. enquiries@hillingdonnaturalhistorysociety.org.uk Hillingdon railway Modellers Club Meet every Thursday, 7.30pm at Yiewsley Baptist Church contact tonymoth@Hotmail.co.uk Ickenham & swakeleys Horticultural society Local gardening club. Twice yearly Shows in the Village Hall, winter lectures, summer outings, newsletters Member Trading Hut with discounted goods. Clubhouse Lane, UB10 8FU. Enqs: Jill Watson 01895 674412 www.ickenham-horticultural.org.uk @IckenhamGarden Inland Waterways association Meet 2nd Tues of every month at Hillingdon Canal Club, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2QX, 7.30pm. middlesex.social@waterways.org.uk Iver Flower Club The Coppins Room, Iver Village Hall, Grange Way, Iver, SL0 9HW.

Meets 4th Thur of month, 7.30pm.

Call Barbara Rhodes 01895 236531 or www.bbando.org.uk/clubs/iver.htm

the language Clubs of Hillingdon September until July. Visitors welcome. Speak some European languages? Want to practise speaking and listening in friendly groups, with recent learners, improvers & native speakers? Each club meets on a different Thursday of the month at 7.45pm in St Giles' Church Hall, Swakeleys Road, Ickenham UB10 8BG. For details: German Club 01895 254 723; Italian Club 020 8863 3468; Spanish Club and French Club 01895 253 472 uxbridge & Ickenham Floral art society Meets in the village hall, Swakeleys Road. Call 01895 850943. uxbridge Chess Club At the Ivy Leaf Club, 1st floor, 8 Wellington Rd, UB8 2AP. Every Wed 7.30pm. All welcome. Parking, bar, tv. Tuition available. Free initially, then cheap membership. info: Peter Lord at peter-lord@tiscali.co.uk, and 01895 236973 or just turn up! uxbridge Craft Market Every Wednesday (9am-5pm) at The Pavilions Shopping Centre Arts, Crafts, Gifts and Collectables www.uxbridge-craft-market.co.uk keeP-FIt, DanCe & DraMa... aikido Classes Yeading Community Centre, UB4 9BH. Seniors: Mon & Fri 8-10pm.

Juniors (6yrs+) Fri 6.30-8pm.

Friendly British Aikido Board registered club. Call Keith Holland 01895 636344 or email kuraiaikido @hotmail.com www.kuraiaikido.co.uk. uxbridge Dance studios offers Ballet / Dance classes for all at Uxbridge Community Centre.

FREE TRIAL CLASS. Contact Jessica on 07772 879258 or email uxdancestudios@hotmail.com or visit us on www.uxdancestudios.co.uk. continued overleaf...

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KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA CONTINUED...

Funky Rhythms Dance & Fitness Zumba with Brian (07957 343528) Monday 6.30pm- Swakeley's School for girls, Clifton Gardens, Hillingdon Zumba with Elli £5 (07833 690153) Tuesday 8pm- Active4less, 233 High Street, Uxbridge Zumba with Brian Thu 6pm & 7.30pm Watts Hall, Christchurch, Belmont Road, Uxbridge Zumba with Sylvia J £5 (07793 769584) 8pm - Minet Jnr Sch, Avondale Dr, Hayes Irish Dancing Classes From age 5. Beginners & advanced classes. Mon, 6pm at Hayes Conservative Club, Church Rd. Wed, 6pm at Greenford Visitation Catholic Church Hall. Contact Deidre email: Deirdreosullivan@ hotmail.co.uk telephone: 07956 346383

Jacquies Workouts Mon 7.30-8.30pm Kettlebell with Fitness Pilates floor work. Thu 7.308.30pm Latin Dance & Tone. Sports Hall, Vyners School, Warren Road, Ickenham. Wed 10am-11am Kettlebell & Fitness Pilates floor work at Eastcote Community Centre, Southbourne Gardens Eastcote. Call Jacquie 01895 672354.

Jazzercise Classes New Denham Community Centre Monday 9.30am-10.30am & Tuesday 6.45pm-7.45pm.

Wednesday & Friday 10-11am Denham Village Memorial Hall Village Road, Denham, Bucks. Thursday 6.30-7.30pm. Contact: Wendy Whitefoord Tel: 07803 602142 e: wendy.whitefoord@btinternet.com www.jazzercise.com Ladies Only Kickboxing Club Wednesdays, 6.30-8pm at Watts Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. First Class FREE! Just turn up or call Instructor Leanne Phillips on 07518 848285 e: leanne @kickboxing-longdon.co.uk www.kickboxing-london.co.uk

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Line Dancing Wednesdays at Uxbridge Community Centre, The Greenway, Uxbridge.

New class for absolute beginners is 10.30am-12.30pm, with free tea and biscuits - £3.50 Beginners/easy level 1.45pm-3.45pm - free tea and biscuits - £3.50 Thursdays at Charville Community Centre, Bury Road, Hayes End 8pm-10pm for beginners/improvers - £4.25, no tea and biscuits, but there is a bar. Call Susan 01895 832837

Modern Jive Classes (Ceroc) Mondays, 8-11pm, Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre.

Thursdays, 8-11pm, Uxbridge Civic Centre. First night entry and free lifetime membership with this advert.

Call Alan 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961, alanandsue@clubceroc.com Passion Dance Group Queensmead Sports Centre. Shows, Workshops, Competitions and Assessments. 07882 413428 passiondancegroup@hotmail.co.uk Pink Academy of DANCE Classes held daily @ New Denham Community Centre. Exciting range of classes for boys and girls from 2 years to Adults.

Monday - RAD ballet and IDTA Tap Wednesday - Jazz and Festival work Friday - Festival work Saturday - Little feet ballet (2yrs), Ballet, Tap, Disco, Festival work and Adult Ballet and Tap. 01895 257553 Admin@pinkacademy.co.uk www.pinkacademy.co.uk Rockin' 8s Square Dancing Modern American style - every Thurs 8.15pm. New Denham & Willowbank Community Centre, Oxford Road, New Denham. UB9 4DW. Call Jean 01895 622859 or email paul@stingproductions.com Sanders Street - Street Dance Teaching Hiphop, House, Breakin', Poppin' and Lockin' styles.

Specialising in street stance for special needs. Sanders Pandas class, Age 5-11 Wednesdays 5.30-6.30pm at Guide Hall, Community Close, Ickenham. Email info@sandersstreet.co.uk or call Crissy on 07799874003 www.sandersstreet.co.uk

Salsa Classes Every Monday: The Middlesex Arms, Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HG. Beginners class starts 8pm.

Improvers/Intermediates: 8.45-9.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm Every Wednesday: The WatersEdge, Canal Cottages, Packetboat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. Beginners class starts 7:30pm.

Improvers/Intermediates: 8.30-9.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm SALSA (all styles) Every Monday at Uxbridge Community Centre, 32b The Greenway, Uxbridge UB8 2PJ from 7.45pm to 10pm. Come and join Mina Queen Salsa for some amazing fun. Call 07958 578962 or email mina@queensalsa.com Suzanne’s School of Dance & Drama 69 Swakeleys Road, Ickenham UB10 8DQ. Classes from aged 2 yrs to adult. All types of dance and musical theatre, drama, singing. See website 'suzannes-dance.co.uk' Tai Chi Classes Every Saturday 10-11am at Yiewsley Methodist Church, Fairfield Road, UB7 8EY. Call Dan 07880 601429 Tia Chi Chuan Tai Chi is an ancient art which combines deep breathing, correctly aligned posture and relaxation with slow gentle move-ments. It can help with mental and physical stress, improve balance, mobility and general health. Beginners welcome. Tues 89.30pm at Yeading Community Centre, Ditchfield Road, Yeading, Hayes UB4 9BH. Contact David 0751 4998 674 david@zhong-ding.com www.zhong-ding.com

Uxbridge Pilates Studio have a range of group and individual classes, including pre-and post-natal classes and rehabilitation classes. To book a Trial session, please contact Jessica on 07772 879258 or email uxpilates@hotmail.co.uk, visit www.uxpilates.co.uk. continued overleaf...

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Home & Interiors Planning A Master Bedroom 

keep-fit, dance & drama continued...

faraday country music club in Slough SL2 1RN. Live Country music every Thursday. From 8-11pm.

Contact Deb 07986 050742. www.faradaycountry.co.uk Guitar lessons Complete beginners welcome. Call Sam for FREE lesson 07798 588496 sam@uxbridgeguitarlessons.co.uk hillingdon choral Society Mondays 7.45-9.45pm (TT).

Ickenham United Reformed Church.

All welcome 01895 234380 or see www.hillingdonchoralsociety.org.uk Singability A singing club for people who love to sing, we welcome all abilities. We aim to encourage people to find their singing voice and have fun doing so.

All welcome - no auditions just turn up & your first session is Free! Every Thurs 7.45-9.45pm, 1st Ickenham Scout Hut www.singability.co.uk Email kat@singability.co.uk or call 07843 493 583. the rock project Greater London We teach 7-18 year olds how to play guitar, bass, drums and vocals in small groups and as a band. Sessions run Wed's at Nower Hill High School, Pinner and Thurs at Vyners School, Ickenham.

Juniors (7-11) 4.15for example, with a bedside 6.15pm and Seniors (11-18) 6.30table each side; remember to 8.30pm. £20 per two - hourly session. allow enough Contact Pritpal onspace 07855(experts 863058 or recommend at least 450mm) email uxbridge@therockproject.com around folk the club bed to give you uxbridge roomtwice to change Meets a monththe on sheets. a Thursday at Uxbridge RNA, 388a Long Lane, To create calm and order Hillingdon, Middlesex. UB10 9PG minimising clutter, (2while mins from Hillingdon Tube try Station) and all much kinds ofstorage acoustic to supports include as music.

Also floor singers & as you can squeeze in.musicians.

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By Katherine Sorrell

Slough Sea cadets

 

nights on Mon and Thurs aParade partition.

19.30-21.30 at Langley Pavillion, We can’t escape technology the pilates club Langley Road, Slough, SL3 8BS. anywhere, andJunior although St Giles & The United Reformed Male & Female Cadets (age watching is not (age necessarily Church Halls, Ickenham. Visit 10-12 yrs)TV & Cadets 12-18 yrs). www.thepilatesclub.co.uk or call conducive tocourses a goodfrom night’s £2 per week, £5.

07968 920070 E: sloughseacadets@yahoo.co.uk sleep it is still a lovely idea to include TV in the bedroom – uxbridge pilates Studio Stars at a knight have a range of group and individual ideal for a languorous After school Drama Club Sunday for children classes, including pre-and post-natal 7-18 yrs at Southlands Art Centre, morning lie-in with croissants, classes and rehabilitation classes. To 76 The and Green, West Drayton.If you coffee a newspaper. book a trial session, please contact Tel: 0208 / 07956 123626 don’t want841 to 8940 look at a blank Jessica on 07772879258 or email e: starsatknightdrama@gmail.com screen the rest of the time, uxpilates@hotmail.co.uk or you can www.starsatknightschoolofdrama.co.uk fitted furniture manufacturers visit us on www.uxpilates.co.uk. tiny talk Baby Signing classes can provide cupboards from tap for fun – tap dancing for adults Friday classes at up Theor Uxbridge Centre, which TVs pop slide out, tueS at Hayes End Methodist Church The Greenway, Uxbridge, UB8 2PJ while music specialists offer Hall 6pm-9.30pm. thurS at West 10.30am, price £5 Pre-paid per all sortsCall of sleek and01895 good-824935 Drayton Community Centre NEW family.

Bev Meier looking beginners Tap Class starts at 7.30pm or 07818speakers 025993 and sound systems. You will probably followed by Zumba at 8.10pm 1st uxbridge Scouts, SatS at Hayes End Methodist Church also want a place to connect Beavers & cubs Hall, show class 10.30am. Contact: and site a landline phone, a255479 www.1stuxbridge.com.01895 Jean Chamberlain 01895-232379 / small desk on which to pop 07887 925472 or email: your SeLfcomputer, defence...e-reader or jeanrod@blueyonder.co.uk tablet, and somewhere to plug Shorinji kempo self defence Yoga with Yolanda in a charger for your mobile.

Traditional Japanese martial art. Tue Ickenham Village Hall Mons from Even a bedroom, you can’t 6-7pminchildren (£2), 7-9pm adults 6.45Your to 8.15.

Mixed group. call bedroom is ainfo highly have plug sockets. (£5). too The many Barn, Kingston Lane, 07919 243648 personal space, but if you Uxbridge. (opp.

Brunel Uni).

Call Dan Luxurious, wall-to-wall carpet Zumba fitness 07776 421957 www.sk.harrow.ac.uk are considering selling, or is always a good idea for a Mon 7pm, Wed 10am. Denham karate club of uxbridge simply want toIan enhance master bedroom, and pure Village Memorial Hall. or Suzanne For ages 5yrs up.the Wed 5-7pm at 07545 910058 / 07834 187745. new wool hasand just right your property’s value in The Greenway, Uxbridge. warm, soft, snuggly-toe feel.

Zumba class you’ll also thefitness long term, Call Dominic on 07988 743725 Choose a high quality underlay Monneed 6pm, Walter Pomeroy Hall,it to design it so kung fu club Westand drayton Royal Lane Hillingdon UB8 3QU. for extra bounce softness. general appeal, Great Kung Fu workout for everybody.

Tueshas 7.30pm, St Marys Churchsays Hall, That said, you could combine Training for children & adults Katherine Hemmen Lane (offSorrell.

Church Rd, Hayes) underfloor heatingFriwith Tues 5.30-6.30pm, 7.30-8.30pm, UB3 2JQ. £5. Call 07701 012927 whole wall of fitted wardrobes, engineered wooden boards Sun 5.30-6.30pm.

West Drayton Your first consideration when pre-SchooL & kidS GroupS... with well thought-out internal and beautiful rugsHarmondsworth for a more Community Centre, planning a master bedroom, muSic...

Yiewsley & West drayton Band drawers and divisions, is a Rd, UB7 9JL. Contact Ella on 07702 traditional look with plenty large or small, should always Rehearse every Wed and Fri 8-10pm 479435 e: sportsclubuk@gmail.com accord, ruislip community choir of character – and still enjoy great option, and you can add be comfort.

Zone the space at St. Matthew's School, Yiewsley. To Every Thursday 7.30pm (TT). Ruislip warmth underfoot.

TheSelf-defence latter free-standing pieces such as Silat kuntao indonesian according to how you use it – join or book the band for an engageBaptist Church, Manor Way, Ruislip.

Traditional self-defence art from option, though only possible chests of drawers blanket ment contact Lynne onand 07976 824 sleeping, dressing, exercising, Call Chris 07714 226216.

Java.

Adult classes only. Mon or email Lynne@ywdband.com ifCentral you are undertaking major boxes for character and checking your laptop, reading 152 and Wed 8pm-10pm at Denham drumbeatz renovations, will also save the Sing and Sign flexibility.

Given enough floor – and, if it helps, draw a Village that Memorial Hall, Denham, Drum tuition for beginners. Guitar Baby Signing Classes 6 months space would have been UB9 space, it may alsofrom be possible scaled plan of the so 5BN. Call Philip Davies 07790 496 lessons.

3.15-5.30pm or room by app.

Wed. Uxbridge Leisure Ctre, Fri at The otherwise taken up with a to create a separate dressing can 07757 play around 346 or kuntao.matjan.uk@gmail.com.

Textyou Melanie 635880with or the White Bear, Ruislip. Call 07712 047 radiator. area, using a tall bedhead, a layout. It’s nice to have your 621 cathyseddigh@singandsign.co.uk Email: drumsmel@gmail.com continued overleaf... bookcase or wide wardrobe as bedhead opposite the window, Well-designed lighting is 36

an asset in any room, and the master bedroom is no different. A central pendant is fine for general, overhead light, but you can be more creative elsewhere by adding wall-mounted reading lights beside the bed, a bright, adjustable light above your dressing table and perhaps a table lamp or two to create a gentle glow. Such layers of light will provide a pleasing ambience and give you great flexibility. Conversely, for restful darkness while you are sleeping, ensure your curtains have a good blackout lining, or else choose well-fitting shutters – which will help block out noise, too.

The days of carefully matched bed linen and window treatments are long gone, yet it is still important to get this combination right. When the bed is plain, some pattern

at the window is lovely, and vice versa – simply avoid two patterns that clash. Plain curtains can look absolutely beautiful if made from a generous amount of fabric, hung from a pole with pretty finials at the ends, and finished with an edging of ruffles or a contrast border. If privacy is a problem, it may be necessary to add sheer or lace curtains, either full-length or covering the bottom half of the window only.

Considering adding an ensuite? Once a luxury, these days they are virtually a necessity, and will certainly make your home more saleable – and may even add value, too. If you have enough room for a walk-in wardrobe, there’s probably enough space to convert to an en-suite, though if you want a proper bath you’ll need to allow a

little more room. Alternatively, you could knock through and steal a little space from an adjacent room. When space is tight, compact fittings can be effective, but do make sure they are practical for regular use. While any arrangement is possible in theory, the least expensive place to install an en-suite bathroom is close to other plumbing, particularly the soil pipe. And, because the room leads directly off the bedroom, install low-noise sanitaryware and lights on dimmers, with a high-powered extractor fan that’s controlled separately from the light.

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Image - Soft carpet, sumptuous curtains and a deeply buttoned headboard all add up to a sense of luxury.

Huntington bed, £1,175, Sweetpea & Willow, tel 0345 257 2627; www.sweetpeaandwillow.com.

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SELF HELP & SUPPORT...

Hillingdon Brain Tumour Group Support group held every 2nd Thurs of the month 12.30-2.30pm, Hillingdon Baptist Church, Hercies Rd Hillingdon, UB10 9LS. Call Cyril or Becky 01895 637444.

Parkinsons UK Society – Uxbridge Support group for sufferers and carers, meet at Christ Church, Redford Way, Uxbridge from 2-4pm on the last Tue of the month. Guest speakers and social outings.

Call Mr Neasby on 0208 848 3920 Slimming World New Denham Community Centre Tuesday, 10-11.30am. New joiners turn up at 10am to register Tel: Mandy 07879 897578 The Salvation Army, Cowley Road, Uxbridge. Tuesday 7pm.

Tel: Nicki 07826 698360 Yiewsley Methodist Church, Farfield Rd, Yiewsley. Wed 5pm or 6.45pm.

Tel: Nicki 07826 698360 Weight Watchers Christchurch Bailey Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge, UB8 1SZ. Thursday 6.30pm. Call 07920 409111.

SOCIAL GROUPS...

Colne Valley Park Conservation Volunteers Every second weekend of the month.

Hands on help to protect the wildlife and landscape of the regional park.

For more details contact Steve Ord steven.ord@groundwork.org.uk or call 07718 043080.

Friendly Rubber Bridge Tuesdays & Fridays 12noon - 4pm at Pinner Bridge Club, 103 Marsh Road, Pinner. Call Keith 01895 622033 Hillingdon Family History Society At Hillingdon Park Baptist Church, Hercies Road, Hillingdon. Research room open (10am – 1pm) on the first Sat of the month and every Fri (except the Fri before the first Sat).

Experienced help available.

See www.hfhs.co.uk.

Contact Mrs Reynolds 01895 444442 or email hillingdonfhs@onetel.com Over 60s Social Group Male, Female and couples.

Meet fortnightly at various agreed 38

venues. Contact Judith 07980 073170 or Mel 07785 582323 or email: jlholl2014@gmail.com Elthorne Hillingdon Rotary Club We meet on Wednesdays for 7pm at Uxbridge Cricket Club. Call 07921 887607 or randeep@courtwoods. co.uk See www.hillingdonrotary.co.uk Rotary Club of Uxbridge We meet on Fridays at 12.40 for 13.00 (5th Friday evening, call Sec on 07910 197201) at The Middlesex Suite, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge. See website www.rotaryclubofuxbridge.org.uk

Bus Pass to Broadway If you are over 60 and enjoy singing and dancing come and be part of a fun group. we meet every Monday at 10.30am at Wayfarers Tennis Club, Ickenham. Call 01895 672354.

Scrabble (casual, all abilities) Every Thurs 1:30pm-4:30pm Elm Park Lunch Club, Ruislip Manor Hillingdon Residents only, small fees payable. Call Mel: 01895 444947 E: zarf77777@blueyonder.co.uk Scrabble (keen players welcome) Every Fri 1:30pm-4:30pm...free Ickenham Library. Call 01895 444 947 E:zarf77777@blueyonder.co.uk Uxbridge Veterans Breakfast Club A social event and meets on the last Saturday of the month at The Good Yarn, High St, Uxbridge (opp. Tesco) Starts 9.30am and is open to all Veterans of the UK Armed Forces and their Allies and serving Personnel.

Whist Tuesdays 2-4pm at Uxbridge & District Conservative Club, Fairfield, 46 Harefield Rd, Uxbridge, Middx, UB8 1PJ. Tel: 01895 233653 Women’s Social Group Social group for women in West London. We welcome women of all ages. Please call Seema on 07730 898635 or email seemaa@ seemaa.co.uk SPORT...

Badminton Club Requires additional players of average standard! Every Tuesday evening 7.45 to 9.45 at Vyners School, Ickenham. Interested?

Email: turksclub@hotmail.co.uk

Play bowls, rugby, squash & tennis at Uxbridge Cricket Club. Bar food available daily. Non-members welcome. Tel: Anne 01895 237571.

E: admin@uxbridgecricketclub.co.uk

Hillingdon Golf Club All players and new members welcome. 18 Dorset Way, Hillingdon, Middx, UB10 0JR. Call 01895 460035/252718. www.hillingdongolfclub.co.uk Indoor Short Bowls Thursday nights 8-10pm at Uxbridge & District Conser-vative Club, Fairfield, 46 Harefield Rd, Uxbridge, UB8 1PJ. Tel: 01895 233653 Ladies Golf Meets 10am every Monday and Wednesday at Rickmansworth Golf Club new members welcome. Email ladies-captain@rickmansworthgolf club.co.uk for further details.

New Ladies Netball Team Training Wed 7.30-8.30pm (TT) Ryefield Primary School, Ryefield Avenue, Hillingdon E: glebenetballclub@yahoo.com Old Abbotstonians Rugby Club Youth Section Coaching non-contact (Tag) and full contact rugby for children aged 4-13 years. Training or matches Sundays 10am-12noon at Old Abbotstonians Rugby Club, Pole Hill Open Space, Raeburn Road, Hayes. For details call Colin Lowen on 07798 743041.

Pink Ladies Netball Club All levels and abilities welcome.

Training takes place at Stockley Academy, West Drayton every Tuesday evening.

Senior training 16+yrs 7.30-9pm Back to Netball 16+yrs 7.30- 8.30pm Under 16s - please Rhiannon on 01895 448878 for details email: plnetball@hotmail.co.uk visit www.pinkladiesnetball.co.uk Table Tennis Eastcote Community Association require new players to play in Wembley & Harrow League. Call Eve & George Gibson on 01895 636106.

Uxbridge Squash Club All squash players welcome Uxbridge Cricket Club, Park Road, Uxbridge. Tel: 01895 237571 Visit: uxbridgesquash.org.uk

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Extensions Loft Conversions Refurbishments Approved EPDM roofing contractors 20 Year Guarantee

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Go On, Grow Your  Own!  Enjoying a delicious meal which includes some home grown ingredients is a wonderful feeling – it fills you full of just the right sort of pride (and maybe even a little bit of smugness!). That meal might be a dinner party, a family supper or even a quick sandwich grabbed whilst you go about your daily work; it makes no difference, it simply feels good to indulge in a bit of Grow Your Own and then reap the rewards.

If you’re a hardened vegetable grower you may well have been sowing and potting on for a while now, but if you’re a bit behind schedule or if you’ve simply not dared to venture into vegetable production to any extent before, don’t panic – there’s still time to grow just about any crop in your plot this year.

If you want to raise some plants from seed yourself then most could be sown now, but there are a few that are likely to produce a much better yield if given an earlier start. I’d give seeds of crops such as tomatoes, sweet 42

 

peppers, chilli peppers, melons and aubergines a miss now, but buy in a few plants over the next month or so and you’ll be going great guns in no time at all.

Some vegetables can be directly sown now (i.e. just sow the seed into a wellprepared area of garden soil in a suitable spot) in all but the coolest gardens – beetroot, lettuce, beans, peas, carrots, rocket, spinach to name but a few. Other slightly more tender crops such as sweetcorn, squash and courgettes would fare better if given a bit of extra heat when you are germinating the seeds. That’s where an electrically heated propagator comes into its own, and you will also find it really useful if you are trying to make up for lost time as it will speed up germination of many seeds by several days.

The seedlings may then need pricking out and potting on until they are sturdy enough to live in the great outdoors.

With these more tender crops, try to ‘harden off’ the young plants before you put

by Pippa Greenwood them into their final positions: having been raised and grown on inside (either in a greenhouse or on a warm, sunny windowsill) they will be a little ‘soft’ and tender, and easily damaged by cold, wind or rain. Hardening off isn’t difficult, just put the trays or pots of young plants outside on warm days once the weather has stabilised, and bring them back under cover at night. Do this for a week or so and then leave them outside, covering them with some fleece at night.

The resulting plants will now have had the chance to acclimatise to ‘real’ conditions and will grow far better, whilst also being much less likely to suffer from weather damage.

If you find seed sowing and the subsequent pricking out and potting on too much when juggling with a job or other commitments, then buying in some small plants is a great plan as it gets you past the high-input bit at the beginning and allows you to just get on with the growing on, maintaining…and eating!

You will get a good range from seed merchants or garden centres, but if you like the idea a bit of at-yourelbow-advice from me to ensure great results, don’t forget that you can still order garden-ready plants, accompanied by weekly advice and tips emails specific to the vegetables you’ve chosen to grow. There are more details at www. pippagreenwood.com/growyour-own and if you use the code 12419-E7SPS at the checkout, you’ll also get £4.00 discount, whichever pack size you choose.

Garden-ready plants can be planted out as soon as you get them and, provided you follow the instructions, keep them well-watered during drier weather and apply

feed at regular intervals, it won’t be long until you will be harvesting crops such as climbing French and runner beans, tomatoes, sweetcorn, sugar-snap peas, peppers, chillies, onions, melons, butternut squash, beetroot and courgettes.

even bigger pots, then maintenance will be easier as they will need watering slightly less frequently.

But, whether you plant and sow vegetables in pots, tubs, greenhouses or open ground, the end result will be gorgeous tasting, super-fresh vegetables to be enjoyed on your own or with company.

So go on, get growing!

   Most vegetables need a good fertile soil and a sunny or only partly shaded spot if they are to perform well, so choose your growing area with care. If space is short or your garden is limited to a paved back-yard, patio or balcony, there is no need to go without the delights of Grow Your Own – most vegetables will do well in good sized containers (minimum 30cm x 30cm x 30cm) with good-quality compost. If you can manage

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - fantastic UK grown vegetable plants of your choice plus weekly advice and tips emails from Pippa (don’t forget your offer code 12419-E7SPS for a £4 discount), Nemaslug, biological controls, pop-up crop covers, signed books and lots more besides.

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