In and Around Iver October 19 by In and Around Publishing

Dear Readers Welcome to the

Inside this month’s issue

October issue of In and Around Iver My little family and I had a wonderful week in Portugal last month and I’m now more than a little convinced that this will be my place of retirement. The pace is definitely slower and I’m totally sold on the Sangria and beautiful weather. Speaking of which, it never fails to shock me how quickly our weather changes. I left here during soaring temperatures and returned to wind, rain, longer nights and people actually starting to mention Christmas! Well before I can even think about that, October is all about little Summer-Hope. Sammy is already planning her first trip out Halloweening and talking of different costumes she can dress her up in. This brings back fond memories of me taking Sammy out when she was young, together with my dear old Staffie, Freddie who was dressed up as a pumpkin and stole the show. I still miss that old boy of mine. October will also be Summer-Hope’s second birthday, which in itself makes me shudder at how quickly time flies. Her first birthday was fairly easy, as babies don’t really need or want much. However, I’m all geared up for a rather more expensive do this year. The current fad being everything Peppa Pig, so guess who’s off to Peppa Pig world this month? May the gods be with me! Until next month .Angela & Sammy

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pg 44

Pinewood Studios - A Ghost Story

The Menopause

Karen Munro: Careers

Puzzles

The Ivers Parish Council Updates

Health Check Your Cat

Mary Poppins Returned to Pinewood Studios

Recipe: Leek, aubergine & tomato gratin

Citizens Advice Bureau

Halloween at intu

Interiors: Fab Floors

Is early repayment right for your mortgage?

Pick a retirement hobby while you’re still working 36 Iver Village Junior School Update

St Helen’s Gains Gold Stars Award

The History of Witches

Motoring: The best 7 seaters on sale today

Driving: Going Dutch

Gardening: The rock garden is alive

Panto: The UK’s quirkiest tradition?

Puzzle solutions

Richings Park Residents Association Clubs, Groups & Classes

54 56, 58 & 60

Wordsearch

NOV COPY DEADLINE 21ST OCT 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.

Pinewood Studios

A Ghost Story

to meet and it was easier to stay on at work after the hectic rush of the day. As she dealt with the urgent documents, she sensed that someone was close by. Turning around she was startled to see a most beautiful young girl standing in the open doorway.

Taken from the Book Buckinghamshire Stories Beryl was transfixed by her tumbling blonde hair, of the Supernatural by David Kidd - 2008 her exquisite Edwardian blouse of broderie angBeryl Butler loved her job at Pinewood Film Stu- laise, with a flannel skirt, so very narrow at the dios at Iver Heath in Buckinghamshire. The stu- waist, flaring out to show the most elaborate white dios were buzzing with anticipation as they re- satin petticoat. This was a moment frozen in time opened after wartime closure on Monday 8 April as they looked at each other.

1946. Beryl was beginning what would become a There was no period-costume filming that day, 38-year career, starting at the Studio’s busy certainly no children on sets anywhere, and noswitchboard as a telephonist. one should have been in the building anyway. Pinewood Studios had become a world-renowned Beryl, now in her 80s (in 2008), recalling this mostudio – celebrating its tenth birthday since the ment, told me that the girl was about 7 or 8 years building tycoon Charles Boot, in partnership with J old and was ‘the most beautiful child I have ever Arthur Rank, turned a luxurious mansion house seen’. There was a tear in her eye and a tremble called Heatherden Hall in to a unique countryside in her voice as she recalled this peaceful, still moment of this unexpected encounter. film complex in 1936. Now the war was over, Pinewood’s reputation for producing Oscar-winning films was being firmly established with some early post-war classics. Frank Lauder and Sidney Gilliat’s Green for Danger was the first film in production after Pinewood started up again. This was followed by Great Expectations and Black Narcissus – both Oscar winners and coincidentally Black Narcissus is about to be remade at Pinewood for the BBC. Truly an exhilarating time to be a young woman enjoying the excitement and glamour of the film world and being close to actors such as John Mills, Valerie Hobson, Alistair Sim, Sally Gray and Sabu, who were to become legendary. At this time Beryl was swept along with the sheer speed of Pinewood’s growth, her own area of work in telecommunications was fast evolving with the advent of the teleprinter and later the fax machine. From telephonist to supervisor to telecommunications manager – her career flourished by the late 1970s she, now in her fifties, loved her job as much as ever.

No words were spoken. Then slowly, the child faded away leaving Beryl staring in disbelief at the open doorway. It was a moment that would never be forgotten. There was also a strange familiarity about this beautiful, angelic child and it nagged her subconscious. A few days later, as she walked down what was called South Corridor, adorned with art from the original owners of Heatherden Hall, she once more felt that tingle of being watched. She went in to the Green Room and there, above the fireplace, was a portrait of that same child, sitting on the lawns of the house with two bounding dogs playing at her side.

It was as startling as it was familiar – was this the explanation? She has subconsciously conjured up the image from having previously seen the painting over many years working close by? Yet the clothes, Beryl recalled, were not those she was wearing in the portrait and there had been much more poignancy in her expression, a sadness not apparent in the painting where she was One very important part of her working life was her happy and playing. appreciation of the beautiful and much filmed Hea- But why had she appeared in the doorway of the therden House – retained as the core historic teleprinter room? When Beryl returned to work, feature of the Studio setting. The main house she discovered that way in which the house had evolved as a crucial period setting for the whole been altered when Charles Boot re-vamped the raft of evocative Victorian or Edwardian themed whole layout to accommodate his project for the films as well as housing the management and film Studio, the teleprinter doorway was the origicommunication services of Pinewood Stu- nal front door of the house where the road ran dios. The outside car park and hangar-style lots past to the stables. stood in stark contrast to the magnificent mansion Beryl retired from Pinewood in 1984 but never, at the centre of the Studio complex. ever forgot the ‘most delighted child you ever One busy day in 1979, Beryl was alone, working saw’. late in the teleprinter room. There were deadlines 6

The Menopause

Ms Sucheta Iyengar, Consultant Gynaecologist - MMBS, MRCOG MA(Ed) 2. Regular exercise helps in maintaining mental health, reducing anxiety and increasing bone strength. Weight bearing exercises such as walking, running and team sports are effective. 3. Stopping smoking reduces triggers for hot flushes and also the incidence of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis 4. Drinking in moderation, within current national guidelines, is beneficial 5. Go along to all the health screening offered by the NHS Complementary and alternative therapies Therapies such as aromatherapy, reflexology, acupuncture, yoga, cognitive behavioural therapy can help alleviate symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, or can help deal with anxiety. Various non-hormonal herbal preparations are available on the market; the commonly used ingredients include soy, black cohosh, red clover.

How do I know I am going through the menopause and when will it get better? Non-hormonal medication Symptoms can start around the age of 45, sometimes earlier and are caused by a reduction in the amount of oestrogen released. The lack of oestrogen can be distressing for some, affecting their quality of life. For other women, they ‘sail’ through without noticing anything. The most common symptom of the menopause is hot flushes - present in 3 out of 4 women. Other symptoms can include night sweats, sleep disturbance, joint pains and aches, ‘brain fog’, mood swings, vaginal dryness, lack of energy and libido, effects on the skin - altering its elasticity and thickness. Other effects that might not be noticed immediately include a reduction in the strength and density of the bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. There is also some evidence that, after the menopause, women are especially vulnerable to heart disease and stroke. How long menopausal symptoms may last cannot be predicted. One in 10 women may still have symptoms 10 years after their last period. Can I do anything to help my symptoms? Lifestyle factors: For many women, this is a challenging time in their lives, either with children in the throes of their own hormonal swings; the need to care for elderly parents (or both!). This leaves little time and energy to look after oneself. This is an opportunity for women to focus on their health.

Some women may wish to take medication, but not hormones. Some anti-depressants in small doses can help with management of symptoms such as hot flushes/ night sweats; some may help with sleeping, others may help manage anxiety. Women should seek their GP’s advice for these. What is the right information on HRT? Hormone replacement therapy ‘does what it says on the tin’. The medication replaces the hormones that are produced by the ovaries. It is the lack of oestrogen that causes symptoms of the menopause; replacement of oestrogen improves them. Oestrogen alone, in women who have a uterus, can cause thickening of the lining of the womb - this can become abnormal over time. They therefore need to have progesterone; another hormone produced by the ovaries. This ensures that the lining of the womb does not thicken. (Women who have had a hysterectomy do not need progesterone). It is the most effective form of medication to help with the symptoms of the menopause and helps with both the symptoms in the short-term plus maintains health in the long term such as prevention of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and may prevent dementia. HRT also helps in maintaining libido, and improving vaginal dryness.

If you would like to find out more, BMI The Chiltern has started a menopause clinic – available on a Saturday morning (consultant led) and on a Wednesday (GP led). We also have a team of male and female gynaecologists available Mon Good tips are: 1. A diet low in saturated fat and salt; rich in cal- – Saturday to help with any women’s health cium and vitamin D reduces the risk of cardiovascu- issues. Please call us to get booked in. 0800 157 7750. lar disease and osteoporosis respectively.

Recent Consultations: Two major consultations closed in September. The Local Plan and Heathrow expansion were both out to consultation. The Ivers Parish Council put in a detailed response to the local plan and have also requested to attend the Inspector’s enquiry to put our points forward in person. The response to Heathrow was written in collaboration with Richings Park residents groups. Issues relating to the whole Parish were outlined. If you would like to read our responses, they are on our website: https://www.iverparishcouncil.gov.uk/response-from-your-council

Planning a children’s party? Why not book the Jubilee Pavilion? For £50 you can hire the hall and kitchen for 4 hours. There is wifi and car parking. Disabled parking is available by arrangement. The hall is available from 1:00 p.m on Saturday or Sunday or afternoons and early evening through the week. If you’d like to find out more give us a call on 01753 655331.

Meetings in October and early November: Planning committee will meet on 15th October at the Parish Offices from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Full council next meets on 4th November at The Jubilee Pavilion from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public. Agendas are published on notice boards and on our website in advance of the meeting.

Save the date

The Ivers Christmas Light Event is on 30th November from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event has proved very popular and again this year there will be the ever popular miniature ponies! More details to follow.

Mary Poppins Returned to Pinewood Studios for a Special Outdoor Community Screening On Friday 30 August, Pinewood Studios welcomed members of the local community to its annual outdoor community screening; this year it was the turn of Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns. Around 800 people set out their blankets and picnics to enjoy the practically perfect film, which shot at Pinewood in 2017 and was released in 27 different languages across the world. Set in London in 1935, the story follows Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) returning to the Banks' household, where Michael (Ben Whishaw) and Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer) are once again in need of the magical umbrella-borne nanny. With a little help from street lamplighter Jack (LinManuel Miranda), Mary Poppins takes the family on an animated adventure, full of unexpected surprises, dancing penguins and musical sequences, to help bring joy and wonder back into their lives. Before the film started, guests were treated to an exclusive video message from the Executive Pro20

ducer of the film, Callum McDougall. The production was filmed in the very gardens where guests were sitting, and the message gave some insights into the work behind the scenes of the Disney sequel. Callum also paid tribute to the talent in the UK working on the film at both Pinewood and Shepperton Studios. Go Ape! were also on hand before the film with their ‘Gorilla Games’. These games would certainly have met the approval of Mary Poppins as children were having great fun whilst developing key life skills such as communication, leadership and of course, teamwork. Andrew Smith, Corporate Affairs Director, Pinewood Studios Group, said: “We were delighted to welcome so many residents to Pinewood. We hope that being on site at events like this help inspire our local residents to think about entering into this thriving industry on their doorstep.”

Don’t miss the Halloween thrills at intu Uxbridge Get ready for a fang-tastic half term, because intu Uxbridge has some totally wicked events going on this October, just perfect for the whole family! From Monday 21-Friday 26 October, show off your best dance moves at our very own monster mash of a Halloween bash – the Silent Disco! Kiddies are invited to pop on their spookiest outfits, grab some headphones and boogie to their hearts’ content because as they say, if you’ve got it, haunt it. The Silent Disco will take place daily on the Lower Mall outside Debenhams from 11-4pm so pop along and let your little witches, wizards, ghosts and ghouls let off some steam. Then on Friday 26 October, The BigSols Trick pgor 81 Treat will give families the chance to get involved in a spooky treasure hunt like no other. Kiddies can pop along to customer service to grab a bucket, then head to any stores with a special Big Trick or Treat in their window to collect some goodies. Don’t forget to dress up for the occasion – we want to see bats, cats and pumpkins galore! Laurie Taylor, general manager at intu Uxbridge, said: “There’s lots of fun planned for October half term, we can’t wait to welcome families to the centre to spend time together! Our focus is on creating brilliant experiences that make our customers smile, and this will definitely be one of them.” If you need some Halloween inspiration for your kids, party or home, head to Clarie’s, Debenhams or H&M for some seriously spooky costumes, sweets, accessories and decorations. You’ll be Halloween-ready in no time! Be the first to hear about family events like these by joining our Family Club free of charge at https://intu.co.uk/uxbridge/families/family-club You’ll never miss an event again, plus you’ll get to take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts, and your little one will even get a free gift. What are you waiting for? 28

the speeding initiative, there were sound pollution tests and traffic surveys to give police and pupils an insight into how they could work together to make the community a greener and safer place. These two recent initiatives build upon other, longer-running schemes at St. Helen’s College to improve health outcomes for pupils, reduce congestion in the local area and help to restrict air pollution. Educating the pupils in these matters is clearly a major driver of success in these areas, but the school also recognises the importance of getting parental buy-in and the St. Helen’s College ‘Parent Parking Pledge’ has been hugely successful too. This asks parents to sign up to a pledge requiring safe, conscientious driving LOCAL SCHOOL GAINS GOLD STARS and parking and the following of the school’s parking AWARD AS PUPILS LEAD THE WAY IN regulations. Parents who sign up are given a sign to in their car window. It is a measure of the PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY AND display fantastic parental involvement at the school that 50% REDUCING TRAFFIC CONGESTION of parents had signed up within three weeks of the At St. Helen’s College in Hillingdon, Pupil Road launch of this scheme. Safety Officers are working closely with the London St. Helen’s College is a peaceful, co-educational Borough of Hillingdon Road Safety Team to promote independent primary school set on the edge of Court active travel and safety on roads in the local area, Park in a quiet corner of Hillingdon. The setting is and to help ease traffic congestion and pollution beautiful and very suitable for young children, but caused by vehicles on our roads. Crucially, rather also very convenient for busy working parents. Long than being asked to follow school-given directions, Lane is the main through road of the area and the the pupils themselves are being encouraged and school is lucky to have three entrance points, two of supported to think of and implement road safety ini- which are on Long Lane itself, helping to disperse tiatives. The school’s team of Mini Road Safety Offi- traffic during the school run. As a responsible cers (pupils from Year 1) and Junior Road Safety neighbour and community member, the school has Officers (pupils from Year 5) have come up with a implemented other schemes to help reduce congesnumber of successful schemes to educate their tion during morning and afternoon school run times. peers, parents and the wider community. At all three entrances, the school provides staff to Most recently, the JRSOs pitched to a Dragon’s Den oversee ‘drop and go’ zones, so that parents may style panel of local councillors to secure funding for a pull up alongside the kerb and drop children directly new Walking to School Loyalty Scheme. Councillors into the care of staff, before promptly pulling away. were so impressed by the confident, articulate pres- The school also actively promotes car- sharing entation given by the St. Helen’s College pupils that amongst parents and has trialled a school bus run in the pupils were asked to travel down to London’s an effort to reduce further the number of cars using Guildhall to present their scheme to the London Road local roads. Safety Council, comprised of councillors and repre- Recently, St. Helen’s College became one of the first sentatives from across the London boroughs. The schools in London to receive the Gold STARS award. Road Safety Council commended the pupils and Sharon Walker, the school’s Staff Travel Champion, school for the excellent idea and flawless presenta- hopes the school is setting an example which other tion. There, a representative from Transport for Lon- schools and local businesses will follow. She says, don (TfL) introduced a new road safety idea named ‘The safety of our pupils and community members is RoadWatch. The St. Helen’s College Staff Travel of course one of the main drivers behind these Champion and Pupil Road Safety Officers seized schemes, and we are delighted that the STARS Gold upon this idea, and St. Helen’s College then became Award recognises this. However, global warming and one of the first schools to implement it in the local sustainability will be the biggest challenges for future area. The St. Helen’s College pupils took part in the generations and so educating children, parents, staff scheme along the very busy Long Lane in Hillingdon. and the wider community of our responsibilities in this With the Hillingdon Sustainable Travel and Road area is of paramount importance. We have been able Safety (STARS) team, the pupils devised their own to demonstrate a significant shift in the number of questions to ask motorists who were stopped for pupils travelling to St. Helen’s College by more active speeding. They spoke with several speeding motor- and greener methods, and it is clear from speaking to ists, who all agreed that hearing directly from school pupils around the school that road safety and suspupils about the need for safer roads provided a very tainable travel are now embedeffective deterrent to speeding in future. Alongside ded in their hearts and minds as key lifestyle concepts’. 40

richingspark.com Fang-tastic Fright Night in the Park!

Station Car Park and Parking Restrictions The car park on Thorney Lane South is scheduled to be delivered by early next year and the parking proud to present an evening of Family fun to bring the RP community together. scheme across Richings Park will be implemented at the same time. Work on the station is progressIt will be spooky fun with games, food ing well and will be operational next year. The disco & much much more! Crossrail train service is now scheduled for 2021. Saturday 9th November / 4.30pm Cinema Tickets £2.50 per person for members On Saturday 21st September Pinewood Studios of RPRA Tickets £7.50 per person for non mem- kindly hosted a community showing of ‘The Greatest Showman’ for the residents of Richings Park. bers of RPRA Subsidised through a Chairmans grant from South Bucks District Council it was a fun afternoon for Spooky themed fancy dress! Organised and part funded through the young and old. If you are interested in helping to organise the next event then please conefforts of the Events team this spooky evening is open to Residents of Richings Park & Thorney and tact RPVAG@hotmail.com is a ticketed event. Capacity is limited and on a first Road Wardens Wanted come first served basis. For more details and to We now have new road representatives for North book email RPVAG@hotmail.com. Park, Richings Way, and Thorney Mill road. We are still looking some someone to represent Wellesley Fireworks Night Richings Park Fireworks are back with a bang! After Avenue. Sally The MunnRichings Park Events team are

a break in 2018 the fireworks display will be at the Richings Park Sports Club on Sunday 3rd November.

Gates open: 5pm Fireworks display: approximately 6.30pm Tickets in advance (fast track entry) Adults: £6 / Children (2 years and above): £4 / Under 2 years go free Tickets on the night Adults: £10 / Children (2 years and above): £5 / Under 2 years go free Advance tickets available Friday 4th October from: Cost Cutter: 30 Bathurst Walk, Richings Park / The Ivers Parish Council: 45B High Street, Iver Tickets are non-refundable Residents Garden and Shopping Precinct The Heathrow Rangers are continuing with their work around the shops and the residents garden. You can usually spot them on a Monday with a distinctive branded white van.

If you would like to support the upkeep of the Residents Garden and the planter tubs by the shops, you can buy a lottery ticket from the South Bucks and Chilterns Lottery. This means that if you buy a lottery ticket from their website and nominate us as your chosen cause then we receive 50p per ticket which we are putting towards the cost of upkeep for the garden. Tickets can only be purchased online at www.chilternsouthbuckslottery.co.uk

Gardening Project If you hadn’t notice Neil Pennie and the gardening team have been busy improving some of the open spaces across RP. Through regular cuts, treatment and reseeding the team hope to stop the weeds and bring back the grass! This year’s focus has been the entrance to Bathurst Walk and the junction of Somerset Way & Wellesley Avenue. If you would like to volunteer for 2020 then please email RPVAG@hotmail.com. Heathrow The expansion consultation has now closed and our detailed response is on our website but the fight goes on. There are hearings in the court of appeal coming up in October and we have asked to present at the public enquiry into the expansion proposals. We will continue to represent our area at the various Heathrow forums and press for compensation and mitigation for residents. Please report any planes that you see flying overhead on so that Heathrow know that there are people who are concerned living here. www.heathrow.com/ noise/what-you-can-do/make-a-complaint-aboutnoise Subscriptions As well as accepting cash or cheques as before, our website also allows for on-line subscription payments. Our current financial year commenced on April 1st, 2019