Ruislip Jan 17

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                                                                                                                 

 

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

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    

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 

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 

        

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 

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                                                  

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Ickenham CHINESE NEW YEAR (Jan17).qxp_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 19/12/2016 09:18 Page 1

  Chinese

New Year

The Year of the Rooster

ChineSe new Year falls on Saturday 28 January. in China many people will take a whole week off from work to mark the celebration. it is known as the Spring Festival.

On New Year’s Eve, Reunion Dinner is eaten. Many Chinese believe this is the most important meal of the  year.

It is usually shared by several generations and  consists of fish, dumplings, spring rolls, glutinous rice cakes and sweet rice balls.

To mark New Year, red lanterns are hung in the street, red couplets are pasted on doors and images of prosperity displayed. Fireworks are lit and it’s believed that the person who launches the first firework of the New Year will have good luck. Lion and Dragon Dances take place and these are intended to scare away evil, and attract health, wealth and wisdom.

Many New Year activities have links with Chinese legends...

New Year is called Guo Nian which means ‘celebrate a New Year’ or ‘overcome Nian’. Nian was an ancient sea living monster who came onto land on New Year’s Eve to eat people and livestock. One year, an old man with white hair and a ruddy complexion managed to scare away the monster by pasting red papers on to doors, burning bamboo which made a loud cracking sound, lighting candles in the houses and wearing red clothes.

Another monster called Sui was said to terrify children whilst they slept. Parents would stay up all night watching 

and lighting candles to try and keep their children safe. One official’s family gave their child eight gold coins to play with. The child wrapped the coins in red paper and then played at unwrapping them and wrapping them back up until he got so tired he fell asleep. The parents put the coins under the child’s pillow and legend has it that when Sui came and tried to touch the child, the eight coins omitted such a strong light that it scared the demon away. This is the basis for why elders and those who are married give children and young unmarried people red envelopes with coins in them at New Year. The red envelope is called Yasui Qian which means suppressing Sui money and the purpose is to scare away the monster and bring good luck.

According to Chinese astrology, each year is associated with an animal symbol. There is a 12 year cycle and 2017 is the Year of the Rooster.

‘The China Highlights’ website says that those born in the Year of the Rooster are observant, hardworking, confident and courageous. They are best matched with those born in the Year of the Ox or Snake.

Susan Brookes-Morris

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                                                                                                                                                                            

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Ickenham OPINION (Jan17).qxp_IN! Tipss Style Editorials (Mar13) 19/12/2016 11:46 Page 1

OPINION Gardening 

This Time It’s War

Fighting the Frosts by Pippa Greenwood 

put on a bit of new looking rather nice! growth. So, there’s If very harsh weather is definitely a very good forecast or there has been a reason to brace spell of mild weather which yourself, get out into may have promoted some cars by 8.30 the next morning so the council could come THe following is a complicated tale of floods, the garden and take soft, new growth that will be along and sweep up the leaves. fallen leaves and traffic wardens. It’s been a while some precautions. particularly prone, drape since something happened that made my blood The next day, most people went to frost work taking their cars boil, but this situation more than made up forPlants the double layeronofa horticultural in containers with them. I moved myacar and parked patch of waste wait. fleecethey overwere theaway top growth are particularly ground up the road. Because or whatever, sometopeople didn’t getofthe memo andand left their cars where the plants anchor it vulnerable Three years ago, my town was ravaged by severe they were. Anyway, well. a road-sweeper arrived life and flooding. Well over 200 homes were floodedfreezing and If you wantduly to make or frosting up all the leaves andeasier it had stopped raining mine was one of them. The flooding was caused a lot then invest inhours as theircleared roots are beforehand anyway. That should have been that, except… by a torrential downpour, the heaviest the not Metprotected some Easy Fleece Jackets: Office has ever recorded. You would think that it Some other people who didn’t get the memo were the they come in three sizes and beneath the soil, could be written off as a freak event but, ever industrious traffic I have never each one wardens. has a draw-string but are town’s relatively unfortunately, something very similar happened worked out if traffic wardens get commission every and toggle so that youon can exposed with just seven years earlier. People were angry; why was ticket they write or maybe the warden whoplant writesand the most easily insert the the container and something not done after the first flood? They tickets wins an all-expenses paid trip to Butlins. Whatever then secure it. You can find a bit of compost to wanted someone to blame and God doesn’t have it is, they clearly saw an opportunity which inflamed their out more on my website cover them.

Thinto stand for re-election. The “authorities” wound penalty notice issuing zeal. Every car left parked on the road www.pippagreenwood.com/ walled containers up as the scapegoat and an organisation was got a yellow polythene bag affixed to the windscreen, even products/protect-your-crops. pose greatest formed to force them to do something about it. the though there was no parking restriction in place when they threat, especially were parked the previous day. They visited mycan patch As is the way with such things, what started out A double fleece layer ofof those made metal. waste of ground too, and decided my car finein but as an are anti-establishment The frosts here, and in populist movement course bethat used on was plants one next to it was committing an offence worthy of a Thicker wood orthe ceramic quicklyahead formedthe a committee by some the weeks worst followed beds and borders too, or to £70 fine. pots provide extra the occasional steering a little of the working winter isparties likely and to arrive protect slightly tender wall group. to In the meantime, finally got insulation, but even these It is hard to say what isshrubs. more annoying this tale, the too. Added that there the authorities Largerabout individual their finger and earmarked several million mindedness of the parking wardens or the may need a bit sheer more.bloody Where is often a fair bitout of rain or plants in borders, which are pounds to build flood defences. The committee overreaction of the committee. I have no doubt possible, plungehysterical your pots even snow at this time of too big for even the large was left looking for a purpose in life. that every ticket the wardens wrote could be successfully by digging a hole in the soil year, so our gardens can fleece jackets, can be given appealed, but I’m sure most people just paid the discounted But then, an emergency came along.

Some and placing the plant in its be in for quite a battering. longer term protection a £35 fine, rather than risk getting stuck with the with full £70 leaves had fallen from the trees, aspot does tend into thetohole.

If it is too Now most of the plants you protective ‘cage’. penalty and having to home-made go to a lot of trouble besides.

What happen in the autumn. It was alsoheavy rainingtoquite move then wrap grow in your garden are use four stakes or sturdy should have been a Just shining example of a community hard, an event that is also not unheard of in it up well in several layers probably fairly frost-resistant, canes to create a framework working together to avert a potential disaster has ended in November. The town was in deadly peril - the of bubble wrap,bitterness polythene but what can you do to which Perhaps you wrap with netting and recriminations. traffic wardens who leaves could block the drains and, before you or old curtains – it may not illegal tickets ensure that damage to those issue too many should wire, be sacked. or chicken thenOne fill thing’s the know it, we would all be up to our necks in lookinto pretty do the whichmuddy are not so hardy is for sure, the members central of the committee need to get space around thea new water.

The committee swung actionbut it’ll job.

If the container is Maybe in a they could kept toand a minimum? hobby. walk dry the bracken, streets wearing organised an Some emergency street cleaning.

In plant with strawa veryput prominent position board and proclaiming sandwich “The End is Nigh!” deterioration the dark may of thealready evening, cones were at the or leaves. you want it to look more have occurred, is the side of the but roadit and notices pushed through Clemmow EvergreensHoward in containers letterboxes, askingwhich the residents to move theirbuy some hessian appealing, last frosts and those hit and in open ground may and use lengths of this to the plants in spring that are suffer from drought as well likely to be most damaging, create an outermost layer to as foliage or stem growth as they catch plants out hide the insulation material – during the cold weather when they have already – it can actually end up 

they continue to need a fair amount of water and if this is frozen solid in the soil, they soon suffer. So it is essential to continue to water these, especially if they are in a spot where they are sheltered from a lot of the rain which does fall, or if the weather has been dry. A deep mulch applied to the soil or compost surface before the ground becomes frosted will help too.

Once frozen, soil moisture becomes unavailable, so this mulch will help to keep the water available.

Although most fruit trees - like apples and pears, cherries and plums - are hardy, they are also prone to damage. The main risk is to newly-opened blossom, though the buds themselves may be damaged too, with

late frosts being the most harmful as by then the buds are further developed. If you are planting new fruit plants, it really pays to buy them from a specialist nursery and try to get late-flowering varieties where possible, as they are less likely to be flowering when there is still a risk of frost.

Finally, don’t forget to use fleece to cover any seeds already sown out of doors. A double layer of well-anchored fleece or a fleece-covered pull-out EasyTunnel is quick and easy to install, and will help to provide protection and that bit of extra warmth for germinating seeds and any seedlings brave (or foolhardy) enough to poke their heads above ground before the cold weather is

over! If you are planning on sowing any early varieties of crops such as broad beans or lettuce, then I’d also suggest that you cover the soil before you sow. A layer of well-anchored polythene will keep off excess rain and allow a little warmth to build up, so when you sow the seeds they won’t suffer from excess sogginess and won’t get such a cold shock.

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com and book Pippa for a gardening talk or peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items, including pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, fleece jackets for plants, pull-out EasyTunnels, ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Voucher cards, signed books and lots more besides.

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Beauty  Beauty  Resolutions

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk  It seems you can barely pick up a magazine without reading about another new skincare ‘miracle worker’, from skin softeners and beauty essences, to micellar water.

Most of these are ‘nice to haves’ rather than essentials. If you are looking to up your skin care regime though, I’d recommend adding a serum. They’re more concentrated than a moisturiser, and designed to target specific concerns, from fine lines to blemishes.

French brand Ekia’s Sérum Fermeté – Highly Active Firming Serum, is designed to tighten and lift skin.

The ‘magic ingredient’, a tree extract called dragon’s blood sap, is said to help firm skin, smooth fine lines, increase moisture and aid skin renewal. My skin certainly felt tighter and more hydrated after using the 

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serum. £48.99 from www.hollandandbarrett. com.

It’s easy to get stuck in a perfume rut. Rather than play it safe with your favourite scent, why not head to a local perfume shop and try a few new ones? Ideally, spritz a perfume on a card first. If you like the scent immediately, and still do after half an hour, then try it directly on your skin.

Fragrance is designed to change over time, so don’t just spray, sniff and buy. Give it time to show you what it’s made of. Van Cleef & Arpels So First (from £32) is a nice one to try. Light, fresh and feminine, it’s bursting with floral notes, such as freesia and frangipani, with a warm base of vanilla and sandalwood.

Many of us are guilty of splashing out on top of the range hair straighteners and styling products, then throwing whatever shampoo and conditioner is on offer in our basket. My top hair care recommendation is to go for a gentler, decent shampoo and conditioner. Personally, I avoid any that contain sodium lauryl sulphate, as I find it leaves my hair dry and brittle.

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JASÖN do some great haircare products, priced from around £6.50 for a half-litre bottle that will last for ages. If you’re looking to treat yourself however, I can recommend Saach Organics Hair Strengthening Shampoo and Nourishment Conditioner.

They’re packed with nourishing natural ingredients, such as almond oil, coconut milk and hibiscus, and leave my highlighted hair feeling soft and healthy.

Prices start from £9.95 at www. saachorganics.com.

Makeup bags and brushes can be a bit of a breeding ground for bacteria, and that can lead to spots and skin irritation.

So if you haven’t given them a wash for a while, now’s the time. Clean brushes with a gentle hand wash or baby shampoo, pat them dry and then leave to air dry.

Alternatively, if they’re looking a bit worse for wear, treat yourself to some new ones. The Nanshy range is a good choice. They’re made with premium synthetic fibres (so cruelty-free), assembled by hand and rigorously tested.

They’re also lovely and soft and great for blending. Nanshy brushes start from £5.95 at www. myshowcase.com.

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Finance Motoring

By James Baggott

Interest Rates Are Low, So What Are Your Ferrari California HandlingBySpeciale Best Options ForTSaving?

Ann Haldon are a few of the different accounts available at the time of writing.

and you losesavings all rear legroom regular –accounts which means even carrying aAs five-year-old requires these the the name suggests, front seat require passengers to accounts a regular perform gymnastics paymentsome in order to benefitfor the journey.

Theinterest boot is rates. pretty from the higher cramped you don’t They are too. oftenIf linked to a want to use the roof, you little current account withget theasame more buta ifminimum you do then bank,space, in which you’ll be restricted to held, two small balance needs to be so bags at best.

Weekly shopper,if this could affect your eligibility this isn’t. you’re not able to maintain this balance.

Behind the wheeL Again, high motorway interest rates For longsome distance are only available for a year journeys, the California T HSas banks use them as ‘loss isthe a comfortable companion. leaders,’ assuming their newV8 The 552bhp turbo-charged customer won’t breadth be inclined to has impressive to its move once the and rate although falls. power delivery

     Bank current accounts

With interest rates set to remain Meet the California T HS low for a while, it’s worth – the tweaked version of the considering what you could do manufacturer’s folding hard-top with the spare cash you might family Ferrari. With two seats now have. It’s always a good in the back for small children idea to pay off your debts first, and a V8 turbo-charged lump but there is also some benefit up front, this is the convertible to starting a small nest-egg.

Italian supercar for those that From April 2016 everyone has need to carry more than one a Personal other.

Savings Allowance, significant New for the which means that many Handling Speciale model are peoplestiffer won’tsprings, need to louder pay tax some on their savings (subject to a exhaust and some ever-somaximum limit).

This makes subtle design tweaks – for the Individual Savings Account which you’ll be charged £5,568 (ISA), still a good list to addalthough to an ever-expanding choice, perhaps no longer of options. the automatic first choice for Looks savers. and image The California is aimed at This broadening yourand options a certain type of of buyer means you could switch as such it has the abilityyour to current account to benefit from disappoint behind the wheel, the credit interest offered by unless you drive it in context. a different bank, perhapsfor This is a GT car or designed opt for a fixed-term comfort, looks and ISA kerbthat appeal removes the temptation to above driving entertainment, spend.its thoroughbred 488 unlike stablemate.

Thatapplying means their it’s With each bank more comfortable thanhere exciting own rules for eligibility, 

It’s not something that we are used to, but currently some banks are offering high to drive. Even with the louder credit interest rates on their exhaust system on this HS current accounts. Most of model, on the road we found it these deals only last for a just a little too quiet. year, however, and are used In wenew found the to fact, attract customers, but California lacked a lotback of the many also offer cash or a excitement you’d expect to monetary incentive. find in a Ferrari – despite • Nationwide 5% AER its impressive offers performance fixed on their FlexDirect credentials it just didn’t feel as account involvingforasbalances we’d hoped. up to That said, This it was certainly a £2,500. rate lasts for comfortable companion one year only and thenover drops distance never failed to 1%, and so you’ll need to to be draw a crowd prepared to whenever swap againwe if you parked it up. The quality of its want to get a higher rate after build is without question too this. To be eligible for the – perfectly demonstrated with account you have to pay in at a wonderfully dramatic roof least £1,000 per month. mechanism.

• Tesco Bank pay 3% space and practicaLity variable AER on balances OK, so a Ferrari isn’t going to up to £3,000.

There is no win any accessibility awards pay-in amount with likeminimum a Citroen Berlingo might, this account, and you get however this is a sports car Clubcard points whencar you and comes with sports spend using Put yourthe debit card. compromises. front Bear in mind that thisless rate is seats back to anything variable, than a kneehowever. crushing position

the feeling of acceleration • First Direct offers 5% AER is somewhat numbed in the for one year, to customers cabin, it can hit 60mph holding a First Direct in 1stjust 3.6Account. seconds.You’re Sadly,allowed the turbo to engine some ofand the £300 saveloses between £25 per month, but if you miss charms of a normally aspirated your savings unitone – itdeposit may offer improved account willbut close andsome the of performance, lacks will be placed into a thebalance aural pleasure you expect low-interest from a Ferrari. account.

• The stiffer HSBCsprings Regularand Saver is Those louder available to current account exhaust come into play when Account youcustomers select the(Advance ‘Sport’ setting Account). offers on or thePremier Manettino switchIton the a credit interest 5% steering wheel.

Hitrate the of bumpy AER on savings up to £3,000 road button on the steering per too, year,and but you’ll if you be miss a wheel payment your money is put rewarded with a compliant ride intojust an account with low that’s about perfect for our interest. rutted roads. A parking camera cash backing isa makes the Ferrari Once the obvious choice to into spaces a pretty simple maximise your savings, a cash affair and despite its sports car ISA can be the a good placeisn’t to too credentials visibility starteither. your nest-egg if you don’t bad

want to switch bank accounts VaLue for money or save a regular amount each The California T Handling Speciale costs £155,244 – month. pitching it against R8 In the 2016/17 tax the yearAudi the ISA Spyder and Porsche 911have Turbo limit is £15,240, and you a Cabriolet.

But that base price choice between a variable and soon rate increases once you start fixed account. ticking some options boxes.

•Two The Coventry Building tone exterior (£4,320), Society Easy Access ISA carbon fibre dash inserts offers a Scuderia rate of 1.1% AER.side (£3,744), Ferrari There(£1,056) is no limitand on front the and shields number of withdrawals, and rear parking cameras (£4,032) you can replace money that are just a few of the options you’ve takenadd out up. in a In taxfact, year that can soon without it becoming part of our test car had no less than ISA limit.

29the options added – including titanium wheel bolts at £1,810 • Paragon Bank’s three-year – which pushed fixed term ISA the payspurchase 1.5% price upattothe a staggering AER time of writing, £215,011.

That’s aofwhopping with a minimum £500 £59,767 on extras. being required.

Although you canwell access your money in One worth adding, though, a fixedCarPlay term ISA(£2,400) if you need is Apple to, the banksthe make hefty which makes infotainment charges doing so. system far for more usable.

Fixed-rate accounts Ferrari’s standard system isn’t you want your aIf match for to theguarantee likes of Audi or Porsche, so and the addition rate of interest are sure of Apple’s integrated is you won’t need thesoftware money for well worth some time,selecting. a fixed-rate account could be a good option. You who wouLd one? need to factor inBuy the likelihood California buyers are of rates rising again infamily the men or however, women who future, and need try to the occasional flexibility determine the best length of of carrying than one time to lockmore your money away, passenger.

OK, so that might otherwise you might lose out mean compromising on space if the interest rate goes above for everyone, but at least the that of your account. option is there should they • Atom need it. Bank offers 1.4% AER for a one-year term, but Verdict you must open the account It’swith hardtheir notAndroid to be a or little iOS disappointed theappeal drivingto app, which by won’t thrills the California fails to everybody.

You can deposit serve up, though what that’s between £50 and £100,000, down is interest difficult is toapplied pinpoint. andto the The turbo-charged isn’t either monthly or engine annually. as evocative as it could be: • Tesco has alacks fixed-rate the soundBank certainly the account over years, excitement of a three Ferrari, that’s

 

AER. You to for offering sure. It’s1.2% not as emotive caneither open–it more onlinefunctional with a drive long-distance GT than out and minimum deposit of £2,000. out sports car.

Savings accounts offer a

However, forreturn families guaranteed on that your need flexible want money, whichspace, can grow the style of aquickly, convertible but if surprisingly especially with the added refinement the interest is applied monthly. of a folding hard top, Having some cash to and one for side whom anything lessofthan a gives you a degree control Ferrari simply won’t to deal badge with unexpected lifedo, the California will hit the spot.or events such as redundancy, Throw the fact the Handling simplyin the reassurance that you Speciale pack looks like a on. have a ‘cushion’ to fall back bargain when compared to the http://www.moneysavingexpert. other options on the list and com/banking/compare-bestbuyers would be simply foolish bank-accounts#interest not to opt for the HS option http://www.moneysavingexpert. when signing the order form. com/savings/best-regularsavings-accounts#bb http://www.moneysavingexpert. com/savings/best-cashisa#manipulate http://www.moneysavingexpert. com/savings/fixed-rate-savings

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Home & Interiors Declutter for the New Year

What could be a better New Year’s resolution for your home than to eliminate mess, create space and generally have a good sort out?

When the festive fun comes to an end, the presents are all opened and the Christmas pudding finally finished, it’s time to take a breath and assess just how much mess and clobber has built up in your home over the past year.

If the answer is too much, then it’s time to declutter your stuff and sort your storage, so that your home will be messfree and super-stylish in time for 2017.

First, grab some rubbish bags 

and a few boxes or baskets.

Work methodically through each room (it’s boring, but necessary – try doing just half an hour a day for a couple of weeks) and sort out obvious rubbish, things that can go to a local charity shop, items that could be sold second-hand, anything that needs mending, little-used things that can be put away in the garage or loft, and genuinely great stuff that you want to keep. Try to get rid of as much as possible (let’s face it: we all have too much stuff), only holding onto things that you really need and/or love.

With what’s left, it’s now time to work out where it will go.

By Katherine Sorrell Often, our most persistent clutter arises from the fact that we haven’t designated spaces where things can easily be put, so stuff just ends up lying around. Label your storage if necessary, and make sure the whole family knows what’s meant to go where. You’ll already have created extra storage space by having such a good clear-out; if you still need more, look for all the areas where you could fit additional storage, whether built-in or free-standing: from backs of doors to under the stairs, tops of wardrobes to under the bed. Think racks, hooks and shelves as well as conventional cabinets and chests of drawers and, where possible, ensure they coordinate with existing furniture, enhancing your home’s style and even adding a soupcon of on-trend glamour. You may also wish to have a rethink about the location of some conventional storage spaces. If, for example, toys are always in the living room rather than in the children’s bedrooms, how about adding a toy storage unit somewhere handy, rather than having to tidy them away upstairs every day?

There are a few rules of storage that might be helpful.

Obvious, perhaps, but worth bearing in mind all the same.

First, store like with like (it may take a while to go through

the house and organise this, have allowed extra space, and you can easily assess which but it really is worth the effort then filled it… it’s time to start items you never wear. You for the ease of finding things all over again. could try the same idea later on). Never say: ‘I’ve got in the kitchen (turn the Easy ways to banish clutter this box, what shall I put in handles of your mugs in one • Write a list of where you it?’ Instead, match the size direction, put glasses upside want to declutter. Start with and shape of the container to down, and so on), the the hardest or the easiest what’s being kept inside (in playroom, the living room…

– the important thing is that other words, find small,Parkway, lidded • Make it a family competition.

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Health

  Realistic Resolutions for a Happier, Healthier New Year  

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

leSS alcohol

Your unrealistic resolution: “I’ll give it up entirely!” “I won’t drink at home/when I’m out/on weekdays/until Easter!” If you rarely drink, you’ll find sticking to such drastic resolutions easy. But if you rarely drink, you’re probably not making alcohol-based resolutions...

New Year resolutions sound like a great idea; a fresh year and a fresh start seem to fit together, and even if we’re determined not to make any, other people can sometimes inspire us – or shame us – into making our own.

But if resolutions are such a good idea, why do they fail so often?

Setting YourSelf up for failure At New Year, festive goodwill and New Year enthusiasm can give us a rosier view of life, tricking us into making a multitude of overly ambitious resolutions. They reverse the positive effect of goal setting by setting us up to fail - making us more likely to give up completely.

Here are some tips for turning three popular, doomed-tofailure aspirations into realistic resolutions.

More exerciSe Your unrealistic resolution: 

I’ll go to Pilates every week, walk at least two miles every weekend and do my dance DVD every Tuesday!

You haven’t managed to do any of these things every week this year - so it’s unlikely you’ll achieve all of them, every week this year. Be honest about why you don’t do them.

The activities you’ll find the motivation or time for are those you can fit in most easily and enjoy the most. a Better resolution: I’ll do an hour’s exercise every week.

Perhaps you most enjoy a walk, but bad weather puts you off? Plan to walk every weekend, but commit to doing your exercise DVD instead if the weather’s awful. Or plan to fit in the exercise DVD weekly; anything else is a bonus. While it’s not the NHS recommended amount of exercise, it’s some, and it’s consistent. You can increase it later.

Recent research shows that even low alcohol intake (well under the recommended limits of 2-3 units daily and 14 units per week) increases your risk of many serious conditions, including dementia and some cancers, so cutting back is well worth doing. But going teetotal or drastically reducing your intake may be hard if you’re a regular drinker. a Better resolution: Think about when and where you drink alcohol, and plan to reduce your intake gradually.

Here are a few strategies to try: • If you usually have 4 drinks on a night out, replace drink 3 with a large soft drink; it may last you the rest of the evening, halving your alcohol intake.

• Match every alcoholic drink with a soft drink.

• Find other ways to relax if you always have a drink on your return from work, and try to make it a Friday-only treat (or reduce your measure).

Feeling you ‘need’ a drink is a warning sign – a first step on a potentially dangerous path.

Consider if you need to make changes in your work life.

• If you drink wine with dinner

every night, change to alternate nights (or alternate it with non-alcoholic wine).

• Swap some alcoholic drinks for low alcohol or nonalcoholic alternatives. They’ve come a long way and there’s now a large range.

hard habit to kick, particularly if you’re a moderate or heavy smoker – and while a few people do succeed in going ‘cold turkey’, the most reliable and angst-free way is to reduce your nicotine intake gradually (and/or tackle your toxin intake).

cigarette lingering in the air (second-hand smoke) and settling on surfaces, where they are re-released (third-hand smoke), so you’ll be improving the health of housemates and visitors too.

   

no SMoking

Your unrealistic resolution: “I smoke 30 a day, but I’m giving up forever at midnight, December 31st!”

It’s probably quicker to list conditions not aggravated or caused by smoking than to list those that are - and it can be hard to accept you’re addicted to nicotine. But in reality, when you crave a cigarette to ‘calm your nerves’ that twitchiness you feel is a symptom of withdrawal, which can come on very quickly with nicotine.

This can make smoking a

A Better Resolution: Pick or combine the cut-back strategies below to suit you, and if one doesn’t work, try another.

• Visit your GP, who can prescribe some nicotine replacement products and refer you to counselling.

You can also buy nicotine replacement products experiment and see what works best for you. Some are particularly suitable for heavy smokers.

• If you don’t already, make yourself smoke outside.

It takes more effort and prevents toxins from your

• Swap to e-cigarettes or vaporisers; you’ll be inhaling nicotine, but not cigarette toxins such as cyanide and arsenic.

• Smoke to a timed schedule and gradually increase the time between cigarettes.

Even if you smoke 25 a day and only drop one daily cigarette per fortnight, you’ll still be a non-smoker in under a year.

‘Resolution’ has an array of scientific and historical meanings, one of which is ‘reduction to a simpler form’. So keep your resolutions simple – and realistic!

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Health

New Year, New Tech, New You 

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk



Realistic Resolutions for ayou Happier, Healthier Year The gadgets that can help reach your New New Year goals leSS alcohol

It’s that time of year again: gym owners rub their hands together in glee as the entire world makes New Year resolutions to sort out their health, their fitness or their looks. But while many of those gym memberships will turn out to New Year resolutions be expensive mistakessound as thelike a great idea; fades, a freshayear and a initial fervour few wellfresh start seemcould to fit together, chosen gadgets keep you and we’reall determined on theeven rightif track year round. not to make any, other people Health and fitness tracking can sometimes inspire us – or isshame huge in rightour ustechnology – into making now, own.largely because it’s still a relatively untapped market: But if resolutions are such a even the best-known fitnessgood idea, why do they fail so tracking smartwatch, the Apple often?

Watch, has only sold a few Setting YourSelf for million units.

That meansup there failure are plenty of firms hoping to At New festive goodwill win over Year, everyone from casual and New Year enthusiasm dieters to mountain explorers. can give us a rosier view of For latterus category, outdoor life,the tricking into making a watches as theambitious Casio multitudesuch of overly Smart Outdoor Watch are built resolutions.

They reverse the topositive militaryeffect specifications for of goal setting toughness deliver by setting and us up to fail accurate - making GPS, as well us more likelyastorecording give up your hikes and climbs. If that sounds completely. like overkill, and for most of us Here are some tips for turning it probably is, the £170 Garmin three popular, doomed-toVivosmart HR+ is one of the failure aspirations into realistic best all-round fitness trackers resolutions. for monitoring your heart rate, More exerciSe recording your activity and Your unrealistic resolution: tracking GPS. It’s pretty, too - and the Misfit Ray is prettier 

still, resembling a bracelet rather than a watch. It’s half the price of the Garmin and offers good all-round fitness-tracking features. Over 2017 we’ll see a lot more wearable trackers, many of them odd: fancy a Welt, a sensor-enabled belt that tracks stepsevery for asweek, long as I’ll go your to Pilates you yourtwo trousers walkkeep at least miles on? every weekend and do my dance If you’re more concerned DVD every Tuesday! about what you’re putting into

You body haven’t managed to do your than what you’re sweating out, things smartphone any of these every week apps offer-all of diet you’ll this year sokinds it’s unlikely and lifestyle tracking - and achieve all of them, every increasingly those tie in week this year.

Beapps honest with platforms Apple about why yousuch don’tasdo them.

Health, WiThings’ HealthMate, The activities you’ll find the Microsoft Health, motivation or timeJawbone for are those UP and many more.easily Platforms you can fit in most and are designed to enable data enjoy the most. sharing from multiple trackers, a Better resolution: do an so for example Apple’s I’ll Health hour’s week. app canexercise get dataevery not just from the iPhoneyou it’smost on but alsoa Perhaps enjoy from Watch, from walk,the butApple bad weather puts wireless from a wide you off?scales Plan toand walk every range of wired and wireless weekend, but commit to doing health-monitoring devices. If your exercise DVD instead if you haven’t already committed the weather’s awful. Or plan to to a particular health-tracking fit in the exercise DVD weekly; platform, it’s a very good idea else is asuch bonus. toanything check out sites as While it’s not the NHS Wareable.com to recommended find out the amount of exercise, it’s some, latest news and rumours about anddifferent it’s consistent.

You can For the manufacturers. increase at it later. example, the time of writing Microsoft has announced

Your unrealistic resolution: “I’ll give it up entirely!” “I won’t drink at home/when I’m out/on weekdays/until Easter!” If you rarely drink, you’ll find sticking to such drastic resolutions easy. But if you rarely drink, you’re probably not making alcohol-based resolutions... the end ofresearch its Microsoft Band Recent shows that tracking device, so intake if you buy even low alcohol (well one nowthe yourecommended might not be limits under able to get a repair for it14orunits a of 2-3 units daily and replacement one if it breaks.

It per week) increases your risk also means that if you want to of many serious conditions, upgrade from a Band 2, there including dementia and some won’t be a Band 3 to fulfil your cancers, so cutting back is well wishes. worth doing. But going teetotal or drastically Gadgets don’treducing just help your you intakeyou’re may be hard if you’re a when exercising or regular drinker. watching what you eat. They can help you when you’re a Better resolution: Think asleep too. Many wearable about when and where you devices such as theplan Fitbit drink alcohol, and to Blaze and Surge, Marshal, reduce yourFossil intake gradually.

Pebble Time andstrategies Apple Watch Here are a few to try: (via third-party apps) can • If you usually have 4 drinks monitor your sleep, gathering ontoa help nightyou out,identify replacethe drink data 3 withofa alarge drink; it triggers poorsoft night’s sleep thetorest the andmay the last bestyou times setofthe evening, halving yourtimes alcohol alarm for, and the best intake. to head up the wooden hill to• Bedfordshire.

The datadrink Match every alcoholic recorded doesdrink. vary from device with a soft to• device and ways sometoare more Find other relax if you practical others - wearing alwaysthan have a drink on your a smartwatch bed and all night return from in work, try to means have to charge makeyou’ll it a Friday-only treatit in the morning - but the insights (or reduce your measure). can be useful.

Feeling you ‘need’ a drink is a warning sign – a first step on Images L to R: Casio Smart a potentially dangerous path.

Outdoor Watch; Garmin Consider if you need to make VivoSmart HR+; changes in yourMisfit work life.

Ray fitness Fossil • If you drinktracker; wine with dinner Marshal smartwatch

every night, change to alternate nights (or alternate it with non-alcoholic wine).

• Swap some alcoholic drinks for low alcohol or nonalcoholic alternatives. They’ve come a long way and there’s now a large range. no SMoking Your unrealistic resolution: “I smoke 30 a day, but I’m giving up forever at midnight, December 31st!”

It’s probably quicker to list conditions not aggravated or caused by smoking than to list those that are - and it can be hard to accept you’re addicted to nicotine. But in reality, when you crave a cigarette to ‘calm your nerves’ that twitchiness you feel is a symptom of withdrawal, which can come on very quickly with nicotine.

This can make smoking a

hard habit to kick, particularly if you’re a moderate or heavy smoker – and while a few people do succeed in going ‘cold turkey’, the most reliable and angst-free way is to reduce your nicotine intake gradually (and/or tackle your toxin intake).

cigarette lingering in the air (second-hand smoke) and settling on surfaces, where they are re-released (third-hand smoke), so you’ll be improving the health of housemates and visitors too.

   A Better Resolution: Pick or combine the cut-back strategies below to suit you, and if one doesn’t work, try another.

• Visit your GP, who can prescribe some nicotine replacement products and refer you to counselling.

You can also buy nicotine replacement products experiment and see what works best for you. Some are particularly suitable for heavy smokers.

• If you don’t already, make yourself smoke outside.

It takes more effort and prevents toxins from your

• Swap to e-cigarettes or vaporisers; you’ll be inhaling nicotine, but not cigarette toxins such as cyanide and arsenic.

• Smoke to a timed schedule and gradually increase the time between cigarettes.

Even if you smoke 25 a day and only drop one daily cigarette per fortnight, you’ll still be a non-smoker in under a year.

‘Resolution’ has an array of scientific and historical meanings, one of which is ‘reduction to a simpler form’. So keep your resolutions simple – and realistic!

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Hobbies 

Live like Tish  the Fish  (Or how to keep your goldfish happy)

By Kate McLelland Almost everyone has kept a goldfish at some time in their lives. Whether it was won as a prize at a funfair or bought as a pet, most of us have a memory of watching our fish swim around its new, watery home for the first time.

The trouble is, many of us also have a memory of our first fish dying - sometimes within weeks or months of bringing it home. Keeping goldfish is not as easy as it seems, although with proper care and attention some can live for as long as 25 years.

A record-breaking goldfish called “Tish”, from North Yorkshire, actually lived for 43 years.

Goldfish were originally found in cool streams, lakes and ponds throughout temperate parts of Asia and in parts of Eastern Europe. A small member of the carp family (which includes koi carp and crucian carp), the goldfish is a domesticated breed of the less colourful Asian carp, and the varieties you see today are the result of selective breeding that began in China thousands of years ago. 

The idea of bringing fish indoors developed during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in China, when a natural genetic mutation produced fish with golden scales instead of the usual silver tones. On special occasions these fish - thought to symbolise abundance were moved into bowl-shaped containers and brought indoors to greet guests before being returned to their outdoor ponds and lakes.

In the 17th century the fashion for keeping fish spread to Europe, when traders introduced goldfish to Portugal. Their colour was thought to bring luck and good fortune and it became a tradition for married men to give a fish to their wives on their first anniversary as a promise of prosperity in the years to come.

With their bright scales, varied colours and graceful moves, goldfish can make delightful pets. If you are thinking of keeping goldfish, here are some useful care tips.

Too darned hoT? Goldfish need to be kept

in clean, cool water that mirrors their original habitat of freshwater rivers, ponds and lakes. The temperature should ideally remain between 10° C to 22° C, so a heater should not normally be necessary.

It’s important to avoid sudden changes of temperature, especially when adding fresh water that is colder than the water currently in the tank.

If you are worried about temperature swings, buy a thermometer. a clean fish is a happy fish Fish from the carp family tend to produce a large amount of waste matter: releasing it through faeces and via their gills. This means that harmful toxins build up in the water, so buy a filter and make sure that it is regularly cleaned.

It’s impossible to tell whether water is healthy by just looking at it, so test the water at least every four weeks with a kit that screens for ammonia and nitrate. If waste levels are too high, you’ll need to change half the water every day until conditions improve.

F

A i r o m w k h i

The chlorine present in tap water is dangerous to both fish and the friendly bacteria in the tank, so it is vital to add a dechlorinating product to the new water. Otherwise, let the tap water stand for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to leave.

Give me some space Researchers from Murdoch University in Perth, Australia, have been tracking fish released into the country’s waterways and have discovered that goldfish can travel hundreds of kilometers in a year. They found a number of fish that had grown to the size of a football and weighed around 1.9kg (4lb).

A simple way to calculate the amount of space your goldfish needs in a tank is to allow 2 litres of water per

0.5cm of goldfish length. You should always try to provide a larger volume of water than the minimum size required, because larger tanks create more stable conditions. The RSPCA is very clear that ‘decorative’ tanks, such as goldfish bowls, are not suitable for fish. Round bowls are particularly harmful because the surface area is very small, limiting the amount of oxygen that can enter the water.

 

feed me Make sure you buy the right kind of food for your fish and never feed a goldfish with tropical fish flakes. Goldfish require a plant-based diet, whereas tropical fish need protein.

Remove food after five

minutes if it remains uneaten, as it will rot and pollute the water. If you are not sure how much to give your fish, start with a small amount, then add a little more if they still appear to be hungry.

All these guidelines may make goldfish care seem complicated - particularly if you thought you could just pop your fish into a bowl of tap water and watch it swim around. There may be a certain amount of work involved in keeping goldfish, but you’ll be rewarded by the sight of happy, healthy fish that - like Tish the Yorkshire goldfish - will live to a ripe old age. Your fish may not survive until they are over 40, but with good care they will certainly give you many years of pleasure.

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

Home & Interiors Declutter for the New Year

By Katherine Sorrell

  

What could be a better New Year’s resolution for your home than to eliminate mess, create space and generally have a good sort out?

When the festive fun comes to an end, the presents are all opened and the Christmas pudding finally finished, it’s time to take a breath and assess just how much mess and clobber has built up in your home over the past year.

If the answer is too much, then it’s time to declutter your stuff and sort your storage, so that your home will be messfree and super-stylish in time for 2017.

First, grab some rubbish bags 

and a few boxes or baskets.

Work methodically through each room (it’s boring, but necessary – try doing just half an hour a day for a couple of weeks) and sort out obvious rubbish, things that can go to a local charity shop, items that could be sold second-hand, anything that needs mending, little-used things that can be put away in the garage or loft, and genuinely great stuff that you want to keep. Try to get rid of as much as possible (let’s face it: we all have too much stuff), only holding onto things that you really need and/or love.

With what’s left, it’s now time to work out where it will go.

Often, our most persistent clutter arises from the fact that we haven’t designated spaces where things can easily be put, so stuff just ends up lying around. Label your storage if necessary, and make sure the whole family knows what’s meant to go where. You’ll already have created extra storage space by having such a good clear-out; if you still need more, look for all the areas where you could fit additional storage, whether built-in or free-standing: from backs of doors to under the stairs, tops of wardrobes to under the bed. Think racks, hooks and shelves as well as conventional cabinets and chests of drawers and, where possible, ensure they coordinate with existing furniture, enhancing your home’s style and even adding a soupcon of on-trend glamour. You may also wish to have a rethink about the location of some conventional storage spaces. If, for example, toys are always in the living room rather than in the children’s bedrooms, how about adding a toy storage unit somewhere handy, rather than having to tidy them away upstairs every day?

There are a few rules of storage that might be helpful.

Obvious, perhaps, but worth bearing in mind all the same.

First, store like with like (it may take a while to go through

the house and organise this, but it really is worth the effort for the ease of finding things later on). Never say: ‘I’ve got this box, what shall I put in it?’ Instead, match the size and shape of the container to what’s being kept inside (in other words, find small, lidded boxes for things like Lego and big squishy baskets for teddy bears). Store as much as possible near to where it’s most needed, but don’t store frequently used items below knee level or above shoulder height, especially if they’re heavy. Avoid storing things on surfaces such as tables or desks – they’re where you want to put things while you’re organising them, not keep them there afterwards. And allow yourself room to expand – but only within reason. If you

have allowed extra space, and then filled it… it’s time to start all over again.

Easy ways to banish clutter • Write a list of where you want to declutter. Start with the hardest or the easiest – the important thing is that you now know what you need to do.

you can easily assess which items you never wear. You could try the same idea in the kitchen (turn the handles of your mugs in one direction, put glasses upside down, and so on), the playroom, the living room…

  • Have an intensive declutter workout and spend just five minutes clearing as much as you can in one area. You’ll be amazed at the difference you can make. Repeat as often as you can.

• Not sure which clothes to get rid of? Hang them all with the hooks facing one way. Every time you wear something, re-hang it with the hook facing the opposite way. After, say, six months,

• Make it a family competition.

Who will be the fastest to find three things to throw away, three things to give away and three things to tidy away? Offer prizes as necessary.

• If what you need is some emergency decluttering, there’s no shame in popping everything into a big box and hiding it somewhere until you have time to go through it properly.

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 Finance Motoring

By James Baggott

Interest Rates Are Low, So What Are Your  Ferrari California HandlingBySpeciale Best Options ForTSaving?

Ann Haldon

  are a few of the different accounts available at the time of writing.

Bank current accounts

With interest rates set to remain Meet the California T HS low for a while, it’s worth – the tweaked version of the considering what you could do manufacturer’s folding hard-top with the spare cash you might family Ferrari. With two seats now have. It’s always a good in the back for small children idea to pay off your debts first, and a V8 turbo-charged lump but there is also some benefit up front, this is the convertible to starting a small nest-egg.

Italian supercar for those that From 2016 everyone has need April to carry more than one a Personal other.

Savings Allowance, significant New for the which means that many Handling Speciale model are people won’tsprings, need to louder pay tax some stiffer on their savings (subject to a exhaust and some ever-somaximum limit).

This makes subtle design tweaks – for the Individual Savings Account which you’ll be charged £5,568 (ISA), still a good list to addalthough to an ever-expanding choice, perhaps no longer of options. the automatic first choice for Looks and image savers.

The California is aimed at This broadening yourand options a certain type of of buyer means you could switch as such it has the abilityyour to current account to benefit from disappoint behind the wheel, the credit interest offered by unless you drive it in context. a different bank, perhapsfor This is a GT car or designed opt for a fixed-term comfort, looks and ISA kerbthat appeal removes the temptation to above driving entertainment, spend. unlike its thoroughbred 488 stablemate.

Thatapplying means their it’s With each bank morerules comfortable thanhere exciting own for eligibility, 

It’s not something that we are used to, but currently some banks are offering high to drive. Even with the louder credit interest rates on their exhaust system on this HS current accounts. Most of model, on the road we found it these deals only last for a just a little too quiet. year, however, and are used In wenew found the to fact, attract customers, but California lacked a lotback of the many also offer cash or a excitement you’d expect to monetary incentive. find in a Ferrari – despite • Nationwide 5% AER its impressive offers performance fixed on their FlexDirect credentials it just didn’t feel as account involvingforasbalances we’d hoped. up to That said, This it was certainly a £2,500. rate lasts for comfortable companion one year only and thenover drops distance never failed to 1%, and so you’ll need to to be draw a crowd prepared to whenever swap againwe if you parked it up. The quality of its want to get a higher rate after build is without question too this. To be eligible for the – perfectly demonstrated with account you have to pay in at a wonderfully dramatic roof least £1,000 per month. mechanism.

• Tesco Bank pay 3% space and practicaLity variable AER on balances OK, so a Ferrari isn’t going to up to £3,000.

There is no win any accessibility awards pay-in amount with likeminimum a Citroen Berlingo might, this account, and you get however this is a sports car Clubcard points whencar you and comes with sports spend using Put yourthe debit card. compromises. front Bear in mind that thisless rate is seats back to anything variable, than a kneehowever. crushing position

and you losesavings all rear legroom regular –accounts which means even carrying aAs five-year-old requires these the the name suggests, front seat require passengers to accounts a regular perform gymnastics paymentsome in order to benefitfor the journey.

Theinterest boot is rates. pretty from the higher cramped you don’t They are too. oftenIf linked to a want to use the roof, you little current account withget theasame more buta ifminimum you do then bank,space, in which you’ll be restricted to held, two small balance needs to be so bags at best.

Weekly shopper,if this could affect your eligibility this isn’t. you’re not able to maintain this balance.

Behind the wheeL Again, high motorway interest rates For longsome distance are only available for a year journeys, the California T HSas banks use them as ‘loss isthe a comfortable companion. leaders,’ assuming their newV8 The 552bhp turbo-charged customer won’t breadth be inclined to has impressive to its move once the and rate although falls. power delivery

the feeling of acceleration • First Direct offers 5% AER is somewhat numbed in the for one year, to customers cabin, it can hit 60mph holding a First Direct in 1stjust 3.6Account. seconds.You’re Sadly,allowed the turbo to engine some ofand the £300 saveloses between £25 per month, but if you miss charms of a normally aspirated your savings unitone – itdeposit may offer improved account willbut close andsome the of performance, lacks will be placed into a thebalance aural pleasure you expect low-interest from a Ferrari. account.

• The stiffer HSBCsprings Regularand Saver is Those louder available to current account exhaust come into play when Account youcustomers select the(Advance ‘Sport’ setting Account). offers on or thePremier Manettino switchIton the a credit interest 5% steering wheel.

Hitrate the of bumpy AER on savings up to £3,000 road button on the steering per too, year,and but you’ll if you be miss a wheel payment your money is put rewarded with a compliant ride intojust an account with low that’s about perfect for our interest. rutted roads. A parking camera cash backing isa makes the Ferrari Once the obvious choice to into spaces a pretty simple maximise your savings, a cash affair and despite its sports car ISA can be the a good placeisn’t to too credentials visibility starteither. your nest-egg if you don’t bad

want to switch bank accounts VaLue for money or save a regular amount each The California T Handling month. costs £155,244 – Speciale pitching it against R8 In the 2016/17 tax the yearAudi the ISA Spyder and Porsche 911have Turbo limit is £15,240, and you a Cabriolet.

But that base price choice between a variable and soon increases once you start fixed rate account. ticking some options boxes.

• The Coventry Building Two tone exterior (£4,320), Society Easy Access ISA carbon fibre dash inserts offers a Scuderia rate of 1.1% AER.side (£3,744), Ferrari There(£1,056) is no limitand on front the and shields number of withdrawals, and rear parking cameras (£4,032) you can replace money that are just a few of the options you’ve takenadd out up. in a In taxfact, year that can soon without it becoming part of our test car had no less than ISA limit.

29the options added – including • Paragon Bank’s three-year titanium wheel bolts at £1,810 – which pushed fixed term ISA the payspurchase 1.5% price upattothe a staggering AER time of writing, £215,011.

That’s aofwhopping with a minimum £500 £59,767 on extras. being required.

Although you canwell access your money in One worth adding, though, a fixedCarPlay term ISA(£2,400) if you need is Apple to, the banksthe make hefty which makes infotainment charges doing so. system far for more usable.

 

Fixed-rate accounts Ferrari’s standard system isn’t you want your aIf match for to theguarantee likes of Audi rate of interest are sure of or Porsche, so and the addition Apple’s integrated is you won’t need thesoftware money for well worth some time,selecting. a fixed-rate account could be a good option. You who wouLd one? need to factor inBuy the likelihood California buyers are of rates rising again infamily the men or however, women who future, and need try to the occasional flexibility determine the best length of of carrying than one time to lockmore your money away, passenger.

OK, so that otherwise you might losemight out mean compromising on space if the interest rate goes above for everyone, but at least the that of your account. option is there should they • Atom need it. Bank offers 1.4% AER for a one-year term, but Verdict you must open the account It’swith hardtheir notAndroid to be a or little iOS disappointed theappeal drivingto app, which by won’t thrills the California fails to everybody.

You can deposit serve up, though what that’s between £50 and £100,000, down is interest difficult is toapplied pinpoint. andto the The turbo-charged isn’t either monthly or engine annually. as evocative as it could be: • Tesco has alacks fixed-rate the soundBank certainly the account over years, excitement of a three Ferrari, that’s

AER. You to for offering sure. It’s1.2% not as emotive caneither open–it more onlinefunctional with a drive minimum deposit of £2,000. long-distance GT than out and out sports car.

Savings accounts offer a

However, forreturn families guaranteed on that your need flexible want money, whichspace, can grow the style of aquickly, convertible but if surprisingly especially with the added refinement the interest is applied monthly. of a folding hard top, Having some cash to and one for side whom anything lessofthan a gives you a degree control Ferrari simply won’t to deal badge with unexpected lifedo, the California will hit the spot.or events such as redundancy, Throw the fact the Handling simplyin the reassurance that you Speciale pack looks like a on. have a ‘cushion’ to fall back bargain when compared to the http://www.moneysavingexpert. other options on the list and com/banking/compare-bestbuyers would be simply foolish bank-accounts#interest not to opt for the HS option http://www.moneysavingexpert. when signing the order form. com/savings/best-regularsavings-accounts#bb http://www.moneysavingexpert. com/savings/best-cashisa#manipulate http://www.moneysavingexpert. com/savings/fixed-rate-savings

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RCHS FP+ (Jan17).qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2016 09:02 Page 1

Beauty 

FLORAL ART

Beauty Resolutions

approval showed that the audience were already thinking HAPPY New Year to all our members and readers. of how they might go about producing their own.

I’m always excited at this time of year as it is the bystart Kate The second example (above left) used three Amaryllis’. very of aDuggan fresh new www.kateduggan.co.uk Horticultural year, and it’s The main technique here was the use of like starting with a clean white sheet sticks in the hollow stem to ensure that of paper, gardening mistakes of serum. £48.99 from www.hollandandbarrett.

It seems yououtcan the flowers stayed upright. Again, the 2016 are wiped andbarely successpick up a foliage was from the garden. This can be repeated.

Year-on-year impcom. magazine without reading about decoration would be better in a hall roving things just that little bit more another newand skincare ‘miracle It’s than easyon to agettable. stuck The in a third rather Just a few hints tips on what decoration was example of a Christmas you can be doing before I hand over perfume rut.

Rather than worker’, from skin softeners and based on a fir branch that could go over again to Patricia Swindells. Do not play it safe with your favourite a door or on a mantel piece. It was beauty essences, to cause micellar water. walk on frosty lawns, this will scent, why not a a few simply decorated withhead lightsto and damage to grass, keep borders clear Most of these are ‘nice to haves’ silver starsperfume – very effective and taking of dead foliage and leaves as this is local shop and try very little time to complete. than essentials. a rather great place for slugs and snails If to you are over winter and remember on warmer days to air looking to up your skin care regime that greenhouse. Now, over to Patricia...

though, I’d recommend adding a

Just before the Ruislip Central Horticultural Society went in to hibernation the Winter there was one serum.

They’re for more concentrated last event, the Christmas Floral Art Demonstration. than and foliage designed The aimaismoisturiser, to show that using from to the garden andspecific simple equipment anyone can attempt target concerns, from fine a Christmas floral decoration.

to blemishes.

Aslines has been mentioned before there is always a sense of anticipation before any event but this year brand there was a moment of panic whenFrench due to family circumstances our demonstrator, Zoe, had to pull Ekia’s Sérum out. However, our Chairperson, Margaret McIntosh, Fermeté – stepped in and ensured that our audience had a Highly Active great experience made more special by the hot mince pies, stollen bites, tea and coffee supplied Firming during the interval.

Serum, is

Our more than capable chair demonstrated the designed techniques required to produce a simple log tighten decoration for a table. The centretopiece was a candle but the foliage was made up of lift different and skin. greenery from the garden. The murmurs of

a few new ones? Ideally,

There must be at least one show stopper and the final spritzUnusually a perfume on a a example fitted that description. this featured globe shaped piece of oasiscard (above right) stucklike on the to a first.

If you short thick stick. Around the globe short stemmed roses scent immediately, where placed in colour blocks to produce an eye-catching and still do after half decoration

hour, then try itdecorTo the delight of the audiencean all of the Christmas ations were in the raffle. Those who were unlucky were directly on your skin. at least able to go home with simple instructions on how Fragrance is designed to produce their own table decorations.

to will change over atime, so Next year Margaret McIntosh be running workshop don’t justattend spray, sniff andtobuy. time away aitfinished so that all who will be able take Give product – all details will beit’s onmade the RCHS website nearer to show you what of. Van Cleef & the time.

Arpels So First (from £32) is a nice one to

The AGM will take place on February 21st with doors try. at Light, fresh feminine, bursting opening 7.30pm, St and Lawrence Churchit’s Hall.

All members with welcome fornotes, a socialsuch of food drink and floral asand freesia Would you like to with join the RCHS?base For the small cost of frangipani, a warm of vanilla and £5 please support us and become a member. Why not fill sandalwood. in the application form below and join today.

Warren

guilty of splashing out on The ‘magic top of the range hair straighteners and ingredient’, a styling products, then throwing whatever Please complete send a CHEQUE MADE PAYABLE TO R.C.H.S for a SAE to: tree and extract shampoo and conditioner is £5 onwith offer in our Membership Secretary, RCHS, 28 Stanley Road, Northwood, Middlesex. HA6 1RG. called basket. My top hair care recommendation dragon’s blood sap,Name: is said to help firm is to go for a gentler, decent shampoo and Address: Application skin, smoothfor fine lines, increase moisture conditioner. Personally, I avoid any that Postcode: Telephone number (Optional): ANNUAL and aid skin renewal.

Myaddress skin certainly contain sodium lauryl sulphate, as I find it Email (Essential):felt MEMBERSHIP tighter and more hydrated using thepreviously? leaves 2017 Have youafter been a member YES /my NO hair dry and brittle.



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 Gardening

Fighting the Frosts by Pippa Greenwood



put on a bit of new growth. So, there’s definitely a very good reason to brace yourself, get out into the garden and take some precautions.

The frosts are here, and in the weeks ahead the worst of the winter is likely to arrive too. Added to that there is often a fair bit of rain or even snow at this time of year, so our gardens can be in for quite a battering.

Now most of the plants you grow in your garden are probably fairly frost-resistant, but what can you do to ensure that damage to those which are not so hardy is kept to a minimum? Some deterioration may already have occurred, but it is the last frosts and those which hit the plants in spring that are likely to be most damaging, as they catch plants out when they have already 

Plants in containers are particularly vulnerable to freezing or frosting as their roots are not protected beneath the soil, but are relatively exposed with just the container and a bit of compost to cover them. Thinwalled containers pose the greatest threat, especially those made of metal.

Thicker wood or ceramic pots provide a little extra insulation, but even these may need a bit more. Where possible, plunge your pots by digging a hole in the soil and placing the plant in its pot into the hole. If it is too heavy to move then wrap it up well in several layers of bubble wrap, polythene or old curtains – it may not look pretty but it’ll do the job. If the container is in a very prominent position and you want it to look more appealing, buy some hessian and use lengths of this to create an outermost layer to hide the insulation material – it can actually end up

looking rather nice!

If very harsh weather is forecast or there has been a spell of mild weather which may have promoted some soft, new growth that will be particularly frost prone, drape a double layer of horticultural fleece over the top growth of the plants and anchor it well. If you want to make life a lot easier then invest in some Easy Fleece Jackets: they come in three sizes and each one has a draw-string and toggle so that you can easily insert the plant and then secure it. You can find out more on my website www.pippagreenwood.com/ products/protect-your-crops.

A double fleece layer can of course be used on plants in beds and borders too, or to protect slightly tender wall shrubs. Larger individual plants in borders, which are too big for even the large fleece jackets, can be given longer term protection with a home-made protective ‘cage’.

Just use four stakes or sturdy canes to create a framework which you wrap with netting or chicken wire, then fill the central space around the plant with dry bracken, straw or leaves.

Evergreens in containers and in open ground may suffer from drought as well as foliage or stem growth – during the cold weather

they continue to need a fair amount of water and if this is frozen solid in the soil, they soon suffer. So it is essential to continue to water these, especially if they are in a spot where they are sheltered from a lot of the rain which does fall, or if the weather has been dry. A deep mulch applied to the soil or compost surface before the ground becomes frosted will help too.

Once frozen, soil moisture becomes unavailable, so this mulch will help to keep the water available.

late frosts being the most harmful as by then the buds are further developed. If you are planting new fruit plants, it really pays to buy them from a specialist nursery and try to get late-flowering varieties where possible, as they are less likely to be flowering when there is still a risk of frost.

over! If you are planning on sowing any early varieties of crops such as broad beans or lettuce, then I’d also suggest that you cover the soil before you sow. A layer of well-anchored polythene will keep off excess rain and allow a little warmth to build up, so when you sow the seeds they won’t suffer from excess sogginess and won’t get such a cold shock.

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Although most fruit trees - like apples and pears, cherries and plums - are hardy, they are also prone to damage. The main risk is to newly-opened blossom, though the buds themselves may be damaged too, with

Finally, don’t forget to use fleece to cover any seeds already sown out of doors. A double layer of well-anchored fleece or a fleece-covered pull-out EasyTunnel is quick and easy to install, and will help to provide protection and that bit of extra warmth for germinating seeds and any seedlings brave (or foolhardy) enough to poke their heads above ground before the cold weather is

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com and book Pippa for a gardening talk or peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items, including pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, fleece jackets for plants, pull-out EasyTunnels, ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Voucher cards, signed books and lots more besides.

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REGULAR & LOCAL EVENTS...

Lunchtime Classical Music Concerts At St Martin’s Church Hall, corner Eastcote Rd & High St. Ruislip, HA4 6DG, 12.15pm, on last Wed each month except, July, August and December.

Quiz Night Every Tues & Sunday from 8.30pm at the Coach & Horses, Ickenham Oaken Leaves English Folk Dance Club Meet every Thursday 8.15-10pm at Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Rd, Ruislip. Call Joan 01895 638008.

Events at Eastcote Royal British Legion club, Southbourne Gardens Zumba Tue & Wed 7-8pm £5. Contact Hayley 07835 120642 or email: hayleyzumba@gmail.com Karate for all levels, beginners welcome contact Frank on 078335 33569 Sats 10am and Mons 6.30pm Weekly Quiz Night ! Every Thurs.

Beginners Rock ‘n’ Roll Jive classes Every Monday at Harefield Cricket Club, UB96NE. Doors open 7.30pm, class 8pm.

Fun & friendly, no experience or partner required. 1950s Rock n Roll record hop 1st Friday of every month at St Mary's Church Hall, Harefield, UB9 6BX. 7.30pm-11.30pm.

Contact: therockingrebels@gmail.com 07947106607 www.facebook.com/ therockingrebels

COMEDY...

Comedy Bunker Ruislip Golf Centre Ickenham Road Ruislip HA4 7DQ for more details of visit: www.comedybunker.co.uk Comedy Nights The Empire Comedy Club at The White Bear, Ickenham Road HA4 7DF every Thurs night. Pete 01895 675293

HOBBIES...

Brushstrokes Art Classes with Sue Friendly weekly classes with tuition.

Beginners welcome. Hayes, Ickenham & Ruislip. Ring Sue 01895 639294 or 07949 805246 Chiltern Aviation Society Meets every 4th Wednesday, Ruislip Methodist Church, Ickenham Road. Call Keith Hayward 01895 637872 Harrow & Hillingdon Geological Society Meet for lectures, 7.30-8pm. Second Wed of each month at Cavendish Pavilion, Field End Road, Eastcote, HA4 9PG. All welcome, visitors £3. Call Jean Sippy on 020 8422 1859 www.hhgs.org.uk

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Hillingdon Decorative & Fine Arts Enjoy ten expert lectures a year about art and culture from around Britain and further afield. Join outings to galleries and places of cultural interest. Attend special interest study days. Come along to a lecture, cost £6.00. See www.hillingdondfas.co.uk.

Tel:01895 635007 or 07526 179 529 E: technical@hillingdondfas.co.uk Hillingdon Family History Society At Hillingdon Park Baptist Church, Hercies Road, Hillingdon. Research room open (10am – 1pm) every Fri (except the Fri before the first Sat of the month). On the first Sat of the month open 10am – 1pm at Uxbridge Library. Experienced help available. See www.hfhs.co.uk . Contact Mrs P. Reynolds 01895 444442 or email hillingdonfhs@onetel.com 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 Ruislip, Northwood & Eastcote Local History Society The Society meets on the third Monday of the month from September to April at St Martin's Church Hall, Ruislip High Street, at 8.15pm. See RNELHS website for details. Susan Toms, 01895 637134 or e: toms.susan@gmail.com Ruislip & District Natural History Society Meet last Monday of the month from Sept to April (except Dec) in Guide Hut near Ruislip Library. Contact: John Matthews 01895 636215.

Ruislip Central Horticultural Society Talks and advice for local gardeners. For more info contact Warren Reeves on 01923 451616 rchstalks@gmail.com Ruislip & Northwood Flower Arrangement Society Meet every 1st Tues of the month at the Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Oaklands Gate, Northwood HA6 3AA. For details call 01923 829621.

Ruislip Philatelic Society Meet at South Ruislip Methodist Church, Queens Walk, South Ruislip HA4 0NL on the 3rd Tuesday of each month except August. Meeting and displays and talks each month and an auction three times a year. 7.30pm for 8pm. 01895 637283.

The Language Clubs of Hillingdon From late Sept until mid-July. Speak some German, Spanish, French or Italian? 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 0208 429 1921; Italian Club 020 8863 3468; Spanish & French Club 01895 253 472.

Uxbridge & Ickenham Floral Art Meets in the village hall, Swakeleys Road.

Call 01895 850943 for details.

Uxbridge Craft Market Every Wednesday (9am-5pm) at The Pavilions Shopping Centre Arts, Crafts. www.uxbridge-craft-market.co.uk Wednesday Stitch Club 10-12noon at Hillingdon Tennis Club. All abilities / work Call sue 0208 868 8052.

KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA...

Aikido Classes Yeading Community Centre, UB4 9BH. Seniors: Mon & Fri 8-10pm. Juniors (6yrs+) Fri 6.30-8pm. Learn a non competitive martial art. Friendly British Aikido Board registered club, under Sensei Sheppard 6th dan. See www.kuraiaikido.co.uk. Contact Keith Holland 01895 636344 or email kuraiaikido@hotmail.com Argosy Players Theatre Group Meets at Ruislip Conservative Club, Ickenham Road, West Ruislip. Every Thurs, 8pm. Call Call Wendy on 07956 971849 or visit www.argosyplayers. org.uk.

Junior section for children from 8-16yrs meets Thurs 7-8pm.

Dance, Gymnastics and Free Running

By Futunity Uk in Uxbridge Town Centre & Hillingdon Sports & Leisure centre.

Ages 2-adults catered for and all styles of dance from RAD ballet,to Zumba.

See www.futunityuk.com. Call 01895 251224/admin@futunityuk.com Eastcote Exercise Classes Metabolic workout class, 45min stretch class. Mon, Tue & Sat. Contact Virginia King 01895 232551 or email virginiaking@vking2468.freeserve.co.uk Fitness League Tone & Stretch exercises for women of all fitness levels. Tues 7.30-8.30pm at Vyners School, Warren Road, Ickenham UB10 8AB. Call Rosemary 01628 776838. www.thefitnessleague.com Fusion of Hatha & Vinyasa Flow Yoga Wed & Thurs 9.30-1am, St Thomas More Church, Eastcote. Further classes in Harrow. Free Trial Class avail. Contact Joanne e: info@empoweringyoga.co.uk www.empoweringyoga.co.uk continued overleaf...

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PROTECT YOUR   HARD EARNED HOME ASSETS AND With some simple planning we will ensure that they are fully protected so that your loved ones receive their rightful inheritance.

Please consider the following five questions: 1. Have you made a will, if so when was it reviewed?

2. How can I protect my children’s inheritance?

3. How do I protect my home and assets from care costs?

4. How can I preserve my business assets for my family?

5. What if I am unable to manage my affairs?

If you feel you could benefit from a free review of your existing arrangements then please call us on 01895 675631

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WELBECK CONSULTANCY Looking after you, your family and generations to follow

T: 01895 675631 F: 01895 638765 E: info@welbeckconsultants.co.uk www.welbeckconsultants.co.uk 

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KEEP-FIT, DANCE & DRAMA CONTINUED...

Fusion Pilates+ Classes Eastcote & Pinner Fun, friendly classes for all ages & levels Mon 10-11am, St Lawrence Church, 2 Bridle Rd, Eastcote, HA5 2SJ; Wed 8-9pm Cannon Lane Methodist Church, Pinner, HA5 1JD. For info: Lenka 07929 472194 e: rybickova.lenka@gmail.com

Glow Fitness, Food, Friends Classses: Ruislip 6-7.15pm at Field End Junior School, HA4 9PQ . Pinner 6.458pm at Cannon Lane Methodist Church HA5 1JD. Northwood 6-7.15pm at Hillside Junior School, Northwood Way HA6 1RX. Call Sam 01895 460766 or email: sam.simon@glow-fit.co.uk Hatha Yoga Weekly classes at The Stables on the Manor Farm Site in Ruislip. Classes are Every Tuesday, 7pm and Saturday, 11am and 12pm. Call Varsha on 01895 347757 for more info or to reserve your space. www.illuminatedhealth.com Highgrove Pool Club A programme for over 55’s with a social area with coffee & teas included, for info contact Angelo Pignone email: angelo. pignone@all.org / 01895 630753 www.better.org.uk/highgrove Images School of Dance Fun and friendly dance & drama classes for all ages including RAD Ballet & Contemporary dance. Based in Ruislip Manor. www.imagesschoolofdance.co.uk e: info@imagesschoolofdance.co.uk Irish Dancing Classes Aged 5 upwards. Mon, 6pm at Hayes Conservative Club, Church Rd. Wed, 6pm at Greenford Visitation Catholic Church hall. e: Deirdreosullivan@hotmail.co.uk t: 07956 346383 JAM2000 Performing Arts & Agency Classes available from 2.5 years to adults, male and female at The Windmill Studio Centre. www.thewindmillstudio.com E: thewindmillstudio@gmail.com Jazzercise Classes Jazzercise Classes New Denham Community Centre Oxford Road Mon 9.30-10.30am, Tues 6.45 - 7.45pm , Wed, Thurs , Fri 9.45-10.45am. Denham Village Memorial Hall Village Road Thurs 6.307.30pm. Ruislip Sports & Social Club Grosvenor Vale Mon 6.45-7.45pm Tues 9.30am, 7-8pm, Wed 9.30-10.30am.

Pinner Methodist Church Love Lane Mon 8-9pm, Thurs 7-8pm. St Lawrence Church Hall Bridle Road Pinner Fri 9.30am. St Lukes Hall Love Lane Pinner Wed 7.45-

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8.45pm, Sat 9-10am. Contact: Tina Durkan 07904 221191 e: tinadurkan@googlemail.com facebook.com/jazzerciseNWLondon

Modern Jive Classes (Ceroc) Mon 8-11pm at Yiewsley & West Drayton Community Centre. Tues & Thurs 8-11pm at Uxbridge Civic Centre. First night entry & Free Lifetime membership with this listing. Contact Alan: 0208 933 4350 or 07860 250961 www.clubceroc.com email: alanandsue@clubceroc.com

Passion Dance Group At Queensmead Sports Centre & Highgrove Pool. Street Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Minie Me’z (3-6 years Ballet, Tap & Street), Kids Parties. We offer Shows, Workshops, Competitions and Assessments, Age 3+ all abilities welcome. Call 07882 413428 Pilates Certified Body Control Pilates Teacher (Registered Exercise Professional Level 3).

Beginners / Improvers classes at the Stables, Manor Farm, Ruislip.

Mon 1.30-2.30pm, Thu 1.30-2.30pm and Sat 9.30-10.30am. Call Elizabeth Roberts for further info: 07771918240 Pilates Hut, Ruislip A private studio located on Broadwood Avenue, Ruislip. The studio is equipped with classical Pilates apparatus & run by a classically trained and certified Pilates teacher,We also run a small group ‘tower’ classes, mat classes and private lessons. www.pilateshutruislip.co.uk Tonja Osborn 07766 011036.

Pilates with Suzy Barton Improve the way you feel, look, and live your life. All levels class every Tue 1.30-2.30. The Stables, Manor Farm, Bury Street, Ruislip HA4 7AR. Former British Gymnast. Pilates Foundation trained.

CYQ level 3 instructor. Book by email to suzybartonpilates@btinternet.com or call 07850 687488.

Ruislip Dramatic Society At South Ruislip Methodist Church. Mon 8pm & Thurs 8.15pm. 07854 284508.

Running Groups with Dash for Fitness Join our FREE Adult Running Groups to make your run more social and fun, whilst helping you to get fitter, go faster, and go further. Various routes starting and finishing in Ruislip. Days and times based on your needs. English Athletics approved leader and CYQ Level3 Personal Trainer.

Register by email to dashforfitness@ btinternet.com or call Gary and Suzy on 07710 105086.

Salsa Classes Every Monday: The Middlesex Arms, Long

Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HG.Beginners class 8pm. Improvers/Intermediates: 8.45-9.30pm. Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm. Every Wed: TheWatersEdge, Canal Cottages, Packetboat Lane, Cowley, UB8 2JS. Beginners class starts 7:30pm.

Improvers/ Intermediates: 8.30-9.30pm.

Freestyle dancing/practice time til 11pm Sanders Street - Authentic Street Dance Specialising in street stance for special needs. Sanders Pandas class, Age 5-11 Wed 5.30-6.30pm at Guide Hall, Community Close, Ickenham. Email info@sandersstreet.co.uk or call Crissy on 07799874003 www.sandersstreet.co.uk Stretch-a-size : Exercise for the over 50's A gentle workout in a friendly environment Thursdays 11am-12noon at Deane Park Hall, Long Drive, Sth Ruislip. Just £4 for more info: 0208 842 0547 or just come along and meet us!

The Pilates Club St Giles & The United Reformed Church Halls, Ickenham. Call 07968 920070 www.thepilatesclub.co.uk

Wild Forest Gym Outdoor fitness and natural movement training at Grim's Dyke Hotel, Old Redding, Harrow Weald. Also Natural Running & obstacle race training. Contact 0845 4561336 info@wildforestgym.com or www.wildforestgym.com Yoga South Ruislip Community Association pregnancy yoga classes 9.45-11.15am at Deane Park Hall, Long Drive, South Ruislip. Call Katja on 07951 763851 Yoga for All Gentle yoga suitable for all. Voluntary contribution. Thurs 4.30pm to 5.30pm at Gateway House, inside North Harrow CAR PARK opposite THE GYM, Pinner Road, HA2 7TA email prabhu.shah@gmail.com Zumba The Stables, Manor Farm Complex, Bury Street, Ruislip. Every Fri, 6.30pm. All abilities & ages. Adults £5 u16's free.

Graham Campbell 07985 470025 www.gtarling.zumba.com.

MARKETS...

Duck Pond Artisan Food & Craft Market Artisan - on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 10am-3pm, Farmers’ - first Sunday of each month from 10am-2pm.

Both at the Great Barn, Ruislip. Free parking. See www.duckpondmarket.co.uk Mad Cat Crafts Wed to Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-4pm at the Great Barn, Ruislip HA4 7SU. www.madcatcrafts.co.uk continued overleaf...

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We help people in their later years to enjoy the life they always have.

Whatever you want to know about elderly care, please come and talk to us. Our home will be open in June this year when you can view our facilities, sample our bar & bistro and ask any questions you might have about the home and your care requirements. Whether it’s for you or a friend or relative, we look forward to seeing you soon.

Our innovative care concept includes: Chauffeur-driven car | Cinema room | Bistro & Bar | Private dining | Hair Salon and Spa | Library All-inclusive pricing | Creative events | 50% higher staffing than average  Paying above the living wage

RUISLIP What's On... Jan17.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2016 02:16 Page 3

  markets continued... northwood craft market First Saturday of each month, 10am-2pm, Methodist Church Hall, Oaklands Gate, Northwood. www.northwoodcraftmarket.co.uk ruislip country market Every Fri 10-11.30am - car park at St Martins Approach, Ruislip. Fruit, Veg, eggs, honey and more...

music... accord, ruislip community choir Every Mon, 7.30pm. TT only. Ruislip Baptist Church, Manor Way, Ruislip. No auditions! Call Chris on 07714 226216. capital connection Ladies chorus Singing barbershop harmony every Wednesday evening. At South Ruislip Community Centre, Deane Park, Long Dr, HA4 0HS. See www.capitalconnection. org.uk for more details. eastcote choral society Rehearses every Tuesday from 8-10pm at Ruislip Methodist Church, Ickenham Road.

All welcome. Call 01895 904556.

Hillingdon choral society Rehearsals Monday evenings in term time 7.45-9.45pm at Ickenham United Reform Church, Swakeleys Road, Ickenham. Call 01895 234380 or email: orpms@xsco.net Learn to Play in a rock Band At a professional recording studio taught by expert musicians. Open to 7-18 year olds, we teach guitar, bass, drums and vocals in small groups and as a band.

Sessions will run after school at R'n'R Studios, Uxbridge starting October.

Contact Conor for details on 07946 402797 or email wlsr.uxb@gmail.com ruislip operatic society meets every Mon & Thurs at St Martin's Church Hall, 7.30pm. To get involved email: info@ruislipos.org ruislip Belles and Beaux A handbell ringing group. Every Monday 10am until 12noon. In the Guide Hut in Ruislip. Email: idoltoad@talktalk.net singing Group meets every Thursday (TT only) in Ruislip Golf Club function room, 7.45pm. Estb: 2012 with 25+ M & F singers. No music reading, just get singing! £7 PAYG. For details email thesoundcrowd@gmail.com

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) 4.156.15pm and Seniors (11-18) 6.308.30pm. £20 per two - hourly session.

Contact Pritpal on 07855 863058 or email uxbridge@therockproject.com top Jazz at the Fairway Ruislip Golf Centre, Ickenham Rd, West Ruislip. 3rd Monday of the month. 01895 632394 or www.jazzwestlondon.com

Pre-scHooL & kids GrouPs... sing & sign From 6 months Wed at Uxbridge Leisure Centre, Fri at The White Bear, Ruislip.

Contact Cathy 07712 047621 or cathyseddigh@singandsign.co.uk

seLF deFence... aikido, Japanese martial art Learn a wonderful martial art in a friendly and supportive environment. Adult classes only. Tue and Thu 8pm-10pm at the South Ruislip Community Centre, Deane Park, Long Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HS. Call Don Deacy 07740415712 or email info@bugeisha-aikido.co.uk Functional kali Kali is a martial art for self defence incorporating weapons and empty hands.

Designed for personal protection against multiple assailants. As used in the Bourne films. Classes every Weds evening in South Harrow. Call Amit on 07779322993 or see www.functionalkali.com silat kuntao indonesian self-defence Adult classes only. Mon & Wed 8-10pm at Denham Village Memorial Hall, Denham, UB9 5BN. Call Philip Davies 07790 496 346 or e: kuntao.matjan.uk@gmail.com.

seLF HeLP & suPPort... ear4u Help, support and advice. Meets every Monday at the Orange Couch Café (formerly the D spot), Ruislip Manor from 10am-2pm. Call Ann on 07890 315156.

sociaL GrouPs...

the Harrow apollo male choir Rehearse every Tues 7.30pm-10pm in the Belmont Room at the Harrow Arts Centre Hatch End. Tel: 020 8959 1244 or www.harrow-apollo-male.choir.org

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.

the rock Project Greater London School of Rock & Pop where we teach 7-18 year olds how to play guitar, bass,

Friends of shenley Park Improving the wellbeing and maintenance of flower beds, shrubs and the new flower

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garden and seating area. Looking for volunteers to help with action days in the park. Please contact Geoff 07931 561020 or Louise 07966 220995 Friendly rubber Bridge Tuesdays & Fridays, 12noon-4pm at Pinner Bridge Club, 103 Marsh Road, Pinner. For info call Keith 01895 622033 inspirations spiritualist Group Group for like-minded people. Weekly services with a guest Medium every Thursday at The Walter Pomeroy Hall, Royal Lane, Hillingdon, UB8 3QY. 7.15pm.

Admission £5. Concessions £4.50.

Accompanied u16’s - FREE. Enqs: 07968 039426 or 0208 841 4901. ruislip afternoon Group for Women Meets 1st Thursday of every month.

Talks, Lunches & outings. Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Road 2-4pm.

Call Mary McKee on 01895 672435. ruislip common Wi Ladies welcome. We meet on the 2nd Wed of the month, 2pm in Room 1, Methodist Church, Ickenham Rd, Ruislip, HA4 7BZ. ruislipcommonwi.weebly.com ruislip evening townswomen Guild Women who meet every 4th Thurs of the month, 7.30-10pm, Ruislip Methodist Church Hall, Ickenham Road, Ruislip. For details 01895 674717 / 01923 825521. ruislip social club Tropic at Ruislip at Ruislip Social Club Grosvenor Vale Ruislip HA4 6JQ for Fridays and occasional other nights, live bands & tribute bands for more details visit www.tropicatruislip.co.uk contact and ticketline 0208 707 2256 ruislip evening Wi Meet every 1st Thursday of the month at Upper Room, GAA Sports & Social Club, West End Road, South Ruislip from 7.30pm-10pm. Lorraine Reed 07976 398533 e:ruislipeveningwi@gmail.com scrabble (casual, all abilities welcome) Every Thurs afternoon 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 Veterans Breakfast club runs to help Armed Forces Veterans in West London and surrounding areas for the purpose of Comrades (old & new) from all Services to get together on the last Saturday of the month at the Good Yarn Public House, Uxbridge High Street, UB8 1JX from 09:30-11:30hrs. Contact: Lorraine Reed 07976 398533, lorraineareed@gmail.com or (exRAF) Iain Henderson, Iain115@aol.com.

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Photographic Services   Photographic Printing up to A1 size  

Posters & Banners Canvas Prints

Photo Correction & Restoration Prints from Slide & Negative Document Copying & Laminating Plans & Drawings Printed Collages Designed & Printed And so much more……

Passport Photos - Visas - I. D. Cards Professional Quality with 100% Compliance

Photography ~ Wedding Studio ~ Events & Commercial 34 Victoria Road Ruislip Manor

Tel: 01895 367930 

L O D G E B ROT H E R S 

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Y O U R 7 T H G E N E R A T I O N F A M I L Y- O W N E D FUNERAL DIRECTORS

N OW O P E N I N RU I S L I P FUNERALS • FLORAL TRIBUTES M E M O R I A L S • P R E - PA I D F U N E R A L P L A N S

…the family you can turn to When a death occurs in your family, that is when you need the advice and assistance of a local, family-owned funeral director. Lodge Brothers are the family you can turn to. Seven generations of our family have been helping and advising local families in their time of need. For over 230 years we have been providing funerals, both modest and traditional with care and compassion. Our fully qualified staff take great pride in being able to offer a 24 hour service 365 days a year.

14 New Pond Parade, West End Road, Ruislip Gardens 01895 621034 (Formerly Ruislip Funeral Services)

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. This voucher entitles the bearer to £100 off one of our Pre-Payment Funeral Plans, it may not be exchanged for cash. 2. The discount will be deducted from the retail price of the Funeral Plan at the time of purchase.

3. One discount voucher only per plan. 4. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Funeral Plan purchased. 5. The voucher does not apply when paying for the plan by monthly payments.

Valid until 30th November 2016. REF: IAR/OCT2016.

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