FR
September 2014 | Issue 89
EE
GERRARDS CROSS MOTORING Revolutionary new hybrid
KEEP THE COLOUR COMING Winter flowering plants
The magazine for get-someone-else-to-do-it enthusiasts
CONSERVATORIES
See page 49
WINDOWS
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Dear Readers
H
ello and welcome to the September edition of Gerrards Cross Local.
Soon summer will be bidding us a sad farewell; but as the colours in our gardens begin to fade there is no reason they cannot be replaced with new winter plants. There is 10% off winter hanging baskets for readers who produce the advert on page 23 at Pinewood Nurseries, where you can also have lunch while deciding which plants to buy. How much is the road tax on your car? It could be zero if you bought a Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid - and it costs no more than the equivalent diesel model! Read all about this remarkable car on page 62. Tickets are still available for The Candlelight Ball on Saturday 20th of this month – see page 70. Have a great night out while supporting that most worthy of causes Macmillan and the following Friday, on the 26th, there is another opportunity to support them at the Ethorpe Hotel, the venue of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning- see page 65. Please let us know of any charity/community events and, space permitting, we will include these free of charge. Keep Gerrards Local magazine by your phone and whatever your needs...
Kay
FR
September 2014 | Issue 89
Inside this issue
EE
GERRARDS CROSS MOTORING Revolutionary new hybrid
KEEP THE COLOUR COMING Winter flowering plants
The magazine for get-someone-else-to-do-it enthusiasts
CONSERVATORIES
See page 49
WINDOWS
DOORS
01753 663 663 See page 79
Special: The myths that just wont dies!..............................6 Martin Lewis Expert – Overdrafts................................12/13 Help for You: Amersham Computers.com....................... 20 Gardens: Credit Crunch Gardening..................................... 22 Help for You: Parchment Law................................................ 28 Looking Back: What on Earth happened in September 1977............... 30 Health: Your Guide to Heart Health................................... 34 Technology: Pick a side: Apple or Android?.................... 42 Recipe: Courgette Quiche....................................................... 44 Legal Eagle: Don’t get caught out with a second-hand car........48/49 Puzzles: Tickle the Old Grey Matter.................................. 52 Around the World with Henry Hedgehog....................... 54 Beer of the Month...................................................................... 56 Motoring: Mitsubishi PHEV.................................................... 62 Confessions of a Cat Sitter..................................................... 64 RSPCA: Do you love cats?........................................................ 68 Marjorie Nash Cat Rescue....................................................... 69 Charity: Macmillan Ball............................................................. 70 Charity: Life’s An Event............................................................ 71 CAB: Power cut compensation advice column.............. 73 Useful Numbers........................................................................... 73
T: 0800 990 3157 | M: 07549 629 531 E: info@gxpublishing.co.uk Produced by White Leaf Design neil@wleaf.co.uk 4
September 2014
Local Clubs, Groups and Classes.................................... 74-77 Index of Advertisers.................................................................. 78 Solutions to Puzzles.................................................................. 78
GERRARDS CROSS LOCAL
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September 2014 5
L SPECIAL
The myths that just won’t die!
Y
ou would imagine in the 21st century, with the internet at our fingertips, we’d all be wise to the old wives’ tales and myths that are bandied around. But no, sometimes it takes a little longer for us to absorb and accept that all is not as we’ve long believed. You shouldn’t put bananas in the fridge There’s a small element of truth in this in that if you put unripe bananas in the fridge, the cold kills the enzymes that makes them ripen and they’ll stay green even when removed. However if you put bananas in the fridge once they are fully yellow, they’ll stay edible for up to four days longer than if left at room temperature. The skin may discolour, but the flesh inside will stay white. You should feed a cold and starve a fever This is an expression misquoted: it was originally “Feed a cold, stave a fever”, suggesting that by eating well you will recover from your cold more quickly. And the correct version has some truth in that giving your body the energy and vitamins to fight a virus is beneficial. But that same benefit applies even when you have a fever, although you may feel less inclined to eat. 6
September 2014
You need to drink 8 glasses of water a day Even if you still believe this, chances are you aren’t following the advice. In reality you will take in a considerable amount of water in your food and in other drinks. Although you might think that tea and coffee are diuretic, they do actually count toward our overall water intake. In general if you drink enough so that you rarely feel thirsty, you’ll be fine. The Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from space Not only are there many other objects visible from space, but the Great Wall is actually really difficult to see. It is after all of a similar material and colour to the land around it, so it is not easy to pick out. There are many other man-made objects visible though, including the pyramids in Egypt and major cities, particularly at night. Carrots will help you see at night It’s not that carrots aren’t good for you, but eating them will not improve your day or night vision unless you are deficient in vitamin A. The myth is believed to come from the Second World War when the MOD had a technology which enabled their pilots to pinpoint enemy bombers at night. Somehow the
public picked up the idea that this success was due to their pilots eating lots of carrots. As carrots weren’t rationed, the Ministry of Food didn’t rush to debunk the myth and it still hangs around to this day. More info: www. thecarrotmuseum.co.uk. Cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis When someone cracks their knuckles, the noise comes from bubbles of air and gas bursting inside the joint. However in all the research tests conducted, not a single knuckle-cracker studied, later developed arthritis. It could lead to other problems later in life though, like a decrease in flexibility and ligament damage. Saturated fat is really bad for your health We’ve been told for years that saturated fat increases our total cholesterol and chance of heart disease and a stroke. But a 2010 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that there wasn’t proof of this correlation. Heart disease and obesity are caused by inactivity, trans fats, refined carbs, and overeating — but not specifically saturated fat. L
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September 2014 xx
L GERRARDS CROSS LOCAL Do you require a Reliable and Professional
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September 2014
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Buy to Let – Limited Company vs Personal Buy to Let – Ltd. Company vs Personal Ownership : A Common Conundrum Ownership: a common conundrum Are you thinking of buying a property and wondering what the pros and cons are of buying it individually or setting up a limited company and purchasing it through there? “This has to be the most popular and number one question that I am being asked” says Steve Cook, Taxation Specialist Partner at local Gerrards Cross based Chartered Accountants. The following identify a number of issues which should enable you to proceed one way or another depending on how you answer them: Finance to purchase - If you are needing to purchase using loan finance, will a mortgage company lend to your limited company rather than yourself? If so, will they charge you a penal rate? Annual profit - Are you intending to make an annual profit over and above costs (such as mortgage interest) from the rental? If so,
and your tax rate, taking account of other income such as earnings etc is more than 20%, you may be tempted to use a limited company to gain corporate rates of 20%. The possible trap, however, is that if you subsequently need to withdraw funds from the company, particularly if you drew it as salary, you could actually be worse off than owning a property in your own name.
Income for future purchases - Do you intend to build up surplus income to use to put down as deposits on future property purchases? If this is one of your intentions and you are also a higher rate tax payer at 40% or 45%, then there is a clear advantage to using a limited company as its tax rate is only 20% and therefore 80% of any profit can be reused to purchase future property, rather than what is left after your personal tax rates.
Short/medium term selling on of purchase - Are you intending to sell any / all of the properties in the short to medium term (say, in less than eight years?). If so, then it is probably better to own the property personally as you will receive an annual capital gains tax exemption (doubled if you and your partner own the property) as well as the tax rate of the maximum currently 28%. The problem with owning property in a company, if you intend to sell in the short to medium term, is that whilst you may have saved income tax, if you wish to extract the funds, you will have to pay capital gains tax within the company (albeit there is still indexation within companies), but will then have to pay tax either on a dividend/salary or as a capital gain on winding up the company, a double tax charge! Assuming property prices do rise, this is clearly a significant disadvantage if your investment strategy is short to medium term. Long term planning ownership - If your strategy is long term / retirement planning, then a limited company may well work in your
favour. Building up a property portfolio that generates a surplus income means that you could pay out dividends to you and your partner of circa £35,000 each, ignoring any other income once you have retired with only an effective 20% tax rate having been paid on those funds. There would be no further tax in your hands. Indeed, many people regard their retirement planning as being a mixture of traditional pensions as well as a property portfolio.
Estate/Inheritance Tax Planning - Multiple ownership of property beyond a couple becomes very complex. Where a property portfolio is being built, owning properties under one single company and planning with the shares in that company can be a lot more straightforward if, for instance you wished to pass on a small fraction of value to family members or create tax efficient structures using Trusts during your life time or through your Will. Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) - This can be both a positive or negative use of companies. Some suggest that there is a market for
well run property investment companies with property portfolios such that you would sell in due course the whole portfolio by way of a share sale which attracts stamp duty at ½% as opposed to stamp duty land tax, these days, anything up to 7%. These also avoid the “Double tax trap”. Others suggest that, in practice, there is a much more limited market for purchase of property companies than there is individual properties and that therefore this is more a theoretical than practical saving.
As can be seen from the above, there are many angles to consider when deciding whether you own an investment property personally or through a limited company.
To discuss this further or to talk to one of our specialist tax experts call 01753 888211 or visit us at www.nhllp.com To advertise please call 0800 990 3157 / 07549 629 531 or email info@gxpublishing.co.uk
September 2014 9
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Huge reductions / Up to 75% off RRP New stock added weekly
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24/06/2014 15:46
St Mary’s School Gerrards Cross Independent Day School for Girls 3 to 18
Open Day Saturday 11 October 2014 10am - 12.30pm Headmistress’ Address 11am Or viewings by appointment with Registrar
94 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, Bucks SL9 8JQ registrar@st-marys.bucks.sch.uk
01753 883370 www.stmarysschool.co.uk
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September 2014 11
L HELP FOR YOU
Overdrafts
A
n overdraft is a debt like any other; if you don’t manage it, it will spiral out of control. While there are methods to cut the cost, they’re often far less talked about than the common techniques for cutting credit card bills – but are just as important. In a nutshell your aim should be to cut the cost and repay what you owe. Here are my tips on how… Get paid £100 to take a free overdraft. There are two big players who offer decent deals for those with overdrafts who switch account. Though you’ll need to pass their credit score. Move to www.firstdirect.com, which is the No. 1 rated bank for customer service (92% of my web users rated it ‘great’) and you get an ongoing £250 overdraft. Crucially, it also gives you £100 sign-up bonus, which you should put straight towards your debt. To get it you’ll need to pay in your salary, or income, which must be at least £1,000 a month. Alternatively, for a potentially larger 0% overdraft there’s the www.nationwide.co.uk FlexDirect account. Yet it only gives you this overdraft for the first year, so ensure you use that time to clear the debt as it is subsequently 50p a day.
12 September 2014
Shift your overdraft to a 31 month 0% card. While you may have heard of credit card debtshifting deals called ‘balance transfers’, a few cards also offer a ‘money transfer’, whereby they simply make a deposit into your bank account, so you can then pay off your overdraft, meaning you then owe that deposit instead. This is a good option if you have a bigger overdraft and will need more than a year to repay it. My top pick card right now is www. mbna.co.uk, which lets accepted customers do it at 0% for 31 months for a one-off 4% fee (just 2.88% for normal balance transfers). However, it’s credit score-dependent, so use the www. mse.me/eligibility tool which will show you which money transfer cards you have the best chance of getting. If you are doing a money transfer, do follow these golden rules: a) Don’t assume all cards do this, most charge a fortune. b) Always repay the monthly minimum or you’ll lose the 0% deal. c) Plan to clear by the end of the 0% period or it jumps to the full rate - with MBNA that’s 22.9% rep APR.
d) If you’re unsure of what you’re doing use the stepby-step help in www.mse.me/ moneytransfers. Manage your way back into credit. Cutting the cost of your overdraft isn’t the end game, you should aim to always be in credit (or at least always within your overdraft when there’s no cost). To help, do ask companies you pay to shift direct debits to near the end of your working month. If paid on the 25th, aim for the 20th. This artificially boosts your balance so you’re in the red less - but don’t spend the cash. Moving bill dates cuts fees, but won’t tackle the overdraft. So sit down and do a budget to find out where you can cut back. Organise incoming cash and move it into bill pots at the start of the month so you’re not tempted to spend unnecessarily; it’s called piggybanking. Use this technique to make payments - eg, £100 a month - to your overdraft, treating it like any other bill. Use my free automated budget planner to help at www. budgetbrain.com. Use savings if possible. Having overdrafts and savings isn’t sensible. Think about it: a £1,000 overdraft at £20 a month equals £240 a year, but the same in easy
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HELP FOR YOU access savings, after tax, earns a paltry £13 at best. So repay debt with savings and you’re £229 per £1,000 up each year. Once the overdraft’s paid off, you can save more freely. You may think: ‘But I’ll have no savings if the boiler packs up or the roof falls in.’ True, but in an emergency, access the overdraft you’ve paid off again and you’ll be no worse off. To beat the fear of being without savings, read www.mse.me/repaydebts.
of it for reducing overdrafts. The technique is you do your normal, budgeted, day-to-day spending on the card up to the credit limit, instead of from your bank account. This builds up the debt on the card, but allows your overdraft to be repaid by your income. Do ensure you can make monthly repayments to clear the card before the 0% ends though, or the rate jumps to 34.9% representative APR.
Poor credit? Get 0% respite from bank charges. The options above won’t help if your score is poor, but there is one card that offers 0% on spending until October, even for those with a poor credit history. The www.luma.co.uk card accepts some with CCJs or defaults over a year old to get it. Now, as this isn’t a debt-shifting card, you have to play clever and be disciplined to take advantage
“I got £1,560 in unfair bank charges back.” If you have an overdraft the nightmare scenario is exceeding your limits and you are getting stung with bank charges – these transaction fees can be £6 per day or up to £25 per transaction. Get it wrong and they can add up to £100s or £1,000s a year. Do everything you can to avoid them and communicate with the bank if there’s no
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solution. However, if you are or have been hit, do remember that reports of the death of unfair bank charges reclaiming have been exaggerated. Admittedly now it’s mainly for those where charges put you into financial hardship, yet some do get money back, Alice emailed me to say: “I sent your template... a day later the bank refunded £1,560. Thanks.” For full help and template letters on how to reclaim bank charges for free,see www.mse.me/ bankcharges. In dire straits? If the debts are all too much for you, it’s worth considering non-profit debt help from agencies like www.stepchange.org, www. citizensadvice.org.uk, and www. nationaldebtline.org. Don’t be afraid to speak to them, they’re there to help, not to judge. L @moneysavingexpert
Sunday 14th September 2014 Pre-register for entry into our Champagne prize draw
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Saying “I do” in later life Recently released statistics reveal that an increasing number of so-called "baby boomers" are marrying after the age of 65. According to information from the Office for National Statistics, 25% more men and 20% more women are now saying “I do” as they reach their retirement years and one in 10 of over 65s is marrying for the first time. Family lawyer Laura McSherry, says while cupid’s arrow may strike a little later for some, others are likely to be marrying for more practical reasons.
“It may be that this trend is driven by increased life expectancy and the desire to share the years of retirement with a spouse. But while the majority are likely to marry for conventional reasons, it can’t go unnoticed that being married is much more advantageous when it comes to tax planning and avoiding paying inheritance tax (IHT).” Laura explains that assets that pass on death to a spouse are exempt from IHT, and the IHT allowance, currently set at £325,000, is still available to pass assets to others. Additionally, if not all of a deceased spouse's allowance is used, the remaining can be utilised by the surviving spouse, and so increase the amount that the surviving spouse can leave before incurring a liability to IHT. She says older couples who marry are likely to have a more realistic and pragmatic view of married life, especially those who have been
married before and have children from a previous relationship. “They will often consider, at the time of their marriage, what would happen to the assets they built up prior to meeting their intended future spouse if things do not work out,” she continued. “This is especially important if there are children from an earlier relationship as they will often want to safeguard resources for their own offspring.” She recommends considering a pre-nuptial agreement specifying what should happen in the event of the relationship breaking down and says this can also help a couple to avoid the indignity of a squabble and potentially protracted court proceedings about who gets what. Although pre-nuptial agreements are not legally binding in this country, Laura says considerable weight is given to them and, even
where an agreement cannot be upheld in its entirety, a judge is required to make an award as close as possible to the terms of the agreement in order to meet the claimant spouse's needs. When drawing up a pre-nuptial agreement there are strict criteria to be met, including ensuring that no undue influence is used on either party. Full and detailed consideration also needs to be given to the terms of the agreement, to ensure it will meet both parties' needs in the event of divorce and separation, while still protecting each spouse's own resources. The family team at Gerrards Cross law firm B P Collins has a wealth of experience on the topic and Laura says if you’re planning a wedding and want advice on a pre-nuptial agreement, it’s essential to seek expert advice well in advance of the big day.
To talk to your local legal experts call 01753 889995 or visit www.bpcollins.co.uk 14 September 2014
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September 2014 15
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16 September 2014
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RR E S S I I DD E EN NT TI AI LA LC LCE LA EN AI NN GI N G R E S I D E N T I A L C L E A N I N G
Your Professional, Reliable and Trustworthy Cleaning Service Your Professional, Reliable and Trustworthy Cleaning Service
Window & Gutter Cleaning Solar Panel Cleaning Conservatory Cleaning Carpet Cleaning End of Tenancy Cleaning For on 01494 07738 956 051 986 278 Forquotes quotesand and bookings bookings call call Steve Steve on Email Email--steve@ryemeadcleaning.co.uk steve@ryemeadcleaning.co.uk
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September 2014 17
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Amazing Dentures Eat, Talk, Smile We can help you live life to the full once again with our beautiful, tailor made dentures. Andrew Dougan is a highly qualified Clinical Dental Technician who has been dedicated to bespoke denture creations since 1989.
• True life teeth & latest materials • Repairs & alterations • Cosmetic denture enhancements • Denture problem solving • FREE car park
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01628 269978 or
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17 Straight Bit, Flackwell Heath, Bucks HP10 9LS Andrew Dougan Dip CDT RCS (ENG) RDT GDC No. 162175
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18 September 2014
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Colt/Hawtree 18 hole course .9 hole academy .Competitive green fees Fully stocked pro shop .Golf membership & season tickets available Golf lessons & coaching Corporate and private function room hire .Excellent conference facilities
Monday Madness
Just £50 - Fourball with Tea/Coffee and Bacon Roll Valid Monday anytime Throughout September 2014 Quote GOLF10 - booking is essential Call 01753 643332 for details
Wedding Fair - Sunday 19th Oct In the stunning Oak Room, 11am - 4pm
Let us help you with your special day Come and see a number of exhibitors offering a wide range of wedding services. No need to book Call 01753 643335 for details
Website: www.thesouthbuckinghamshire.co.uk Tel: 01753 643332 E-mail: GolfEnquiries@southbucks.gov.uk The South Buckinghamshire, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Bucks, SL2 4PJ The South Buckinghamshire Academy, Stoke Road, Stoke Poges, SL2 4LN To advertise please call 0800 990 3157 / 07549 629 531 or email info@gxpublishing.co.uk
September 2014 19
L HELP FOR YOU
Why has my PC become so slow?
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t is a common grievance: the shiny new computer you bought not that long ago (or so it seems) now takes an age to start up and seems slower every time you use it. Why does this happen? There are a number of reasons and they tend to fall into a few categories. If your computer is more than five years old it might be struggling to cope with the demands of modern applications, particularly if it is running ‘XP’ or ‘Vista’.
20 September 2014
Whatever their age, all PCs accumulate junk files during use and these can gradually cause a deterioration in performance. But the most common reason is a build-up of ‘malware’ – a catch-all term encompassing any application running on your PC without your permission and hogging system resources. Most anti-virus programs keep the worst of these at bay, but you might be surprised at how much gets past them.
Having a professional evaluation and resolution will breathe new life into all but the oldest of systems and will ensure you get the most from your computer. L
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THE URBAN LANDSCAPE COMPANY Garden Design to Construction Traditional to Contemporary
07956 452 683 • 01923 824 188 The Urban Landscape Company is a family run business based in
Northwood, Middlesex.
We have over 50 years of experience in Landscaping and strive to provide a quality customer service delivered to the highest standard. We are trained to the highest of standards and always offer the best competitive prices. We take great pride in our work, so you can rest assured that you’ll receive nothing but an honest and reliable service. WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: • • • • • • • • • •
Paving Decking Large-scale planting Turfing Fencing Water features Irrigation systems Land clearance Outdoor lighting Arbours
• • • • • • • • •
Patios Decking Driving projects Trellising Ponds Drainage systems Garden clearance Pergolas Freestanding structures
39 Ashurst Close, Northwood, Middlesex HA6 1EL E:info@theurbanlandscapecompany.co.uk
www.theurbanlandscapecompany.co.uk 07956 452 683 / 01923 824 188
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Credit Crunch Gardening L
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f you feel that your garden has become an expensive hobby, check out my top tips for CreditCrunch Gardening. • Apply for an allotment. An allotment opens up a whole new opportunity to grow almost unlimited food at very little cost, get exercise without paying for the gym, and learn a lot from your neighbouring plot holders. • Gardeners are a very generous bunch, so don’t feel embarrassed to ask friends, neighbours, or fellow allotmenteers for cuttings or seedlings of plants that you have admired. It is part of what gardening is all about. • Collect softish, deciduous leaves to make free soil improver. Just make a ‘cage’ from galvanised wire with posts at the corners or cram the leaves into bin liners and make a few punctures. • Make the most of every bit of fruit and veg that your garden or allotment produces. Make jams, chutneys, jellies and of course bottle or freeze just about anything else. • Make your own wasp trap. Use a jam jar part filled with stale jam, mixed with water and topped with tin foil with a few holes in it made using a pencil. 22 September 2014
• Many local councils offer really good value composters and compost bins. Better still, if you’re at all handy with the hammer and nails, create your own from old pallets or floor boards. • Fill a flowerbed with colour by sowing it with hardy annual seeds – some can be collected from existing plants, others from packet seed, often at under £1 per packet. • Ask your local pub to give you any stale beer from the driptrays and use it as slug bait. Use an old plastic beaker part filled with beer and placed so that the rim is about 1cm above soil level in a slug and snail prone area. • Enjoy some wild food. Many garden plants are edible, and don’t forget the old favourites such as hedgerow blackberries great for crumble, stewed with some apple or for making into bramble jelly. • Many fruits sold in the supermarket come in smart, clear-plastic trays, which can be used as miniature seed trays, and most even come with a clear plastic top, the perfect mini-propagator lid. • Growing your own vegetables really can save you a packet. Right now you can order in seed for crops, and onion sets
Pippa Greenwood
and garlic for crops early next summer. Then early in the year start planting potatoes and sowing seed. • Look after your garden tools. Store them in a dry shed or garage, wipe over any metal parts with an oily rag to keep rust at bay and they’ll last years longer. • Invest in a few raspberry canes. This has to be the best money saving crop, as they are expensive in the shops. Once established autumn fruiting varieties yield heavy crops and can give you ‘posh’ fruit....for just pennies. • The garden furniture is probably the most costly item in your garden and statistics show it’s what gardeners spend most money on replacing. Remove washable seat-pads and cushions first, wash and dry these and then cover the furniture up or move it into a shed or garage if possible. L Visit Pippa’s website
www.pippagreenwood.com for
a great range of gardening products including Pippa’s favourite weeder, Nemaslug, Nemasys caterpillar, slug, ant and other biological controls, Enviromesh & Envirofleece and lots more besides.
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September 2014 23
L GERRARDS CROSS LOCAL
Giving talented children a head start to a successful future
Tring Park for young people with outstanding talent in Ballet, Dance, Drama, Musical Theatre and Music Co-educational boarding and day school for children from age 8 – 19 Outstanding academic education to A Level
OPEN DAYS 3, 9 & 10 OCTOBER To book: www.tringpark.com/opendays Tel. 01442 821516 www.tringpark.com info@tringpark.com or tel. 01442 824255 Photo: Brian O’Carroll 24 September 2014
Registered charity no. 1040330
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Fine and Country Gardens Landscaping
We offer a full range of landscaping services including: Paths and Patios in all types of stone, Resin Bound surfaces including soft play, all aspects of Fencing, Lawns laid, Planting and much more. Maintenance In addition to our landscaping services we also offer full Garden Maintenance including: grass cutting, hedge cutting, border care, shaping and pruning, leaf sweeping and pressure washing. Call us on: 01753 663055 / 07712 444976 Email us at: info@fineandcountrygardens.co.uk View us at: www.fineandcountrygardens.co.uk
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September 2014 25
L GERRARDS CROSS LOCAL
26 September 2014
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September 2014 27
L HELP FOR YOU
Is it a matter of life or death?.......... W e all go about our daily lives doing all the usual day-to-day activities. We shop for our food and clothes, we pay our bills and we pay our taxes and insurances. We make sure that our homes and possessions are insured, likewise our cars, and most people insure their lives – so that their loved ones will receive some benefit when they pass away to help ease potential financial problems at that stressful time of bereavement.
But surprisingly, statistically most of us do not bother to make a Will, or plan for the future of our family who will inevitably be suffering the loss at some point in time. We have heard many reasons for this omission from ‘I’m too young’ – ‘I’m not planning to die yet’ (apart from suicides, who does – but every day in the newspapers
we all read about accidents and other tragedies that happen to others) – ‘I might be tempting fate if I make a Will’ – ‘My wife/husband will get it all anyway’ – I don’t understand all that legal jargon - and the most common one – ‘I know I need to do it but I just haven’t got round to it yet’.
Well, there are lots of reasons why you should ‘get round to it’. Ensuring your money goes to the people of your choice; deciding who will look after your young children if they are orphaned; setting up Trusts to mitigate potential Inheritance Tax and Care fees in the future; preserving wealth for the future generations of your family; making specific gifts to family, friends and charities – and there are others.
PARCHMENT PARCHMENT LAW GROUP LLP Solicitors We specialise in:-
• Will Writing • Inheritance Tax Planning • Probate - Estate Administration • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Later Life Planning
It doesn’t have to be a daunting process, but it can be a very worthwhile one and a good exercise in getting your house in order. Setting aside a little time to have a face-to-face meeting with a professional is all it takes to start the process. At Parchment we
will guide you through every step of the way and explain matters in plain English, not jargon, so that you understand the documents you are signing.
An appointment with Parchment means that you will get comprehensive advice on all matters that are relevant to you, from a simple Will to more complex Trust arrangements. We can also advise on the need for Lasting Powers of Attorney to help make life easier for your family if you were to lose mental capacity. And if you are sadly bereaved when a member of your family or close friend passes away, we can help ease the burden of administering their Estate if you want us to, so that you have peace of mind that everything has been dealt with properly. So if you are one of those people who ‘hasn’t got round to it yet’ or perhaps did make a Will many years ago and may not realise that it is probably now out of date because your circumstances have changed, put it on your ‘to do’ list, along with your shopping list and make a phone call to arrange an appointment. Putting this particular aspect of your life in order is one of the best ways of achieving peace of mind for your family and loved ones. L
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Call us now on: 01753 890023 enquiries@parchmentlawgroup.co.uk www.parchmentlawgroup.co.uk Gerrards House, 13-19 Station Road Gerrards Cross, Bucks SL9 8ES
For further information or to book an appointment, please contact us. Parchment Law Group LLP Tel: 01753 890023 www.parchmentlawgroup.co.uk enquiries@parchmentlawgroup.co.uk
Parchment Law Group LLP. Registered in England & Wales No. OC370598 Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No. 568136
28 September 2014
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Licensed Private Hire Company Airports-London-Local 62A Packhorse Road Gerrards Cross, Bucks SL9 8EF T: 01753-887744 / 01753-668978 E: bookings@gx-cars.co.uk • W: www.gx-cars.co.uk
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September 2014 29
L LOOKING BACK
What on Earth happened in…
September 1977
T
he Round Oval is a lake within the grounds of Althorp Park, in Nottinghamshire. There is an island in the lake and this idyllic setting was chosen as the last resting place of Diana, Princess of Wales.
She was clothed in a longsleeved black dress, which she had chosen just weeks previously, and in her hands was placed a string of rosary beads, a present from her friend, Mother Teresa. The burial took place on September 6th 1997. 5th: Just a day before the burial Mother Teresa, an Albanian missionary who had become an Indian citizen in 1948, died following a long history of heart problems.
L
Patrick Cousins
20th: The citizens of Newport Pagnell voted for independence. OK, I made that one up. 22nd: Elton John released Candle In The Wind 1997 as the B side of Something About The Way You Look Tonight. After being asked by Diana’s family to sing at her funeral he had asked his song-writing partner, Bernie Taupin, to re-write the lyrics of the Marilyn Monroe tribute song. It entered the UK charts at No. 1 and was also top of many charts around the world, becoming the second highestselling single in music history, after Bing Crosby’s White Christmas.
18th: Wales voted for devolution and the formation of a National Assembly for Wales. 19th: A passenger train collided with a goods train in Southall, just west of London, killing six people and injuring over 160.
30 September 2014
The average price of a house was £92,000. Petrol cost about 58p per litre.
Three of the best-selling singles were:
11th: After 290 years of union Scotland voted for a devolved parliament within the UK. 15th: Oprah Winfrey announced that she would continue her show through to the year 2000. Phew!
damage was being inspected an aftershock caused its partial collapse, killing four of those present.
Something About The Way You Look Tonight/ Candle In The Wind Elton John Stand By Me Oasis 25th: Britain’s Andy Green set a new record of 714 mph for a jet-powered car. 26th: Two earthquakes, in quick succession, struck in Italy, causing widespread damage to buildings in Assisi, including the Basilica of St Francis. The remains of the saint are interred here in the crypt and while the
Sunchyme Danio G Patrick D Cousins’ Short Shorts, a collection of short stories, is available on Amazon at £1.99. Rainbows, Dreams and Angels is on sale at Gerrards Cross Bookshop for £6.99 L
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September 2014 31
L GERRARDS CROSS LOCAL
Stay in the home you love • Flexible & tailored care around the clock • Care and housekeeping in your own home the way you like it • Peace of mind for yourself or a loved-one • Established 27 years • Friendly, trained and dedicated carers
Call now for helpful advice Tel: 01494 678811
Chester House, 9 Windsor End Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2JJ
www.universal-care.co.uk
32 September 2014
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September 2014 33
L HEALTH
Your Guide to Heart Health L
Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
T
he British Heart Foundation estimates that around 82,000 people in England suffer a heart attack annually; one in three die before reaching hospital and around half of the survivors are under 75. So it’s vital we look after our hearts – and that we can recognise the symptoms of a heart attack.
Keeping your heart healthy Diet Keep it balanced. Avoid high sugar and high fat foods, and eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and several sources of protein (meat, eggs, dairy products, fish, legumes and pulses). Choose wholegrain carbohydrates (pasta, bread, rice).
start small and find an exercise you enjoy.
Symptoms of heart attacks Heart attacks don’t always present with sudden intense chest pain. Sometimes symptoms can be mild and build gradually, particularly in diabetics, or come and go. Although chest pain is the most common symptom, more than a third of sufferers don’t experience it. Chest pain (often a squeezing sensation or fullness, which may linger or come and go) Dizziness or light-headedness
Alcohol Alcohol can damage heart muscle and cause abnormal rhythms. Stick to the recommended maximum safe limits: men, 3-4 units per day (21 per week); women 2 – 3 per day (14 per week). 1 unit = 1 small bottle of (4%) alcopop; half a pint of beer/ lager/cider (4%); a single measure of spirits (40%).
Sweating (normally a cold sweat)
2 units = 1 standard 175ml glass of wine/champagne (12%); 1 pint 4% beer/lager/cider; a double measure of spirits.
Severe fatigue
Smoking Smokers are twice as likely to have heart attacks, so quit or at least cut down. Ask your doctor for advice or order The British Heart Foundation’s guide, ‘Time to Quit’, for free at http://bit.ly/1ltpgIc. Exercise Ideally we should do 150 minutes of exercise weekly that raises our heart rate keeping our cardiovascular system healthy. If you don’t exercise, 34 September 2014
Shortness of breath Nausea or vomiting Pain elsewhere (usually jaw, neck, back, left arm or abdomen) Heartburn Coughing or wheezing
Overwhelming anxiety
Heart attack symptoms in women Women may experience all these symptoms or none, but they’re more likely to experience the less common symptoms: pain in other areas (particularly the upper back), shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and unusual tiredness (sometimes for days). Without chest pain, they may not realise they’re having a heart attack.
What to do when a heart attack occurs Don’t panic, but do act swiftly. If in doubt, always call 999. If you’re an angina sufferer, the NHS recommend taking your glyceryl trinitrate (‘GTN’) tablets or spray and repeating the dose 5 minutes later, then 5 minutes later again, if there’s no improvement. Phone 999 immediately if the pain doesn’t improve. The NHS recommends that people who suspect they’re having a heart attack should chew and swallow one aspirin (300mg) tablet, providing they’re not aspirin-allergic, to thin the blood and maintain blood supply to the heart. If you’re the patient: Move as little as necessary and call an ambulance. Take an aspirin if it’s nearby – but don’t exert yourself to reach it. If you’re attending the patient: Phone the ambulance immediately. If the patient isn’t aspirin-allergic, give them an aspirin – providing it’s nearby. Keeping your heart healthy is one of the most important things you can do – but ensuring you can recognise and deal with a heart attack is vital too. L
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Exceptional Care Beautiful Homes
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Mulberry Court new boutique care home
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The Fremantle Trust is a company limited by guarantee (Company Number: 2722437). A registered for profi t organisation. (Registration NumberSeptember 1014986). 2014 xx To advertise please callcharity 0800 990and 3157not / 07549 629 531 or email info@gxpublishing.co.uk
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Dr Ben Boulter MSc, DC Dr Rachel Thorogood MSc, DC
b2:
discusses...
6 Vital Points About Children & Back Pain
Children are developing back problems at an Make sure your child... increasing rate these days, and this is largely Has a back pack / rucksack that they due to their sedentary lifestyles. Too much time spent sitting leads to joints stiffening up, carry on two shoulders to school. muscles tightening and the tissues becoming Has only essential items in their bag to inflamed, just as they do in adults. Not enough exercise is a big problem for children limit its weight. as well, both at school and at home, not only Has the correct footwear. because of resultant obesity but because of the muscle weakness, the lack of fitness and Doesn’t sit for long periods at a time. the associated poor posture that it causes. Exercises regularly.
1. 2.
3. 4. 5. 6. Has their computer in the right position,
Inactivity and prolonged sitting can cause stiffness in anyone, but that coupled with a as well as a good supportive chair. slouched posture that most children assume at their desks at school and in front of the television, causes the spine to be in an unnatural position and puts strain on its tissues. Headaches are a very common consequence of a neck problem, which we treat regularly in children of all ages and is an increasing complaint. The demands of having to carry heavy school bags can contribute to a back problem, particularly if the bag is not the right sort or isn’t being used properly.
Massage & Acupuncture also available Chalfont Leisure Centre Nicol Road Chalfont St Peter Bucks, SL9 9LR
01753 893383 reception@b2chalfontchiropractic.com www.b2chalfontchiropractic.com
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September 2014 37
L GERRARDS CROSS LOCAL
38 September 2014
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COMPLETE INSTALLATION SERVICE AVAILABLE
KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • BEDROOMS
At European Bathrooms we not only supply and fit sophisticated high quality Bathrooms, we also have an exciting range of Kitchens and Bedrooms.
t: 01753 865 050 e: info@ebltd.co.uk www.europeanbathrooms.com www.europeankitchens.co.uk
Why not pop into our showroom for some inspiration or call us to arrange 31 King Edward Court, Goswell Road, your free design visit. Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1TG September 2014 39 To advertise please call 0800 990 3157 / 07549 629 531 or email info@gxpublishing.co.uk
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September 2014 xx
L TECHNOLOGY
Pick a side: Apple or Android? Is Apple where it’s at, or are Android gadgets better buys?
A
pple is due to launch the latest, greatest iPhone this September along with iOS 8, the latest version of its smartphone and tablet software. The phone will have a bigger screen and a better camera, but one thing won’t change: like all Apple gadgets, it won’t be cheap.
Apple isn’t the only game in town, though. Google’s Android system has been updated too, and Android phones and tablets from the likes of Samsung, HTC, LG and Sony are often just as pretty and just as powerful as anything Apple makes - and in many cases they’re a good bit cheaper too. Android isn’t quite as simple or as elegant as Apple’s iOS, but there’s not much in it - and where Apple only makes a handful of devices, with Android there are dozens of phones and tablets to choose from. Unless you’re a big Apple fan then, is Android the smarter choice? Unfortunately it’s a bit more complicated than that.
Apple and Google don’t just want to be your friend when you buy a phone or a tablet. They want to be part of your entire life. They want to be the companies from whom you buy your music, movies, TV programmes and books, the companies who provide your in-car entertainment and navigation systems, the companies who handle all your messages, voice and video calls, the companies who connect all of the appliances in your home and who track your health and fitness. By the end of this year both firms will have smart watches or wristbands that monitor your vital signs, set-top boxes that stream music and video to your TV, software that connects to cars from the likes of Volvo, Nissan, Audi and Mercedes, music and movie streaming services and home automation systems - and that’s just the stuff we know about.
Both Apple (pictured) and Google have TV set-top boxes
Car firms are embracing smartphone tech: this is Apple CarPlay 42 September 2014
This means you need to consider the bigger picture. It’s not just about the particular phone or tablet you want to buy, but what techy types call the ecosystem: the various things that the phone or tablet connects to and gets
Fancy a smart watch? Android ones work best with Android phones.
content from. For example, if you fancy Apple’s clever Apple TV system, you won’t get the best from it unless you also have an Apple phone or tablet; if you want to use an Android smart watch, it’ll work best with an Android phone; if you’re a fan of iTunes Match you can’t use it on Android, and so on. Consider what your friends, family and colleagues use. Apple’s iMessage offers free SMS and MMS messages (and soon, voice messages too), but only to other iMessage users - and iMessage isn’t available on Android. FaceTime offers free video calling, but it can’t call Android users (although Google’s alternative, Hangouts, does work on Apple devices. As a rule of thumb Google services work on Apple kit but not vice-versa.
Apple family sharing only works on Apple devices.
Increasingly, then, choosing a phone or tablet is more like picking a football team to support or voting for a political party: the available choices all do essentially the same thing, but they do it in very different ways - and your choice might colour your life for many years to come. L
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A more caring approach to care at home. Have you ever wondered if there’s an alternative to residential or respite care for a loved one? With EdenCare there is. We offer quality care at home for you, or your loved one, whether a child, young adult or an elderly person. We are a local and independent provider of care and understand the importance of choice. If you would like further details of our individually tailored care-at-home packages please contact us for a no obligation chat or visit our website.
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Tel. 01753 885556 www.EdenCareatHome.co.uk
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September 2014 43
L RECIPE
Courgette quiche
T
here’s an abundance of home grown courgettes in the shops at the moment – or you may have some growing in your garden. Make the most of them with this tasty quiche which can be served warm or cold.
Serves..................................... 6 Ready... in 1hour 20 mins plus chilling
Shopping List FOR THE PASTRY • 225g plain flour • 100g lightly salted butter, chilled and cubed • 1 medium egg yolk beaten FOR THE FILLING • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 courgettes, 1 sliced and 2 chopped • 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped • 75g mushrooms, thinly sliced • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 3 medium eggs • 150ml milk • 100ml crème fraiche • 50g mature Cheddar cheese, finely grated • 1 tomato, thinly sliced • 2 tsp dried Italian mixed herbs 44 September 2014
1 To make the pastry, sift the flour into a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt and the cubed butter and rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. 2 Add the egg yolk and 2-3 tbsp ice cold water and mix with a round bladed knife until the mixture begins to stick together, adding a little more water, if needed. Gather the mixture together with your hands and knead for just a few seconds on a lightly floured surface until just smooth. Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up. 3 Roll out the chilled pastry and use to line a 20cm round metal flan tin. Prick the pastry base all over with a fork and chill the in the fridge for 15 minutes. Line the pastry case with baking paper and fill with baking beans then bake blind on the hot baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. Remove the paper and beans and cook for a further 5 minutes until the pastry is pale golden. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4.
4 Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Heat half the oil in a large frying pan and fry the courgette slices for 1-2 minutes until just beginning to soften. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on kitchen paper. 5 Add the rest of the oil to the pan and fry the shallots, mushrooms and garlic for 5 minutes then add the chopped courgettes and fry for a further 1-2 minutes, stirring until just softened. 6 Spoon the courgette and mushroom mixture into the pastry case. Beat together the eggs, milk, crème fraiche and Cheddar and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Slowly pour into the pastry case over the courgette mixture. 7 Arrange the fried courgette slices and tomato slices on top of the filling and sprinkle with the Italian mixed herbs. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the filling is set and golden. Serve warm or cold with salad. Tip Add a handful of pine nuts when frying the shallots and mushrooms if liked or scatter some chopped walnuts over the filling before baking. L
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September 2014 45
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www.marieosborne.co.uk 46 September 2014
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[Date]
Would you and your family like to participate in the Children's Health Study? Here's how it works: 1. You — a parent, grandparent, or other adult in a child’s life — sign up as a Juice Plus+ customer.
2. The Study provides Juice Plus+ Orchard Blend and Juice Plus+ Garden Blend, free to your child between the ages of 4-21, for up to three years, so long as you continue to take Juice Plus+ too. 3. At various intervals, you will be asked to fill out a simple, voluntary survey to determine whether, (and how), you or the child's health habits have changed as a result of taking Juice Plus+
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Contact'Ma rie: Tel: 01207 545989 Mob: 0771 1 354491 Email: mari eosborne4 @sky.co
m
Summis:
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September 2014 47
L HELP FOR YOU
The Legal Eagle Dean Durham protects your rights
Don’t get caught out with a second-hand
O
ver the past few months I have received lots of emails from consumers who have had disasters with faulty second-hand cars. Before you buy a second-hand car here’s what you need to know: Who are you buying from? If you buy from a dealer you will have the full protection of the Sale of Goods Act, which provides that the car must be: · Of satisfactory quality; · Fit for purpose and roadworthy; and
· as described in the advertisement However, if you buy from a private individual the protection that you will get from the Sales of Goods Act is greatly reduced. Here the car only has to be as described in the advertisement and elsewhere by the seller. With this being the case if you buy from a private individual ask lots of questions about the car and insist that all of the answers are provided to you in writing, as this will extend the description of the car. 48 September 2014
Check the paperwork This is an essential part of the purchase as the car’s paperwork provides information on the history and ownership of the car. The Registration Document (V5) Check that the person selling the car is shown as the keeper of the car; The car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) shown on the V5 matches that on the actual car; The details on the V5 actually match the car (eg: colour); The V5 is an original and not a copy. MOT If the car is more than 3 years old it must have a valid MOT. As well as checking the actual certificate you can also check the car’s MOT history online using its registration (number plate) and either the MOT test number or the reference number from the V5C registration certificate. This will tell you the date of previous tests, the mileage readings at those tests and any reasons for failure.
car
Service History You should check the full service history of the car as this will give you an idea as to how well it has been maintained. This will also give you an indication as to whether the mileage displayed on the clock is correct. In addition to checking the paperwork it is advisable to carry out an independent check in relation to the car. You can also carry out a search on the DVLA website. Inspect the car Unless you really know your way around a car you should always get an independent mechanic to check the car for you. There are various national brands that can give the car a thorough health check for you at very reasonable prices and this will be money well spent. If you’re buying from a private individual insist on seeing the car at their house so that you have confirmation as to where they live.
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HELP FOR YOU Paying for the car If you are buying from a dealer the safest way to pay is by credit card. This will therefore give you the protection of section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This means that if anything goes wrong with the car and the dealer fails or refuses to help, you can claim your money back from the credit card company who then step in your shoes and deal with the dealer direct. If you pay by cash always get a receipt with a full description of what you have purchased, how much you have paid and what the date was. Problems with the car If the car develops problems after the purchase take it back immediately. Remember, if you
purchased from a dealer you have the right to a refund or repair if: · It turns out that the car is not of satisfactory quality; · The car is not fit for purpose or is not roadworthy; or · If you discover that the car is not as the dealer described it. If you purchased from a private individual your rights are limited and you will only be able to take it back if the description was misleading or simply incorrect. So, if the seller told you that the car had a brand new exhaust and it later turns out that this was not true you can claim a refund. Regardless of where you purchase the car from, it is a criminal offence to sell a car that is not roadworthy.
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Important things to keep As a lawyer I am always thinking about the worst-case scenario and when buying a car you should do the same. This means being prepared for things to go wrong. With this being the case always keep everything associated with the purchase, including: · A copy of the car advertisement and descriptions of the car given to you; and · A copy of all paperwork, including receipts. For more information visit Dean’s Website www.consumeruk.co.uk L
To advertise please call 0800 990 3157 / 07549 629 531 or email info@gxpublishing.co.uk
September 2014 49
L GERRARDS CROSS LOCAL
Don’t get steamed up leave it to... FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY including evenings
ironing
CALL 079321 55421
Established over 20 years • STILL ONLY £2 PER lb!
Our business is in creasing! 50 September 2014
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Your Hearing
L
In Safe Hands More Time Extra Care
THE BEST HEARING TECHNOLOGY Duncan & Kate Collet-Fenson work together with their experienced team to bring you the very best in hearing care
Amersham Beaconsfield Gerrards Cross Princes Risborough
SAFE WAX REMOVAL SERVICE EAR & NOISE PROTECTION CHILDREN’S HEARING SCREENING
Call for more information
01494 733840 www.astonhearing.co.uk
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September 2014 51
L PUZZLES
Tickle the old grey matter
4 words
OWHER
Sudoku
2 words
0.25 0.25
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9, with no repetition.
5 words
How many did you get right? Find the answers on page 78!
Across
1 In addition (4) 3 Greets (8) 9 Painful condition (7) 10 Childminder (5) 11 Developments (12) ss 14 Appropriate (3) 16 Braid hair (5) In addition (4) sport (3) 17 Winter 18 Purposefully (12) Greets (8) 21 Time-piece (5) 22 Distinctive Painful condition (7)(7) 23 Moving very fast (8) 24 Questions (4) Childminder (5)
ICK CROSSWORD
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Down
Developments (12) 1 From the United States (8)
RODER RODEO RODEM RODEE
Quick Crossword 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 9
10
11
12 13
14
15
16
17
2 Tantrum Appropriate (3) (5)
4 Used for seeing (3)
5 (5) Condensed (12) Braid hair
6 Parts of an hour (7) Winter sport (3) (4) 7 Speaks 8 Talented (12) Purposefully (12) 12 Delete (5) 13 Two Time-piece (5) wheeled vehicles (8) 15 Rigid support frame (7) 19 (7) Departs (5) Distinctive 20 In debt (4) Moving 22 very fast (8)(3) Male child
Questions (4) 52 September 2014
18
19
20 21
23
5 Condensed (12)
22
24
13 Two wheeled vehicles (8)
6 Parts ofPlease an mention hour (7) 15 when Rigid support frame (7) Gerrards Cross Local responding to adverts 7 Speaks (4)
19 Departs (5)
GERRARDS CROSS LOCAL
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September 2014 53
Find all the answers on page 78!
GERRARDS CROSS LOCAL
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13/09/14
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September 2014 55
L BEER OF THE MONTH
Beer of the Month
B
y the law of averages, there have to be some days in September that are warm.
But just because it’s sunny, your tipple doesn’t have to be lager. It could be a nicely chilled sauvignon blanc, or it could be... cider. And there are three sorts of cider. There are the big brands, which are fizzed up to within an inch of their lives, have precious little apple in them and, frankly, aren’t much like cider. Then
56 September 2014
L
by Ted Bruning
there’s still (or flat) farm cider, which can be absolute nectar or can be undrinkably oxidised and unbearably sour. Then there’s the crossovers – allapple ciders made on the farm but well-balanced, not too tannic, and acceptable to “real” cider nuts and ordinary human beings alike. Henney’s Dry from Herefordshire is a nice straw gold with a lot of bubbles. The aroma is very apple-y, with a slight hint of caramel. The flavour, again, is very apple-y, which is not as obvious as it might sound as ciders (like wines) don’t generally taste of the fruit
they’re made from. It’s a light cider which, served cold, is a good accompaniment to a nice day. Sheppy’s Dabinett from Somerset is made from a single apple variety (most ciders are blends). It’s paler than Henney’s, and less fizzy. The aroma is fresh but not especially fruity while the flavour is earthier, creamier, and a little more acidic. It finishes sharply, with dry tannin developing. A bit more authentic, perhaps. Beware, though – Henney’s is 6% abv and Sheppy’s is a whopping 7.3%. Sip, don’t glug! L
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September 2014 57
L GERRARDS CROSS LOCAL
58 September 2014
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September 2014 59
L GERRARDS CROSS LOCAL
60 September 2014
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September 2014 61
L MOTORING
Mitsubishi PHEV I
t’s not very often a car comes along with the promise of ‘changing the game’ – but that’s exactly what Mitsubishi believes its new plug-in hybrid Outlander will do. We took it for a spin on and off road to see if we can believe the hype. What is it? It’s an SUV with a seriously clever powertrain that combines a 2.0-litre petrol unit with battery technology. On pure electric the car can travel up to 32 miles, even at motorway speeds, and when the batteries are depleted an engine takes over to keep you motoring. All that clever technology has huge benefits too such as no road tax, Congestion Charge exemption, and just 5% BIK for company car drivers. But that’s not all – you get all this with NO price premium over the equivalent diesel model. That’s an industry first and to put it into perspective, Volvo’s plug-in hybrid V60 commands an £11,000 premium over the diesel. What’s under the bonnet? It’s not what’s under the bonnet that matters but what’s hidden in the floor; a wedge of batteries. As the plug-in name suggests you can top these up every night, for around £1, from a normal three-pin plug. If you do no more than 30-odd miles a day, and top the car up every night, you’ll never use the fuel in the tank. On those occasions when a longer trip needs to be made, you can use the electric range and then rely on the petrol unit to power the wheels, which in itself will do 48mpg. The 62 September 2014
switch between the two units is seamless. Officially the combined economy is 148mpg, but this will vary depending on where you use it and how often you charge the batteries. What’s the spec like? The bottom of the range model gets 18-inch alloys, cruise control, air-con, leather steering wheel, reversing camera, Bluetooth and a lot more. On higher spec models there’s a mobile phone App (Apple and Windows) that lets you change the heating settings, view current range and even operate the headlights and horn remotely. Also, it’s worth remembering this is a proper off-roader with 190mm ground clearance, four-wheel drive and Mitsubishi’s renowned reliability. Any rivals? Not really. This is the first true plugin hybrid SUV. The closest thing to a rival comes from Volvo, in the shape of its S60 plug-in hybrid – but remember that costs nearly £50,000, and commands a £11,280 premium over the equivalent diesel. The Outlander PHEV starts at a ridiculous £28,249. What’s it like to drive? In EV mode it’s near silent and although the petrol unit is a little revvy when it kicks in, it’s not nasty. It’ll hit 60mph in 11 seconds, which is quicker than the diesel, and reaches a top speed of 106mph. It’s all very refined though and wind and road noise is kept to a minimum. There are lots of clever tricks up the PHEVF’s
sleeve too – like the ability to hold a charge and use the petrol engine instead at the touch of a button, and the ability to recharge back to 80 per cent when left on tick over for just half an hour. Our only complaint would be a rather hard ride. The AOL Cars Verdict The biggest winners are company car drivers who effectively get a £10,000 pay rise a year if they’re higher rate tax payers, plus free fuel. Business owners are winners too as they can write down the full cost of the car in the first year. If you’re a normal car driver then the benefits of EV motoring, no road tax and Congestion Charge exemption will be equally attractive. And remember this is all wrapped up in a comfortable, high-riding, go-anywhere off-roader. Our guess is Mitsubishi won’t be able to make them fast enough… L
The knowledge Model: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Price: £28,249 Engine: 2.0-litre petrol, Electric motor Power: 119bhp, 190Nm Max speed: 106mph 0-62mph: 11s MPG (comb’d): 148mpg Emissions: 44g/km
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September 2014 63
L PETS
Confessions of a Cat Sitter L
Chris Pascoe
I
’ve been off work the last few days, finally succumbing to the one single ailment that prevents me from catsitting. I usually tend to struggle on when I’m a bit off colour, and cats seem to appreciate this. They’re generally pretty stoic when it comes to injury and illness, and they expect the same from their staff. As long as they get their bowls filled, a few treats, a long brush and stroke, and a thousand compliments on their general behaviour and the shininess of their fur, they really don’t mind at all if I’m at death’s door and barely able to move. The one thing that they will not tolerate though, is the complaint I’m currently suffering with – a simple cough. My experiences with a constantly irritated-looking tortoiseshell named Skye a few days ago sum up the problem. Skye had been the first port of call on my rounds, and we’d established a nice daily routine – cats loving regular routines as they do. I’d arrive and feed, put the kettle on, and then sit with Skye on my lap for a cup of tea and couple of Hobnobs (breakfast beneath the Skye). Skye absolutely loved our start to the day.
But then, it happened. Without warning, I suddenly emitted an 80 decibel raspingly violent cough, which was swiftly followed by a crumb avalanche as I involuntarily crushed a Hobnob between my thumb and forefinger. To say this annoyed Skye would be something of an understatement. Jumping about five feet in the air, she shot across the room at breakneck speed, before mounting the stairs and vanishing in a blaze of panicked tortie colour (and what lovely colours they are). After a few seconds, Skye’s face reappeared, eyeing me cautiously through the banister. ‘Meow?’ she enquired, her face looking even more irritated than usual. ‘Sorry, sorry, Skye, I was coughing, I wasn’t shouting at you – come back here’ I softly crooned. Skye made her tentative way back towards me. ‘Meow?’ she asked again. ‘BRAHHHHHHSPAAAAAACAAAAAARGHHHH’ I replied. It took another ten minutes to get Skye back on my lap. As Skye settled again, I could feel the worrying rumbles of a cough brewing in my chest. I had to suppress it - it was my duty. Ever tried to hold back a cough? I started with a couple of strange whimpering sounds. Skye glanced up at me, but resumed her
64 September 2014
purring. Next came an involuntary muffled grunt. Skye now regarded me a little more closely, but decided I was obviously just odd. The cough was rising though. In a desperate effort to hold it back, I began making the only noise I seemed capable of – which turned out to be an extremely threatening low growl. I’m not sure how ‘reassuring’ I thought growling at a cat would be, but Skye now stared at me in total alarm. What the hell was the matter with this idiot today first shouting his head off, and now growling at me? She’d had enough. And so since then, my partner Lorraine has had a lovely week with Skye and the rest of our charges. But I’ll be back with them all again very soon – skiving off work just doesn’t have the same appeal when you work for yourself.! L
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Join us for The World’s Biggest
In aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
Friday September 26th 2014 Ethorpe Hotel, Packhorse Road Gerrards Cross SL9 8HX
10am to 1pm
L
Boarding care for your pets by a qualified registered veterinary nurse We are an established kennels and cattery who provide boarding facilities for: • Dogs • Cats • All small furries Incl.Rabbits & Guinea Pigs
Mutts ‘n Moggies Motel Stoke Place Farm, Stoke Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire SL2 4NL T: 01753 524933 E: info@muttsnmoggies.eu W: www.muttsnmoggies.eu
Enjoy a Cup of Coffee Buy Christmas Cards Buy home-made Cakes, and Marmalade Treat yourself to a mini beauty treatment Generously supported by The Ethorpe Hotel
Macmillan Cancer Support Registered Charity Number 261017
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September 2014 65
L GERRARDS CROSS LOCAL
W E
N
Class Programmes Puppy primary (3-8 months): An introductory course for puppies between 3-8 months. This course will teach you how to communicate with your puppy, and train him or her using positive reinforcement training methods.
Older elementary:
(8 months plus unless a small dog and they may want to join puppy primary)
This course is suitable for those who have decided to have a go at training with dogs that are a little older. This can vary from young adolescents to veteran rescues; you are all welcome.
For more information or to book visit our website
www.wheelhousevets.co.uk
the
WHEELHOUSE D O G
T R A I N I N G
S C H O O L
Canine High: Learning never ends. There is always room for improvement, whether it be learning something brand new, or simply strengthening and building what has already been learnt. Canine Academy: This is for those who are hooked with the training bug, or for those dogs that just won’t ever tire! This course will improve your distance control and their impulse control and provide the opportunity for you to learn how to exercise your dog’s mind, not just his or her body, and hone in on those natural instincts that they often insist on using even when we do not want them to!
Want to talk to someone about our programmes? Please contact Anna Rayne or Laura Palmer on:-01494 871329 or e:- mail@wheelhousevet.co.uk
CHALFONT ST GILES: 01494 871329 The London Road Bucks HP8 4NL Please mention Gerrards Cross Local when responding to adverts
xx September 2014
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50 Years
CHALFONT ST GILES London Road, HP8 4NL Mon & Thurs 8.30am - 7.30pm Tue, Wed & Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 1pm 01494 871329
01494 725320
01494 782001
r pets ving you and you
196144 20
AMERSHAM 1 Woodside Close HP6 5EG Mon, Tue & Thur 8.30am - 7pm Weds & Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 11.30am
of ser
Celebrating
CHESHAM Amersham Road HP5 1NQ Mon - Fri 8am - 7.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 5.00pm Sunday 10am - 4.00pm
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
www.wheelhousevets.co.uk
O
Wee
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September 2014 xx
L PETS
Do you love cats? L
Kerry White, South Bucks RSPCA
Jasper and Oscar
D
0 you want a companion that will love you forever? There are many reasons for having a pet, they are fun, loving and give so much pleasure. The RSPCA currently have a high demand of cats and kittens awaiting their forever home. Please do get in contact if you can offer one of these lovely cats a home. L
Pru and Precious
Rosie
Marley
Izzy
Theo
68 September 2014
Tango
Emmie
Bob
Paddy and Nora
Custard and Sooty SOUTH BUCKS BRANCH Reg. Charity No. 243352
To offer a caring home please call 0845 3707526 or visit www.southbucksrspca.org.uk
Susie and Ram
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PETS
L
Marjorie Nash Cat Rescue
W
e have had a really busy month, with lots of cats and kittens being handed in. One young man saw a kitten in the road whilst driving, stopped to pick it up and was amazed when five more came running from the hedge; he managed to catch them all and kindly delivered them to us. All are friendly and have now been vet checked and vaccinated. Now all they need are new loving homes - away from main roads.
has experience in taming feral kittens and time to spare please contact me. The friendliest of the bunch has already gone to a lovely home, the other two need more time and handling. As usual we have lots of older cats waiting patiently for the offer of a home and a fresh start in life. L
Last month we trapped a female feral cat with three kittens who were living underneath a shed. After having Pepper, as we named her, spayed I delivered her to her new home on a farm, Ring Pat on 01494 722279 if you can offer any of our cats to become chief mouse and andCC_Layout kittens a suitable home. 519-BMad Portrait Adverts 65x95Glis CC_Layout 1 19/05/2013 66x99 1 17/04/2014 15:4 Glis controller! If1155-BMad-HostAd1 anyone
The
perfect
alternative to kennels
Let us arrange for your dog/s to stay with one of our local, carefully selected, very special families – because at Barking Mad we believe your dog deserves a holiday too! For more information, or to find out how to become a host family, please contact Carole Chester
Tel: 01442 832594 Email: carole.chester@barkingmad.uk.com
www.barkingmad.uk.com
Something missing in your life?
Why not look after someone’s dog while they’re away. Become a host with Barking
Mad
It’s great fun, all of the benefits of dog ownership without the emotional or financial commitment. We carefully match dogs to your home.
Carole Chester 01442 832594 carole.chester@barkingmad.uk.com BarkingMad.uk.com
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September 2014 69
L CHARITY EVENT Gerrards Cross & District Committee
The Candlelight Ball
H
alf a million reasons to celebrate for Macmillan Cancer Support in South Buckinghamshire. Macmillan’s Gerrards Cross and District Committee, the only Macmillan committee in south Buckinghamshire, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and during that time has raised over half a million pounds. A special celebration, The Candlelight Ball, will be held at Stoke Place, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire on Saturday September 20th 2014. Tickets for this unique evening cost £50.00, which includes fizz on arrival, a three-course meal with wine, coffee and petits fours. There will be live entertainment and a disco. Along with a gift tree and live auction it promises to be an evening to remember which will raise much needed funds and all profits will go to Macmillan. It’s more important than ever that we continue to support Macmillan in our local community. Every day in Buckinghamshire ten people hear the devastating news that they have cancer. Macmillan has invested heavily in the local area with 90 healthcare professionals, either in the community or hospitals and 70 August 2014
is committed to further investment to support people living with cancer. Macmillan provides Information Centres, e.g. in Wexham Park Hospital, and Health Care specialists; such as nurses, doctors and dieticians. Macmillan also funds financial advisors throughout the county, and of course the Support Line can be accessed by all. Cancer is one of the toughest fights most of us will ever have to face. All the money raised from The Candlelight Ball will go directly to people affected by cancer. Just £27 could fund a Macmillan Nurse for an hour; £100 could pay for a Macmillan Grant to help someone with their transport costs for daily radiotherapy.
Stoke Place is a prestigious, privately owned Queen Anne style manor house built as a family home in the 17th century, set in 26 acres of grounds landscaped by Capability Brown with a six acre lake and has been specially chosen for the occasion. The Candlelight Ball is sponsored by Yaldens, Hansford Sensors Ltd, Daiichi-Sankyo UK Ltd Pharmaceuticals, Nunn Hayward LLP, B.P.Collins LLP, Fairweather Insurance Ltd and Sytner High Wycombe. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and tables are selling fast. For more information, or to buy tickets to help raise the next half a million pounds L
Call Tracy on 01753 892 303 or email: macmillancandlelightball@hotmail.com
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September 2014 xx
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South Bucks CAB, c/o South Bucks District Council Offices, Capswood, Oxford Road, Denham UB9 4LH For telephone advice or to make an appointment at the CAB, please phone:
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POWER CUT COMPENSATION ADVICE COLUMN
Q A
I was hit by a recent storm and was left in the dark coping with long-term power cuts. How do I go about claiming compensation?
If you’re affected by a storm which left you without power for 24 hours or more, you may be able to claim compensation from your electricity network distributor. Whether you can claim depends upon the amount of time you were cut off and whether there were more than the usual number of high voltage faults on the network. Distribution companies make compensation payments when they do not meet the standards set by Ofgem, the energy regulator. If you’re eligible, you’ll get £27 compensation, followed by an extra £27 for each further twelve hours you’re affected. The maximum payment is £216. Some electricity network distributors have committed to increase this standard payment. UK Power Networks, the distributor for London, the South East and East Anglia, increased its payment from £27 to £75 for customers who were without power for 48-60 hours during last Christmas, with customers without electricity for longer getting more, up to a maximum of £432.
Chalfont & Gerrards Cross................................... 01753 883821 Amersham Hospital ................................................ 01494 434411 Wexham Hospital ..................................................... 01753 633000 High Wycombe Hospital ..................................... 01494 526161 Stoke Mandeville Hospital ................................. 01293 315000 Hillingdon Hospital ................................................. 01895 239877 Watford General Hospital .................................. 01923 244366 Harefield Hospital ..................................................... 01895 823737 NHS Direct (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) .................... 0845 46 47
Doctors Surgeries The Misbourne Practice ....................................... 01753 891010 The Hall Practice ....................................................... 01753 887311 The Allan Practice ..................................................... 01753 887311
Chemists Boots the Chemist, Gerrards Cross.............. 01753 882064 Health & Beauty, Gerrards Cross.................... 01753 883484 Richard Adams, Chalfont St Peter ................. 01753 882700 Vantage, Chalfont St Peter ................................ 01753 884056 Lloyds, Chalfont St Giles ...................................... 01494 874656
Libraries Gerrards Cross & Chalfont St Peter............. 0845 230 3232
If there are other costs that may have been incurred as a result of power loss (such as food going off), or related storm damage, this will not be covered by your network distributor, but might be able to be claimed on your household insurance.
Community Centres
Customers have three months after the date when power is restored to make a claim to the distribution company. You can contact them directly by phone or online
Local Councils
Gerrards Cross Community Centre............... 01753 883759 Chalfont St Peter Community Centre......... 01753 885778
Notes:
South Bucks District Council ........................... 01895 837200 Wycombe District Council ................................ 01494 461000 Chiltern District Council ..................................... 01494 729000
Some contact numbers are below along with the areas to help customers identify their distribution company.
Police
Regional Distribution Network Operators: • South East England (UK Power Networks) - 0845 601 5467 • London (UK Power Networks) - 0845 601 5467 • Southern England (SSE Power Distribution) - 0845 026 2554 South Bucks CAB, c/o South Bucks District Council Offices, Capswood, Oxford Road, Denham UB9 4LH For telephone advice or to make an appointment at the CAB, please phone:
0844 245 1289
(Telephone advice available Mon –Fri 10am – 4pm) IF YOU LIVE OR WORK IN SOUTH BUCKS AND NEED DEBT ADVICE, PLEASE PHONE 01895 837551 ON MONDAYS OR THURSDAYS 10AM-3PM.
South Bucks CAB is recruiting volunteer advisers from September onwards. Free refreshments, travel reimbursed plus excellent company!! If interested in finding out more, please contact the CAB admin line on 01895 837553.
Thames Valley Police ............................................. 0845 8505 505 Gerrards Cross Police Station ......................... 0845 8505 505
Other Citizens Advice Bureau ....................................... 0844 245 1289 Chiltern Railways ...................................................... 08456 005165 London Travel Information ............................... 0843 222 1234 National Rail Enquiries .......................................... 08457 484950 Childline ................................................................................... 0800 1111 Crimestoppers .............................................................. 0800 555 111 Samaritans ..................................................................... 01494 432000 National Domestic Violence Helpline........ 0808 2000 247 Victim Support ........................................................... 0845 3030900 Gas Emergency ............................................................ 0800 111 999 Electricity Emergency ........................................... 0845 7708090 Veolia Water Central – Emergency ............ 0845 782 3333 BT Fault Line ................................................................... 0800 800 151 Good Neighbour Scheme ................................... 07783 965757
To advertise please call 0800 990 3157 / 07549 629 531 or email info@gxpublishing.co.uk
September 2014 73
L LOCAL CLUBS, GROUPS & CLASSES
Adult Tap – Dancing for Fun Classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in Amersham area, for beginners to advanced levels. For details contact Margaret Tillcock 01494 874767 – email: margarettillcock@aol.com Breakfast Rotary Club (aka Misbourne Matins) The club meets every Wednesday for breakfast 7.30-8.30am at The Bull Hotel, Oxford Rd, Gerrards Cross, SL9 7PA. For details on meetings and all our many activities see our website www.misbournematins.org or contact our Membership Secretary 01753 889145 Breeze 2 Health New Zumba classes. Sundays 4pm & Mondays 10.30am with Tracey. Call 01753 891817 to book The Bridge School at Gerrards Cross We currently hold the following classes: Mon 1.30-4.30pm Chalfont St Peter Community Centre Tue 7.30-9.30pm, Wed 9.30-10am and 10-12noon Fri 10am-Midday The Memorial Centre, Gerrards Cross For more details call Tessa Templeton on 01753 885004 or visit www.bridgewebs.com/schoolgerrardscross The Chalfonts and Gerrards Cross Camera Club Club meetings are held in the Garden Room, The Memorial Centre, Gerrards Cross at 7.45pm each Thursday, Sept to June. A specialist ‘Digi Group’, provides technical advice to members, meets in the Memorial Centre on the third Wednesday of each month. For details contact David Durrant 07791 691 896 or James Torr 01753 629 493
Chalfont Line Dance Club welcomes all new dancers and experienced dancers. We meet every Wednesday mornings 9.30 am – 12.00pm and Thursday evenings 7.15pm – 10.15pm (absolute beginners 7.00pm) at the Chalfont St Peter Community Centre. Contact Heather 01753 887211 (re Wednesday) and Christina 01494 265962 or 07952 815 076 (Thursday). www.chalfontlinedanceclub.co.uk Chalfont Monday Badminton Club At Chalfont Leisure Centre from 8-10.15pm every Monday except bank holidays. Come and see us. For more details call John on 01494 873570 or Ellen on 01753 880276 Chalfont St Peter Badminton Club We welcome new members to our friendly badminton club, playing every Thursday 8.00pm to 10.15pm at Chalfont Leisure Centre. Aimed at players with experience, you can enjoy competitive club play as well as joining us in the Chalfont League for more of a challenge! First night is free and youcan then either play-andpay or join up through annual membership. For more information please contact Tim on 07973 884321. Chalfont St Peter Community Centre Gravel Hill, Chalfont St. Peter, Bucks SL9 9QX. Hall and Meeting Rooms available. Call 01753 885778 or visit www.cspca.net, email cspca@btconnect.com Mon-Friday 9am-12pm
Chalfont Saints Activity Group The Club, founded in 1988, provides football for all boys and girls aged 5-18yrs, mini-soccer to 11-a-side. We have 1st class grass pitches, astro pitch training, qualified coaches and clubhouse cafe. We meet at NSE Centre, Chesham Lane, Chalfont St Peter SL9 0RJ. Contact Mike Saunders on 07747 476827 or email msaunders1939@googlemail.com Chalfont Common WI Is a local club for active, lively minded women. We meet on the 1st Thursday of the month in the Tony Graham Room at Chalfont Community Centre at 7.30 for 7.45pm. Ring Chris on 01494 872133 or Janet on 01494 873331 74 September 2014
Chalfont Concert Wind Band Local friendly community band. We meet at Robertswood School, Denham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks SL9 OEW. Rehearsals are held on Mondays: B Band from 18:30-19:30, and A Band from 19.45-21.45. Visit www.chalfontwindband.co.uk or call 01494 863352
Chalfont St Peter Fitness Classes Total Body Conditioning Classes Mon 9.30am crèche available Fun Combo Aerobics/core Fri 9.30am créche available Zumba Fitness Classes Tues 9am crèche available Zumba Fitness Classes Mon 6.30pm Call Trisha 07768 347750 trisha_duffy41@hotmail.com for further info. All pay as u go.
Please mention Gerrards Cross Local when responding to adverts
LOCAL CLUBS, GROUPS & CLASSES Chalfont St Peter Garden Club (Affiliated to the RHS) The garden club holds monthly talks covering many interesting topics on the third Wednesday of the month at 8pm at the Parish Church Hall CSP. Members also have exclusive access to our garden supplies hut, receive a monthly newsletter and can go on our coach trips to gardens and houses. We also hold an annual summer show. New members welcomed. For more details call 01494 870619 or visit www.gardenclub.org.uk Chalfont St Peter and Gerrards Cross History Society A history society. We meet at 8pm the Memorial Centre, East Common, Gerrards Cross, SL9 7AD on the last Friday of the month, from September to March (not Dec). Contact Barbara 01753 883523 or e: barbara@lyddiatt.co.uk Chalfont St Peter Montessori Mums & Minis Mother and baby/toddler group next to our Montessori school, Tithe Barn Youth Centre, Sandy Rise, Chalfont St Peter from 9.30-11am. First session is free, normally £4. Watch your child develop the Montessori way. Contact Debbie 07973 165821 Chalfont St Peter Royal British Legion Based at Nicol Road. Welcomes new members. Regular entertainment. Bingo nights etc. For details ring 01753 885252 Chalfont St Peter Tennis Club A friendly local club with a thriving adult and junior membership. Weekly coaching sessions for all ages. Contact Angela Cranston and the email membership@chalfontstpetertennisclub.co, call 01753 893784 or visit www.chalfontstpetertennisclub.co.uk Chalfont St Peter Trefoil Guild For anyone who in the past has been involved with, or has a interest in, Guides/Brownies. Meetings on the first Wednesday of every month (except January) from 2pm-4pm in The Guide Hut, Lansdown Road, Chalfont St Peter. Ring Janet (01494 876413) for details Chalfont St Peter WI Chalfont St Peter meets on the 2nd Wednesday in the month in the Parish Church Hall at 2pm. Talks, events, outings and, above all, friendship to members and visitors alike. Call 01753 886809 for more details Chalfont St Peter Youth Centre Tithe Barn, Sandy Rise, Chalfont St Peter Monday, School year 7, 7.00-8.30pm Wednesday, School years 9-11, 7.30-9.30pm Thursday, School year 8, 7.30-9.00pm See www.cspyouthcentre.org.uk or call 01753 883712 Chiltern Hundreds Supper Club Meets on 2nd Thurs of month at Masonic Centre, Old Beaconsfield for supper and varied speakers. Contact Julia on 01494 675779 or Pam on 01494 872118
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Circuit Training in Chalfont St Peter Come and try for free! Lovel End Infant School, Lovel Road. Every Mon and Wed at 7pm. Call Scott on 07732 810 928 / 01494 432 432 email: scott@core-fitness.co.uk. Visit www.core-fitness.co.uk Classic Car & Bike Hot Rod Meet at the Harte & Magpie Pub, Coleshill, Amersham HP7 OLU on the second Tuesday of every month Meet is on the second Tuesday of every month starting May 10th through to October. BBQs in the summer, live music events running over various weekends. For more details Richard72@hotmail.co.uk Dance Chalfont From Ballroom and Latin Adult Dance Classes to Bokwa — the latest fitness regime to hit the UK, incorporating African dance, aerobics, light boxing, kick boxing and steps. Bokwa Fitness – every Tuesday, 7.45pm-8.30pm, £5 payg. Latin & Ballroom Classes – every Tuesday 9pm-10pm (check for course start dates and fees). Jubilee Hall, School Lane, Seer Green, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 2QJ For details contact Sarah at dancechalfont@ yahoo.co.uk or call 07730 523726. I.D.T.A qualified & Bokwa certified Fulmer Cricket Club A friendly village cricket club playing competitive, non-league games every Saturday and Sunday from April to September. New players of all abilities always very welcome. Come and find out more... www.fulmercricketclub.com www.facebook.com/pages/Fulmer-Cricket-Club/ twitter.com/FulmerCricket The Gerrards Cross and Chalfont St Peter Rotary Club meets at The Ethorpe Hotel, 85 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, Bucks. SL9 8HX on Thursdays 12.00 for 12.30 p.m. Please see our website www.gxrotary.org. uk for details, or contact our President John Krushner on 01753 884283. You will be most welcome. Gerrards Cross Bowls Club Maltmans Lane invites all beginners and experienced players Coaching and equipment available just bring flat shoes. For details contact the Secretary on 01753 887765 Gerrards Cross Bridge Club We meet Mon and Wed evenings at the Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre for duplicate bridge. Please contact Tony Tel: 01753 644965 or email: a_reading@msn.com The Gerrards Cross Chess Club The chess club meets every Wednesday at 7.30pm, in Room 4 of the Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre. Contact Peter Forrest 01494 677640 Gerrards Cross Computer Club An informal, friendly self-help group for all computer users at all levels of experience. We meet on the second Thursday of every month, 8pm in the Memorial Centre, East Common, Gerrards Cross, SL9 7AD. Call Barbara Lyddiatt 01753 883523 or email: barbara@lyddiatt.co.uk
To advertise please call 0800 990 3157 / 07549 629 531 or email info@gxpublishing.co.uk
September 2014 75
L LOCAL CLUBS, GROUPS & CLASSES Gerrards Cross Conservation Volunteers The Gerrards Cross Conservation Volunteers keep the paths on the Common and the Camp clear for others to enjoy. We meet 9:30am by the Parish Council hut opposite the children’s play area on East Common Road, on the 3rd Saturday of every month. We’re finished by 1.00pm. All ages welcome. Contact Bill Collins 01753 882959. Gerrards Cross Cricket Club Dukes Lane, Gerrards Cross SL9 7JZ. For more information visit www.gxcc.co.uk Gerrards Cross Decorative and Fine Arts Society (GXDFAS) — Lecture Programme Lectures commence at 10.30am and 1.45pm at the Memorial Centre, 8, East Common Gerrards Cross. For lecture dates and more information contact the website, www.gxdfas.org.uk or our membership secretary on 01753 892186. Gerrards Cross Dukes Wood Tennis Club For membership details contact Gillian Vargassoff on 01753 883469 email: gvargassoff@gmail.com or visit www.gxsc.co.uk/tennisclub The Gerrards Cross Flower Club meets on the third Wednesday of every month (except August) at the Memorial Centre, East Common GX at 2.15pm. For details contact Maureen Huxtable 01753 884497 or Pat Cox 01494 673613 Gerrards Cross & Chalfonts Probus Club This Club for retired men meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre at 10am. For details contact Stanley Vaughan 01494 873515 or email Stanley@cherryburton.demon.co.uk Gerrards Cross Royal British Legion We meet at the Memorial Centre. We hold regular social events and new members are welcome. For more details call Chris on 01753 890690 or Ivan on 01753 886813 Gerrards Cross Scottish Country Dancing Club meets at the Memorial Centre on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm (September to June) for instruction and social dancing. All levels of ability are welcome and every class starts with a period of basic tuition. Visit our website at www.gxscottish.org.uk or obtain further details from Celia Stuart-Lee on 01753 884217 or info@gxscottish.org.uk Gerrards Cross Short Mat Bowls Club which meets on Thursdays at the Gerrards Cross Community Centre are looking for new members. For further details can be obtained from Michael Jordan on 01753 886802. GX Squash Club We are a private membership club and have two courts. Adult membership is £98pa, peak-time court is £3 for 45mins and £2 for off-peak. Visit gxsquash.org.uk or call 07947 307998 Gerrards Cross Youth Club meets at the Youth Centre, 8 East Common SL9 7AD (behind the Memorial Centre). Come along during term times: 7pm – 9pm on Tuesdays (seniors) and 6.30 – 8pm on Thursdays (juniors). New members, volunteers and sponsors always welcome. Please contact gxyouthclub@gmail.com or visit the website at www.gxyouthclub.com for more information. Gerrards Cross & Fulmer Scout group HQ in Fulmer. Contact Mark Shaw, Group Scout Leader on 01753 883102 or email: scoutermark@hotmail.co.uk
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Girl Guiding GX & Denham We have Rainbow Brownie and Guide units and are always looking for helpers. Meetings are held at Guide HQ in Station Road and in Denham. Contact Alison Leah, District Commissioner on 01753 883703 or email gxanddenham@yahoo.co.uk Help with Walking or Cycling from Sustrans We are a charity that aims to help people make more journeys by healthier and more sustainable means. We currently have a project running in the Gerrards Cross area to help encourage people get to the station using healthy choices. We can offer walking or cycling route planning, travel advice and can even accompany you on your first walk or cycle to the station. This is a free service. For further information please contact Misha Lund at misha. lund@sustrans.org.uk. Hedgerley Historical Society meet monthly at Hedgerley Memorial Hall for talks on local history and sometimes further afield. In addition special events and outings to historic sites are held throughout the year. Further details from John Lovelock 01753-647187 jdlovelock@btinternet.com Horizons Horizons is a local non profit-making social group for professional couples and individuals aged 40-70 offering a varied programme of events. Contact Lynda Wright on 01494 431289 for details of these and other Group events. Jane Moloney Yoga Teacher. Dip. FRYOG. Dedicated and enthusiastic teacher specialising in teaching small groups within the Gerrards Cross and Chalfont St Peter area. Tel 07966 066331 Jo Lewis Triathlon Coach / Chalfont Triathlon Club based at Chalfont Leisure Centre, Women’s only Monday mornings and mixed group Saturday mornings. Open to all ages and abilities, motivational, interesting, and most importantly, fun and sociable. Call Jo on 07711 067513 for more information. Life Drawing Class Contact John Fairley on 07941 684118. Misbourne Art Society (founded 1972) A very friendly, relaxed and active Art Society who meet at the Chalfont St Peter Community Centre on the first Saturday of every month at 2.15pm. New members and visitors are always very welcome. For details call 01494 873722 or 01753 884105 National Council of Women (NCW) meets at the Chalfont St Peter Community Centre at 2.15 pm on the last Thursday from September to June. Further details please call 01494 871953 Senior Bridge play Daytime sessions will be organized by volunteers at GX Memorial Centre at low cost for older bridge players who don’t enjoy playing in large groups. Once we know who maybe interested, a day and time can be arranged. Please apply to the Memorial Centre office or ring 01753 883759 Silhouette Academy of Dance (est.1985) Theatre Dance Classes for children in Chalfont St Peter. Pre-School Ballet from age 2½ yrs. Contact Angela Simon BA Hons Dance & Movement on 01494 870510 or visit www.silhouettedance.co.uk
Please mention Gerrards Cross Local when responding to adverts
LOCAL CLUBS, GROUPS & CLASSES St Joseph’s Furniture Market Open every Saturday Morning 9am-12.30pm behind St Joseph’s Church. We sell all types of secondhand furniture from antique to new. All our proceeds are distributed to various charities. Come along and pick up a bargain. Email furnituremarket@hotmail.co.uk St Peter Players We meet and perform at the Community Centre in Chalfont St Peter on a Monday during rehearsal periods and for the occasional play-reading evening. Visit www.stpeterplayers.co.uk, call Tina 01753 882935 Sure Start Children’s Centre, Chalfont Tue: Twintastic 10.00-11:30 CSP Youth Centre Dinky Dancers 13:45-14:30 CSP Youth Centre Wed: Stay and Play 10:30-12:00 Chalfont St Peter Youth Centre Thu: Stories and Craft on the Mobile Bus 10:30-11:30 Chalfont St Giles Blizzards Car Park Fri: Stay and Play on the Mobile Bus 13:30-15:00 Chalfont St Peter Community Centre For details contact Michelle Els on 07824 527922 The Chalfonts Friendship Club A group for people of retirement age to meet and share company. We meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month over a meal. We also hold regular outings, theatre trips, Sunday lunches, quiz evenings, talks. Are you alone or in need of company or know someone who is? If you are interested or know someone who might be, or if you would like further details, please contact Mary on 01494 875264 or Patricia on 01753 885 534 - all welcome The Gerrards Cross Running Sisters A group of friendly ladies who like to run. For more information see our website at www.runningsisters.com or contact Adele Wilter - adele@wa-global.com Total Body Conditioning Every Thursday from 9.30-10.30am at Chalfont St Peter, Parish Hall. Pay as you go, £5 per session. Contact Aly on 07929 169911 or e: campee@ntlworld.com Women at the Gerrards Cross Community Assoc. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month (except August) at 2.30pm for further details call Mrs J Mills on 01753 885762. We welcome new members join us, visitors are always welcome to attend (fees apply). Yoga Classes 2-3.15pm and 3.45-5pm, Chalfont St Peter Community Centre, Gravel Hill, Chalfont St Peter, SL9 9QX. All ages, all abilites and agilities - can be done seated in chair. £36 for a six week course. Contact Helen Damas at helen.yoga1@hotmail.co.uk or on 01494 678140 Jazzercise Aerobics Dance Classes Contact Marthese 07708 275527 or jazzercise4marthese@yahoo.co.uk or visit our Website/Class Schedule and New Customer Voucher via www.facebook/JazzerciseBucks Chiltern District Welsh Society The Chiltern District Welsh Society of over 100 members from Chesham to Denham, has a very varied program throughout the year ranging from trips to Wales, concerts, evening events with eminent guests, golf days, St David’s Day Dinner etc. See www.chilternwelsh.org for details.
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The GXCA Concert Goers Group goes every season to about 10 concerts given by the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) with many well-known conductors and soloists at the Barbican in London. There is a choice of seats in the Stalls or in the Circle at a reasonable price and include travelling in a comfortable coach from the Gerrards Cross Community Centre right to the door of the Barbican. If you are a lover of classical music and are interested in finding out more or would like to join the group please contact Marga Shaw on 01753 886511 for further information. Chalfont St Peter Fitness Classes Total Body Conditioning Classes Mon 9.30am creche available Fun Combo Aerobics/core Fri 9.30am creche available Zumba Fitness Classes Tues 9am creche available also Mon 6.30pm Chalfont St Peter VOPAG. Older Persons Group - meets 1000 - CSP. Community Centreevery 3rd Tuesday Speaker details on website www.bucksvoice.net/vopag. Flow Yoga At Pinewood Studios A vinyasa flow yoga class suitable for all ages and fitness levels with Gill Neivens FRYOG dip; REP’s certificate. Tuesdays 8.00 - 9.00pm. Mats and props provided Contact Gill on 07887 888714 or gillneivens@tiscali.co.uk for further details. Chorleywood and District Local RSPB Group Meeting This month’s talk is entitled ‘Wader Quest’ by Rick and Ellis Simpson. They went in search of the wader species of the world. ‘Wader Quest’ is an organisation which has two aims. 1/to raise awareness of the challenges and dangers faced by wader species in today’s world and 2/ to support the WWT’s spoon billed sandpiper programme. This is a ‘must see’ presentation, especially as many of the UK’s migratory waders are under threat. All welcome whether RSPB Member or not. Date: Thursday 20th March 2014. Time 20:00 Venue: The Russell School, Brushwood Drive, Chorleywood, WD3 5RR. Contact: Carol Smith 01923 897885 or just turn up Movers & Shakers Gerrards Cross Methodist Church is hosting this NHS awardwinning programme designed to encourage older adults to take part in gentle physical, mental and creative activities followed by a healthy lunch every Wednesday from 10.30 am - 1 pm. Subsidised cost £2.00 per head with first session FREE so that people can sample it without obligation. Further information is available on the Gerrards Cross Methodist Church website www.gxmethodist.org.uk or 0788 739 1646. Simply Walk Health walks in Gerrards Cross and Chalfont St Peter. 60 to 90 minutes, just turn up, no charges. Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre on Tuesdays, Chalfont St Peter Community centre on Fridays. Walks start at 10.30 am (please arrive 10 mins early the first time to allow for signing on). For more information call Fiona Broadbent on 494 475367 / 07802 260812 or see the full programme of walks on our website www.buckscc.gov.uk/ simplywalk Gerrards Cross Personal Training Uncomfortable with training in crowded gyms and leisure centre? Train with John Hutchinson at his private gym in Gerrards Cross. Free consultation - phone John on 01753 880736 / 07976 703222, email: john@gxpersonaltraining.co.uk or visit his website: www.gxpersonaltraining.co.uk
To advertise please call 0800 990 3157 / 07549 629 531 or email info@gxpublishing.co.uk
September 2014 77
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Accountants/Financial Cansdales...............................................................55 Nunn Hayward LLP.............................................9 Acting Actors Studio......................................................55 Ancestry Dajevu – Family History.............................56 Bathrooms/Bedrooms/Kitchens Ashford Kitchens and Interiors.................7 Chalfont Kitchens & Bedrooms.............33 European Bathrooms.....................................39 Beauty, Health & Wellness b2: Chalfont Chiropractic Clinic...........37 Dr Fang....................................................................49 Fake It.......................................................................15 Hug8 Body................................................................3 Jai Thai Massage...............................................15 Jazzercise.................................................................5 Juiceplus..........................................................46/47 Lavender & Stone Beauty Rooms............5 Beds Hästens Amersham........................................50 Building & Property Maintenance Services 4C’s Bucks Ltd........................................................2 A Kingsnorth & Son Ltd...............................59 Ashtech Roofing Services..............................8 ATI Building Contractors Ltd...................25 Attention To Detail...........................................8 Barrett Plumbing..............................................18 Castle Fascias & Guttering.......................65 Chiltern Driveway Cleaning.....................29 Crystal Solutions Ltd.....................................18 Faust & Co Ltd...................................................58 Gas Safe Bucks...................................................56 Heath Property Maintenance..................57 Kite Scaffolding.................................................26 Lockhart Electrical...........................................63 Professional Paving Services Ltd...........29 R F Dyer Ltd..........................................................53 Southern Electrical Services Limited.....38 The 50plus Organisation............................43 Car Repair/Maintenance Services Love Green Garage.........................................63 The Beeches Garage......................................63 Care Home/Nursing Maria Mallaband Care Group Ltd..........16 Universal Care Ltd...........................................32
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The Fremantle Trust .....................................35 Carpets Beaconsfield Carpets.....................................53 College/School St Mary’s School...............................................11 The Henley College.........................................17 Tring Park...............................................................24 Computers/IT Amersham Computers.................................20 Nexus IT Support & Repair........................80 Dental CPP Denture Studio.......................................29 Denture World...................................................18 Domestic/Commercial Services Diamond Home Support.............................27 Eva’s Cleaning Service..................................43 GX Ironing.............................................................50 Ironing by Flori & Alex.................................15 Molly Maid............................................................59 Martin’s Carpet Cleaning Company.....45 Ovenclean.............................................................49 Ovenwizards ......................................................25 Pristine Ovens....................................................58 ProCare Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Services.................43 Ryemead Commercial Cleaning............17 The Oven Man....................................................61 Dressmaker Designer Dressmaker....................................15 Funeral Directors Dignity ...................................................................36 Furnishings, Blinds and Upholstery Chiltern Restoration......................................59 David Bailey Home Interiors....................60 Richardson Reupholstery...........................53 SAM Upholstery................................................61 Steve’s Furniture Repairs............................61 Upholstery Workshop...................................58 Gardening Services Fine and Country Gardens........................25 KPS Garden...........................................................26 Mentor Landscapes........................................27 Outdoor Property Projects.......................27 Paul Gallagher Garden Services.............29 Pinewood Nurseries.......................................23 SBI Ltd......................................................................25 The Urban Landscape Company............21 Valley Ponds & Landscapes.......................27
Golf South Buckinghamshire Golf Club......19 Hearing Services Aston Hearing Services...............................51 Home Care Eden Care at Home.........................................43 Jewellers Percy Davies Jewellers..................................49 Notaries Saville & Co.............................................................5 Pest Control A&J Pest Control.................................................1 Pets/Vets Acorn Kennels and Cattery.......................68 Barking Mad.........................................................69 Cat Comforts – Cat Sitting Services.....64 Marjorie Nash Cat Rescue.........................69 Mutts ‘n Moggies Motyel..........................65 RSPCA.......................................................................68 The Wheelhouse Vets............................66/67 Private Hire/Taxi Emma’s Executive Private Hire..............43 GX-Cars...................................................................43 Restaurant/Food Thai Rack................................................................10 The Cracking Hog Roast..............................11 Solicitors BP Collins...............................................................14 Parchment Law Group LLP.........................28 Telephones Webb Telecom...................................................61 Travel Luxury Disney Villa.........................................59 Window Cleaning C & T Window Cleaning..............................61 Premier Window Cleaning............................8 Ryemead Commercial Cleaning............17 Weddings Hampden House Weddings......................13 Windows/Double Glazing/ Conservatories Alpha Windows ................................................79 Castle Glass...................................................55/65 GX Home Improvements.....................40/41 Smashing Windows........................................45 The Window Doctor.......................................57
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Children’s Page
1. The middle of nowhere
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Across: 1 Also, 3 Welcomes, 9 Earache, 10 Nanny, 11 Improvements, 14 Apt, 16 Plait, 17 Ski, 18 Deliberately, 21 Watch, 22 Special, 23 Speeding, 24 Asks.
DISCLAIMER The accuracy or content of any advertisement is not warranted by Gerrards Cross Local, nor do Gerrards Cross Local endorse or guarantee any of the products or services advertised, except any advertisement expressly relating to our services. We are not to be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the adverts nor to any consequences arising from inaccuracies. We are not to be held responsible for error in printing, damage or loss. It is the advertisers’ responsibility to ensure conformity with the Trades Description Act 1975; Business Advertisements Disclosure Order 1977; Sex Discrimination Act 1975; and Consumer Credit Act 1974. All artwork created by Gerrards Cross Local remains the property of Gerrards Cross Local and therefore must not be used in any other media without permission, as this is a breach of copyright laws.
. Down: 1 American, 2 Strop, 4 Eye, 5 Concentrated, 6 Minutes, 7 Says, 8 Accomplished, 12 Erase, 13 Bicycles, 15 Trestle, 19 Exits, 20 Owes, 22 Son.
78 September 2014
Please mention Gerrards Cross Local when responding to adverts
GERRARDS CROSS LOCAL
L
Free Quotes 10 Year Guarantee Highly Skilled Installation Team
OVER
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
CONSERVATORIES
DOORS
WINDOWS
Double glazed windows, doors & conservatories. We understand that your home is important to you and we ensure that we will assist and guide you with purchasing suitable products that will enhance your properties character. Our friendly staff have many years in the industry and will assist you every step of the way. We simplify the process of purchasing these all important home improvement products, giving you peace of mind that you are in safe hands.
SPECIAL OFFER
Call to find out about our
offers on doors
Contact Alpha Windows and see how we can assist
01753 663 663 01753 663 663 www.alpha-windows.com 3 High Street, Iver, SL0 9ND
To advertise please call 0800 990 3157 / 07549 629 531 or email info@gxpublishing.co.uk
September 2014 79