RESOURCE GUIDE www.CAWC.co.uk
1 Table of Contents
CAWC President Welcome P. 3
Useful Websites & Emergency Info P. 4
Land and People P. 6
Translations P. 8
Shopping P. 10
Household Help P. 21
Rail Travel P. 23
Postal Services P. 25
Driving P. 27
Banking P. 32
Phone Service P. 37
Technology Issues P. 39
Medical Care P. 40
Childcare P. 49
Day to Day Life P. 51
Family Fun P. 53
2 CAWC President Welcome and Club Information
The CAWC is a group of North American and International women who call the Chilterns home, either temporarily or permanently. Our club offers the opportunity to network with other transplants to the Chilterns through meetings, outings, social occasions and charitable events. We provide a network of support and local information to those new to the area and our returning members have made lifelong friendships and connections. Our club is made up of approximately 100 North American and International women with a mix of long-term members and newcomers.
CAWC has a monthly General Meeting and various other activities throughout the month. At our general meetings we visit with other members, share our latest experiences, and sign up for various activities. The general meetings offer practical information and feature a different speaker or activity each month. We also have vendors who sell unique British and American products. We have a very wide range of activities which includes: hiking, book club, hunting for antiques, out to lunch bunch, Christian Corner and Moms and Tots. Our outings take us to Buckingham Palace, the potteries at Stoke on Trent, Royal Ascot and Boodles tennis tournament, just to name a few!
CAWC is committed to supporting our adopted U.K. community by raising funds to support local charities. We hold an annual Christmas Bazaar in November each year with all funds raised donated to charities. We ask all of our members to volunteer in some way for our Bazaar and to contribute an item to our Bazaar bake sale. To date, the annual CAWC Christmas Bazaar has raised in excess of £200k for the club’s designated charities, including over £120k alone for the Epilepsy Society.
Our club is part of the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas (FAWCO), a network of over 17,000 expatriate women around the world. Visit the FAWCO- website at www.fawco.org.
The most important part of CAWC is our members! We are a vibrant, friendly club and we like to say that you will never be new for long! We welcome you with open arms and look forward to sharing many wonderful experiences with you!
Best wishes from the President of CAWC International!!
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Useful Websites and Emergency Information
Dial 999 - For Any Emergency (Police, Fire, and Ambulance) Dial 111 – For Non-Emergency Assistance Dial 155 – International Directory Assistance Dial 112 – International Emergency in Europe and England Dial 100 – UK Operator (free unless they connect your call) Dial 118-500- BT Directory Enquiries Dial 123 – Precise Time Useful Websites Thames Valley Police (Buckinghamshire) www.thamesvalley.police.uk For Non- Emergencies: 08458 505 505
AA (Car Emergency Service) www.TheAA.com
Airport Transportation www.purpleparking.com
Bookshops & School Supplies WH Smith www.whsmith.co.uk Waterstones www.waterstones.com
CAWC (Chilterns American Women’s Club) www.cawc.co.uk
Childcare International www.childint.co.uk
Chiltern Railways (Trains & Timetables) www.chilternrailways.co.uk
Current Events in London www.timeout.com
Drivers Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) www.dvla.gov.uk www.dsa.gov.uk Eurostar www.eurostar.com
Family and Friends Railcard www.family-railcard.co.uk
FAWCO www.fawco.org
Grocery Delivery *Most groceries will do home delivery-inconclusive listing Ocado www.ocado.com Waitrose www.waitrose.co.uk Tesco www.tesco.co.uk Costco www.costco.co.uk Historical Memberships National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk English Heritage www.english-heritage.org.uk
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Useful Websites (continued)
Home Delivery: All Goods www.amazon.co.uk
Home Phone Choice Reviews www.homephonechoices.co.uk
London Transportation & Tube Information www.tfl.gov.uk
London Activities www.visitlondon.co.uk
London Walks www.walks.com
Milk Delivery www.dairycrest.co.uk www.milkandmore.co.uk
Nannies www.premier-nannies.com
NHS- Local Doctor/GP registration www.nhs.uk
Organic Vegetable Delivery www.abelandcole.co.uk
Oyster Card www.tfl.gov.uk/oyster
Postal Services- Royal Mail www.royalmail.com
Television Licensing Agency www.tvlicensing.co.uk
The Royal Opera House www.roh.org.uk
Theatre www.whatsonstage.com www.theatremonkey.co.uk www.londontheatre.co.uk
Trip Planning www.tripadvisor.co.uk www.expedia.co.uk www.thomascook.com www.thomson.co.uk
UK National Rail www.nationalrail.co.uk
Underground Trip Planner www.eurotunnel.com www.journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk UK Government www.direct.gov.uk
5 ← Land and People ← ______← Note: The information below has been copied from www.projectbritain.com. The UK is situated northwest of European continent between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. It has a total land area of 244,100 square kilometers, of which nearly 99% is land and the remainder inland water. From north to south it is about 1,000 kilometers long.
The UK part of Europe is a member of the European Union (EU).
The official name of the UK is the “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.”
The name refers to the union of what were once four separate nations: England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland (though most of Ireland is now independent. Only Northern Ireland is part of the UK now.)
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Land and People (continued)
The United Kingdom is made up of:
England- The capital is London. Scotland- The capital is Edinburgh. Wales- The capital is Cardiff. Northern Ireland- The capital is Belfast.
England, Scotland and Wales together form Great Britain.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland together form the “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” (UK).
Before 1922, the UK included Ireland in the definition, but when the Irish Free State ceased to be part of the Union, the title changed to include “Northern Ireland.”
The United Kingdom (UK) was formed on January 1, 1801 and constitutes the greater part of the British Isles.
People in the UK are called British although they have different nationalities.
The Union Flag, popularly known as the Union Jack, symbolizes the union of countries of the UK. It is made up of the individual flags of three countries in the Kingdom- England, Scotland, and Ireland.
7 Translations
American Words (Translates to……) British Words
Emergency Room (ER) Accident and Injury (A & E) Parka Coat Anorak Coat “Are you in line?” “Are you queuing?” “That’s Great!” or “Cool” “Brilliant!” Eggplant Aubergine Trash (Day) Bin (Day) Cookie Biscuit Hood (of a car) Bonnet (of a car) Soccer Football Cleats (for soccer) Boots (for football) Pants Trousers Suspenders (for Pants) Braces (for Trousers) Underwear Pants Umbrella Brollie Parking Lot Car Park Median Strip Central Reservation Pharmacy Chemist French Fries Chips Crib Cot Zucchini Courgette Potato Chips Crisps Tuxedo Dinner Suit/jacket Heavy Cream Double Cream Thumbtack Drawing Pin Bathrobe Dressing Gown Garbage Can Dust Bin Sidewalks Footways Bangs Fringe Paper Cutter Guillotine Bobby Pin Hair Grip “Seven Thirty” am/pm “Half past seven” am only Purse Handbag Vacation Holiday Sweatshirt Hoodie Vacuum Hoover Garden Hose Hosepipe Sweater Jumper Uniform Kit Truck Lorry Toilet Loo Business Suit Lounge Suit
8 Translations (continued)
Rain Coat Mackintosh/Mac Highway Motorway Matches Naked Light Diaper Nappy Liquor Store Off-License Underpants (women) Knickers (women) Underpants (boxers men) Y-Front (men) Box Parcel Minivan People Carrier Gas/Gasoline Petrol Soccer Field Pitch Physical Therapy Physiotherapy Band-Aid Plaster Mail Post Zip Code Post Code Wallet Purse Backpack/knapsack Rucksack Scotch Tape Sello Tape Doctors Office Surgery Last Name Surname Raisin Bran Sultana Bran Swim Suit Swim Costume Receipt Ticket Pantyhose Tights Gym Shoes/ Sneakers/Tennis Shoes Trainers/Pimsoles Shopping Cart Trolley Pants Trousers Men’s Undershirt Vest Vest Waistcoat Dishwashing Liquid Washing Up Liquid Windbreaker Windcheater Windshield Windscreen
*And the list goes on and on…..you will discover more.
9 Shopping
Food Shopping
Supermarkets/Grocery Stores and Super Stores (Google store locations nearest you) Listed are some but not all store locations in the Chiltern/Buckinghamshire Region.
§ ASDA (small Wal-Mart)- Slough & High Wycombe
! Budgens – Chalfont St. Giles, Rickmansworth, High Wycombe
! Costco Wholesale – If you have a US Costco card, they will honor it here. If you do not have one, being a member of the CAWC enables you to get one – contact Membership for more details.
1. Watford (Hartspring Lane WD25-8JS)- M25 Exit Junction 19
2. Reading (100 South Oak Way RG2-6UE)- M4 Exit Junction 11, A33 by Stadium
3. Hayes (Western International Park, Hayes Rd., Hayes, London, UB2 5XJ)
! Sainsbury’s - Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield, Chesham, Farnham Common
! Tesco – Gerrards Cross, Chalfont St. Peter, High Wycombe, Amersham, Farnham Common
! Waitrose – Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield, High Wycombe
Opening hours depend on individual stores: generally…..
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 10:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am until (closing times may vary) Sunday 10:00 am – 4 pm
Food Shopping – Tips ! Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury’s are the primary supermarkets ! Larger Marks & Spencer’s department stores also sell a selection of food items § SPAR & Budgens, located on the High Street in many towns, offer convenient grocery shopping for essentials. § Shop early before public holidays ! Supermarket Loyalty Cards- Tesco and Boots (Pharmacy) each have their own. Sainsbury’s is part of the Nectar Scheme as well as many other stores and services. Nectar is very popular; not only can you use your reward points against your shopping bill, there is an assortment of benefits.
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Shopping (continued) _
§ All stores charge 5p for plastic bags.
§ Sainsbury carries Old El Paso brand, including Mexican shredded cheese.
§ If you need help packing groceries or carrying them to the car, you need to ask, as this is not customary. However, when you ask, most stores are very helpful.
§ Waitrose shopping carts have convenient foot brakes!
! Laundry Detergent labeled “For Colours” does not contain bleach. Others DO!
! “Colour Catchers” will save your laundry from color bleeding when your colors are mixed and traps colors dispersed during washing.
! Bio vs. Non Bio- Bio is harder on colors leading to fading (but can be used for white); non-bio is a lot gentler on colors and is more environmentally friendly.
! Vanish – is like Clorox II – (safe whitening)
! Bleach – not safe for your clothes, very strong (used to clean the loo). There is a product called “Glo White” which is used to whiten whites.
§ Coins and Car Parks:
! Always have plenty of change, in your purse and in your car! ! Some supermarkets require you to insert a pound coin into the trolleys to use them. Always have a pound coin with you!
! Some supermarkets require that you pay for parking. Car park pay schemes vary, such as:
1. “Pay and Display,” where you buy your parking ticket in the machine and display in your car before you start shopping.
2. You get a ticket on entering the car park; pay at the machine upon exiting the premises; and us the ticket to exit the car park.
3. Some parks want to know how long you are staying; you pay by the hour by paying at the machine and displaying the ticket in your car window/dashboard.
11 Shopping (continued)
Beef, Poultry, and Game
§ Large grocery stores sell an extensive variety of meats, and butchers are happy to explain different cuts.
§ John Wells, at butcher in East Horsley, supplies American, Canadian, Australian, and Scottish beef. He also sells fresh turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas. (0) 1483-282-252
! Fischer’s Butcher- Located in Gerrards Cross (Packhorse Road). – going through ownership change
Produce
§ Grocery stores, village open-air markets, as well as some garden centers sell local produce.
! Beaconsfield Market – Every Tuesday in Old Beaconsfield is an open air market with fresh produce.
§ The Windsor Farm Shop, Datchet Road, Old Windsor is highly recommended- www.windsorfarmshop.co.uk : The Farm shop sells a range of products from the Royal Farms and small local specialist suppliers. Beef from traditional British breeds, lamb, pork, poultry, and game in season from the Royal Estates. A selection of hams and pies cooked on site, and locally grown seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as unique food gift items.
§ Borough Market- www.boroughmarket.org.uk- London food market (open Thursday, Friday and Saturday only) Jubilee Line, Borough High Street.
Health Food & Supplement Stores
! Holland & Barrett – Food supplements at various locations – www.hollandandbarrett.com
! Abel & Cole – Organic fruit and vegetables delivered to the door – www.abelandcole.co.uk
! Riverford Organic Vegetables – Local organic vegetables delivered to door – www.riverford.co.uk
! Whole Foods Store – Located in London
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Shopping (continued)
American Foods ! Skyco Online – Online distributor of American groceries – www.skyco.co.uk ! The Stateside Candy Co - Online distributor of American groceries. Customer collections are welcomed at the Aldershot warehouse – www.americansweets.co.uk ! Longacres Garden Centre, London Road (A30) – Bagshot- www.longacres.co.uk § Some local groceries will have a small American Food section
Clothing, Shoes and Accessories
Note: UK clothes sizes are different from U.S. Don’t be surprised if your size 8 dress turns into a size 12 here! Shoes are measured in metric. Allow a size difference or two. For example, a U.S. size 9 can be a size 7 UK. Best to try things on and get measured.
Clothing Stores
Banana Republic Cath Kidston Phase Eight Benetton Karen Millen LK Bennett Bershka Laura Ashley Ralph Lauren Diesel Mango River Island Fat Face Miss Selfridge TK Maxx (discount items) French Connection Miss Sixty Top Shop GAP Monsoon/Accessorize UNIQLO H & M Next Zara Hobbs NOA, NOA Jack Wills Oasis Jane Norman OCHRE (Cashmere) Jigsaw
Department Stores
Bentalls Harrod’s Liberty (Bracknell & Kingston) (London-Brompton Road) (London-Regents Street) BHS- British Home Stores Harvey Nichols Peter Jones Debenhams (London-Brompton Road) (Sloane Square) (Chimes, Westfield Mall) H & M Primark (discount clothing) Fenwick House of Fraser Selfridges (Windsor, London-Bond Street) (Westfield Mall, London) (London-Oxford Street) Fortnum & Mason John Lewis (London- Piccadilly) (High Wycombe, Reading, Kingston, Watford)
13 Shopping (continued)
Shoes for Women
Bally Hobbs (multiple locations) Russell & Bromley Bertie Johnson’s Shelly’s, Dr. Martens Clarks Jones the Bootmaker L.K. Bennett
Home Improvement Stores
B&Q (like Home Depot- High Wycombe) Homebase (High Wycombe) Lord’s (Gerrards Cross) Homesense (like TJ Maxx Homegoods - Watford) Dunelm Mill (Wembley)
Hanging Pictures:
Interior walls are generally brick or concrete, so picture nails often won’t work. Use “hard surface hangers”- white plastic hooks with thin nails for insertions. When hanging pictures, make sure you are using the correct type of nail. There are many different options and many houses have hard surface walls which will simply crack and chip if you use a regular nail. Visit your local home improvement store and ask for advice.
Electronics and Computer Supplies
Curry’s Tesco Home Plus- Sells TV’s Radios, Stereos, Appliances and Computers PC World- Is a large supplier of computer equipment Staples – Sells office supplies and equipment Viking Direct Ironmonger Shops (various High Streets)
Important Note: Remember when shopping for electrical products that the current is different here. Make sure you use the correct plug adapter and that light bulbs (screw cap or bayonet) fit your international appliances. If you need to replace light bulbs in your home, take the burnt-out bulb to the store with you.
WHICH Magazine is like Consumer Reports in the U.S. See www.which.co.uk to get many reviews for all electronics you will be purchasing.
14 Shopping (continued)
Electricity/Light Bulbs/Plugs
! The electrical voltage in the UK is 240v ! Two types of light bulbs are sold in the UK; screw bottom and bayonet bottom. Be sure to double-check the type of light bulb, size and wattage that you need before you arrive at the store with 100 choices in front of you. ! Try Robert Dyas for light bulbs – www.robertdyas.co.uk ! If you are coming from another European country, you will need to have adaptors for your electrical items. The plugs have three prongs in England.
Flowers and Gardening Products
England does this the best! There are numerous garden centers outside of most towns. In addition to having flowers and plants, these centers have lovely gift shops with calendars, candles, pottery, garden furniture, cards, tea towels, and much more. Many also have tearooms. Notable garden centers include:
Beaconsfield Garden Centre: Address: HP9 1SH, United Kingdom Phone: (0)1494 - 672522
Pinewood Nurseries: This has a lovely tearoom. Address: Wexham St,Stoke Poges,Bucks,SL3 6NB UK Phone: (0)1753 - 662907
Medicines and Prescriptions
These are a few sources for medicines, bath and beauty products. Pharmacists are usually very knowledgeable and helpful.
Boots Pharmacy Chemist Direct Lloyd’s Pharmacy Tesco Superstores
15 Shopping (continued)
High Street Shopping
The High Street is the center of a British town of any size. The equivalent in the U.S. and Canada is Main Street. The post office, chemist (pharmacist), grocer, butcher, barber, restaurant, pubs, optician, laundry, bank, travel agent, jeweler, ironmonger, cobbler and baker were all found on the High Street. These shops were considered higher quality and, therefore, prices were higher. Over the years, towns have combined a group of outdoor shopping streets (one or more of which may be pedestrianized), with an adjacent indoor center. Although the term “High Street” is still used to refer to commerce, shopping has begun to shift to out-of-town shopping centers and supermarkets.
Towns with Large Shopping Areas (partial listing of stores and subject to change) ! Gerrards Cross: Groceries: Waitrose, Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury Banks: HSBC & Lloyd’s Health: Boots Pharmacy, Holland & Barrett Café: Nero, Costa, Fego, Jungs, Café Rouge Clothing: Heidi and Hudson (CAWC discount), Forge Boutique, Lisa La Moda Boutique, CC, Gita, more. Other: Thompson Travel, Charity Shops, Desborough Pets, Geezer Barber, Brox Hair Stylist & Beauty Hobs: Geezer Barber, Brox Hair Salon, Hobs Hair Salon Vivus Hair & Beauty, Hibiscus Beauty Clinic, and many more.
! Amersham: Groceries: Tesco Superstore and TescoExpress, Waitrose, Marks & Spencers, Iceland Foods, Little Chalfont Express Sports Store: Fox’s Clothing Stores: Boho, Laura Morgan, Coco Marie, Phase Eight, Fox & Chave, Ethic Trade, Chattertons, Dejac Fashion, Nancy Kell, Second Time Around, Fyne Things, Drakes, Paul Costello, Walton Clothing, and many more Other Stores: Old Amersham Sweet Shops, The Entertainer Toy Shop, Temptation Gifts, Lloyd’s Pharmacy, Baskin Robbins
! Beaconsfield (Old Town and New Town) Waitrose, Laithwaithe Wine Cellar, Beaconsfield Wine Cellar, Fat Face, Phase Eight, Crew Clothing, Mint Velvet, The School Shop, Lloyd’s Pharmacy, Sunflower Framing, Ruby Boutique, Viyella, Fun Function, Village Bakery, Age UK, Benetton, Bourne End Jewelry, Pure Interior, Oxfam, Cliché, Creighton Chocolatier, David Shuttle Cookshop, White Stuff, Clarks, Marks & Spencers, Country House Menswear, Whites of London, Coral Bootsmaker, CC, Oddbins, Rosehill Instruments, Restaurants, Costa Coffee, Café Jung, Sainsbury and much more.
16 Shopping (continued)
! Windsor: Excellent shopping area with GAP, Boots, Daniel’s Department Store, Marks & Spencer, Fenwick’s Department Store, Lush, River Island, Fat Face, French Connection, Ghost, Phase Eight, Viyella, Hobbs, Cath Kidston, TK Maxx, Karen Millen, HMV, The Body Shop, SONY, Zara, H&M, New Look, Lakeland, Monsoon/Accessorize, Laura Ashley Home and Clothing, Johnson’s Shoes, Benefit, Health Food Shops, several other shoe stores, golf supply shop, charity shops, Waitrose, and travel agencies.
Pedestrian shopping area is on the west side of Windsor Castle. Car parks are Pay and Display. No late night shopping (Open Sunday from 11am).
Coffee bars, fast food restaurants, pubs and hotels are located in Windsor.
! Other Towns with great shopping include: Rickmansworth, Uxbridge (Chimes and Pavilions), High Wycombe (Movie Theatre, John Lewis, ASDA, Eden, Matalan, Primark), Reading, Richmond, etc.
! Costco Wholesale: (warehouse shopping), Reading, Croydon, Watford, Hayes Warehouse shopping is the same as the U.S. This is a membership only store and you can join as an individual member for an annual fee. If you are a member in the U.S., you can use your card here. Call ahead for details. Note: Costco accepts cash only, check or debit cards (no credit cards).
Watford:Address: Hartspring Ln., Watford WD25 8JS Phone: (0)1923 213113 Reading: Address: 100 South Oak Way, Green Park, Reading, RG2 6UE Phone: (0)1189 207105 Croydon: Imperial Way, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 4RR Phone: (0)2082 534105 Hayes: Western International Park, Hayes Rd, Hayes, London, UB2 5XJ
Indoor Shopping Malls § Peacocks Shopping Centre, Woking- www.peacocks-centre.co.uk ! The Oracle, Reading – www.theoracle.com ! Blue Water, Kent – www.bluewater.co.uk ! Westfield Shopping Mall, Shepherds Bush, London – www.westfield.com ! Brent Cross, (North West) London – www.brentcross.co.uk
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Shopping (continued)
London Markets
! Borough Market – www.boroughmarket.org.uk Borough Market is London’s oldest food market. It’s on the south bank of the Thames and has a long and distinguished history as a wholesale fruit and vegetable market. Borough Market is busy, noisy and bursting with wonderful produce.
It’s best to come early and bring a large, strong bag or shopping trolley. If you’re not familiar with the produce on the stalls, or you’re not sure how to cook it, just ask and the traders will be delighted to tell you about their specialties.
Check out the website for a breakdown of the important areas. The Market is rather a maze, but exploration yields delicious rewards! Thursdays: 11am-5pm, Fridays: 12pm-6pm, Saturdays: 8am-5pm
! Brick Lane Markets – www.sundayupmarket.co.uk
Sunday Up Market- over 140 stalls selling fashion, accessories, crafts, undoubtedly one of London’s most exciting and imaginative markets. The market is in the Old Truman Brewery and the many things you will find are one-off bespoke items, produced by the stallholders themselves. You can find everything from edgy women’s wear, customized men’s clothing, high fashion, and beautifully tailored children’s clothes to handmade jewelry.
Up Market’s famous food area- Ethiopian hand roasted coffee, Turkish specialties, lovely Moroccan dishes, Spanish paellas and empanadas, hand-rolled sushi (done in front of you), Japanese sweets and savory pancakes, Indian Street Snacks, Thai food and Caribbean sea bass, etc. Opens every Sunday, 10am – 5 pm, entrance on Brick Lane & Hanbury Street (Ely’s Yard), address is The Old Truman Brewery, tube stop is Aldgate East.
The Backyard Market – with almost 100 stalls selling jewelry, clothing, accessories, arts and crafts, and food. This market has breathed new life into a once derelict and unassuming warehouse with 8000 sq. ft. of open plan space that opens onto a Brick Lane. This enhances the unique ambience of The Old Truman Brewery, which cannot be compared to anywhere else in London.
! Broadway Market – www.broadwaymarket.co.uk
Broadway Market in east London runs from London Fields to Regent’s Canal- a section of pedestrian and cycle-friendly route from Hackney Empire, past London
18 Fields station and through the park. Bethnal Green is the nearest tube station.
Shopping (continued)
Food- African, French, English, Caribbean- the tastes are dazzling. Start at one end of the market with roast hog and finish at the far end with magic mushrooms. Fashion- hats, shoes, and frocks. The inventive come for the retro and vintage pieces. There’s plenty for grown-ups and lots of pretty stuff for babies. The neighborhood is home to a warren of tiny studios and galleries; the arts charity space houses 60 artists in its Mare Street building alone. Exhibitions appear suddenly and unpredictably. Watch for posters, especially in the summer. But the most popular art form on a sunny Saturday flows from the thousands of people who throng the street; it’s called performance art.
§ Spitalfields Market- www.spitalfields.co.uk - in addition to many shops and places to eat: Arts Market- Set on Market Street in Spitalfields, it’s a great place to browse and buy affordable art direct from established and up and coming artists, runs from the first Thursday through Sunday of each month. In November and December, the arts market runs every week up to Christmas. Spitalfields Traders Market- the stalls range from contemporary and vintage fashion, music, bespoke children’s toys, jewelry and accessories and interiors for home. The market is also surrounded by a host of independent boutiques, food shops and restaurants and the Old Spitalfields Market right next door. Five minutes from Liverpool Station. Open Tuesday to Friday (10am – 4pm) and Sunday (9am – 5pm) every week, the traders market has up to 110 stalls on its busiest days. Held under the cover of an elegant glass canopy in Crispin Place, the market is weatherproof and totally wheelchair and pushchair accessible.
§ Columbia Road Flower Market- www.columbia-flower-market.freewebspace.com Green-fingered shoppers are spoilt for choice at the Columbia Road Flower Market in London’s East End. Every Sunday morning, lively traders fill the narrow Victorian street with their colorful plants and flowers. Visit at around 1pm for the best bargains. Sunday only, 8am-2pm, Columbia Road E2 7NN (Tube: Old Street or Bethnal Green)
§ Portobello Market- www.portobelloroad.co.uk The world’s largest antiques market- open every Saturday and the shops are six days a week. An astonishing variety of Marble Arch, easy to reach by road or underground. There’s a choice of two underground stations: Ladbroke Grove (Hammersmith & City Lines) or Notting Hill Gate, which is on the Central, Circle and District Lines. The following buses stop in or near the market: 7, 12, 23, 27, 28, 31, 70, 94, and 328.
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Shopping (continued)
§ Camden Market- www.camden-market.org
Camden’s group of markets is the largest street market in the UK. There are various markets located in Camden, which are collectively known as Camden Market: Camden Lock Market, Camden Canal Market, Inverness Street Market, and Camden (Buck Street) Market.
Camden Stables Market is the centre of the alternative fashion scene. Camden Canal Market, Inverness Street Market, and Camden (Buck Street) Market all have designer workshops, studios, stalls, shops, cafes, restaurants & bars, selling an individual and extensive array of high quality goods from designer, alternative & vintage clothing and accessories to one off pieces of art, furnishings, antiques, jewelry, records & CD’s, collectables, arts & crafts, and international food.
· Open every day but it is at the weekend that the market scene jumps fully into life with all the stalls and shops at the markets fully trading. The indoor fashion market at the Electric Ballroom opens on Sunday only.
Extra Shopping Notes
Antique Markets § Ardingly- B2028,West Sussex- www.dmgantiquefairs.com ! Bermondsey – (Tube: London Bridge) – Long Lane and Bermondsey St. ! Camden Passage – (Tube: Angel), 10am – 2pm Wed, 10am – 5pm Saturday § Kempton Racecourse- every 2nd and Last Tuesday from 6:30 am until mid day. ! Portobello Road – (Tube: Nottinghill Gate or Ladbroke Grove), 7am – 5pm Sat. ! Silver Vaults – 53 Chancery Lane, London, 9am-5:30pm M/F 10am-5pm S/S
Auctions ! Bonham’s – Knightsbridge, London 0207-393-3900 ! Christie’s- St. James, London 0207-839-9060 ! Christie’s – S. Kensington, London 0207-581-7611 § Edwards and Elliott- Ascot, Berkshire 01344-872-588 ! Hampton’s International- Goldaming, Surrey 0148-417-222 ! Wellers – Chertsey, Surrey 01932-568-678
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Household Help
Household Hints
§ Renting your home: Even though your company may have signed your lease, it pays to read it thoroughly. ASAP, check the inventory and formally contact your rental agent if there is a discrepancy. Document any repairs, complaints, and incidents that arise during your tenure. Call Real Estate Agent/Landord: · They should help you handle issues such as plumbing, heating, electrical, pest control, gardener issues, and security. · They may have service people they recommend for handyman type jobs. · It is good to email as well as call; save your email in a file so that you can refer to your requests for help if there are any issues when you move out. Also, try to get everything repaired before you move out or else you could be charged for it afterwards. Read everything very carefully – lease, inventory, and renewal paperwork. Question anything that doesn’t seem right!
! Hard Water Alert! : Be sure your kitchen tap is not part of the water softening system. Limit water consumed from bathroom taps, as sodium content is high. Brita Filters are great for removing mineral deposits for drinking water. Or check out “Aquathin” or other water delivery companies. Use filtered water for the iron. Descale showerheads with “Scale Away.” “Viakal Plus” descales taps and sinks.
! Dishwasher Salt/Water Softeners: The water in England is generally considered hard; hard water leads to lime scale buildup on appliances, it produces less lather from soap, it is hard on clothes, dishes and skin. Most dishwashers have an indicator to tell you when it’s time to add salt. Salt for dishwashers can be bought at DIY’s and Supermarkets – follow the directions for the machine.
Water Softeners: If your house has a water softener, you need to fill it with salt occasionally – either block salt or salt tablets which can be bought at DIY, Ironmonger, or have delivered. You need to refill once a month or so.
§ Water Quality: Go to your borough council website, but generally, the drinking water is of very high quality. Be aware that if you have a storage tank, it is better to drink the water from the mains (i.e. Kitchen Tap).
Holiday Tipping § It is customary to tip individuals who provide a service for you throughout the year during the December Holiday season. Individuals who you generally tip include, but are not limited to, the dustbin collectors (garbage men), postman,
21 milkman, security officers, gardeners, and house cleaners. Household Help (continued)
Home Delivery Services
Organic Vegetables Deliveries: www.ableandcole.co.uk Grocery and Home Good Deliveries: www.ocado.com For just about anything else: www.amazon.co.uk
Milk Delivery – Fresh milk as well as eggs, butter, bread, juice, cheese and other small grocery items are available for delivery by the milkman. Generally, you can arrange online payment as well as adjusting your delivery needs and schedule.
! Dairy Crest – www.dairycrest.co.uk ! Milk and More – www.milkandmore.co.uk
Grocery Delivery- The three big grocery stores, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco all do home delivery. You will need to go online to their websites, create an account, order your groceries and they will deliver to your door.
Rubbish Collection/Recycling Centers
Rubbish collection is once a week at the curbside. You will receive a separate container for recycling. Recyclable items include paper, steel, and cans; some borough will accept plastic. The charges for rubbish collection are included in your council tax that is paid each month.
! No charge for disposing household waste or recyclables at recycling centers. You must use your borough’s center (i.e. Gerrards Cross).
§ Garden waste, engine oil, car batteries, gas cylinders and paint, etc. must be disposed of at household waste sites.
§ Your local council will also collect large rubbish items (refrigerators, etc.) and have pest control units (wasp nest, etc.) removed for a fee.
§ The council has an obligation to remove rubbish from the street if you ring them.
! There are also recycling bins for glass, paper, cardboard and plastic in all of the towns. They are usually in the town’s free car parks.
22
Rail Travel
National Rail Enquiries: 08457-484-950 (for information on train times and fares) or website: www.swtrains.co.uik and www.railtrack.co.uk
Underground trip planner: Transportation in London- www.journeyplanner.tfl.go.uk and Eurotunnel info – www.eurotunnel.com
General Information: § A single is a one-way ticket § A return is a round-trip ticket ! A travel card is a return ticket and unlimited travel by tubes, buses, underground trains, and Docklands Light Rail. Purchase it at train stations after 9:30am for “off peak” (and therefore cheaper) prices. § There are no trains running the day after Christmas (Boxing Day). § There are no express trains on Sunday.
Network Rail Card
This card gives savings off most rail fares anywhere in the southeast of England during off-peak hours.
§ After 10:00 am Monday to Friday, weekends and Bank Holidays
! 33% off on up to four adult fares and 60% off on up to four children’s fares (discounted adult fares are subject to a £10 minimum fare, per adult, Monday through Friday).
! Cost is approximately £25 per year from the train station. Carry this card with you at all times and show it when purchasing tickets or if asked for by the conductor.
Oyster Card
This card provides discounts on buses, underground trains, and some trains. It works like a pay-as-you-go debit card.
For more information: www.tfl.gov.uk/oyster or call: 08453-309-876
Family and Friends Railcard – www.family-railcard.co.uk
§ To use this card, an adult cardholder must travel with a child. § Up to four adults and four children aged 16 and under may be included in the
23 “family” and obtain discounted prices. Rail Travel (continued)
§ Discount of 33% off adult fares and 60% off fares for children. § No restrictions on destinations within Great Britain. Applicable for all trips including trips to Scotland. Not applicable for Eurostar. Apply at rail station or online.
Young Persons Railcard
For ages 16 to 25, discount of 33% off most fares, similar to Network Card. Obtain application form from the rail station. Be sure to have £26, a passport-sized photo and proof of age.
Commuter
Weekly, monthly, or annual passes.
Eurostar
§ Departs from St. Pancras Station- current timetables and fares (child/youth discounts) available from www.eurostar.com or call 08705-186-186
St. Pancras to Paris, 2 – 3 hours St. Pancras to Brussels, 3-1/4 hours St. Pancras to Disneyland Paris, 3 hours
Touring by Train
No need to drive the car! Trains can easily take you to tourist attractions such as:
§ Hampton Court Palace § Windsor Castle § Historic Ships in Portsmouth § The Royal Pavilion in Brighton § Chessington World of Adventures § Royal Botanic § Gardens in Kew § Winchester Cathedral § Bath, England § Everything in London, and much more!
24
Postal Services
Royal Mail – www.royalmail.com, helpline: 08457-223-344
Hours
! Main offices are usually open from 9:00am – 5:30pm daily, 9am - 12:30pm on Saturdays. ! Local “mini” or sub-post offices located in newsagents are usually closed from 1pm-2pm for lunch and Wednesday afternoons. § Avoid the first of the month when pensions, benefits, etc. are paid, as queues are long.
Services
§ Utilities and borough taxes may be paid at post offices. You can also make cash withdrawals (like an ATM). § Car registrations, child benefit applications and payments, savings certificates, private box rentals, driving license applications, E111 Forms (which cover medical insurance for health services on the Continent) are also available. § You can obtain foreign currency with no commission; you need to order one day ahead.
Delivery
§ First class stamped postage is for local mail, next day delivery and costs 60p. Second class postage is 50p. § If you expect to be away for an extended period of time, mail can be help at the local sorting office and delivered at a later date. There is a small charge for this Royal Mail Keepsafe service.
Packages – www.parcelforce.com
! Mark your packages sent back home as Unsolicited Gifts or No Commercial Value (“NCV”) and have your friends and family do the same for packages sent here. Customs allows $45 value per person per package. List items, values and names of recipients if sending more than one item in the package. For information on allowances, visit: www.britainusa.com and www.usembassy.or.uk and type in “gifts.”
§ If you are not home when a package arrives, it may be left on your doorstep or the postman will drop a note in your box telling you that the items are at the sorting office.
25
Postal Services (continued)
§ Surface mail is much cheaper than airmail. A 2-kilo package to the US could take 30 days to arrive if sent by surface and 5 to 8 days by airmail. Packages over 2 kilos must be sent international parcel post and could take 6 weeks to be delivered.
Christmas Cards and Packages
§ The post office will know in October the last mailing dates for Christmas Cards and packages. It may be better to use mail order services to send gifts to the US or Canada.
§ Christmas Cards that include pictures and letters can be costly to mail.
! A £5 gratuity is a customary gift to give to the postman at Christmas.
26 Driving
Driving a car in the UK
To drive your car in the UK the following in required:
§ Valid Driving License
§ Automobile Insurance
§ Registration
§ Valid MOT certificate. MOT is an inspection of your car to ensure the car complies with key environmental and safety regulations. (The MOT is similar to the vehicle registration process in the US) After a car is 3 years old, the MOT is mandatory each year. Many garages do MOT testing- look in your local yellow pages.
! Valid Tax Disc showing you’ve paid the annual road tax. This is the blue disc located on the left hand side of your front windscreen. The tax disc can be renewed online after your car has passed the MOT.
Who needs to apply for a UK License?
Any non-EU license holder or individual who holds a driver’s license that does not have an exchange agreement with the UK.
Who can exchange licenses or register their license while living in the UK?
§ EC/EEA license holders must register their licenses in Great Britain. To register there are three options: 1. Go to the nearest DVLA office (Drivers Vehicle Licensing Agency) 2. Phone DVLA customer services at (08702 400 009) to request the D9 form be mailed to your home. 3. Go online to download the form from the website at www.direct.gov.uk/motoringforms
§ Northern Ireland license holders can use their license until it expires.
§ Licenses can be exchanged from the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, and Switzerland.
§ If you are a member of the military or embassy, you do not have to exchange your license.
27 Driving (continued)
Who must apply for a UK driver’s license?
Anyone not falling within the rules previously stated must apply for UK Britain driver’s license. Getting a UK driving license is important for many reasons and the following is designed to help you understand the process and requirements.
When you come to live in the UK, you can use your US license or US International Driving Permit (IDP) for one year, starting “on the date you arrived with the intention of taking up residency.” After one year, you are driving illegally; and your motor insurance may declare your coverage void, so take this requirement seriously.
The comprehensive websites of www.dsa.go.uk and www.dvla.gov.uk/motoring both provide up-to-date and extensive information on the process. Another helpful link is www.direct.gov.uk. It is recommended you thoroughly review the information on the websites to fully understand the process.
The full process to acquire a UK license can take three to six months so plan accordingly:
§ Apply for a UK Provisional License. § Book a Theory Test Appointment; study and take the test. § Book a Practical Test Appointment; practice and take the test.
Step 1: Applying for a UK Provisional License
A Provisional License is an interim license issued to you by the DVLA. It does not entitle you to drive after your one year, but registers you as a “Learner” and entitles you to schedule a Theory Test and Practical Test.
You should apply for the Provisional License as soon as possible after taking up residency. Get a form reference D1 from a Post Office, and fill it out to obtain a “First Provisional License.” Follow the instructions carefully and make sure your signature is within the allowed box only. Any signature outside of the designated box will be returned, delaying your process.
You can apply for the Provisional License via mail. The “mail-in” process requires you to have the D1 Form, a passport photo endorsed and signed on the back by “a person of good standing” in the UK, who has known you for two years, e.g., a minister, a police officer, a doctor, or a school teacher.
You also need to mail your passport and marriage certificate, if you are now using a different name, with the application. It usually takes 10-14 business days to process your application. Be sure to plan around trips when sending in your passport.
28 Driving (continued)
If you are unable to get a suitable person, e.g. someone who has known you for two years, to endorse your photograph, then you MUST visit a Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Agency in person to have your application approved. It will then be forwarded to the DVLA Processing Office along with your passport and marriage certificate if you are now using a different name.
Visit www.dvla.gov.uk or phone the DVLA directly (08708 500 007) to find the DVLA Office located nearest to you.
You will need the following with you:
§ Passport (with Work Permit/Visa) and Marriage Certificate if necessary. § 1 x color passport photo according to specifications listed in booklet. ! Application fee of £50 to be paid by check. § Application form D1 properly completed and signed.
Step 2: The Theory Test
Once your provisional license has arrived, you can book the Theory Test. Book your test via the telephone (08700 101 372) or the www.direct.gov.uk/motoring website. The current fee for a Theory Test is £31.00. Have your Provisional License and credit card on hand.
The Theory Test is a computerized ‘touch-screen’ test, where the minimum pass mark is 43 correct answers out of 50 questions, plus a Hazard Perception Test, which monitors your reactions to video footage of developing hazards.
To prepare for the test, you should get an up-to-date Highway Code, a book with current DSA Theory Test Question Bank and a CD-ROM simulating the Hazard Perception Test. Buy these in most bookshops or borrow them from a friend.
The website noted above also offers an interactive mock test. This is very helpful to get familiar with the test questions and format.
Step 3: The Practical Driving Test
Once you pass your Theory Test, you can book the Practical Test using the same phone and website resources as above. The current fee for this test is £62 for weekdays. Tests are administered on weekends and weeknights (summer only) at some test centers. You pay more for these test times; check the DVLA site for locations. Have your Provisional License, Theory Pass Certificate and credit card on hand prior to calling. You will need to specify if you are licensing for a manual or automatic transmission. An automatic license is for automatic transmissions only, where manual license can drive both gears.
29 Driving (continued)
This driving test is taken with a DSA Observer who scores your performance while driving on local streets and executing basic maneuvers. The test is about 40 minutes and includes driving through typical roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, etc. You will be asked to perform two or three basic maneuvers: a reverse turn, a reverse turn around a corner, a parallel park (reverse parking) behind a car, but not between two cars. It will include a simple vision test, car safety/maintenance checks and may include an emergency stop maneuver.
You are strongly encouraged to make the investment and take driving lessons from a licensed instructor. These instructors will teach you UK driving rules and coach you on how to take the actual test. Lessons typically cost £30 for a one-hour lesson and you usually need three to four lessons to be sufficiently prepared. Instructors are found through personal references. It is advised to bring your driving instructor along on your Practical Driving Test and use their car, as you have to prove your vehicle on test day is ‘safe, up to UK regulations and road-worthy’. BEST OF LUCK! YOU CAN DO IT!
Note: Teenagers can start this process at the age of 17.
Driving Instructors & Schools (Driving School list is not all inclusive)
Visit www.driving-schools.co.uk to find Driving Schools located near your postcode.
! RED Driving School – www.reddrivingschool.com ! First Choice Driving School – www.firstchoicedrivingschool.co.uk ! ACT Driving School – www.actdrivingschool.com
Make sure your Driving Instructor is ADI approved with a “Green Sticker” on his car called “Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor (Car)” and that they have a good “Grade Level” of 5 or above (Grade Level 6 is the maximal level of achievement).
Tips for Driving on the European Continent
§ If you are going to drive on the Continent, obtain full motor vehicle coverage (UK plus Europe), including breakdown coverage, for one year. This may be a less expensive option for coverage than buying insurance a week at a time.
§ Visit the website www.TheAA.com to learn the rules for each country.
30
Driving (continued)
§ Most of the following are requirements for all countries:
· GB Plate/Sticker on the rear of the vehicle · Headlight beam adjustments for driving on the right · Warning triangle and fire extinguisher · First Aid Kit
Parking
Many car parks use the Pay & Display system to pay for parking. This involves purchasing a parking ticket from the Pay & Display machines after you have parked your car. Purchase a ticket based on the amount of time you will be staying in the town. Place the Pay & Display ticket on the driver’s window with the sticker portion of the ticket or place the ticket on the dashboard in plain sight.
Variation of the Pay & Display system is when you take a ticket upon entry to a car park. Before you return to your car, go to the Car Payment Machines and pay for your stay. You cannot pay for your stay at the exit barriers.
Airport Parking
! APH Parking – www.aph.com - 08707 300 809 Website provides quotes for airport car parks, including a “Meet and Greet” service that valet parks your cark for you.
! BAA – www.baa.com Provided quotes for various car parks at airports.
! Flypark – www.flypark.co.uk
Taxis
When hiring a taxi, check the taxi stand at your local rail station. Taxis in your local area will be cheaper than booking with the larger companies, particularly if you require a car to transport you to the rail station for trips on the Eurostar.
31 Banking
Each expat financial institution is different. Some people are paid in dollars and others in pounds. Some are considered US employees and others employees of British companies. Some companies offer solid financial counseling; others leave expats to figure it out for themselves. If the company offers you financial advice, take advantage of it!
Banking issues are connected to the following: taxes in US and UK, residence/domicile issues, participation in your retirement plan, and stock implications. Use of offshore accounts is advisable for some situations. Ask for help from your company or a recommended accountant before making financial decisions. If your company does not provide this support, find other expats from your company or similar companies and ask how they handle banking issues. There is not one right answer.
Before you Arrive
(These pre-move actions are too late now, but may help in future moves)
§ Try to open bank accounts on your initial visit as it takes time to establish accounts and credit cards, order checks, arrange to transfer money and set up payroll deposits.
§ Arrange for a letter of introduction from your previous bank. Depending on the anticipated length of your assignment, you may want to keep active bank accounts in the US or other country.
! Find out the bank used by the spouse’s company and get a letter of introduction or, better yet, a personal contact at the bank.
! When you open a UK account, you may need a letter from your spouse’s employer stating the salary you are receiving. Get the letter on company letterhead.
Checking Accounts (Current Account)
§ To open a checking account, you may need a letter of introduction from a previous bank, two forms of ID, and proof of a local address, usually a utility bill. For joint accounts, you need to show a marriage certificate.
§ Banks will mail new checkbooks to you as you use the previous checkbook.
§ Cancelled checks will only be returned to you if you request it, and there is a charge.
32 Banking (continued)
Cheques (Checks)
! Dates on checks are written day/month/year (i.e., August 31, 2008 would be written as “31/08/08).
! Amounts on checks are written “£20.23” or “twenty pounds and 23 pence.”
§ Checks deposited to your account will not be cleared for use for up to five days. The bank will wait until the deposited check physically gets to the branch from which it is written before funds are cleared.
§ You will need a check guarantee card from the bank with an amount embossed on it to pay in person by check. You also can use your debit card as a guarantee card.
§ Protect yourself by arranging for overdraft privileges.
How to Write a Local Cheque:
§ The first line is for the payee; the second line is for pounds, and the third line is for pence.
§ Make sure you draw a line to the end of the third line to prevent any further amounts added due to fraud.
§ Make sure your name, address, sort code and account numbers are correct prior to use.
33
Banking (continued)
Cash
§ Cash machines are cash dispensers only, although some provide mini-statements. You can usually use your US credit or ATM card to get cash. Be aware that some banks add a user charge.
! You may get cash back at major grocery stores (Waitrose, Tesco, and Sainsbury) up to £50 above the cost of your purchase.
§ Get a small STURDY change purse for pound coins; they get very heavy in the bottom of your purse!
Bill Payment
§ Standing Order: Standing orders are automatic transfers done by the bank. To start a standing order, complete a form at your bank telling them to forward money to a certain vendor at a certain time. You can arrange for most bills to be paid this way. To stop a standing order, give the bank at least two days notice prior to designated payment time.
§ Automatic Debit: Automatic debits are the same as standing orders except you provide the vendor with your banking details (sort code and account number) and they automatically deduct monthly payments from your account. The vendor sends you a monthly bill detailing the amount owed before direct debiting it. Automatic debits can be very useful if you are planning to be away from the UK for any length of time (i.e., summer) as all your bills will be paid automatically.
! Telephone Banking: Ask your bank about telephone banking. You will give security information over the phone and then call in payments. (Note: When you set up telephone banking, don’t forget to write down your identification information.)
! Pay By Check: You can always pay bills the old fashioned way…write a check and mail it! Be aware that you do not get your cancelled checks back (although they will provide copies at your request), so be sure to keep an accurate record of each payment in your checkbook. Also, some banks do not provide check registers, so you may want to get some from your previous bank.
§ Post Office: Your post office is a key location for bill paying. Take the bill to the post office and pay by check, debit card or cash. They will mark your bill as
34 paid.
Banking (continued)
§ Children over 12 can have their own debit card, which allows cash withdrawals only. It is not a credit card.
§ To pay bills in the US or other countries, keep an account open in that country and explore on-line banking or bill paying services for your US bills that continue while you are abroad, i.e, insurance, taxes if you retain property, or stock contributions.
Wiring Money
§ Wiring money takes time (days to weeks depending on the bank), and there are wiring fees (sometimes significant). There are tax considerations when wiring large amounts of money. See your accountant for advice. This may be an area for negotiation with your company. Define who pays the wiring fees.
Credit Requirements
§ See your bank manager to deal with loans, lines of credit, and overdraft privileges. Be careful to stay within credit limits. Banks strictly adhere to these.
§ Obtain UK or US credit cards in your own name to establish your own credit rating. American Express does issue cards to existing account holders in good standing in pounds or euros. These cards may be tied to rewards programs like Nectar. Call American Express customer services to ask about specific programs.
§ Call your US credit card companies and inform them where you are now living and also when you travel to other countries. They may deny you credit if they think your card has been stolen.
Traveling Needs
§ In most other countries, you can use your credit or debit card to obtain local currency from a cash machine. You usually get the best exchange rate this way.
§ When you travel, you may also want to order travelers checks, check cards (these are cards where you deposit a specific amount of foreign currency onto the card, i.e. 500 euros, to be drawn down when traveling) and foreign currency a day or two in advance. Do this at a Thomas Cook Travel Agency or your bank. You can also get foreign currency at Post Offices and Marks & Spencer. Euro Checks are also an option. When you return from a trip you can convert back to the British
35 currency at the airport. If you used Thomas Cook, keep your receipt, and they will convert back without a second commission. If you purchased foreign currency from a bank, they will offer the same conversion service.
Banking (continued)
The Euro
§ Europe and Ireland (not the UK) converted to the euro in January 2002.
§ The euro is making its way into the currency here. Be careful when accepting change that you are getting pounds and pence and not euros.
36 Phone Service
Picking a phone, mobile and internet service provider can be a very daunting activity since information and rate plans change frequently. BT is the largest telephone and internet service provider in the UK but that does not mean they have the best rates or plan. Home Phone Choices reviews landline and mobile phone providers. (www.homephonechoices.co.uk)
The newest technology for making phone calls is called VoIP (pronounced “v oy p) or voice over IP. While this sounds fancy, it still provides the same basic function of talking with people anywhere in the world but usually at a much cheaper rate. VoIP works over an internet connection and doesn’t require a phone line. The advantage of VoIP is that once you have a VoIP service, it works anywhere you can plug into an internet connection. This allows you to keep the same phone number here, in the US or anywhere in the world! You can set up virtual numbers that allows friends or relatives to call you as if it was a local call. There are many VoIP services, but the two most used are Vonage and Skype. With Skype, you can make calls through your computer (but you can buy a compatible handset), and calls are free to other Skype users. Vonage is a real phone service that uses a special router plugged into your internet connection or router. You plug an ordinary phone or phone system into it and make calls just like you normally would.
Landline Phone Service
Landline Providers
! Sky Talk: 08442 410 499 ! BT: 08000 055 555 or www.bt.co.uk § Vonage: 011 800 980 1455 or www.vonage.com § Skype: www.skype.com § TalkTalk: www.talktalk.co.uk § Virgin: www.virgin.com/company/virgin-media (digital TV, broadband, etc.)
Important Numbers
§ 999 Emergency § 111 Non-Emergency Assistance § 155 International Directory Assistance § 112 International Emergency in Europe and England § 100 UK Operator (free unless they connect your call) § 118 500 BT Directory Enquiries § 123 Precise Time
37 Phone Service (continued)
Engaged Line
Engaged Line is called Ring Back. When you hear the busy signal, push “5” and hang up. When the other person finishes their call and hangs up, your phone will ring three short rings until you pick up, then their phone will ring. Costs 10 pence each time you use it.
Call Identifier
If someone calls you and hangs up before or after you pick up the phone, push “1471” and a recorded voice will give you the phone number of the person that just called. No charge for this service.
Phone Cards
Phone cards are available in England, US, and much of the Europe. www.stanacard.com allows US to UK phone calls for 2.25 cents per minute. Good for families to call you here in the UK.
Recommendation: Vonage offers a variety of monthly plans; check prices on the web. Buy a UK phone system with one base unit and multiple handsets (2-4). This can be purchase at Comets or Currys.
Mobile Phone Service
There are many choices when it comes to mobile phone plans. One option is to go to Carphone Warehouse and check the current rates and plans; however, they do not “sell” all service provider websites. Calling mobile phones from landlines or mobiles can be expensive. Text messages are cheaper. Incoming calls are always free on both landline and mobile phones. One option is to do a Pay-As-You-Go plan. Until you hit £20 per month, choosing a monthly plan is not cost effective. Also, most monthly plans require a 12 to 24 month commitment; check details before purchasing. Some combined landline- mobile internet plans such as TalkTalk provide good value.
Mobile Service Providers (need a UK credit card)
! O2 – www.o2.co.uk ! Orange – www.orange.co.uk ! T-Mobile – www.t-mobile.co.uk ! Vodafone – www.vodafone.co.uk ! TalkTalk – www.talktalk.co.uk
Remember that a tri or quad-band GSM phones (which most current ones are) from the US will work in the UK but you will need a new SIM card. Conversely, a UK phone must be a tri-band phone to work in the US.
38 Technology Issues
Computers
! Most computers are dual voltage – just need a plug adapter. Some Dell computers need to flick a switch to change voltage. If you are bringing a computer from the US, be sure that your transformer is strong enough and has a power surge protector or that your computer has a switch on the back for different voltage.
§ The standard UK paper is A4 size. A4 will usually fit into the feed tray on US printers. Be sure to reset your default paper print size also.
§ Plug adapters are essential for all US appliances including computers, printers, and fax machines.
§ Laptops can usually adapt to either voltage but need the appropriate plugs.
§ For computer related issues, check to see if your company offers such services. Check the Yellow Pages or www.yell.com for listings.
! NFL Game Pass www.nflgamepass.com - hook laptop on TV via USB cable – watch NFL network and all games on demand or archive.
Internet Access
§ If you need internet access prior to getting it set up at home, try your local library.
§ Most internet service is provided by Sky or BT. However, BT can be more expensive than some of the other providers so check around.
§ Internet access is available through the phone or cable company.
! Dongles allow portable internet access – temporary fix until internet issues are resolved in the home. Can be purchased for 1-3 months from Tesco and mobile phone companies.
§ It is often cheaper to combine broadband, phone line and/or mobile phone service.
§ If you are waiting for broadband service, but have a phone line, consider using a reputable free dial up service in the interim.
39 Medical Care
Some Terminology
999………………....EMERGENCY Emergency Room….A&E (Accident & Emergency) or Casualty Doctor’s Office…....Surgery Specialist…………..Consultant, referred to as Mr/Mrs./Ms., not Dr. Pharmacy…………. Chemist Physical Therapy…..Physio
General Information
§ First register with a local G.P. They will give you a form to complete (for all family if necessary). Do this BEFORE you need any treatment. You may find G.P. by googling www.nhs.uk
§ Dentists offer either private or NHS treatment. Children are free up to their 19th Birthday. Pregnant mothers are also entitled to free treatment. Registration with a dentist can be done when an appointment is made. Private dentists may need to know whether you have dental insurance before they will register you. To receive NHS treatment, you must check before you register that the dentist will accept you as an NHS patient.
§ Private hospitals can be booked directly through the hospital reception desk, although you may need a referral from your G.P. depending on the condition. To attend an NHS hospital, you MUST first visit your G.P. who will decide whether you need a referral letter. An appointment letter will be sent to your from the hospital. It may take some time.
§ NHS Direct is a 24-hour nurse led help line providing confidential health advice and information. The telephone number to call is 08454647. This service is also available on the internet at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.
§ Another extremely useful website is available giving an in-depth guide to health care in Buckinghamshire. www.buckshealth.com
§ Complementary therapies are also readily available. Ensure they are registered with a professional body and that they are fully insured to treat you. It is possible to claim private health insurance for some therapies, but not for all.
40 Medical Care (continued)
National Health Services (NHS)
NHS Website—www.nhs.uk (general info about NHS services, e.g. nearest surgery) NHS Direct Website—www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk (health, medical related info) NHS Direct Hotline—0845-4647
§ Available to everyone who is a resident in the UK, and tourist on an emergency call basis only.
§ Funded through tax dollars. Provides free healthcare services such as doctor appointments, vaccinations (not travel vaccination), eyeglasses for children, hospital stays, home visits, maternity care, lab tests, and X-rays.
§ Prescriptions are free to children under 16 years, women over 60, and men over 65. Everyone else pays less than 10 pounds.
§ Under the NHS, the GP is the only one with the authority to refer a patient to a consultant, and it may be his choice, not yours.
§ Free eye exam and glasses for children.
§ It is recommended that you register with your local NHS GP. Even if you choose private healthcare, you should register with your local NHS clinic. Telephone the local Family Health Authority or check the local library, post office, or Department of Health for the closest NHS clinic accepting new patients.
§ Registration of new NHS patients varies by clinic/surgery.
Private Health Care
§ Most expats have private health care available through their employers. Check the policy; sometimes a specialist consultant treatment is only covered if referred by a GP, other policies do not require that.
§ You can also arrange for private health care on your own. There are a number of companies that provide private health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa PPP).
§ Check also for International private health insurance, which you are entitled to as an international expat. This might give you certain advantages. Check for topics such as pre-existing conditions, emergency evacuation, outpatient treatment, or
41 preventative medicine. Medical Care (continued)
Primary Health Care (continued)
! Most doctors (known as GP’s) and specialists take both NHS and private patients. The biggest difference is TIME. You can often jump to the front of the queue if being seen privately and have a better choice of when you get an appointment and choice of consultant.
§ PLEASE NOTE: You do not have to choose one system over the other; use bot h. You can see a GP as an NHS patient but be referred to a consultant (specialist) as a private patient.
§ Generally, independently of your insurance policy, most consultants prefer or require a GP referral. Ask before or when making an appointment.
Travel Insurance
§ If you have private health insurance, check your policy, sometimes travel insurance is included.
§ It is very simple to set up private travel insurance for reasonable cost, either via the private health insurers, the airlines (BA offer a yearly plan) or some internet booking websites such as Expedia offer insurance either on a trip basis or yearly.
§ As a UK resident you are entitled to medical treatment when visiting Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. You will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This can be obtained free of charge at the EHIC website www.ehic.org.uk or by calling 08456062030.
Travel Clinic
§ The travel clinic should be visited 6-8 weeks before your departure.
§ Private travel clinic: Princess Margaret Travel Clinic, 38 Osborne Road, Windsor SL4 3SJ, 01753 743 271
§ Some NHS surgeries also have travel clinics.
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Medical Care (continued)
Hospitals
§ There are both NHS and Private hospitals. Some NHS hospitals have private beds or private wings.
§ Generally, under NHS, your bed will be in a ward. Private patients may have private or semiprivate rooms.
§ Not all hospitals have Casualty Departments/ A&E (Emergency Rooms), and not all are open 24 hours. Some NHS hospital services, such as x-ray services, may have limited hours.
§ Locate your nearest hospital with a Casualty Department/A&E.
§ Many private hospitals are not as well equipped for life threatening emergencies off the streets. For these you should use the closet NHS hospital with an A&E.
Hospital in the Area
Buckinghamshire Health Authority Bucks Social Services 1-7 The Courtyard King George V Road Merlin Centre Amersham Gatehouse Close Tel. 01494526161 Aylesbury Tel. 01296310000 South Bucks Health Information Service South Bucks NHS Trust 7 Priory Road Headquarters High Wycombe Oakengrover Tel. 01494474756 Shrubbery Rd High Wycombe Wexham Hospital Tel. 014947290000 (Has Accident & Emergency) Wexham Street Slough
Wycombe General Hospital Amersham Hospital (Has Accident & Emergency Dept) Whieldon Street Queen Alexandra Rd. Amersham High Wycombe Tel. 01494434411
43 Tel. 01494526161
Medical Care (continued)
Amersham Doctors, Dentist & Opticians
Amersham Health Centre, Chiltern Avenue, HP6 5AY 08444 778733 Little Chalfont Surgery, 200 White Lion Road, HP7 9NU 01494 762323 Rectory Meadow Surgery, School Lane, HP7 0HG 01494 727711
Dentists
Christopher L. Jones, 123 High Street, HP7 0DY 01494 721846 Garden Court Dental Surgery, Hervines Road, HP6 5HS 01494 726267 Lexham Gardens Dental Practice, Lexham Garden, HP6 5JP 01494 727638
Opticians
Chilton Watson, 73 Sycamore Road, HP6 5EQ 01494 721795 Boots Opticians, 21 Sycamore Road, HP6 5EQ 08451 253758
Bucks Social Services
Chiltern and South Bucks Area, King George V Road, HP6 5BN 01494 729000
Beaconsfield Doctors, Dentist & Opticians
Doctors (GP) The Simpson Centre, 70 Gregories Road, HP9 1PS 01494 671571 Millbarn Medical Centre, 34 London End, HP9 2JH 01494 675303
Dentist Wattleton Park Dental Practice, 47 Wattleton Rd., HP9 1RY 01494 675402 Cripps & Collins, Beaconsfield Dental, 5 Ledborough Lane, HP9 2PZ 01494 673219 Time 2 Smile, 60 Penn Road, HP9 2LS 08702 322220
Opticians Boots Opticians, 25 Gregories Road, HP9 1HH 01494 673627 Harrold Opticians, 26 Gregories Road, HP9 1HQ 01494 672193
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Medical Care (continued)
Chalfont St. Peter/Gerrards Cross Doctors & Dentist Doctors (GP) Calcot Medical Centre, Hampden Road, SL9 9SA 01753 887311 Misbourne Surgery, Church Lane, SL9 9RR 01753 891010
Dentists Village Dental Health Centre, 40 Oak End Way, SL9 8BR 01753 884211 Nuleaf Dental, Ethorpe Road & 71A Packhorse Rd., SL9 8PQ 01753 888035 Market House Dental Practice, Market Place, SL9 9HA 01753 887878 Belmont Dental Surgery, 125 Packhorse Road, SL9 8JD 01753 882126 Springfield Dental Clinic, 1 South Park, SL9 8HH 01753 883254 Oak End Dental, 1 Oak End Way, SL9 8BS 01753 893387
Opticians Oliver’s Opticians, 2 Market Place, SL9 9EA 01753 890822 Chilton Watson, 3 Station Road, SL9 8ES 01753 886306 Harrold Optician, 4 Station Approach, SL9 8PP 01753 883932 Boots Optician, 52 Packhorse Road, SL9 8EF 01753 279763 Wexham Hospital (has Accident & Emergency Dept) Wexham Street 01753 633000
Chesham Doctors & Dentists Doctors (GP) Gladstone Surgery, Chess Medical Centre, Berkhamstead Rd, HP5 3EZ 01494 782884 Water Meadow Surgery, Red Lion Street, HP5 1ET 01494 782241 The New Surgery, Chess Medical Centre, Berkhamstead Rd, HP5 3EZ 01494 782262 Aureole House, Market Square, 9 Church Street, HP5 1ES 01442 878782 Dentist Hyatt’s Yard Dental Practice, 22-24 Red Lion Street, HP5 1EU 01494 782940 Red Lion Dental Practice, 28a Red Lion Street, HP5 1EZ 01494 793030 Opticians Turner & Browning, 4 High Street, HP5 1EP 01494 782957 Boots Optician, 18 High Street, HP5 1EP 01494 793498 Denham Doctors & Dentists Doctors (GP) Denham Medical Centre, Tilehouse Way, UB9 5GA 01895 832012
Dentist
45 Denham Green Dental Practice, 24 Penn Drive, UB9 5JP 01895 832238 Medical Care (continued)
High Wycombe Doctors & Dentist
Doctors (GP) The Priory Surgery, 24-26 Priory Road, HP13 6SH 01494 448132
Dentists The Millhouse Dental Practice, Mill House, London Road, HP10 9TJ 01494 523003
Opticians Eric Bateman Opthalmic Optician, 18 Queen Square, HP11 2DF 01494 526058 Boots Optician, 27 Eden Walk, HP11 2AU 01494 459610
Wycombe General Hospital (Has Accident & Emergency Dept) Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Road 01494 526161
Northwood Doctors & Dentists
Doctors (GP) Eastbury Surgery, 3 Eastbury Road, HA6 3BG 01923 845945
Dentist Northwood Dental Practice, 7 Station Approach, HA6 2XN 01923 824400
Opticians New Vision Opticians, 90 High Street, Rickmansworth, WD3 1AQ Parker & Hammond Opticians, 34 Green Lane, HA6 2QB 01923 836343
Mount Vernon Hospital Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, HA6 2RN 01923 826111
Also check on a very useful internet site (www.upmystreet.co.uk) for listings of doctors in your area.
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Medical Care (continued)
Important Facts About Dental Care
§ Water is not fluoridated like in the US. Fluoride tablets are available at any Chemist.
§ Under NHS, all dental check ups are free. Some dentists do NHS care and some do not.
§ You are automatically entitled to free dental care from an NHS dentist up to your 19th Birthday or pregnant when the dentist accepted you for treatment.
§ Dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, crowns, etc. are not free under the NHS.
§ When you make an appointment with a dentist, he or she will only examine your teeth. Further services, such as dental cleanings, will require a separate appointment.
Counseling Services
To obtain information about local counseling services, consult your GP (NHS or private), local library, religious leaders, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, and the local Marriage Guidance Council (RELATE).
§ CRUSE (Bereavement)- 08444 779 400- www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk or email us at: [email protected]
! British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy, BACP House, 15 St. John’s Business Park, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4HB- 01455 883 316- www.bacp.co.uk
! American Psychotherapy Associates (Ltd.) 39A Welbeck Street, London W1G 8HD … [email protected]
§ Mind, PO Box 277, Manchester M60 3XN- 08457 660 163- [email protected]
§ Your school counselors
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Medical Care (continued)
Pharmacies/Chemist
§ Generally, most towns or larger villages have a pharmacy. Check your local parade of shops. Many large supermarkets also have pharmacies located within their stores.
! You may want to consider bringing over –the- counter medicines that you are familiar with from home. (e.g.. Tylenol, Advil, children’s medicines)
§ Some brands: Ibuprofen= Nuroen, Cuprofen, Brofen: Acetaminophen/Paracetamol= Panadol, Disprol, Ticymol, Calpol. These are often available over the counter, or even at the supermarkets, but sometimes you may need to ask the pharmacist for them.
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Childcare
Life with Babies and Toddlers in England
While at first it may seem that you are alone and sometimes unwelcome, you will soon feel more comfortable and at ease with your little ones once you too are settled. There are a lot of others who have felt the same way. Make the effort to connect with other parents with children of a similar age. Local toddler groups and classes are a great way to meet people.
A great source of travel information is Take the Kids: England, Cadogan Guides. It includes lots of tips on what’s best to do with different aged kids and how to approach your explorations in England.
Adult Nannies and Adult Babysitters
! School Reference List - ask your child’s teacher, school secretary, friends, etc. for references
§ Neighbors, Friends and school England Parents
! Phone Book under “Childcare and Nannies”
§ CAWC: Moms and Tots Group can make recommendations.
Other Childcare Resources
§ Consult local NHS Health Visitor for list of playgrounds and nurseries
§ Family Grapevine Magazine- available at most local libraries- www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk
§ Up My Street- www.upmystreet.com, enter postcode, click on Pre-school under Education
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Childcare (continued)
! Health Clubs, Private Clubs, Leisure Centers, and Malls often have crèches for use while on-site
! The Lady is a weekly magazine for women which has a classified and section for various domestic services AND holiday properties to let – www.lady.co.uk
Sitters
§ Allbairns Babysitting - www.allbairns.com
! Poppins, Mary Tattersfield – www.abcpoppins.co.uk - 01753 862 410
! CHIPS (Children’s Professional Services) - 01276 683 147 www.childrensprofessionalservices.co.uk
! Sitters – www.sitters.co.uk - 08003 890 038
Au Pairs/ Nannies
§ Childcare International- www.childint.co.uk - 0208 9063 116
§ Tinies Childcare- www.tinies.com
§ Domestic Solutions- www.nannyworld.co.uk - 0207 225 1550
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Day-To-Day Life
Out and About
! Cinema the British way! Most cinemas offer pre-booking via phone or the web with a credit card. To get the phone number of the cinema, you’ll need to know whether it is Virgin, MGM, UCL, etc. Making your booking holds your ticket. Arrive at the cinema and use the ticket machine with your credit card to collect your tickets. Easy!
§ West End Theatre is unbeatable. Book early for the best selection. Ticket master is a good source. Harrods sells last minute tickets at a slight premium. For the more popular shows, you may have to book up to six months in advance so plan ahead. The Hall Price Ticket Booth in Leicester Square is a great possibility for last minute tickets on the day of the performance
! Social Events: “Smart Casual” means no jeans and your outfit should be well put together (think jacket, but no tie for men) “Lounge suit” means business attire, women’s trousers are not prevalent at more upscale social functions, and you will seldom see “evening trousers” at black tie events here.
! Halloween: The CAWC hosts our annual Trunk or Treat event at Halloween. Some UK children have adopted the custom of Trick or Treating in areas known to have many American families. If you live in an area with a dense American community, be prepared to hand out candy.
! British Summer Time usually ends the last weekend in October – “fall back” one hour. Children may leave for school in the dark and return in the dark as we approach mid-December. (Think LAYERS and always have an umbrella)! Plan now to fend off the winter blues. Join the gym and get into that exercise routine. Book that February or Easter break. And after the Winter Solstice, think light. The days get noticeably longer each day after 21 December.
! Guy Fawkes Day: “Remember, remember the 5th of November.” In 1605 the “Gunpowder Plot” meant to blow up Parliament was foiled. Each year the English celebrate with huge bonfires burning the effigy of “The Guy.” Fireworks abound and can be heard several nights before the 5th of November and for several rights after. Fireworks are readily for sale at garden centres, ironmongers, and grocery stores, so consider discussing fireworks safety with your older children. Now is the time to purchase fireworks if you are planning a Fourth of July party!
! Thanksgiving Day Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London is an ecumenical
51 service for the entire American Community. St. Paul’s fills up quickly so arrive early. Services begin at 11:00am.
Day-To-Day Life (continued)
§ Pantomimes are the great Christmas holiday treat. Book now at London theatres and local ones. Expect a high-caliber production complete with elaborate costumes and props re-telling a traditional fairy tale. Requires a great deal of audience participation so be ready to boo and hiss the villain and shout to warn the hero of danger. Good fun and not be missed.
! Boxing Day (December 26) is so called, because on this day it was the custom for tradesmen to collect their Christmas boxes or gifts in return for good services throughout the year. Also, it included giving money and other gifts to charitable institutions and the needy. The holiday may date from as early as the Middle Ages, but the exact origin is not known. It may have begun with the Lords and Ladies of England, who gave Christmas boxes/gifts to their servants on December 26, or maybe by priests, who opened the church’s alms (charity boxes), and distributed the comments to the poor and needy. The postman and dustbin men/refuse men get their Boxing Day money on their last delivery day before Christmas starts. Not everyone gives them money; some give mince pies; and some people do not give anything, as it is a very old tradition. Mainly it is a day to spend more time with family and friends. Please note: Trains do not run this day.
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Family Fun
Below you will find shared insights and experiences that might help ease your adjustment to life in the UK. Please note that these are by no means a complete list of resources, activities, organizations, or travel options and represent no endorsement from your school.
Information –Gathering
*Websites & Magazines/ Subscriptions
§ Family Grapevine Magazine (pick up at local library, at schools, etc.)
! Time Out London (available on newsstands & in newsletter format) – www.timeout.com/london
! Official London Theater (register for email updates) – www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk
! Mayor’s Website for Young Londoners- www.london.gov.uk/young- london/kids/things-to-do/index.jsp
§ Kids Love London- www.kids.visitlondon.com
§ London for Kids- www.londonnet.co.uk/In/out/ent/kids.html
§ London Kidz- www.londonkidz.co.uk
! London Town – www.londontown.com/London/Places_to_go_in_London
! Day Out with the Kids – www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk
§ About.com United Kingdom Travel- www.gouk.about.com
* Local Clubs & Associations (incomplete listing…you can find many more online)
! CAWC- www.cawc.co.uk
! English Heritage – www.english-heritage.org.uk
! National Heritage – www.nationalheritage.org.uk
53 ! FAWCO- www.fawco.org
Family Fun (continued)
* Travel
§ Plan ahead and book early § Look for last minute deals § Consider tour operations § Plan around England/European school holidays § Search the web § Talk to a travel agent and other families
Sample Day/Weekend Trips (by car, southwest trains, Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and/or ferry)
§ Bath § Brighton, Portsmouth, West Wittering, other beaches § Cotswolds § Devon, Cornwall § Dover Castle § English Heritage Properties § Isle of Wight § Leeds Castle § New Forest & Beaulieu § Oxford or Cambridge § Stonehenge, Salisbury, Avebury § Stratford-Upon-Avon § Warwick Castle § York § Belgium-Brugge, Brussels § France- Calais, Paris ! Venice –(Orient Express) § Wales- Museum of Welsh Life
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Family Fun (continued) ______
Public Holidays and Sample Event Calendar
* January/February/March ! Bank Holiday (First of January)
*April/May ! London Marathon (late April) ! Bank Holidays (Good Friday, Monday after Easter, First Monday in May and Last Monday in May)
* June/July ! Ascot Races (Royal Ascot in mid June) ! Wimbledon (late June, early July) ! Henley Regatta (early July)
*August/September ! Bank Holiday (last Monday in August) ! Theater Kids Week (end of August, beginning of September) ! Windsor Half Marathon and Women’s 8K (late September) ! Ascot Arts Festival/Family Day at the Races (late September)
*October/November ! Halloween (Trunk or Treat – get lots of candy) ! Guy Fawkes Day (early November – fireworks) ! Thanksgiving (no one else in Britain has the day off) and St. Paul’s Cathedral services ! CAWC Christmas Bazaar and other local fairs
*December ! Christmas Markets (Bath, Salzburg, Vienna, others) ! Pantomines (London and Local Theaters) ! Bank Holidays (Christmas Day and Day after Christmas)
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