WITH Luxury travel, IN holidays and tours LIVING A Bigger, Better, Brighter Read MORE INSIDE... Vol. 13 Issue 10 January 2016 www.livingwithin.com Livingstone’s Travel World Bespoke specialist in worldwide luxury travel, holidays and tours Special Advertising Feature

Livingstone’s Travel World specialises in tailor-made travel for discerning clients and businesses that require innovative travel arrangements, golfi ng holidays, independent sport related tours and escorted leisure tours to many of the world’s most amazing and fascinating destinations. Our “concierge” type business is supported by carefully selected UK tour operators and a worldwide network of licensed travel partners, which enables us to offer an almost limitless variety of holidays, tours and travel related services.

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Livingstone’s Luxury Tours are organised and carefully planned with our typical client in mind. They provide unrivalled travel experiences, much of which is refl ected in the itineraries - but all offer quality and style that befi ts the most discerning client. There are tours of Discovery from Nepal and the Himalayas, to the pampas of Argentina, the savannahs of Africa, the temples of the India, the beaches of the Caribbean and the South Pacifi c. There are tours centred on festivals, current and past notable events, upon lifestyle interests that include: Music & Art, Gourmet & Wine, Wildlife Safaris, iconic Rail Journeys, UK Heritage and “Signature” tours with stand-out features.

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Andalucía – Classic Cultures Krakow – And It’s Heroes Puglia – Culinary Delights Adriatic Wine Odyssey Gastronomic Capitals Tours featured in this advertisement provide a small insight into the wonderful tours we arrange. Group departure dates are on request or on our website; these are based on the most suitable periods to travel after taking into account local weather conditions. Tours are adaptable for 2-16 persons and independent travel but child and youth age restrictions can apply. January 2016 LIVING WITHIN 3 Owner ordered to replace 1,280 trees at Blacknest Park

The Court of Appeal has come down on the side of place on Tuesday 17 November and the judgment the Royal Borough Of Windsor And , was delivered last month. ordering a developer to replant 1,280 trees to Distinctive Properties’ appeal was based on their replace those they were accused of destroying. disputation of the number, as there were only 27 Distinctive Properties (Ascot) Limited bought tree stumps visible. The Royal Borough countered Blacknest Park in Whitmore Lane, that the area had been clear-felled with much of in 2010. Despite there being a Tree Preservation the woodland burnt or disposed of and the fi gure Order, a 0.8 hectare area of the the 6.4 hectare site of 1,280 was a reasonable estimate. was clear-felled in April or May 2012. The company’s appeal to the court was based on Without the consent of the Royal Borough, trees the inclusion of saplings in this number, but Lord could not be removed with the Tree Preservation Justice Jackson, Lady Justice Gloster and Sir David Order in place. Keene agreed that woodland includes saplings and On 15 January 2014 the Royal Borough issued a small trees and the council was correct to include Tree Replacement Notice, under which Distinctive them in the count. Properties were ordered to plant 1,280 trees in The owners now have to comply with the terms total including alder, willow, English oak and of the Tree Replacement Notice. beech. Cllr Christine Bateson, cabinet member for Ascot On 15 August 2014 the Planning Inspector and the Sunnings, said: “This verdict is wonderful upheld the council’s decision to issue the Tree news. Residents will be delighted to hear that trees Replacement Notice. will be reinstated at this cherished woodland site.” Distinctive Properties appealed to the High Cllr Derek Wilson, cabinet member for planning, Court and then the Court of Appeal but both said: “Well done to our tree and legal teams for the appeals were dismissed. excellent work they have carried out in this long- The fi nal hearing at the Court of Appeal took running case.” Policeman dismissed over sexual assaults and homophobic and racist comments

A police offi cer has been dismissed from Thames " offi cers are expected to Valley Police after he was found to have sexually uphold the highest of standards, even when off- assaulted three women in Ascot. duty, and this is underpinned by the Code of Ethics. At a public misconduct hearing it was also revealed All reports of misconduct are taken extremely that PC Joseph Gritt assaulted one of the women seriously and investigated thoroughly. and made homophobic and racist comments. "PC Gritt has shown complete disregard for the PC Gritt admitted six counts of breaching the standards expected of him and there is no place in Standards of Professional Behaviour set out in the the Force for those who behave in this way. Schedule to the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012. "Despite what must have been traumatic Accidents on the Slopes The incidents happened while he was off duty in experiences for the victims I would like to commend Ascot on Wednesday 29 April 2015. them for challenging the behaviour and for The breaches all related to Discreditable Conduct. supporting the case." Over the next few months more than 12 million people will take to Deputy Chief Constable John Campbell said: The case was referred to the Crown Prosecution "PC Gritt’s actions fell way short of the behaviour Service. The evidence was reviewed in accordance the slopes. Skiing and snowboarding are exceptionally enjoyable expected from a serving police offi cer. This with the Code for Crown Prosecutors but it was activities however it is important to keep ski safety in mind at all behaviour is completely unacceptable within our determined that there was insuffi cient evidence for times. Snow sports carry an acknowledged risk of accidents and Force. there to be a realistic prospect of conviction. injury however, there are things that you can do to reduce your risk.

One of the key things you can do is to wear a helmet. Over the past Ascot teenager arrested and bailed after few years, the importance of wearing a helmet has been a hot topic, in fact, a 2011 study in The British Medical Journal suggested that Charlotte Rees-Knowlden helmets can reduce the chance of sustaining a head injury by 35% Senior Associate, Taser gun fired at a party in Warfield in adults and 59% in children under the age of 13. Another issue to Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence consider is that if you do have an accident, you may need to be taken 01483 543236 A 16-year-old boy from Ascot has been arrested for possession of a fi rearm at a party. from the slopes to a hospital as well as receiving treatment before According to Thames Valley Police, a group of young people arrived uninvited at a party at a property you return home. This is why it is very important to have adequate travel insurance in place. in Greystock Road, Warfi eld. When they arrived they were not granted entry. One boy from the group produced what is believed to have been a Taser and used it to shoot a 17-year-old boy. Returning to the UK after an accident could be very expensive without insurance. For He then entered the property and threatened to use it again. example, the cost of being airlifted to hospital could be £2,500.00 and treatment could When the police arrived, the offender ran off through the garden. FRVWVHYHUDOWKRXVDQGSRXQGV

LIVING WITHIN • Take out travel insurance (ensuring that • Use equipment properly 01276 858750 it provides for rescue from the slopes • Do not ski beyond your experience and treatment if required) level [email protected] • Don’t drink and ski • 'RQRWJRRරSLVWHZLWKRXWDTXDOLÀHG • Watch your speed and be vigilant for guide D3B Fairoaks • Chobham • Surrey GU24 8HU those around you • ....and have fun! www.livingwithin.com www.barlowrobbins.com 4 LIVING WITHIN January 2016 Tax due. Money Matters Adding the chargeable gain to your income may Thames Valley Police judged ‘good’ for mean your income moves in to the Higher Rate with Peter Sharratt Tax threshold (40%) in which case you can use ‘Top Slicing’ to reduce the tax liability. This protection and support of the vulnerable allows you to divide the gain by the number of years the investment has been running which Protecting vulnerable people is a high priority Domestic abuse is recognised in the report as a gives a ‘Slice’. for Thames Valley Police. That’s the fi nding of a Thames Valley Police priority. Eighteen months ago You do now have to exclude any period you recent report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of the Inspectorate recognised Thames Valley Police as were overseas. Taking my earlier example, if the Constabulary. Thames Valley Police was found to providing a good service to victims of domestic abuse chargeable gain after the Time Apportionment have invested in training, investigative resources and which helped keep them safe from further harm. The Relief was £50,000 you could use 4 years of Top new partnership structures to improve the services it current report recognises that further progress has Slicing (6 were used for Time Apportionment provides. been made. Relief) which gives a ‘Slice’ of £12,500 (£50,000 Thames Valley Police Deputy Chief Constable, Thames Valley Police identifi ed the potential for / 4). This Slice is added to your income and if it John Campbell, said: “We welcome the positive missing and absent children to be at risk of sexual remains below the Higher Rate Tax threshold [assessment from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate exploitation and as a consequence has reviewed the Approved Offshore Investment Bond you will pay Tax at 20% not 40%. If some of the of Constabulary] and are pleased that the report way it deals with missing children and updated its Slice falls in the Higher Rate Tax Band this part acknowledges the good work and progress of standard operating procedures. Q. My wife and I invested in an Offshore Investment will be taxed at 40%. [Thame Valley Police] to protect vulnerable victims. Thames Valley Police is recognised for tackling child Bond whilst we were working and living abroad. If you pay tax at differing rates you may find it “This is in no small part due to the hard work sexual exploitation and it is one of the Force’s highest We want to cash it in but are unclear if there will beneficial to assign the Bond to the one paying of our staff and offi cers working closely with our priorities. This involves prevention, identifi cation, be a Tax liability. We are hoping you can clarify. tax at the lower rate prior to surrendering. Any partners and responding to the changing needs of disruption and investigation of such exploitation chargeable gain will be against their tax rates, the community we serve. with specialist multi-agency teams set up to protect A. I can certainly explain the process which which could give a saving. If you do not need “We are not complacent and are continually vulnerable children from child sexual exploitation hopefully will assist you. Whilst invested, the full amount you can withdraw 5% of the looking at ways that we can improve services for Across the Thames Valley, multi-agency an Off Shore Bond will benefit from Tax Free original investment for each year the Bond has the vulnerable. This includes the need to address safeguarding hubs are being implemented to provide growth, but upon surrender any gain/profit will been running tax free, but tax will be payable changing demands that may require extra resources. a partnership response to the safeguarding of be taxable. in future, possibly at a lower rate. It may also More recently we have allocated additional resources vulnerable children and adults. The gain (called a chargeable gain) is subject to be beneficial to make partial surrenders over a to the child abuse investigation teams to address Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Income Tax, NOT Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and number of years. their increased workload.” Anthony Stansfeld said he welcomed the fi ndings so your CGT Allowance is of no use. For an accurate calculation and tax planning, In the report the Inspectorate found that Thames from the report. “Protecting vulnerable members To calculate the chargeable gain you take the please get advice from an Independent Financial Valley Police worked well to identify those who are of our communities is of huge importance to all surrender value, add any previous Withdrawals Adviser. vulnerable, making good use of intelligence to assess agencies and is and will continue to be a priority for and then deduct the amount originally Invested. their risk at the fi rst point of contact so that the most both myself and Thames Valley Police. The resulting figure is the chargeable gain. Send your queries to Peter Sharratt, Kirk Rice appropriate police response can be deployed. Her “Whilst I am of course delighted that Thames You can claim Time Apportionment Relief LLP, The Courtyard, High Street, Ascot, , Majesty’s Inspectorate found that call takers are well- Valley Police has been rated ‘good’ in this inspection for the period you were overseas to reduce the SL5 7HP . trained to identify and respond to risk and vulnerable I do recognise that there is still work to do across this chargeable gain. For example, if you held the people. area, in particular within aspects of domestic abuse Bond for 10 years, but 6 of these were while Email [email protected] The Inspectorate concluded that Thames Valley such as honour based violence, forced marriage you lived overseas the chargeable gain can Police responds well to vulnerable victims. Frontline and female genital mutilation, and I will be working be reduced by 6/10th or 60%. The resulting Please note: answers are given for general offi cers have a good understanding of their closely with Thames Valley Police and our partners to chargeable gain is divided between you, and guidance only and specifi c advice should be taken responsibility to provide enhanced levels of service ensure any necessary improvements are made. added to your Income to determine the Income before acting on any of the suggestions made. for vulnerable victims to ensure they are supported “Tackling domestic abuse and supporting those and protected. affected is a complex safeguarding issue and all In the report, Thames Valley Police was found to be multi-agency professionals have a role to play in good at effectively identifying vulnerability at an early keeping victims and their children safe.Over the last stage of an investigation and there was clear evidence two years my offi ce has been working on creating that staff followed up safeguarding enquiries in a new support services for victims of crime and these timely fashion. services are now up and running.” Great British Bake Off At The Marist

Alvin Magallanes, a baker from Series 6 of BBC 1's "The Great British Bake Off”, recently arrived at The Marist School in Sunninghill to give the girls a masterclass on macaroons, as well as to reveal behind the scene stories from the show. His main message on being a successful baker was to look at the bake as a science experiment. The slightest deviation from the instructions will affect the bake. Even 1g over for one ingredient will produce a different outcome. Not having everything at room temperature will impact on the reactions. Good teaching challenges perceptions and the Marist students were presented with a science based approach to baking. Alvin revealed that he started baking when his Gaynor White, Alvin Magallanes and Marie Tooman daughter needed a cake for a school cake sale. Victoria Sandwiches. Alvin is originally from the He and his wife researched cupcakes, and the Philippines and now works as a nurse in Berkshire. rest is history. He focused on perfecting cupcakes Mrs White, Head of Food Technology at The for months before he moved on to classics like Marist School, said: "It was great for the girls to see somebody they have all followed week by week produce something in our Food and Nutrition Suite and hear about the dedication that is needed to become truly accomplished." The girls were amazed at how many macaroons Alvin managed to make from so few ingredients and yet appreciated how much they would cost if they bought them in an artisan Patisserie. Alvin went on to explain that the same economic savings relate to bread, biscuits and cakes. Finally the proof of the product was in the tasting and trays of macaroons rapidly disappeared in the fi nal act of Alvin telling the girls about his time on “Bake Off” whilst cooking macaroons appreciation and as a compliment to the chef. January 2016 LIVING WITHIN 5 ’s most expensive streets named in new Lloyds Bank report

Victoria Road in Kensington is England's most Heath Road in Barnet, north London (£5,199,000), Local law firm Taylor Fordyce has since its start in 2010 always aimed to provide a first class legal expensive residential street. That's according and Anhalt Road in Wandsworth (£4,686,000). service to its range of clients from private individuals and small businesses to large enterprises, to a recent report issued by Lloyds Bank, which Outside the capital, Leys Road in Oxshott is developers, government institutions, international corporations and investors. says Victoria Road has an average house price of ranked most expensive at £3,677,000. At an Taylor Fordyce are now pleased to announce the appointment of Family Law and Mediator £8,006,000. Such is the pull of living in Kensington average price of £2,937,000, Abbots Drive is named Martin Chambers at the Sunningdale office. Directors Peter Taylor and Rory Fordyce see the and Chelsea that 12 streets in the Royal Borough are as the most expensive street in Virginia Water . further development of the Family Law department as a natural addition to the firm’s existing company commercial, commercial property, litigation, employment, residential conveyancing in the list of the 20 most expensive in the country. “Outside London, the areas with the most and general private client work. Away from these two prime central locations, expensive streets are generally located away from Living locally, Martin has in excess of 30 years’ post Parkside in Merton in south west London is central areas, where buyers are typically attracted qualification experience. Martin is a member of the Law • Commercial amongst the 20 priciest streets with an average by larger properties and more green space," said Society Family Law Panel and of Resolution, the organisation of family lawyers and other professionals who are committed price of £6,355,000. Parkside is followed by West Andrew Mason, Mortgages Director at Lloyds Bank. to the constructive resolution of family disputes. Martin • Property trained with Resolution as a Family Mediator. • Conveyancing Martin’s legal specialisms include divorce, judicial separation, nullity, civil partnership breakdown and dissolution; other relationship breakdown; financial, property and pension • Construction Surrey Heath named a top issues following relationship breakdown; Children Act matters; Inheritance Act and Trusts of Land Act Claims • Planning together with the drafting of pre/post nuptial, pre/post civil performer for recycling partnership, cohabitation and separation agreements. • Corporate Prior to joining Taylor Fordyce Martin worked for a number of firms in Surrey, Hampshire, the City and the West End of • Civil & Commercial London, establishing family law departments at two London practices. Readers in Windlesham can give themselves a big As well as these materials, the council's weekly Litigation pat on the back following news that Surrey Heath food waste collection is a key element of the service. Martin describes himself as an extremely experienced and client focused family lawyer, committed to operating in an • Wills and Probate has once again been named as one of the top By collecting food waste separately around 3000 approachable and down to earth manner, always to the highest standards of quality and professionalism. He utilises performing boroughs in the country for recycling tonnes of food waste is recycled into electricity and up to date technology and methods in providing legal • Trusts having achieved impressive recycling rates for compost each year. It’s important that residents services and fosters links with many other professionals to 2014/15. separate food waste and place in the caddy provided. ensure high quality and efficiency. • Matrimonial The borough was ranked 4th nationally by Defra Since 2012, the council has enhanced its recycling Martin is married with two teenage children. He is a member of the RG Blue Sox Softball Club. He also enjoys running. He • Family Law for its recycling rate of 63.3%. This is the percentage service to include separate collections of batteries, is a supporter of and volunteer collector for Help for Heroes of household waste sent for recycling, composting small electrical items, shoes and textiles. and a member of the Help for Heroes Running Team. He will • Employment be running the London 10k 2014 in order to raise funds for and reuse. Community portfolio holder Cllr Vivienne Help for Heroes. He is also a supporter of Helen & Douglas The statistics are based on data submitted by all Chapman said: "We’re extremely pleased with House and of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. • International local authorities in England in 2014/15. these fi gures and I would like to thank residents for www.taylorfordyce.co.uk • email: [email protected] Surrey Heath’s dry recycling collections cater for a all their efforts in sorting materials for recycling. 61 Chobham Road, Sunningdale, Berkshire SL5 0DT Tel: 01344 637960 broad range of materials, including: paper, cartons, Being highlighted as one of the best borough's in 1 & 2, City Business Centre, Hyde Street, Winchester SO23 7TA Tel: 01962 841041 bottles, cans and aerosols, to name a few, which the country for recycling is something we should all 24 Upton Lovell, Warminster, Wilts BA12 0JW Tel: 01985 851206 should all be placed in the green wheelie bin loose. be very proud of." 11 Broad Street, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9AR • 91 Leigh Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 9DQ Sunninghill Carpets & Flooring Ltd

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Thames Valley Police is re-appealing for information in connection with a murder 1) From my background as an Olympic I advise a gradual increase in your heart rate investigation in Warfi eld, following new athlete and now coach and personal trainer, through a gentle increase in tempo throughout developments in the case. I know how important it is to warm up your warm-up. This helps to ensure that enough Senior Investigating offi cer, Det Chief Insp Kevin properly before a workout. blood, and therefore oxygen is being delivered Brown, appeared on Crimewatch on BBC One to your muscles for the demands of the planned in December to reveal a potential breakthrough The main purpose of a warm-up is to provide exercise, and the body is prepared for sudden in the case, and to appeal to the programme’s gradual increase in activity to activate required movements or increases in intensity. national and international audience for help. energy systems, major joints and muscles. The Force launched a murder investigation in Stimulation of the CNS (central nervous 5) The warm-up is also a good opportunity July 2015 after human remains were discovered by system) prepares the body both physiologically for an individual to prepare themselves workmen in a fi eld in Warfi eld. & psychologically. mentally for the game or activity ahead, and The remains are that of a white man, aged 30-40 My first top-tip therefore is to make sure for a team to work together prior to the start years old, who is around 5ft 9ins to 5ft 11ins and you do it! This involves arriving early for your of a game. stocky build. session or allowing adequate time within your Police believe the remains may have been placed exercise plan. Warm-ups can also be used to practice skills in the fi eld in Hawthorn Lane between 2008 and and team drills. Take time during your warm- 2013 but think that the man was probably killed 2) It is important to stay warm during your up to visualise what you will be doing during elsewhere. warm up as this helps your muscles adapt to your session and focus on how you will tackle Det Chief Insp Brown said: “We have been the increased demands being made on them, any particular foreseeable challenges, such as working to establish the identity of this man, how by increasing blood flow. a steep hill climb or a close competitor! he died and how his body came to be in the fi eld Appeal for information has been made about Aivaras Danilevicius in Hawthorn Lane. We have made some progress I therefore advise you wear an extra layer or two Good Luck with your warm ups in 2016. in the case, and tonight I revealed an image that suffered blunt trauma injuries to his head, which of clothing during your warm up, according to experts at the University of Dundee have created. suggests he had been hit by a heavy object on the season. This is especially relevant when For any advice or to book a New Year personal “Using advanced 3D computer technology either one or both sides of his head. training outdoors. I also apply deep heat spray training session please contact me on and techniques they have provided a visual Dental work has shown that the deceased had very to my extremities in anticipation of them [email protected] or 07971 089270 reconstruction of the dead man’s skull and created white veneers – unusually, there were seven veneers becoming cold. This helps me to stay warm www.tobygarbett.com this incredible image (pictured) which gives us an rather than six or eight, on the upper jaw and they before competitions. idea of what the deceased may have looked like would have been very bright and noticeable to when he was alive.” anyone who saw him. 3) Your warm-up should be dynamic in nature Toby Garbett is an Olympian, Det Chief Insp Brown also revealed that DNA and comprise activity-related movements. 2x World Champion Rower, GB had been retrieved from the remains but this did Age Group Triathlete, Personal not relate to anyone currently on the National This helps to increase the range of movement trainer, Mentor & Speaker. Missing persons Database or Police PNC records around the joints and reduces the risk of muscle in the UK. An international request was made and a Lithuanian national, Aivaras Danilevicius, has been linked to the enquiry. A photo of him was shown on the Crimewatch Finance manager jailed for stealing programme and an appeal was made for any information about him, particularly for any associates or people that may have seen him, hundreds of thousands of pounds worked with him or met him. It is believed he came to the UK in 2004 but his movements from there are unknown. A Bagshot woman has been sentenced to 20 Detective Chief Insp Brown added: “Someone out months in prison for three counts of fraud by there knows who this man was. Someone out there abuse of position, totalling over £216,000. knows how he died. If you are that someone, I urge Simmone Laval was convicted following a 12 you, to examine your conscience, do the right thing, day trial at Guildford Crown Court. and come and speak to me and my team. The court heard that Laval had been “The remains that we found in the fi eld in employed by Kerry Commercial Services Ltd, The body was discovered by workmen who were Warfi eld are that of someone’s son. He may also be and subsequently by Peach Coatings Ltd, as a clearing ditches in a fi eld. It was wrapped in a someone’s father, a brother, or a husband. finance manager. blanket and bin bags. “There is a family out there who is missing a loved She diverted company money to herself via A loose knitted blue and white striped jumper one. We need your help to solve this case. her mother's account in the form of cheques with a Turkish design label was recovered from the “If you have any information at all, no matter and electronic bank transfers, concealing body. The jumper, which is distributed in Europe, how insignifi cant it may seem to you, please, come the payments on the company accounting Jailed: Simmone Laval was shown on the programme and the public’s forward and speak to us. Please call 01753 271127.” system as payments to sub-contractors or the Investigating officer Detective Sergeant help was requested to try and obtain any other If you do not want to speak directly to the police you Directors' Loan Accounts. Clare Nettleton, said: "Laval had the complete information about this jumper or people who may can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers In 2010 alone, she stole over £48,000 of trust of the directors and took advantage of have worn a similar one. anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details company money. that. When he sentenced her, the judge said A post mortem could not provide a conclusive are taken, information is not traced or recorded and Kerry Commercial Services went into that when they employed her in 2005, they did cause of death, but it did show that the man had you will not go to court. liquidation in early 2012, but Laval was taken not know they were 'taking a viper into their back on under the new company. nest' and that Laval stole this money with no She continued to steal until the directors and regard for the directors and their family, or the general manager began an investigation due families of the staff who were made redundant to the company beginning to fail in late 2013. when the company went into liquidation. He Give your business a lift They found payments to an unknown party, described it as a 'cunning and manipulative who turned out to be Laval's mother. fraud', for which she had shown no remorse or Advertise In Laval was arrested by Surrey Police on 5 regard for others." November 2013 and charged after a year-long DS Nettleton added: "A huge amount of investigation. time and effort went into this investigation LIVING WITHIN Two payments in particular were noted during and although it cannot repay the hundreds the court case, including £360 that Laval stole of thousands of pounds worth of money she from Kerry Commercial Services in its final has stolen over the years, Laval will have to days prior to liquidation, and £3,000 that face the consequences of her actions whilst should have been repaid to a friend's widow serving her time in prison and hopefully this Email [email protected] after he made a personal loan to the company will bring some small comfort to those she has to try and keep it afloat. defrauded." January 2016 LIVING WITHIN 7

Life savers neeeded in Ascot MENSWEAR

Community First Responders are urgently needed physically fi t and healthy, able to carry out effective to help save more lives in Ascot and other areas of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for up to 20 LACOSTE • BARKER LANVIN • POLO RALPH LAUREN CHURCH Berkshire. minutes (after training) and be a car owner with a The volunteer responders are called by South full UK driving licence. mewes Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Community First Responders (CFRs) receive full Trust (SCAS) to attend potentially life-threatening training by SCAS to provide life-saving treatment incidents, such as cardiac arrests or strokes – and if they are sent to an emergency they are often helping to save lives of people in their local always backed up with the nearest available communities by being at a scene very quickly in ambulance. Every six months, all CFRs must those crucial fi rst few moments before paramedics complete training to refresh their skills and there arrive. are optional monthly training sessions they can David Hamer, SCAS Community Responder attend too. Training Offi cer for Berkshire, said: "Community Nic Morecroft, Lead Community Response First Responders (CFRs) are extremely important. Manager for SCAS, said: "Our Community Because each CFR lives or works in their local First Responders make a vital difference in their area, they can often reach a patient a few minutes communities and save lives every day. With the earlier than an emergency ambulance. demand of emergency ambulances increasing “They have the skills and equipment to every year, the role of the CFR has never been immediately begin assessing and treating the more important than it is today. That’s why we patient before the paramedics arrive and those few are carrying out this urgent appeal to ask more minutes can make all the difference between life people to volunteer to help save lives in their local and death." community. SALE NOW ON The need for CFRs is particularly pressing for “I am incredibly proud of the work our CFRs do SIZES Small – 5XL Royal Ascot where there is now just one CFR and if this sounds like something you would like covering the town with its population of over to be part of in your community, we would love to 6,000 residents. hear from you." Community First Responders come from all walks of life. If you are interested in joining SCAS To fi nd out more about the role of a CFR email as a volunteer you will need to be over the age of 18, [email protected] or telephone 0800 587 0207

Defibrillator memorial gift presented BUGATTI • GANT • ETON • GANT ETON BUGATTI ZILERI • BARBOUR TORINO & SHARK • PAL • PAUL to Swinley Forest Rangers London Road, Sunningdale, SL5 0ER Telephone 01344 621333 The mother of a Wokingham man who died while cycling in Swinley Forest has presented a defi brillator to forest rangers in memory of her son. Andy Chard was a keen mountain biker in his 50s and pursuing a sport he loved when he tragically died of heart failure as he was cycling along the blue trail in December 2013. The defi brillator will be a valuable addition to the team’s equipment pool, helping to ensure that all Rangers' vehicles will always have the best available equipment. At a presentation ceremony held at The Lookout, Phyllis Wicks said: "Our family really wanted to do something in Andy’s memory that would save a life in similar circumstances in the future. We hope this donation will go some way to achieving that." Protection Area of diverse habitats and species. Accepting the defi brillator on behalf of The Bike Swinley seeks to balance protection and Crown Estate, Chief Forrester John Deakin said: conservation aims with the excitement of forest "This is an incredibly generous gesture made by mountain biking by offering designated routes Andy’s family in such sad circumstances." and bike parks of varying degrees of diffi culty, Swinley Forest is designated as a Special encouraging riders to enjoy it to the full. Delay to proposed Surrey hospitals’ merger decision

A decision expected last month on the proposed "Due to this, the longer-term fi nancial models merger of Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS and plans for the merger, which span the next fi ve Foundation Trust and Royal Surrey County years, must be adjusted to ensure that the merged Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has been delayed, Trust is sustainable and successful for our patients. and is now expected this month. We must also ensure that our plans will satisfy In a press statement, the NHS Foundation Trusts Monitor, the independent healthcare regulator, said work is ongoing to refresh the full business that we are able to achieve a safe transition and case and long-term fi nancial plans for the merger, robust future." which are required for consideration at the Board The statement went on to say that "both meetings. organisations remain clear that the opportunity "Since these documents were fi rst drafted, the presented by the proposed merger is the best NHS as a whole has experienced considerable way to secure a strong and resilient future and to operational and fi nancial challenges, affecting serve the people of Surrey in the provision of high both Trusts," the statement said. quality care and treatment." 8 LIVING WITHIN January 2016 Linda Regel’s GreenFingers Good Winter Colour The shortest day is past, the daylight is coming back and the first late winter flowers will soon be blooming in the garden. However, even at Gardening this cold and gloomy time of the year, there is still quite a lot of colour about. I walked around my garden this morning, and, as well as admiring the frost on the dead seed heads with Alison Jones – always a good excuse not to tidy up in the autumn – there were plenty of bright berries adding colour to the borders. I planted a boundary hedge of mixed Hollies are another good berry plant for the pyracanthas a few years ago. I wanted garden, with the added attraction of shiny and something thorny to keep out intruders – deer, sometimes variegated foliage. I found one red mostly – and I chose a mixture of varieties, berry on my holly Handsworth New Silver, partly as an experiment to see how they which is a lovely form, with dark green leaves grew. The most colourful at the moment is with cream margins. As it is a female variety, Pyracantha Saphyr Jaune, with lots of small it is supposed to be a good berry maker, so I butter yellow berries. Despite the cold weather, assume the birds got there first, when I wasn’t they have remained relatively untouched by the looking. birds, and they are adding a warm glow along There is not much to do in the garden at the the length of the hedge. They also looked good moment, but it is good to have some time to in the Christmas door wreath I made. appreciate the plants, which have been chosen The same cannot be said of the red berried just for this time of year. varieties, most of which have been eaten. Add a few to your borders There are still some small orange-red berries and make the most of the on Pyracantha Saphyr Orange and some season. densely packed clusters on Pyracantha Saphyr Happy New Year! Rouge, one of my favourites. They make a nice contrast, along with the larger red berries left - Linda Regel on Pyracantha coccinea Red Column. The individual plants are knitting together into a thick hedge, with branches growing out at January Gardening with Alison Jones plant you may well smell before you see. The every angle, so they need regular trimming to I planted a small white flowers provide a delightful heady keep them compact. Pyracantha is easy to grow Happy New Year! Take a break from all that scent in winter. Plant by a door or patio to get in sun or partial shade in any reasonable soil, boundary hedge of time indoors and raise your New Year spirits the benefit of its rich honey fragrance. The and, of course, it is covered in creamy white with some gardening. Wrap up warm and take Sarcococca is happy in full sun, partial or full flowers in May. stock of your garden to plan for next season. shade. It’s a very hardy plant and is tolerant The red berries on the Cotoneaster, growing mixed pyracanthas You don’t even have to wait till spring to get of most soil conditions so long as the ground against the cottage wall, have also stood up planting. As it was a mild end to the year, the is kept moist, so give it a good mulch to retain well to the weather and the wildlife. There are soil will be easy to work, and you can plant moisture. still plenty of large, blood red blobs covering a few years ago. I shrubs so long as the ground isn’t frozen. As well as looking out for these plants, the bush, looking like miniature rosehips. Now it’s January we can look forward to the garden centre has a good choice of Cotoneaster are similar to Pyracantha, but some early flowers and the appearance of dormant trees, shrubs and without the thorns and equally easy to grow. wanted something cheering bulbs such as snowdrops. You perennials ready to fill They also come in various forms, for ground might want to introduce some extra gaps in borders or cover, growing against walls and fences and as winter colour with our three ‘plants to make features freestanding shrubs the size of a small tree. thorny to keep out of the moment’ – the hellebore, of in containers. There are still a few of the unusual berries of Euphorbia and Sarcococcoa. Come and have a the Callicarpa bodinieri to be seen. They are intruders The rose-like hellebore tends to browse! a bright metallic purple and you might have be a very hardy winter plant, giving January often trouble convincing people that they are real, much needed colour in the coldest brings the coldest and you haven’t just stuck them on the bush for – deer, mostly – months. Helleborus x ericsmithii temperatures, show. The plant itself is not very interesting, ‘Pink Frost’ has buds that so protect your and best suited to the back of the border, hidden open in a light shade of tender perennials by flowering perennials during the spring and and I chose a pink and mature to from the worst summer. When these have died down in the burgundy red. Its that the winter might winter, you will have the surprise of the berries. handsome silver bring. Tuck them up with “mixture of varieties. veined evergreen horticultural fleece from the garden foliage has dark centre, which gives them air and red stems to light, and lets the rain through. enhance the Move containers close to the house effect. It prefers or to a protected spot in the garden partial shade or a and check they have good drainage to shady position and stop the roots freezing. is tough but likes well- Remember to have an unfrozen water drained soil. It looks good source for birds and other wildlife, and leave in a container where you can out a regular supply of high energy food to appreciate its charms close up, as well as in help them through the winter. the borders. Euphorbia characias ‘Glacier Blue’ is a Until next month, happy gardening! striking new form of euphorbia with smoky blue-grey leaves and creamy white edgings. It forms a mid-sized mound, with conical flowers Alison Jones is to look forward to in spring. Plant one now Plant Buyer for to make the most of the spring blooms. Prune Garsons Farm the spring flowers in June and you should be in West End, Esher treated to a second flowering in the summer. It likes full sun or partial shade. Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Winter Gem’ is a January 2016 LIVING WITHIN 9 LODGE BROTHERS YOUR 7TH GENERATION FAMILY-OWNED FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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TERMSTERMS AND AND CONDITIONSCONDITIONS 1. 1. This This voucher voucher entitles entitles the the bearer bearer to to £100 £100 off off one one of of ourour Pre-Payment Pre-Payment Funeral Funeral Plans, Plans, it maymay not be exchanged for for cash. cash. 2. 2. The The discount discount will will bebe deducted fromfrom thethe retail price of the Funeral Plan atat thethe timetime of purchase. 3.3. OneOne discountdiscount vouchervoucher onlyonly perper plan.plan. 4.4. SubjectSubject to the Terms and ConditionsConditions ofof the Funeral PlanPlan purchased.purchased. 5. 5. The The voucher voucher does does notnot apply apply when paying for for thethe plan by by monthly monthly payments. payments. ValidValid until until 31st 31st January January 2016.2016. REF: LWSAD. LWSAD. 10 LIVING WITHIN January 2016 Sunninghill Trust Donates £27,000 Top ten strangest spills to delay to Charters School Maine Centre motorway journeys in England

From animal blood to argon, toilet roll to toxic In some cases, thousands of items had to be waste, wine to washing up liquid - teams from picked up by hand after spreading across several Highways England have faced many mammoth lanes of the motorway. challenges to clear up after motorway incidents. Melanie Clarke, director of customer operations The unexpected nature of motorway incidents at Highways England, explained: "Our roads are means it can be hard to plan for what may happen among the safest in the world, and safety is our on any given day. Over the past few years there number one priority. have been numerous spills, ranging from the "Our role is to ensure we clear incidents quickly, strange to the dangerous. and keep traffi c moving to minimise delays. We In every case, highways teams have worked work closely with the emergency services, in quickly and under pressure to remove debris, clean challenging circumstances, to try to keep drivers the road, and fi x damage before safely reopening moving after an incident. the carriageway to drivers. "We know drivers get frustrated when their journeys are disrupted but we do all we can to clean the road To help drivers understand the challenges of quickly after an incident – and it’s often much more safely clearing up after an incident, Highways complicated than simply moving the vehicles off the The Sunninghill Trust has donated £27,000 to go the Trust recognised the important job the Maine England has compiled a list of the strangest road to reopen it. That’s why it can often take longer for towards the continued funding of The Maine Centre Centre does in supporting some of our young people spills on England’s motorways: us to safely reopen roads when a potentially dangerous at Charters School, ensuring three more years of through their education, when they are under great substance is spilled in an incident. staffi ng. pressure. We thank the Trust wholeheartedly for Raw human sewage "Our teams expect the unexpected, but of course, The Maine Centre is an important and unique their generosity." when you’re dealing with ten tonnes of salmon, aspect of Charters School. Specialist staff work there Mr Wayne Phelan, The Sunninghill Trust, said: 6,000 chickens dangerous toxic chemicals, or emulsion paint, the to ensure the school's most vulnerable students "When we were considering our support for the clean-up operation is somewhat complicated." have a safe environment in which to continue their Maine Centre we needed to be satisfi ed that the Hundreds of tins of baked beans Despite having to deal with some unusual shed education, when they need it. support met our charitable purpose. As part of this loads, everyday items actually pose the biggest Mr Wayne Phelan, from The Sunninghill Trust, review we were delighted to see that Charters offered 20 tonnes of Marmite challenges for Highways England’s clean-up teams. presented the school with the cheque for £27,000 at a forward-looking facility which, rather than ignore Milk poses a similar problem: it rots the road, can a community event the school hosted. students, offers a safe haven for those students thousands of lager cans stick to the surface and becomes very slippery in wet Martyn Parker, Co-Headteacher at Charters who sometimes fi nd the school environment weather. All traces have to be cleaned off the road School said: "This extremely generous gift from The overwhelming. We would encourage other sponsors 10 tonnes of salmon before it is safe to reopen. Sunninghill Trust, was given to help fund staffi ng of looking for something worthwhile to support, to look It also poses problems for wildlife: if it gets into the school’s Maine Centre over the next three years. at The Maine Centre. Its work changes the future of Melamine formaldehyde resin and nearby watercourses, from drainage at the roadside, This facility is an area where we house specialist many students and we are pleased that our support phosphoric acid it can deprive the water of oxygen – essentially staff who work with some of the school’s vulnerable ensures its specialist staff can continue to provide the asphyxiating fi sh and other animals – so the students. By making such a signifi cant fi nancial gift, most vital of support to those students who need it." Animal blood Environment Agency has to get involved to ensure the spilled substance is properly removed and won’t Refrigerated liquid oxygen pose a threat to people or animals. This can cause further delays to traffi c while investigations are Community award for Royal Holloway Powdered cement underway.

Royal Holloway, University of London, recently housing Thorpe Lea Primary School on campus won The Times Higher Education’s Outstanding after its classrooms were fl ooded. Contribution to the Local Community Award at a Royal Holloway’s Community Action programme, special awards ceremony in London. with more than 3,000 registered volunteers, is part Barclays identifies Top 10 most The annual event shines a spotlight on the of the university’s drive to develop a culture of social outstanding acheivements of institutions, teams responsibility focused on the local community. and individuals across the UK higher education Phil Simcock, Community Action Volunteer common job interview mistakes sector. Manager at Royal Holloway, said: “It is fantastic Royal Holloway’s award was in recognition for Royal Holloway to be recognised in this way of its response to the local fl oods in Egham and and we are delighted to win this award. Over New research reveals the top 10 most common and almost two-thirds (64 per cent) think that the surrounding areas in 2014. The university’s the years Community Action has established an interview faux pas, which include showing off, they would benefit from job interview training. Community Action volunteers were one of the fi rst excellent reputation in the local area with residents, not asking questions, dressing inappropriately people on the scene and included staff, registered community organisations, businesses and charities. and moaning about a current employer. Top 10 Most Common Interview Mistakes: volunteers as well as Students’ Union clubs. Judges Our student volunteers give up hours of their time The LifeSkills study created by Barclays commended the “speed of mobilisation and breadth to lead and help with a whole manner of projects highlighted that UK candidates are often Failing to do their research of involvement”. and initiatives ... to make a real difference to our underprepared and may be overcompensating The volunteers worked tirelessly to fi ll and wider community.” in other areas to impress. Showing off distribute sandbags to local homes, sorting and Professor Bob O’Keefe, Vice-Principal for When it comes to the mistakes most likely to distributing food and clothing parcels to the External Engagement, added: “This award is really cost a candidate their dream career, 12 per cent Asking no questions vulnerable, driving minibuses for volunteers and for all the students, current and past, that have of employers said they found forgetting your army personnel to get around, as well as using given hours of their time to the local community. manners to be the most off-putting behaviour. Not acting interested or engaged with the boats to reach houses cut off by rising water. Well done and thank you for all your efforts.” Meanwhile, candidates who acted interested interviewer The university also opened its doors to the local The judges said that although the university was and engaged during interviews were deemed community, making laundry facilities available, largely unaffected by the fl oods, it “rallied to a local to be the best (48 per cent), whilst those who Making up answers collecting money to buy urgently needed items and cause”. appeared genuine about themselves were favoured more highly (37 per cent). Lying about achievements In the head-to-head group interview scenario, dominating the conversation and not listening Not dressing appropriately One in six primary school children in to others ranked among the top errors, coming in at 44 and 48 per cent respectively. Being Rambling on Surrey fail to make the three Rs grade too quiet or not contributing enough was also prevalent with 45 per cent of employers often Failing to explain what they will bring to One out of six pupils at Surrey primary schools age – in all three subjects. In 2014, 18 per cent did witnessing this in group interviews. In contrast, the role did not meet the expected standard in reading, not meet the expected standard. in the typical one-on-one interview setting only writing and maths in 2015, according to an offi cial The fi gures were published alongside primary a small number (6 per cent) said that being too Moaning about their current employer breakdown of results in national tests for 11-year- school performance tables, which give a school- modest would dampen a prospective candidate’s olds. by-school breakdown of pupils’ results in national chances. Kirstie Mackey, Head of LifeSkills, created by Figures released by the Department for tests taken in spring and the progress they made. Research from LifeSkills highlights that a Barclays, said: "No matter how old or experienced Education show that 17 per cent of pupils failed to Nationally 80 per cent of pupils met the expected quarter (25 per cent) of unemployed young you are, it’s invaluable to know how to properly reach ‘level four’ – the required standard for their standard in the three subjects in 2015. people feel that they perform badly in interviews, prepare for and behave in interviews." January 2016 LIVING WITHIN 11

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

SirSi Bruce On Road To Full Recovery A ddeeply emotional Lady Wilnelia Forsyth revrevealede at her family home on the edge of the WWentworth golf course in Virginia Water jjustust hhow seriously ill her husband Sir Bruce ForsyForsytht had been after having a life-saving operatoperation for two aneurysms. Now they have bbeeneen totold a lengthy operation to repair two life- tthreateninghreaten aneurysms had been successful. - Daily Mail

Special SSongo For Jose Mourinho A ChChelseaelsea ffan set Sky Sports News viewers around the country iinto cringei meltdownld withi h a ‘special’ song he wrote and performed at Ascot Racecourse in homage to Jose Mourinho. Paul Baker sung: “We didn’t want you to go Jose Mourinho! The man who stole the show! You’re the Special One! And you’re dynamo! Woah woahhhhh.” - The Mirror

Angry Sunningdale Cyclist A video of an angry cyclist being overtaken by a car near the railway bridge in Chobham Road, Sunningdale has been viewed thousands of times on YouTube. Footage of the road rage incident showed a Volvo travelling out of the village on a wet day. The cyclist was riding close to the middle of the road when the driver accelerated past. Reacting angrily, the cyclist can be seen shaking his fi st before shouting at the driver. YouTube users have shown sympathy towards both parties involved in the road rage dispute. - Daily Mail

Ascot Mansion On Airbnb A Victorian Mansion in Kings Ride, Ascot was available to rent on New Year's Eve for £1,500. Owner Robert Jones started listing 'Woodstock' on Airbnb in June after convincing his wife that it was "a good source of income" and "it pays the school fees". Robert and his family currently live on a farm in Norfolk. According to The Telegraph, large groups of families and friends rented castles, Georgian town houses and country piles to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style and play lord of the manor for just a few days. - The Telegraph

High Security At St Mary’s School St Mary’s School Ascot has become the fi rst in the country to use fi nger-vein scanners to keep track of its pupils. Girls at the boarding school queue up fi rst thing before lessons and pass one of their fi ngers over a scanner, which identifi es them from the pattern of their veins. The new biometric technology is also being used by hospitals, prisons and owners of multi-million pound mansions. The Fastvein system was designed by Hampshire-based Croma Security Solutions and is based on scanners made by Japanese fi rm Hitachi. - Sunday Times

Wealthy Widow From Windlesham Wants Bigger Wad From Will A wealthy widow whose tycoon husband died in a helicopter crash is locked in a court battle with her stepson to obtain millions more in payouts from the family fortune. Ian Wooldridge died when his helicopter crashed in Northern Ireland in October 2010 while returning from a pheasant shoot. He left a fortune of around £10 million to his widow, Thandi, now 50, and sons Charlie, 27, and Rhett, 11. The family home of Glanfi eld Manor in Windlesham, Surrey, which the couple built themselves 15 years ago and which is now worth £4.25 million, was left to his wife, along with assets worth £1.6 million. But Mrs Wooldridge, who has attended polo matches with the British royals including Prince Harry, is now battling for £3.75 million more from her husband’s estate - claiming she needs around £372,000 a year to maintain her lifestyle. She is facing stiff opposition from her polo-playing stepson Charlie. - The Express

Christmas Foursie For Shetland Pony Daffy the Shetland pony made the headlines sporting the equestrian take on the 'onesie' at Ascot Racecourse to keep him warm over the Christmas period. Nick Smith, Head of Communications for the Racecouse, said they "wanted to do something fun and festive". - The Independent

Princess Eugenie In Gold Paper Hat Princess Eugenie donned a sparking gold crown as she stepped out at her dad’s annual Christmas shindig at The Fox and Hounds pub in Englefi eld Green. Wearing a cream and black fi tted coat to ward off the December chill, the eighth-in-line to the throne accessorised her crown with a pair of black tights and black ankle boots. The Duke of York wore a smart suit while many of his guests were spotted in fancy dress. - The Express

Top Barrister Accused Of Betraying Fellow Golf Club Members In Wentworth Row One of Britain’s most respected barristers has been accused by fellow members of the Wentworth Club of betraying them. Lord Grabiner was hired by Chinese conglomerate Reignwood - the new Wentworth owners to give advice on the legality of its plans to drive up fees while drastically cutting the number of members. Lord Grabiner declared in a legal opinion paid for by Reignwood that such a move was legal. www.cliffroesports.com All the current members will have to apply to rejoin Wentworth with no guarantee of success. Those High Street Ascot SL5 7JF T: 01344 621639 who are invited to rejoin will then have to pay £100,000 as well as increased annual membership fees. - The Telegraph Daniels Dept. Store Windsor SL4 1DP T: 01753 842666 12 LIVING WITHIN January 2016 Beverley Williams celebrates first

half century in property business The Times The Guardian Sunday Times Daily Telegraph

Who’d have thought that even before England won the World Cup Beverley had started what was going to be a life long career. Now 50 years on and with his own established Estate Agency, he took the opportunity to celebrate with his current team with dinner at Cliveden House and a good time was had by all, with a few sore heads the next day. Starting his career at Chancellors, Sunningdale mid 1965, Beverley was promoted to run their new Lightwater offi ce, his success continued as he ran a second offi ce. Subsequently Beverley was made a partner and in 1987 the fi rm was sold to Hogg Robinson and Beverley decided to realise his dream and start his own estate agent business. Supported by many clients he had helped over the As a local resident and businessman Beverley has years the business fl ourished and in 1991 Beverley been increasingly involved with local charities and Williams & Associates became the fi rst estate events and continues to support the community agent in Sunninghill, in offi ces he still occupies in which he works and lives. He is an active today. member of Ascot Rotary Club and an Executive As you would expect with such experience the Committee Member of the Benefactors of the business now provides a comprehensive service Ascot Day Centre. Past Chairman of the Ascot with property sales ranging from £200,000 Trade Association & past President of the Windsor to £4 million+ and rentals from £750pm to District Chamber of Commerce. £10,000+pm, add to this a large portfolio of As enthusiastic as ever, he is looking forward block managements and you will understand why to the next decade of his career and would like to Beverley is busier now than ever. extend his thanks to all his loyal and wonderful The fi rst property Beverley sold cost £8500, and vendors and tenants who he has had the privilege now it’s worth in excess of £1.5million. of meeting over the years. Royal Institute of British Architects Thu 4 - Sat 13 Feb heralds housing design trends for 2016

Daily Telegraph Independent Daily Mail Evening Standard Thinking of building a big house extension or and housing extensions are getting bigger in size. your own home in 2016? You aren’t alone! The As the ageing population increases, more of us are Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has planning ahead for later in life by seeking designs published new research forecasting the main solutions to facilitate easier living. Adaptations to trends in UK housing design for the year ahead. make independent living simpler, or adjusting a family home layout for the addition of an older family Over the course of 2015, RIBA Chartered member are the two main drivers in this growing Architects have reported the design market. trends in greatest demand: The popularity of generous multi-functional living spaces - combining cooking, dining and living space Sustainable and energy conservation shows no sign of diminishing – when these spaces measures - demand for sustainable are combined with direct access to gardens and materials, advanced insulation products, outside space, they are even more popular with 66% water conservation and recycling features of RIBA’s architects reporting a demand. Sustainability and energy conservation are no Larger extensions and bigger new build longer niche concerns but factor prominently in bespoke houses the design decisions of many clients. Some 70% of RIBA’s architects expect to see an increase in Adaptable designs - increased demand specifying advanced insulation products and 66% for homes that can make living easier for expect to see a rise in the use of solar/PV panels. ageing occupants and live-in relatives RIBA President Jane Duncan said: "The appetite for building or improving your own home for your Family social hubs – multi-functional family and future shows no sign of abating, with open-plan spaces are still highly desirable architects experiencing increased demand from creative and ambitious homeowners. This new RIBA ‘Amusing, An increase in land availability and the relaxation of report gives a glimpse of what to expect in housing planning restrictions have led to an increase of one- design for 2016 and beyond. It shows the insight, Adapted for the stage gripping, off single houses and housing extensions. Some 55% value for money and peace of mind that an architect by Emma Reeves spectacular’ of RIBA’s architects reported that bespoke homes can bring to any housing project." Directed by The Times Sally Cookson Wed 24 - Sun 28 Feb Box Office 020 8174 0090 Top of the Class

IF YOU Would like details to see how your SCHOOL CAN FEATURE rosetheatrekingston.org IN LIVING WITHIN PLEASE TELEPHONE 01276 858750 World class theatre on your doorstep E: [email protected] January 2016 LIVING WITHIN 13 Ascot Chase Hero’s Purple Beethoven Raceday Welcome Zeppelin & Mozart One of Ascot’s most Once the welcome Tribute to the two London Mozart popular Jumps fl ags have stopped greatest Rock Players side by side meetings and sees waving, few of Bands of all time with Royal Holloway the fi nal outings for his friends seem : Deep Purple and Chamber Orchestra. prospects heading particularly happy Led Zeppelin. As Tickets are only to the Cheltenham to see him back. featured in the BBC available on the door Festival in March. Murray’s declared TV documentary from half an hour The racing highlight of the day is the intention of staying put and settling down “The Joy of the Guitar Riff,” & voted before start of performance and cannot Grade One Betfair Ascot Chase. threatens to stir up all sorts of old rivalries. Best Tribute Act. be pre-booked. Wednesday 27 January Saturday 26 February. Tue 9 to Thu 11 Feb. Theatre Royal Friday 4 March 8.00pm. Boilerhouse Auditorium, Royal Telephone 0844 346 3000 Windsor. Tel 01753 853 888 Jagz, Ascot. Telephone 01344 878100 Holloway, University of London

One Man, Judie Spotlights issues Skip Two Govnors Tzuke Finn Internationally- One of the UK’s call for pirates to Skip reached No.1 in acclaimed smash-hit, fi nest singer/ the UK Blues Charts made famous in the songwriters. Known perform in new in summer 2010, is an West End by James all over the world for All Ireland champion Corden and that has her timeless song, in the grupai cheoil. been hailed as the ‘Stay With Me Till summer production He’s a man for whom funniest show on the Dawn’. Back by Following a sell out Christmas concert “Ballads and the blues seems to run planet by The Mail and a comic classic by Popular Demand! Baubles” the Spotlights Musical Theatre Group has in his veins. The Guardian. Tues 26 to Sat 30 Jan Saturday 6 February 8.00pm started preparing for its next show, The Pirates of Tuesday 26 January 8.30pm South Hill Park RG12 7PA. Windlesham Club & Theatre. Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan. The Sun, Windlesham Telephone 01344 484 123 Telephone 07903 462636 And the Group has now issued a call for new Telephone 07899 751964 performing members! “We want the show to be community theatre at its best, and are looking for new members to be on stage and perform with us,” said Serena Kay, the Burns FORTHCOMING EVENTS group’s music director. Spotlights’ production of the best loved Gilbert Supper Join Sebastians Action Living Within’s pick of the best things and Sullivan will be entirely new and set in the 1920s and have loads of opportunities for everyone to get Trust for a Scottish to do, see and be in January and beyond involved and have a fun time. celebration. Enjoy “It’s a great show with comic pirates, cowardly dinner at the lovely policemen, enthusiastic fl appers, a major general Venue at Sunningdale who really should know better and an apprentice Park alongside Rock By Baby concert for mums and pirate and young woman getting it together against entertainment from a all the odds in the midst of much hilarity and fantasic celidh band. mayhem,” Serena explained. Friday 5 February dads with babies and young children Spotlights is looking for performers, even if they have little experience. “If you fi nd yourself singing in Northcote House, Sunningdale. Mums, dads, grandparents, and carers with seemed like the perfect thing for mums like me.” the bath, shower, car and around the house and would Telephone 01344 622500 babies and children will be pleased to hear that The Rocky By Baby concerts will be presented like a Monday night out rehearsing with friendly like there are some daytime concerts starting, which by musicians performing on instruments such as minded people then the SMTG could be your new are designed for parents with young children and cello, guitar and vocals. The fi rst concert will take musical fun night out in 2016,” Serena said. Bollywood babies. The live shows named ‘Rock By Baby’ will place at the Jolly Gardeners in the beautiful rural “We are a friendly inclusive bunch who enjoy feature musicians performing acoustic versions of village of Holyport (Moneyrow Green), which is being together, singing together and socialising Film Night rock and pop songs, which have been specifi cally a 5 minute drive from Windsor and Maidenhead together so why not give us, and Pirates, a go and Jane Richardson’s repurposed for the ears of babies. The performance and a short distance from Ascot and Bracknell, at come along?” Bollywood Cinema aims to stimulate the babies and children, as well 10.00am on Tuesday 12 January. Spotlights Musical Theatre Group will perform Night. Licensed bar as educate them in classic rock music from the “The Pirates of Penzance” at the Rose Theatre, different decades. You can buy tickets for the fi rst concert by visiting part of St.Mary’s School, in Ascot during week serving wine, beer, The organiser of this event, Kat Jackman, recently the Facebook Page commencing 24 July 2016. Members rehearse on tea, coffee, soft drinks had a baby after a successful career in the music www.facebook.com/rockbybabyuk Mondays at 8.00pm (Wednesdays too nearer the and snacks (incl industry, setting up a business in partnership show) at Cheapside Village Hall. Contact the group’s homemade popcorn). with Universal Music. One of her major projects secretary Sheila Knight on 01784 483203 or email Saturday 20 February was programming and managing the music for [email protected] if you are interested or Cordes Hall, Sunninghill. the main outdoor music stage within the Olympic just come along on the night. You will be made most Telephone 07817115242. Park for London 2012; where she provided over 50 welcome. More information is available online at UK artists to perform to hundreds of thousands www.spotlights.mtg.co.uk of guests within the Olympic Park. Many of the audience members were children and families. Kat was a member of the music industry panel Ascot United Virginia Water for the BBC TV show The Voice choosing which contestants made it onto live TV, as well as being Sportsman’s Dinner Lake a talent scout for the show. She has also worked Leisurely 4.5 mile with children at schools with community projects The main speaker is Matt Le Tissier, stroll with Windsor and workshops, with members of the BBC Concert ex Southampton, England and now a & District Ramblers orchestra, so she is well equipped to provide a Sky Sports pundit. Matt follows a long on good paths. It perfect experience for parents and children or babies. line of Sky Sports Presenters who have is suitable for dogs Kat said: “I love being a mum but it has changed been guests at the Club’s Annual Dinner although they must be my lifestyle so much, and it does feel lonely including Paul Merson, Ray Parlour and on a lead in the Valley sometimes being at home all day with not very Phil Thomson all of whom have been gardens. Refreshments available at the end much choice of entertaining activities to do with excellent speakers. Friday 11 March of the walk. a small baby. I love socializing and going to see 7.00pm. Berystede, Sunninghill. Email Meet at the cafe at the car park off the A30. bands play but it is hard to do in the evenings when [email protected] Telephone 07733 820168 you have to put the baby to bed so a morning event New mum and concert organiser Kat Jackman 14 LIVING WITHIN January 2016

PROPERTIES OF THE MONTH Living Within’s pick of the best homes from the area’s top agents

Ascot Guide Price £2,000,000 This spectacular modern home of excellent proportions is presented in superb condition throughout and situated on this popular prestigious road close to the Racecourse. There is a truly striking modern ultra contemporary detached two bedroom annexe/home offi ce suite providing ancillary accommodation situated within the mature landscaped grounds. Telephone Carr Williams 01344 876666

Windlesham Offers In Excess Of £1,200,000 Located down an unmade lane and backing onto woodland, ‘Greenacre’ sits in grounds of approximately 0.3 acre. The property is set behind private gates and offers a high degree of privacy with ample driveway parking, car port and double garage. The location benefi ts from outstanding schooling both state and private and excellent commuter links, with Sunningdale mainline railway station nearby.

Telephone Edwards & Elliott / Strutt & Parker 01276 489500

Wentworth Estate Guide Price £11,000,000 A stunning brand new country home in the style of a Cotswolds manor house, providing wonderful living and entertaining accommodation on a South facing plot approaching two acres. Waverton is a truly unique fi nd, having been constructed to a lovely character design in Cotswold stone yet providing exceptional living, entertaining and leisure accommodation over four storeys including a superb contemporary swimming pool building and the South facing mature grounds are a delight. Telephone Buckinghams 01344 845050

Sunningdale Guide Price £3,500,000 Crossways is a characterful home built in 1905 with some charming panelled rooms and interesting architectural detail. The home has been lovingly cared for by the current owners but has scope for further extension/improvement as the location and gardens are second to none. There is an outdoor heated swimming pool and a Call today on: gate leading onto Sunningdale Heath to the rear. To the front of the property, across Telephone: 01483 820226 Mobile: 07939 688597 Ridgemount Road is Sunningdale Old Course. email: alexander_roofi [email protected] Telephone Barton Wyatt 01344 843000 January 2016 LIVING WITHIN 15 01344 843000 bartonwyatt.co.uk The Estate Office, Station Approach, Virginia Water, Surrey GU25 4DL

Virginia Water £3,450,000 A spectacular brand new luxury mansion situated in the heart of Virginia Water just a short walk from the picturesque shopping parades and mainline railway station the house has been built to a superb level of specification and finish, luxuriously equipped by award winning interior design specialists AJI. EPC B87

6 6 5 1 1 2 0.5 beds baths receptions cinema gym garage acres 16 LIVING WITHIN January 2016

SURREY, ESHER

Situated in arguably the most picturesque area of Esher is this beautiful semi-detached period home. The property boasts approx. 4,774 sq ft of flexible accommodation and offers a wealth of original features with charming fireplaces and stunning high ceilings. Energy Rating: E.

5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, pantry, utility room, study, garage, garden.

Freehold Guide Price £2,750,000

SURREY, ESHER

Located in arguably one of the most popular private locations in Esher is this exquisite detached family residence. Originally built in the 1970’s, Pinewood has been vastly extended and transformed by the current owners in to an immaculate dwelling of approx. 4,041 sq ft. Energy Rating: C.

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, pantry, boot room, study, utility, garage, garden.

Freehold Guide Price £2,395,000

There is a lack of property available and we have applicants looking across all price ranges. Call us now for a confidential market appraisal to discuss this further. Doug Parks Branch Manager ESHER 01372 462211 [email protected]

See all our properties on and many more websites. johndwood.co.uk January 2016 LIVING WITHIN 17 Residential Sales & Lettings 7 High Street, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JF t: 01344 876666 e: [email protected] [email protected] ESTATE AGENTS w: www.carr.co.uk

ASCOT £399,000 ASCOT OFFERS OVER £500,000 ASCOT £1,250,000 / RENTAL £4,000 PCM A modernised 3 bed with 2 en-suites ground fl oor apartment located A 3 bedroom semi detached character cottage with en-suite and Available for sale or rental at £4,000 a spacious and extended 5 bedroom in central Ascot with its own entrance plus parking/garden area. good size extended kitchen/diner. Two receptions, family bathroom, detached home set in a quiet cul de sac on this private & exclusive Large living room open plan to kitchen/breakfast room. Band D. two double and one single bedroom plus space to extend. Band D. development. Large secluded plot with double garage. Band C. Tel 01344 876666 Tel 01344 876666 Tel 01344 876666

ASCOT OFFERS OVER £950,000 WINKFIELD ROW £850,000 A beautifully modernised 5 bedroom detached home set in a quiet Stunning 5 bedroom detached beautifully presented chalet home of exclusive location close to Royal Ascot racecourse. With southerly aspect gardens, exceptional proportions including huge kitchen/diner/family space fantastic re-fi tted kitchen/diner/family space. Band D. and 4 car garage situated in a popular village location. Tel 01344 876666 Tel 01344 876666

TO TO LET LET LET

ASCOT £1,550 PCM SOUTH ASCOT £1,150 PCM WINKFIELD ROW £1,800 PCM A 3 bedroom detached bungalow with beautiful private gardens. LET – A 4 bedroom detached property with larger than average garden. Living room, kitchen/breakfast, garage & driveway parking. Two reception room & large conservatory. Winkfi eld St Mary’s Good school catchment areas, available immediately unfurnished. MORE URGENTLY REQUIRED school catchment, available unfurnished from 6th February. Tel 01344 876666 FOR WAITING TENANTS Tel 01344 876666

Hugh Williams Alan Carr Connor Osborough Lynda Campling Pat Howard Debbie Lewis 01344 876666 18 LIVING WITHIN January 2016 Boyce Thornton Cobham 01932 868 448 Oxshott 01372 844 200 The local property experts Claygate 01372 470 123

Ruxley Crescent, Claygate £1,295,000 Ruxley Ridge, Claygate £1,199,950 A rare opportunity to A spacious family acquire a detached fi ve home offering fl exible bedroom character property, UNDER accommodation over two SOLD situated on a secluded plot OFFER fl oors. The property offers in Claygate’s only private three reception rooms, fi ve estate. This property offers bedrooms, a family bathroom scope for modernisation or and two en-suite shower development (STPP) and rooms. Externally the driveway is available with no onward provides off road parking and chain. a detached double garage. EPC E.

Oaken Lane, Claygate £975,000 Telegraph Lane, Claygate £885,000 A well presented fi ve A modern, three bedroom bedroom family home situated detached family home built just a short walk from the by Beaufi eld Homes in 2009, SOLD local shops and station. benefi tting from three reception This property offers well- rooms, off-street parking for two proportioned accommodation, cars and a master bedroom a fl exible fl oorplan and with an en-suite. Situated potential to extend (STP). conveniently for the local EPC Rating C. amenities and station with the open spaces of Telegraph Hill just a short walk away. EPC C.

Trystings Close, Claygate £825,000 Gordon Road, Claygate £800,000 A detached, well presented A well-presented three three bedroom bungalow bedroom semi-detached UNDER situated within a quiet cul UNDER property situated in an OFFER de sac. Benefi ting from a OFFER extremely convenient and large kitchen/ breakfast desirable road. Located room, a garden studio and moments from the local an option of completing a loft schools, shops and station conversion to create a fourth with the potential to enlarge bedroom (STPP). EPC D. and reconfi gure the existing fl oorplan under permitted development. EPC E.

Aston Road, Claygate £725,000 Langbourne Way, Claygate £660,000 This attractive three bedroom, This three bedroom semi- three reception room family detached property offers home offers great living potential buyers the SOLD accommodation. The property SOLD opportunity to put their own has been refurbished to a high stamp on the property by standard and is ideally located updating or extending (STPP). within walking distance of Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac Claygate’s shops and station. benefi tting from a large West The property is offered with facing rear garden, a detached no onward chain. Potential to garage and ample off street Extend (STPP). parking. No onward chain.

Simmil Road, Claygate £619,950 Hare Lane, Claygate £499,950 A two double bedroom A two bedroom period semi-detached property set cottage beautifully in a quiet cul-de sac within refurbished to a high SOLD easy walking distance of the SOLD standard with engineered local shops and station. This oak fl ooring throughout the property offers the next owner ground fl oor. This family the possibility to reconfi gure home is ideally located within and extend the current layout walking distance of the local (STPP). amenities and station and benefi ts from a two tiered garden. EPC D.

www.boycethornton.co.uk January 2016 LIVING WITHIN 19 20 LIVING WITHIN January 2016 Having tried long drawn out methods in the hope of a superior product, I am now of the opinion that as long as the desired effect is achieved, there is no need to draw out the whole affair. Recipes abound - you will find them in books and Sunday supplements, online and via supermarket giveaways - so long as you know the important principles to bear in mind there is more than one way to skin an orange. The best advice might be As the new year begins and summer jam to know what end result you want to achieve supplies start to look a little depleted before you start and then set out to find a the preserving British faithful turn their suitable recipe. A Highland Fling! thoughts to marmalade. In spite of the fact that there are some countries where the A basic recipe requires 1kg oranges to 2kg word “marmalade” pretty much translates sugar to which you will add about 2 litres as “jam”, marmalade, at its bitter orange of water and the juice of a lemon. Before best, is pretty much exclusively a British you start also make sure to have ready some obsession. sterilised jars (with lids or other suitable covers), and some small plates in the freezer Seville Oranges - sour, coarse, pippy - arrive together with a few frozen tea spoons. fleetingly on our shores from the beginning of the month; the Spanish seemingly happier A basic method might look like this: squeeze to sell their crop to us than to use their own the juice from the oranges and the lemon harvest. No other oranges will really do to into a pan suitable for making preserves (ie make proper marmalade, the bitterness of large, wide at the top, and not made from a Seville being essential to a sophisticated aluminium or other reactive metal). marmalade palate. Gather together the remaining pulp and all Marmalade making, like all preserving, is the pips and put them into a muslin bag - more science than art. A certain proportion tie it together with kitchen string leaving a of fruit to liquid to sugar is necessary, with longish tail. the natural pectin of the fruit also put into service to provide a set; method and detail, Cut the orange peel into strips slightly however, will allow the maker to exercise bigger than the size you want to see in both choice and skill. The shred can be coarse your marmalade (they will shrink during and chunky or fine and delicate; marmalade cooking). can be very tangy with pith included in its body, or it can be clear gelled, pithless and Put the muslin bag into the pan along with 2 shredded fine or, in extreme cases, shredless litres of cold water and all of the orange peel; (although I think the fans of this last variety bring to a boil and simmer for a couple of probably buy theirs off the supermarket hours, or until the peel is softened. shelf). Squeeze the muslin bag to extract as much There are numerous techniques, preferences, pectin as you can from the pips and then and conflicting tips: there are those who boil remove it. Add the sugar and, over a low whole oranges and then cool, peel and shred heat, allow it to dissolve completely. Turn them before adding sugar, and there are up the heat, and boil rapidly for about 15 those who juice and peel or slice raw fruit; minutes before you start checking for a set - there are fast workers who will typically have or alternately take its temperature and start their marmalade made in a day and others to check for the set once it reaches 103ºC- who may take a couple of days over the affair. 104ºC. A set is reached when a small drop of marmalade put onto a cold saucer with a There are those who swear by unrefined cold teaspoon will wrinkle when pushed with sugar to avoid ‘toxic froth’ (although I a finger. think that this may in fact be toxic tosh and the unrefined and brown sugar contingent When your set is achieved, turn off the heat simply prefer their marmalade darker and and move the pan away from the heat’s more caramel tasting); the opposing camp source; allow the marmalade to cool for ten profess that a better colour and flavour will minutes or so before transferring it into your be created by white granulated sugar (never waiting jars. caster or icing which will give you problems), Erica x and there are those who warm their sugar www.acooksblog.com while others think that this is a waste of time. “I came all the way in a lifeboat, I am yet to find anyone who recommends and ate marmalade. Bears like using preserving sugar (with added pectin), marmalade.” This was the Burns Night pud some years ago now This is very easy to make. although the choice is, of course, yours to ~Paddington Bear, at a Burns Dance. make. Michael Bond Start to whip the cream and as it begins to thicken It will work very well I think as a winter, Supper add the honey. Whisk a little more and add the oats. Party dish, but beware its quite boozy and may have As you see soft peaks just beginning to form add the you getting your dancing shoes out once again!! drambuie and give a fi nal whisk.

YOU WILL NEED – for 6 people Important not to over whip this pudding the fi nal mixture should be very soft peaks in consistency so 12tsps of porridge oats soaked for a few hours be careful. in about 4tbsp whisky. Now just spoon the mixture into your chosen 600ml pot of double cream chilled glasses. Just as you are ready to serve spoon over some of the blackcurrant syrup (not too much 3 tbsp clear honey of your choice ( I use orange syrup though). Enjoy blossom) ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• When she’s not writing, Elizabeth runs her own 2tbsp drambuie. catering business. She has also established an award winning initiative with volunteers who help Blackcurrants in syrup feed patients in hospital at meal times. January 2016 LIVING WITHIN 21

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CARPETS • RUGS • VINYLS • WOODEN FLOORING • LAMINATE FLOORING 22 LIVING WITHIN January 2016 £500 of the allowance will be lost. This means that £500 of the normal earnings are now going to be taxed at 40% as they are no longer covered by TAXING the allowance. £500 at 40% is £200. Accordingly, the £1,000 bonus will cost £600 in tax (£400 plus £200) i.e. an effective 60% tax rate. TIMES So can anything be done to avoid the additional tax? For personal allowance withdrawal purposes, total earnings are reduced by any payments made in the tax year under gift aid or into a personal pension. Using a pension contribution as an example, if someone pays £800 into their pension HMRC top this up with a further £200 automatically. The £200 represents the basic rate tax relief that is available. As you are a higher rate tax payer you will get higher rate tax relief on the contribution. Normally this means you would get with Graham Jennings a further £200 back from HMRC directly, and so overall the £1,000 gross contribution has only cost Q: I work in sales and recently I secured a big sale for you £600 (£800 paid into the pension less the £200 my company which will result in a large commission refund from HMRC). However, because pension for me. This will propel my total income to in excess of contributions reduce total income for personal £100,000 this year. I understand that this may result in allowances purposes your personal allowance me losing my personal allowance. Is that right and can I would be reinstated. This means you would recoup do anything about it? £400 from HMRC rather than £200. The bottom line is that your £1,000 investment into your A: If someone earns more than £100,000 then they pension has only cost you £400 (£800 paid in the may be paying tax at a whopping 60%! You will pension less the £400 refund from HMRC). not fi nd this rate listed on the HMRC website, but To claim the higher rate tax relief it is essential because the personal tax allowance is withdrawn that you make the pension contribution before the for income over £100,000, earnings of between end of the tax year (5 April 2016) and complete a £100,000 and £121,200 (2015/16) will be taxed tax return for 2015/16. at an effective rate of 60%. This can be illustrated by way of an example; Let’s say someone earns £100,000 and receives Any reader interested in discussing this topic further a bonus of £1,000. How much tax will be paid on can telephone Graham Jennings on 01344 875000. the bonus? The normal tax rate for this level of Send your taxation and accounting queries to income is 40% and so the tax on the bonus is £400. Graham Jennings, Kirk Rice LLP, The Courtyard, However, because of the bonus, it takes the total High Street, Ascot SL5 7HP income over £100,000 at his point the personal Email [email protected]. allowance starts to be withdrawn. The allowance Please note: answers are given for general guidance is withdrawn at a rate of £1 for every £2 of income only and specifi c advice should be taken before earned over £100,000 and so in this example acting on any of the suggestions made.

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RATING EB L E C LIVING WITHIN Proud to have served the S S 2003 - 2015E C C 1 SU 0 YEARS OF region for12 successful years January 2016 LIVING WITHIN 23 Livingstone’s Sport Breaks & Tours Worldwide sport related holidays, supporter tours & sport breaks Special Advertising Feature

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