Omni Local Kingston Valentines 2016

Supporting Local Business & Local Charities

THIS MONTH• Celebrating that Special

Love in your Life• Love Kingston Day• Check out Our Competition!

Kingston Upon ThamesIssue No. 39

Valentine’s Edition

Image courtesy of Klicksmart Photographywww.klicksmartphotography.com

Home | Health & Beauty | DIY | LOCAL Trades | Jobs | Motoring | FamilyPuzzles | Competitions | LOCAL Charity | Discounts | Property | Cooking

Gardening | History | LOCAL Events | Business Advice | Learning

www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 39

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • February 2016

Contents:

Local Business Focus 5Daniel Stevenson - Rockstar Enterprises Community Section 6-11This Months Charity – Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness Community Person - BK Geeta Amin Kingston Police Advice The History Behind Valentine’s Day Gardening Section 13Gardening Tips for the Month Learning Section 15Advice from NumberWorks’n’Words DIY Section 16Jobs to do Around the Home Cooking Corner 17Try out our Latest Delicious Recipe! Motoring Section 28Car Care Advice Health and Fitness 19PhysioExtra Beauty Section 21JinnyRainbow Lush Spa Kingston This Months Special Feature - 22-23What to do this Valentines Day Places to Go 24-27Rose Theatre Listings Local Events At the Cinema – 200lander Out Now on DVD – The Walk Local Trades Section 31Use One of our Excellent Local Trades Business Section 29-33Words from David Wimblett - 7 Training Goddards Resident Accountant Finance Section 35Advice from Foster Denovo Property Section 37Advice from Lucie White & Company Games & Puzzles Section 38-40Crossword Sudoku Word Search Monthly Competition & Review LOCAL JOBS 41

OmniLocal Ltd.Offi ce 3 - C/O Big Yellow StorageUnits 1-3 Wyvern Estate, Beverley Way, New Malden, Surrey KT3 4PHTel: 0207 183 0404Email: [email protected]

Hello again everyone! We have had a well-earned rest during the December period and this year has started with a bang! So much positivity in the air, 2016 looks like a great year for all. There is the Euro – France for the football, Rio 2016 Olympics, Ride London and all the LOCAL events such as IYAF, Kingston Carnival and the Kingston Food Festival this Summer.

This month in particular is important for us, because Kingston is about to be full of FUNdraising for Love Kingston Day (emphasis on the fun part)! Lots of luck to the LK team and all the wonderful people getting involved, I’m sure it’s going to be a roaring success! Find out more about it in this month’s Special Feature.

In this issue we have several treats for you! We have a FREE glass of prosecco from Peppe’s Restaurant, a chance to win a meal for 2 with a bottle of wine on page 40, some excellent local job opportunities, a new property expert, a great review of Lush Spa in Kingston and some new local businesses for you to call.

Let me take this chance to offer Lucie White & Co a huge Omni welcome. Lucie is our new property expert! Please take a look at the property editorial on page 37.

I would also like you to check out the new adverts from Terri’s Embroidery on page 30, Core Pilates on page 18, Richmond Hearing on page 6 and Anchor Homes on page 8, who are recruiting at the moment.

While we have been away, we have been tinkering with our new website and we are just about ready to launch the Directory. Please take a look at www.OmniLocal.co.uk/directory to see what’s new. If you have ever used anyone from the magazine, please feel free to give them a little boost by leaving some feedback on their space on our website.

I want to keep it short and sweet this month, so all there is left for me to say, is Happy Valentines and I hope you are all in good health.

Kind regards,

John

Love is in the Air!


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This section is all about local business owners who support Omni Local. We want to shine a light on these hard working, dedicated people. This month I am talking to brilliant graphic designer (and valid member of the Omni team), Daniel Stevenson of Rockstar Enterprises.Q1: Hi Dan, could you please tell our readers a little bit about Rockstar Enterprises?

A1: Rockstar was founded 5 years ago. We are a graphic design agency and as such we produce anything to do with graphic design, be it design and layout for print, advertising, digital and online, web design and development, event photography, video, and so on.

Q2: How did you get into this line of work?

A2: I am a qualified designer, I studied Graphic Design for 4 years. In about 1994 I discovered the Internet and immediately realised it was going to be huge. So I set about learning everything I could about the web and started producing websites. We utilise the latest industry standard software and technologies to produce all our work.

Q3: You’ve done a lot of brilliant design work for us at Omni Local, what other types of clientele do you provide services for?

A3: We work for some major players, also SME’s and private individuals too - a wide variety of clients. Aside from the commercial and business aspect, we also get involved in the more arty side of things such as designing children’s apps for the App Store, book illustrations and artwork for bands too.

Q4: Do you ever do any international work with publications or via the web?

A4: Yes. We do indeed work with overseas clientele. With today’s global communication

Supplied by: Dan Stevenson - Rockstar Enterprises

technology, it does not matter where you are based.

Q5: Certain graphic and web design jobs can be very time-consuming, does this ever become a problem?

A5: Working in the design field for over 20 years, one learns to work fast. We like to turn jobs around quickly for our clients and we are always available by phone, email, Skype etc.

Q6: Do you have any advice for readers who are looking to get into a similar field?

A6: It’s a very competitive industry. But the advice is the same as for anything you want to be successful at: Study hard, practice a lot, become good at what you do.

Q7: Excellent! What is the best way for people to get in touch with you?

A7: The easiest place to start is online: www.rockstarenterprises.co.uk. Phone and email contact details are available on the website and also on our advert on the opposite page. Give us a call, have a chat and we can answer any questions, or provide you with a quote.

To find out more about Rockstar Enterprises and what they have to offer, please refer to the advert opposite, or check out the website.

LOCAL BUSINESS


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THIS MONTH’S CHARITYThink About your Elders this

Valentine’s DayThere’s nothing better than being spoilt when the day of romance comes around. We all like having our loved ones remind us how special we are to them. These little gestures can mean the world. Whether you’re looking to court somebody, or you want to dote on your other half, even if you’re just trying to make a friend or family member’s day - show some love.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about the couples. Spare a loving gesture for anyone who might be feeling lonely, whether that’s a parent, grandparent, or best friend. It doesn’t always have to be a big marriage proposal! Just let them know you love them, in whatever way fits best. For example:

• Pay them a visit with some hand-crafted gifts. Knowing them as well as you do, you can opt for their favourite baked goods, print a family photo collage for them, give them a cuddly bear or even just share a cup of tea or coffee and make an afternoon of reminiscing.

• Send them some flowers. Unless they’re allergic, a beautiful bouquet will brighten anyone’s day! Try to hand deliver them if you can, but alternatively you could have them delivered if it’s a busy time. Just don’t forget!

• Just spend the day together! Even if it’s just you and your completely platonic friend - binge on chick-flicks, get some

Supplied by: Leanna Carl - Omni Local

retail therapy, have a pampering spa day, visit a museum or go for a nice meal - whatever you want to do. Blow the bank on it too!

• Think new-age. Put together a lovely slideshow of the two of you, or your family/the loved one that couldn’t be with them today.

Happy Valentine’s Day everybody! Spend it with those that matter most.

This page is sponsored by Richmond Hearing

CARE IN THE COMMUNITY

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Geeta AminGeeta Amin is a mother of two and has been a student and a meditation teacher with Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University for 18 years. She has been voluntarily conducting spiritual workshops & meditation sessions for 15 years in Kingston. She extended her community outreach to Ewell and Cobham over the last two years.

Brahma Kumaris came into existence in 1937 in Hyderabad, Sind in north-west, India. In 1950, they established their headquarters in Mount Abu in Rajasthan, India. In 1980, the Brahma Kumaris became affiliated with the United Nations Department of Public Relations as a Non-Governmental Organisation.

In 1983, they achieved consultative status with the Economic and Social Council at the United Nations. They now have a permanent office space in New York. Brahma Kumaris is a not-for-profit registered charity. Presently, it has more than 8,500 meditation centres in over 100 countries.

The university teaches people to transcend labels associated with the body, such as race, age, nationality, religion and gender. They aspire to establish a universal culture of peace and happiness in the world. They do so through practicing self-awareness. They believe everyone is intrinsically good. That everyone is a soul, an energy, a consciousness that is separate from a physical body.

The university’s only focus is to be a vehicle for universal spiritual teachings, rather than promoting any particular religion. It teaches how to create a peaceful and abundant life, based on universal values and Raja Yoga meditation. Raja Yoga meditation enables a relationship with the supreme source of purest energy and highest consciousness.

The university provides all its services free of cost and accepts voluntary contributions.

Since 1998, Geeta Amin has been Rajyoga meditation practitioner. She successfully crossed life challenges with peace and calmness and created a life for herself, filled with a deep sense of happiness and fulfillment.

Supplied by: Geeta Amin – BK

Geeta’s understanding of how to cope with twists and turns in life, using the power of universal spiritual values and meditation; became her inspiration. She now shares the spiritual wisdom and her experiences with the community at large.

She and her team conduct workshops, meditation & empowerment sessions to give experience of eternal peace within. Few of workshops titles are - Anger management, Positive thinking, Self-esteem, Understanding karma, Eight spiritual powers, The art of listening, Magic of appreciation, Key to happiness, Power of innocence, Keeping calm in a chaotic world, Your new mindsets are ready.

Through these one can achieve stillness of mind, focus, overcoming depression, mental strength, regaining inner power & facing the challenges of life with flying colors.

In Ewell, workshops takes place every Tuesday from 7PM to 9PM at The Sanctuary, St. Michael’s Church, 4A Church Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 2AS. For further information, contact [email protected]

COMMUNITY PERSON


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Anchor care homes in Surrey currently have opportunities for CareAssistants, Team Leaders and other positions available to you.

Whether you have experience or not you can make a career out of care.We have day and night shifts on offer,

APPLY HERE: www.anchor.org.uk/careers/surrey-jobs

NEW YEARNEW CAREER

Make 2016 your year for change, by choosing a career in care

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THIS MONTH’S CHARITY

Kingston Churches Action on HomelessnessWe hear plenty of stories about homelessness in central London, but how many people are living rough on the streets in the Royal Borough of Kingston, one of London’s wealthiest boroughs? Well, nobody knows for sure because there is no actual count, but Matt Hatton, Director of Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness (KCAH), estimates that there are at least 30 people living rough in Kingston at any one time.

Winter is tough for those on the streets. For this reason, a number of local churches are working with KCAH during the month of February to run a pilot project providing overnight accommodation and meals to our rough sleepers. The challenge of this project could be considerable – it will mean working with some of the “hardest to reach” homeless people, some of whom have drug and alcohol problems. That is why it will be a pilot scheme, designed to find what can be achieved.

Those on the streets are just one group of people KCAH helps. In 2014/15, 444 people came to KCAH’s drop-in service for advice, a service which is open weekdays from 10am to 1pm. Of these 444 people, 246 were homeless on the day, another 63 were expecting to become homeless within a month, 16 were long-term sofa surfers and 14 were long-term street homeless. KCAH was also visited 1,300 times by existing clients returning for further advice and support.

How does KCAH help homeless people?

In many different ways. KCAH is the sole referral agency to the 10-bed night shelter provided by the Joel Community Trust in Norbiton and can also make referrals to the YMCA Surbiton. KCAH can itself house up to 37 people, both men and women, on a 2-year tenancy in its 9 shared properties. Tenants participate in a support programme

Supplied by: Nigel Spalding - KCAH

afternoons and must be ready to move on to alternative accommodation before their tenancy expires. Support includes offering a Job Club to all KCAH clients in its offices once a week.

For those who have serious health problems or are at particular risk, due to being threatened for example, KCAH can help put forward a case for the council to provide housing. For those who are living on the streets or sofa surfing, KCAH can provide sleeping bags, clothing, flasks and a holding address for clients’ post. In emergency situations, some basic hot foot can also be provided.

Further information on KCAH’s work and how you can support them is available on their website at www.kcah.org.uk or call 020 8255 2439. You can also follow them on Facebook.

LOCAL CHARITY


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February 2016 Omni LocalHappy Belated New Year Readers!

New year, new law! For all you dog owners out there, with effect from 6th April 2016, all dogs in England must be microchipped and registered with a recognised databank. The penalty for not doing so could be a fine of up to £500. Furthermore, all breeders must microchip puppies by the time they are eight weeks old and before they are transferred to a new keeper, who will then be responsible for keeping the details up to date.

Have you visited the Kingston Police Facebook page recently? There are some exciting new developments happening here! Do join the group ‘Ask Kingston Police’; a place where Kingston residents can ask Kingston Police questions or request advice. At the time of writing there are already more than 750 members of this new group. There is also now an Events Tab on the page so you can stay up to date with all the police events.

Finally here are some tips that can help prevent burglary:

1. Don’t leave your keys or ID documents within easy reach of doors, letterboxes or windows.

2. Close and lock all doors and windows. If you have multi-locking door handles, lift the handle, lock it with the key and remove it - LIFT - LOCK - REMOVE. Put the key in a safe place out of sight in case of fire.

3. Lock garages and sheds so garden tools and ladders can’t be used to break into your home.

4. Keep side gates locked and wheelie bins stored behind them.

5. Use timer switches linked to lights and a radio so it appears that someone is at home.

6. Invest in a safe for valuables and sentimental items and securely fix it to a solid surface.

7. Install a visible intruder alarm system - burglars don’t want to be seen or heard.

Supplied by: Alison McWinnie - MET Police

8. Install low level ‘dusk till dawn’ lighting to increase visibility and deter burglars.

9. Keep side and rear boundaries high to restrict access and front boundaries low to remove hiding places.

10. Photograph and mark valuables/sentimental items with your postcode and house number/name. Register items with serial numbers at www.immobilise.com.

Kingston Police, Neighbourhood Watch and Business Watch are all on social media. We would love you to follow us:

Twitter - @mpskingston

@KingstonNHW

@KBBusinessWatch

Facebook - /mpskingston

/KingstonNHW

/KingstonBoroughBusinessWatch

Instagram - /mpskingston

YouTube - /kingstonmps

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The History Behind Valentine’s Day For many of us, Valentine’s Day has become

a very commercialised occasion where we’re

expected to write romantic words in greeting

cards and shell out on chocolates and flowers.

But where did it all begin?

Despite the norm for our generation, which

involves showering our loved ones in goodies

and reminding them how much we care, you

can hardly imagine that they were cutting

up paper hearts and running to the nearest

florist centuries ago.

The history of Valentine’s Day has become

a bit of a mystery. We all know it’s a day of

love, and that it contains remnants of both

Ancient Roman and Christian traditions, but

who was Saint Valentine?

There is a legend stating that Valentine was

a priest who served in Rome during the 3rd

century. When Emperor Claudius II decided

that single men made better soldiers than

those married and with children, he outlawed

marriage for young men. When Valentine

heard of this injustice, he defied Claudius

and proceeded to perform secret marriages

for young lovers, which ultimately led to him

being sentenced to execution.

Another story suggests that Valentine was

executed for helping Christians escape harsh

Roman prisons. There is also a story that tells

of an imprisoned Valentine sending the first

“Valentine” greeting himself, after he fell in

love with the jailer’s daughter. He allegedly

signed the letter, “from your Valentine”

which is an expression still used to this day.


The truth behind the special occasion is still

up for debate, but all stories seem to show

the Saint as a romantic, empathetic and

courageous person who inspired people to be

a little more loving.

Valentines greetings go back as far as the

Middle Ages, however written greetings

didn’t appear until after 1400. The oldest

known Valentine was a poem written in 1415

by Charles, Duke of Orleans, after he was

captured at the Battle of Agincourt, and his

wife was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

You can find the greeting at the British

Library in London.

Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated across

the world in Canada, the US, France,

Australia and Mexico. It became a popular

celebration in Britain in the 17th century,

and by the 18th it was common for friends

and lovers to exchange gifts and share

their affections through the written word.

From 1900, printed greetings cards were

exchanged more than written letters, as

an easy way for people to express their

emotions.

LOCAL HISTORY


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Valentines Gift Ideas

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about loved up

couples and new romances - it’s also an

excuse to just show someone how much

you appreciate them. Finding a way to make

someone’s day and make those Cupid-haters

feel better about themselves can be so

rewarding. It doesn’t have to cost the Earth

either! A simple way to cheer someone up

on that loveheart-filled day is to give them a

nice card - especially if it’s homemade. This

could even be something you do with your

children.

Gather the little ones for a day of arts and

crafts, especially when the weather’s a little

disappointing. Show them how to make

lovely Valentines Cards using all kinds of

materials. If you set up a little workshop by

gathering up all the coloured card, glitter (if

you’re okay with a little bit of mess!), pens,

pencils and stickers you can find - they’ll be

sure to enjoy themselves. You could even

help them write a short poem on the inside.

You could even help your children produce

handmade and personalised gifts like a

painted mug or a decorated photo frame.

Not to mention some delicious baked goods,

like some lovely heart shaped cookies for the

sweet tooth in their life! Whether they give

their gift to a friend at school, or they’d like

to brighten a family member’s day, it’s a fun

way to spread some love. All you need is

some decorative materials or baking supplies


and a little time.

Even using the web to produce a lovely

photo-mug or collage canvas will most

definitely be appreciated. I’ve purchased

many gifts like this, that just take a little

time and digital photo collecting to achieve,

and they are always a real winner. Finding

a gift that helps you reflect on the great

memories you have together is ideal for

this time of year - you don’t have to meet

the flowers and chocolates quota every

year. Although a nice box of indulgence or a

beautiful bouquet is a lovely gift, something

more personal will really get them smiling.

Whatever you do, don’t forget the one you

love! Even if it just means taking some time

to hit any shop adorned with hearts and

asking for some assistance in finding the

perfect gift. There’s plenty to choose from in

Kingston!

FAMILY

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Gardening Tips for the Month This time of year can be tricky for gardeners. For some areas of the UK it’s the beginning of the Spring Season, but on occasion others (including Kingston residents) are hit with snowstorms and harsh Winter conditions. However, there are various jobs that are best suited to this time of year, no matter what the conditions are, including:

Start Planting

(Given there isn’t any snow in the way - in which case you should try to remove some of the frost from plant leaves if you can) Despite the chills in the air, soil can still retain a fair amount of warmth, meaning you could start planting the hedge you want, or you could take the first steps for some new shrubs.

Spike the Lawn

Remove any leaves from the lawn and spike early (unless the lawn is very new). Damp weather can cause the leaves to harbour fungus below, leaving you with a yellowish colour across your lawn.

Preparation for a New Lawn

If you are considering seeding a nice new lawn this Spring, you could start preparing the ground now. Remove any weeds whilst digging the area you have set up for the job. Leave the soil a little clumpy and let the weather break down the rest.

Know what to Plant

A simple way to find out which plants fair well this time of year is to pay a visit to your local garden centre, or even take a walk or drive around the neighbourhood and see if parks and gardens can inspire you. Camelias,

conifers, azaleas, roses and shrubs are perfectly fine for planting now.

Splitting Perennials

Now is a great time to dig up and divide perennial plants that have been overlooked for a while. Splitting them can encourage healthier growth and will help them to produce many more full blossoms.

Clear the Pond

Clear your pond of any fallen leaves and twigs. If you can, place some netting over the pond to protect the waters and any wildlife that inhabit it. Rotting leaves can produce dangerous gases and build up that will harm or kill any fish. Clean any filters or water pumps and try placing a ball (the type that floats) on the pond to allow an open area where gases can escape.

There is plenty you can do to ensure the health and presentation of your garden. Contact your local professional for more advice.

GARDENINGSupplied by:

Leanna Carl - Omni Local


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Jobs Around the Home for FebruaryAfter all the excitement of Christmas and New Years we’ve no doubt topped things off with those inevitable back-to-school/work blues. For some, this can really get in the way of those spring cleans and getting things back into working order.

Its hard to stay motivated when all the funs been brought to a hault, however, now is the perfect time to set up for the rest of the year. Especially in important areas of the house, like the kitchen. If you have yet to get started on freshening up, hopefully this article will help to get you started.

Clean the Oven (Properly!)

Don’t just wipe down the hob, or spray the inside with oven cleaner and hope for the best – your oven has probably been through a lot over the holidays! Besides, when was the last time you gave it a good seeing to?

If you keep neglecting to clean the inside of the oven thoroughly, you’ll keep on burning those drips, crumbs and lost morsels into charcoal and hot oily spills, producing an unpleasant smog and smell every time you cook. Remember to wipe down the range hood and clean the filter too, to remove all the built up grease and grime. You’ll know from wiping a finger down the top of the hood just how greasy it can get.

Clean and Reorganise the Cupboards

Again, these areas can build up a surprising amount of grime and dirt. You may even find it takes several hours to go through them all, and you’ll most likely find various perishables have expired and are just taking up room.


Over the holidays where we put so much effort into great feasts and baked treats, we can end up very disorganised while storing oven trays, tupperware, pots and pans all over the place. Set aside some time to find out what’s in your cabinets and make things more accessible. It’ll take some of the sting out of cooking meals on worknights too!

Check for Leaks

Have a look at the roof and vents around your home to make sure there are no drips or frost building up, and that your house is able to circulate air and heat properly. You need to keep moisture at bay in your attic, as well as the bedrooms.

If you need to do some roof repairing or get into the vents, make sure you know what you are doing, or ideally – call in a professional, as these jobs can be dangerous.

There are lots of ways to get back on track, and don’t feel like you have to clean for hours on end. Prioritise and plan for the perfect home environment, without overdoing it.

HOME

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Times Tables Made EasySo there’s going to be a new table test for 11 year olds. Whether you agree or not with this, one thing is certain - knowing times tables is vital. Basic add and subtract numbers to 20 and tables underpins nearly all mental arithmetic.

At NumberWorks’nWords, we’re experts at helping children learn their tables, in fact the first 10 – 15 minutes of every session are usually devoted to them.

Here are some tips for those who find them hard:

Go slow – Remember, if we think of tables 2-10 (forget 11 and 12 for the moment), there are only 90 facts. Halve these as 3x4, its the same as 4x3 – so actually only 45 to remember. Really concentrating on 2 or 3 facts per week will pay off.

10 x - easy!

2x - easy up to 5x2. Chant the numbers 2,4,6,8 etc keeping track on your fingers as you go. When you get to 16, finger 8 should be up. Talk about how they are ‘doubles’ 4+4 etc. Really focus on 12,14,16,18. Many children find these hard. Work on them in and out of context.

5x easy to say. Get your child to track it with their fingers as they go. Can they remember facts out of context?

You are now 3/9 or 1/3 of the way through!

3x - easy up to 5x3. Work slowly on 6, 7, 8 and 9X3. Say it walking to school or going upstairs. Ask your child 6x3 or 7x3 at odd moments; write it on a post-it, on the door or in the loo! Move it round. Remember - just 2 or 3 facts per week – doesn’t matter if it takes a month!

4x - at NumberWorks’nWords we show children it’s 2x, but doubled. 6x4 is quite easy, it’s 4 more than 5x4 and 7x4 is 4 more than that. 8 and 9 are hard. Work on them.

9x - this one next. Look at the pattern (10s go up and units go down). At NumberWorks’nWords we practise +9 (add 10, take away 1). Youtube will also explain the ‘finger trick’ – some children love this.

The hard ones - If your child knows these

Supplied by: Celia Osbourne - NumberWorks’n’Words

well, they have nearly done the lot. Actually the only new facts are 6x6, 7x6, 8x6, 7x7, 8x7 and 8x8.

Of these, 6x6 (36) - 6 more than 5x6 (30). 8x6 (48) - 8 more than 5X8 (40). 8X8 sounds like ‘I ate and I ate and I was sick on the floor.’

11x - easy – just the last 3.

12x work out e.g. 10x4 and 2x4. It’s good for introducing big multiplication anyway.

Go to www.numberworks.com/arcade and download our ‘Tables of Doom’. There’s an addition and subtraction one too. Kids find these really useful and fun.

If your child needs a bit more help, bring them along to NumberWorks’nWords. Or, if they are super quick and need pushing on, we do that too. In fact we work with all children from reception to GCSE in maths and English.

NumberWorks’nWords 152 Ewell Road, 020 8399 1234 – give us a ring for a free assessment and trial lesson.

LEARNING


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Putting up a ShelfA simple, yet handy tutorial. If you’re low on space for a vase of Valentine’s flowers or you’ve recently obtained some new ornaments - even if you just need another space for books and DVDs, this is a method that’s good to know.

What you’ll need:

Pencil Ruler(Digital Detector)Drill BitsShelf (plank cut to shape)Shelving BracketsScrews (large and small)Wall PlugsScrewdriverSpirit Level

Tip: Remember to measure out the space available before you purchase your shelf, especially if you’re planning on fitting them in an alcove or the room is quite small. If you have masonry walls, you may also require masonry wall plugs.

Method:

1. Check the walls. You don’t want to start drilling or hammering without knowing that the wall material can take it. You should also try to detect any pipes or plugs, so nothing gets hit during the process.

2. Fit the brackets so that the longer arm goes down the wall, and the shorter arm can support the shelf. The length of the arm will indicate how much space you’ll have between each shelf.

3. Hold the ruler against the wall and mark with a pencil where you’d like the bracket to sit. You should be able to mark out the distance from the second bracket. Hold your shelf up and use the spirit level to check the


marks are level.

4. Drill into the wall where indicated and screw the brackets into place using the wall plugs and screwdrivers.

5. Carefully lay the shelf across the top of the brackets and mark through the bracket holes where the short screws will fit. Carefully secure them until the shelf is stable.

6. At this point you can protect the wood using varnish, but this is optional. Repeat steps 1-5 for a second shelf if applicable.

If you are looking to build a corner shelf instead, you will require a different shaped shelf, or will need to saw a piece into a more triangular shape. Corner shelves won’t usually require a bracket, but will require some wall anchors in order to mount the shelf.

DIY

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The Cooking Corner The Cooking Corner The Cooking Corner

Ingredients:

For the cakes-175ml milk1 tablespoon of red food colouring250g self-raising fl our2 tablespoons of cocoa powder100g softened unsalted butter200g golden caster sugar2 large eggs(cupcake cases)

For the cream cheese frosting-500g icing sugar125g soft cheese125g softened unsalted butter1-2 teaspoons of red food colouring (optional)Pink edible glitter/sugar crystals (optional)

Tip: If the red food colouring doesn’t work for you, you can exclude it from the recipe. Or, dissolve a tablespoon of instant coffee into 100ml of boiling water, then cool with an ice cube (or wait) and add to the mix for delicious cappuccino cupcakes instead.

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until creamy.

2. Separate the eggs and whisk the whites in a medium sized bowl until foamy. Beat the yolks into the butter and sugar.

3. Sift the fl our and cocoa, then lightly fold it into the batter mixture. Add the milk and egg whites.

4. Mix in the red food colouring until blended and start scooping the batter into cupcake cases until halfway-two thirds full. These will hold better shape in a muffi n tray.

Red Velvet Valentine’s CupcakesServes 12

5. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the tops are fi rm and springy. If you’re concerned about the middles, stick a skewer or knife through one until it comes out relatively dry.

6. Leave the cupcakes to cool on a wire rack for at least half an hour.

7. Beat the soft cheese, food colouring (or coffee) and butter into the icing sugar, adding water by the teaspoon if needed. Make sure it remains quite stiff, as a runny icing doesn’t set well. Use an (electric) whisk or paddle attachment on your mixer for a more whipped consistency.

8. Pipe or gently spread the frosting over the cupcakes. I like to spoon on the frosting and create swirl textures with a fork. Then sprinkle with the edible glitter and leave to set for up to an hour. Store these in a cool dry place with a cover, or box up for your Valentine.

Tip: Even if the sponge seems a little underdone, it will fi rm as it cools, so don’t over bake if you like a moist, cakey texture. You can also decorate the fi nished cupcakes with other toppings, like a candy heart or chocolate curls.


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Valentine’s Day: Give the Gift of Health and Fitness to the One you LoveValentine’s Day is approaching – a time to show appreciation for the love of your life. Or for the less romantic, another schmaltzy American import aimed at getting you to put your hand in your pocket. But love it or hate it, your other half may be disappointed if you don’t come up with a special gift.

You could go down the tired old traditional route of chocolates, a restaurant and flowers. But what about something more imaginative, contemporary and truly beneficial for your loved one?

PhysioExtra, a boutique fitness and physiotherapy studio in Ham, are giving Omni Local readers an exclusive Valentine’s Day gift voucher offering a 15% discount on their extensive range of health-related services.

Admittedly, giving your Valentine a fitness studio voucher could be taken the wrong way (“Are you telling me I need to lose weight?!”), but it could be used for a sensuous deep tissue massage or a couples’ boot camp session. Or if things have been getting a little tense at home, a boxing session might be more appropriate.

It’s well known, of course, that taking physical care of yourself can improve physical relationships. Not only do people feel better when they are fit, toned and free of pain; the skilled physiotherapists at PhysioExtra can work on common issues holding lovers back, including things like back pain and lack of stamina.

And if you’re single, why not treat yourself, break out of bad habits and help yourself look and feel great? Just having confidence about how you look can transform your figure and posture – and who knows where that might lead?

Supplied by: Andrew Sillett - On Sight Media

So no matter what you think of Valentine’s Day, it is a good excuse to give yourself or your partner a nudge in the right direction. We all need that bit of a nudge, if not a forceful shove!

A one-to-one session with a personal trainer or physio is a real treat. Unlike a gym or exercise class, the focus is exclusively on you and the programme is tailored to your needs and goals. The staff at PhysioExtra are friendly and very supportive. They treat a wide range of people, from pensioners to Olympic athletes.

Chocolates are quickly gone, flowers wither within days, but the gift of vitality, energy and fitness keeps on giving. If you really love yourself or your partner, give a truly life-changing gift this Valentine’s Day.

www.physioextra.co.uk

HEALTH & FITNESS


20

Lush Spa KingstonTravel down to the Kingston market and “Lush” just jumps out at you onto the pavement. The aromas reach the senses, the bustle of customers testing the wares gives an exciting ambience to the whole shop. This paired with the helpful, friendly staff makes the shop an absolute “must “for a revisit.

The extremely friendly masseurs explained the experience to us and asked that we chose a key word from a chalked list upon the wall, to help set the type of massage we were about to receive. This was coupled with a choice of aromatic essential oils. I have to admit that my first thought was sceptical, the whole thing seemed a little “airy fairy” for my taste!

However, I was totally wrong once the treatment got under way; the infusion of essential oils and the wonderful massage almost transported me to another place. Let me repeat, the WONDERFUL MASSAGE!! Through skillful techniques, great manners and a really relaxed vibe all round, they really know what they’re doing!

Thank you so very much to the staff for their quality of care. And thanks to Lush for getting involved with Omni Local, as this experience was such a treat, and I can

Supplied by: John Gower - Omni Local

guarantee many will feel the same way. It was also a reminder to spoil myself a little more by coming back soon for another session.

Unfortunately I have just one complaint: Why oh why do they not advertise their spa more forcibly? The only obvious mention is some small white cards near the entrance door at the back of the store. Sadly, I myself know that there are many people living in the Kingston area who don’t even know about the store’s existence yet, and they should! It’s not just about the products either, it’s about the entire Lush experience.

I hope this review uncovers some of the delights Lush has to offer, as I know a spa day like this one will be very well received. Congratulations to the fab staff on giving a great service, and we wish the very best to everyone at Lush. We hope our readers will schedule some ‘me time’ and pay them a visit soon!

LUSH SPA REVIEW

21


JINNYrainbowJINNYrainbow is a collection of inspiring, colourful and striking temporary tattoos, worn to express individuality, creativity and to beautify bare skin.

The Glitter tattoos can fit into every day or evening wear; from a simple design to extreme pieces of artwork that suit any special occasion or event.

The application is easy, painless and skin-friendly, with each waterproof tattoo lasting up to 7 days. With a selection available of over 50 vibrant colours and 200 unique stencil designs, we can ensure that JINNYrainbow helps to make each event more exciting and unique.

Product Description

We always make sure to provide the highest quality of products on the market, through extensive research and testing.

Skin Friendly Glue

JINNYrainbow glue is a safe and high quality product which has passed all EU safety assessments for contact with skin. No artificial colouring, dyes or perfumes are used in production of this product. The glue is transparent and light in texture. There is no irritation, fumes or odour.

Supplied by: Jinny Coffey - Jinny Beauty

Bonus feature- The glue is also perfect for using in the application of strip lashes.

Stencils

There are 200 unique designs available. The stencil patterns are great quality, to ensure a clean and precise finish.

Glitters

There are over 50 glitter colours and a wide range of glitter textures. Finer glitters will last longer on the skin and thicker glitters will shine more. The glitters can also be used for eye make-up using a gel or Vaseline, as well as JINNYrainbow glue.

Jinnyrainbow is suitable for many Fun Events and special occasions, including Children’s Parties.

To get in touch with Jinny Beauty, please see our contact details below:

Tel: 020 8949 6006

Address: 71 Kingston Road, New Malden, Surrey KT3 3PB

Web: www.jinnyshop.com

BEAUTY


22

Love where you live this Valentine’s DayCold and grey it may be but there’s more

than a little sunshine coming your way with

a heart-warming day of food, entertainment

and events to take us towards spring. Yes,

Love Kingston Day is nearly here!

Love Kingston Day is on Sunday 14th

February. It’s a special day in the Love

Kingston calendar, inviting everyone in the

borough to unite and have fun raising vital

funds for local causes.

There are over 400 charity and community

projects in Kingston doing amazing work.

They are the glue in our society. They often

need small yet vital grants so that they

can support some of the borough’s most

vulnerable residents.

Whether you want to fundraise with your

office, at home, school, college, university,

community group, scouts, sports or golf club

we’d love for you to get creative, plan an

event or challenge or take part in some of

the events happening around Kingston. In

past years residents and businesses have

held hog roasts, leg-waxing challenges, live

music events and comedy nights.

Pledges of support are starting to roll in,

with Euphonix Choir performing a concert

at the Rose Theatre, bake sales at Kingston

Grammar School and Neighbourly Nosh

dinner parties across the borough.

Neighbourly Nosh is a great way to

do something simple and intimate for

Valentine’s Day and all from the comfort of

your own home! Simply invite some friends

or neighbours round for dinner and ask for

a donation for the lovely meal you provide.

You can find a sponsorship form and further

details online or email [email protected].

uk for details.

Not around but still want to share the love?

If you’re not around for Love Kingston Day

2016 and would like to contribute, why not

make a donation to the campaign?

Supplied by: Sorrel Parsons - Love Kingston

SPECIAL FEATURE

23


Donate via www.love-kingston.org.uk

What will donations do in 2016?

Love Kingston is now established as the only

borough-wide philanthropic platform where

it is simple to give, and with all money raised

staying in our local community.

Your donations will continue to build the

Kingston Legacy Fund, with annual income

supporting charitable activity for generations

to come. Donations will also make an

immediate impact this year. In 2016 our

grant-making will be focused on community

projects tackling isolation and encouraging

integration, so that no one feels left on the

margins of the Kingston we know and love.

Ride for Kingston

If you love cycling and also love living,

working or learning in Kingston, the

Prudential RideLondon Surrey 100 may be the

perfect challenge for you!

Celebrating the legacy for cycling created by

the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic

Games, the event follows a 100-mile route

on closed roads through the capital and into

Surrey’s stunning countryside.

With leg-testing climbs and a route made

famous by the world’s best cyclists at

the London 2012 Olympics, it’s a truly

spectacular event for all involved.

The route is perfect for both clubs and

recreational cyclists over the age of 18.

Slower cyclists can enjoy a challenging ride

while faster riders will relish the opportunity

to pit themselves against the country’s top

amateurs.

As well as the personal challenge of

completing the route, participants’

involvement will benefit the local community

as Love Kingston supports local charity and

community projects in the borough.

Get in touch if you’d like to get involved!

Visit www.love-kingston.org.uk for more

information or email [email protected]


24

Snapdragon Productions presents

TOAST

Thu 04 Feb - Sat 13 Feb

Written by Richard Bean, directed by Eleanor Rhode, and starring Olivier Award winner Matthew Kelly

Another Sunday night shift. The smell of bread baking. The industrial thump, thump, thump of the machines that never stop. The ovens are cranked up to full blast, the factory is humming, and everyone wants to be somewhere else.

But this shift is going to be different. Because when a crisis hits the factory, the men have more to lose than just their wages...

From the writer of the international hit One Man, Two Guvnors, Richard Bean’s brilliantly observed drama stars the Olivier Award winning actor Matthew Kelly and Simon Greenall (Alan Partridge). After receiving huge critical acclaim in London in 2014 and prior to a New York engagement, where it will be opening the prestigious ‘Brits off Broadway’ festival, this funny and moving play now comes to the Rose Theatre for one week only.

Tickets from £8

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD

Tue 16 Feb - Sun 21 Feb

Following hot on the heels of The Gruffalo’s monstrous success comes The Gruffalo’s Child - with attitude! Just how brave is she? Find out

for yourselves by joining her at Rose Theatre Kingston. The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood…

One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist... does he?

Tall Stories Theatre Company returns, bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffl er’s award-winning sequel to life in this magical, musical stage adaptation.

Recommended for ages 3+.

HETTY FEATHER

Written by Jacqueline Wilson, adapted for the stage by Emma Reeves & directed by Sally Cookson

Wed 24 Feb - Sun 28 Feb

From best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson, the tale of plucky Hetty Feather is brought thrillingly to life on stage in this Olivier Award nominated production.

Following a sell-out West End run, Hetty returns home to the Rose Theatre. With beautiful storytelling, original songs and live music, spectacular circus and a huge heart - this is a terrifi c adventure story and the perfect treat for the whole family. Don’t miss this fi ve-star production that’s delighted audiences and critics alike.

25


Zoolander 2: 200lander

The Walk

The long awaited hilarity has fi nally befallen! I’m sure many of you remember the famous “blue steel” look from the peculiar and very funny fi rst movie. Well, Ben Stiller is back as the legendary Derek Zoolander - alongside his once-rival, now partner-in-crime Hansel, played by Owen Wilson. Although the bizarre (and sometimes a little bit dark) comedy isn’t for everyone, I defi nitely advise the open-minded to give both fi lms a watch. If you loved the fi rst movie as much as I did - you will not be disappointed!

Though we also see the return of crazy Will Ferrell as Mugatu and Billy Zane (as himself ), the casting features some new, but very familiar faces from the media, such as Kim Kardashian, Kanye West and Justin Bieber. There is also the inclusion of a very unusual-looking/sounding Benedict Cumberbatch - prepare to see him in an entirely different light, “Sherlock” fans!

The story continues with the rough and slightly-mocked insight into the modelling world, where famous models Zoolander and Hansel are starting to feel a bit behind the times. Things turn even more serious when celebrities start getting murdered, whilst performing the famous “blue steel” in their last moments. Following the lead of the beautiful Valentina, played by Penelope Cruz - can these half-witted trendsetters fi nd out what’s going on and save everyone?

This one is defi nitely not for the faint-hearted! However, for people who appreciate the suspense and who marvel at incredible stories about humanity’s endeavours, this is a must see. Based on a real life and monumental event that will really get your heart beating, we’ll see the fi rst and only attempt to walk across a wire between the World Trade Center Towers. This movie is a great tribute to

In The Cinema

Out on DVD

(Scan the QR Codes to see the trailers)

Supplied by: Leanna Carl

New York and Paris. Coming from the director that brought us Forrest Gump and Back to the Future, you can expect a very emotional and character driven story.

Philippe Petit, who is played by Joseph Gordon Levitt (known for such fi lms as 50/50 and 10 things I hate about you) has the insane idea to walk the enormous void between buildings with nothing but his balance. It is his ultimate goal in life. His guide, Papa Rudy (played by Ben Kingsley) aids him in his crazy plan, recruiting a band of international supporters along the way. The group must overcome betrayals, setbacks and close calls in order to achieve the impossible. Putting you right up where the clouds are, you’ll never see anything like it.


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Local Events Love Kingston Day(Sunday 14th February 2016)Local community organisations achieve extraordinary things with very limited resources. Now, more than ever, their future depends on securing small, but vital amounts of funding to reach people in need. Love Kingston Day is the annual fl agship fundraising day to raise funds for local charitable causes, so they can help Kingston’s residents. Get creative and have some fun fundraising this Valentine’s Day!Visit www.love-kingston.org.uk for more information.Location: Kingston upon Thames

Try Energy Healing & Reiki(Every Thursday afternoon)Donations WelcomeEnergising the body, releasing tension and stimulating self-healing with experienced and qualifi ed therapists. All welcome from 1:30pm - 3:30pm.Call 07814 914 163 or pop into the Healing Trust for more information. Location: 2nd Floor, United Reform Church, Eden Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1HZ (opposite old post offi ce)

Outside the Box Comedy Club(Fortnightly on Mondays from 1st February 2016)See website for pricesShowcasing the best UK and International comedians, including some huge TV names. Previous acts have included Bill Bailey, Jimmy Carr and Robin Williams. Head to your local for some top comedy performances.Book tickets at: www.outsidetheboxcomedy.co.uk. Location: The Fighting Cocks Pub, 56 Old London Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 6QA

The Jungle Body KONGA Class(Every Thursday)(£2.50 for beginners, £5 onwards)From 5:45pm each Thursday, you can join Calasara Fitness in exciting full body workouts that include Tyga, Konga, Jagua and Vypa. (Remember to bring drinking water and an exercise mat/towel).

Call 07950 747 983 or visit www.calasarafi tness.co.uk for more information.Location: Kingfi sher Leisure Centre, Fairfi eld Road, Kingston, Surrey KT1 2PY

Kingston Debating Society(Now until March 2016)(£3 charge for visitors)Every Thursday evening, we will discuss topics as varied as the latest heavyweight political issues, science, arts, history, televeision, sport...the list is endless. Guarantees a civilised and absorbing evening, plus the chance to have your say for a full 10 minutes.Visit www.kingstondebating.org.uk for more information.Location: Methodist Church Hall, Avenue Road (off Fairfi eld South) Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2UJ

Children’s Charity Musical Gala Evening(Sunday 13th March 2016 at 19:30pm)(Tickets are £25)Momentum Children’s Charity is thrilled to announce that one of Britain’s best-loved sopranos Dame Felicity Lott has kindly offered to perform as a special guest at our gala in March, introduced by Michael Simkins. Among many more top soloists and special guests, The Tiffi nians and Viva-Voce, there will also be a magnifi cent chorus comprising members of ENO, WNO and ROH. Contact the Momentum offi ce on 020 8974 5931 or visit www.moment-um.orgLocation: All Saints Church, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1JP

A Gift of Happiness(23 January 2016 - 26 March 2016)Nominal £10 administration fee onlyRegistered Educational Charity Practical Philosophy invite you to join a 10 week course to help you enjoy life, live in the NOW, and turn your problems into opportunities.Please enrol in advance by calling 07779 036 111 or at www.practicalphilosophykingston.org Locations: The Cambrian Community Centre, 1 Grove Road, Richmond TW10 6SNJohn Lewis Community Room, Wood Street, Kingston, Surrey KT1 1TY

EVENT LISTINGS


28

Tips for your InteriorEven with some of us spending a huge amount of time in our vehicles, we still forget about maintenance. If you practically live in your car, or you have kids, you may have noticed how dirty your car can get from all the mess that builds up. From takeaway containers to drink spills, or just leaving toys and essentials behind to get lost on the floor, it all contributes. Here are some ways to keep a handle on some of that chaos:

Keep checks on the leather

Leather requires special cleaning products and a lot of protection. You may notice the dye starts to wear out and cracks start to appear. It may even be time for some new seat covers, so make sure you keep an eye on things. The easiest solution is to get a gentle leather cleaner and wipe down surfaces with a soft cloth or rag.

Clean against the grain

You may notice in the more textured areas of your leather interior, that dirt starts to build up between the grain and look a bit discoloured. Try using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush the grain in circular motions - just don’t claim someone else’s toothbrush!

If your car doesn’t have leather seats…

A simple all purpose cleaner should suffice. You can also use glass cleaner on both the windows and any interior plastic without a problem. Simply get a cloth or some kitchen towel and wipe it all down as often as you can.

Remember crevices

Some crevices are hard to reach with a

Supplied by: Leanna Carl-Omni Local

simple cloth, but can really clog up with dirt and debris, so it could benefit you to keep some cotton buds handy for those hard-to-reach places and smaller areas. Remembering these little details can really make a difference in the overall appearance of your car.

Freshen the carpet

You may require some stain removal or carpet shampoo if things have gotten very messy, but even a regular vacuuming can make all the difference. Avoid letting the floors clutter up with wrappers and containers, as it really makes an impression on those getting into your car.

For more tips on maintaining your vehicle,

visit your local garage professionals.

MOTORING SECTION

29


Is Auto Enrolment Relevant to Me?

You will have all seen the adverts on TV of

the large Blue Monster walking in the Park

and being ignored by the “Nannies”, elderly

people in care and Businessmen.

This is because many small “employers”

believe that Auto Enrolment is not relevant.

Any person or Business employing “ANYONE”

other than themselves has to be registered

for Auto Enrolment, irrespective of whether

or not their staff wishes to be enrolled.

Even if all staff wish to opt out of Auto

Enrolment; the business must be registered,

Supplied by: Goddards Accountants

Kingston Ltd

unless the only employee is the owner/

director.

Employers face fines of £250 per day for

non-compliance; and the Regulator has

already fined businesses up to £50,000 for

non-compliance.

Why not contact us for up-to-date advice?

Alternatively, you can visit www.

goddardsaccountants.biz for more

information about our services and what we

can do for you.

RESIDENTIAL ACCOUNTANT


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At Omni Local we always encourage you to

do your best to support the local businesses

throughout the Kingston areas. Backing each

and every business in the Kingston area

whenever we can is our passion, whether the

company is a large chain business or small/

family run establishment. Small businesses

in Kingston are important for the community

and they require the support of local residents

in order to flourish.

There are so many fantastic businesses right

in the heart of Kingston that a lot of people

throughout the area have yet to discover.

These organisations can bring uniqueness

and variety to the area, providing the town

with culture and a lot of individuality. We love

taking the opportunity to let you know what’s

under your nose!

If you know of any LOCAL trades businesses

that have yet to feature in Omni

Local and you feel that they deserve a shout

out, please do not hesitate to send us their

company details. Perhaps you’ve used a local

service recently and you feel that they should

get a mention?

If so, please send us over their details and we

will do our best to provide support and assist

them in promoting their business.

Contact John on 07898 870 870 or email us at

[email protected]

LOCAL TRADES


32

10 Castle Street, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 1SS T: 020 8547 0744 E: [email protected] www.pdc-kingston.co.uk

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33


Why Should Anyone do Business with You?It’s a question I ask everyone I work with and for most, it’s a very difficult question to answer.

But before we look more closely at why this should be the case, let’s go back to the beginning of your marketing strategy, because this is the key to how successful you will be.

You see, many business owners think that everyone, in the field in which they operate is a potential customer. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth and, in addition, even those that, to a large degree, won’t be motivated enough to contact you.

So the first thing to know is who exactly is your ideal customer, because you will have one, whatever it is that you do. For example, if you are a plumber you might think that every house is a potential prospect. But it won’t necessarily be due to location, or the type of plumbing you do, or the type of house it is, or if it’s domestic or business. As a plumber you will have an ideal customer.

Once you know your ideal customer, you can better target your marketing to them, using the right words and pictures, and then of course you can more easily choose the correct media to find your ideal customers. This could be as simple as just leaflet dropping the right streets, rather than every road in a neighbourhood (saving money).

And this then brings us back to my original question. Why should anyone do business with you?

To answer this, let’s again use our plumber as

Supplied by: David Wimblett - of 7 Training

the example. Go online, look in a directory, go to Checkatrade and there will be dozens of plumbers all doing much the same. So why should someone choose you? What makes you stand out?

I’ve just Googled plumbers and even a geographical location brings up far more plumbers than I want to sift through and they all say much the same: great service and been in business for years. I need something that says ‘Pick me’. And this is what you need, something that tells your ideal prospect why you are their perfect match. Something in the first line, the heading, that stops the person looking passing your advert by.

If you can identify why your ideal customer should buy from you it will make a massive difference to your business. Sometimes when I work with people this can take half a day, sometimes a day, but the results are always worth the effort.

If you’d like to book a marketing strategy session or have any marketing questions, I’d love to hear from you: [email protected] or phone 07836 378170.

BUSINESS


34

35


Key Issues for Urgent Action in 2016There are numerous issues to address in financial planning this year, but none as important as the massive changes in pensions and in taxation brought in by the Government. The common thread is the potential big tax bills faced by higher earners and people with second/buy-to-let properties.

Although the focus has been on the possible benefits of pensions freedom, there is no great discussion on the lowering of the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) from £1.25m to £1m from April 2016. This means that people who are already above the £1m must act before the end of the tax year to protect their £1.25m allowance. People who have less but could exceed the limit in the future also need to examine their choices now. Some examples are senior executives in companies, local authorities, hospital consultants, GPs, dentists, lawyers and also senior executives who have deferred pensions from companies and local authorities.

The second area is the introduction of a new term, Adjusted Income which is used to evaluate the limit of your tax reliefs on annual pension contributions. As the final figures for your Adjusted Income are not fully known until the tax year end, you could have made unauthorised pension payments in good faith during the year, which would then retrospectively trigger big tax bills. This nightmare scenario again needs to be addressed by the same senior executives and professionals as above.

The other area of major concern is the additional Stamp Duty of sale of second properties and the restriction of mortgage interest tax relief on buy-to-let properties announced in the Autumn Statement. This again could lead to massive tax bills for

About Foster DenovoFoster Denovo is a multi-award winning firm of

financial advisers. The Financial Conduct Authority

does not regulate taxation and trust advice. The

value of your investment can go down as well as up

and you may not get back the full amount invested

Supplied by: Mukesh Savani - Foster Denovo

people with mortgages on their buy-to-let properties. There are numerous myths being peddled by some accountants and financial advisers, about fancy solutions to avoid these taxes. I would sound a note of caution and suggest taking a prudent and conservative approach with the HMRC.

The lesson of all these changes is to take advice early and explore prudent options to mitigate the effects of the potentially massive tax charges. Don’t wait till the tax bill arrives, but review your own individual circumstances now.

So, what’s the next step? A good start is to have an initial meeting with Mukesh Savani, a Financial Planner specialising in these areas. He can provide an initial Discovery meeting free of cost to you. After which, it would be clear if there are issues to be addressed and then you can work together on creating a strategy and timescale of actions. Mukesh will always agree costs with you before carrying out any work. Protecting your family’s future could be more straight-forward than you think.

If you would like to learn more about your options and opportunities, please call Mukesh Savani on 0207 469 2800 / 07948 543839 or email [email protected].

FINANCE

Foster Denovo Limited is authorised and regulated

by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office:

Foster Denovo Limited, Ruxley House, 2 Hamm Moor

Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2SA. Telephone:

01932 870 720 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.fosterdenovo.com


36

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Putting your property in safe handsIf you’re a private landlord, you’ll know that there’s far more to it than finding a tenant and collecting the rent. Lucie White, from Lucie White & Company, explains how a professional property management company can save you time, cost and heartache in the long run.

It’s a Sunday, the roast in the oven and the rest of the family are on the way to spend the day with you. Then the phone rings. It’s the tenant in your rental flat, calling to tell you that the washing machine is spewing out dirty water all over the kitchen floor and it’s seeping through into the flat below. Sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it?

A buy-to-let property definitely has its plus-sides: it can provide a regular source of income and, in today’s economy, might prove to be a worthwhile investment in years to come. But being a landlord can also be time-consuming, stressful and thoroughly inconvenient. You’ll need to navigate local legislation, understand the legal pitfalls and paperwork, carry out compulsory checks, settle in new tenants and then be on-call in case of emergencies, even during some pretty unsociable hours!

A property management company takes all of that responsibility onto its professional shoulders. Bureaucratic hoops? They will have leapt through them a thousand times. Phone calls in the middle of the night? There will be a system in place to deal with that. Repairs? They’ll have a directory of trusted contractors at their fingertips. And it needn’t be expensive. Many landlords dismiss property management services as an unnecessary cost, but the benefits frequently outweigh the extra spend. What’s more,

Supplied by: Lucie White & Company

tenants like living in professionally-managed properties; over 92% of them renew for a further term, saving on the cost of re-letting and providing longer-term security for their landlords.

If you’ve had enough of the DIY approach, get in touch with us for a no-strings chat. We’re based locally in South West London and so are all of our contractors; as a team we’re never more than a short drive away, which means we can nip minor issues in the bud before they escalate into something more problematic. Can you afford not to?

Lucie White is the owner and founder of Lucie White & Company, offering lettings, sales, property management and investment advice to clients across South West London and Surrey. [email protected]; 020 8549 8064.

PROPERTY


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Solutions on our website - www.omnilocal.co.uk

WORD SEARCHComedy Movies

Find the words hidden in the grid of letters.

A X U V X U R E P E E L S O L L O

N K X T H O N E A C J L S I A B N

N O F O A O N C A B A Q F G N S U

I F S N E N T P L P U E H O B I J

E T T I A R S S S E O A I U T H M

H Z O X D E O H H F B T H D H T E

A S O O C A O M B O C U J U G E A

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O O M G N T T E G L M R I O T A L

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ANALYZE THISANNIE HALLANTZARTHURBILLY MADISONDATE NIGHTDUCK SOUPELECTIONHOT SHOTSJUNOLIFE OF BRIANMALLRATSMEATBALLSOFFICE SPACEREAL GENIUSROXANNERUSHMORESLAP SHOTSLEEPERSPACEBALLSTOOTSIETWINSUNCLE BUCK


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RESTAURANT REVIEWPeppe’s Italian KingstonPeppe’s Italian is the newly managed and transformed Cardinal Pub, that offers fine Italian food and excellent wines. This well-situated and favourited pub is just a short drive or bus from Kingston Town centre, with convenient parking and a large outdoor veranda. Peppe’s is very accommodating to both large and small groups, and the staff are great with children.

The rustic, yet fine dining atmosphere really sets the tone with candlelit tables, great music and friendly staff. The food was impeccable! Everything tastes so fresh and authentic and the portions are very generous. We tried some of Peppe’s classic pasta dishes and sampled the Melanzane alla Parmigiana and Funghi e Spinaci Gratinati starters, which were amazing, and came out so quickly. The pizzas being placed at every table looked amazing - classic Italian food.

The lovely waitresses offered fresh grated parmesan and black pepper, serving us a delicious bottle of wine on ice. What more could we have wanted? We were only disappointed that we had no room for dessert! Thank you so much to Peppe and to his wonderful staff, and to our readers - make sure you enter this month’s competition, you won’t want to miss it!

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST MONTH’S COMPETITION WINNER - LENE WOOD!

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JobSpotCalling all temps full and part time- all levels required for immediate bookings in the local area. Competitive rates Email: [email protected] Or call: 020 8546 8686 Calling bright graduates looking to start a career in globally recognised companies as entry level administrator/customer service. Competitive salaries. Email: [email protected] Or call: 020 8546 8686

Events professional at all levels are required for an exciting events company! Must be well educated and have stable experience in events. Email: [email protected] Or call: 020 8546 8686

Enthusiastic administrator required for a local engineering company. Must be well educated to degree level and have some experience in the

engineering sector. Good customer service skills essential. Email: [email protected].

International relations coordinator required for an educational institution. Must have a fl air for communication and networking on an international scale. Preferably multi-lingual and must have similar experience. Up to £30,000 per annum. Email: [email protected]. Or call: 020 8546 8686

Senior product manager required for local electronics company. Must be degree educated or equivalent. Fantastic opportunity to continue career. £45-50,000 per annum Email: [email protected] Or call: 020 8546 8686

Send us your job listing for free.

Just call us: 0207 183 0404


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Omni Local Kingston Valentines 2016