omni local kingston xmas & new year 2014

Kingston Upon ThamesChristmas & New Year 2014 Edition

YOUR FREE LOCAL BUSINESS AND ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE• Exclusive Local Discounts• Vouchers, Food & Restaurants• Community Section• Health & Beauty

• NEW Love Kingston Section• Job Section• Home & Gardening• Local Cinema & Theatre Guide

Supporting Local Business& Local Charities

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www.omnilocal.co.uk • Edition 28

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Queens Gastro Bar & Dining 144 Richmond Road | Kingston Upon Thames | KT2 5HA

Tel: 0208 546 9162www.queensgastrobarkingston.co.uk

Had dinner here this evening. The food was delicious and very well presented. The menu offered a good choice. The owners are lovely and very welcoming. Will definitely be back next time we are in Kingston.“Excellent”

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OmniLocal - Kingston Upon Thames • December 2014

158 EWELL ROAD, SURBITON, SURREY KT6 6HE WWW.LANGLEYSRESTAURANT.CO.UK

KITCHEN OPENING HOURS: Mon – Sun 12-3/6-10.30BAR OPEN ALL DAY

C E L E B R A T E C H R I S T M A S W I T H U S

Christmas Party Menu

3 Course Lunch £25.00 3 Course Dinner £29.50

We are now taking bookings for Christmas Day & New Years Eve. Book your table today!

0208 390 7564


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Contents: Community Section 4-9This Months Charity – The Fircroft Trust Community Person – Hilary Gander: Talking News Police Advice Love Kingston 12-13Merry Christmas from Love Kingston Care in The Community 10-11Spreading Some Joy to Those you Love Feel Good Friday! Gardening Section 17Auntie Planty’s Gardening Mailbag Learning Section 20-21Christmas Gifts for Learning Motoring Section 32Winter Car Care Cooking Corner 16Low Fat Garlic Dip – The Perfect Party Compliment Health and Beauty Section 28-31Drop a Dress Size in 4 Weeks! Winter Skin Care Tips Personal Development with NLPNow Places to Go 24-26Rose Theatre Listings Eden Crafts Christmas Fair The Hermes Hotel This Months Special Feature - 22-23Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Film File 27At the Cinema – The Hobbit: Part III Out Now on DVD – The Inbetweeners 2 Local Trades Section 19Use One of our Excellent Local Trades DIY Section 18Outdoor Lighting B2B Section 33SatNav4Business Property Section 35Increasing Value to Your Home Games & Puzzles Section 36-39Crossword Sudoku Kids Zone Word Search LOCAL JOBS 41Don’t miss these excellent job offers - Big Local App Utility Warehouse Omni Local

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

Looking back over the year, the fi rst thing I think of is the comedy fest. It is a mammoth amount of work, but it is my way of giving something back to the community, whilst raising money and awareness for a great local cause. I know I’ve said thank you already to everyone who performed, helped to organise and went to support the acts, but without every single one of you it would not have been possible to raise as much as we did.

Whilst I’m casting my thoughts over the past year, the next thing that springs to mind is the amazing effort of Tudor Williams, who swam the channel for momentum charity. Well done Tudor, it must have been cold and tiring!!

As I am refl ecting on 2014, I also feel proud of being part of a warm and friendly community, which during the year offered so many excellent events; including the IYAF (International Youth Arts Festival) and the Kingston Festival of the Voice!

It is at this point that I would like to thank you, the readers, for using the services of the businesses that advertise in omni local. The advertisers who support our magazine have really helped Omni Local go from strength to strength this year. Without you all I would not survive - its been a tough year!

Whilst I am talking about business, I would also like to thank Leanna Carl, who has been a real backbone to Omni Local. Without Leanna you may have found me crying in my cereal bowl - this just proves why she won the apprentice of the year 2014!

This time of the year fi lls me with excitement - not just because of the presents, family, fun and friends - but because it is time to look forward towards the coming year and all the resolutions and changes that we may all experience. This is the last time you will see Omni Local in this format. I am now looking at a new design for the front cover, a new layout and a brand new website. what a lot of excitement to look forward to for 2015!

I would like to close Omni Local this year by wishing everyone a fun, family-fi lled, festive Christmas, and a prosperous new year to you all.

Thank you once again for all your support.

Kind regards,

John

Hello!

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Talking NewsTalking News is a service for visually impaired people (‘VIPs’) in the borough of Kingston funded and run by Kingston Association for the Blind (KAB) with the help of volunteers. It aims to give a weekly digest of local news which is delivered on tape by post every Saturday morning to the houses of subscribers to the service.

Before recording, the producer scans the local papers (Surrey Comet/Kingston Guardian), and selects articles. The producer is responsible for the technical aspects and runs a deck where the recordings are made. He copies the recording onto tapes that are delivered to VIPs. At 10.30am on Fridays the volunteers arrive, attach their mic’s and scan their articles, checking for typos or unpronounceable names. It is possible to re-record a section, however, it makes things easier for everyone to check things early.

I got involved because I’d always secretly had a hankering to be a newsreader! I try to match my style to the nature of the article – some news items are very serious, so a sombre tone is called for; others are humorous and I try to match them with a jaunty style. Whenever there’s a June Sampson article it’s a real treat because our renowned local historian, recently the fi rst woman to be given the freedom of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, always has fascinating insights into life in Kingston in times gone by.

A friend who’s a VIP says the service is invaluable as it gives her the same access to local news and upcoming events as sighted people. She likes to tease me sometimes that she can hear my northern accent, long overlaid with southern tones, coming through on the tape.

Following my very fi rst session, the producer said on tape ‘And we’re going to sign off in the usual manner’ and turned to me. I had no idea what the usual manner was! It was all I could do to stop myself doing it in the newsdesk style of the ‘Two Ronnies’ where they used to say:

Supplied by: Hilary Gander - Talking News

COMMUNITYSECTION

‘It’s goodnight from me’, ‘And it’s goodnight from him’! Maybe I let my dream of being a newsreader run away with me.

If you or anyone you know wishes to subscribe to the Talking News service you can contact: Mr B. Gaff by post at 64 Roebuck Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 1JX, by telephone on 0208 287 4180 or by email on [email protected].

Hilary Gander’s company Level Vision Limited is based in Surbiton and specialises in how to create successful long-term one-to-one relationships in your business - as a leader, in a team, with your clients. Find out more at levelvision.co.uk.


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Christmas Day with The Fircroft Trust The festive season is upon us; a time of goodwill, merriment and cheer. People will gather around log fi res, sing songs, and eat and drink to their heart’s content. Sounds wonderful - and would be so, if it were true for everyone. Christmas can be a lonely and isolating time for adults with mental health problems, who may have no family or have lost touch with them. It can also be a time when people feel overwhelmed with stress, not knowing where to turn for support. With many places closed for the holidays, this situation can become even more diffi cult.

Every year, The Fircroft Trust endeavours to open its doors on Christmas Day and provide hot lunches, good company and entertainment for anyone who would benefi t. Funding this event is always a challenge, but we have been fortunate in recent years to have had the support of local companies and businesses assisting in fundraising activities. Some have even sent presents, beautifully wrapped, to those who are less fortunate. Local musicians have also popped in on the day, giving of their time and talents to raise people’s spirits through song.

This year, New England Seafood Company has triumphed in the challenge of raising enough money to ensure Fircroft can provide its services on Christmas Day. The dynamic team, ‘New England Wheelers’, pedalled their way to success, on an excruciating journey from London to Windsor. It’s this incredible generosity of spirit and giving that is truly what Christmas is about, and what really makes a difference to the lives and well-being of others.

The Fircroft Trust is a local charity which supports adults with mental health problems and/or learning diffi culties. We work with over 90 adults from our community, and increasing. Many people are now coming to us directly

THIS MONTH’S CHARITY

from Psychiatry, without care managers. This means that we are very likely to be their only support, as often, social networks have broken down as a result of their illness. We continue to provide a range of activities for our service users, enabling them to manage their illness, learn new skills and improve their quality of life.

We are always keen to hear from people who can help us with fundraising, to sustain the excellent and vital services we offer. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit our website and facebook page to fi nd out more about the work we do via: www.thefi rcrofttrust.org.

If you know someone who might benefi t from spending Christmas Day with Fircroft, please do let us know by calling: 020 8399 1772 or Emailing: ann@thefi rcrofttrust.org

The Fircroft Trust - 96, Ditton Road, Surbiton. KT6 6RH

Supplied by: Aine Lark - The Fircroft Trust


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POLICE ADVICE

Businesses

This information is intended to help and advise small retailers on how to reduce the risk of robbery at their premises and, where robberies do occur, to minimise the impact on staff and customers.

Robbery is a term that is commonly misused or not properly understood. Under The Theft Act 1968:

A person is guilty of robbery if he/she: Steals and immediately before or; at the time of doing so, and in order to do so, uses force on any person, or puts/seeks to put any person in fear of being then and there subjected to force. Section 8 (1) of the Theft Act 1968. For an offence to be categorised as a robbery, a person must have been subject to force or the threat of force.

Because retail premises are classed as a ‘work place’ there is a requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to provide a risk assessment. The purpose of this assessment is to establish and tackle the risk of violence to your staff. These pages will help you identify relevant tools that can assist in developing a risk assessment for your premises.

Fortunately, robbery against retailers in London is relatively rare. However, when it does occur it can have a signifi cant impact, especially on small businesses. Robbery can

This page was sponsored by:

affect staff and customers through physical and psychological injury. Furthermore, the fi nancial cost can be substantial, due to: premises being closed for the investigation of the offence; staff on long term sick leave requiring the recruitment of temporary staff; damage caused by the offenders and the loss in stock or cash.

A concern of many retailers is that the introduction of any security system is going to be expensive. Whilst it is true that there may need to be an investment in security equipment, having good, well thought out and robust security policies and procedures in place is a very effective and achievable starting point. Good security normally comprises a number of factors:

• A risk assessment based on fact.

• Effective security policies and procedures to reduce the risk.

• Appropriate security equipment commensurate with the identifi ed risk.

• Effi cient, courteous, well trained staff.


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Chair Yoga

Fridays

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Massage Sessions 10-5pm £10Yoga and Chair Yoga (afternoons) £5

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For advanced bookings or find out moreCall Today : 07958 459725 or 07833 221666

From Sept 2014, Feel Good Fridays starts in Kingston.

Yoga & Chair Yoga: These Fun, Friendly and Sociableclasses will help to improve your flexibility and mobility.

Classes are mixed and suitable for beginners

Gentle Remedial Massage: Our highly qualified therapist,can help release tight muscles and ease aches and pains.

Socialise in our lounge area with a free tea/coffee

JGSMMassage

Feel - Good

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Spreading Some Joy to Those you LoveOne of the best things about this time of year

is that everyone is brought together. From

sharing gifts with one another and enjoying a

big Christmas feast, to seeing in the new year

and making your 2015 resolutions. However,

in all of the buzz that comes with planning the

perfect Christmas or New Year’s party, it can be

hard to prioritise or organise your time wisely.

The important thing is that you spare some

time for what’s important. Don’t forget to

spend some time with your loved ones,

especially if you have elders who are alone this

Christmas. Some loved ones may be unable

to leave their homes or care facilities, and it

would be a tragedy to leave them isolated

during the holidays. This time of year can be

particularly diffi cult for elders, along with

changing neighbourhoods and the passing

of friends, sadly life has its effects on us all. It

isn’t the easiest time for any of us but there are

ways you can help to improve on situations

like these.

Empathy is important. Try to put yourself in

the shoes of your elders. If the conversations

you have are negative ones, don’t pass it off as

complaining or appear uninterested. Letting

out the negatives can be a way of mourning

and a way to make themselves better, which

should be encouraged. Make sure to include

them in your celebrations as much as possible.

Don’t let them feel like they’re not part of

the family because they’re not under the

same roof. You should also ensure that when

you pay them a visit you are well-rested and

high spirited. Appearing tired and as if you

are performing an obligation shows in your

body language, and moods can have a chain

reaction.

CARE IN THE COMMUNITY

When visiting a nursing home or assisted living

facility, check to see if children are allowed

to come along. The presence of children is

instantly uplifting and will help to put a smile

on anyone’s face. It might also be a nice idea

to bring decorations with you to get them in

the Christmas spirit. Try to visit them during

the New Year celebrations too. No one wants

to start a new year alone, and having a great

send off for 2014 will hopefully make for a

great fresh start in January.

The important thing is that no one feels

forgotten. It is a time for family after all, so

make it a Merry Christmas and a Happy New

Year for all your loved ones.

Supplied by: Leanna Carl


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Love Kingston at ChristmasSupporting communities from Chessington and Kingston, New Malden and Norbiton, through to Surbiton and Tolworth

As the winter nights close in and festivities begin, we would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Christmas is a time of giving. We give our loved ones presents under the Christmas tree and kisses under the mistletoe; we give gifts to children all over the world; we give greetings to our neighbours and to our friends, and we give smiles to strangers. Christmas is indeed a very special time of year.

But there is another kind of giving. Across the borough, many inspiring organisations run by dedicated individuals achieve extraordinary things with very limited resources. Their future depends on small, but vital amounts of

funding to reach individuals and communities in need. Donations to Love Kingston support fi ve projects working on ‘Pathways out of Poverty’, and are building the Kingston Legacy Fund for annual giving, year on year in RBK to other charity and community groups.

Love Kingston is an exciting charitable venture, responding over time to the changing needs of local people – and we need your

help. If you’d like to make a donation and hear more about our campaign please visit www.love-kingston.org.uk or contact Elaine Miller [email protected]

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

Love Kingston is a Fund of The London Community Foundation Registered charity number 1091263 – working in partnership with Kingston Voluntary Action.

Mayoral Awards for Love Kingston Day 2015

We want to hear about what the fantastic people of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames will be been doing in honour of Love Kingston Day - 14th February, and invite you to submit your fundraising initiatives so we can recognise good practice and spread good news!

The following 5 awards will be presented by the Mayor, Cllr. Ken Smith, on the 25th March 2015 to the individual or team who has made an outstanding contribution to Love Kingston.

The award categories are:

1. Most innovative idea

For the initiative that shows signifi cant creativity in fundraising for Love Kingston i.e. From fundraising on a shoestring to adopting a new idea or an existing practice in an innovative fashion.

2. Most people involved

For the initiative that mobilised the largest

SPECIAL FEATURESupplied by: Elaine Miller/Marina Payen - Love Kingston

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amount of people i.e. From collecting the most signature pledges to a fl ash mob collection in honour of Love Kingston.

3. Most amount raised

For the initiative that obtained the most funding for Love Kingston.

4. Biggest impact on social media

For the initiative that raised the most awareness on social media for Love Kingston i.e. From getting the most “likes” on your Facebook page to views obtained on a tailor-made YouTube video.

5. Outstanding contribution

For the most inspirational fundraisers or volunteers recognised for their exceptional effort.

Eligibility and Application

Who is eligible?

Anyone who has executed a fundraising initiative in honour of Love Kingston Day is eligible to be nominated for the Mayoral prizes. The initiatives should take place from the 1st October 2014 to the 15th February 2015 (inclusive). It is possible to win as an individual, team or as an organisation, and you can enter multiple categories.

What counts as fundraising?

• Any donations or sponsorship to the Love Kingston campaign

• Positive brand association & awareness of

the Love Kingston campaign

How to apply?

Eligible individuals and organisations are welcome to be nominated or nominate themselves. Please contact Marina (pictured) at [email protected] for an application form.

Is it possible to win more than one award?

Yes! Applicants are invited to enter as many award categories as they wish.

Who will select the winners?

A panel of judges from both Love Kingston and the Mayor´s Offi ce will select the winners from all the presented initiatives.

What are the key dates?

• 14th February 2015 – Love Kingston Day!! (eligible events: October 2014 to February 15th 2015)

• 28th February 2015 – Application submission deadline

• 25th March 2015 – Award presentation at Mayor’s Parlour, Guildhall by the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames

Find more information about Love Kingston Day and upcoming events in the next issue of Omni Local.


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The Cooking Corner The Cooking Corner The Cooking Corner

Ingredients:

• 200g cottage cheese • 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed (more or less

to your taste)• Himalayan pink salt and ground black

pepper• Fresh chives, cut in 2 cm pieces• 1 tsp lemon juice• 1 tbsp olive oil• 5-10 drops Stevia natural sweetener• 100g mix of raw vegetables of your

choice, sliced

Method:

1. Spoon the cottage cheese in a high beaker, bowl or food processor.

2. Add garlic, salt, pepper, chives, lemon juice, olive oil, and sweetener to taste.

3. Blend with a hand blender or mix in the food processor until it becomes a sauce consistency.

4. Serve as a dip for your crudites.

Nutritional value per person (50g):

• Carbohydrates: 2• Protein portion: ¼• Vegetable portion: 1

Tips:

• You can make the sauce thinner by adding low fat natural yoghurt.

This article was supplied by Leonie Wright from Eat Wright.

Cottage Cheese Garlic Dip with Crudites Serves 4

However you might have to add more of the ingredients to keep the taste.

• This sauce can also be used as a base for a salad dressing, or stirring through cooked spinach.

• It can also be used as a barbecue sauce and goes well with fi sh or meat.

This dip is the perfect way to add healthy alternatives to your Christmas or New Year’s party spread and is so versatile. For more Leonie Wright recipes and tips, visit eatwright.co.uk or contact [email protected] to order a copy of her brand new book!

17


Auntie Planty’s Gardening Mailbag

Q1: Can you suggest a pot plant to give a friend for Christmas? It must survive in her centrally heated fl at with very little care, as she leads such a busy life.

A1: Well, I would present her with the greatest living Christmassy plant of all – the poinsettia – complete with some house rules. Invite her to keep this wonderful plant on her kitchen windowsill, and each time she empties the teapot, check whether her ‘Santa Plant’ needs a drink too and if so, give it some cold tea!

Q2: In clearing up the garden, I have discovered a huge supply of empty plastic fl ower pots. How can I recycle them?

A2: Ask at your local garden centre if they run a rigid plastic recycling scheme, and give the pots to them. I’m reliably informed that a lot of plastic loo seats begin life in this way! Failing that, see if there is anyone in your local area that propagates plants for charity fairs and garden open days. I am sure that they would willingly take your supply from you.

Q3: How can I stop my Christmas tree from dropping needles onto the fl oor?

A3: Before decorating it, saw off about one cm from the bottom of the stem. Quickly plunge the trimmed stem into a bucket of water and allow the tree to stand like that in a cool place for about 24 hours. This allows the plant to re-hydrate, and will help to slow down the inevitable needle drop. If you have a custom-made tree stand with water reservoir, keep it topped up regularly. Sad to say, there is no such thing as a non-needle-drop tree – except an artifi cial one!

Q4:I have just noticed that my camellia leaves are covered with patches of black. What has happened to it?

A4: This black sooty mould is a dead giveaway clue to sap-sucking insects. These pests secrete

GARDENING SECTION

a sticky sugary fl uid, which then attracts a fungus to grow on the affected areas. This won’t directly kill a plant, but will prevent vital light getting to the leaves, which can make it rather sickly. To remove the black deposits, spray the plant with a mild solution of soapy water and gently rub the stuff off with your thumb and fi nger. Then turn your attention to removing the offending insects. Any good garden centre will have a suitable product.

Auntie Planty is a unique gardening service that helps you to learn and enjoy how to make the most out of your garden. www.auntieplanty.co.uk

Supplied by: Valerie Munro - Your Garden Agony Aunt


18

LOCAL TRADESSECTION

All of us at Omni Local encourage you to do your absolute most to support your local businesses wherever possible. We are passionate about helping smaller businesses in and around Kingston, just as they do for us. Having a town full of unique, high-quality, artisanal and local establishments can really help to enrich and improve our community; through the provision of brilliant service to Surrey-based residents. Local companies continuously add a more personal feel to the area. Each and every advertiser featured in this issue of Omni Local are proof in themselves that so many excellent businesses in Surrey can contribute to your needs in the best possible way, offering perfect service with a smile every time they are needed. We just want to help you locate them! There could still be a very long line of establishments out there who are not often mentioned in local publications as often as others. Our aim is to try and change that, by helping our readers see what excellent services are available near to them, but we could use some more help!

Omni Local is proud of all our local businesses! And we are committed to supporting economic prosperity and keeping it LOCAL.

If you know of any LOCAL trades businesses that have yet to feature in Omni Local, and you feel they deserve a mention in our magazine, please do not hesitate to send us their company details. Maybe you’ve used a local service recently and you feel that they should get a mention? If so, please let us know about it and we will do our best to provide support and assist them in promoting their business.

Contact John on 07898 870 870 or [email protected]

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DIYSECTION

Outdoor Lighting

Some of us like to spend a lot of time in the garden. Whether its for the fresh air, for family gatherings or for regular tendings to plants and pond life. With a lot less daylight this time of year and plenty of reason to go outside, it may be worth installing some outdoor lighting. Jobs like these can be easier to call in a professional, but we have some tips to allow for some do-it-yourself planning.

Equipment you may need: A tape measure, lawn edger, wire cutters and a lighting kit.

Firstly, fi gure out where you want your lighting to be. It might help to sketch out a basic plan of your garden so you can fi gure out which areas you’d most like to illuminate, and which areas might appreciate an artistic silhouette or colorful glare. Remember to keep the power supply within reachable distance of an indoor outlet if necessary. An alternative method of lighting could be using solar lamps, but this isn’t as dependable or effective as installing your own low-voltage lights.

Start measuring! Once you have an idea, use a tape measure to map out where abouts the wiring for your new lights is going to be positioned. Make a note of all measurements taken and mark each location using stakes, or any other items. Alternatively you could mark out the entire set-up with a long piece of cord or rope. Simply lead the cord around your garden in the desired area to visualise the end result, and to work out exactly how long the cables you’re purchasing need to be. There’s nothing wrong with being cost-concious so near to Christmas, however,

you should always make sure you have more than you need as opposed to less than. Choose your lighting. Whether you want some uplighting, downlighting, spread lighting or cross lighting, there are many options for you to choose from. Floodlights are better for eliminating darker areas, whereas tier lights are best used for walkways, as they make it easier to pass through. You could even consider adding some colour for some mood lighting and effects. Prepacked light sets and accessories are your easiest option.

Make sure you cover all cables. It is important that you fi nd waterproof cables for outdoor lighting, but you can also use a lawn edger to cut into the ground far enough to bury cables and cover them over. Low voltage cables can also be covered over with wood chips or decorative stones and foliage. If you’re creating a custom light set, you need to ensure that you follow instructions to the letter, as electricals can be tricky and unsafe when wired incorrectly.



20

Pre-School - JuniorGCSE - A-Level ChineseSchools in:New Malden - Kingston - Wimbledon

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21


Gift your Children with KnowledgeWith Christmas on the way, its important that you fi gure out the best possible gifts for your little ones. Though children are always pleased with the latest doll or action fi gure, and your older ones start enjoying more digital entertainment - this is a great opportunity to sprinkle in some fun and creative ways to learn new things. This may entail sitting down with the kids and putting puzzles together, or more advanced learning games. A family round of Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit can also help everyone to test their knowledge - it’s never too late to learn something new!

Children pick things up a lot easier in their earlier years, so taking the opportunity to help them in advancing their knowledge is defi nitely a good idea. This can be done through one-on-one mathematical and literacy sessions, group exercises with the rest of the family, or simply supplying them with educational games and problem-solving. These types of educational games can increase motor skills, creativity and even social skills, especially when supported by friends and family members.

Jigsaw puzzles, word searches and mazes are a great way of keeping the little ones busy, as they are not only a fun source of entertainment, but they can train their brains to problem solve. Problem-solving, as well as enforced critical thinking, logic and creativity are all benefi cial traits for them to develop later on in life, and they can all be obtained through puzzles and learning games. Sometimes things like

LEARNINGSECTION

memory or advanced learning games require multiple attempts in order to solve them.

Repeated attempts can be a good lesson for kids, as it teaches the lesson of “if at fi rst you don’t succeed, try, try again,” and trains them to be more persistent if things don’t always go to plan. There is also the factor of “practice makes perfect” that comes into it. Mastering how to do things - whether its perfecting scores, learning a new skill or putting their efforts into a hobby - will help your children fi gure out what they’ll one day aspire to be and will allow them to develop the skills along the way.

When you start your Christmas shopping, try to enquire about out the most popular learning games at your local store, and be sure to add some fun learning to your basket!



22

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Its already December! Like many others, this

has always been my favourite time of year. It

requires a LOT of planning, money-saving

and brainstorming gift ideas, but its also the

one time of year we can all act like children

if we want to, put diets on hold for a while,

and generally show our appreciation for each

other. Whether you’re choosing the perfect

gift for for your loved ones, reminding each

other how wonderful it is to spend some time

with the family, or you’re making an effort

to help others, everyone seems to become

more spirited at this time of year. It also brings

out our creative side - fi lling our homes with

decorations, utilising our culinary skills and

home-making gifts and treats for the whole

family.

It is also important that we spend some time

during the festive season to appreciate what

we have, and fi nd ways to help those who

are less fortunate. This could mean donating

to charities, organizing festive fundraisers,

or simply visiting someone who has no one

to spend the holidays with. There are a lot of

ways to lift people’s spirits and no better time

to do it. Christmas can be both a magical time,

full of cheer and song - and extremely diffi cult,

with so many people out there in need of

warmth, care and compassion. As there is a lot

less daylight and temperatures are even lower,

it is crucial that we spare a thought for those

whose lives are a constant struggle.

The Winter season can be hard on everyone,

particularly in a physical sense. With colds to

prevent, chapped lips to remedy and damp

conditions to shelter from, we need to look

after ourselves. Maintaining our well-being

and staying active is vital. Some of us tend

to stay in bed longer and put off going out

because its too chilly, but you’ll regret it if you

don’t make the most of the holidays and your

body will thank you for the exercise. There have

unfortunately been a lot of weather warnings

about a big temperature drop this year, and

we may be in for a particularly harsh couple of

SPECIAL FEATURESupplied by: Leanna Carl

23


months, so stay warm! The last thing you need

during holiday planning and festivities is to

end up with the fl u.

When I think of chilly weather, my mind goes to

cosy pyjamas, fuzzy slippers, snuggling under

blankets and wrapping ourselves up in toasty

winter-wear when we leave the house; which

sounds quite appealing after a particularly

scorching Summer trying to keep cool. It is

important, however, that we keep up our intake

of vitamins and minerals at this time, and that

we take precautions around the house as early

as possible. This includes things like checking

your boiler is working correctly, as you’ll

probably need to turn the heating on and you

don’t want a breakdown. You could also invest

in some extra blankets for when you’re settled

on the sofa or if you have guests coming in for

the holidays (more Winter-warming tips can be

found in our Home section).

Auld Lang Syne… We’re also coming to

the end of 2014 already, which means there

will be lots of exciting New Year’s plans and

resolutions being made! Not to mention a lot

of parties in the area, giving 2014 an epic send-

off! Hopefully with a fresh new year ahead of

us everyone will take the opportunity to make

a leap in something they’ve been wanting to

do for a while. Have you given thought to any

lifestyle changes yet? We don’t always tend to

keep our resolutions, but setting them out in

advance is still a good idea, as it helps to lay out

your ambitions and could help to encourage

you in making changes for the better. If your

hope is to get healthier or get a new job, mark

it down!

Maybe you’re looking to give up smoking?

Though its a terrible habit to take up in the

fi rst place it is still very common. Many people

continue to smoke simply because everyone

around them is smoking, as it means they’ll

technically be passive smoking anyway and

“missing out”. Not to mention, cigarette breaks

are regularly used as a way of being more

social. In gathering on balconies or in gardens

for a few tokes, people are kept company

during their methods of self-soothing, which

puts people off giving up. If you really want

to quit, try to make a resolution to stop, and

try to convince your loved ones or friends

to do the same. Much like starting a diet or

enrolling in a course, having a group of friends

and supporters during any endeavour always

makes tasks easier.

If you’d like a little more inspiration for the

rest of the season, please refer to our other

editorials, such as the DIY and Places to

Go sections, or contact the professionals

advertised in this issue for more advice. From

the whole team at Omni Local, we hope you

have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful

start to 2015!


24

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBESun 30 Nov - Sun 4 JanStep inside a spectacular world of mythical creatures, sparkling spells and an epic battle between good and evil as C S Lewis’ classic story is brought to life on the Rose Theatre stage in an exhilarating new production. If you listen carefully, you will surely hear the whisper, ‘Aslan is on the move’Please call Box Offi ce or visit the website for performance timesTickets £27, £24, £17 Previews £20, £17, £13 Pit cushions £10

ROSE CHRISTMAS CONCERTThu 11 Dec, 7.30pmAn evening of festive music and carols featuring local community, school and university choirs. Begin your Christmas season with a magical night for all the family with beautiful songs and carols and even the chance to sing along! Tickets £20 Pit cushions £10

THE MAYOR’S PANTOMINE: SLEEPING BEAUTYSat 24 Jan, 7.30pmAdult tickets: £12, £10, £8 Child tickets: £7, £6 Pit cushions: £5

THE COMEDY STORESun 25 Jan, 7.30pmEvery famous comic has graced The Comedy Store’s stage at some point in the last thirty years and their critically acclaimed shows remain the place to see the stars of tomorrow, today. Tickets: £12 - £14 Pit cushions £10

CAFÉ EVENTS

RHYME TIME Mondays weekly, 11.15am 5 Dec, 12 Dec, 26 JanBring the little ones down for a free morning of rhyming, singing and laughter in the Café at the Rose, and that’s just the parents.

JAZZ FIRST TUESDAYSTue 6 Jan 1.15pm– 2pmLunchtime live jazz presented by Kingston University

SWING DANCELast Sunday of the month, 2pm – 5pm 25 Jan

25


PLACES TO GOSECTION

Kingston at ChristmasThere is no better time to visit Kingston than at Christmas! All year round it is the perfect place for eating out, entertainment and shopping sprees, but as we move into Winter it becomes the perfect place to cover your holiday plans. From top quality stores on the High Street, to the unique and festive market place, you’re guaranteed to fi nd something for everyone. On top of this, the Eden Crafts Kingston Christmas Fair is back!

Last year held so many great family-run stalls fi lled with homemade, authentic and hand-crafted wares, and this year is all the more wonderful! All the creativity and craftsmanship found in the marquee will amaze visitors. Even those who’ve already covered their Christmas shopping early will be drawn in by delicious food samples, quality home-ware, winter warmers and unique beers and spirits. The fair closes up on the 24th December, so make sure you head over to the All Saints Church near John Lewis and treat yourself - or your family

and friends - to something one-of-a-kind!

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Head to the Hermes Hotel for the Holidays!Many of us enjoy staying home during the festive season and making the most of our time off of work with the family. However, if you’d like to treat yourself and your loved ones in fi nding a home away from home this Winter, book with the Hermes Hotel! This cozy and affordable local hotel offers everything residents need for some stress-free time away or a place to stay whilst visiting Kingston.

An escape away from home can be a romantic way to spend time with a loved one, or a great alternative for the family during the stressful period. This may apply particularly if you have any Winter worries or problems, such as a broken down boiler you can’t get serviced or if home improvements are being made. Throw away your worries and book now!

The Hermes Hotel is just 10-15 minutes walk from Kingston station and just a 15-20 minute walk from Surbiton station. There are various options for travel and parking available for drivers. Service at the hotel is impeccable and each room is kept to the highest possible standard for your comfort. Complete with fl at-screen televisions and free wi-fi , even the technology-dependent will fi nd all they need during their stay.

What could be more enjoyable whilst visiting

Kingston and the surrounding areas this season than waking up to a delicious (and highly-rated) English breakfast? All meals are cooked to order using locally-sourced ingredients from a traditional, award-winning butcher, including: eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms and tomatoes. There are also a range of fruits, cereals and yogurts - both dairy and soya available.

You can also fi nish your evenings out at the wonderful bar area, with free wifi . All areas at the Hermes Hotel are well-kept and booking is very reasonable. Consider the Hermes for your relaxation needs this holiday season and visit www.hermes-hotel.co.uk for more information.

Address: 1 Portsmouth Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 2LU

Tel: 020 8546 5322

Email: [email protected]

27


The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Inbetweeners 2

I personally have been looking forward to this coming to the cinema since I reached the end of the second movie in the Hobbit trilogy.

Following a big unnerving cliff hanger, I think everyone has anticipated the next scene and to see what Smaug has in store, particularly if unfamiliar with the books. This movie continues on from the “Desolation”, as Bilbo and his Dwarf comrades carry on with their search for treasures beyond their imagination.

Meanwhile Gandalf the Grey is also facing plenty of danger as he comes into contact with many

foes himself.

The return of the orc army led by Azog the Defi ler spells trouble, alongside the already terrifying wrath of Smaug.

A gathering of elven armies, the men of Lake-Town as well as Bilbo and his team of Dwarves may not be a match for the strength of Azog, Sauron’s force, the perilous dragon and more enemies along the way. Can they stop the chaos and save Middle-Earth?

has seen it so far has agreed, it is hilarious!

With plenty of memorable moments that have already gone down in history, this movie continues to follow around Simon, Will, Jay and Neil on their ridiculous adventures to meet their dream girls, travel the world and break away from their day-to-day experiences. The boys take a spontaneous trip to Australia to visit the already “down-under” Jay, whose postcards to the boys have been, in a word - misleading. Upon reuniting with each other, the boys get a lot more than they bargained for!

Defi nitely not one for the kids! However, a very funny fi lm for the grown-ups and to grab some popcorn with your mates and enjoy. This quirky comedy full of awkward youths, gross situations and plenty of hilarity is defi nitely one to watch, especially if you enjoyed the last one. Its not for the faint-hearted, and is better suited to those who loved the series, but everyone who

In The Cinema

Out on DVD

(Scan the QR Codes to see the trailers)



28

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENTSECTION

Prevent Loneliness with NLPNOWWith the holiday period fast approaching, it is expected that people should be celebrating, partying and sharing the spirit.

Alan contacted me, saying he was lonely. Many years ago he was a good long-distance runner, pushing himself past the pain barrier, until it was like fl oating on air; with the sights and sounds of the countryside and in his own thoughts, just like in the fi lm, “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner”. He was alone and he felt good.

Alan, now sat at home, alone during previous festive periods, walked the streets, shopped, and saw others in family groups or with friends. He said to himself, “Why am I not part of this?” and he felt more alone. Alan got into a mindset of loneliness, because feeling lonely is just that, a “feeling” created by our own thoughts.

Loneliness is something experienced by all ages. Those who experience loneliness may see it as a weakness and do not own up to it. Alan like you, is strong in many areas of life, but at this time, your mindset and your thoughts create loneliness, acting like a vicious circle - getting worse, feeding upon itself.

Alan’s behaviour perpetuated this loneliness, spending hours in front of the TV, on the internet or reading books; shunning invitations to social gatherings. I asked Alan to sit or stand upright, hold his head high and notice how he felt. This simple act will change how you feel.

I asked him to remember a time when he was happy; you know perhaps during at school, at a party, or meeting that very special person, and doing that, seeing what you saw, hearing what you heard and feeling the feelings you felt at that time all over again noticing how you feel now the smile on your face the good feelings your body and thoughts.

Being alone does not mean loneliness, as it is a construct of our mind. For Alan, he had to get

out of the rut, change his mindset. After all, what he had been doing was not working so do something different.

He consulted the doctor, as the brain works with chemicals, and sometimes the chemicals get out of balance requiring tablets to correct the imbalance. Alan did not need tablets, but needed help to reprogram his mindset in one consultation to gain confi dence, see things in a different way, and now change to better feelings and thoughts.

Alan had the will to contact the many people who are here, waiting to help. If you would like a consultation, book a session with me by calling 0845 130 6213. Do it now. www.nlpnow.net

Supplied by: Phillip Holt - NLPNow


30

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Lose a dress Size in 4 Weeks!The Hypoxi Therapy Centre

Based in Surbiton since 2011, the centre offers men and women of all ages a revolutionary way to help burn fat and lose inches irrespective of your body shape. Owned and run by Helen Crewsden and Jade Gaffney, the centre offers Hypoxi Therapy and Vacunaut Training, helping you lose a dress size in 4 weeks. After 12 sessions they will help you reshape your hips, thighs and buttocks, target that unwanted spare tyre and banish the appearance of cellulite.

Hypoxi therapy (suitable for those with a pear shape)

Hypoxi therapy is the world’s fi rst active treatment to successfully burn fat from the hips, thighs and buttocks. By combining gentle controlled exercise and vacuum therapy, the Hypoxi training can burn fat from the lower body naturally and effectively. While gently cycling within the sealed Hypoxi Pod, you are able to exercise the muscles and increase the blood supply and circulation to the fat-prone area of the lower body. This results in higher metabolism, rejuvenation of skin and faster targeted fat breakdown.

Vacunaut Training (suitable for those with an Apple shape)

Vacunaut Therapy works in the same way but successfully targets fat from the midriff area: stomach, waist and hips.

What Results to Expect

• Targeted inch loss and reduced appearance of cellulite

• Measurable results after one session and accelerated metabolism

• Elimination of stubborn fat deposits and fi rmer skin

• Improved complexion and a natural, non-evasive treatment with lasting results

But does it work?

Many celebrities including Cheryl Cole and Robbie Williams are known to have had success with Hypoxi and have happily endorsed it.

We speak to Molly about her experience: “I completed 12 sessions of Hypoxi Therapy Training at the centre and am really pleased. I saw results after the fi rst 6 sessions but after a full 36 sessions, I went from a size 24 to a 10/12! I can easily fi t 3 sessions into my working week and Helen and her team are so friendly and helpful. The sessions just whizzed by. I have come away feeling healthy and toned, and I wasn’t terrifi ed of wearing my swimming costume this summer!” she beams.

Helen advises, “For better results you must avoid carbohydrates in your diet for 4-6 hours after each session. Our team are happy to advise on alternative ideas and on general health and nutrition”.

So why not pay the Hypoxi Therapy Centre a visit and try it out for yourself? Helen and Jade offer a 1/2 hour no-obligation trial on either machine for all interested clients.

HYPOXI THERAPY CENTRE, 263 EWELL ROAD, SURBITON. KT6 7AA.

Tel: 020 8399 9281. www.hypoxi-therapy-centre.co.uk


31


HEALTH & BEAUTY

Pamper your Loved ones this Christmas

Whilst the cold blustery weather starts to

wreak havoc on our health and well-being, we

need to take extra special care of ourselves.

Upon reading the Health and Beauty section

in our last issue of Omni Local, you may have

picked up a few tips on how to care for your

skin, as well as your immune system. With this

article we hope to inspire you to share your

suggestions and beauty tips, as well as gifting

the people around you with some well-needed

T.L.C this Christmas.

Unfortunately, though to some of us this is

the greatest time of the year, this season also

tends to lead to things like chapped lips, fl u

spells, dry skin and physical weakness. These

are things that can be prevented through

consistent care and day to day supplements.

We don’t always set enough time and money

aside for ourselves to provide our bodies with

the extra care it needs during Winter. With

that in mind, you yourself could make the

kind gesture of providing them for that special

someone.

You may fi nd whilst you return to your daily

regime, that you can almost never have too

many toiletries and spa treatments around

the home. Those who like to maintain their

routines and who like to take good care of

themselves can really appreciate good quality

treatments on a regular basis. However, even

those with less complex cleansing treatments

will benefi t from the gift of rejuvenation, as

they’re less likely to treat themselves to things

like that. A beautiful and fragrant gift set or

medley of body scrubs can be a real treat for

anyone, especially if you know their favourite

scents - not to mention some bubbly mixtures

can make for a great pick-me-up at the end of

a cold day.

Imagine how much you would appreciate a

nice home spa, post-Christmas, after all the

planning, cooking, wrapping and decorating.

We all know how much effort, as well as money

it takes to pull off the perfect Christmas for the

family. From fi nding everything the kids were

asking for to preparing everyone’s favourite

annual family dinner; the ones who helped to

put it all together should have the chance to

wind down when its over. What better way to

show your appreciation than to shower them

with luxuries and some well deserved me-

time?

Remember to look after yourself this Winter.

Take a tip from us at Omni Local and splash

out on some goodies for you, your friends and

your family.



32

MOTORINGSECTION

Winterize Your Motor!

As the colder weather eases in, you’ll need to fi nd ways to keep you and your family safe on the roads. Hopefully this article will give you all the advice you need about winter tyres and additional precautions you can take.

Upgrade those tyres! Places like eTyres offer great deals and plenty of honest advice on the best options for your vehicle. Your safety and driving ease are the main concerns, so don’t just opt for the cheapest type you fi nd, fi nd out as much as you can about them. Winter tyres are highly benefi cial when it comes to quicker stops, and can really make a difference in avoiding getting stuck when driving in snow. Just remember to switch them back in the warmer months because they aren’t as helpful when travelling on dry roads in the summer.

Allow yourself plenty of time. As they say, slow and steady wins the race! There’s no reason to prioritise speed over safety. Racing down slippery roads may only lead to hydroplaning and collisions, so try to leave a little earlier than you normally would. Even if you have trouble getting there early, it is very likely that whoever you’re on your way to see will prefer you arrive a little later than to get yourself in an accident.

Get a professional check-up. Giving your car a DIY diagnosis is a good start (see previous issues of Omni Local for tips). However, there are plenty of jobs that can sometimes get overlooked, and getting a thorough check up can avoid problems on the road later on. Local trades like eTyres offer a wide range of services, such as battery replacements, puncture

repairs, tyre rotations and balancing. All of which are extremely important to keep an eye on, especially before a long trip.

Remember these tips: Avoid slamming on the brakes to keep from skidding and use low gears to keep traction. Make sure your windshield and lights are clean and decrease your speed before stopping, leaving more room between you and other cars than you normally would. Be especially careful on less travelled areas, as they are likely to be more icy than others, and avoid passing vehicles such as sanding trucks, as they have limited visibility and the road ahead of them is likely to be worse than the road behind. Always keep a repair kit with you on your travels!

For more advice, speak to a professional to fi nd out what else you can do to help your car this winter.


33


B2BSECTION

Business is like a journey

Most people going on a journey, long or

short, will ask themselves three questions:

Where am I now? Where am I going? How will

I get there? - This is instinctive, not taught.

Why should business people be any different?

I don’t know, but they are. Most do not plan

at all and few achieve the degree of success

their efforts deserve. Many fi nd it diffi cult to

do more than what is necessary to “keep the

show on the road” on a day-to-day basis, but

it does pay to think differently, and work on

more than just the business.

Think about your personal objectives and

how you want your business to deliver these

Supplied by: Jeremy Webb - SatNav4Business

M 07894 128876

T 0845 468 1 468

E [email protected]

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Jeremy WebbDirector

Business Improvement and Finance

for you. This provides a framework within which

you can ask the questions above. Need some

help? Call me!


34

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For more information pleasecall: 0845 365 2917 or email: [email protected]*Quote KINGHOSP on any correspondence

35


Increasing Value to your Home During the WinterAt this point of year, we all know the estate and lettings market is a little quieter than usual. It isn’t very likely that we’ll start making moves and lifestyle changes until the new year, but we can start increasing the quality of our homes before or whilst they’re on the market. When we put all of our efforts and money saved into the perfect Christmas for the family, it can be diffi cult to improve on our homes, but this doesn’t always have to cost the earth. There are plenty of ways to go about it. Particularly during the Winter, we all need to make an effort to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere for ourselves and for guests. The chill in the air and the wet and windy conditions make it a diffi cult endeavour, but we hope the Omni team can give you some ideas.

Start with the basics. Check the house for things like mould, draughts, leaks and wood-rot. Some things are easy to maintain with standard cleaning essentials, a good pair of gloves and a toolbox. Taking care of chores like this not only improves aesthetic appeal, but can also prevent deterioration over time. If a potential buyer visits your home at any point, a clean, stable and warm atmosphere may help to sway their decision.

Call in a professional, or make sure you know how to do-it-yourself. If you need to replace any wiring and would rather not call an electrician, make sure you’ve learned all you need to know before you start. The same applies to other areas, such as plumbing jobs. The last thing you need is faulty lighting or for the water to

PROPERTYSECTION

stop running whilst you show off your home. You can fi nd all kinds of home improvement tutorials in previous issues of Omni Local.

Appearance is everything! The best way to catch the eye of a house-hunter is with a great fi rst impression. Physical improvements can be as simple as adding a fresh coat of paint inside or outside of the house. A warm colour change and chip-free coverage makes all the difference – not to mention, a tin of paint isn’t too expensive. Other changes could include some decking/fencing or gardening work outside of the house. A great exterior is crucial as it’s the fi rst thing to draw people in.

The important thing is that you don’t let the cold weather disrupt your environment. Find more tips for the Winter in our previous issue of Omni Local.



36Solutions on our website - www.omnilocal.co.uk

Starting in the box with the dot,

in the wheel to spell out somthing related to Christmas.

WonderWheel

something you may see in your house at Christmas time

PictureLadder

1 2 3

4 5 6

1 2

34

56

37


CROSSWORD

ACROSS 2 Bead counting frame (6)

3 Earl Grey, for example (3)4 Logical conclusion (9)5 Annoying bark (3)6 Try to become friendly with (5,2,2)7 Spiky, prickly (6)11 Smallest digit of the foot (6,3)12 Evening (9)15 Just, only (6)16 List of charges (6)20 Mischievous fairy (3)22 Writing point of a pen (3)

1 Regular, habitual (3-2-3)6 Behind time (4)8 Possible danger (6)9 Medicinal or magical mixture (6)10 Landlord (8)13 Noise of a horn (4)14 Tight, inflexible (9)17 Holler, shout (4)18 Covering the whole country (8)19 Vessel for boiling water (6)21 Uncle’s wife (6)23 Genre (4)24 Big fan of the cinema (4,4)

DOWN

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9

10 11 12 13

14

15 16

17 18

19 20 21 22

23 24


38

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

Find all the listed words relating to A Christmas Carol in the grid. Words can run across,

backwards, up, down and diagonally but always in a straight line.

BAH HUMBUG'BOB CRATCHITCHAINSCHARITYCHRISTMASEBENEZER SCROOGEECONOMYFEZZIWIGFUTUREGENEROSITYGHOSTGRAVEYARDJACOB MARLEYLESSONPASTPOVERTYPRESENTSAVINGSTINY TIMTURKEYVICTORIANVISIONVISITWORKHOUSE

1 Black playing-card (4)

2 Parts of a skeleton (5)

3 Set of TV programmes (6)

4 Facial hair grown in front of the ears (9)

5 Easily nauseated (9)

6 Confinemen by law to your

own residence (5,6)

7 Barbecue utensils (5)

8 Food seasoning (4)

9 Care for, look after (4)

Answer the clues and fill in the grid to form a spiral to the centre. Every answer uses the last

letter of the previous answer is its initial letter. When the puzzle has been completed,

a seven-letter key word will read across the shaded squares.

WORD SEARCHP D J L E G T I S I V J D L L

L A E D G L R Y T I R A H C D

E T S C O E E A S L A C P F L

S S I T O K R I V G H O S T E

S A A H R N O U E E Y B D A S

O V Y U C N O E T T Y M L C U

N I T T S T P M I U G A H N O

K N A E R R A S Y I F R R P H

T G W N E E O R W E I L S D K

I S D S Z R V I C S L E N R R

N A E E E N Z O T B A Y I R O

Y N E N N Z O M P L O M A F W

T A E E E C A D N R U B H O E

I G P F B S N A I R O T C I V

M A L N E B A H H U M B U G R

1 2

6 3

8

7

5 9

4

39


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

6 8 4 33 2

1 68 7 1 3

5 7 8 43 6

2 9 5 49 3 4 2 1


40

41


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Client Services Administrator required for exciting company - Surbiton £18,000 per annum Email: [email protected] call: 020 8546 8686 Marketing people required for positions at all levels. Exceptional opportunities! Email: [email protected] call: 020 8546 8686

Events staff needed to work within exciting event companies in the local area Email: [email protected] call: 020 8546 8686 Specialist HR/Recruitment Candidates. Required for leading international clients - SW11Permanent. £25,000 - £45,000 per annum Email: [email protected] call: 020 8546 8686 Business Development Manager for head offi ce role - Chessington £40,000 per annumEmail: [email protected] call: 020 8546 8686

Send us your job listing for free.

Just call us: 0207 183 0404


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omni local kingston xmas & new year 2014

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