summertown scene november 2014 - wordpress.com€¦ · summertown scene november 2014 free magazine...

Summertown Scene November 2014

Free magazine and serv ices guide for Summertown res idents

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Dear All,

It’s time to start planning our activities for the festive season. Not to be missed is the Celebration of Christmas evening of carols and celebrity readings in Christchurch Cathedral on Friday 5th December, in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support (see centre pages). For a great selection of seasonal gifts where proceeds from your purchases can benefit good causes, get down to the Sobell Christmas Gift Fair on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November at Radley College (see page 16) or the Crisis Christmas Fayre at the Church of St Michael and All Angels on Lonsdale Road on Saturday 29th in aid of this charity which supports the homeless and helps them rebuild their lives (see page 23).

Those of us who are health conscious, or have special dietary needs will be

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher not its editorial contributors can accept any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted under the understanding that the description of the goods and services are fair and accurate. Summertown Scene Magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. Content of articles does not necessarily reflect the views of the editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior permission of the publisher. Copyright Summertown Scene Magazine 2014, Printed by Newman Thomson

Editor’s Letter

To advertise in Summertown Scene Call: 07721 410176

[email protected] www.summertownscene.com

pleased to hear about Wa! Cuisine. Their freshly prepared ready meals are completely organic and available from outlets in Summertown and around Oxford (see pages 4 and 5).

Going green is an increasingly shrewd move financially as well as environmentally and we have some sponsored articles this month on how to do so. Architects, lapd (page 7) give advice on how to make our homes more energy efficient, Richard Bailey of Rb Gas talks about the benefits of underfloor heating, while Jan Saunt of Powersave (page 9) explains how businesses can dramatically reduce their lighting costs by switching to LED bulbs.

Have a warm and bright November!

Fiona Broster

/SummertownScene

@SummertownScene

“Wallers of Oxford is an independent and family run Estate Agency dedicated to delivering the personal and thoughtful service that property sellers want, with a local focus… a local independent Estate Agent with a national market. I am a local chap —you will often see my family and I out and about in Summertown’s shops and boutiques or enjoying our great variety of cafes, restaurants and bars. We love being local, and we really love helping local people.

With a decade of Estate Agency experience behind me, I know what works, what matters, and how to get results. If you are thinking of selling, please call us here at Wallers of Oxford to arrange a free and no obligation market appraisal of your property. We’d love to help.”

Rowan Waller, Director

T. 01865 435175 www.wallersofoxford.co.uk [email protected]

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7. 6.

WINTER WARMERThe nights are drawing in, leaves are piling up beneath our feet and it seems the time of year to batten down the hatches and hibernate under a duvet until signs of spring emerge. It’s time to keep cosy; but is our house helping? We may pull on another jumper or crank up the heating; but what can we do for our houses?

The first step is to make the outer shell perform better. Improvements can involve insulating walls internally or externally, adding insulation to cavity walls and in the loft and beneath floors. Other measures such as draught-proofing and upgrading windows can help.

Our next consideration would be how best to generate heat and save costs; for example -

• replace the boiler?• install underfloor heating?• install a sustainable solution, such as a Heat Pumps or Solar Panels?• install better control systems?

The choices are bewildering; but these decisions have a

huge impact on how you use your house and the comfort it offers you before having to resort to the duvet option.

lapd architects work with clients to consider the appropriate way to make your home work for you. With you, we will consider ways to improve your existing home, or design a house from scratch - tailoring a solution that is right for you and the way you live; and we’ll be there to help you make the right choices.

lapd have again been shortlisted for “Best Self Build Architect or Designer” category of this years’ Build It Awards for a house recently completed in Steventon. This is a well-insulated new-build house is attractive, cosy and cheap to run. It is exciting to see the house performing so well from an aesthetic, lifestyle and comfort perspective for our client.

We’d love to meet you and discuss how we could be involved with your project.

We offer a free one-hour consultation, where we meet with you at your property to understand more about your ideas and aspiration. Before the winter really descends give us a call; and we will wrap up warm and pop out to visit you.

01865 407722, [email protected]

or find out more at www.lapdarchitects.co.uk

Lapd architects awards: 2012 ‘Build It’ Best Self Build Architect, 2011 RICS South East Award Sustainability, 2010 LABC Awards best overall project, 2009 RIBA Downland Prize, sustainability.Lapd architects are regular experts at the National Self Build + Regeneration Centre Homebuilding & Renovating Show and Grand Designs Live

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Lighting accounts for up to 40% of the electricity consumed in commercial premises. As of September 2016 the EU requires that all non-domestic buildings switch to energy efficient bulbs that have a B classification or above. That means the end of fluorescent tubes, incandescent bulbs and conventional halogen lamps. Fortunately it also means there are substantial savings to be made by organisations that switch to energy-efficient LED (light emitting diode) lighting in time for the introduction of the new legislation. Powersave is a national company which provides retrofit LED systems for corporate buildings, shopping malls, hotels, factories, car parks and many more. Jan Saunt of the Oxford branch explains the benefits of LED lighting and how their ‘Pay as You Save’ scheme, means there are no up-fronts costs when switching, making going green a boon for businesses and organisations as well as the environment.

“Most organisations in both the public and commercial sectors are aware that going over to more energy efficient lighting is soon to become a legal requirement. However, not all of them know that replacing their existing bulbs, even on a relatively recent installation, can give them fast returns on their investment and significantly reduce their ongoing energy costs. So why choose LEDs? There are many reasons. Durability is one – they last ten times longer than traditional bulbs, reducing the cost and labour involved in replacing them. Their lower energy consumption reduces carbon emissions and allows energy savings of 40%-70%. LEDs also generate 90% less heat and 90% more light making them more efficient. As well as being fully recyclable, they are healthier since they contain no mercury.”

“At Powersave we have 20 years’ lighting experience and provide integrated energy-saving solutions through the supply of retrofit high grade LED lighting. We manufacture our own products so we can offer significant benefits in terms of volume, prices and warranty terms, as well as innovation and design. A major benefit to businesses is our PAYS (Pay as You Save) scheme. In line with the Carbon Trust’s* stated mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy, PAYS allows you to pay for the upgrading of your existing lighting with high grade energy efficient LED’s by using the resulting savings

Scene and HeardTalk ing to loca l bus iness people

on your energy bills. The replacement lighting is 100% financed and requires zero initial investment. PAYS includes:

• 5 Year Warranty • Immediate cash return• Following the repayment of PAYS, all savings go to your P&L

Switching to LED with us is a 3-step process. We conduct a free assessment of your lighting fittings and energy consumption before submitting a proposal including full details of the total investment, repayment period and total savings. Installation normally commences within 4-6 weeks. Myles McCarthy, director of Implementation at the Carbon Trust recently said “Switching to LED lighting is the quickest and simplest action any business can take to reduce energy usage.” So if your company or organisation hasn’t switched yet, get in touch with me for more information on how Powersave can help you save energy and money.”

*The Carbon Trust is a not-for-dividend company that works with governments on global resource reduction and which helps organisations reduce their carbon emissions and become more resource efficient .www.carbontrust/uk

Jan Saunt, Powersave Solutions Ltd (Oxford), 01993-868216 07887-871355

[email protected] www.powersavesolutions.co.uk


8. 9.

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10.

In a series of sponsored articles, Richard Bailey, of rbGas Solutions shares his knowledge and experience of plumbing and heating. He provides hot tips on the products and technology which will offer the best solutions for your home or office and explains cool ways in which you can save energy and money.

Underfloor heating can be a great space and money saving heating option. Warm water underfloor systems are capable of heating your home from room-to-room, while offering complete temperature control without the uneven heat distribution and unsightly appearance associated with traditional radiators.

These systems circulate warm water throughout a series of pipes installed beneath the floor to heat your home. Because the heat is distributed more evenly, the room heats up faster and the water temperature needed is lower, making a faster and more efficient than radiators.

Underfloor heating lends itself very well to the increasing trend for open plan living spaces, especially those with high ceilings. Because the whole of the floor area radiates heat upwards, you enjoy both warm feet and an even temperature in the space above and around you.

Normally an underfloor heating system alone will be more than adequate, even in the coldest weather. However some very poorly insulated buildings with a high level of glazing may need some supplementary heating. Your heating engineer can assess and advise you on what is the best option for your particular home.

Solid floors, including stone, porcelain, ceramic, terracotta and slate have good thermal conductivity so will provide good heat output. If you prefer wooden flooring, take advice from your heating engineer as to its suitability. Underfloor systems work best when the water pipes are embedded in a screed, as this helps dissipate the heat.

If you are considering underfloor heating contact us at rbGas. As approved suppliers and installers for several major underfloor heating manufacturers, we offer professional and impartial advice and excellent assessment and installation services.

This month Richard talks about underfloor heating, which is become an increasingly popular because of its space saving benefits as well as its efficiency.

PEARLS PLUMBING WISDOMof

rbGas Solutions LtdUnit 6, Chiltern Business Park, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 6NG T: 01865 774722 E: [email protected]

UNDERFLOOR HEATING - A GREAT WAY TO SAVE SPACE AND ENERGY

1. HOW DO WARM WATER UNDERFLOOR SYSTEMS WORK?

2. IS UNDERFLOOR HEATING SUITABLE FOR LARGE OPEN PLAN SPACES?

3. CAN UNDERFLOOR HEATING BE COMBINED WITH OTHER SYSTEMS?

4. WHAT KIND OF FLOORING IS BEST FOR THIS SYSTEM?

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE

11.

Please ment ion Summertown Scene when responding to adver ts Please ment ion Summertown Scene when responding to adver ts

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Care in the comfort of your own home

Contact us on 01865 481407 Email: [email protected] www.cedarwoodcare.co.uk

Cedarwood Care is registered with, and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the government body which registers, inspects and reports on all social care services in England. Cedarwood Care is a member of the UK Home Care Association (UKHCA) which represents providers

of personal care at home throughout the UK. We aim to live up to the UKHCA code of practice at all times. All our staff undergo an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check before they come to your home.

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14. 15.

Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford

A Celebration of ChristmasA spectacular evening of carols and celebrity readings

In aid of

Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). MAC12522

Tickets from £20To book call 01865 305 305

or visit our website at oxfordplayhouse.com/ticketsoxford

Celebrity Readers include:Anita Dobson • Freddie Jones • Toby Jones • Rula Lenska

Friday 5 December 2014, 8pm

Getting to Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is in the centre of Oxford. The entrance to the college is on St Aldates. There is no parking at the venue, but ample parking is available in the city centre car parks close by, within walking distance.

If you are travelling by public transport, there are numerous buses that stop outside the college or close to the centre. Ensure your bus stops on St Aldates or Blue Boar Street.

Accessibility: there is disabled access, but disabled parking is very limited and available on a first come first served basis. For a full list of facilities please go to oxfordplayhouse.com/ticketsoxford

To purchase tickets contact Tickets Oxford Box Office: 01865 305 305

Website bookings:

oxfordplayhouse.com/ticketsoxford

For further information or assistance contact Macmillan Oxfordshire on 0300 1000 200 or email [email protected]

Ticket Type Description PricePremium PlusPackage

Best VIP seats opposite pulpit, includes after-service Reception. (Limited number available)

£100

Premium Excellent seating in the nave with good views of the pulpit and the choir

£65

Classic Good seating with views of the pulpit

£37.50

Standard Some seating with restricted view but access to TV screens placed around the cathedral to enable views of the readers and choir

£20

After-Service Reception(must be purchased in conjuction with a concert ticket)

Join celebrity readers, Macmillan nurses and other guests at the after-service VIP Reception.

Reception tickets are limited so please book early.

£20

Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). MAC12522

johndwood.comImages kind permission of KT BruceDesigned by Orme Creative Ltd

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EYES RIGHT! Ideal Eyes Opticians offer insights and advice on eye health.

Just as for the rest of our bodies, a healthy diet is important for maintaining good vision. Ideal Eyes give us an insight into some of the nutrients required for the

health of our eyes.A diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol-rich foods combined with a low intake of antioxidants can increase the level of ‘free radicals’ in our system. These can provoke reactions that are capable of causing damage to the ‘macular,’ the part of the eye which is responsible for our central vision. Being overweight can also adversely affect the processes by which important nutrients can reach and protect the eye. So what are these nutrients and how can we ensure that we get enough of them?

Omega-3 fatty acidsOur bodies do not produce these naturally so they have to be obtained through our diet. One of the Omega-3 fatty acids is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the highest concentration of which is found in the retina where it plays an essential role in regulating its function. Omega-3 fats are also thought to protect the arteries that supply blood to the retina.

Vitamins A, C and EThese vitamins, with their antioxidant properties, play a vital role in helping to protect us against free radical molecules. Free radicals are produced by the interaction of light and oxygen and can cause ‘oxidative damage’, chemical damage to the retina. Antioxidant vitamins counteract this and studies have shown that people who eat a diet which provides sufficient levels of these tend to preserve their eyesight for longer than those who don’t.

Carotenoids These natural fat-soluble pigments are found in certain plants characterised by the bright red, orange or yellow colours of many vegetables. Two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, accumulate in the retina and are most concentrated in the macula. Acting as antioxidants, they protect the eye tissue by absorbing harmful blue light and free radicals. Lutein is another substance which the body cannot produce and so needs to be obtained from food.

How can we ensure we get enough of these nutrients? Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet including plenty and a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy oils, oily fish, nuts and seeds is the best way to obtain adequate levels for eye health. Your diet should regularly include the following good sources:

• Oily fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines• Kale, curly cabbage, broccoli, spinach, cress and parsley• Carrots, tomatoes, red pepper, kiwi fruit, blackcurrants• Seeds and seed oils, such as sunflower and safflower• Nuts and nut oils such as almonds and hazelnuts• Red meats, especially beef, lamb and liver

Come and browse our autumn collection of luxury brand frames.

What about supplements?While it is preferable to obtain nutrients from our actual food, some of us may struggle to do so through our diet alone. If this is the case then taking supplements can be a sensible way to ensure that we maintain sufficient levels. There are a variety of these available which are formulated specifically for eye health. The better products are likely to be those with a recognised eye care brand, so follow the advice of your pharmacist or nutritionist as to which are of good quality and produced by a reputable manufacturer.

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Come along to St Michael and All Angels Church, Lonsdale Road on Saturday 29 November from 10.30am to pick up some beautiful, hand-crafted Christmas gifts, including jewellery, chocolates, decorations, as well as artwork created in Crisis art classes. There’ll also be craft workshops, children’s activities and a few treats from our training café – something for everyone.

Everyone loves a good party – and you can hold one for Crisis that’s a little bit special. We’re calling on local people to support Crisis Skylight Oxford by hosting a Crisis Christmas Party this year, raising money through mince pie bake-offs and party games. Sign up and download your free party pack at www.crisis.org.uk/christmasparty For more info on fundraising for Crisis Skylight Oxford contact:Sara Hunt, Regional Fundraising Executive on 01865 263 911.

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Summertwon_Scene_Magazine_FINAL.indd 1 16/10/2014 11:57:32

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23.22.

The Sudbury House Hotel has completed the first part of its refurbishment programme with the addition of a fine dining restaurant “ Restaurant 56.“ Only a short drive from Summertown, the restaurant is situated in the market town of Faringdon and is ideally placed for exploring the surrounding country side before enjoying lunch, dinner or even afternoon tea.

Guests arrive in splendour into the stunning foyer of the original Old House where your dining experience starts as you study the meu with delicious handmade canapés, created by our talented Head Chef, Andrew Scott, formerly of the Michelin star restaurants of the Curlew and Mallory Court. Andrews’s style of cooking is modern British with classic foundations and his creations.

Restaurant 56 is now open for bookings for both lunch and dinner and looks forward to welcoming everybody through the doors for a unique and unforgettable meal, experiencing Andrews passion for locally sourced ingredients presented in an elegant and diverse menu. Our Christmas events are also available to book.

Please contact us on the number below for availability or for a brochure:

01367 241272

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

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Celebrate Christmas with us at Sudbury House and Restaurant 56.Choose from Christmas lunches, party nights and elegant finedining menus to suit all occasions and budgets.

For more details of our exciting Christmas programme please call:

Sudbury HouseH O T E L & R E S T A U R A N T

01367 [email protected] London Street, Faringdon, Oxfordshire SN7 7AA

With the shortage of affordable overnight accommodation during the week for commuters and visitors to Oxford, it’s never been a better time to become a B&B host.

If you enjoy company, and have a clean, comfortable spare room, you can offer guests a friendly welcome and earn yourself some extra cash.

If you or anyone you know has a nice spare room and enjoys meeting new people, find out more about becoming a B&B host by contacting

Lliwen Williams on 01865 435229 or 07789788392 or email to [email protected]

www.abodesofoxford.com

Want to earn extra income from your spare room?

...with Abodes of Oxford it’s as easy as B & B!

There’s no hassle – guests depart during the day, and you don’t even need to provide a cooked breakfast. Abodes take care of all the contractual administration, marketing and matching up of compatible hosts and guests.

Do you have a nice room for a B&B visitor?A clean, comfortable spare room can earn you an income for those little extras.

Demand from professional visitors for affordable B&B in Oxford has never been greater. Guests vacate the house during the day, so you’re free to spend it as normal, and we handle all set-up costs, admin and marketing. You simply offer guests a welcoming place to stay and a continental breakfast to start their day!

Take advantage of our specialist advice and management of B&B and self-catering accommodation. Call us on 01865 435229 or enter your details on the website at www.abodesofoxford.com

24. 25.

Shaw Gibbs Ltd

Ask the Expert

Q. What are the proposed changes to coding notices?

It has always been important for both employees and pensioners to ensure that coding notices issued by HMRC are correct, as this ensures the correct amount of tax has been deducted from either the salary or pension by the end of the tax year.

Under a proposed change to the coding regulations it will become even more important to ensure your code numbers are correct. It is proposed to allow coding notices to be issued electronically and to remove the

requirement for HMRC to notify an employee that their code has changed if the PAYE income is not chargeable to tax, or they are not liable to tax on their income.

In the past it has been a requirement to notify an employee of a code change before the employer is notified. In the new proposals, HMRC can notify the employee up to 30 days after notifying the employer. The purpose is to enable HMRC to stagger sending out notices to employees, so that it can better manage the calls it receives form employees querying coding notices. It is unclear whether this factors in that employees may receive pay using a different code to the one they are aware of or not which could generate more calls to payroll departments and HMRC.

What do all these changes mean? Employees may not receive a copy of the coding notice, or they may receive it after their salary or annuity is paid, meaning that their cash flow could be severely affected if the proposed 30 day notification limit straddles their normal pay date.

The submission of a self-assessment tax return often triggers a revised coding notice and some individuals may ask their employer to notify them of any change in their code number so any errors can be addressed. Once again this shifts more work onto the employer.

Whilst these are proposals at present, they will almost certainly become reality! Please do ensure that you are happy that any coding notices you have are correct and are the latest ones issued to you by HMRC. If you are unsure, please get in touch on 01865 292200 or email [email protected].

For a free initial consultation to discuss your tax or financial planning queries:• Visit our Saturday Surgeries – our next events will take place on November 1st & December 6th, 10am-2pm• Wealth Management Wednesdays – drop by on Wednesday afternoons 12-2pm; or • Send your questions to: Kate Healey, Shaw Gibbs Ltd, 264 Banbury Road, Summertown, OX2 7DY or email

[email protected]. For further information please visit www.shawgibbs.com

The above information is not to be taken as advice, whether it is appropriate to any individual is dependant upon their own circumstances. Specific advice should always be sought.

Web: www.shawgibbs.com | Tel: 01865 292200

Independent financial advice from David Rickwood, Head of Personal Tax and Ed Gibson, Head of Financial Services

Iain Ferrie, Private Client Tax Director and a member of David Rickwood’s tax team offers the following advice on the proposed changes to coding regulations

26. 27.

APPROACHABLE

DISCREET

COMPASSIONATE

We’ve moved, now let us move you too...

To book your private consultation to discuss your requirements call 01865 515919 Pink & Black, Prama House, 267 Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7HT

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